"Rumble!"
Amidst the Honkai Energy-dense environment, so mutated that it resembled a terrifying, sanity-draining alien coastline, 120 massive red-black-blue robots descended like a meteor shower, precisely crushing some grotesquely enlarged beach creatures and vegetation.
"Roar!"
"Boom!"
The monster's roars intermingled with the thunderous sounds of mechanical fists and gunfire. Within a minute, the giant robotic figures left behind a field strewn with shattered monster remains, their bizarrely colored blood splattered across the coastal terrain.
Facing the incoming surge of more beasts, the colossal robots stepped forward, raising their several-meter-long energy cannons.
"Whooosh!"
"BOOM!!!"
The dazzling firelight and scorching smoke seemed to burst forth from the screen itself.
In the decision-making conference room, Zeke suddenly turned towards Welt, whose expression was solemn.
"The Arahato-Z giant soldier project, the ultimate product of the Titan unmanned armor series—even amidst the vast array of weapon projects, it stands out as one with exceptionally high costs—rumor has it that its prototype originated from your favorite children's anime?"
"Arahato robots aren't for kids... Ahem! I mean, it was an anime I watched when I was young, yes, childhood memories, nothing more." Welt placed his fist to his mouth, maintaining a composed demeanor as he cleared his throat discreetly.
Should he also confess to Zeke and Hera that under his bed lies a cherished collection of Arahato DVDs and model merchandise?
Zeke's lips briefly curled up before regaining their indifferent composure, then addressed the screen:
"Dr. Tesla, how significantly does the extreme Honkai Energy environment affect the robots?"
"There is considerable interference in communications, severely impacting the efficiency of remote control modules. Currently, we can only rely on the Arahato-Z units' artificial intelligence as the primary basis for their actions. Additionally, there are varying degrees of malfunction in surface structures, and the energy drive modules have been somewhat disrupted. Fortunately, the Arahato-Zs were designed to overcome extreme combat environments; overall, they can still maintain over 80% of their full combat capability."
"Excellent work, Dr. Tesla. In this harsh environment far beyond the Herrscher's birthplace, your forces are indeed best suited for leading the charge."
"Hmph! You're absolutely right! Who else but this genius could achieve such feats?"
In the corner of the screen, Dr. Lobster proudly raised her head, her adorable red pigtails swaying gently, and her lively voice further conveyed her delight.
Zeke, Hera, and Welt couldn't help but smile. The first two marveled at how, despite constantly dealing with serious science and numbers, Dr. Tesla managed to maintain such rare innocence and vivacity. As for Welt... perhaps only he was unaware of what his gentle affection and amusement signified.
After a brief moment of relaxation, Zeke turned his attention to Ein, who appeared on another corner of the screen.
"Dr. Einstein, as you've heard, we must significantly reduce the Honkai Energy intensity in the combat zone. Otherwise, our close-quarters forces won't be able to perform at their full potential."
"Understood. The largest-scale Moonlight Throne network has been fully activated and is ready to fire at any time. However, the energy consumption will be massive; please don't overlook this when giving orders."
"Thank you for the reminder, I'll keep it in mind."
Above an abandoned ghost town near the Mediterranean Sea, a silver-haired girl in a white dress hovered curled up as if deep in slumber. Her flawless hair and skin exuded a dreamlike beauty under the sunlight. The gentle breeze stirred her flowing white skirt, revealing a pair of adorable, fair legs with delicate toes gently wiggling.
Everything appeared serene and idyllic, except for her furrowed brows, suggesting she might be experiencing a nightmare. It seemed as though she was sleeping peacefully alongside this desolate little town, making it almost heart-wrenching to disturb her tranquility.
Suddenly, massive shadows loomed ominously from the distant horizon, approaching swiftly.
The vibrations, dust clouds, deafening roars, and the monstrous scent of blood emanating from colossal mechanical figures—all these elements disrupted the peaceful scene, shattering the fairy-tale-like ambiance.
The Young Lady's eyelids fluttered slightly, revealing her dazzling golden eyes.
"Buzz—"
With the opening of her eyes, an invisible force radiated outward, engulfing the incoming Arahato Z giant soldier forces and spreading infinitely through space.
"The time has come... Gaia."
"I can't... control it anymore..."
"Come...come...defeat Him...eliminate Him..."
"No matter the cost, humanity will ultimately triumph over Honkai."
"Right, Zeke?"
Amidst these soft whispers, the Young Lady seemed to recall some cherished memory, a warm and sweet smile gracing her face.
Then, once again, she closed her eyes.
On the other side of the planet, a deathly silence hung over the decision-making meeting room.
The signal from Arahato's Z-Unit had abruptly cut off, and everyone present understood that it likely no longer existed. However, just before disappearing, they managed to transmit crucial images of their enemy back to base.
Hera and Welt quietly observed Zeke. Although they were aware of the long-standing hypothesis equating "the Young Lady = Finality = Kiana," witnessing her current appearance—identical to Kiana's—with the terrifying energy only the Final Herrscher could possess, both Hera and Welt felt immense pressure and unease.
Everyone knew how highly Zeke regarded Kiana.
So if this indeed was Kiana, nobody could be certain whether he would maintain his resolve.
Unfazed by their gazes, Zeke paused briefly before calmly issuing commands: "Initiate Selene Throne firing sequence. Reduce Honkai Energy concentration systematically from outer regions inward. Prepare Cecilia force fields, await further instructions."
From afar, Einstein at the Far Eastern command center and Cecilia's true self on the Mediterranean front—along with countless other instances of her—responded simultaneously: "Yes!"
At that moment, across land, sea, and sky, numerous Moonlight Throne installations emitted dazzling beams. These brilliant rays pierced the heavens like a cage of light enveloping the planet, converging thunderously towards the Mediterranean region—the location of the Young Lady.
"All forces, execute protective protocols! Machinery units, activate recoil fields; Valkyries, seek cover immediately. We must not suffer any casualties before the final battle!"
On the outskirts, Durandal, the frontline commander, issued loud orders amidst the gathering torrent of radiant energy. The vast army encircling the high-Honkai-energy zone swiftly mobilized, preparing to shield themselves from the effects of the Moonlight Thrones' power.
"How beautiful..." A gentle breeze tousled Rita's hair as she gazed upward, whispering in awe at the myriad celestial beams shimmering above, clad in her maid-style armor.
Durandal turned to her closest friend and deputy—the captivating maid with curves accentuated by her slender legs. With mixed emotions, she sighed softly, "Rita, it's about to begin."
"I know, Lady Durandal. Haven't we endured hardship for years just for this day?"
Rita's smile was enchanting yet gentle, her voice melodious enough to stir one's heart, akin to a delicate artwork meant to be cherished, fragile yet breathtaking.
The corners of Durandal's lips curved slightly upward as she said,
"Don't die on me, Rita. Without you, I can't imagine how I'd carry on."
"Lady Durandal, that is something Rita should remind you of. After all, you always charge fearlessly at the forefront, disregarding your own safety. Bravery is commendable, but please remember to protect yourself too," Rita replied with a warm smile, her bright eyes gazing tenderly at Durandal.
Hand in hand, they watched together as the brilliant white light, radiant like the sun itself, enveloped the earth.
"BOOM!!!"