CHAPTER 99: ICISEI EPISODE 99

Episode 99: I, Apocalypse, Welcome Your Arrival..

(Author-san: The previous Chapter was modified. I forgot that Himeko hadn’t experienced the Final Lesson at this point in time, so she didn’t know she was going to die yet.)

『 "I know, of course, I believe in Mei. I understand all her thoughts." Kiana lowered her head sadly. "It’s just that I can’t help but miss her." 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Himeko Murata (Honkai: Impact Third): "That voice from before, was it mine? But why am I only appearing here as a voice? Logically, I should be here to participate in the battle." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Future Mei, joined World Serpent? What happened in just over a year?" ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "Not only did Kiana become a fake, but Mei and Himeko also became abnormal." ]

[ Ogata Rizu (BokuBen): "A year is a long time." ]

[ .....]

『 As this memory ended, in this mysterious space,

A mysterious light door appeared before Kiana’s eyes.

"Mei, I’m ready." With that, Kiana resolutely stepped through the door imbued with Mei’s power.

As soon as she stepped in, the sudden dazzling light around her made Kiana feel as if her eyes were about to close.

"Where is this?"

As if to answer this very question, Raiden Mei’s long-lost voice echoed in Kiana’s ears.

"This is the deepest part of the Herrscher Core we are in, a place where our minds can communicate with each other."

Despite the unbearable, dazzling light, Kiana struggled to open her eyes.

What came into view was Raiden Mei, standing with her back to Kiana.

"Am I dreaming?" Kiana whispered in confusion, hardly daring to believe it herself.

But even this faint sound drew a response from the other party.

"Even if I said it was a dream, you wouldn’t believe it, right?"

At this moment, Kiana understood that the figure with her back to her was the very person she had been thinking about day and night.

Thinking of this, Kiana said with a hint of resentment, "Why didn’t you tell me in advance?"

But Raiden Mei did not answer the question directly; instead, posing another question to Kiana.

"Why aren’t you wearing that jacket?"

"Huh?" Kiana looked at Raiden Mei in confusion.

"You said you would always wear it."

These words made Kiana feel a little shy.

"Ah, this..."

Just as she didn’t know how to answer, Raiden Mei suddenly laughed.

"Hehe, I’m just kidding." Raiden Mei sighed softly and whispered, "Kiana, you’ve changed a lot."

"Really? I feel like we haven’t changed at all."

Facing Kiana’s somewhat playful answer, Raiden Mei pondered for a moment and said softly:

"Hmm, you’re right."

Then, as if neither knew how to continue the conversation, silence fell around them. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "Will I have this kind of relationship with Mei in the future? I don’t want to!" ]

[ Raiden Mei (Honkai: Impact Third): "Alright, alright, aren’t we not there yet? Our future has already changed." ]

[ Ena Ebina (Himouto): "This doesn’t seem bad, hehehe." ]

[ Yumiko Miura (Oregairu): "Alright, alright, be normal, there are so many people from other worlds." ]

[ Sonoko Suzuki (Detective Conan): "It’s fine, it’s quite interesting, isn’t it, Ran?" ]

[ Ran Mouri (Detective Conan): "...." ]

[ .....]

『 After a period of silence, Kiana tried to interpret this mysterious space.

"So, this is like a place where we can meet memories or soul fragments, right?"

The magical power that allowed the two to meet in such a mental space,

Although she had similar experiences before, being able to see Raiden Mei again at such a crucial moment,

A relieved Kiana focused all her attention, ready for the upcoming battle.

After a long silence, Raiden Mei, with her back to Kiana, began to explain:

"Something like that, but here, we show our true selves, with true wills."

"This place is actually a space constructed by the Will of Honkai. I accidentally discovered it and figured out how to use it like this."

Upon hearing that this space was related to the legendary Will of Honkai, Kiana couldn’t help but become nervous.

"The Will of Honkai? Isn’t that super dangerous?!"

This nervousness didn’t come from fear of the unknown, Will of Honkai.

But from worrying that Raiden Mei was using this space, that is, the help of the Will of Honkai, to come here,

If there were any hidden dangers,

That would be incredibly painful for Kiana.

Although the two couldn’t see each other directly now, Kiana’s heart was always tightly bound to Raiden Mei. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "The Will of Honkai, not bad, the little girl has actually grown to this extent." ]

[ .....]

『 "Don’t worry, Kiana, it can’t affect me." Raiden Mei gently shook her head.

"However, we don’t have much time to communicate like this. I guess you’re facing Otto’s threat right now, aren’t you? How are things going?"

Compared to her own affairs, she, who had specifically come to find Kiana, had realized that a significant battle was happening outside.

So, at this moment, Raiden Mei was particularly concerned about the battle situation on Kiana’s side.

Hearing Raiden Mei’s question, recalling all the things that had happened along the way, Kiana’s face turned a little red.

"The academy’s leaders, Bronya, and our class monitor, they all fought their hardest to clear the way for us."

"The old seniors of Anti-Entropy, Seele, Rozaliya, Liliya, and those female warriors who are still in Schicksal, they also contributed everything they could in their own ways to the current situation."

"Now, Durandal and I are preparing to go to the battlefield for the final battle, fighting side by side for our common goal."

"I think this should be the last battle." Kiana finished saying these words with a serious expression.

"Durandal? As a partner, she’s very reliable; you can trust her." Raiden Mei said seriously to Kiana, "Since that’s the case, I’ll help you out too."

As soon as she finished speaking, a confused Kiana felt a surge of energy coming from Mei.

"What is this?" Kiana looked at Raiden Mei curiously.

Her own power hadn’t fully recovered, but after this external energy was injected,

Regarding Kiana’s question, Raiden Mei, who had finished releasing her power, explained:

"Just like that time with the Theater Director, remember?"

"Conquering lightning, accept my power!"

"No matter how many times you lose it, I will reforge your lost edge for you again and again."

Kiana didn’t know how to express her gratitude, only softly saying, "Thank you, Mei."

Between them, no more words were needed.

This brief sentence contained all their emotions. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Yae Miko (Genshin Impact): "Ei, look, at this moment, you’re a bit like her." ]

[ Raiden Ei: "....." ]

[ Raiden Shogun: "....." ]

[ .....]

『 After a silent pause, Raiden Mei urged Kiana: "Alright, alright, hurry up and fight. Durandal is waiting for you, right?"

"You don’t have much time."

"Mei, I..." Kiana was reluctant to leave Raiden Mei.

After all, who knew when they would meet again?

Raiden Mei seemed to realize this, too, and interrupted Kiana before she could finish: "It’s okay, I understand everything, Kiana."

"Mmm..." Kiana nodded lightly.

"I still have a lot to say to Mei, but those, let’s save them for next time we meet."

"Next time, we’ll be face to face, right?" Seeing Kiana’s expectant expression, Raiden Mei silently replied, "Mmm."

Although she didn’t know when they would meet next, this didn’t stop her from making a promise.

At this moment, with her wish fulfilled, Kiana seemed relieved and said: "Then I’m going. Wait for my splendid performance."

Her worries were gone, and she should be more at ease in the upcoming battle.

"Don’t lose, Kiana," Raiden Mei reminded with concern.

And these words made Kiana repeat the familiar words from a year ago:

"Don’t worry, with Mei here, I have the strength of a hundred people!"

These words made Raiden Mei only smile helplessly, "Haha... alright..."

"Then you should feel it well, this power of a hundred people..."

With that, this time,

The connection between the two seemed to be severed.

The surroundings turned blank.

After returning to reality, Kiana, having gained new power, began to gather energy in the Greatsword of Flamescion.

A powerful energy suddenly rushed from Kiana’s hand towards the rift not far away.

Just as it hit, the environment around them suddenly turned into a vast expanse of white.

In this white space, Kiana and Durandal’s conversation slowly drifted over.

"Durandal, now!"

"Understood!"

When the scene returned to normal, the two were already in an even stranger inverted space.

Durandal, riding Krishina, was rapidly moving through the space.

"Kiana, I’ll handle this here."

On the other side, Kiana, flying and vigilant, silently nodded, not saying another word.

But just as the two were quickly clearing obstacles and moving forward, Otto’s voice suddenly echoed in their ears.

"Bianca, Kiana, you’ve finally arrived."

"In the name of Apokalypse, I welcome you two to witness this moment of revelation! Are you ready?" 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "See, how detestable Otto is. Even in this situation, he still has to say such things." ]

[ Tesla (Honkai: Impact Third): "When you are defeated, then we’ll see how you beg for mercy." ]

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "Hehe, I’m looking forward to it." ]

[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "So arrogant, he looks like a bad guy." ]

[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "....." ]

[ .....]

『 As soon as the words fell, an unknown monster suddenly appeared in front of them, blocking their way.

But in the eyes of this fast-moving team, the monster’s power seemed insignificant.

Soon, the monster blocking the way was pierced by Durandal’s spear.

After the monster disappeared, Otto, who had released it to block the two, was not only not angry,

But talked about something else.

"Control has withered, and restraint is temporarily lifted."

"But they bought me time, bought me this quiet place, allowing me to transcend Herrschers and face the divine!"

"Oh, my heroes, I am deeply grateful for your actions."

"Whether in the past or present, I never wished to lie to you, nor to see you fall into despair."

"Of course, don’t misunderstand, I also won’t disregard your dignity and betray you."

"Now, how to end this power of the imaginary, I leave it to you to figure out."

"I imagine this isn’t too difficult for you, is it?"

The two ignored Otto and continued to overcome the challenges in front of them.

After an unknown period of travel, they found an exit not far away.

"The ground is ahead." Kiana reminded Durandal.

Seeing this, Durandal’s eyes became even more determined.

"Okay, prepare to land. We’ll engage in battle next."

Immediately, as soon as the words fell,

The two broke through this mysterious passage,

And arrived in a mysterious hall. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "This place feels so strange." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "It feels even worse than that mental space before." ]

[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): "I think this place is pretty good?" ]

[ The Doctor ⦍11th⦎ (Doctor Who): "A constructed space? Interesting." ]

[ Silver Wolf (Honkai: Star Rail): "This space, and that thing above." ]

[ Otto (Honkai: Impact Third): "Imaginary, Seed." ]

[ .....]

『 Here, Kiana noticed a mysterious device on a platform not far away.

"What’s that?"

"The Seed of Void." Durandal recognized the object at a glance.

Just as they were about to go forward and investigate,

Otto, who had appeared at some unknown time, stood in their way.

"Wait a moment." Otto elegantly said to the two, "As the host here, how can I not fulfill my host duties?"

With that, Otto Apocalypse gradually became covered in a layer of specialized armor.

"Destruction gathers here, and new life blossoms from it." Otto, transformed into a pseudo-god, calmly looked at Kiana and the others.

"This power does not belong to mortals, nor does it belong to Herrschers. It is the essence of imaginary power, the embodiment of truth across myriad worlds."

"Come, savor the power of me, a pseudo-god."

During the battle, the two were surprised to find that their attacks did not seem to affect Otto at this time.

The other party clearly noticed this, so he began to mock them.

"Come on, my heroes. I have waited too long to fall."

"You talk too much. Can you shut up?" Kiana shouted impatiently.

"Alright, alright." Otto’s helpless voice came again.

"My acting, sometimes, even I find it awkward." As soon as Otto finished speaking, a displeased Kiana suddenly exerted more force.

Just like that, two immense forces violently collided.

Even Otto, transformed into a pseudo-god, could not escape the fate of falling.

Seeing their offensive work, Kiana and Durandal stopped.

Not far away, Otto, lying on the ground, suddenly laughed, and while laughing, slowly got up.

"Haha! You two have indeed grown stronger."

"Come, this is the true power of authority."

With that, a vast energy surged around Otto, enveloping the two.

Kiana and Durandal were struggling to resist this mysterious power.

When the energy dissipated, a pair of pure white wings grew from Otto’s back,

But on these pure white wings, a pair of sharp, clawed arms also extended.

"Between heaven and earth, I alone am supreme!"

As his words fell, the surrounding scene instantly twisted and changed.

The surrounding environment seemed to be pulled and deformed by an invisible force, and the screen suddenly darkened. 』

『 .....』

~Dimensional livestream, Chat Room~

[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): (Himouto):: "Is this the end?" ]

[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "No, that space just changed dramatically." ]

[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Yeah, the space just twisted." ]

[ Albedo (Overlord): "A spatial change caused by powerful energy compression. I didn’t expect this to actually be possible." ]

[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): Really, it’s amazing. ]

[ .....]

『 When light returned, they found themselves in a completely unfamiliar environment.

"What’s that?" Kiana vigilantly surveyed her surroundings.

Durandal already guessed in her heart and slowly said:

"It seems this is the true reflection of his heart."

"Let’s go, the showdown is coming."

Just as the two focused their gaze on Otto in the distance, who seemed to be leading them forward,

Their bodies autonomously moved rapidly through this strange space.

"If we can destroy the essence of this imaginary space, will this authority also perish?" Durandal asked, looking at the floating Otto.

Upon hearing this, Kiana recalled what she had heard not long ago:

"You mean using the power of the Herrscher of the Void? Nagamitsu seemed to have said that, too."

"Then let’s try it." Kiana clenched her fists and said firmly.

"I’ll leave it to you, Kiana."

"Don’t be polite." After a sprint, the two saw Otto flying towards a platform not far away.

"Having been baptized by the Imaginary Tree, I am infinite," Otto said calmly,

"Let’s see how you conquer infinity." Approaching Otto, the two gathered their strength and launched an attack on their target.

However, after the attack, they were shocked to find that it did not affect Otto.

"Hmph, is this how you challenge infinity?" Otto said disdainfully, "You underestimate the power of a pseudo-god too much."

Before Otto could finish speaking, Durandal had already launched another attack.

"The Path of the Celestial, once again, shall open!" 』

『 .....』