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Naturally, Kiana knew what Sirin desired—to regain her standing against Xia Chen. It could be said that for quite some time, Sirin had refrained from instilling hatred towards Kiana, largely due to Xia Chen's initial intervention.
However, it seemed the Herrscher's arrogance led her to propose such a deal, thinking she could manipulate Kiana.
Yet, Sirin appeared confident, chuckling, "Oh, how naive."
Her eyes carried a teasing glint. "Do you truly believe your current strength is enough to defeat a Herrscher?"
"Haven't experienced the despair of being dominated yet, have you?"
"Never mind, you will eventually agree to this deal, sooner or later."
Kiana disregarded the confidence and veiled threat in Sirin's words. Based on her experiences, the more arrogant Sirin became, the greater her eventual downfall.
As if sensing Kiana's thoughts, Sirin responded indignantly, "There will come a time when you'll need me, Kiana."
Kiana paid no heed to her.
After confirming that order had been restored in New Mexico, Kiana commanded the Honkai Beasts back into Virtual Space.
With a portion of the Herrscher's Authority bestowed upon her by Sirin, Kiana gained control over the Honkai Beasts. To them, she was their Queen.
This scene of Kiana directing the Honkai Beasts back into Virtual Space was captured and broadcasted worldwide.
"That person... Is she the commander of Honkai?"
At this point, people were unaware of the term 'Herrscher,' but witnessing Kiana's capabilities left them awestruck.
In some Asian countries, individuals began believing Kiana was divine, even going so far as forming a religion called 'The Church of Kiana.'
Despite all the attention, Kiana felt no joy whatsoever. She sensed from Sirin's words that the Herrscher of Dominance still had further plans.
Alvitr, seemingly aware of Kiana's growing prominence, continued focusing the spotlight on her.
Meanwhile, on the island province of Hainan in Shenzhou.
The Herrscher of Dominance emerged worldwide, and Shenzhou was no exception.
Surprisingly, its presence wasn't found in densely populated cities like Tianqiong or Canghai but rather in Hainan.
The objective of these dolls remained straightforward—to capture Chiyou.
"Old Timer, are you certain we'll find Chiyou here?" On a street, the Herrscher of Sentience questioned Fu Hua, "If I were them, upon hearing that the Herrscher of Sentience has arrived, they would undoubtedly flee in terror."
Book of Fuxi: "Are they truly that cowardly?"
"Hmph, naturally it's because I'm overwhelmingly powerful." The Herrscher of Sentience placed her hands on her hips, exuding pride.
Book of Fuxi: "..."
She couldn't help but glance at Fu Hua, who calmly responded, "Regarding information about the Herrscher of Dominance, I believe things are becoming clearer now. They possess the ability to seize other Herrschers' Authorities, although unproven, Xia Chen wouldn't make such claims without reason."
"So, they might not fear you, Senti."
"They dare to try?" The Herrscher of Sentience bristled immediately. "I am invincible; who could steal from me?"
However, her raised voice inadvertently drew attention from others nearby.
The group glanced at the Herrscher of Sentience without speaking, but their gazes conveyed a clear unspoken sentiment:
"A pity such a fine young lady has that head on her shoulders."
Unaware of the strangers' implied criticism, the Herrscher of Sentience remained oblivious. Fu Hua, feeling exasperated, cautioned, "Their abilities still primarily affect the Dominion Theater. In any case, be cautious and avoid entering it."
Compared to other regions, their situation in Shenzhou was remarkably relaxed.
The reason dolls rarely appeared in Tianqiong or Canghai Cities was quite straightforward. The chaos caused by dolls, sometimes even before manifesting, would often be detected by 'Sky Eye' and promptly controlled. Crucially, most conventional firearms cannot be effectively utilized by these dolls; weapon regulations were not mere lip service.
To sow disorder in Shenzhou, they first needed the capability to obtain weapons—a benefit likely attributable to having a strong government in place.
For dolls aiming to overthrow Shenzhou, harnessing external forces became essential.
Examples included the Herrscher of Sentience and Archon-level Honkai Beasts.
Fu Hua suspected this could be a trap set by dolls, specifically targeting the Herrscher of Sentience. Initially, she intended to handle it alone, but the Herrscher of Sentience refused.
Just as the Herrscher's mindset suggested, they believed themselves invincible against all adversaries.
Moreover, Fu Hua dared not leave the Herrscher of Sentience unattended at Taixuan Mountain; who knew what other Herrschers might attempt?
"Don't worry, Old Timer, I'm not foolish," the Herrscher reassured her, unperturbed by being called an "Old Timer."
Fu Hua simply glanced at the Book of Fuxi and said, "I'll need you to keep watch here."
Strangely, despite not always listening to Fu Hua, the Herrscher of Sentience held a deep affinity for the Book of Fuxi, akin to a child cherishing their favorite toy.
"Relax, stubborn head." The Book of Fuxi paused before continuing, "With me here, nothing will go wrong."
Most of the time, the Book of Fuxi proved remarkably reliable, something Fu Hua had experienced firsthand.
Suddenly, her brows furrowed slightly.
"Old Timer, there's trouble," the Herrscher of Sentience spoke with a grim expression. "They've truly unleashed Chiyou."
Fu Hua pursed her lips. "Good thing I've already alerted the Shenzhou government. Let's go; this war must not drag on for too long."
At that moment, in the South Shenzhou Sea region.
A vast concentration of Honkai Energy was coalescing over the sea, with numerous Honkai Energy reactors amassed on uninhabited islands.
The Herrscher of Dominance, using its hidden identity within human society, had acquired these Honkai Energy reactor units from Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, directly polluting the entire ocean.
They knew well that the Archon Honkai Beast had not truly perished.
Even Benares, sealed away for years in Siberia, remained alive.
As long as the Herrscher Core is not extracted, an Archon Honkai Beast possesses an extraordinarily long lifespan.
Upon reaching the center of the South Shenzhou Sea, Fu Hua's detector showed Honkai Energy levels exceeding 1500hw concentration - sufficient to birth a new Herrscher at such intensity.
"Quite the ambitious move," Fu Hua remarked, slightly narrowing her eyes.
Yet she felt no fear.
Herrscher of Sentience chimed in, "Old Timer, shall we handle it together?"
"No need, I've arranged external assistance." She smiled faintly and said, "If my calculations are correct, the USS Hyperion should be arriving soon."
In modern times, who still engages in direct brawls with Honkai Beasts? It's time to leverage technology!
It's time to bring on the technology!
Meanwhile, in Siberia, Russia.
In this region, once the epicenter of the Second Honkai Eruption, lay dormant the colossal dragon named Benares.
At that moment, the ice encasing it began gradually melting away.
Until finally, a furious roar echoed across the snowy plains!