On one side, the self-adjustment team composed of Kiana and her companions continued to methodically experience life.
On the other side, Wendy and Seele were actively making plans regarding the Herrscher of Thousands. They collaborated with Welt and others, releasing unified intelligence. Unsurprisingly, they soon uncovered the whereabouts of the Herrscher of Thousands.
With this lead, the two stepped out of headquarters, embarking on the path to make further contact with the Herrscher and ensure its complete eradication.
Meanwhile, in the distant imaginary space, a new Theater of Domination had already taken shape.
<+>
"Ugh, ugh, ugh! This is so annoying!"
"Enough complaining. Keep digging for whatever resistance forces we can find. We absolutely can't let them achieve unification smoothly, or we'll be in the worst possible situation."
"Easier said than done! How do we stop them? It's already clear—they've abandoned slow, moderate reforms and are preparing to use violence to achieve centralization!"
"Damn it! Don't they fear destabilizing the foundations of civilization?"
"From a collective standpoint, some individuals are more beneficial dead than alive."
"I'm not asking you to praise them! Who would have thought they'd actually be willing to make such a radical decision, disregarding the large-scale casualties—It's troublesome now. No matter how hard we try, it's impossible to organize a force among these useless people to counter theirs. The unification trend can only be delayed, not stopped!"
"Relying on humanity won't work. Ultimately, the only power we can truly trust is our own. Herrschers. We need more Herrscher powers!"
"And how do we get them? After we claimed the Herrscher of Ice's powers, they'll definitely be more vigilant. They won't let another Herrscher leave that fortress of a headquarters so easily. Are you planning to storm the place?"
The Theater of Domination was like a chaotic, unsupervised marketplace, with individuals noisily bickering and debating.
As the host was active outside, no one was there to become the central target of everyone's ire. Thus, the voices of discussion and cursing grew particularly disorganized.
Suddenly, all the individuals fell silent for a brief moment, collectively looking upward as though they'd noticed something in the gray, foggy sky—a piece of synchronized information had been transmitted from one of the individuals outside.
The clamor resumed shortly after.
"Something's off! The Herrscher of Wind and the Herrscher of Death are traveling together, while the others continue to stay holed up. What are they planning?"
"Do they think these two are the most complete Herrschers and therefore don't need to worry about us?"
"Anyone with a brain here? Step up and analyze this!"
The host materialized from the void, stepping onto the central podium.
"Here comes the big brain! Let's hear her ramble!"
"For once, I think you might actually be useful. Hurry up and say something!"
"Quiet!"
Bang! Bang!
The host struck the small gavel on the podium, scanning the surroundings. She gazed at the rows of identical doll-like faces, each a replica of her own. Seeing that the crowd had finally calmed down, she sighed expressionlessly.
"Centralized unification is the worst-case scenario for us, yet it is an unstoppable trend. So, why release the information early? Why not quietly plan and wait until preparations are complete to bulldoze everything, minimizing resistance?"
"There's only one answer: it's targeted at us. To them, eliminating us is far more important than the increased resistance caused by the exposed plan."
"And, as expected, we must obstruct unification, forcing us to abandon our previous strategy of concealment. As a result, we've been found."
"The real question now is, why are Wendy and Seele the ones sent to hunt us? Where are the other Herrschers? And more importantly, where are those true monsters? Why haven't they come after us?"
"Two possibilities. First, even with the Herrscher of Ice's power stolen, we're still not considered a threat. The other side might think two complete Herrschers are more than enough to deal with us. Second, it's a trap. If we can't resist engaging them in a real battle, stronger forces will intervene unexpectedly and deliver a fatal blow."
"Clearly, the second possibility is more likely."
After her analysis, the host paused, waiting for the audience's reactions.
Sure enough, the room quickly grew noisy again.
"So, does that mean we should do nothing?"
"No, this is a harsh strategy. If we neither retaliate nor hide, our forces will be gradually depleted. If we hide and stop interfering in human society, their unification efforts will face far less resistance. And if we fight back... as the host said, it's likely a trap."
"Damn it! Does that mean we have no options?"
"Hey! If you have a plan, just say it! Stop leaving us in suspense!"
Regardless of whether they had ideas of their own, the dolls in the audience turned their attention back to the host in the center. When it came to scheming and strategy, she was the expert—and trusting an expert felt like the safest move.
Sigh...
The host sighed deeply, deliberated for a moment, and said,
"My question now is—should we place a big bet?"
"How big?" someone from the audience asked.
The host replied,
"Draw them in, sever the passage to the real world, and complete the domination ritual right here in the theater to seize their powers."
"Are you insane? If we do that, the Theater of Domination will be gradually consumed by the imaginary space. Even if we seize their powers, we won't escape death."
"It's precisely because we must stake our lives that we have a chance to create a situation free from external interference. The battle will require almost all of our forces, leaving only a few behind in the real world. If we succeed, the remaining individuals will receive feedback from the Herrscher powers, enabling them to revive everyone and rebuild the theater easily. If we fail, those left behind will become the final Herrscher of Thousands. Our power will dwindle to its weakest, but at the very least, we'll drag two complete Herrschers down with us, easing the pressure on the survivors."
"This is nonsense! Winning is one thing, but losing means total defeat! Even if the enemy loses two Herrschers, their remaining forces will still be unstoppable. Meanwhile, if the Theater of Domination and most of our strength vanish into the imaginary space, what could the few survivors possibly do? Rebuild from scratch? Dream on!"
"The individuals left behind will be carefully selected to maximize our chances of recovering. But that's secondary. The main point is—we have no choice. As you've all analyzed, we're in a highly passive situation right now. Any other option is equivalent to lying on the enemy's chopping block. If we don't go all in, we're just waiting to die. So, do we bet or not? I'm calling for a vote. Raise your hand if you're willing to gamble."
In the audience, doll after doll raised a hand, each in its own twisted way, but enough to show their stance.
The host roughly counted—about one-fifth.
She didn't rush, merely gazed quietly at the audience.
A few seconds later, more hands started going up, one after another.
"Damn it! Not gambling is just slow death. What's there to chicken out about?"
"I think it's worth a shot. Forget the Herrscher of Wind; the Herrscher of Death is timid by nature. There's no way she's fully integrated her Herrscher persona. The odds aren't bad."
"If you don't raise your hand, and I don't raise mine, when will the Herrscher of Thousands rise? If you don't sacrifice, and I don't sacrifice, when will new powers emerge?"
"—I think we should hear the host's so-called backup plan before deciding. Host, don't leave us hanging or I'll—ah!"
Amid the chaotic voices, the host saw about a third of the audience showing support.
She said:
"As for the survivors, we'll start with eight individuals."
"First, the General. She has the strongest individual combat capabilities and thus the highest survival rate, ensuring the best chances if the plan fails."
"Next, myself, the Dean, and the Pope. Whether you admit it or not, I'm the best strategist here. Only I can accurately assess the situation in adversity and take the most advantageous actions. The Dean and the Pope excel at manipulating hearts and inciting rebellion, making them key in securing human support in emergencies."
"Fifth is the Architect. Her spatial talents are unmatched. Whether we succeed or fail, rebuilding the Theater of Domination quickly will depend on her."
"The final three positions are unimportant and will be filled through voluntary applications. These individuals will mainly serve as scapegoats and shields to ensure that even if the operation fails and the enemy launches a targeted attack, the top five high-value individuals can survive to turn the tide."
The host's calm explanation left many dolls scratching their heads, deep in thought.
"Sounds... reasonable."
"With this setup, even if the plan fails, there's still a decent chance of recovery. It's worth a try."
"At worst, we can always hide. Lost strength will eventually return with time. We just need to avoid being wiped out before we can recover."
"Leaving behind the most well-rounded team—no issues so far. The host is right. Betting big is the best of our bad options."
"We must escape the trap set by the enemy. Otherwise, it's a dead end. I'm in! Success or hibernation—endurance and patience are skills we've long mastered, aren't they?"
"Who knows if we'll win, but if we take down two Herrschers with us, imagine the look on their faces!"
"Oh? That's got me excited. Hey, survivors, if you can, snap some pictures for me. I'd love to enjoy them once I'm revived! Hahaha!"
Gradually, more hands went up, until the number exceeded the actual number of dolls present—some enthusiastic individuals raised both hands.
The host scanned the room, then raised her gavel and struck it hard.
Bang!
"Motion passed! Next, let's discuss the specific plan of action—"
<+>
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]
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[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
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