Within St. Freya Academy.
The heroes had already assembled.
All fifteen Flame-Chasers of Fire Moth from the Previous Era, except Elysia, were deployed. On the Current Era's side, Raiden Mei, Kiana, Durandal, and Rita were fully prepared for battle.
In addition, there was the Herrscher of Finality, as well as Jyahnar.
With such a level of combat power, there was no opponent to be found anywhere within the solar system. Now that the moment of departure had arrived, everyone, brimming with battle intent, flexed their muscles as they stared at the portal leading to the Theater of Domination before them.
"Although I don't know how many trump cards the Herrscher of Ten Thousand still has hidden, under absolute force, they probably won't be able to stir up much trouble. Mm, just in time—my legion has finished assembling as well."
Elias glanced behind him.
The beasts were roaring and howling. The terrifying pressure made many Valkyries tremble uncontrollably. Countless people swallowed hard, feeling as though they might be dreaming.
That was a legion of over ten thousand high-tier Honkai Beasts. Emperor-class, Judgment-class, Vipralopa-class—each one, if placed outside, would be a walking catastrophe. In addition, there were several thousand Imaginary Constructs and Quantum Shadows—equally terrifying calamities.
"Ara~ in that case, I'll join as well. Though I'm a bit weaker, I should still be of some use."
As Misteln spoke, she planted the flag in her hand into the ground. In the next instant, countless warriors clad in white battle suits and wearing full-face helmets emerged from space in perfect formation.
This was a brand-new species born from Project STIGMA—Stigmata lifeforms that had yet to fully mature into [Idea]s, the Seeds of Ideas.
They were Stigmata Knights that only Misteln could command and control, their numbers likewise exceeding ten thousand.
"Is this level of force meant to conquer the world?"
"Even conquering the world wouldn't require this many."
"Oh? Then are we conquering the universe?"
"No, I heard we're going to fight a newly appeared Herrscher."
"Eh? What kind of Herrscher has this much prestige? And aren't Herrschers supposed to be humanity's friends? Why are we fighting a Herrscher?"
"Yeah, yeah, aren't Herrschers the apostles that help humanity defeat the Honkai?"
The Valkyries whispered among themselves. In this Current Era, due to the overly harmonious relationship between humans and Herrschers, many had even completely forgotten that Herrschers were originally apostles of the Honkai.
Elias was quite satisfied with this kind of understanding.
"Cecilia, have all the Cores been secured?"
"Mm, don't worry. Everything is foolproof."
"I trust you. Then I'll leave the rear to you."
Before departure, Elias had already extracted all the Herrscher and pseudo-Herrscher Cores within the academy. At this moment, the pile of Cores—stacked like a small mountain—was being stored beneath St. Freya Academy.
Even though the Herrscher Cores had not yet been freed from the control of the Herrscher of Ten Thousand, this at least prevented their side from bearing the consumption and cost when the enemy used those authorities.
At the same time, since the enemy in this battle possessed the authorities of twelve Herrschers, as well as thousands of pseudo-Herrscher authorities, most of those selected to head into battle were individuals with extremely powerful personal strength—those who could treat large numbers of Herrschers as nothing, or at the very least had sufficient ability to protect themselves.
"Alright, since preparations are complete, let's set off. If we finish early, we might still make it back in time for dinner."
"Hehe~ that's very much like you, Lia. But what should we have for dinner tonight?"
"After dealing with the Herrscher of Ten Thousand, would you be willing to go shopping for ingredients with me, Miss Mei?"
"Of course, Rita. Looks like we'll have to fight a bit faster, otherwise we'll miss the discount hours."
"You damn puppet, here we come!"
...
At the same time, at Schicksal Headquarters—Kolosten.
"This time... this should be my final opportunity, right?"
In a dark study, Otto Apocalypse held a glass of red wine, quietly "witnessing" the battle that was about to unfold. His mood was far from as calm as it appeared on the surface.
From a certain perspective, this was his last and only chance to "defeat" Elias. He indeed held something crucial in his hands, though in the end, it was merely a single chip.
There was only one chance to place his bet. If the Herrscher of Ten Thousand could defeat Elias, then for Otto, that would naturally be a great outcome. But if they failed to win...
Then... he would have no choice but to "deliver himself" personally.
Otto: "Although it seems like no matter which side wins, it's a losing outcome for me, there's nothing that can be done about it. Sigh~ sometimes even I wonder if my current predicament is retribution for committing too many sins."
"But the one who will have a headache next isn't me. Elias, you better be careful. This Herrscher of Ten Thousand... is not such a simple opponent~"
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to the side. That was the single chip Otto Apocalypse had obtained in this war between the Honkai and the savior. Though small in value, it was crucial.
"Which side should I bet on? Elias... or the Herrscher of Ten Thousand? Sigh~ this is my only chip. I must treat it carefully. After all, there's no chance to regret it."
Otto's eyes were deep and serious.
Everything, or nothing.
He had only one opportunity. He had to make the correct choice.
"The wheel of fate has already begun to turn. This game between man and god has already begun. However, this is an unfair gamble, so... let me see who will win in the end. Elias, will you be able to create another miracle this time?"
The whispers of a fool echoed within the study, where he stood alone, fully focused on this holy war.
...
"Oh~ now this is surprising."
Passing through the spatial gate to the domain where the Herrscher of Ten Thousand resided, Elias and the others descended into this so-called "Theater of Domination."
However, the moment the scenery entered their eyes, even Elias couldn't help but widen his eyes in astonishment, feeling a considerable visual impact.
And that puppet from before hadn't lied.
She truly didn't know what the "Theater of Domination" was.
Because the base of the Herrscher of Ten Thousand was not a grand theater as Elias remembered from the original storyline, but rather a "twisted kingdom" stretching endlessly beyond sight!
Clack... clack... clack... clack... clack...
"Hahaha~ welcome to the Nation of Domination!!" xN
Countless puppets shouted in unison. One by one, they stood atop the city walls. In the next instant, the authority of the Herrscher of the Void was activated, forcibly teleporting Elias and the others directly into the city.
"Well? Surprised? Was it unexpected?!"
"This is our kingdom—our world!"
"Within this Nation of Domination, we are the rules!"
"Are you already afraid? No matter—release your fear and wails to your heart's content!"
"Tch! What a noisy bunch."
Elias looked at the Herrscher of Ten Thousand who had completely surrounded them with disdain. However, he did not rush to attack. Instead, he glanced around, carefully examining this "Nation of Domination," which was entirely different from the original storyline.
A kingdom as intricate and interwoven as a labyrinth. It was clear that this was not something that could be created by human hands. Twisted, bizarre, and cold—it resembled the mythological land of the dead, Niflheim.
Magnificent, yet ugly.
Vast, yet narrow.
Solid, yet dull.
"Well, to put it simply, it's just a Theater of Domination the size of a country. The scale is larger, sure, but it's poorly built. It doesn't look like anything impressive."
Elias shook his head with a look of disgust. Standing beside him, Eden nodded in agreement. This was also her first time seeing a kingdom completely devoid of any sense of artistry.
Even something built with toy blocks by a child would look better than this.
"Hah? What are you talking about?!"
"We worked so hard to build this!"
"Damn it! Apologize for insulting our work!"
Their proud "Nation of Domination" was mocked so mercilessly, causing the Herrscher of Ten Thousand to stomp their feet in anger. Elias simply shrugged, indicating that he was merely speaking the truth.
If Elysia were here, she would surely have made the same evaluation. As someone who had traveled the world with him twelve times, visiting every city across the globe, from their perspective, this Nation of Domination could only be described as "grotesquely magnificent"—a place perfectly suited for puppets filled with negative emotions.
"I have seen every city in this world, witnessed every landscape it has to offer. Compared to those prosperous and beautiful sights, your kingdom is truly unbearable to look at. It doesn't even measure up to one billionth of the paradise that Elysia and I take pride in."
Constructing the Judgment of Shamash with the authority of Reason, blazing flames ignited along the blade as Elias pointed his sword at the Herrscher of Ten Thousand.
"So just wait. Once I deal with you, I'll tear down this ugly kingdom immediately."
"Damn it, I've never seen someone this arrogant!"
"Hmph! So what if you're the savior?!"
"Hand over your authority too!"
"Taste the power of these authorities yourself!"
Grinding their teeth, the Herrscher of Ten Thousand unleashed their assault.
Terrifying authorities gave rise to countless disasters—towering tornadoes that reached the heavens, world-shaking storms of lightning, flames that burned all things, absolute zero cold that froze thousands of miles, Elysion Pedion that drained Honkai energy, along with countless mechs, and more...
These were all Herrscher authorities seized by the Herrscher of Ten Thousand. Utter destruction descended. If this were unleashed in the real world, such an assault would be enough to destroy a superpower, or even... half the world.
The Herrscher of Ten Thousand all revealed expressions of excitement, proud of the authorities they had taken. With such terrifying power, they believed no one could possibly survive.
After all, this was equivalent to the full-force strike of ten thousand Herrschers—like unleashing Shamash Assault ten thousand times simultaneously. Even Mei's Godsbane Suit would not be able to withstand it.
However...
"Anchora!"
A radiant and magnificent golden armor appeared over the body of the white-haired boy. This set of golden heavy armor was noble, dazzling, and domineering. In the next moment, clad in Dea Anchora, Elias forcefully endured the apocalyptic storm of authorities.
Flames could not touch him. Lightning could not pierce his armor. Ice could not freeze him. Hurricanes and gravity could not shake his form. Even artillery fire was as feeble as raindrops.
"H-How is this possible?!"
"You're cheating! How can something like this exist?!"
"What is this armor?! Why is it so tough?!"
The Herrscher of Ten Thousand were stunned, staring at Elias in Dea Anchora as their worldview began to crumble.
That strike just now had been the full-force bombardment of ten thousand Herrschers—power sufficient to shatter a small planet—yet it couldn't even damage his armor.
But in truth, this was only natural.
At present, the number of bubble worlds within Elias had surpassed one thousand. This Dea Anchora, constructed from the power of a full thousand bubble worlds, could be called a truly indestructible armor.
Even the full-power strike of the Planet-class Honkai Beast Jyahnar could not pierce it. Its defensive capability was, quite simply, absolute.
"Finished with your attack? Then it's my turn next. No objections, right?"
Through the gaps in his visor, his heterochromatic eyes—one blue, one gold—gleamed with a cold, ferocious light. The Judgment of Shamash in Elias' hand transformed once more from its Might of An-Utu state, and he no longer suppressed his power.
"Heaven Devourer—lend me your strength!"
"Light of the Imaginary—Abyss of the Quantum!"
"The savior draws his blade, the reverse god ascends the heavens—above and below, I alone reign supreme. This is—Deliverance!"
Behind Elias, tens of thousands of Honkai Beasts, Imaginary Constructs, and Quantum Shadows roared in unison.
They gazed up at the boy who now seemed like the sun itself, as though offering blessings for the birth of a king.
At this moment, not only the Herrscher of Ten Thousand, but even Mei and the others were left stunned. This was also their first time witnessing Elias reveal his strongest form.
Golden dragon horns crowned his head like a regal diadem. Pure white wings extended, immaculate and untainted. Twelve massive gemstones of different colors—each representing one of his Herrscher authorities—were embedded upon them.
In addition, numerous traits of Honkai Beasts manifested across his body in the most optimal form.
Then, a flawless Imaginary divine halo fused with a Quantum divine halo, hovering behind him and radiating golden and deep blue brilliance, like a galaxy draped as a cloak.
What holiness.
What supremacy.
It was as if a true god had descended.
Mobius could not stop the drool from spilling from her lips.
"A world-burning strike—Shamash Assault!"
Elias raised the blazing greatsword in his hand to its utmost, as though lifting a sun. In the next instant, he swung that "sun" toward the Herrscher of Ten Thousand.