The crisp snap made Kiana stare at Kevin in disbelief.
Kevin's icy voice followed: "A sword only becomes my weapon because I can break it with my bare hands."
CRACK—!
Before Kiana's eyes, the Judgment of Shamash shattered in Kevin's grip. A spinning kick sent her flying again.
"Game over. Clearly, you lack the potential to surpass the Finality or stop me."
Black wings unfolded as Kevin levitated, godlike in his detachment. Ice crystals materialized around him, shooting toward the trio at impossible speeds.
Though they dodged, the crystals outpaced them. Upon impact, all three froze solid.
"Even the sun can be frozen - if your flames fail, it's simply because they're too weak. Your power is child's play before me."
Kevin approached Kiana step by step. This battle had always been his to win.
"Then... it just means... the sun's fire... isn't hot enough! I carry everyone's dreams... Himeko-sensei's hopes! Flames never die... they only... reignite!"
Suddenly, Kiana's flames overpowered Kevin's ice, melting it instantly. She blinked through space at blinding speed - slashing from the front, then behind, each strike blocked but her attacks accelerating, the temperature skyrocketing.
The heat thawed Bronya and Mei. Watching Kiana fight alone, Bronya activated Welt Yang's Star of Eden.
"Star of Eden - Zeroth Power: Pseudo Black Hole!"
"Lightning - Purge the Darkness!"
Their Honkai output now surpassed even their Herrscher forms - the precursor to Ascension, their fusion with Herrscher identities deepening. Exactly what Kevin needed.
Typical shonen protagonists - only near death could they unleash such power.
"Stronger. But still inadequate."
With his goal achieved, Kevin stopped holding back. Brutal strikes sent all three flying, their consciousness wavering from the force.
"Is this... the end? Himeko-sensei... everyone... I've failed you..."
Kiana's Flamescion armor dissipated - her body at its limit. Then she saw a familiar figure grab Kevin, dragging him into the black hole's space.
"Is that... Class Monitor?"
Another portal appeared. "Long time no see. Or should I say, we meet again."
"Hare!"
"You seem exhausted. Come with me first."
Hare's portal whisked them away. When Kiana and Mei awoke, Bronya was gone - only Prometheus remained.
"Prometheus? Where's Bronya?"
Rubbing her aching head, Kiana stood unsteadily.
Prometheus glanced at her. "Misteln only delivered you two here. As for Bronya... I suggest you rest or investigate that portal."
She pointed to a Stigma Plan portal left by Misteln - a gateway to hidden truths. Meanwhile, Bronya had been taken for her Ascension. Prometheus wondered how she'd react to learning the "30,000 minds'" true nature.
Elsewhere, Bronya awoke in Hare's private space. Seeing her missing companions, she glared.
"Don't look at me like that. Our relationship mirrors Kiana and Theresa's - your mother and I were close. She even gave me this name."
"You... knew Bronya's mother?"
"Of course. And she's still alive."
"!!!"
"What? Impossible! If she lived, why abandon Bronya? You're lying!"
Bronya's fists clenched. How dare this woman joke about her dead mother?
"Hehe, then tell me - who anonymously sent you birthday gifts every year at St. Freya? Even back in the orphanage?"
"..."
Memories surfaced - mysterious presents she'd assumed came from friends. Now doubts crept in. This reeked of conspiracy.
"Want answers? Use your Core to sense this object, then dive deeper into its consciousness. The truth awaits - try not to be shocked."