Sirin wasn't foolish.
Let me reiterate: despite her overwhelming rage and unchecked ambition, Sirin truly wasn't stupid.
Having just recently acquired a physical form, she was well aware that her state remained unstable. Although she managed to rebirth using her newfound control ability after her previous body was destroyed, it still left lingering effects.
On another note, her past experiences had taught her just how difficult Fu Hua could be to deal with, and she sensed a formidable threat from Durandal as well. The gathering black clouds above and the dust billowing in the distance made it clear that a true army was marching toward them. Obviously, more people—especially one particularly troublesome individual—had taken notice.
Sirin didn't doubt her ability to defeat Fu Hua and Durandal, but getting bogged down here would only lead to endless complications until she was utterly drained.
Her golden eyes scanned Kiana, Raiden Mei, Fu Hua, and Durandal one by one. With a sinister smirk, Sirin's figure gradually began fading away.
"Don't even think about running, Herrscher of the Void!"
Durandal's gaze turned frosty. In an instant, she shattered the ground beneath her feet, transforming into a streak of golden light that pierced through Sirin's body—but all it penetrated was air, having no effect on the rapidly vanishing form.
Sirin looked down, meeting eyes with Durandal at close range.
"The Valkyries of Schicksal... how revolting! I'll take your life next time we meet. Cherish these fleeting moments you have left."
"No matter where or when, by Durandal's name, I swear to bring justice upon all evil—I await your return!" Durandal responded with unwavering determination.
In the following second, Sirin vanished completely from sight.
Raiden Mei looked at Fu Hua.
"Fu Hua-sensei, can we chase after her?"
"It would be difficult," Fu Hua replied, slightly resigned and frowning. "Manipulating space is her primary ability. If she wants to leave, no one can stop her. Forget it; for now, you three should go back and get treated. Also, thank you for your assistance, Durandal."
"I didn't accomplish much, please don't mention it, immortal. For the time being, I will remain with Anti-Entropy. Should you need anything, feel free to ask."
"Understood. Regarding Wendy and the others, does Otto have any plans?"
"The Lord Bishop said... this is their trial, and he won't intervene unless their lives are truly at stake. Additionally, it seems Sir Zeke had arrangements in place already, so there's no need to worry."
"I see. Then let's head back first."
"Yes ma'am!"
Meanwhile, at Anti-Entropy Headquarters far away...
Hera turned from the surveillance feed and faced Welt, who had just let out a sigh, her expression warm with amusement.
"Lord Leader... Surely you don't intend to intervene without authorization?"
"To be honest, I almost couldn't resist. Who could have anticipated Herrscher of the Void's rebirth like this? You know well how terrifying that entity is, yet these children are still inexperienced... Shouldn't we cancel this trial altogether?"
Welt hesitated.
Then Hera placed her hand on his shoulder, its weight feeling as heavy as a thousand tons, eliciting a stifled groan from Welt.
"Otto?"
"Welt, establishing an empire was your preferred course of action, and it was also you who first proposed Zeke's role... Don't tell me you're planning to defy His Imperial Majesty's very first decree."
Hera spoke jovially, but there was not a hint of warmth in her crystalline blue eyes.
Taken aback, Welt fell silent.
Hera removed her hand, stood up, and smoothed her deep crimson dress before casually continuing,
"The consolidation of power aims to maximize civilization's unity. For this purpose, we need an emperor, and our utmost efforts must safeguard the imperial authority. First and foremost, you must learn to unwaveringly execute the emperor's will. Even aside from that... Considering Herrschers are strategic assets capable of shaking the foundations of civilization, who do you believe has the right to command them?"
"The emperor... Zeke," Welt replied slowly, his expression growing increasingly grave.
Hera's lips curved slightly upward.
"Correct answer. Only the Emperor can control such dangerous and sensitive beings as Herrschers to ensure the unshakable authority of the throne. And yet, Welt, you dared to alter Zeke's orders regarding the Herrscher... Of course, I don't doubt your intentions, nor is Zeke a true feudal emperor who would harbor suspicions about you. But what will others think? Those unwilling to submit to an absolute will, those who hold fanatical devotion towards you, Welt—might this not give them unwarranted aspirations? Consider it carefully. Before establishing our nation, we must address not only other countries but also the mindset of pillars like yourselves."
"...I understand now, thank you for the reminder, Otto."
Welt nodded solemnly, his expression unchanged.
Hera's smile deepened further as she continued calmly, "I find it hard to believe that Zeke is completely unaware of the Herrscher of a Thousand People's transformation. Yet he has taken no action or issued any commands to change the plan. I suspect this is meant as a test—a continuation of sorts. The mere presence of a Herrscher of a Thousand People isn't a significant challenge. However, if we can overcome this hurdle now, our Herrscher forces might truly mature... That's why I've arranged for Durandal to provide support, intervening only when Raiden Mei and Kiana's lives hang by a thread. As for you, I still recommend observing from afar; I fear you may struggle to strike the right balance."
In the Sea of Quanta, within Cosmic Juggernaut's world bubble...
Zeke listened to updates from his informant with fox ears—oh, wait, they're donkey ears—and gently tapped his index finger on the high-strength alloy table.
"Crack!"
"Crack!"
"Snap!"
Despite appearing composed, each tap of Zeke's finger deepened and widened the fissures spreading across the tabletop.
Hera's speculation was half-right, half-wrong.
While Zeke did indeed consider continuing this trial, he remained undecided.
No one foresaw Sirin's resurrection, but it presented an even more suitable opportunity for training.
Initially, upon hearing about Kiana's peril, Zeke had contemplated reversing Cosmic Juggernaut back to reality, opting for a straightforward solution.
However, fostering the combat capabilities of the Herrschers held immense value and significance for civilization.
One choice aligned with his instincts; the other, with the broader picture... Zeke hesitated.
He could resolve the issue now, but without maturing the Herrscher squad, they would face far greater danger in the future without such protective support.
Kiana, along with all the Herrschers, may not face danger now, but they inevitably will in the future. Zeke hesitated between suppressing his reluctance and relentlessly pushing their training to its limits or prioritizing their safety.
"Zeke, what should I do?"
"...Carry on as planned," Zeke replied before cutting off the communication link.
He switched to another screen displaying Kiana's real-time physical and consciousness data. After confirming her stable condition once more, he sighed softly.
"Sirin..." As Zeke murmured, within an instant, he devised nine heartlessly cruel methods—nine whole ways!
Regarding the next steps, Zeke didn't decide to continue testing them immediately; instead, he chose to wait. He would await Kiana's call after she awakened, listen to her explanations, assess the situation then, and make the final decision accordingly.
Zeke looked up and noticed Su holding a tray with teapot and pastries delicately balanced in both hands.
Smiling awkwardly, Su cautiously asked, "Um, have you finished? Can I repair the table and set these down now?"
"...Yes, go ahead," Zeke responded indifferently, promptly vanishing from sight and returning to his dedicated experimental world bubble.
Su blinked, taken aback.
"The tea... was just steeped," Su murmured weakly, inadvertently hinting at a slight sense of disappointment.
His old friend Kevin continued to practice relentlessly day and night, while Zeke always came and went like a gust of wind. In the end, Su felt as though he remained mostly alone, with little change from before!