"This statement is truly…"
Welt's voice trailed off, resonating with the words Xingyue had spoken.
He too had inherited his Herrscher Core—he had chosen to become one.
What right did he have to judge others for transcending humanity?
But one final concern remained.
"What do you plan to do with the Honkai Beasts?"
Otto turned toward Xingyue as well. It was a shared worry.
Xingyue waved her hand casually.
"Take your people and leave. I'll make sure they don't pursue you."
"But… there are a million of them. If they remain on Earth—"
Before Welt could finish, Xingyue's azure eyes locked onto him.
"Are you negotiating with me?"
"I've already been generous. If you want to go back on our agreement, I don't mind visiting Anti-Entropy HQ…"
The threat was clear.
Welt clenched his fists but said nothing. They were in no position to resist.
Even with the Moonlight Throne, the current civilization was weaker than the last. Victory was impossible.
"And you, Otto," Xingyue continued, "if you try anything behind my back, I'll visit Schicksal too."
Her gaze scanned Otto from head to toe.
"Don't think switching bodies will save you. I have ways to deal with souls."
She squeezed her palm, smiling confidently.
Otto's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was intrigued.
Could she really manipulate souls?
He suppressed the thought. Even if he wanted to study her, he lacked the means.
For now, he'd settle for knowing such a possibility existed.
After a pause, Otto smiled.
"I don't think you'd do that, Your Excellency."
"Hm?"
"You seem to enjoy peace. If you attacked us, you'd lose the convenience of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. And I doubt you'd enjoy a missile interrupting your beachside nap."
Otto spread his hands, as if he'd read her mind.
Xingyue narrowed her eyes.
The tension spiked.
Durandal gripped Abyss Flower. Welt shifted into a defensive stance.
They knew it was futile—but instinct demanded readiness.
Then—
Xingyue burst into laughter, covering her lips with one hand and resting the other on her waist.
"Hahaha! As expected of the Schicksal Bishop. You always find the blind spots."
She waved her hand.
"Fine. I'll recall the Honkai Beasts that might trouble you."
But her eyes gleamed.
"I still find you annoying. So I'll give you a lesson."
Bang.
Otto's body exploded into fragments.
Everyone froze.
Xingyue's index finger still smoked faintly.
No one had seen her move.
The fear was instant and absolute.
Her speed had surpassed their reflexes.
Before anyone could react, it was already done.
Xingyue turned, sensing something.
She saw Sirin—white-haired, skirt billowing—trying to summon a Void Black Hole.
Her Herrscher Core had been destabilized by proximity to Xingyue's immense energy. But now, she was regaining control.
She had one goal: escape.
If she could enter the Imaginary Space, she could vanish.
She summoned the rift and sprinted toward it.
But—
Thud.
Her forehead slammed into an invisible barrier.
She fell, rubbing her head.
A shadow loomed.
Xingyue stood above her, smiling.
"Oh my, my dear Herrscher. What were you doing?"
"Trying to go to the restroom?"
She giggled, mocking.
"Let me guess…"
She tapped her cheek, pretending to ponder.
"You weren't trying to escape, were you? How embarrassing!"
"I liked your defiant look earlier. Keep it up."
Sirin's chest heaved. Rage and humiliation surged.
She grabbed a Spear of Subspace and thrust it toward Xingyue's chest.
Just a few centimeters away—
She smiled.
This is it. I'll pierce her and slip away.
But the spear stopped.
It couldn't penetrate the shield.
Cold sweat streamed down Sirin's face.
Xingyue leaned in, caressing her cheek.
"Herrscher, do you know?"
"Both survival and death are just parts of the universe."
"You don't need to be afraid. It won't hurt."
Sirin's eyes widened.
Then—
Xingyue's gaze turned mischievous.
She reached forward—