The golden-haired knight's heart was a mix of emotions. Not because she suddenly learned about her origins, nor did this name hold any particular significance. She thought of the regrets in her life, of Siegfried, and she thought of that person who had improved her relationship, someone who gave true meaning to the name "Kiana" with her will, courage, and even her life.
It was a complex and hurtful secret... If revealed at the wrong time, the simple truth might not bring them any redemption.
Durandal tightened her grip on the spear, taking a long breath as she made a decision within her heart.
—Until the right day arrives, perhaps she could only let them continue to believe that Cecilia's own daughter had died ten years ago.
However, this cautious plan had an unpredictable premise: whether in the imminent decisive battle with Bishop Otto, would he continue to maintain his usual silence regarding this secret?
On this issue, Durandal believed that the mature warrior named "Kiana Kaslana" would not be shaken by it.
But if Otto were to reveal this fact at a critical moment in battle, would Kiana's momentary shock have a detrimental effect on the outcome?
Thinking of this, Durandal sighed.
Previously, she had a close working relationship with Otto Apocalypse. They were mentor and friend, joining forces to combat the Honkai on Earth.
Back then, Durandal hardly needed to plan anything; she only needed to think about how to defeat the enemy faster and better.
Because she knew Otto was a clever man, adept at strategizing and manipulating conspiracies. Even if Otto only devoted part of his energy to dealing with the Honkai and the Will of Honkai-related matters, the situation would still proceed smoothly and in an orderly manner.
And now, without his planning, Durandal couldn't solely focus on battling the Honkai beasts and improving her skills; she had to think about much more.
So, the golden-haired knight spoke up, asking, "Alright, if everything you said is true... what does it mean for you and me? What is its significance to you? Who benefits from its exposure?"
"Its significance is simple, Miss Durandal."
As he spoke, the black Homu changed his form, and Rita Rossweisse appeared before Durandal, speaking in a tone she would never use, addressing the golden-haired knight.
"You are a Kaslana, and once you arrive here, you must fully liberate the Kaslana Stigmata and use that power to defeat me." Rita paused, "Otherwise, even I cannot let you leave."
Durandal assessed the new form of her opponent and couldn't help but sarcastically comment, "Are you changing forms like this to disrupt my mentality and add odds to your so-called trial?"
"No, actually, I have expectations for every Kaslana who can reach here, hoping they can defeat me, pass the trial, and finally master the power within the Stigmata. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them have failed..."
Rita opened her palm, gazing at Durandal with slightly burning eyes, saying, "Since the day your ancestor Kevin bore the burden of the entire world... you have been forced to endure the fate of being called 'Kaslana.' So, I was born—as the steward of the Stigmata, adhering to the rules left by that person, making 'Deliverance' your glory and also your curse."
Listening to the familiar words, Luo Lin, bound and unable to move, remembered the blue sword-shaped signet in the Elysian Realm and recalled many embarrassing memories.
Like activating the Deliverance Core 1 and not being able to catch the amplifying Stigmata to extend the effect duration, or activating Deliverance Core 2, only to discover that the number of consecutive strikes for the ultimate attack increased by only 1... The character who was currently playing in the Elysian Ream didn't have a burst state at all, which didn't match with Deliverance Core 2.
Thinking of this, Luo Lin suddenly realized that the Elysian Realm was also a kind of challenge, and according to the system's character, it might one day unlock an Elysian Realm module for her to see.
"Kevin Kaslana... he's really a stubborn and crazy person." Durandal murmured.
Hearing Durandal's words, Luo Lin's face became strange.
Before knowing what happened in the previous era, everyone said, "What happened to make Kevin so crazy?"
And after knowing some of the events, the players' words changed to, "So much happened, and Kevin actually only went crazy like this."
"I prefer you describe him with strong willpower. After all, he was a warrior who persisted in his own beliefs for fifty thousand years."
Rita shrugged, transforming back into the form of Black Homu, "So when I met you, a very special Kaslana, perhaps I am even more looking forward to your success than you are... Since you don't like this appearance, of course, I can change into other forms."
Durandal caught the keyword in her words, "Special?"
"Yes, you are very special." Black Homu affirmed decisively, "In you, besides the power of Kaslana, there exists something completely different."
"You mean... other Stigmata?" Durandal frowned, her hand supporting her chin, "Or... powers beyond the Stigmata?"
Black Homu nodded in confirmation, "Yes, that kind of power, which made me hesitate, made me recognize your uniqueness, and made me have a deeper interest in you... just like this memory—"
A faint, gentle light enveloped Durandal, also enveloping Luo Lin.
It was a gentle, indulgent light, as if a mother was caring for her child, silently guarding her by her side.
The girl could feel the spot on her back where the Stigmata was installed, which would display a special pattern after installation, warming slightly under the light's embrace, as if something was being drawn out by this light, eager to emerge.
Luo Lin opened the system panel, found her Stigmata panel in the Valkyrie formation, and saw an unknown Stigmata occupying the slot, faint, almost transparent, completely indistinguishable.
What's going on?!
"...Almost forgot about your existence, hm..."
Black Homu turned his head, looking at Luo Lin. It seemed that meeting Durandal had put him in a good mood, so he asked with interest, "I can feel that you seem to have an extraordinary connection with this memory... You should take a look."
The next moment, Luo Lin felt her consciousness plummeting downwards, and when she came to her senses, she was standing on solid ground.
Three figures with indistinct faces crowded in a room decorated as a bedroom, two tall and one short. They stood beside the baby's crib, gazing at the tiny life within.
They seemed to be laughing, but also saying something, but Luo Lin couldn't hear clearly.
But Luo Lin was very clear about their identities; these three people must be Siegfriedi, Cecilia, and Theresa... and the infant in the crib should be Kiana Kaslana.
And at this moment, unexpectedly, the system's assist battle panel popped up, and on the panel, Bianka Ataegina's name became different from its usual golden color was shimmering with dazzling rainbow light.
"What is this...?"
Luo Lin hesitated for a moment, pressing her finger on it.
A familiar voice sounded in her ears, and this time, perhaps because of aging, her voice sounded more mature.
"I knew it. You wouldn't die."
Bianka Ataegina held the holy sword, staring at Luo Lin somewhat dazedly, her lips trembling, and finally revealing a brilliant smile.
"Teacher Luo Lin... long time no see."