Wendy later brought good news: Welt agreed with her strategy for dealing with the Herrscher of Thousands.
"Unification isn't about patching up the old world but about purging the decay, rebuilding humanity, and creating a new order that encompasses every corner. Against the darkness emerging from the abyss of human nature, only fire can prevail—there's no room for leniency. Such an undertaking cannot be gentle or elegant. For a better future and to resist Honkai, the struggle will continue, even if it turns tragic."
Wendy relayed Welt's words, tinged with compassion yet resolute determination.
When even the mildest Welt made up his mind, Otto and Einstein naturally wouldn't show mercy. Neither Anti-Entropy nor Schicksal would allow room for compromise or luck.
This was destined to be an unprecedented storm. With the decision made to unleash thunderous force, Wendy's plan for the Herrscher of Thousands was no more than a small, ordinary raindrop amidst the tempest—insignificant.
Although the operational plan for the Herrscher team was implemented, none of the girls could feel any joy.
"Uncle Welt… he must be under so much pressure," Seele murmured sadly.
She understood just how kind Welt was—a man who treasured every letter sent by children he had saved, carefully keeping them in his bedroom and taking pride in them whenever mentioned.
Seele was still young and couldn't grasp everything fully, but she knew that everyone was undertaking painful yet necessary responsibilities. From Welt and Sigurd to her sisters by her side, down to the older brothers and sisters who graduated from Anti-Entropy's training programs, everyone was giving their all.
But what about her? As a Herrscher, what could she do to help?
Seele lifted her head, looked at the others deep in thought, and summoned her courage.
"Everyone, please let me join the next battle. Let me fight alongside you!"
Her voice carried resolve, though fear of the unknown battlefield lingered. The potential dangers frightened her, but she decided to take this step forward.
"Seele…"
Kiana, Wendy, and Mei looked at her with both pride and affection.
Kiana gently stroked Seele's hair with a warm smile, then turned to the others.
"Based on Wendy's reasoning, the moment unification is announced, the Herrscher of Thousands will inevitably seize the opportunity to cause trouble. So, if there's an upcoming mission, I propose Wendy and Seele take charge."
"Why just the two of us?" Wendy asked, not in doubt but seeking a clear rationale.
The others turned to Kiana for an answer.
Kiana's smile faded as she gazed upward, as if peering through the ceiling into something far beyond.
"Is the Herrscher of Thousands important?"
A seemingly unrelated question left everyone puzzled.
But Kiana gave no time to ponder and answered herself.
"No, they're not. They're just a group of cowards hiding in the shadows, deluding themselves with cleverness. If Sig wanted to, he could wipe them out effortlessly. So, why are we tasked with handling them?"
"...It's for training, for testing us," Wendy replied.
Kiana nodded.
"Exactly. This is about growth and testing. The real goal isn't completing the mission efficiently, or even defeating the target—it's about us growing stronger. The power of a Herrscher comes with responsibility. We must become strong enough to bear that responsibility. That's Sig's purpose in assigning us these tasks. Remember: the Herrscher of Thousands doesn't matter. What matters is our growth before Sig returns."
Wendy and Mei exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. Seele and Ana, still slightly bewildered, quietly absorbed Kiana's words.
Kiana continued, turning toward Wendy and Seele with a smile of encouragement.
"Wendy, you're already an extraordinary Herrscher. What you need is the experience of a real chase—outwitting and overpowering your enemy, sharpening skills beyond your powers. Seele, you need to leave the safety of your comfort zone and face a real battlefield. The Herrscher of Thousands is a perfect whetstone for both of you."
With Wendy and Seele in mind, Kiana smiled warmly at them, radiating both support and affection.
Wendy's thoughtful expression softened, her earlier doubt replaced by understanding.
Kiana placed a hand over her heart, sighing softly before continuing.
*"As for the rest of us, our issues are more personal. I need to confront the grudge within me to fully control the Herrscher of the Void's powers. Mei needs to discover what she's missing and cross the threshold of transformation. Ana needs to find the strength to one day embrace her restored Herrscher powers with unwavering conviction, to shout confidently, 'For all that is beautiful in this world, I will fight!'
"For us, pursuing the Herrscher of Thousands is mainly about teamwork. Beyond that, it offers little direct benefit. So, the three of us will focus on resolving our inner challenges while participating in missions as a secondary objective. Is that alright?"
Kiana turned toward Wendy, now fully assuming her role as team leader. Her maturity and clarity shone brightly.
Wendy chuckled, raising her hands in mock surrender.
"What else can I say? Let's give it our all."
Thus, a new strategy was established, and the Herrscher team split into two groups.
...
In the following days, Wendy and Seele embarked on their mission to eliminate the Herrscher of Thousands.
Meanwhile, under Kiana's leadership, the remaining three left the Anti-Entropy base, accompanied by the mechanical forces led by Bronya and the Taixu Mountain trio led by Fu Hua.
Their first destination was an orphanage in the city outside Anti-Entropy's headquarters.
"Kiana, why are we here?" Mei asked as she entered the orphanage through its open gates.
"To volunteer!" Kiana replied cheerfully, flashing her pearly-white smile.
"Aren't we supposed to be figuring out our own issues?"
"My battles take place in my dreams. During the day, I need something relaxing to balance myself. As for Ana— this was Sig's suggestion. I think it's a great idea. Today, she's the main focus. Mei, I'm not sure about your exact issue, but I've got something for your 'Sigurd-phobia!'"
With that, Kiana pulled out a photo of Sigurd's face and stuck it on her forehead, then leaned toward Mei.
"Ahhh!!" Mei shrieked and stumbled three steps back but managed to stay composed.
"Oh? Progress!"
Kiana removed the photo, playfully sticking out her pink tongue.
From attacking at the mere sight of Sig's image to remaining relatively calm—progress indeed.
<+>
Tn: If you want to see more chapter of this story, please go to my Patreon[1], just for $5 each month, you can read till the latest chapter.
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 307: This Is a Coup[2]
Link to the latest chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-131269637[3]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=expanded[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=expanded
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-131269637
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/honkai-strijder-131269637
[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/95348?view=expanded