NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 201: Herrscher of Thunder
「We walk in darkness. We are the shadows that chase the light. We are the moths drawn to the flame. We are the bearers of sin.」
「We carry the weight of divine transgression. We stand watch against the encroaching shadows. We dedicate our remaining lives to the glimmer that saved us from the nightmare.」
「We offer ourselves as kindling, to blaze a path for her flame.」
「We are—The Obsidian Concord!」
"Kiana, I've made my choice."
…
BOOM.
Crimson lightning ripped through the heavens, divine retribution striking the self-proclaimed sinners.
Dark clouds unleashed a torrential downpour, hammering the desolate city, the rain lashing against Kiana's back.
The rain blurred her vision, her soaked hair clinging to her face, obscuring the figure standing before her.
Crackle.
A lightning rod on the rooftop shrieked, a desperate cry against the encroaching storm.
Electric arcs danced across the ground, celebrating the birth of a new Herrscher.
Beneath the flashing lights, a girl stood, katana in hand, her lavender eyes glowing with an icy light.
"Mei?" Kiana whispered, her voice barely audible above the storm. Mei's grip tightened on her katana.
"Mei, what are you doing here?" Recognizing the fierce gaze, the aura of power radiating from the girl, Kiana pushed herself up, her weakened body protesting. She stumbled, falling back into a puddle, the water splashing, tinged with blood.
But Mei, usually so quick to offer comfort, remained motionless, her gaze fixed on Kiana.
In that moment, Kiana felt a chilling distance, as if the girl before her was a stranger.
"Mei, what's wrong? Is something the matter? When I'm done here, I'll—"
Despite her battered state, despite the pain wracking her body, she tried to project an image of strength, of optimism.
Kiana pushed herself up again, forcing a smile, and stumbled towards Mei, reaching out to touch the girl who felt so unfamiliar.
"Enough."
Mei's voice, cold and sharp, stopped Kiana in her tracks.
She looked up, her azure eyes meeting Mei's lavender gaze. An icy chill emanated from the girl before her.
"Kiana, our journey ends here."
"What… what are you talking about, Me—"
A flash of steel. A deep gash appeared in the ground beside Kiana, severing a lock of her white hair, which swirled away in the rain.
The forced smile faltered. A surge of adrenaline propelled Kiana forward, desperate to understand Mei's words.
"What… what are you saying?" she gasped, her voice trembling.
But her weakened body offered no resistance. Mei grabbed her by the throat, pushing her to the ground.
"I said, Kiana, our journey ends here. Now, hand over the Gem of Conquest." Mei's voice was devoid of emotion, leaving no room for doubt.
Please, Kiana. Don't get up. Let it end here. Let me take your pain.
But…
"No! I won't let you leave!"
Kiana's fist lashed out, her eyes burning with anger.
Her fist passed harmlessly through Mei's hair. A sharp blow to her chest sent Kiana flying backwards, crashing against the railing.
Her fingers gripped the wire mesh, her knuckles white. She pulled herself up, staggering towards Mei again.
"You're all the same!" she cried, her voice filled with anguish. "Leaving without a word, deciding what's best for me, never asking what I want!"
Her fist met Mei's palm with a sickening thud. Kiana tried to strike again, but a swift kick sent her sprawling.
"You're the one being reckless, Kiana." Mei's voice was strained, her own emotions barely contained. "Saving people without a thought for yourself, running away, shouldering everything alone, burying your pain."
"You've saved so many, but who will save you?"
"I'm done! I'm done with your recklessness!"
"I've made my choice. I've found my path. It ends here, Kiana."
As thunder crashed overhead, Mei advanced, grabbing Kiana by the collar, lifting her from the ground.
"It's over."
Lightning erupted from Kiana's chest, brighter than the flashes in the sky.
The lavender gem, radiating a terrifying power, was ripped from her body.
And that power, the moment it was free, surged towards Mei, like a bird returning to its nest.
Lightning danced across the sky. The Honkai energy within the earth pulsed, the seawater churning as if boiling. The agitated Honkai beasts grew strangely calm.
In this place, the birthplace of the Herrscher of Thunder, in this submerged city, they celebrated the return of their queen.
As Kiana watched in disbelief, crimson horns sprouted from Mei's forehead, her lavender eyes transforming into the circular markings of a Herrscher. A deep purple halo, the mark of the Herrscher of Thunder's authority, shimmered behind her.
She was the sinner who had destroyed this city. She was the sinner who had been saved from the darkness. And now, she would return to that darkness, becoming a shadow, a guardian, watching over Kiana's path.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
Applause echoed through the storm.
Silver hair fluttered in the wind. Kiana descended from the sky, landing gracefully on the slender lightning rod.
The dancing arcs of electricity stilled. Even the rain seemed to pause around her.
"Welcome back, Herrscher of Thunder."
Seeing Kiana, the Kiana from the Theater of Domination, the memories of their previous encounter flooded back. This woman… they couldn't defeat her.
"Mei, run! She's—"
But Mei's expression remained unchanged.
"It's not your time yet, Liuli." She released Kiana, a surge of electricity arcing towards the newcomer. It dissipated harmlessly before reaching her.
"Why bother? Continue your farewells. I'll give you plenty of time." Liuli smiled, as if anticipating a good show.
Kiana remembered then. Mei had joined a mysterious organization, the same organization that had given them a chance to breathe, to recover.
Liuli's smile widened as she looked at Kiana, crumpled on the ground.
"So, Kiana, do you like the Obsidian Concord's gift? Killing the one who sought revenge against you… it must have been quite satisfying."