Kiana observed everything unfolding before her eyes.
Whether it's Kiana's unique identity or Zeke's unease and burden—despite his reluctance to discuss it, she could deduce the truth behind everything thus far. Kiana isn't foolish; in fact, she is exceptionally intelligent. However, under normal circumstances, she prefers leaving such analytical thinking to Zeke and others.
Kiana understands that this situation poses immense difficulty for Zeke, not due to a lack of capability but because of emotional turmoil.
Therefore, she realizes she can no longer rely solely on Zeke for everything.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The Virtual Space erupts into chaos as two golden streaks relentlessly chase each other amidst the storm of turbulent space-time forces, unleashing their overwhelming energies.
It has been a long time since Kiana pondered just how powerful she could become.
Initially, Sirin endowed her with the ability to assimilate multiple powers. Achieving the Void Sword Divinity granted her mastery over these energies, while Zeke's meticulous training over years continuously enhanced her capabilities.
As Kiana aged, her physique transformed from a small, round figure to the full-bodied curves she possesses now, often captivating even Zeke's gaze.
Similarly, in terms of strength, she never experienced any limits to her growth.
Even the strongest Valkyrie in Schicksal's history couldn't withstand the energy casually emanating from the Final Herrscher. Kevin, whom Zeke humorously dubbed as the ultimate lifeform of the past fifty thousand years, also couldn't face her head-on.
But now, Kiana could!
"Boom!!"
Kiana collided directly with "Kiana," thrusting Abyss Flower—a weapon emitting black and white flames—right at her opponent's chest. Golden energy surged like an unending ocean tide from both figures, spreading throughout the boundless Virtual Space.
The power within "Kiana" was undeniably immense and pure; even its naturally radiating force was sufficient to hold back Abyss Flower, infused with twelve distinct abilities.
Yet, Kiana didn't relent. Struggling forward with the riding lance, she swung her blazing Greatsword downward with earth-shattering force.
"Rumble!!!"
Kiana was violently repelled into distant space. Due to the instability of Virtual Space, controlling her trajectory became exceedingly difficult.
"Sirin, stay focused! If we get lost here, finding our way back won't be easy!"
"You do it then? It's easy to talk when you're not on the front line! She possesses spatial powers too... Wait, maybe she can wield all her abilities here. We don't have the advantage we anticipated!"
In the Mental World, Sirin continuously channeled her power to manipulate the chaotic space around Kiana. Without waiting for a response, she furiously stomped and gritted her teeth, yelling:
"Dammit! How dare she receive more favor from God than me?! I must eliminate her! I am supposed to be God's strongest apostle!"
"...Seriously? You're still hung up on this? Think about Zeke—do you want another beating? Why can't you just accept your fate and relax like I do?" Kiana muttered, somewhat speechless, feeling the turbulence caused by Virtual Space gradually diminishing.
Then came Sirin's agitated shriek:
"You're asking for a fight right now, aren't you?!"
"No way! I won't say it again; keep going strong!"
"Hmph!" Sirin responded with a menacing snort.
Kiana couldn't help but wonder—when exactly did this once noble and aloof Herrscher of the Void transform into something akin to a comedic character?
"...Indeed, let's settle this once and for all!"
"Cough! No more distractions. To prove we're stronger than that damn Finality, let's combine our efforts!" Kiana declared earnestly, yet a hint of exasperation was undeniable, her fiery crimson eyes shining brighter.
She raised the riding lance and greatsword in her hands.
"The greatest strength is meaningless if not united," Kiana murmured softly.
Kiana whispered to herself.
Clad in majestic golden armor akin to a work of art, she let out a clear shout as Abyss Flower and Tianhuo Jiemie, crackling with lightning and roaring with flames, converged upon each other.
The vast energy within Kiana forced the three incompatible offensive Divine Keys to assume their true forms, drawing them closer together. Endless golden radiance then burst forth, seemingly intent on illuminating this equally boundless Virtual Space.
"Haah!!!" With her battle cry, the weapons merged, unleashing unparalleled power that shattered the surrounding space.
In Kiana's hands, a knight's greatsword blazed with pure white flames, held high above her head.
Meanwhile, Sirin regained control over the spatial domain, causing the hazy "Kiana" figure to become distinct before Kiana's eyes.
With a swift thought, Kiana transformed into a beam of golden light, instantly traversing countless barriers, and brought down the immensely powerful greatsword with tremendous force.
"BOOM!!!"
In the formless and colorless Virtual Space, countless deep, pitch-black cracks from sword strikes appeared, while golden waves surged across unfathomable reaches of time and space.
The cold-hearted "Kiana" effortlessly blocked the greatsword with one hand, but the white flames infused with multiple abilities left a mark on her pristine palm.
"Heh! You're right; I'm still far behind you in raw power. But Fu Hua-sensei taught me... Taixuan Sword Qi is specifically designed to overcome strength through weakness!" Kiana sneered as her already immense energy skyrocketed tenfold or more.
Taixuan Sword Qi is a highly refined ki specialization technique. Its unique feature involves transforming the practitioner's body into a conduit, allowing them to harness limitless Honkai Energy from the surrounding space for their own use. Theoretically, given sufficient mastery of swordsmanship, a strong enough personal capacity, and abundant Honkai Energy in the vicinity, this technique knows no bounds in its potential power.
In terms of cultivation, Kiana had already achieved the pinnacle rank of Sword Goddess.
As for her capacity, with twelve fused ability powers within her, her upper limit was immeasurable.
Honkai Energy within space... Is there any place more suitable than Virtual Space? After all, the terrifying Honkai Energy emanating from each Herrscher originates precisely from there!
"Whoosh!"
The sword energy traversed the void, amplified by Kiana's surging power, instantly shattering the surrounding space.
Facing imminent danger, "Kiana" instinctively understood the need to evade. She sidestepped the most lethal edge, but strands of her silvery hair slowly drifted down before those cold, emotionless golden eyes—freezing them momentarily.
"Hm?"
Having just unleashed an extraordinary strike beyond her limits, Kiana was momentarily unable to react when she sensed a bone-chilling change from her close proximity enemy.
"Boom!!"
An explosive surge of power erupted.
By the time Kiana could respond, she found herself inexplicably transported to a distant location, losing sight of her adversary.
"Pfft!"
Golden blood, tainted with Honkai Energy, sprayed across the void, transforming into shimmering specks that dissipated.
Kiana wiped the corner of her mouth, observing the shattered golden armor slowly repairing itself. Her scarlet pupils contracted.
"Terrifying! Even with two weakened Powers of Binding, she's still this formidable? I almost got killed there."
"...Retreat. We can't win this fight."
"You're scared?"
"I'm not stupid; I know when we're outmatched. If you want to court death, go ahead alone—I won't join you."
"Don't be like that... Look, she seems pretty mad now. Maybe she isn't invincible after all, huh?"
During their exchange, Kiana's armor had fully repaired itself. Fear was absent from her scarlet eyes, her unwavering determination unshaken.
"I may never reach Fu Hua-sensei's level, and my Void Sword Divinity has its limits. So, it must remain as my ultimate trump card. For now, let's unleash some chaos—aren't you best at that, dear big sister?"
"Boom!!"
Kiana charged along the trail of fractured space she'd created earlier, leaving a striking golden path behind her.
Within Kiana's Mental World, Sirin's expression twisted.
While Kiana aimed to defeat such an insurmountable monster, Sirin had no intention whatsoever. After acknowledging their vast disparity, she cared little about risking her life for humanity!
The problem was that now she found herself trapped within Kiana's body, unable to escape!
"Damn it!!!"