Alright, i don't have a defense this time but seriously though this chapter would be a lot easier to finish if I stick to the manga. I just hope this chapter is worth the waiting.
I mean, what do you expect from a normal high schooler you can meet everywhere?
HehLikuHei: I am surprised you can manage to first comment twice.
SkyChaser17: That really a long and very thoughtful review thank you.
M2R: Surely many things will change, too many in fact.
JD91B: Not a problem!
PanickingNoob: I don't think he is Kamijou Touma if he doesn't end up being the center of attention.
GG Vegito: One thing is for sure is that WoH gonna regret it and not stop him much much sooner. Or maybe not.
The Rupture: That is not a feeling that is a premonition.
5had0wHand: Nah it's just a daily occurrence for his life disrupted by some world-ending event. And I did what again?
PlainSalt: Well unlike Siegfried this one is far more dangerous.
Shadic21: What Kevin wants is just to be together with his girlfriend and have a normal life, but now he ended become an ice popsicle with a depression flavor.
GoldStar77: "Now that he was released from the bonds of misfortune, Kamijou Touma was at full power. The world's morals were entering unpredictable territory with that wild beast unleashed." Quote from NT Volume 22 Reverse.
Mr. X: Well, that might happen one day but not in the near future.
R3ader: Yes, there is gonna be a minor time skip there and here through the entire story.
ZanderLMAO: There is already a fic about other characters' reactions to Touma's death entitled 'The Lost Light'
zerofire210: Don't worry about it I like a long review. And about Otto, between good and bad that would definitely be bad, but between like and dislike I would say I like it.
Drcaus: Considering how long it took me just to write 6 chapters. I am sorry to say this but it seems you put your hope in the wrong person.
Misaka Phenex: That's what going to happen actually, Sirin will throw a space rock at him. Twice.
Kitchen-King09: Mei will zap him, just not in a tsundere way.
achmaitilli: Like what happened to Frenda, Touma can't save everyone, but it's a lie if he can't change the outcome for the better.
Missingmoney: I think you worry a bit too much for someone who manages to fight the entire world to save a girl and won.
blaster522: I will get Bianka in my story in one way or another. And about Su that is the neat thing, he doesn't see it.
Imagine Breaker User: Here is the new chapter and thank you for waiting.
jayasimha: I think it's because blue suits him well.
Guest: Chapter 6
Elizabeth: Thank you for the review. I am glad you can enjoy my fic.
Note:
I still remember I said there is will be a chapter about Touma and his friend. I apologize for not making it clear enough but that chapter is gonna more like a flashback and dream more than anything else.
Trivia:
Anti-Entropy was the successor of the North American branch of Schicksal. Later, on November 1955, senior scientific researchers from the North American branch deviated from Entropy, and Anti-Entropy was established.
Review:
It seems I missed to reply the comment, again. To clarify it's nothing but my negligence. Unfortunately, I can't promise that this will never happen again. Looking back, I never thought I would have this engagement. I put all those warnings out of fear because this is my first fic. But surprise surprise many people like this story of mine. Just by knowing it made me happy. And for everyone who reads my fic until now. Thank you.
If Sirin ever heard what the meaning of abstract is, that would perfectly describe what she currently feels right now.
(What is this place?)
Wearing a white lab gown the girl tries to examine her surroundings. Called where she is now strange is understanding. But despite that, the lonely girl continues her move. In this place, a familiar feeling enveloped her completely. It was an odd sensation yet not unpleasant. There is nothingness as far as she can see yet she knows the difference between each area. And there is also no light yet she can see completely fine.
Sirin kept walking aimlessly in this bizarre realm until she saw a white door. The violet-haired girl then moves towards the door. She didn't know why but the door in front of her give off a very nostalgic feeling. When Sirin opened the door, she found herself in a very reminiscent room. This is the place she knows very well, after all, how could that be she can't recognize her own bedroom.
But what surprised Sirin the most was seeing her mother standing by the side of the bed where her younger self was lying. The difference between her younger self and her now is light day and night. Unlike Sirin's condition right now which look like malnutrition, her younger self looks very healthy.
"Sirin you should sleep right now, it is already night my dear." Her mother said softly.
"I don't wanna! I still want to play!"
"Then how about I accompany you until you fall asleep? Will it be sufficient?"
"No." Sirin shook her head. "I also want to hear a bedtime story."
"Alright, then but you must promise to sleep after it okay?"
"I promise!"
Her mother giggled. "So, what kind of story would you like to hear this time, Sirin?"
Sirin remembers the scene very well. She very often asks her mother to bedtime stories. This is a beautiful memory that she has before…before…
The realization struck her mercilessly.
As she feels the fear in her heart rises the scene is changed.
Like a mirror, the room is shattered and got replaced by a certain room in a hospital. On a patient bed, Sirin could see her mother lay limp while her younger self wept at her side. The violet-haired girl unconsciously took a few steps back.
She has killed all those scientists from the Babylon Lab who hurt her and her friend. It was their fault that many of her friends died. But whose fault is it for what happened to her mother?
Sirin can't find the answer to that question.
(It's simple isn't it? It's the world's fault.)
"…Yeah of course it's the world's fault." A deranged laugh then echoed from her mouth. "That's why this world shall pay the price."
Sirin found the answer to that question
Such twisted thinking wouldn't normally happen without a reason. And the reason for this is because Sirin's negative feeling is amplified. Her rational thinking is now clouded by the hatred she has. The girl that has been damaged is getting broken further.
Sirin's outfit slowly transformed into a kind of short tube dress, mostly white and purple with reddish-purple stripes and small gold trim on the front. There also appears a purple hairpin with red inlays, purple gloves with the same reddish-purple color on her palms, and a purple choker with yellow ornaments. Both his arms and legs were wrapped in purple bandages.
A smile appears on her face but anyone who saw it would instalny knew there is no kindness in that smile. Her expressin is contain nothing but a malice.
Molded with hatred the second envoys who carried the Will of Honkai was finally born in this era. And with the power of void, she will unleash her revenge against this world.
Otto Apocalypse is a someone who is familiar with a failure. On his journey to revive Kallen he been encounturing countless of them. But yet even with his 500 years of experience, he still can't comperhand the situation he in right now.
Right now, he is stuck in the child form of his body in house of his best personel and forced to palying with their child.
(How did it turn like this?)
That is something that he has been wondering about. Just thinking about it gives him a headache. So, let take a few steps back and remembering how events that lead one by another caused him in this situation.
It started when he heard what happen in Babylon was worse than he thought it to be. At first, he immediately sends Siegfried and his team as help. Even if the Kaslana is not the brightest, his battle ability is not to be underestimated. Surely that was enough to send two of his best personnel to handle what happened in Russia right?
Wrong.
His expectation of continuing to have a pleasant and peaceful day as overseer was immediately shattered when he read a new report that Siegfried made. Otto doesn't really know what he expected from that report but he's pretty sure it's not a news about 'Welt' arriving in Babylon Lab. Though the 'Welt' is not the same person who fought him in New York 50 years ago, the Honkai energy scan prove that the man who came at Babylon Lab is, without doubt, the First Herrscher.
In response to this unexpected development, Otto decides to personally handle it himself. If his intuition is correct this situation is too important and he can't let anyone take care of it. And here is when things go south.
Otto has prepared spere bodies that have each a specific situation to handle. Those bodies are made of Solium a metallic composite of nano-robots designed for insulating Honkai energy and kept at a secret base where only Otto (and Void Archive) knew where is the location.
By inputting a series of codes would result to transform his soluim body into a capable carry specific tasks he needs to do. And Otto made the fatal mistake of entering a different code than he wanted. Instead of turning his Solium body into a body that is capable to fight a Herrscher, it turns him into child form that he sometimes used to stalk and observe Theresa. And Otto needs a few hours before he can reprogram it's back.
Now that would be a bit odd that he put the wrong code isn't it?
Well, there is a really very simple reason for this happening actualy. And that is because he entered the code without looking at the screen.
Why he did do that again?
Because he thought that was cool.
Yeah, everyone, the renowned Overseer of Schicksal gets excited by this situation and can't help himself from stroking his ego by doing those childish acts.
Oh, how much he curses himself for doing that stupid action. Then again, this wasn't the first time he had experienced something like this. And if there's one thing going in his favor from everything that's going on, it's that he's learning something. Yeah, he didn't have time to regret this, he needs to immediately salvage the situation.
Good news is there is another secret base with a spere of solium body that located not far from where he is. And the bad news is thre is none know about this secerte base and so he must reach that alone. Technically he could just call for help and then modify their memories later with Fenghuang Down but he refuses to go with that plan.
As surprising as that sound, he still has some moral code. Don't get it wrong Otto Apocalypse is someone who would go extreme path to finish his plan. He would do a countless experimen that would violate human right if that would bring him step closer for revive Kallen. But he also is not a type of person who would ruin someone life just to have some fun. And he is not a fan of modyfing memories unless he deems its necesery either.
That's why he took a rather simple and straightforward plan. And that plan is asap going to another of his secret base. With his small body, he could easily sneak away and get to that base in no time. And this is when the situation getting worse. On his way to another of his secret bases, Otto encounters a big problem.
And guess what it is?
A wild Cecilia Schriac appears!
In normal circumstances, this should not be a problem for Otto, but right now he in form a child and wearing nothing but an oversized coat. In other words, he looks like a lost child right now. And Otto knew too well what happened to the last lost child that encounter Cecilia. Like what she did to Kamijou Touma, Cecilia Schriac takes Otto Apocalypse to her home.
Otto can't stress this enough because if he encounters literally any other person, he at least could outskilled them or tell them the truth to help him then modify their memories. But this can't be done with Cecilia because she is his best subordinate and the only one who can resist the effect of Fenghuang Down. Someone who is not even Theresa and Siegfried getting those training.
Ofcourse he already knew the probality of this to happen, but the chance to happen is less than 1% and that is the rason he willing to take the risk for that. In a time like this Otto realy wish to carry Void Archive with him. If only that Divine Key is with him all of this could be avoided.
Lesson learned, always bring Void Archive no matter how annoying that Divine Key can be. But really the First Divine Key is way too annoying to his liking. Otto already lost count of how many times Void Archive not only tried to manipulate him but also attempt to steal his body. If not because of its usefulness and the wide range of utility he won't bother to use it.
Then again. And because all of that happen, it brought him in this situation. And until he found a way to escape this situation, he must keep the secret that he is the overseer of Shicikal.
"Yay! We defeat the evil dragon and save the world!" Kiana said enthusiatly
In the girl's hand is a white colored umbrella that she used to mimic her mother's signature weapon. On the girl's side is a spiky-haired boy who wearing an oversized baseball glove on his right hand. And lastly is Otto himself who holds a sandal in each hand like a dual sword.
(Dammit, to think I must act like this. No one must find out my true identity.)
While normally Otto can keep his composure in extreme situations this one is far more humiliating than he has expected. And this uneasiness was noticed by Kamijou Touma.
"Are you alright? You don't look too well."
"No, its nothing."
"Kiana, I think we should pause for a bit. It seems somethng is wrong with our friend."
"Eh?" Kiana turned and then faced Otto "Whats wrong? Are you hungry?"
"I am fine, it's your big brother who is just exaggerating."
"Mama said lying is bad you know."
What the girl said make Otto's eyes twitched. "Alright fine then. If you two really want to know so much I actually have to go right now."
"Is that very urgent? Cecilia-san is cooking right now and I am assuring you that her cooking is very tasty."
"Yeah, Touma's cooking is also very delicious but the one that mama makes is no less delicious."
"It's a very urgent thing and needs to be taken care of now."
"I see." Kamijou paused for a moment. "Kiana can you get one of the boxes of cookies to give to our friend?"
Kiana's eyes lit with excitement upon hearing that. "Sure!"
The girl runs out of the room to take the cookie.
(Well, this is easier than I thought.)
If Otto knew the kids would be this reasonable, he would just tell them this sooner and avoid all of those humiliating moments. Oh well, there is no point crying over spilled milk after all. Otto sighed as he drops the sandals to the floor. Seeing this the boy decided to speak again.
"I know you may be afraid of the results of your actions but if you don't try, then you don't know what will happen. Like right now, the outcome isn't as bad as you expect it to be, isn't it?"
"…Yeah."
"Don't worry about Cecilia-san, I will go and tell her that you need to leave and can't eat lunch together."
"Wait, there is something that I need to tell you alone."
Kamijou Touma stopped his movement upon hearing this. There is a hint of curiosity in his eye.
"Hmm, well then let's hear it. What's on your mind?"
"Consider this advice from a senior who has experienced something similar to you. You may not notice yet but every Kaslana bears a curse."
"If you mean it was their cooking then I already know about that."
"No, I mean yes. Sigh Other than disastrous cooking skill they have one other curse."
The Overseer notices the look of concern on the boy's face when he said that.
"Every Kaslana has always beheld some belief that they must make themself a shield for the weak and the innocent. I know what you are thinking right now. You must be thinking that what's wrong with that, isn't it? Well, that's where you are wrong Kamijou Touma."
Otto laughed dryly. After all this something he knew very well.
"The world is not full of happy sunshine like in fairy tales. Sometimes the hero will fail and the villain is will get the win. A good act is not always returned with kindness, likewise with bad deeds where it sometimes would go unpunished."
It's the experience of the man named Otto Apocalypse.
"What awaits in the end for those fools who put themselves for the sake of others is only suffering and betrayal. There is no salvation for them at all for they never desired to be saved in the first place. And no matter what you did they will never change for that is a very nature of all Kaslana."
"So, if you appreciate the bond you shared with those who bear that cursed lineage, then I suggest you should make the full of it before they die for doing something ridiculous."
If Otto would be ranking how much he hated the lineage of Kaslana he would put it as the third thing he most hated, with this rotten world in second place, and then himself as the thing he hated the most.
The man who has been living for over 500 years then takes a look at Kamijou to observe how did he take it. Otto ponders if this is too hard for him to understand. But he didn't find any hint of confusion in the spiky-haired boy.
"I think I know where you feel that way came from. I guess it's normal to feel that way seeing someone throwing away their life to help other people thinking that someone else has more value than them."
At first, Otto is surprised to see this level of maturity but at the same time he is also delighted that the spiky-haired boy understands. However, Kamijou Touma hasn't finished his word yet.
"But that doesn't mean we just ignore those who need help isn't it? Who knows maybe that small act is enough to save them and make the world a better place. "
"…I won't deny that possibility, but answer me, Kamijou Touma. What if your help only makes things worse? It's okay if you want to help others but a good intention alone is not enough to save people."
"So what? I can't be afraid of bad results. If I keep thinking "what if this doesn't work" I can't try to do anything. You either help someone, or you don't, it's really that simple. I have to choose the path I truly believe."
"You can speak easily because you never know how it feels to have tried so hard and still fail to save someone. Someday this world will force you to aware how powerless you are. And when that day comes you would realize that your effort is for naught."
"I know that my effort alone is not enough. After all, I am just a normal boy that you can meet everywhere. But you knew what? I am is not alone. There are many people out there that put an effort to make the world a better place."
"That still won't be enough to save everyone. Even if by some kind of miracle everybody in this world works together to save the other there would still be people that can't be saved. A world where everyone is saved is nothing but an impossible wish."
"I know but why I should I care about that? If someone told me to abandon people just because that is pointless, then screw them. I am not some kind of godlike being who can make a perfect world where everyone is happy. But that doesn't mean should just ignore those who need help before my eyes. Even if there is still a possibility where that smile will disappear the next day, I will still gladly accept it. Just because a wish is impossible doesn't mean what we do to achieve it is in vain."
"Then what about those who are close to you? Have you ever thought how would be their feeling if something happened to you?" By seeing the boy's shocked expression Otto doesn't need more answers. "I take that you never think about that isn't it? You have to realize that the people who care about you will get hurt if something happens to you. So please think about them before you act recklessly for the sake of someone else."
"Yeah, you are right I should think about the feeling of people caring about me. I understand that but yet I can't stop myself. That's why we must fill our lives to the fullest, so that when apart from those who care about us there will be no more regrets. This is what you said yourself isn't it?"
"…You are quite a stubborn one, aren't you?"
The spiky-haired boy chuckled. "I heard that a lot."
Kamijou Touma is beyond saving, that is what Otto concluded.
"I have a question if you don't mind."
"Sure, what it is?"
"Let's just say you are cursed to sleep and you can't wake up as long as the curse remains. However, there is someone who tries to remove that curse from you, but in doing so he commits crimes and sin that are too many to be counted. He made many people suffer and ruined their lives. If he someday manage to remove the curse what your response would be?"
That is the second thing Otto wants to know the most. He already has a few guesses about how Kallen would react after she revived but it never hurt to hear an opinion from another perspective.
"First thing first I will thank him for removing that curse from me and then I will punch him really hard to knock some sense into his head."
The Overseer of Shikical imagine The Holy Maid punching him for what he did, yeah, he definitely could see that happening. "I suppose that is fair reaction. But what do you do after that?"
"The next thing I do is to urge him to atone for his sins so that someday in the future we can walk together."
After hearing the boy's answer, Otto could only utter one word. "What?"
Out of many possibly that he expected to hear this is not one of them. The sheer absurdity of what the boy said dumbfounded him greatly. It needs a few seconds for Otto's brain to process it.
"Do you have an idea how ridiculous what you just say is? A person that hurt so many people doesn't deserve redemption. Even if you truly believe that stupid thinking many people wouldn't forgive what he did. The world wouldn't let such villains get salvation."
"Being a bad guy once doesn't mean they will be a bad guy forever. I know that some people can't change because it was their nature but that doesn't mean we should just forsake them without giving them a chance to redeem themselves. And if the world."
Kamijou Touma said that with so much confidence that it's not funny. Otto couldn't believe it but he starts to think it would easier to deal with Kallen than with the boy in front of him. From his determined look, Otto knew that Kamijou Touma would not change no matter what he said.
"Why are you so bent to save others? Wouldn't it be easier to live a selfish life? There is no reason for you to put so much effort into other people isn't it?"
"It seems you have a misunderstanding about two things."
"Then pray to tell me, what is that?"
"The first is the thought that I'm a selfless person. That is very wrong for I am the most selfish person. I will do what I believe is right even if it means I become the enemy of the entire world."
Kamijou Touma doesn't view himself as a good person. He knew very well how rotten his personality is. The boy is someone that will use any means necessary to achieve his goal. Kamijou Touma is a very selfish and full of hypocrisy human being. And he won't deny nor hide it.
"The second thing that you're misunderstanding is that there's actually a reason for me to put so much effort for other. And that is because I don't have any reason to abandon those who are in need when I can do something to help them."
Otto is once again speechless hearing the boy answer.
Honestly what he really expects from Kamijou Touma at this point?
"Besides, I believe there would be at least one person that sad in a world where that someone gone."
At first, Otto wants to argue back about that. After all there is no one that would be mourn his death if they knew what he did. However, one person comes to his mind. Somehow, he could see the image of his granddaughter mourning about him.
The man smiles bitterly.
(I really couldn't win against this boy, isn't I?)
This is a similar feeling of defeat that was once felt by the former General Superintendent of Academy City. Even someone that bears the title of The Greatest Magician in History knows it's a futile attempt to convince the spiky-haired boy to change what he believes in.
Otto then takes a look at the clock in the room and realizes he spends quite some time in here. If not for what happened in Babylon Lab right now, he would like to talk more with Kamijou Touma.
"Say isn't that your little sister has gone a bit too long?"
"Eh? I guess you are right. Huh, that's weird Kiana is usually quick when doing something like this."
Both of them wonder what are the causes. This question is then answered immediately when Kiana comes back carrying 3 boxes stacked on top of each other. The girl then slowly walked into them and put the box one by one on the floor.
"Uhm, Kiana why do you take those many boxes?"
"Well, you see Touma, I didn't know to choose which one to give so then I take all of them so our friend can pick the one he likes. I am so smart isn't it!"
The spiky-haired boy could only smile seeing Kiana's proud face. "Yes Kiana you are very smart."
Kamijou Touma then picks the box with a white cookie and the box with a yellow cookie.
"This one is apple flavor. While this one banana. You can choose which one you like."
"And this last one is my favorite! It has a taste of chocolate and milk. You can have it if you want."
After a moment Otto decide to pick the one that Kiana liked.
"That one is very tasty you sure will like it."
(Somehow, I feel there is no need to doubt it.)
"You can also borrow those sandals if you want."
"Thank you." Otto says with a warm smile. "I will return the box and the sandals back someday I promise. "
"Maybe we could eat Ceclia-san coking that time later."
"And then we can play together again!"
"Perhaps but until that time comes, farewell."
"Be careful."
"Bye-bye."
Otto replied to them by waving his hand as he leaves the house.
(Well, I guess it's time to continue my plan.)
As the man walk to his next destination, he couldn't help to think about what the spiky-haired boy said. A child told that someone like him deserves a future where everyone is smiling. Even right he still couldn't believe it.
Otto himself know it was too good to be true. He is not someone who can see the future but even without that, he knew there would be no salvation at the end of his journey. The man knows better than anyone that he right now is beyond redemption. No matter what he did he cannot wash away blood stains from the people he spilled. And he wouldn't justify his action, for it can't be justified at all. The sin of what he did is far too much to be forgiven.
Yet despite knowing all of that, Otto Apocalypse can't help but to smile. somehow deep in his hearth
Maybe just a maybe, he could reach the future where he can smile with Kallen and everyone else.
(I know it was just wishful thinking, but at least I am allowed to imagine such a beautiful dream, isn't it?)
Unbeknownst to Otto, however, a new path for him is just opened, the path that would allow him to reach a bright future.
Ruin is everywhere as far as the eye can see. The building that once stand tall is fallen apart. The road is full of debris scattered here and there. The scenery of once a beautiful city is now only memories.
And in the particular midst of destruction, there is someone with an injury. However, he is not alone here, at his side is a brown-haired boy with matching eye color. Just by glancing at the boy's expression, anyone would notice how desperate he is.
"I can't stop it…the bleeding won't stop!"
The man can only smile at the boy's attempt to stop the wound he received. If someone like him can't do anything about it then only a miracle can save him now. For he is none other than the First Herrscher.
"It's futile Joachim my wound can't be stopped."
"No, I won't let you die!" Said the boy with teary eyes. "You are Welt! You are a hero who saves everyone..."
Most people in the previous era would laugh if they heard what the boy said.
Welt is a Herrscher the envoy of Honkai itself. Someone who is chosen and was supposed to bring the Will of Honkai to eradicate humanity. But it was not he that caused this destruction. In fact, it was the opposite. If not because of him, the entire city would be destroyed. The man violated the orders given to him by the Will of Honkai and chose to side with humanity.
Still, that is not something that is unheard of. Take for example The 6th Herrscher of the previous era. It said by the soldier that killed her that she still retains some of her humanity. Before it gets subdued by Honkai and forces that soldier to kill her.
A similar case also happened with the 7th Herrscher who also gets killed by that same soldier. It said that before her demise the 7th is standing, smiling, and reaching out to that soldier like an old friend. Having a similar expression to the previous Herrscher that comes before her, the expression of gratitude as if Deliverance is given unto them.
The other one is with the 12th Herrscher who is fully human in form and thought. Which only awakens after its host is murdered. Her awakening not only kill one of the thirteen last hopes of humanity but also managed to shake resolve the remains of the survivor at that time. She is the one who even after 50000 years still harbors a deep hatred for humanity.
And the last case was with the 13th, the last Herrscher that appears before the Herrscher of The End. Or at least that's what most people thought at the time. However, unlike the popular belief that is not the case. Even though she was the 13th Herrscher faced by mankind, it is unknown since when she became Herrscher. Where in that period of time she sides together with humanity against the Honkai.
She laughs with them, befriends with them, and together she made an unbreakable bond with them. If Kevin is the spearhead who leads humanity to keep moving forward, she is the rope that keeps all people together so it's not breaking apart. She is the one who is always cheerful whatever happens and keep optimistic no matter how dire the situation is. And thus, the day she was revealed to be a Herrscher is remembered as The Great Betrayal.
But even then, it is still debatable whether she is truly an enemy of mankind or an ally. This is because not only that her eruption zero casualty, but her awakening is too precise to be a coincidence. If she did not appear at that time, it's not the Honkai but humanity is the one who would destroy itself. That is how much dire the situation at the time was.
Some people called what she did an act of betrayal and the other thinks what she does is a noble sacrifice. But those who knew her well would know that is just the way she is. Even until the end of her life she still smiles, for it is always what her true self is.
But the Herrscher of Reason is a different case among its kind. Even as the first Herrscher that has been defeated, the Core of Reason is the last to be made as Divine Key. With exception is the Core of Corruption which refuses getting subdued and is still sealed until this day.
Of course this is not without a reason. In the first attempt to turn the core into a Divine Key, the creator tried to use her own body as its vessel and its core as her mind. With her ability to divide the mind, she tried to tame it. However, it turns out to be a terrible mistake.
The creator finally realizes after the initiating process that she was creating an inestimable enemy for humanity. The core is wanted nothing but to harness endless knowledge. If not stopped it may produce an omniscient will, one that is unlikely to care about the survival of humanity.
In order to avoid the same mistake, a heavy restriction ware then placed upon its creation. But even with that, the first Divine Key still had no regard for humanity. While not going to betray them, it will take whatever action is necessary to fulfill its orders to destroy the Honkai. Regardless of what happened to mankind.
But this does not happen with Herrscher of Reason in the current era. Not only betrayed the Will of Honkai, but the Core of Reason is also willing to side with humanity. And for this action alone the First Herrscher gain the title of Traitor of Honkai.
Unfortunately, even with the help from the Core of Reason, it's not enough to save him. The potential of the core itself is staggering, however, he didn't have enough time to master it to the fullest. And this is the result of that.
Welt could only grimace at this situation.
What happens to him now is the price he must pay for what he chose.
The man is given two choices.
The first is to heal his wound and protect himself which would guarantee his own survival. The other choice is to use all his power to protect the innocent with a chance of failure. And so, without a doubt, Welt made his choice.
But, alas, while creating the barrier to protect the city, the wounds inflicted by Otto open up, sealing his fate. Not that Welt didn't predict this outcome to happen. Even so, he couldn't really say that he regrets his action. Despite what happened to him now, Welt still fully believes that what he did is the right choice.
"Welt…german word for the entire world. I love that name, how about you?"
Welt gently asked those questions to the boy beside him.
"I… love it too."
The man smiles upon hearing that answer.
"That's good Joachim."
The boy is shocked when he watched Welt tear the Core of Reason from his own body. The man then stretched out his hand that hold Core of Reason at him.
"From now on you will bear this name and become the new Welt. This core is yours along with the duty to protect our world, Welt. Your hero begs you to accept this."
Reluctantly the boy takes the Core of Reason from his hand.
"Thank you."
This was surreal life and a short one at that.
It was just six months ago when he was waking up without any memories. Not that he lost his memory but he had no memory before he woke up. And it's not wrong to call it waking up but it would be more correct to say that he was born at that time. At January 1st, 1952 in Berlin, the first Herrscher of the current era was appeared, killing in the process 300.000 people.
A man was walking through the desolate city, hearing a voice that didn't belong to him calling out and promising him a savior. He ran towards it, but a cold wall blocked his path. He kept walking, while desperately picking up fragments of the fallen people's souls.
Finally, he gave in to the fatigue and lost consciousness.
And since then, he has been subjected through many experiments. At least that until he meets with them. They are who treat him like a human, and they are also the one who teaches him what is to be human. All of them show him how incredible humanity is. In just by a short amount of time Welt spent with them, he truly believed that humanity is something that worth protecting.
This is the same sentiment that was shared by the 'first' Herrscher of the previous era. Both of them have seen how ugly humanity can be but at the same time, they also see how beautiful humanity is. And so, both of them chose the path to preserve humanity, even if that mean it would be their demise.
It's time to finally close the show curtain.
The actor has been playing his part on that stage. And now that all of it is over, he will also leave the stage like the one before him. This is the time for the new actor to go up on the stage and begin their own show.
Good bye world.
Good bye Welt.
In the middle of the forest in Siberia stands three people. The most striking among the three of them is a white-haired girl carrying a giant golden cross. Next to the girl is a man who has the same snow-white hair and carries a twin pistol. And the last person is…
"Is something wrong Mr. Welt?"
"I am alright just reminiscing a bit about my past but thank you for the concern."
Welt is a brunette with matching brown eyes. His scarf, pants, and shoes are all black, while his shirt and inner coat are white. His gray coat also has stripes of black in the front, and some on the inner fabric. He wears glasses, but they don't seem to be necessary.
"Not to sound rude but I think we have a bit of a problem," Siegfried said with a hint of irritation. "Nothing except a tree and snow in here, are you sure this is the right location?"
"Well, the location directed by Oath of Judah should be here. A-and this is my first time using this ability okay!"
"I am not trying to blame you, Theresa. It's our Sovereign guest that I get suspicious about."
Siegfried gives a glance at Welt for his sudden appearance at Babylon Lab without invitation. Not only that but Welt is also the one who teaches Theresa how to use one of the abilities of the 11th Divine Key.
"No offense to you Welt but our organization is not in a good relationship with each other for lack of a better term."
"None taken, I understand very well where that comes from. But I must admit a little more trust would be appreciated. After all, this place is the right location where we all look for."
Understanding what their confusion is, Welt decides to elaborate it further.
"We are face to face with the Second Herrscher right now. And I said that in literal meaning."
The Sovereign of Anti-Entropy said that as he stretched out his hand forward to hold 'something' in front of him. Welt then unfurled his hands like someone opened the curtain of the window. Its feel unreal to watch the space is torn like a fabric.
As the shelter is unwrapped, they could see a violet-haired girl inside it. Siegfried and Theresa are immediately on guard their instinct tells them something is very wrong with the girl. The aura eradiate by that girl is anything but human.
"Oh my, who is this? Isn't this the traitor itself? Oh, my bad, I mean a cheap copy of the traitor."
"It's nice to meet with you too Sirin, 2nd of our kind."
"Don't think we are the same Traitor, unlike a faker like you I am is a true Herrscher."
There is a tension that starts to build up around them
"Hold on second, are we gonna beat her together? I mean like seriously?"
"I get what you mean Siegfried but mission is mission. Though I guess you are right there is no need to fight is that unnecessary." Theresa lowered her weapon as she tries to get closer to the girl. "Please hear me out Sirin, you are just being used by Honkai."
However, before too far she felt a hand on her shoulders that stopped her.
"As much as I am glad that you will try to do that, I doubt we have that luxury right now."
"We don't know if don't try, Mr. Welt. If we can avoid the conflict with that it is worth trying isn't it?"
"I am with Theresa about this one. Besides, aren't you a Herrscher too? Shouldn't you... I don't know, talk some sense to her or something? Who knows maybe that will work."
"I won't blame both of you for thinking like that. It's true that First Herrscher caused the death of 300.000 people. Compare to that, what this girl caused is pale in comparison. But there is one major difference that separates between them."
"And what is that?" Siegfried asks curiously.
"The first eruption casualty in Berlin was caused by Honkai poisoning while what happened in Babylon Lab is because they were used as a plaything. Isn't that true Sirin?"
What Welt said it's more like a statement than a question.
"So, you know huh? Color me surprised traitor. I thought there is nothing left from those insects which can be traced."
"Normally, but with my ability, it's not that hard to see what happens in Babylon Lab. I must say you really enjoy playing with their life."
"Of course I do, that is what they deserve after all. It's my revenge against those who have wronged me and my friend. Say traitor do you also see their face? It's so funny to see their desperation to beg mercy. And now that I obtain this new power the rest of the world will also pay the same price."
Both Siegfried and Theresa are surprised by what the girl said while Welt has an expression that is can be translated as 'I told you so'. Sirin has been a bit unstable because of the countless experiments she has been through in Babylon Lab and that getting worse ever since she come in contact with the Will of Honkai.
"Say, Theresa, the mission is to just capture her right? There is no obligation or what so ever, right?"
"…The mission is to capture the Second Herrscher at all cost, but I think Grandpa would be happier if we can capture her alive."
The top personnel of Schicksal readied their weapon in preparation to combat the Second Herrscher, however...
"My apologies for not telling this earlier but 'we' are not going to fight her."
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Allow me to explain myself. I am the one who will fight the Herrscher, both of you are going to take care of her pet."
The only one who gets the meaning behind Welt's words is another Herrscher who is like him.
"Hooh, I guess even fake you were still a Herrscher. Well, it's no point to hide it anymore. It's time to show yourself, Bella."
With a click of her finger, the space was shattered once more. And with that comes a white beast.
"…Please tell me that Schicksal has no data about it because I don't think I have ever seen that Honkai beast before!"
"You are right Siegrfied, I am sure there is no data about it in the database of Schicksal. A new Emperor class? No, this one seems far stronger than Ganesha and Parvati."
"If my memories serve me correctly a powerful Honkai beast like that has its own category, isn't it? Schicksal calls them a Judgement class Honkai beasts if I did not wrong recall it."
Each Honkai beast was classified into a class to define how dangerous they are. But the one who is currently in front of them is far outclassing the other Honkai beast that has appeared in this era. Excluding only one that appear thousand years ago who it's appearance single-handedly caused the abandonment of Project EMBER.
"Don't worry from my observation it's not that hard to fight that wrym." Welt said calmly. "Not to say both of you were equipped with a Divine Key, that should be made the fight a lot easier. I would say the chance of winning is 8 out of 10 with low difficulty."
Just by a single glace, the First Herrscher could tell such analysis.
"Thanks for telling us that but, are there any tips that you can give us to defeat it?"
"Except for basic ones like not being overconfident and underestimating it, there are no tips that I can give to handle that wyrm. On second thought there is one thing I need both of you to hear actually."
Theresa and Siegfried expect to get some hint about the weaknesses of their opponent, however, it's not what they got. Instead, what Welt said is...
"Stays as far away from this place as possible. Or else I can't guarantee both your safety."
They didn't see Welt's expression when he said that, but Siegfried and Theresa could tell that the Sovereign of Anti-Entropy is very serious with those words.
"Are you done talking already? I start to get bored listening to your futile attempt against the inevitable."
"I appreciate your kindness for waiting us to finish, Sirin."
"That's what it should be, Traitor, my patience is not something cheap. So be prepared to pay for it with your life."
The time is out.
Those are what is in the mind of people in this forest of Siberia.
"Go, don't need to worry about me, and prioritize defeating that wyrm first."
Siegfried grips his weapon tightly as he bites the corner of his lips.
"Sigh, good luck Welt! We gonna help you as soon we defeat that thing!"
"Please be careful Mr. Welt!"
The Valkyrie and the Knight immediately run as said those words.
"Go after them, Bella! Devours and don't stop until nothing remains!"
"Arghhh!"
The beast roars as obeys the command of her queen. With incredible speed, it runs past the First Herrscher and chases those who are her prey. Not long after, the sound of battle can be heard immediately echoing throughout the forest before slowly but surely becoming silent. And with others gone the only ones remaining in this place is two Herrscher with each on the opposing side of each other.
Seeing his opponent again Welt feels a sense of pity but he couldn't let that influence him. From just a glance, Welt could tell his opponent is far stronger than him and can easily kill him. A hesitation would bring nothing but defeat.
Welt took some breath and toughen his resolve. There is a look of firm determination on his face. His brown eyes color ware changed and the aura around him suddenly became more intense. It's a subtle change but noticeable nevertheless.
The one who Sirin would fight is not Welt the Sorverign of Anti-Entropy but Welt the Herrscher of Reason.
"Alright let's get started."
The one who takes the first turn of action is Welt.
From his observation, there is some kind of barrier that wraps around protecting his opponent. He then immediately creates a copy of the 9th Divine Key which is named after the brightest star of the previous era herself the 'Star of Eden'. The core of that Divine Key belongs to Herrscher of Stars who before its defeats manage to sink an entire continent with the power to control gravity.
Using the Star of Eden, Welt compresses the gravity around him and uses it as a projectile to examine how strong the barrier of his opponent is. However, those projectiles immediately disappear when coming in contact with that shield barely giving any noticeable damage.
"Hah! Your pathetic attack can't even scratch me!"
The attack he just launched had enough power to crush a battleship, yet it has no effect against that shield. It was at this very moment the First Herrscher realize that the fight would be a lot harder than he previously thought.
"Don't tell me that you are running out already!"
Sirin then creates twelve Void Spears that are capable defy the law of physics to impale Welt but the man easily dodged and blocked them.
"I must say it is a quite durable barrier you have there."
"Of course, who do you think I am."
Right now, Welt has 2 optimal options. The first option is to breach Sirin's shield from close which would end this fight fast but the risk is very high. His second option is to observe first and wait for a chance but there is a high chance that Sirin may evolve. After weighing between those options, Welt chooses the second one. It's better safe than sorry after all.
Without fully knowing what Second Herrscher is capable of, it would be dangerous to act recklessly. Welt then decides to take some distance from her for a better observation. Seeing this a curl of a wicked smile appears on Sirin's face.
"Let's see if you can evade this one, traitor."
It is just a simple movement.
What the girl does is just pointed her index finger at him, but Welt immediately feels his instinct screaming at him to move from his location right away and so he did.
That was the right choice because what happens next is very devastating. Welt could see the space where he was before was twisted. It is as if a black hole that absorbs everything that surrounds it. Just by a mere second everything in its range was destroyed. Instantly a thousand thoughts run through Welt's mind about what to do in this situation. He quickly came to the conclusion of countering Sirin's attack by bending the gravity around himself.
"It seems that you have few tricks huh? Well, I would be disappointed if you die so easily."
"Don't worry about it, I still have many tricks for you. How about we start with this one?"
As soon as the man finishes those word, a lot of black-clad metal appear and fall from the sky. At first, there were just a few of them and the number can be counted with a finger, but it increased more and more until finally filled the forest in black. Their form has some uncanny similarity to the one of mecha that appears at Arahato.
"And what are you hoping to achieve from creating those toys?"
"Why don't you see it with your own eye, what those toys are capable of?"
All the mecha start to lock the target and then launch their attack. The rain of bullet and missile strike the barrier that protects the Second. However, the Shield of Aegis still firmly protects Sirin, not letting any attack of the First Herrscher touch the Queen of Void. But there is no such thing as an impenetrable shield.
*Crack*
?!
The look of confidence on Sirin's face immediately changed to surprise as if seeing something that should be impossible yet did happen.
"How?! Damm it! I'll show you what true Herrscher power are, Traitor!"
A giant white hand suddenly appears in the sky and crushes that black-clad metal like a child destroys a toy.
"Bow before me!"
Sirin expression turns into a smirk as she destroys the army of the First Herrscher but it didn't last long. Sirin expression changes into confusion as she notices her opponent still nonchalant about what she did.
"Is this the best you can do, Sirin? Then I must say I am not impressed."
The confusion on Sirin's face is immediately answered as Welt just creates more of the construction to replace what she has destroyed.
"This is unfair! You are cheating! You can't just keep creating those armies from thin air!"
"What you are facing right now is the ingenuity of the human race. This legion of humanity shall stand as long as I live. Brace yourself Sirin, because Human civilization shall bring the entirety of its might to bear against you!"
More and more construction appears in a variety in form of artillery, tank, battleship, and aircraft. All of those are the result of what humans have been created to survive. And now The Second Herrcher shall taste the might and fury of humanity.
At this point, Sirin realizes that it seems that she far underestimates her opponent. The violet-haired girl decided to go all out. Not only has the number of the giant white hand increased but dozens of Void Spears also appear. Herrscher of Void will not hold back against her opponent anymore and bombard him with all of her power.
Despite this, Herrscher of Reason remained unwavering.
Even if his force is destroyed again and again, the man who bears the name Welt still doesn't seem to give in to fighting her.
"This fight is far from over. Our flesh is maybe weak but we refuse to kneel. The human race has fought for every moment of its survival. Do your worst void queen our battle is only just begun!"
Welt didn't just use the advantage of his force numbers against Sirin, he also used them to analyze his opponent's limit and tendency. Each of his attacks is calculated to bring the greatest impact against his opponent. The Sovereign of Anti-Entropy takes every advantage he can get and slowly pushed for victory.
On the other hand, Sirin look having a hard time dealing with her enemy's continuously increasing army even though she destroyed them time and time again. The fact that she was cornered by humanity's weapon angered her greatly.
"Don't mock me! I will not be defeated by fake copy like you!"
Instantly a black mark appears in space around Sirin and the same black mark also appears on top of Welt. Considering what is the power of the Second Herrscher it's very obvious what she going to do using her power. Welt's attack goes through that black mark and as what has been expected the same attack appears above him.
"Taste your own attack!"
However, instead of a straight and directly hitting Welt, the trajectory attack is swerved as if to avoid him. None of the attacks come close to hitting the man even though Sirin redirects the attack to be precisely above him.
"As I thought, developing the counter to this certain ability of yours would not be futile."
"C-counter?! I never use this ability against you before! Are you gonna tell me that you can see the future!?"
"Not see the future but see the past. Like I said to you before, with my ability it's not that hard to see what happened in Babylon Lab. And I notice that you few times return the bullets from the gun that was shot directed at you back to the shooter." In Welt's hand, the copy of Star of Eden shines brightly "While I can't stop you from redirecting my attack back to me, I still can influence its direction by manipulating gravity."
For the first time ever since she got this power, Sirin felt fear of defeat. A possibility of getting defeated by her opponent. Sirin pushes all those thoughts back to the deep of her mind. No, she will not lose, she will win against this traitor. She is the chosen one, she won't be defeated by that faker!
The Herrscher of Void chose to use the giant hand and her spear again to battle the army of the Herrscher of Reason.
"What happened Sirin do you have no more abilities that you can show off to me?"
"Shut up! This is more than enough to defeat vermin like you!"
The girl's answer made him smile.
Welt has been waiting for this moment from the beginning. The moment where the Second Herrscher is showing all what she is capable of. Now, that he knows what the extent of her power is, the real attack can be started.
"I am Welt of humanity. And I stand against you dark queen, as a warrior guardian of the human race. Not the chaos of void, but law and reason shall prevail today!"
That was the declaration of the man who bears the name 'Welt'. He is the boy who inherited his heroic will and power. For decades he has been defending the meaning of this name. And he will continue to do so until the end of his life.
The Core of Reason bestows its host the ability to reconstruct objects what the user wishes. The other ability that this authority is also granted him the power to observe something that can't be seen normally and interact with them.
However as strong as it sounds, the power of reason is still had limitations. The major downside of this ability is the user needs fully understand what's going to be reconstructed down to the structural level. Not to say it also lacks the output in comparison to other Herrschers.
It's not had the power that as destructive as Herrscher of Fire
It's not had the speed that as quick as Herrscher of Thunder
It's not had the range that as far as Herrscher of Wind
Yet it doesn't need any of those traits.
The might of the First Herrscher is not in output but by its sheer versatility. Authority of Reason is meant to be used to observe the situation and come up with a solution. This adaptability to any situation is unmatched by other Herrschers.
Such a powerful ability is most suitable for humans to have. Humans have fought for their own survival until this day. By adapting to their situation human become the most dominant species on the planet. Truly the Authority of Reason is meant in the human hand.
If only his body can withstand such power.
From an outside perspective, it seems apparent that Welt is winning and Sirin is the one who cornered. However, that's not entirely true. That's because Welt is the one who is in worse condition than Sirin. In comparison to himself thirty minutes ago, Welt right now looks very frail. His skin looks paler, his body becomes thinner, and there is also blood pouring from his mouth and nose. And all of this is not because of the damage caused by Sirin's attack. Instead, it was damage that came from within Welt's own body.
The Core of Reason slowly destroys Welt's body.
As what the girl been said, Welt is not a true Herscher. His body has poor compatibility with the Core of Reason. By just hosting the Core itself already causing unimaginable pain, let alone tapping its power. That takes him a few years just to get used becomes the host of the Core of Reason itself.
This is the first time Welt uses Core of Reason at this much capacity. And right now, the Core is ripping his body apart from the inside. It feels as if every nerve in his body were burned. And the more he used the Core the more painful it became. It was just by pure willpower that Welt didn't pass out of the pain.
Yet he didn't give up.
Even with how much suffering his body must withstand, Welt refuses to falter. His hero ware entrusted him with that name and power. And so, he will fulfill the role that is given to him no matter how much the cost he must pay. For the people who believe in him, Welt 'Joachim' Yang shall not be failed.
A Herrscher can be considered to be equal as something like a natural disaster itself. The power they hold to bend worldly laws to their whim is enough to end the entire civilization of humanity. It was because of the miracles that the previous era managed to survive until The Final Herrscher. And it's up for interpretation whether it is good or bad that there is remain only one of those miracles that survive to the current era.
Although he is now far weaker than he used to be, Kevin still has enough power to tip the balance between humanity and Honkai. Not that he needs those power in the first place to defeat a Herrscher. A proper weapon is all he needs to handle those envoys of Honkai. Such is a man that bears the title of Humanity's Leader.
Unfortunately, he is now sealed away in a place that made him unable to intervene in the current era. And because of that, the battle between the two Herrscher would happened without the interference from people of the previous era. For the first time in history, the clash between envoys of Honkai happens in this era.
The First who rule over law and reason.
A boy forced to walk the path of his hero. And for that, he had to bear the burden of a name and power that shouldn't belong to him.
The Second who control space and void.
A girl who is lost alone in this world. And ended up misguided by those who see her as only a tool for their own gain.
In some ways, they are similar to each other. Both of them twisted in their own way. They also do what they believe is right. One is disregarding himself for the sake of fulfilling his hero's wish. And the other believes that her revenge on the world is just. Not to say both of that were caused by the same person.
The also same people who had been observing this battle for quite some time.
"Well, well, well. If this isn't this is quite a sight to behold."
Unbeknownst to the two Herrscher, a Clown secretly witnessed their confrontation. The Clown calmly observes the battle between them while enjoying eating a cookie. Even when shown by those otherworldly power, what he only thinks about is how to use it to further his plan. In his eyes, the battle that happens in front of him is can just be considered a small experiment. After all, everything in this world was nothing more than pawns that he can use.
And those powerful beings who are fighting with each other?
They are also no different from the other. In the end, there is only one thing that matters for him. And he wouldn't let anyone to stand in his way. After all, the right to choose their own outcome is not exclusive to a Herrscher.
And so, in this snowfield of Siberia, people of the current era shall be the ones who decided the conclusion of this battle.
This is not a story of a hero and villain.
This is a story of humanity creating the future with their own hand.