Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

"One… two… heave!" The Anti-Entropy base buzzed with activity as workers cleared the debris.

Construction workers strained to lift a fallen steel beam, but without machinery, it was too heavy.

Just as it was about to fall, a small girl caught it single-handedly.

"Thank you, Theresa-san." A worker saluted her before returning to his task.

Theresa sighed, watching them.

Ironically, she, the most seriously injured during the fight against Older Kiana, was now the most idle.

Bronya, spurred by Welt's near-death experience, had locked herself in her room, studying Herrscher powers. If not for Seele bringing her food, she'd probably starve.

Mei, in the training room, relentlessly honed her swordsmanship. She'd almost watched Kiana die, the trauma still fresh in her mind.

Her constant cries of "I'm so useless" worried Theresa. She was afraid Mei would succumb to self-loathing.

*And then there's Kiana…*

Kiana had changed.

The once cheerful girl was now withdrawn and quiet. Theresa couldn't imagine what she'd been through.

If she didn't know the attacker was gone, she'd think she was still being tricked by the imposter.

"The Honkai corruption is severe. Can Anti-Entropy even treat her?" Concerned, Theresa went to Tesla and Einstein's temporary office.

As she was about to knock, she overheard their conversation.

"Doctor, are we really keeping them here? I can't handle another attack! What if they attract more enemies?"

Probably one of the base commanders. Theresa's heart sank. With the base in ruins, resentment was brewing.

"I know. I'll handle it." Einstein's voice was weary. Welt's near-death experience had taken its toll. She hadn't slept properly, and had no energy for this.

But the commander pressed the issue.

"I understand your concerns, Doctor. We're cooperating with Schicksal's Far East branch. We need stability. That was the Herrscher of the Void! We know the attacker wasn't her, but that's what everyone *saw*. The Herrscher of the Void destroying our base."

"They saw that white-haired girl kill the sovereign, leave the base in ruins."

"Even if we explain, what then? She's a threat, even without new enemies. If she loses control, we're all dead."

"Doctor, we're just ordinary people. We can't fight a Herrscher. Even a minor Honkai leak can kill us."

Einstein sighed. She knew. Kiana's examination had revealed the corruption was beyond treatment.

The commander's fears were hers as well. Anti-Entropy had no Herrschers. If Schicksal learned of this, they would attack. And if Kiana lost control, no one could stop her. "But—"

"But what?" The commander's voice sharpened.

"She's a Herrscher. Not all Herrschers are like our sovereign. They're our enemies. The Herrscher of the Void plunged the world into darkness four months ago. Many of us lost loved ones. Anti-Entropy suffered heavy losses."

"Do you know how terrified Anka in logistics is every time she sees that girl? Lesca in construction can't sleep because of his broken arm. Nilan in medical is too afraid to even walk past Kiana's room."

"Doctor, everyone is afraid."

"The Herrscher of the Void doesn't belong here!"

Theresa clenched her fists, wanting to defend Kiana. But then, she saw a flash of white hair disappearing around the corner.

"Kiana?" She hadn't realized Kiana was there. She must have heard everything.

Panicked, Theresa ran after her.

But Kiana was already far ahead. Theresa, forced to use her Honkai powers to catch up, triggered the base's alarm systems.

"Kiana, wait!" She caught up, seeing the tear streaks on Kiana's face.

"You… you were crying?"

Kiana forced a smile. "No, just… running too fast. Something in my eye. What is it, Auntie Theresa? I want to rest."

She turned away, hiding her face.

Theresa grabbed her hand, gently wiping away her tears.

"Kiana, don't be afraid. We're here for you."

As she spoke, armed Anti-Entropy personnel surrounded them.

"We detected a Honkai energy surge. Could you…" Though the sensors pointed to Theresa's residual Honkai energy, their gazes were fixed on Kiana.

Kiana bit her lip, drawing blood. She took a step back. A dozen guns pointed at her.

Seeing her flinch, the captain ordered his men to lower their weapons.

But the tension was palpable.

"Auntie Theresa, thank you. But I can't stay. I'll end myself before I lose control. Don't worry."

"Wait!"

Theresa reached for her, but Kiana dodged.

Gathering her remaining strength, she activated the Herrscher of the Void's teleportation ability.

"Goodbye…"