NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 203: Setting the Final Stage
"Overseer, I think you should see this." Inside the bridge of the transport ship, Amber, assigned to assist Durandal with the observation experiment, contacted Otto.
"Is there a problem with the preparations?" Otto's projected image frowned almost imperceptibly. They were in the final stages, less than two days from the experiment's commencement. He couldn't afford any setbacks.
Amber shook her head, transmitting a data file. "This is Ren's latest medical report."
As Otto scanned the document, Amber continued. "His Honkai energy levels have spiked dramatically. As of his last checkup three hours ago, they were equivalent to a Herrscher in combat mode."
Despite global efforts, research on Herrschers, the apostles of the Honkai, remained limited. However, one thing was certain: A Herrscher in combat mode was a vastly different entity than one in a passive state.
A Herrscher's power originated from the Imaginary. Normally, the Herrscher core acted like a battery, providing a stable energy supply.
But in combat mode, the connection to the Imaginary space opened fully. The core became a high-voltage power source, its output unstable, its connection unrestrained, its very essence exposed. A normal human, even without the chance to become a Honkai beast, would be vaporized simply by proximity.
"You're saying he could lose control at any moment?"
"It's highly likely. Not only are his Honkai energy levels rising, but his body temperature is also increasing. It's currently at 42 degrees Celsius. At this rate, his cells are rapidly deteriorating, releasing stored Honkai energy, accelerating the process."
Amber's words reminded Otto of Ren coughing up blood—a clear sign of his body's failing equilibrium. He had hoped for more time, but it seemed he had less than he thought.
"Accelerate the schedule. The equipment deployment is nearly complete. Have everyone work through the night. Once they're finished, evacuate Nagazora. If the Herrscher loses control, there's no chance of survival."
"What about the survivor rescue operation?"
"I'll have Durandal handle it. Whether they're rescued or not, the experiment must proceed as scheduled."
"Understood."
…
While Otto revised his plans, Ren left the warship. This freedom of movement had been part of his agreement with Otto.
Bianka, prioritizing the experiment's stability, hadn't accompanied him. Instead, she was clearing the city of Honkai beasts. Ren walked along Nagazora's outer wall, his gaze fixed on the distant shantytown, the Nest.
He wanted to see Kiana one last time before the experiment began.
Though Mei had taken the Gem of Conquest, Kiana's body, weakened by prolonged exposure to the core, wouldn't recover quickly. He needed to be close, in case of complications.
To completely shield himself from the Will of the Honkai, Ren's true self had severed their connection, entering a state of dormancy. The Imaginary Tree's roots, now a hindrance, had become his shield against the Will of the Honkai.
He had transferred most of his consciousness into this body, erasing all memories of the final plan, retaining only the necessary steps for its execution.
He was at his most vulnerable.
Even this wasn't enough to guarantee success. So, Ren had decided to administer the Herrscher's poison—emotion.
Unlike the emotionless Herrscher of Domination, the Herrscher of Sentience was a fusion of countless emotions, all negative feelings amplified, twisted towards destruction.
This was even more dangerous for Ren. His power, the hive mind, amplified not only abilities, but emotions as well.
And like the original Herrscher of Sentience, they craved a queen, a leader. Ren's initial state had been similar, driving him to create the Obsidian Concord, leading to a near-loss of control that had drawn the Will of the Honkai's attention.
Fortunately, as his true self drew closer to the Imaginary Tree, his sense of self had strengthened. He knew the amplified emotions were false, that Kiana's affection was an illusion.
But it was this very illusion that offered him a way to escape the Will of the Honkai's surveillance.
This era's Herrscher of Domination would die, consumed by emotion. And Ren's final act would be his own funeral.
…
The air in Nagazora, still damp from the recent rain, evaporated as Ren passed. He placed a hand on his chest, feeling the burning heat radiating from the Gem of Haste.
Unlike the simulated core he had used before, this was the true power of the Herrscher of Flames, teetering on the edge of control.
His life was nearing its end. Death awaited.
Disappointed that he hadn't seen Kiana, he turned to leave.
After he was gone, Kiana, under Delta's care, finally awoke. Her gaze instinctively turned towards where Ren had stood.
But she saw nothing, only a lingering mist, obscuring the gray-haired boy's retreating figure.
As Ren headed back to the warship, a distant rumble of thunder reached him. Dark clouds gathered in the distance. He recognized the familiar Herrscher signature.
"Herrscher of Thunder… it seems World Serpent has entered the stage as well."
After a moment's hesitation, he left a message for Durandal and flew towards the source of the disturbance.
…
"Damn it! Where did this Herrscher come from? She's not in World Serpent's database." Raven ripped off her scorched cloak, glaring at Mei hovering in the air.
Mei was still reeling from her farewell with Kiana, her emotions raw, when she had stumbled upon this unidentified warship.
She had intended to parley, but the Kiana from the Theater of Domination, now calling herself Liuli, had attacked without hesitation, declaring, "A Raiden Shogun must command respect."
And then, having instigated the conflict, Liuli had vanished, leaving Mei to face World Serpent's forces alone.
"This has nothing to do with me! I only provided the location of the Herrscher of the Void. And as you can see, we found her… associate, and nearly eliminated him…"
After the initial clash, Mei attempted to negotiate, but MOTH's voice reached her.
"Benares… Kiana. Liuli was right. Even if Kiana did nothing wrong, the darkness will still find her."
The last vestiges of compassion vanished from Mei's eyes. She pointed her katana at the hovering transport ship.
"This darkness… will be cleansed by the light of the Raiden Shogun."