Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel. Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
In the real world...
On the snowy plains of Siberia, Xia Chen and Benares locked eyes, sizing each other up.
"Although this is technically our first meeting in this world, I believe you should still sense another presence within me."
Xia Chen confidently addressed Benares.
Honkai Beasts identify individuals based on their energy signatures, much like insects.
It's somewhat amusing to note that even Archon Honkai Beasts do not possess true intelligence. Similar to Earth's arthropods, they lack any form of wisdom and rely solely on instinct.
Benares is exceptional, but only because Sirin endowed it with human consciousness.
As such, it could sense Sirin's presence within Xia Chen.
"Roar."
The beast's guttural cry caused Xia Chen some discomfort. "Can't you transform into humanoid shape?" he asked, slightly exasperated. "I remember you being able to before."
However, Benares shook its head.
Apparently, there was now a restriction preventing it from freely changing its form.
"Touch its body," Stigmata Sirin prompted Xia Chen, "and you can communicate with it."
"Of course, if you trust me, I could also take control of your body... although I doubt you'd be willing."
This Sirin wasn't the little angel version, but rather the complete Herrscher Sirin, embodying both good and evil.
Handing over his body would essentially bring back the Second Herrscher, where both good and evil actions were just a thought away. The risk was too high.
Following Sirin's advice, Xia Chen touched Benares' head, with this scene witnessed by people worldwide.
Alvitr smacked her forehead, "I almost forgot, Xia Chen is also a Herrscher."
Even as a Herrscher who betrayed the Will of Honkai, their existence surpassed that of ordinary Honkai Beasts.
"What should we do? They might mistakenly think Schicksal is aligned with Honkai." Alvitr instinctively wanted to switch streams but hesitated, realizing it would only fuel further misconceptions.
She decided to close her eyes, no longer interfering. As long as Xia Chen didn't command Benares to destroy Earth, Schicksal could find a way to explain it later.
Unaware that he was being live-streamed, Xia Chen focused on communicating with Benares - more accurately, Sirin communicated through him.
Having already created her desired world within the stigma space, Sirin showed little concern for this reality. Her assistance to Xia Chen stemmed from the symbiotic relationship between the Stigmata space and himself.
Xia Chen felt like a passive observer, 'listening' to their conversation unfold.
Benares, unlike most Honkai Beasts, held little hatred towards humans. This might be attributed to being imbued with Bella's consciousness; apart from fighting for Sirin, it generally refrained from attacking humans.
Sirin had bestowed upon Benares the consciousness named Bella but not her resentment and hatred.
Perhaps it was a form of protection. The Second Herrscher herself knew that hatred is never everything, yet she was deeply trapped by it, unable to escape. So, she allowed Bella to have a fresh start, filled with happiness.
Xia Chen couldn't help but marvel at Sirin's kindness; this Herrscher has always been considerate towards those close to her. Unfortunately, fate's cruel irony led her to become the world's adversary despite her intentions.
Seemingly sensing Xia Chen's thoughts, Sirin within the stigma space glanced briefly at him without any further response.
There was no need for her to defend herself; after all, she was already deceased in this world, making others' opinions irrelevant.
The communication between Benares and Sirin proceeded smoothly.
After approximately half an hour, Xia Chen would be able to command Benares effectively.
"Alvitr."
"Hm? Yes, what is it?"
"If I bring back an Archon-level Honkai Beast to Schicksal, will they provide its meals?"
"Oh!" Alvitr was taken aback, astonished by the question.
The harsh Siberian winds were relentless. Despite Kiana's physical abilities far surpassing those of ordinary people, she still felt the bone-chilling cold.
This chill extended beyond her body.
Although Saint Freya's textbooks had vividly described the horrors of the Second Honkai Eruption, witnessing tens of thousands dead in Siberia and countless others fleeing... deeply disturbed Kiana.
Seeing news about strangers dying might leave one emotionally unaffected.
However, witnessing the terrifying sight of someone perishing right before your eyes can indelibly scar the psyche.
That was Kiana's current state.
No matter how detailed the descriptions in books, they cannot compare to seeing it firsthand.
Despite experiencing the Honkai incidents in Nagazora City and Coral Island, it didn't mean she could easily adapt to such large-scale disasters.
"Cecilia-sama."
Her expression somewhat conflicted as she called out to the Valkyrie fighting ahead.
"What is it, Kiana?" Cecilia, having just cleared the Honkai Beasts from Siberia, was preparing to move on to the next location.
"Just a question that has been bothering me."
Kiana took a deep breath and asked, "Regarding this Honkai incident, who do you blame, Cecilia?"
This question had been weighing heavily on her mind.
What was Cecilia thinking when she treated Sirin as her own daughter?
It wasn't just Kiana; even Sirin within her consciousness sought to understand.
Cecilia pursed her lips before responding, "If I were to say, perhaps it's fate that is at fault."
"Most people here are innocent victims, and Sirin, too, is among them." She sighed deeply. "Had I discovered the abnormalities earlier, Sirin wouldn't have endured such torment. However, I am not solely responsible; the blame can also be placed on those from the laboratory."
"Although I despise them greatly, their scientific achievements were indeed used in combating Honkai."
"It truly is a perplexing situation."
Cecilia looked at Kiana with a smile. "The world has always been like this, filled with many disappointments."
"Then, Cecilia, if...," Kiana mustered up her courage and continued, "if Sirin appeared now, what would you do?"
After a moment of hesitation, Cecilia continued, "Kiana, you must understand that Sirin is our enemy."
A hint of sadness flickered in Kiana's eyes.
Cecilia then added, "I will retrieve her, as promised by Schicksal. But I'll also strive to give her a normal life—it's my debt to her."
To Kiana, Cecilia was a genuinely kind person. Her warmth wasn't feigned or superficial but stemmed from her heartfelt compassion.
She treated everyone with kindness, even valuing someone like Sirin, their adversary.
"I understand, Lady Cecilia." Kiana clenched her fists resolutely. "I'll help you, Lady Cecilia!"