"Took a bit longer than expected, but it seems I haven't arrived too late."
Glancing at Seele lying on the ground, the white-haired girl—[Kiana]—relaxed slightly, then turned to Grey Serpent, her voice cold:
"Now then, let's talk business, Grey Serpent."
The metallic skull mask made it difficult to read Grey Serpent's expression, but the apprehension and wariness in his raspy voice betrayed his true feelings.
"Kiana Kaslana… no one can stop World Serpent."
"You'd have more credibility if Kevin himself said that." The beautiful face showed little emotion. Unfazed by the veiled threat, [Kiana] looked down at him, her voice calm:
"You…"
"…aren't good enough."
It wasn't a taunt, nor was it disdain. It was simply a statement of fact. And as the saying goes, the truth cuts deeper than any lie.
Having inherited the legacy of a previous civilization, led by its surviving pioneers in their "grand" undertaking, most members of World Serpent held a sense of superiority over the current era. Even Schicksal, in the eyes of World Serpent's leaders, was nothing more than a group of children playing house, unworthy of serious consideration.
Their arrogance was their defining trait. And now, confronted with such a blunt dismissal, Grey Serpent felt nothing but humiliation.
If only one of the Sovereigns were here… Well, the only one truly supporting this plan seemed to be Kevin. And the other three confirmed surviving Sovereigns? They should probably be praying they wouldn't end up on World Serpent's bad side. Still, the feeling of being underestimated stung.
"Miss Kaslana, you seem quite confident in your Herrscher powers."
"Allow me to demonstrate just how insignificant those powers are in the face of World Serpent," Grey Serpent's voice dripped with malice. "Just like your other… companion."
All of this was observed from afar by two figures on a nearby rooftop.
Bronya, still under Raven's watchful eye, stared in disbelief.
"Why is that idiot Kiana here…? Wait… I get it now. That's… that's gotta be Jiang Qiao, that jerk!" Her enhanced Herrscher vision allowed her to see the scene clearly. Though too far to hear their conversation, Bronya could read the situation from their expressions.
Confused by Kiana's presence, but instantly forming a theory, Bronya realized—it had to be Jiang Qiao in Kiana's body. …Or maybe I'm overthinking it…
But regardless, one thing was certain—
"This is bad!"
Knowing Kiana possessed Herrscher powers, having seen Jiang Qiao demonstrate them, Bronya grew worried. Seeing him standing there, seemingly oblivious to the danger, made her heart pound.
Well… part of me hopes he gets a taste of the Rod of Underworld, just like I did. At least then I wouldn't be the only one humiliated. Even if it's not Jiang Qiao, but that idiot Kiana, it's fine. We're practically rivals anyway. Seeing her get put in her place would be pretty funny.
But Seele was there too… Concerned for Seele, Bronya forced herself to suppress her schadenfreude, hoping [Kiana] would sense the impending danger.
However, she didn't believe [Kiana] could escape unscathed. After all, she, a Herrscher, had fallen victim to that device. How could a mere Herrscher like Kiana fare any better?
"Let me go, Raven!" she shouted, turning to her captor. "They're in danger! I have to help them!"
Bronya wasn't just restrained by physical restraints. The device used on her had a similar effect to the Rod of Underworld—though impractical for combat due to its activation requirements, it was incredibly effective at suppressing Herrscher powers.
Unable to break free, Bronya could only appeal to Raven, who had previously been on her side.
"No can do. If I let you go, Grey Serpent will have my hide. I still need this job." Raven shrugged, unmoved.
Her previous allegiance to Bronya was solely due to [Elysia] She was essentially just a glorified babysitter for the 'crown prince.'
Without confirmation that the person there was indeed [Elysia] she wasn't about to risk her job. She was, after all, motivated by self-interest.
However—
If that really is [Elysia]… Raven suddenly felt a surge of excitement.
She hadn't forgotten about that slap. She'd been planning her revenge, intending to return the favor with interest. But it turned out that [Bronya] had been a fake. So, those slaps… they didn't count.
If [Elysia] really did fall victim to the Rod of Underworld, Grey Serpent wouldn't kill her. If she went there now, wouldn't that be the perfect opportunity to witness [Elysia]s' humiliation and finally get her revenge?
The thought invigorated her. Raven, carrying the still-bound Bronya, headed towards the scene, eager to swoop in for the kill.
As they drew closer, they could see Grey Serpent preparing to throw the Rod of Underworld.
To Raven's amusement—the white-haired girl didn't even dodge. She simply reached out and caught it.
Idiot. Grey Serpent smirked internally.
The Rod of Underworld's effects were amplified at close range.
Raven quickened her pace, practically giddy with anticipation. Just you wait, [Elysia] I'm coming for you!
Bronya, though worried, felt a flicker of amusement.
Look at that idiot. Even I didn't face-catch the Rod of Underworld.
…That has to be that idiot Kiana.
But then—
Crackle…
Electrical arcs danced around the white-haired girl—the telltale sign of the Rod of Underworld activating. But her expression remained calm.
She casually tossed the metal box into the air, catching it, and with a squeeze—Crunch!
To Grey Serpent's horror, the Rod of Underworld, crafted from a special alloy with a diamond-hard casing, crumbled in her hand.
"Hmph… I forgot about the Kaslana's monstrous strength. But that's just a remnant of the Sovereign's legacy. Even if you destroyed the Rod, its effects have already activated. You're nothing more than an ordinary person with slightly above average strength."
"Stan! Take care of her!"
"Meow~ (No problem! I love bullying Herrschers!)"
"Meow~ (Take this, Herrscher!)"
Urging Stan forward, Grey Serpent, following his instincts, quickly inserted the activated Gem of Serenity into a slot in his mechanical body. The body itself had been modified to act as a container for Herrscher cores.
But before he could escape, Stan, having transformed into its giant Honkai beast form and lunged at the white-haired girl, was met with a seemingly slow, delicate fist.
Hah! This Herrscher is even weaker than the last one. Stan scoffed internally.
That other one at least had that weird rabbit thing. But this white-haired one, after being nerfed, only has these weak, pathetic fists? Seriously?
…Wait…
Suddenly, Stan's smug thoughts were interrupted.
Meow~!
The seemingly slow fist, as if in slow motion, connected with a sickening BOOM. The giant cat was sent flying, shrinking back to its normal size, crashing through countless walls before landing in a heap of rubble.
And in the next instant—the red electrical arcs around the girl exploded.
Thud~
A series of dull thuds echoed as strange short spears materialized, pinning Stan to the ground like a cartoon cat, forming a cage of intersecting spears. Any movement would impale it.
"…"
"I… I was just passing by." Raven, who had excitedly rushed over with Bronya to join the fun, froze, sweat dripping down her face as she stared at the spears embedded deep in the nearby wall.
Who the hell said the Rod of Underworld could seal Herrscher powers?!
She could still feel the phantom pain on her neck. If that spear had been a millimeter closer, she'd be experiencing a firsthand demonstration of arterial spray.
Her gaze met a pair of calm blue eyes. Raven's 'Crow Instincts' activated. She knew. This was him.
Raven quickly put down the still-bound Bronya, her previous thoughts of revenge vanishing.
[Kiana]—Jiang Qiao—wasn't surprised by Raven's appearance. He simply turned to Grey Serpent, who was trying to escape.
The overflowing power of the Void transformed his attire into the Herrscher of the Void's regalia, though his eyes, instead of gold, were blue.
"…The Rod… it failed?"
Grey Serpent, frozen in place by an invisible force, stared at the approaching white-haired girl, his voice laced with disbelief and terror.
"How… how is this possible?"
"Will you hand it over, or should I take it?" Ignoring Grey Serpent's shock, [Kiana] extended a hand, tilting her head.
He could easily destroy Grey Serpent, but it would be pointless. He was a network. Destroying this body would only force him to find another.
Having taken advantage of [Elysia]s' identity to gain quite a few privileges, out of consideration for Kevin, he decided to spare World Serpent some expenses. Consider it Kevin's ramen fund… Sigh, I'm such a peace-loving person.
"…"
Grey Serpent was speechless. Was there even a difference?
Would they really spare him just for this one body?
The losses from this failed operation were enough to build hundreds of new bodies.
But ultimately, Grey Serpent chose discretion over valor, reluctantly handing over the Gem of Serenity. The mission was a failure. Might as well cut their losses.
As for saving face… that would just earn him another beating.
…The serum was injected into Dr. Magi just to save this body and complete the plan. Now the plan's failed, but the body's intact… Grey Serpent wanted to cry.
"World Serpent will remember this." Not being [Elysia] Grey Serpent wasn't about to be polite. He could only leave a parting threat to salvage some dignity.
Thud~
A spear suddenly appeared inches from his face, making him flinch. He fled, then, remembering something, quickly returned to retrieve his abandoned umbrella.
…He's… that frugal? Jiang Qiao was slightly surprised, but paid no mind, instead walking towards the fallen Honkai beast, the Gem of Serenity in hand.
…Lin…
He could hear a faint, aged voice, filled with longing. It seemed 'Lin,' the consciousness Dr. Magi had imprinted on the Artificial Vishnu, was what allowed it to maintain its form.
And… looking at the Gem of Serenity reflected in his blue eyes, he could sense a faint, residual will—though the previous experiment had failed, it had left its mark.
Shaking his head, the white-haired girl raised a hand, the Gem floating above Vishnu. A black mist enveloped the beast, turning it to dust, scattering in the wind.
Raven, watching the scene, didn't dare breathe, silently undoing Bronya's restraints.
Bronya, though shocked, immediately rushed to Seele's side. Though confused by the different reactions to the Rod of Underworld, Seele was her priority.
"Seele… Seele, wake up!" She shook her gently, her voice filled with concern.
Seele stirred, slowly opening her eyes.
The first thing she saw was the 'high-quality imitation Bronya,' her face beaming with relief.
"…Bronya Onee-chan," she murmured, her voice weak.
Bronya smiled, but Seele's next words made her freeze: "Where's Bronya Onee-chan?"
What are you talking about?! I'm right here!
But that wasn't the end of Bronya's misery.
Seele, initially dazed, upon seeing the white-haired girl's back, scrambled out of Bronya's arms and rushed towards [Kiana] hugging her tightly.
"Bronya Onee-chan~!" she cried, her voice filled with joy.
"…"
Bronya stood frozen, her smile fading. Though the sun shone brightly, she felt a sudden chill.
"Seele finally found the real Bronya Onee-chan," Seele added, her words a dagger to Bronya's heart.
Crack.
Something inside Bronya shattered. She stared blankly at Seele hugging [Kiana] her face devoid of emotion, but internally, she was screaming.
What do you mean, real Bronya Onee-chan?!
She's a fake! I'm the real Bronya!
Bronya's internal rage reached critical mass.
"…"
[Kiana]—Jiang Qiao—felt the sudden impact, turning to see 'Wendy' (Purple) clinging to his waist, surprised and slightly amused.
…She recognized me already?
That shouldn't be possible…
He felt a strange sense of novelty at being instantly recognized.
…Well, I guess it's not that strange. This isn't the first time. I've been instantly recognized as [Elysia] before. Now it's [Bronya]…
…Whatever. If I can be Elysia, being Bronya isn't so bad.
—Bronya strongly disagreed.
This is completely unacceptable!
I'm going to black out!
Watching Seele clinging to [Kiana] Bronya's resentment skyrocketed.
Stealing her thunder, stealing her girl, and labeling her as an "imposter"…
If she could, she'd summon Project Bunny and blast Jiang Qiao to smithereens.
But unfortunately, even if she could avoid friendly fire and a thorough thrashing, Project Bunny was currently unavailable, busy reconstructing itself in the Sea of Quanta.
…Project Bunny's resentment has been growing lately. It seems its owner has developed a split personality.
One moment she's a god, the next…
When she's 'god mode,' it's great. No work, just occasional chauffeuring. Even in combat, it's pure fun, dominating the enemy like a boss. A total carry job.
But when she reverts to her usual self… it's a disaster. Not only does she lose control of her powers, nearly getting Project Bunny caught in the Herrscher backlash, but now, even when she can use them, she gets nerfed immediately, reverting to her base form and getting beaten up.
Project Bunny desperately wishes for 'God Bronya' to become a permanent feature.
Unaware of Project Bunny's plight, Bronya, fuming, approached [Kiana] with a deceptively sweet smile:
"Bronya needs to have a word with you. Alone."
"Uh… sure. Seele, wait for us a moment." Jiang Qiao, unfazed, nodded, gesturing to Seele, who obediently let go, nodding. This only fueled Bronya's rage.
That's supposed to be my treatment! Mine!
"So, what do you want to explain to Bronya?" Having led [Kiana] to a secluded spot, Bronya's 'friendly' smile turned menacing.
"Is there a problem?" Jiang Qiao, genuinely confused, asked.
"Oh, right… Why did Seele say she found the real Bronya Onee-chan? You're the real Bronya, aren't you?"
That question made Bronya freeze.
She suddenly didn't know what to say. Could she really tell him, "Because you're impersonating me, Seele now thinks you're the real Bronya, and I'm the fake?"
She could never say those words. Just saying them felt like losing to him, like admitting defeat in the game of 'life.'
"Could it be… you two haven't… 'reunited' yet? Hmm… your acting is pretty good. You even fooled Seele." Jiang Qiao, a playful smile on his face, praised Bronya.
Bronya felt her brain short-circuit.
She couldn't tell if he was complimenting her or insulting her.
Me impersonating myself and fooling Seele = Bronya ≠ Bronya.
The illogical equation made Bronya snap.
"Of course Seele recognized Bronya! 'Real Bronya' is just a… a nickname! Yes, a nickname! Because you didn't tell her your name, and Bronya didn't think to mention it! That's all!" She could never admit to being labeled an imposter. It was too humiliating! The great Bronya Zaychik would never accept such an insult!
"So, what do you want to say… Could it be… you want to thank me?"
"…"
"…Uh… yes. That's it."
Something inside Bronya broke.