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

Bang!

A figure crashed into a lamppost with a resounding clang. The metal post bent at a 90-degree angle, collapsing to the ground with a groan.

"Are you alright?" A woman's concerned voice reached her ears. Susannah slowly opened her eyes.

Her body had rolled several times, but thanks to Himeko's protection, aside from feeling slightly breathless from being pressed against a soft chest, Susannah was mostly unharmed.

Dizzily, she looked at Himeko's face. Crimson blood flowed from a wound on her forehead, trickling down her cheek. Susannah abruptly snapped out of her daze, realizing that Himeko had shielded her with her own body, saving her from the Honkai Beast's attack.

"I-I'm okay." Seeing Himeko injured because of her, Susannah fumbled through her pockets for medical supplies, her voice trembling. "I'll bandage you right away."

Although a certified Valkyrie, Susannah had very little actual combat experience, let alone facing Honkai Beasts at such close range. She was momentarily flustered.

Himeko, however, was far more experienced. She grasped Susannah's wrist and shook her head. "Now's not the time for bandages. We need to hide. You're a B-rank Valkyrie; you can't handle these Honkai Beasts."

"But you're alone…"

"Don't worry. I'm this city's guardian. Protecting others is my duty." Himeko gently set Susannah down and stood up, supporting herself with her greatsword.

The flickering flames from the explosions in the distance illuminated her, making her look like a Valkyrie bathed in fire. Her crimson hair fluttered in the wind, her resolute figure shielding Susannah from the Honkai Beasts' gaze.

Hidden behind Himeko, Susannah felt a warmth blossom in her chest. Her fear and anxiety receded, replaced by a strong sense of security, an instinctive trust in the woman before her.

"Okay." Not wanting to be a burden, Susannah knew the best way she could help was to leave the battlefield. She quickly got up and ran.

Watching Susannah leave, Himeko breathed a sigh of relief.

Since Ren's death, this city had no direct protector. As a former puppet, all she could do was secretly protect it from Honkai incursions.

This city was a testament to the boy's existence, the beginning and the end of everything. As the only one who knew his true identity, Himeko would spend the rest of her life guarding this secret.

Therefore, Susannah absolutely couldn't be harmed here. She represented Schicksal. If they discovered the anomaly in this city, they would undoubtedly send troops to investigate.

Wiping the blood from her cheek, Himeko inhaled deeply. There was no lingering pain from years of Stigmata erosion, no sense of impending doom from a failing body. This body was a new beginning.

Himeko, who had once clung to her old body, had finally accepted the Herrscher of Domination's gift, reborn in a new form.

It was Ren who had given her this new life, this future. She couldn't let these Honkai Beasts run rampant, no matter what.

Like a surging tide, the Honkai Beasts continued to pour across the border. The defensive robots stationed there swarmed out, engaging in a fierce battle with the horde while the city's residents slept peacefully.

Murata Himeko charged into the fray alone, relentlessly slaying the monsters until she was utterly exhausted.

Unnoticed, in the spot where Susannah had been moments before, a small, cube-shaped device emitted a faint glow.

[Beep—]

…

"Say, are you really sure this is your first time practicing swordsmanship?"

The distant sky began to lighten, the dark canvas tinged with shades of gray and blue. The moon, weary after a long and anxious night, tucked its blanket around itself and quickly departed from the troubled skies above ARC City.

"Is it that strange?" Ren stopped his movements, sweat dripping down his face. His body radiated heat from the continuous, intense training. He pulled at his collar, trying to catch his breath.

"No, it's just that your progress is incredibly fast." Li Sushang's gaze lingered on the exposed skin at Ren's collarbone for a moment before she looked away, gesturing with her fingers. "Even I couldn't perfectly execute the forms of Taixu Sword Qi within an hour and a half when I first started."

Ren shook his head, disagreeing. "It's different. You have more talent, so you need to learn from the fundamentals, building a solid foundation. But I'll never be able to master the complete sword style in my lifetime. I can only imitate the movements, learning the forms superficially."

Although she felt a pang of sympathy, Li Sushang knew Ren was right. Even in her master's generation, only her master had truly grasped Taixu Sword Qi. Men were less suited to the style, making it practically impossible for Ren to truly master it.

Being able to grasp the forms in such a short time was already a testament to his exceptional talent.

She opened her mouth to offer some words of encouragement but didn't know where to start, instinctively squeezing the Crimson Empress plushie instead.

Seeing the girl's hesitation, Ren smiled gently. "Don't worry about it. Swordsmanship is more of a physical exercise for me. As long as I can become stronger and avoid being bullied, I'll be satisfied."

His words weren't entirely untrue. Although they were just sword forms, each movement demanded a high level of physical control. Even without channeling True Qi, they weren't something ordinary people could achieve. Consistent practice would undoubtedly improve his physical condition beyond that of most people.

After resting for a few minutes and regaining his breath, Ren wiped the sweat from the sword with his clothes, ensuring no moisture remained before handing it back to Li Sushang.

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

Ren's gaze was earnest; it was a genuine expression of gratitude from the Herrscher of a Thousand.

"Why are you thanking me? You're my junior brother. Lending you my sword to practice is only natural." Seeing him meticulously wipe away any trace of his touch, Li Sushang felt a strange awkwardness, instinctively accepting the sword with uncharacteristic nervousness.

She didn't understand where this feeling came from. She looked at Ren's clear eyes, which reflected her own image.

But only her image.

Ren didn't explain. To him, Li Sushang's value lay in providing access to Taixu Sword God. However, him tricking her into teaching him and her willingly offering the knowledge were two entirely different scenarios. He was grateful for her unconditional trust.

"It's getting late. Let's get something to eat." Before Li Sushang could process his words, Ren made a suggestion.

Busy since last night, neither of them had eaten anything and were starting to feel hungry. Judging by the time, it was probably past six. The streets were becoming more crowded, and even the passing maglev trains carried the aroma of breakfast.

Arriving at a street lined with breakfast vendors, the air filled with a medley of enticing smells. Li Sushang, having never seen such a bustling city, excitedly pulled Ren into the crowd.

Watching Li Sushang choose her breakfast at a stall, Ren smiled serenely. Suddenly, he froze, his gaze falling to a small, cube-shaped device at his feet, emitting a faint glow.

The next instant, a Honkai Beast's terrifying roar pierced the air, and screams of terror shattered the morning calm.