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Chapter 226 - Volume 4, Chapter 39: The Theater of Despair

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The method to counteract the Herrscher of Dominance is quite simple: make it despair.

This was the strategy revealed by Xia Chen to Schicksal and Kiana.

To induce despair in these dolls, they must realize that no matter how recklessly they act, it will not alter the course of the world.

The world's progression cannot be disrupted by human despair; it follows its own inherent laws.

Xia Chen could only disclose so much information. In his deal with Otto, one aspect involved refraining from interference regarding the Herrscher of Dominance.

This served as Kiana's final opportunity for growth, a crucial chance she couldn't afford to miss if she wished to mature further.

Coral Island's Honkai event had been too abrupt for Kiana, while Otto undoubtedly placed significant stakes on her development.

Xia Chen had already significantly altered the future of this world, leaving uncertain whether Kiana would indeed grow into the anticipated form.

Even someone as wise as Otto lacked certainty.

A predictable future ceases to be a true 'future'; instead, it becomes a scripted narrative.

Due to this uncertainty, Otto proceeded cautiously at every step, including the initial stages of Sirin Project.

Now, this moment offered the last remaining margin for error within the entire project.

Of course, Kiana remained unaware of these complexities. Or perhaps she was conscious of them, but now wasn't the time to dwell on such matters.

Since Schicksal had pledged assistance in finding Siegfried, she had nothing to fear.

Gazing at the rampaging doll with indifferent eyes, she declared:

"If you insist we are gods..."

"Then let me employ some divine means."

Ordinary methods could no longer save this chaotic city; it might be better to try something unconventional.

She opened Virtual Space, and countless Honkai Beasts emerged, crawling out from within.

As these beasts appeared, nearly all gunfire across the city ceased. Regardless of which side they belonged to, the sight of such monstrous creatures instilled fear in everyone.

The doll's voice, sharp and grating, taunted, "Oh, have you given up already? Or did you finally understand and decide to join us?"

"Only by becoming gods and transforming the entire world into a divine paradise can civilization endure. Gods will bless their paradises, ensuring its continuity, wouldn't you agree?"

Ignoring the doll, Kiana controlled the Honkai Beasts to patrol the streets.

She spoke confidently, "Alvitr, it's time to begin preparations."

"Understood."

Alvitr paused before continuing, "The satellite has zoomed in on the Honkai Beasts in New Mexico. Soon, the United Nations will announce the existence of Honkai to the world."

Announcing Honkai publicly was something Schicksal and Anti-Entropy had discussed.

While it wasn't clear how Schicksal managed to conceal Honkai's presence until now, as chaos continued escalating worldwide, maintaining secrecy would only exacerbate disorder further.

Moreover, implementing Anti-Entropy's Entropy Reduction Plan required cooperation from all nations.

After obtaining data from Coral Island's Honkai outbreak, Schicksal needed to intervene in major cities. However, gathering resources for the Entropy Reduction Plan was challenging even for Schicksal and Anti-Entropy combined within the given timeframe.

With more time, this wouldn't have been an issue. But currently, what they lacked most was precisely that—time.

Schicksal had to take the lead, securing its authority.

Even if this might foster corruption and ambition within Schicksal itself, it was still the least costly approach.

Kiana's task was straightforward: since the doll sought chaos, she would use the power of Honkai to establish order.

"Rin has taken control of the information system and started broadcasting the recorded video," Alvitr announced.

As her voice echoed, the disaster known as Honkai began spreading across the entire world.

Shock, confusion, conspiracy theories emerged in abundance—all inevitable stages people go through when confronted with truth.

While others merely heard about this catastrophe through news reports, residents of New Mexico City witnessed it firsthand.

A colossal stone monster, resembling a mountain, lumbered along their streets. Some tried to drive it away with gunfire, but under Kiana's control, the Honkai Beasts refrained from retaliating.

Kiana's gaze remained calm as she observed the dolls.

"See how effortlessly divine authority can be wielded," she said. "Establishing the order you desire is just within reach, isn't it?"

A hint of mockery curled her lips. "Compared to your methods, they're laborious and inefficient."

The dolls seemed incredulous.

"How could this be...?" one muttered.

"You've clearly betrayed God's will, becoming His forsaken disciple. How can you still possess the power to control Honkai Beasts?"

As if their faith were crumbling, another doll exclaimed, "We are the true favored ones of God, while you are the traitor!"

"Hmph." The corners of Kiana's mouth involuntarily lifted in scorn. "I thought your devotion to God was unwavering, yet here you are, enraged at Him simply because you didn't receive the expected benefits? Such pettiness."

"Pretending to be gods while acting like mere lapdogs—how truly pathetic."

One of her eyes turned gilded as she commanded the Honkai Beasts under her control, "Tear them apart."

The Honkai Beasts began their assault on the dolls.

Apparently still incredulous that Kiana could command Honkai Beasts, they offered no resistance whatsoever.

This must be what it feels like when faith collapses entirely.

How laughable—these disorganized rabble claiming to have beliefs!

As Kiana took control of Honkai Beasts across New Mexico, people finally understood the nature of the disasters that had struck Siberia, Nagazora City, Manila, and Coral Island before.

Just as a group was preparing for a protest march against Schicksal,

Alvitr broadcasted live footage of the Honkai Beasts summoned by Kiana in New Mexico.

It dawned on everyone then that, facing these colossal moving mountains known as Honkai Beasts, their own strength amounted to nothing.

In what seemed like a display of might, Alvitr also aired clips of Durandal combating Honkai Beasts. According to Schicksal's narrative, Durandal was their banner, making her the focal point of their propaganda efforts.

Witnessing the Imperial Honkai Beast, likely weighing tens of tons, effortlessly kicked away by Durandal left viewers utterly astounded.

The display was utterly awe-inspiring.

And when people learned that Schicksal Headquarters floated perpetually above the Mediterranean Sea, virtually everyone was astounded.

Anyone with basic physics knowledge understood how much energy it would require to maintain such a massive airborne structure indefinitely.

Wait, given current technology, achieving a large-scale floating building like this should have been impossible, right? After all, air buoyancy is negligible at best.

Schicksal...

Just what kind of organization were they?

Meanwhile, Kiana's battle had yet to reach its conclusion.

She had embraced her identity as a Herrscher, but this wasn't the end Otto sought.

Another light invitation fluttered into Kiana's hands.

The fury in the young girl's eyes could hardly be concealed.

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