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"To those living in the poorest nations, earning five dollars per hour seems luxurious, yet it's considered insignificant in wealthier countries. For people in affluent societies, dignity and the freedom to travel at will are also luxuries, though commonplace among the rich. And for the wealthy, wielding global power may seem extravagant, but it comes effortlessly to me."
"Yet even what I perceive as luxuries can be cheaply attainable for someone else without any cost. This world truly is unfair."
Within the Dominion Theater, Otto could sense new World Branches emerging.
He never anticipated that merely creating an illusion about the Second Honkai Eruption would enable "God" to detect Kiana's resonance.
The illusion he crafted had become a fork branching off one of the World Branches.
Otto didn't know if this fork would sprout further branches.
All he knew was that God genuinely favored Kiana.
Was it due to her privileges as a Herrscher? Or perhaps she was inherently blessed and irreplaceable?
Otto couldn't tell, as comprehending 'God' has always been elusive.
He found himself mocking his own feelings, unexpectedly envying another person intensely one day.
But it doesn't matter anymore.
His task is nearly complete, and soon, the Herrscher of Dominance should exit the stage.
Meanwhile, in Africa.
Durandal and Rita arrived at the World Serpent Base, located by Schicksal's satellite surveillance system.
Their objective was straightforward—to find Siegfried.
Initially, Durandal had considered launching a direct assault on the World Serpent. However, considering her position, she managed to suppress her fury. Despite their ruthless methods, the World Serpent possessed wealth and knowledge inherited from the previous civilization that Schicksal couldn't match.
After all, Durandal didn't have access to the Void Archives.
So instead, they came for negotiations.
The World Serpent reciprocated with respect, sending Kevin as their representative for the talks.
He spoke calmly, "I am aware of your intentions, but his condition has deteriorated beyond repair. Only the World Serpent can save him now."
"Why should I trust you?"
"And why should I care if you do or not?" Kevin's response left Durandal momentarily speechless.
Instinctively gripping Abyss Flower, she had taken the risk of bringing this Divine Key, demonstrating just how seriously she regarded this mission.
Rita smiled gently and suggested, "Given the current situation, acting impulsively isn't wise. Why don't we sit down and discuss this?"
Durandal always listened to Rita.
And Kevin...
He glanced at her briefly before silently nodding in agreement.
Kevin felt indifferent towards Schicksal—or rather, human civilization as a whole held little significance for him. The fate of these people mattered not; his sole desire was to defeat Honkai.
Even if it meant sacrificing everything, he would do so without hesitation.
Rita smiled faintly. Naturally, their willingness to take such great risks on this visit wasn't solely due to Siegfried's condition.
"The World Serpent must be aware of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy's plans by now. As the esteemed Lord of the World Serpent and a warrior from the previous civilization era, we value your insights."
Experience was what Schicksal currently lacked most.
After Otto took away the Void Archives, all connections between the previous civilization era and Schicksal were severed. Even concepts considered common knowledge from that time required significant effort for Amber and others to comprehend.
This is why, following Otto's departure, Schicksal swiftly fell under Anti-Entropy's plan dominance.
Anti-Entropy had its own vision, while Schicksal lacked direction.
Durandal and Amber didn't find this concerning, but Rita saw it differently. With her keen attention to detail, she understood the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
The World Serpent's opinion was equally valuable.
Kevin's gaze remained indifferent.
"Your plan has potential feasibility; at least it could delay humanity's extinction by several years. However, that's about it."
His unhidden ridicule and sarcasm caused Durandal and Rita to involuntarily frown.
Rita, with her composed nature, persisted calmly, "So then, how should humanity proceed now?"
"I don't know."
Kevin responded firmly, "Your path is for you to walk yourselves; I cannot offer advice on this matter—it's not mere evasion."
"However, as far as I know, relying solely on Entropy Reduction to escape indefinitely isn't realistic. Humans must first possess the strength to overcome Finality."
Kevin has never cared about the policies or objectives of Anti-Entropy and Schicksal.
Achieving the power to defeat Finality was immensely challenging for humanity. Over a thousand five hundred years ago, he had already realized such strength might never emerge, leading him to despairingly initiate Project Stigma.
If not for Su's intervention, that plan would have been set in motion long ago.
Even now, Kevin did not believe humans had any viable alternative beyond Project Stigma. How could overcoming Finality be easy?
In Kevin's mind, within this era, only Cheng Lingshuang and Durandal seemed capable of reaching the predetermined goal of Project Stigma. Yet even then, their chances of defeating Finality remained slim.
He held high expectations for Durandal's innate talent, but it hinged crucially on having sufficient time.
Observing Kevin's nonchalant demeanor, Durandal couldn't help but furrow her brow.
On the side, Rita smiled warmly, "That too can be considered an answer, Lady Durandal."
"Well then, we'll be taking our leave now."
Rita didn't believe Kevin would lie about this matter. Given her unique duties, she had interacted with numerous individuals over time. Despite Kevin's icy demeanor, she could effortlessly discern if he was being truthful.
Durandal clenched and unclenched her grip on the Abyss Flower repeatedly.
It was evident that without seeing Siegfried, she wasn't willing to depart just yet.
However...
Her true identity must remain concealed for now.
If it were revealed that Durandal was Kiana... how would the other Kiana cope with such knowledge? Similarly, it would deal a severe blow to Schicksal's credibility.
Having held a leadership position for some time, Durandal had learned to consider issues from this perspective. After all, while she might be somewhat naive, she wasn't truly foolish.
But... can a warrior truly be called a warrior without a hint of impulsiveness?
Taking a deep breath, Durandal addressed Kevin, "As the strongest MANTIS fighter of the previous era, I, Durandal, challenge you." She continued, "I acknowledge your superior experience, but I refuse to accept defeat for those of this civilization."
Kevin merely glanced indifferently at Durandal.
"Come," he replied.
Instantly, the air turned bitterly cold and frosty.