CHAPTER 97: ICISEI EPISODE 97

Episode 97: To become the head of the church

『 Durandal’s words just now made Dark Seele feel a bit annoyed.

"Do all you S-rank Valkyries beat around the bush like this?"

Dark Seele seemed a bit impatient.

"I said, none of that matters. Just get straight to the point, okay?"

Just as she was about to press further, Kiana, who was recovering her energy nearby, interjected to stop her.

"Seele, Durandal also has her own. Don’t make it too hard for her."

The two sides were originally at odds...

Now they’ve temporarily joined forces to fight Otto. So, mutual understanding and integration are necessary.

Even if the situation is urgent, as long as they work together intending to defeat Otto, it’ll be fine. Dark Seele understood this and nodded helplessly.

"Alright, alright."

"It’s fine, it’s better to just say it directly," Durandal didn’t mind.

Here, the previously helpless Dark Seele suddenly reverted to Seele’s appearance.

And the other party awkwardly said to Durandal, "Uh, well, please don’t mind what I just said. It was a bit inappropriate, I’m really sorry!"

Seeing Seele suddenly revert to her previous soft appearance, Durandal seemed to have figured something out in her heart.

However, before she could even ask a question...

Kiana had already changed the subject.

"Ahem, let’s discuss Otto’s matter first."

Indeed, this was not the time to talk about Seele and Dark Seele.

If this operation went smoothly, Kiana would be happy to explain the relationship between the two Seeles to Durandal in the future.

But for now, the focus had to be on the mission.

After bringing everyone’s attention back to the main topic, Kiana said with a bit of confusion:

"According to what was said before, he plans to revert the world, except for Kolosten, back to five hundred years ago before sunrise tomorrow morning."

"But this church has been breached, and he shows no sign of appearing."

If Otto was truly still in this small church, under normal circumstances, when it was breached,

He should have come out to stop them outside the church, right?

The current situation was a bit puzzling.

"I guess Otto might be somewhere in the Imaginary Space right now," Durandal speculated based on what she had seen earlier.

"He seems to have contacted the Imaginary Tree through some method."

"To tamper with the world itself, he has to be outside the world, in that place that’s closer to the Imaginary Tree than reality."

At this moment, Kiana added what she heard when she last saw Otto: "Otto said as he left: ’I... I will take over the authority of God one by one!’ " 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Taking over the omnipotence of God?" ]

[ Aqua (KonoSuba): "What? How could that guy become a god?" ]

[ Yuri Nakamura (Angel Beats): "What does he want to do? He actually wants to become a god?" ]

[ Yuri Nakamura (Angel Beats): "Wait, he’s not trying to resurrect...?!" ]

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "Heh heh, how could that damn guy become god? That’s absolutely impossible!" ]

[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Oh? Could it be that we’re about to witness the birth of a new god this time?" ]

[ .....]

『 At that time, Kiana was quite puzzled by these words.

The authority of God, such a legendary thing, how could it fall into this guy’s hands?

But Durandal saw it differently.

"He always talks like that. He might be referring to the authority of various Herrschers, if we interpret it that way."

"Since the authority of the Herrscher of the Void is in your hands, if he can move through space, he can only do so by using the Key of God that shares the same power source as you, the ’Key of Thousand Realms’."

"So, as long as we find clues he left behind when he left reality, we can use the Herrscher of the Void’s power to track him?" Kiana quickly made arrangements.

Durandal found this plan reasonable.

"That’s right, with you here, I won’t be afraid of getting lost in the Imaginary Space again."

Remembering getting lost in the Imaginary Space last time, that feeling was not good.

At least knowing so much about the past was a comfort.

However, not getting lost was always better. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "Oh my, an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal actually gets lost. That’s a strange thing indeed." ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "Bishop, please don’t mention that again. I find it strange, too." ]

[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "Getting lost is normal, right? I get lost all the time." ]

[ Isami Saginomiya (Hayate the Combat Butler): "Huh? I think I’m lost too. Why can’t I find my way back to my bedroom?" ]

[ Ryoga Hibiki (Ranma): "..." ]

[ .....]

『 As Durandal pondered, Kiana seemed to sense something and asked, "By the way, I’m a bit curious, Durandal, does the power you’re using now have other forms of manifestation?"

"Hmm?" Durandal looked at Kiana with a puzzled expression.

"I can’t quite explain this feeling, but it feels incredibly familiar, like I should have known it." Kiana realized her question was a bit odd and quickly apologized: "Sorry, I think I asked a nonsensical question."

"No, I think you should trust your intuition, Kiana," Durandal explained Kiana’s feelings nonchalantly.

"Simply put, the power I’m using now is related to the Stigmata I bear."

"If you’ve seen someone’s Stigmata fully awakened before, it’s natural for it to feel familiar."

"So that’s how it is, a fully awakened Stigmata," Kiana said thoughtfully.

"It seems I need to work harder."

And it was this action that made Seele realize something.

"Kiana? Has your power not fully recovered yet?" Seele asked.

"How would I know without trying?" Kiana said with determined eyes.

Then, Kiana closed her eyes and began to concentrate her power.

Soon, a weapon slowly formed in Kiana’s hand.

Holding the unfinished greatsword of fire, Kiana felt satisfied, but always felt something was missing.

However, for Otto, who had lost his authority of restraint, this power was already enough.

After succeeding, Kiana turned around and smiled at everyone, "See? How is it? I’m almost 70% recovered now, right?"

Durandal, however, was a bit worried about Kiana’s body: "You’re not overexerting yourself, are you?"

At this critical juncture, pushing herself might affect the subsequent battle.

Kiana heard the concern in her words and replied with her hands on her hips, "I’m not in my best state right now, but I’m not overexerting myself either. In short, it’s better than everyone watching me deal with Otto alone."

Once a carefree ’grasshopper’, Kiana had now undergone a super evolution, and stamina was no longer an issue.

Seele, who was recovering her strength nearby, couldn’t help but feel a little unconvinced at this sight.

But this small emotion couldn’t escape Kiana’s eyes.

Kiana walked over to Seele, patted her head, and comforted her, "It’s okay, Seele, you’ve already helped everyone a lot."

This sudden concern made the dejected Seele widen her eyes in surprise: "Huh?"

She hadn’t made a sound just now.

Why could Kiana know what she was thinking?

This left Seele at a loss for a moment.

Kiana laughed, revealing her mind-reading trick: "Haha, I can guess what you’re thinking just by looking at your eyes."

After all, when Seele felt unwilling, her eyes would always reveal some information.

On the other side, Durandal also came to comfort Seele, "Miss Seele, fighting Otto is very dangerous. Guarding the rear is equally important, isn’t it?"

Although Seele understood this, she still said unwillingly, "I know, but I’m still a bit unwilling."

"Bronya Onee-chan, Principal Theresa, Fu Hua, they all did their best to create an opportunity for us."

"So, I also hope to go all out and fight alongside you more directly."

"At the same time, I also know that protecting them personally is something I’m proud of."

Durandal originally thought she would have to spend a lot of words, but when she heard what Seele said next, she couldn’t help but show a surprised expression.

"Seele." 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "I didn’t expect Miss Seele to actually..." ]

[ Bronya (Honkai: Impact Third): "Seele is a very strong girl. I’ve always believed in her." ]

[ Seele (Honkai: Impact Third): "Bronya Onee-chan." ]

[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail) "Such a good sisterly bond, and this strong little girl." ]

[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "In that case, the next action should be starting, right?" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Unfortunately, we can’t participate." ]

[ .....]

『 In the Screen... Hearing Seele speak so resolutely, Kiana smiled at the person next to her and said, "See? Isn’t she stronger than you thought?"

"Hmm," Durandal nodded in agreement. Then, she cast a trusting gaze towards the strong Miss Seele.

"Then, I’ll leave the rear to you, Miss Seele."

Knowing that Seele was not as weak as she had imagined, Durandal breathed a sigh of relief.

It was truly not easy for both sides to reach so many consensuses on their first meeting.

Seele, who had just agreed so readily, instantly switched to Dark Seele mode and said impatiently to Durandal, "Heh heh, just don’t die in there, otherwise Seele will be very sad~"

Durandal seemed to sense that this girl was extraordinary. Hearing this not-so-friendly reminder, she also chuckled in response:

"Haha, I understand."

Although these words sounded a bit off, no matter what,

This guy’s behavior at this moment was indeed genuinely caring for the delicate Seele.

As for this seemingly hot-headed Seele, Durandal decided to simply ignore her.

With the ship of friendship now sailing, Kiana, who was about to set off with them, took out her communicator, trying to restore the long-interrupted contact with the Hyperion.

"I’d better contact the Hyperion quickly to report the situation."

Once the communicator was on and connected to Dr. Tesla and the others, Kiana began to detail what had just happened,

Including the plan about to be executed and the support needed.

...During the conversation...

Soon, Kiana finished reporting the situation and the upcoming plan.

Dr. Tesla on the Hyperion, uncharacteristically, didn’t get angry. Instead, she said helplessly:

"Oh my, you’ve said all this, what else can I do but fully support you?"

Perhaps because they had almost sacrificed their teammates just now,

Both doctors seemed exceptionally calm at this moment.

What was needed most right now was such calmness.

On the other side, Dr. Einstein, holding a document, also joined the communication.

"Amber has taken the Immortal Blades squad to the church. They should be able to ease Seele’s burden."

"Of course, we will also gather energy and materials as quickly as possible to prepare for Kenny’s upcoming battle."

"If you need to summon the Hyperion like you did against the Herrscher of Domination, please just transmit us there."

The upcoming battle had too many unknowns.

And the Hyperion’s energy was almost depleted.

Therefore, just in case, or for whatever other reason...

Those staying behind had to replenish the Hyperion’s losses as much as possible.

In the face of an unknown future,

Being fully prepared was the best response.

After saying this, Dr. Einstein fell silent.

The silence was due to an unexpected person appearing on the communication screen, surprising Durandal.

"You must all do your best. I believe you have the strength to defeat Mr. Otto and completely end his plan, and I am confident you will succeed."

The speaker was someone Durandal thought would never appear in such a dangerous situation—

Schicksal’s Nagamitsu.

Seeing Nagamitsu, Durandal asked incredulously,

"Nagamitsu? What are you doing here? Didn’t you say you were going to hide in a safe place?"

"Yes, but now I feel like this Hyperion is super safe, isn’t it?" Nagamitsu asked Durandal back with a puzzled expression.

In the world right now,

Is there anywhere better place than this Hyperion?

If there is, it can only be a portal to other worlds.

So...

There really was no safe place left,

It wasn’t strange for Nagamitsu to appear on the Hyperion at this time.

Besides, the Grand Bishop of Schicksal had already retired.

Once this matter was over, Nagamitsu would have contributed, and the new Grand Bishop, Theresa, would likely consider her quite meritorious.

At that time, status and research resources would be within easy reach, wouldn’t they?

Of course, this might just be Nagamitsu’s superficial thought; perhaps she just wanted safety here.

Speaking of which...

Durandal smiled helplessly when she heard Nagamitsu’s words.

"Alright, alright, that’s certainly like you."

Hearing Durandal’s helpless tone, Nagamitsu also smiled a little shyly.

"I’m really sorry, Bianka, you’ve been worrying about me too, right?" 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Aqua (KonoSuba): "Bianka?" ]

[ Aqua (KonoSuba): "Aren’t you Durandal? Are you playing a trick?" ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "That’s also my name. My full name is: Bianka Durandal Ataegina." ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "It’s the name I chose for myself." ]

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "You said you chose the name for yourself? What was your original name then?" ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "That... I can’t remember anymore." ]

[ Durandal (Honkai: Impact Third): "When I first woke up, I met the Bishop, and then I chose my current name under his guidance." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Chose... a name for herself." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "She once lost her memories and woke up in front of Grandpa..." ]

[ .....]

『 Suddenly struck by the gentle tone, Durandal quickly changed the subject: "Ahem, now isn’t the time for this, is it?"

"Hehe, I just wanted to liven up the atmosphere," Nagamitsu said with a smile, then continued, "But, since you want to take a stroll in the Imaginary Space, shouldn’t I share the results of my previous world bubble link experiment?"

At this, Dr. Tesla immediately became displeased.

"What? What was that! Hey, hey, hey, you’re still hiding things until now?"

"Oh, I just haven’t found a chance to say it," Nagamitsu scratched her head in embarrassment, then said to Durandal and the others on the communicator:

"Alright, listen carefully, Bianka, and Kiana."

Under Durandal and Kiana’s curious gazes,

Nagamitsu, with her hands on her hips, began to recount the clues she had discovered earlier.

"If Mr. Otto can truly establish a connection with the Imaginary Tree, then his Honkai energy is almost infinite."

"Although there’s a limit when he exists as an individual, it’s enough to make him a super tough opponent."

"Simply put, if you really encounter such an enemy, the experimental data I recorded earlier might be helpful."

"Not long ago, at the moment the Holy Sword Durandal connected the world bubble to the Imaginary Tree, the Second Key of God captured strange data."

"At that instant, the two points representing finite and infinite on the Imaginary Tree, when approaching the connection point, underwent a random conversion."

"In other words, when the space connected to the Imaginary Tree changes, things in the surrounding area,"

"What we originally thought was finite will become infinite."

"And what seemed infinite will turn into finite."

This seemingly impossible thing, coming from Nagamitsu’s mouth, sounded like the truth.

"What does that mean? How can two completely opposite concepts swap?" Durandal looked at Nagamitsu in surprise.

How could two completely different concepts instantly convert?

Especially since it happened instantly, which left Durandal and the others bewildered. 』

『 .....』