Raiden Mei stood in front of her classroom door.

She didn't wish to enter. Whatever was behind that door, it had been the last place she wanted to find herself at.

The trajectory of this young girl's life had taken a drastic turn in just a matter of days. Her father had been falsely accused of embezzlement and had been arrested. She had lost her status as the heiress of ME Corp. But this loss didn't bother her.

What agonised her most were the events which followed. Her estate felt cold and barren. She was by herself and wouldn't be able to see her father for the next few years. Her "friends" with whom she grew alongside, began showing their true colours. Having lost her inheritance, she was no longer someone of importance. No longer "worthy" of their friendship.

Instead, she had become their outlet to vent their frustrations and grudges. They refused to believe that her father had been framed. They no longer saw her as a person.

The cruel nature of reality was gnawing at the young girl's heart.

Mei felt alone. Utterly alone.

"Move it, Princess. You're going to get us late for homeroom."

A girl said as she shoved Mei out of the way, causing her to fall to the floor. Her other classmates gave her a scornful look.

Mei got up and dusted her uniform, before sighing and entering the classroom.

She used to sit at the front most desk, but that was no longer a privilege available to her. Her desk was now the corner most one, with scribblings strewn all over.

Where's your daddy, princess?

Just go to jail, already. Drop the innocent act.

You criminal.

Even though Mei tried her best to ignore the hazing, it was impossible to ignore whatever they would write on her desk, no matter how hard she tried. She had to spend her entire day on this desk, after all.

She tried to look outside, tried to find solace in the sound of the rain which trickled down the roof.

Just then, one of the boys grabbed her bag and began inspecting it.

"Give that back."

Mei, having snapped out of her reverie, glared daggers at the teen.

"Nice bag, Princess. How much did your dad embezzle to get you this?"

He asked with a smug expression.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again. My. father. Is. Innocent."

"...Sure, the newspapers and the court are all lying and you're the one who is in the right, isn't that it, Mei?"

The girl who'd knocked her over earlier spoke from a few desks ahead.

"The watch you'd gifted me on my birthday, it's all illegal money, isn't it?"

She asked.

"It… Isn't!"

Mei tried to argue further, only for the homeroom teacher to walk in.

The boy who'd taken the bag threw it towards Mei, causing books to fall to the floor.

Everyone stood to greet the teacher, while Mei knelt to pick the books.

"Tch. You're still here?"

Her homeroom teacher grunted irritably.

"I apologise, Sir!"

Mei hurriedly put the books in her bag and bowed in front of the teacher.

"... You rich folk are all the same."

Mei raised her head slightly. She could see the hateful gazes of her classmates and her teacher aimed at her.

"We're committed to a certain standard of excellence yet we've got a child of a convict in our class… Our nation's future is doomed."

Tears welled up in Mei's eyes. It hadn't even been half an hour since she arrived at school.

"Seriously, though. Students like yourself don't belong in Chiba High. How are you still here? Did your father bribe the authorities with fraudulent money?"

She could tolerate insults aimed at her but couldn't tolerate slander against the one who raised her. This had always been her nature.

"My father is not a criminal! He has been framed by riv-"

SPLAT

Mei felt sharp pain as a piece of chalk was hurled directly at her forehead by the teacher.

"You dare raise your voice in my classroom?"

She could still feel the sting of the chalk.

"I can't believe we work 9 to 5 every, SINGLE day, living honest lives and paying taxes and bills for every little thing yet it's OUR lives which are full of struggles while the likes of rich ones such as yourself… Do whatever you damn please and get away with it by just saying throwing your money.."

The teacher pinched the bridge of his nose out of exasperation.

"Your father accepted his crimes and was justly arrested for them. Yet… you stand here and deny them. To commit crimes is one thing, to deny them… Is a crime far worse, Raiden Mei.."

Mei grit her teeth. For unknown reasons, she was unable to keep her emotions in control.

"... Shut up."

"Huh? What was that?"

The teacher was surprised by the girl's response.

WOOSH

The very piece of chalk which had hit her, had just flown past him, at an impossible speed, crashing into the board behind him and shattering into bits.

"I asked you to shut up."

For a moment, there was a glint of red in her violet eyes.

The teacher recoiled backwards, out of fear. He had never heard Raiden Mei use such a tone.

Students immediately got up and stood between her and the teacher.

"Raiden.. Have you gone insane?! How could you attack our teacher like this?!"

A boy asked, his posture a cautious one.

"You're finally showing your true colors… Your kindness, your friendship… It was all a facade to satisfy your ego and push us around as you see fit… Aren't I right?"

Another girl suggested.

"Do you think we're beneath you? That we're your little pawns who'll do whatever you ask of us just because you graced us with a few sweet words?... I didn't know you'd be this pathetic, Raiden Mei… I..I looked up to you.."

Yet another student joined in.

Mei's eyes faltered as she too, stepped back, with shaky breaths. She had just realised what she had done. She attacked a teacher. Her school life, in simple terms, is over.

She was now desperately holding onto the few threads of her sanity.

"We all looked up to you.. But knowing the truth about your family.. We were wrong to do so… You're no role model.."

The girl who had knocked her over earlier that morning spoke.

"... You're subhuman."

She finished her sentence.

Mei felt something warm flow down her cheeks. She was crying. She could feel ringing in her ears. Her legs felt weak.

No longer able to hear what the people in front of her were saying, she could barely make out their visages through her blurred vision.

She wanted to run, but the door was blocked by her classmates who stood in front of her, glaring at her with hateful eyes, wishing for the worst upon her.

What was she supposed to do?

Subhuman…?

She remembered what her classmate said.

Father… Are we really the ones in the wrong?

But then, a voice within her spoke-

"You've always helped them out of your own selflessness. They made you do their bidding. They said they were your friends, yet here you are, being demeaned by these very people."

"Your father too was framed by these very humans."

"If humans are like this, don't you think it's better to not be human at all?"

That's right..

If people are like this….

"Then they are better off dead."

A sinister smile spread across her face. She'd given in to the voice reaching out to her, as the vestigial threads of humanity snapped.

The last thing she remembered was the sound of thunder.

.

.

.

.

When she regained her senses, she'd felt the warm rays of sunlight on her skin.

She was at the rooftop of her school.

Her eyes widened with shock, as she witnessed Nagazora, her hometown, lie in front of her, reduced to rubble.

I… Did this?

She looked at her own palm. She could feel blood rushing into it. It was as if, moments ago, someone had held onto her as if their life mattered on it.

Ah.

She remembered.

She jolted to her side, only to see a girl with silver white hair and eyes sparkling a bright blue, smiling at her.

"Are you alright now?"

She… saved me..someone like me…

Mei couldn't help but smile in return.

This girl…

Her smile… it's beautiful.

That was all Raiden Mei could think.

2 years later.

Raiden Mei once again found herself at this very rooftop, by a twisted play of fate.

Mei looked up at the dark, cloudy sky and closed her eyes shut, waiting for the Divine key to fire.

Only by parting ways with her beloved, could Raiden Mei protect the smile she cherished oh so much.

SCHICKSAL HQ

Bianka Ataegina sighed internally.

I shouldn't be doing this…

She narrowly dodged a punch from Kiana. The girl in front of the Bright Knight was nothing but a prodigy. There was a stark gap from her combat performance when they had first met each other.

While this was a development Bianka should've been proud of, it didn't change the truth. Kiana was dying. Her body didn't support her, yet here she was, surpassing herself day by day. Was it a miracle? Or was it sheer will?

Kiana… Why are you so desperate? What are you trying to prove?

"Eyes on me, Miss Durandal!"

Bianka hadn't noticed Kiana's incoming heel.

THUD

The force of the kick pushed Bianka back with a dust of smoke.

"You're zoning out like Mister Otto! What's the matter with you?!"

Bianka chuckled.

There was a lot on her mind - from Kiana's health to the Overseer's sudden disappearance earlier that afternoon. Rita had said he had an urgent operations meeting.

A meeting the captain of Immortal Blades was not informed of.

Rita too was presumably ordered to not divulge any information.

Where could he have gone?

She felt a little dejected. It wouldn't hurt the Overseer to trust her more. But judging from what she'd heard from Void Archives, this was perhaps his way of trying to keep her out of harm's reach.

But… I'm still a valkyrie. I'm supposed to be out there more.

She blocked Kiana's fist with her left hand, not even looking at her attacker.

"Hey! Aren't you being a little mean?! You're not even paying attention!"

"Enough sparring. Drink water and go back to your quarters."

Bianka tried to be stern, she wasn't going to have any of Kiana's excuses.

Kiana pouted for a moment, as if to argue but then decided against it.

"Aye-aye, Bianka-sama!"

She cheered as she began walking away. But then she stopped and spun around.

"Miss Durandal?"

"What is it, Kiana?"

"Where's Mister Overseer? He said he'd bring lunch but you showed up instead!"

"He's gone for an important meeting.."

"Hmm.. But where to?"

"I…"

"You don't know? Then why don't we ask Miss Amber? I'm sure she'd know!"

"We shouldn't interfere with the Overseer's personal mat-"

"But aren't you curious either? I'm sure Mister Otto's why you were zoning out earlier, weren't you?"

Bianka sighed.

"Yes. You're right. While he's incredibly strong and should be just fine.. I still can't help but feel queasy when he leaves on his own.."

She remembered the nightmarish scene she'd witnessed in Arc City. It was something she couldn't forget even if she wanted to.

"... Mhm.. Let's just hurry.."

Kiana too seemed downtrodden. She too remembered that night, just as vividly as Bianka did.

"But would she tell us anything?"

"Only one way to find out, Miss Durandal!"

OVERSEER'S SANCTUM - SCHICKSAL HQ

Amber was busy reviewing finance logs, referring to personal notes left behind by Otto.

Overseer Otto had reduced her workload greatly, but she still retained her core duties. After all, she was his secretary.

Bianka and Kiana walked into the office.

Amber turned towards them at once.

"Miss Ataegina. Miss Kaslana. Welcome. Overseer Otto isn't available at the moment. Do you require assistance with anything?"

She bowed to greet the Valkyries.

Her voice.. She sounds… Happier?

Bianka could tell. She was used to Amber's monotonous mannerisms, but now, she seemed different.

It was true, the quality of Amber's life had improved greatly. She now received apt recognition for her position and her schedule was now more flexible than ever.

"Miss Amber, could you… Please tell us where the Overseer is?"

"I'm afraid that is classified information which I'm not allowed to disclose. My sincere apologies, Captain Durandal."

Kiana opened her mouth to protest, but Amber's firm demeanour made it clear that her actions will be futile.

"is he… Alright?"

She asked with a defeated sigh.

"Rest assured. The Overseer is just fine."

"Looks like we'll have to make do with that, Miss Kiana"

Bianka spoke.

"Mhhm.."

Before they could leave, however…

A light flashed on Amber's terminal.

URGENT COMM REQUEST

THERESA APOCALYPSE

"Principal…?"

The urgent nature of this call made Kiana feel uneasy.

The face of the St. Freya Principal covered the screen. She seemed extremely distressed.

"Amber!"

"Calm down, Miss Theresa. What is the matter?"

"Raiden Mei! She has gone missing! The… The failsafe implant …it has been deactivated! We've got no idea where she is! And… Gr-Grandpa… I can't reach him!"

"What? That's not possible! Overseer Otto always responds to the emergency frequency assigned to both of us!"

Amber now felt anxiety seeping in. She turned a dial on her wristband, as a holographic screen appeared in front of her.

Haphazard static.

".. mber !.. Don't.. Let…. iana..eave!… erpent… under?!…"

It was definitely Otto's voice, but it was impossible to decipher what he'd just said.

The sound of heavy static filled the sanctum.

Amber turned back to Theresa.

"I'm currently at St. Freya… I've..ordered Himeko and the Hyperion to investigate this entire situation…"

Just then, another panel, one belonging to the former Valkyrie, Himeko, popped on the screen.

"We've received severe electromagnetic fluctuations from the regions surrounding Nagazora. Given Raiden Mei's history and the nature of her abilities.. We feel this is where she most likely is. We are headed to Nagazora as we speak."

"Nagazora… Th-That's.. Where Lord Otto is.."

Amber stuttered.

Theresa held her head in her hands.

"Just… What is going on..?"

Amber collected herself.

"Miss Theresa! Order the Hyperion to maintain a safe distance! Kevin Kaslana and the operatives of World Serpent have gathered at Nagazora to hold an audience with Lord Otto! Do not expose the Hyperion to such danger!"

"But we can't just sit idly!"

"Miss Bianka! Are the Immortal Blades ready for deployment?"

Bianka's widened eyes snapped back to focus as she replied,

"Negative. They are worn out from the Previous operation. Furthermore, World Serpent is likely to take drastic action if an entire Schicksal Fleet were to show up. Keeping all of this in mind, I feel it is best that I go alone."

She reasoned with a calm tone. She'd learnt to keep her cool and formulate battle plans from the one who raised her.

"Alone?! Bianka, you're no doubt the strongest, but this is a risk too big!"

Theresa exclaimed.

"Madam Theresa, I am confident in my abilities. Furthermore, if I am able to regroup with the Lord Overseer, then handling the situation will become much more simpler."

"... I see. I'm counting on you, Bianka. Hyperion will stand by at a safe distance."

Theresa approved of Bianka's plan.

However, amidst this entire chaos.. They'd forgotten about one person.

Kiana Kaslana stood absolutely still in the sanctum. Her jaw was loose and her eyes were unfocused. This was all too much for her to take in at once.

"Kiana!"

Her attention was brought back to the Bright Knight who held her hand.

"I want you to trust me. I will bring back Raiden Mei and Overseer Otto. I know you want to come with me, but please. It is for the best that you stand back. Your body cannot handle this situation. Do you understand?"

"Y-Yes…"

Kiana replied, in a daze.

"Come with me, I'll take you to your quarters!"

Bianka left the room with Kiana in tow.

As she briskly walked through the corridor, she suddenly heard a blunt sound behind her.

THUD

She turned back to see Kiana barely supporting herself by the wall, as if in great pain.

"... Conquest… It's gone… "

"Miss Kiana, are you alright?!"

She hurried towards Kiana, not having paid attention to her words.

"... Why?"

Kiana asked herself. But then, her face resolved.

"Forgive me, Miss Durandal."

A void portal appeared behind Kiana.

Bianka's eyes widened, as she dashed onward with the greatest speed she could possibly reach.

But the girl managed to slip away by a fraction of a second.

"... Tch.."

Bianka felt frustrated. She'd never found herself in such a situation.

The best course of action was now undeniably, heading to Ground Zero herself.

The Bright Knight donned her godsbane suit, armed herself with the Abyss flower and strode off towards the hangar.

Overseer Otto will have to do some answering after this…

That was right. There were a lot of questions she needed answers to. But now was not the time.

.

.

.

.

.

Bianka could only hear the gentle humming of the engines as she steadied her breaths.

It wasn't like her to feel anxious over a mission but she could not help but worry.

Kiana, in such a short span of time, had warmed up to her and was at this point, the closest thing Bianka had to a sister.

Schicksal's strongest valkyrie wasn't going to let anything happen to her.

"You're nearing the EM Disruption zone, do not be alarmed by the inevitable loss of communication."

Amber remarked. She had taken over for this operation, as the immortal Blades weren't informed.

"Roger"

"You are to regroup with Overseer Otto and locate Kiana Kaslana and Raiden Mei, while also ensuring their safety. Do you understand?"

"Roger."

Bianka repeated.

"Very Well. All the b-"

BOOM

An incredibly strong tremor was felt, which flung the airborne dropship away from its path.

The Second Divine key had been fired.

"Impossible! That was the second divine key!...

No way… Our access to the satellite key has been blocked!"

Amber exclaimed over the intercoms.

"What?! This is absurd!"

Just…. What is going on?!

Not seeing any other way out, Bianka resorted to an emergency eject, which shot her out of the dropship.

But, she couldn't move her body as she wished to.

"What is… This?"

She was being pulled into the violet beacon.

".. Magnetic… Dis. Tion… Mmnt.."

The divine key had made the interference worse.

From here on out, Durandal was on her own.

ABYSS FLOWER - FAUNA GENERATION

Durandal used the Abyss Flower to create obstacles to stablize herself, but to no avail.

She was being sucked into the beacon and she couldn't do anything about it.

Please… Not now…

She grit her teeth as she tried to hold on.

Forgive me, Kiana. I don't think I'll be able to make it in time.

Mister Otto… I hope you're fine.. I hope… You save her… Like you always do.

The Bright Knight closed her eyes.

When she opened them, however, she found herself standing over a patch of grass.

In front of her, was a huge tree and under it, sat a man with long, gray hair.

He held up a leaf in his hand.

"Welcome, Visitor."

He spoke, his eyes closed, his head pointed downwards.

Bianka pointed her lance at him.

What had she gotten herself into this time?

.

.

Whatever it was, she didn't have the time for it. Her patience was wearing thin.

The man sighed.

"I don't think that would work here, Bianka Ataegina."

She stared at the man with disbelief.

"Who are you? Why am I here?"

She asked.

.

.

.

.

.

.

EARLIER THAT DAY

NAGAZORA OUTSKIRTS

Otto Apocalypse stood atop the open cockpit of his RPC-6626 unit. He'd supported himself by the edge.

It was a portrait worthy sight, if it weren't for the expression on the Overseer's face.

He had deviated too far from the Deliverer's plan and was certainly going to incur his wrath.

"He's really going to keep us waiting, huh?"

I guess so.

"Pretty nostalgic, isn't it? We'd been in this exact spot before.."

The bluff I'd given him that day was one I was certainly proud of.

"I must say, your claim to delay Project Stigma was indeed impressive. But this time, how do you even intend to stop him?"

We either stop him or sabotage project stigma in its entirety. I still don't have a clear idea of what exactly he is trying to do.

If possible, I'm going to get answers from him today.

"Interrogating the one who has him at gun point… what else was I to expect from this boy.."

Void Archives sneered.

Otto chuckled.

What is Kevin even thinking? I can already detect World Serpent personnel littered across this town. Though they've left the centre untouched…

".. Hold on. Those coordinates… isn't that where you used Cosmic Juggernaut?"

Otto's eyes widened.

The second divine key… This can't be a coincidence…

Just then, with an audible boom, the Sire of World Serpent flew into Otto's sight.

"All Hail the World Serpent."

Otto spoke, in a voice full of hypocrisy.

"..."

Kevin offered no response. His eyes clearly spoke of his intentions.

"Ah, I was merely trying to lighten the mood before we began our conversation. Anyway, I humbly greet the Sire of World Serpent. I have arrived as you had ordered me to as such. But… Are you here to declare war on me?"

"Why did you deviate from our agreed objective?"

Kevin paid no regard to the Overseer's question and instead posed one of his own.

"Trying to procure the Herrscher in stasis had become exceedingly difficult, especially when another herrscher had entered the fray, which is why I chose to -"

"I've received reports from Raven. You staged the incident with Void Archives."

"Like I said, it was difficult to use the sceptre of Duat as one of our S Rank Valkyries had to retreat owing to medical complications. We were short of on field staff and resorted to the better alternatives. The Herrscher of Ice was still conscious of her humanity and the Herrscher of Stars too had human motivations. We simply used those to our advantage."

"I am well aware you do not intend to hand them over. You do not need to concoct stories. The World Serpent does not wish to war with Schicksal. We only need your support to further our own project. Your transgressions have slown down the pace of Project Stigma. Let this be a warning, Overseer. Do not act on your own accord."

"Sire, if I may ask… What use would herrscher cores serve for a project which aims to induce stigmata in the human population?"

Otto asked, his eyes narrow.

"..."

"Something like that can easily be accomplished by low density cascade bombs, while yes, the casualties will be uncountable, it will still preserve a satisfactory number of survivors. Herrschers…their authorities and abilities are sourced from another plane, one in which humanity cannot possibly be defined."

"... "

"Kevin… Just…what are you up to?"

Otto glared daggers at Kevin.

The more the Overseer thought over the instructions he'd been given, the more suspicious Project Stigma became.

"You are to do as you're told. You either submit or you die."

Kevin responded in kind.

Otto felt the air around him chill at an unnatural pace.

"I apologise for having offended you, Sire. But, I do feel that it is too early for you to resort to Project Stigma. You've seen it, haven't you? Herrschers can be made to regain their humanity. If we keep this up, we will certainly have a plausible opportunity to thwart fin-"

"You do not know the horrors of Finality. No matter how many herrschers you rally, they are all powerless in the face of the End. Project Stigma is the only way."

Kevin interrupted.

"You fail to see that the Herrschers too are huma-"

"There is no such thing as a Human Herrscher."

Kevin interrupted yet again, his eyes wide.

Otto felt a shudder run down his spine.

Had he crossed a line?

Kevin closed his eyes and sighed. When he opened them again, his regular cold expression had returned.

He inhaled deeply.

"You had a Valkyrie who had to retreat because of a medical complication, correct?"

Otto felt unsettled. Why was he asking about Kiana?

"Why, yes.. But why do you ask of h-"

BOOOM

Otto witnessed a flash of bright violet in his peripheral vision. A huge beam of light fell on the centre of Nagazora, far away from where Otto and Kevin currently were.

"This is unbelievable… World Serpent… locked us out of our own Satellite…"

This was when Kevin's former question struck Otto.

Otto stared with wide eyes at the man before him.

The Sire of World Serpent… He too… Was a schemer.

Was I played with in my past life? The deal I had made with him… That's not what he's after.. What he really wanted from this was…

Otto immediately brought his wrist close and spoke-

"Amber! The World Serpent is trying to awaken the Herrscher of Thunder! Do NOT let Kiana escape HQ, Do you understand me?! Amber?! Do you read?!"

Static. This was certainly the results of Electromagnetic Distortions.

Looks like the Herrscher of Thunder had already awoken.

"Raiden Mei still could use her authorities with ease after her failsafe device was disabled. However, the authority was too weak to compare her to the true herrscher of thunder. We're merely using the second divine key to catalyse her ascension."

Kevin explained.

"You… Why are you doing this? Do you have any idea of what you've done?"

"I have done you a favor. Without the gem of conquest Kiana Kaslana - or as you called her, K423, will be able to recover her lifespan and performance."

"...You've lived for so long that you've begun to trample on emotions.."

"I didn't expect to hear that from you, Overseer. Love, will, hope… those can only get one so far. I thought you, of all people, knew that. I am aware of your history. I am aware of all you have accomplished in your short tenure. I am also aware of the lives you had trampled over to do just that- which was why I presented my offer to you. Do not swim in the foolish delusions of hope, Overseer. One cannot win against the Honkai with ideals alone."

Otto fell silent. He too had been like the man in front of him. No, he was worse. His goal wasn't to save mankind, like Kevin's was. In fact, he hadn't really cared about the fate of mankind up until the Second Eruption when he had realized that his obsessions were futile…

Otto would've agreed with Kevin but now, he found himself shocked.

Is this what Master Jingwei felt when he pulled a gun on her?

No.. Now is not the time…

"I must get to Mei. Sudden removal of the Gem of Conquest might cause a life threatening backflow of honkai energy! I cannot let this happen!"

Otto turned towards the beam from the second divine key. He needed to hurry.

Not only for the sake of Kiana's ideals, but also for the well being of Mei and Kiana.

"If she absorbs enough Honkai energy, she will be able to recreate her core, while Kiana will lose hers. She had succeeded in doing so last time."

But we cannot risk the back flow! Those girls aren't aware of how risky this is!

The familiar roaring of a divine key stopped Otto in his tracks.

Kevin was pointing the Might of An-Utu in Otto's direction.

"The girl will survive. You need not interfere."

"..."

"Otto Apocalypse… Friend. Or. Foe. Make your choice."

The Overseer stared at Kevin, his mouth slightly parted.

MEANWHILE..

Raiden Mei, having reached an agreement with her alter ego, was slaying beast after beast, amassing as much honkai energy as possible.

Just a little longer…

She dashed out just in time, avoiding the ambush of a void chela and then drove her katana right through its centre.

A group of Void Gorgons and Void Chariots charged at her all at once.

The girl sheathed her blade.

She grit her teeth and inhaled sharply, as she turned her body to prepare her weapon.

CLICK

The sound of the blade releasing from the hilt was heard, as a dozen afterimages dashed across every hostile in sight.

Click.

A more subtle sound, one of sheathing the blade was heard, as the girl sighed.

All of the beasts exploded simultaneously.

Her power was indeed growing.

Raiden Mei's eyes jolted open from the sudden surge of energy.

Thunderstruck, just like that day.

The Herrscher of Thunder had returned.

I've… Done it…

She stared at the giant, almost mechanical arms surrounding her.

She sighed.

All she had to do now was regroup with Raven. But before she did so, she wished to look at Nagazora from that rooftop once more.

So she leapt.

.

.

.

She didn't know what to feel. She'd thought the city couldn't get any worse than what it was two years ago, but she had been proven wrong. The Second Divine key had devastated whatever remained of Nagazora.

Drip. Drip.. Drip….

It had begun raining.

Mei looked up at the sky..

How she longed to go back…

How she longed to see her smile once more…

"I figured I'd find you here… Mei-Senpai.."

The all familiar voice snapped her out of her melancholy.

"Kiana… Why have you come here?"

Mei stared at the girl coldly. She was trying to hide her anguish. One of Kiana's eyes shone a bright amber. She clearly looked ill.

"Don't you… think I'm the one who should be asking you that?"

"I've reclaimed the gem of conquest and have chosen to join World Serpent."

Kiana's eyes widened with disbelief.

"... This has to be a joke… Mei-senpai… you're kidding… Right?"

"..."

"... No… Do you know what they are?"

"That is irrelevant."

"How could you say that! They're all criminals! They experimented on civilians! They… They tried to bomb all of Arc City! They are terrorists! I can't let you join them!"

Kiana lashed out. Her head was in her arms.

"To join them is my choice, Kiana. I promised them to do so. Please… Do not worry about me anymore."

"... Just… Why… Miss Durandal lost countless Valkyries… Mister Otto… He.."

Kiana shuddered.

"..."

"All that.. And you want to join them?!"

"I don't care."

Her eyes snapped at the Herrscher of Thunder.

"You… idiot! I'm not letting you leave!"

Kiana charged forward with a punch.

Mei stepped to the side, avoiding it cleanly. She tried to hit Kiana's neck to knock her out, but Kiana immediately transitioned into a sweeping kick, knocking Mei off balance.

Kiana held two fingers and plunged them forward, aiming at Mei's face.

She reacted just in time by kicking her hand away in a spinning motion, before cartwheeling backwards.

Her fighting style has changed completely. Kiana… Just what have you seen in these last few months?

There were little flaws in the girl's combat abilities. A performance fitting for a S Rank Valkyrie in training.

Mei had to settle this quickly. She began her own attack. But, was met with an even greater surprise.

Kiana was blocking and countering her hits like a machine.

Mei grunted and charged a fist with lighting and tried to punch Kiana.

The white haired girl widened her eyes, as her stance gave way. She took a step back.

With this… I Can-

"UGH-"

Mei felt the air leave her lungs. Kiana was now beside her, one of her fists, right in contact with Mei's abdomen.

Kiana spun around and used her free hand to drive Mei's head into the ground.

A technique she'd improvised after seeing the Overseer fight for months.

"This is it, Mei-senpai. Don't worry. It will all be alright… now let's.. Just… go home.."

She tried to reason, but the tears flowing from her eyes made it hard to speak.

Raiden Mei had completely underestimated Kiana. She found herself beyond impressed and terrified by the growth of her beloved. But she had her end of the deal to fulfill.

She couldn't stop here.

Sparks congregated. Sensing danger, Kiana flipped backwards.

The Herrscher arms manifested along with a blade, almost the height of Mei herself.

This was the Herrscher of Thunder.

"Mei… If this is how it is… then I.."

Kiana stifled her sobs and wiped her tears.

She opened her eyes again.

Both of them were now blue.

"I, Kiana Kaslana, order you as a S-Rank Valkyrie in training to submit. In the name of Schicksal, I cannot allow you to become a traitor."

Kiana was a spitting image of Bianka Ataegina, her hair unfurled, her eyes resolute.

"I have no intentions of complying, Kiana."

Two void portals opened out of which Kiana withdrew her lance and one of the pistols the Overseer himself had made for her.

She pointed the gun at the one she loved.

KNIGHT MOONBEAM : 50%

The godsbane suit materialised over the girl's existing battlesuit. Three wings of pure honkai energy sprouted on the right side of her body.

"So be it."

She fired the pistol.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Otto Apocalypse… Friend. Or. Foe. Make your choice."

If it has come to this… Then…

"Are you sure about this, Boy?"

DRIP.. DRIP..

Otto didn't answer. He untied his hair and looked up at the sky.

He felt the rainwater fall on his face.

"Kevin Kaslana… I'm a little obsessed with my ideals…"

MIMICRY OF CLEAVER OF SHAMASH

IMAGINARY AUTHORITY

NIHILUS SEED - LIMITER : 40%

Golden lines across Otto's body shone brightly, as pieces of black and gold snapped onto him.

"And when I'm obsessed with something… No one… can stand in my way.. Not the Honkai, nor the Imaginary Tree…."

He pointed the Cleaver at Kevin.

"Nor even god."

CHAPTER 14 - END

Author's Note:

Reinvention is BACK!

I know I delayed it a little longer than I should've, but I had several reasons for doing so. I was preparing for a major university entrance examination which was in January (Another in April, May and June) and that took most of my time and energy.

Another reason was that I wanted to see where the current arc leads us to.

I'm going to be honest. I didn't like it one bit.

I've decided to stick to my own plot for this fic, I might incorporate a few things from the game which I liked, otherwise I'm going to write the story as I originally planned it to be.

Nevertheless, I hope the old followers of this story are still around, if so, then I hope you've been doing well.

A very late happy new year and I sincerely hope this year goes well for all of you!

As always let me know how you liked this chapter. Take care and stay healthy!

I know several things from Ingame have been omitted here, but be not afraid, I've got plans for that too. You'll see in the next episode of Dragon Ball Z.