Fortunately, this wasn't a one-on-one fight. With others drawing aggro, someone could always sneak in attacks.
Ultimately, under the Herrscher of Sentience's illusion, she seized the opportunity to strike down Kevin's shadow - or rather, the shadow of Finality.
This wisp of Finality's power became the key for Kiana to become the Herrscher of Finality.
"Whew, success! Time to retreat and leave the rest to Kiana and the others."
After succeeding, the Herrscher of Sentience immediately fled without hesitation.
Seriously, didn't she see how badly Durandal and the others were getting beaten?
If she stayed any longer, she might get beaten too. As the great Herrscher of Sentience, she absolutely wouldn't tolerate such humiliation.
After quietly merging this wisp of Finality's power into Kiana, the Herrscher of Sentience's mission was complete.
"My mission's accomplished! Time to scram!"
They were currently at the activation site of Project STIGMA, in the mysterious space between the Moon and Earth.
When Kiana and the others started fighting, the aftermath would definitely reach here. If not now, then when?
Did they want to end up drifting in space like a certain Kars?
Kiana, who had merged with this wisp of Finality's power, didn't notice anything unusual. She only felt the force attracting her growing stronger.
As they got closer, Raiden Mei and Bronya knew the time had come.
They temporarily connected their Authority powers to Kiana.
At this moment, Kiana possessed all the Herrscher cores.
"Go, dummy Kiana. Fulfill your dream. Don't look back - no, you mustn't look back. We... everyone is waiting for your triumphant return."
"Kiana, after this is over... let's... cough... let's travel together."
Mei barely stopped herself from saying what she really meant, her face turning red.
Fortunately, Kiana was currently being pulled by that power and didn't turn around.
Though she might regret it later, as Mei's rare shy expression was truly a sight to behold.
"Mm. I'll carry everyone's hopes forward."
As Kiana got infinitely closer to that strange attractive force, she seemed to relive her entire life.
The bloodline separated from her father, wandering alone in Nagazora, then meeting everyone at St. Freya Academy, undergoing transformation in Arc City, until retrieving Class Monitor at Taixuan Mountain.
Within it, she also saw Mei's growth, Bronya's growth, even her sister Durandal's.
Like a witness, she observed the growth of the civilization's most brilliant individuals - including herself.
As purple light flashed, Kiana arrived in a space completely isolated from the world.
During the transmission, the power within Kiana's body continuously transformed and merged, ultimately becoming the power of Finality.
Then she arrived inside this space. Like standing among stars, stepping on water-like substance that rippled with each step.
Slowly, Kiana approached the planet-like object.
Even though she'd never seen it before, she knew this was the source of all Honkai - the Cocoon of Finality.
At this moment, Raiden Mei and Bronya appeared alongside Kiana, standing by her side.
Then a pure white figure appeared, its form and features indistinct.
"Ooo—!"
Like a whale's call, containing no words.
Yet these sounds transformed into comprehensible language when they reached the trio's ears.
"Who are you? Not Raiden Mei, nor Bronya Zaychik."
"...I'm Kiana Kaslana. Also K423, Otto's research subject, Sirin's consciousness extension."
"At the same time, I'm everyone's friend, Durandal's younger sister, Siegfried's daughter."
"Ooo—!" Then why have you come here?
"To obtain Finality's power and accomplish what I wish to achieve."
Facing the Cocoon of Finality's various questions, Kiana answered fluently.
Without any lies - everything was what she truly wanted to say.
Time passed indeterminably within, until the Cocoon's final question.
Kiana finally understood.
Facing one's true self was the key to bearing Finality's power.
"If the Cocoon of Finality wants to see who will win between us and Kevin, then we'll win to show it."
On the lunar base, Kevin sat on his throne awaiting the challengers' arrival.
Putting aside everything else, this was the first time Kevin felt so nervous. If not for his excellent physical condition, his palms might have sweated.
But due to character setting reasons, he had to maintain his cold, aloof demeanor.
Until a purple rift appeared before him.
As the rift expanded, space fragments fell like shattered glass before disappearing.
When the rift grew large enough for several people, Kiana stepped out with Mei and Bronya.
"Kevin, we're here to stop you. What we carry is this era's human will to resist the Honkai. What we challenge is you who bears the will of an entire civilization."
"Let's see whose will proves stronger."
"...Good. It seems you've successfully obtained Finality's power. Then come."
"The Authority of Finality, all the world's cycles of reincarnation lie before you."
Rising from his throne, Kevin activated Finality's power.
Instantly, the lunar base's surface collapsed as a gigantic Honkai beast emerged from beneath - its size comparable to one-fifth of the Moon.
"This is Finality's attendant - the Herrscher of Finality's other half. Defeat it, and you'll earn the right to challenge me."
After saying this, Kevin was lifted high by the "Beast That Shows This World" rising head.
From here, Kevin looked down upon the trio.
Facing this other half of the Herrscher of Finality, Kiana felt tremendous pressure.
Having just obtained Finality's power, she wasn't completely familiar with it yet. This battle would be good practice.
But Kiana didn't believe this was coincidence - she thought Kevin was obviously going easy on her, wanting her to quickly master Finality's power.
Though she didn't understand Kevin's motives, Kiana wouldn't pass up such a good opportunity.