Although it was only a dimensional space formed by combining two small solar-system-level worlds, Selene was satisfied. Step by step, after all.
Whether it was The Walking Dead world or the Jackie Chan Adventures world, both were merely small worlds. The scope of their real universe was only slightly larger than a solar system, with the rest of the endless starry sky merely being projections of higher-dimensional worlds.
"Time to return to the Empire..."
...
Empire — Habsburg Province, Schönbrunn Palace, Central Garden.
"Ever since Liver constructed the coordinate node, it has been almost three days since milady departed... by now, she should be returning soon..."
Wearing a black butler's uniform and holding a white towel, Sebas carefully polished the office desk in the courtyard where Selene had previously handled documents, murmuring softly to himself.
In truth, as Selene's head butler, such tasks could easily be delegated to servants. Yet Sebas insisted on doing them himself, taking pleasure in the routine.
Just as his voice faded, buzz buzz~
With a surge of violet-red light, a circular teleportation gate appeared in the courtyard of the palace. Amid the rippling waves, a silver-white metal combat boot was the first to step through.
Hearing the sound, Sebas immediately set aside his work and approached.
"Milady, welcome back."
Soon, Selene stepped out, still clad in her beautiful Bright Knight · Excelsis combat attire.
Behind her followed Liver and a burly red-haired man Sebas had never seen before. Once they emerged, the black hole–like portal dissipated into nothingness.
"Milady, congratulations on your advancement in strength," Sebas greeted respectfully, placing one hand over his chest.
Though Selene appeared unchanged, as her companion Honkai Beast, Sebas' power was partially linked to hers. He could feel it—her aura had grown heavier, more oppressive, deeper than the abyss itself.
"Mm. Thank you, Sebas... This time's harvest was substantial. We'll need to accelerate our arrangements for the Empire."
As she spoke, Selene closed her eyes, sensing the nine great Shadow Legions she had absorbed. With a wave of her hand, she separated a fragment of that power and directed it toward Sebas.
"Milady... what is this?" Sebas asked, feeling a strange new authority flow through him.
"The Shadow Legion—Ninja Khan. I believe they'll serve as capable subordinates for you. Go on, try summoning your soldiers," Selene said with a faint smile.
"Summon the darkness within..."
Sensing something awaken within him, Sebas' eyes flashed crimson.
The next moment, from the courtyard's shadows, numerous black-clad figures slowly emerged from the grass and corners—Shadow Ninjas.
Their skin was gray-blue, eyes glowing red. Clad in black ninja garb covering most of their bodies and faces, with dark-red collars and belts—belts that held their weapons.
"Among the nine Shadow Legions, the Ninja Khan soldiers are the most versatile, capable of fulfilling—"
Before Selene could finish explaining, a booming voice interrupted.
"Great General! Regarding the patrol of the Great Northern Wall, the Imperial Guard has alread—uh..."
"..."
Dozens of cold gazes fixed upon Kinshasa, their icy red eyes and masked faces making his hair stand on end. Their appearance—blue skin, red eyes, black night garb in broad daylight—was unmistakably sinister.
Instinctively, Kinshasa drew the greatsword at his waist and opened his mouth to shout, "Assass—"
Thud!
Selene snatched an apple from the nearby fruit basket, flicking her wrist to control its force, and threw it at him with a laugh and a scolding, "Ass my ass!"
"Mmph! Mmph—!"
Realizing what had happened, Kinshasa pulled the apple—now firmly lodged in his mouth—out with his massive hand. Looking embarrassed, he scratched his head. "Uh... my apologies, Great General. Reflex."
"Mm. You came at just the right time. I have a task for you."
With a casual wave, Selene dismissed the Ninja Khan soldiers, then turned toward the burly man who had been silently standing beside Liver. "Kinshasa, meet your new comrade—this is Hak Foo."
When it came to the Jackie Chan Adventures world, if one were to mention brawlers, Hak Foo—the man without a normal attack—had to be included.
He was one of the most striking supporting characters in the Jackie Chan Adventures world—second only to the main cast and the original trio of the Dark Hand. In Selene's memory, her most vivid impression of Hak Foo was his endless stream of ridiculous battle cries.
But in truth, Hak Foo was a genuine martial arts master. In his techniques, Selene could discern traces of nearly every martial art style from ancient to modern times. If not for Jackie and his team always pulling plot armor out of nowhere, the outcome of their battles might have been uncertain.
As for why Hak Foo came under Selene's command, that was thanks to Liver. Originally, Selene hadn't considered recruiting him, but Liver saw his potential and personally recommended him.
Recommendation reasoning: fierce and brave, ruthless and battle-hungry, with exceptional combat ability—after some refining, he'd be a perfect war general.
Presented with such a subordinate, Selene had no reason to refuse.
And truth be told, Hak Foo—a subordinate who would remain fiercely loyal as long as he could fight and grow stronger, all while spouting ridiculous phrases—was exactly the kind of warrior Selene wanted.
As Selene finished speaking, the towering, muscular red-haired man with spiked hair stepped forward. He wore a blue vest and pants, brown wristbands, a belt, and boots.
"My master, what are your orders?" Hak Foo asked respectfully.
"Kinshasa, Hak Foo is yours. Train him well within the army."
"Hak Foo, huh? Strange name... and he looks like one of those monks from the Imperial Fist. Are you sure he's fit for the Imperial Guard?"
At that, a vein bulged on Hak Foo's forehead. He glanced at the armored officer before him, a hint of eagerness flashing in his eyes.
"Hak Foo, show him what you can do." With a satisfied snap of her fingers, Selene said cheerfully.
Given her approval, Hak Foo launched himself from the ground in an instant, leaping dozens of meters into the air. Twisting midair, he began contorting his limbs into various stances, shouting incomprehensible phrases with every motion:
"Black Tiger Crushes Bald Eagle!"
"Meteor Pummels Mountain!"
Then, gliding forward several more meters, Hak Foo landed precisely on Kinshasa's shoulder, hooked his fingers, and called out again:
"And now—Dragon Sweeps Its Tail!"
It all happened in the blink of an eye. Kinshasa, caught off guard by Hak Foo's bizarre performance, was momentarily dumbfounded.
A high jump followed by a flying kick—so far, so good. But why did every move have to come with a ridiculous name?
As a hardened veteran with limited vocabulary, Kinshasa had truly never encountered anything like this before. "Uh..."
Selene laughed softly. "Hahaha... That's enough, Hak Foo. Come down." She paused, a mysterious smile forming on her lips. "Kinshasa, Hak Foo will be under your command in the army."
As for Hak Foo's strength, Selene had full confidence. The Honkai energy would continue to fortify his body, while his martial prowess would only sharpen further.
"Yes, ma'am!"