To the outside world, communication with the Far East Region had been lost for several hours. Countless individuals anxiously awaited news, even if they didn't have loved ones directly affected; this catastrophe could strike anyone at any moment, leaving no one indifferent.
Everyone was waiting—waiting for a definitive outcome.
This result would unequivocally reveal whether humanity's resources were sufficient to withstand Honkai.
Einstein and Zeke both recognized the direction public opinion was taking.
"We must resolve this swiftly and deliver impressive results," Einstein analyzed, rubbing her temples in frustration. "Otherwise, the hard-earned confidence and courage of civilization will suffer a severe blow."
The issue lay in the already staggering number of casualties. Upon disclosure, regardless of how it was presented, there would inevitably be dissatisfaction and panic among people. Even someone as astute as Einstein momentarily struggled to find ways to minimize these negative impacts.
Human minds can sometimes be resilient as steel, yet fragile as paper at other times.
Zeke reviewed the battlefield situation and allocation of combat forces. After a brief silence, he suggested, "Stream it live. Show the footage of our main forces' landing operation."
"...It's not a bad approach. The casualties have already occurred; using the bravery and might of our fighters to overshadow pessimistic sentiments is feasible. However, surrenderists will always be present. We must beware of their interference—indeed, it would be strange if they didn't seize this opportunity to assert themselves."
"Disabling bullet comments, I'll select the footage myself. Our goal is to convey the brutality while showcasing humanity's resilience and strength. As for the surrenderists... there will never be a shortage of those hindering progress, but the truly deranged remain few. A few purges should suffice."
"Agreed. Let's initiate a vote, and my ballot will be cast in favor," Einstein said mildly, submitting the proposal to the decision-making body composed of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy high-ranking officials along with representatives from several nations.
Ten minutes later, the proposal was approved.
At that moment, the true main forces officially took center stage.
Under the watchful eyes of the world, majestic Titans emerged from the waves like a silent mythological army. Swarms of drones whistled across the sky, as wave after wave of youthful figures swept through the scenes. Ships, heavy artillery, flashes of electricity, bursts of firelight—all these countless known and unknown technological weapons seemed to fill the heavens, stretching endlessly towards the Far East...
No explanations were provided, but the dense yet orderly visuals undeniably showcased humanity's power, leaving viewers breathless before stirring feelings of pride and fervor within their chests.
There was no explanation needed; this crowded yet meticulously organized scene unmistakably showcased humanity's strength, leaving viewers breathless before their chests swelled with pride and surging passion.
The footage shifted again to the ravaged cityscape, where Fu Hua, Welt, and others annihilated Pseudo-Herrschers with ruthless efficiency, embodying gods reborn. Though brief, the combat scenes were profoundly moving.
Next came the soldiers who had already been on the battlefield, engaged in life-or-death battles against Honkai. The battered Titan Legion, the Valkyries suffering grievous casualties, and the ever-sacrificing special forces stirred hearts with their bravery.
Then there were the hellish battlefields strewn with corpses, scenes of bloodshed that chilled the soul and trembled the heart.
All these events unfolded in brutal reality, boldly unveiled truths both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
Gradually, the main forces charged onto the battlefield.
Honkai Beasts relentlessly assaulted defense lines, seeking to bypass the selflessly fighting warriors and slaughter civilians behind them. In response, Valkyries' riding spears and greatswords shredded the beasts, while silent Titans crushed their remains, unyieldingly neutralizing every threat.
A variety of weapons unleashed barrages, transforming the battlefield teeming with Honkai Beasts and Zombies into a raging inferno.
Swarms descended like a blanket from the sky, engulfing dense waves of beasts and leaving not a single scale or shell fragment behind. Alternatively, chained nuclear explosions enveloped everything in blinding white light.
Behind them, rescue forces swiftly followed to provide medical aid and distribute water and food to survivors. After leaving essential caretakers behind, they trailed closely after the frontline troops, pushing deeper into the battlefield.
Initially, some disgruntled viewers complained about not being able to post bullet comments. However, as the scene unfolded, gradually no one remembered their absence. They watched silently and attentively, holding their breaths, clenching fists, or sighing with relief, their emotions shifting constantly with each change in perspective.
They witnessed a Valkyrie who had lost both her hands, sitting slumped against a corner. Upon seeing the main support force arrive, she smiled through tears amidst a pool of blood. They saw countless Titans crush swarms of beasts, leaving small clearings where bloodstained Valkyries descended from the sky, gently cradling little girls protected by their parents' lifeless bodies, tenderly stroking their hair like flowing water.
There were many such moments...
The situation was dire, but humanity's strength was steadily driving Honkai back—under the watchful eyes of all mankind, these warriors were saving the world.
An hour later, amidst swirling gales, Wendy secured the restraint device onto the motionless Herrscher of Ice.
Two hours after that, Fu Hua pierced through the 42nd and final Pseudo-Herrscher appearing in the war, gently placing it on the ground. She then looked up with compassion at the devastated city now devoid of enemies, letting out a soft sigh.
Three hours later, Titans, Valkyries, and countless aerial weapons encircled the last city occupied by Honkai Beasts and Zombies. Concentrated fire reduced the stronghold to rubble in one devastating strike.
Finally, silhouettes of various cities appeared on screen:
[Nagazora City: Honkai Energy level below safety threshold.]
[Kawara City: Honkai Energy level below safety threshold.]
[Six Cities: Honkai Energy level below safety threshold.]
[Minhua City: Honkai Energy level below safety threshold.]
...below safety threshold
...below safety threshold
In the very end, a satellite image displaying danger levels showed red zones sequentially turning green until not a single trace of red remained across the entire map.
The video concluded.
Victory belonged to humanity.
Zeke's fingers paused.
Beside him, Kiana gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
Undoubtedly, Zeke had been the busiest person throughout this war.
Real-time data analysis, macro management of troop deployments, frontline command, monitoring public opinion, logistics, directing worker bees, coordinating elite combat forces, and even personally eliminating one Herrscher and several Pseudo-Herrschers others couldn't handle promptly—all fell on his shoulders.
Without Zeke, this battle would not have ended so swiftly.
Without Zeke, there wouldn't have been such unity, an unstoppable force working together.
Bronya handed him a glass of water.
Sin offered some food.
Zeke sat down on a dirty, slightly damaged chair brought over from somewhere unknown.
Kiana intuitively moved behind him, massaging his shoulders.
To be honest, her technique was quite amateurish, but the strength she applied felt just right for Zeke's robust physique.
After taking a few bites of the food, he looked up and surveyed the people around him.
From the beginning, the trio clad in black armor had steadfastly remained by his side: Wendy, whose Honkai Energy still struggled to be effectively controlled; Alliance Leader Welt; Fu Hua, wielding the Xuanyuan Sword; Durandal, adorned in golden armor; Anti-Entropy's Enforcers—Cocolia, Raiden Ryoma, Su Tan—and on the screens, Einstein, Raiden Mei, Amber, Book of Fuxi, among others, all present in their roles.
Zeke's lips curved slightly.
"We won."
It was a simple statement, yet everyone broke into smiles.