Under the cover of night, the air defense systems and missile interception networks of nations across the world became like puppets controlled by an invisible hand.
Those steel guardians that once strictly protected airspace and critical facilities either fell into a deathly silence, shutting down completely, or suddenly went out of control, frantically executing incorrect commands.
Missiles began striking unintended targets.
In Iselin's plan, naval fleets were among the primary targets. As powerful military forces, both the navy and air force were locked on first, becoming the main focus of the assault.
As for ground forces, if there were many people, a single strike would do.
Five continuous days and nights of high-intensity manipulation and attacks left Iselin feeling unprecedented exhaustion.
She rubbed her sore eyes and murmured, "It's been a long time since I've felt like this."
If she were in her original body, she could go an entire month without sleep without any pressure.
But in this world, even after awakening her psychic abilities, her physical body had not been enhanced. Prolonged sleeplessness would cause serious problems.
Relying on her mental abilities, Iselin had completely taken control of this military base.
She manipulated weapons created by humans, directing the flames of war across the globe.
To counter the threat of superpower users, this world kept certain long-range weapons in a constant state of readiness. Once Iselin seized control, those weapons became like wild horses breaking free of their reins, roaring toward their marked targets under her command.
She cleverly arranged for one missile to strike a military base. The attacked base was forced to retaliate, and under her deliberate guidance, chaos spread as forces across different regions began slaughtering each other.
Communication between high command and frontline soldiers was severed. False orders fabricated by an artificial intelligence virus, combined with gathered intelligence, were executed without obstruction, plunging the world into even greater chaos.
Although some perceptive individuals sensed that something was wrong, with communications cut off, there was nothing they could do.
With a deafening explosion, a missile carrying a nuclear warhead detonated in an airburst above a naval fleet stationed near an isolated island. A massive mushroom cloud rose into the sky, illuminating half the sky.
After completing this series of attacks, Iselin arranged for a transport aircraft to head to the island, preparing to retrieve Shigure Kira and the others.
"Done. That's a wrap," she let out a long breath and stopped her operations.
At this moment, the many soldiers within the base who were under her control continued patrolling and standing guard. The chaos outside, along with the movements of their comrades, temporarily concealed the fact that the base had already fallen.
Dragging her exhausted body, Iselin slowly walked toward the rest area attached to the command center.
On a simple bed lay a blonde girl named Nina. She had an angelic appearance, her skin as pale as jade. Sensing someone approaching, Nina slightly opened her eyes. Upon recognizing Iselin, she relaxed and closed them again.
Iselin lay down beside Nina, turning onto her side to gently watch her sleeping face. A strange, indescribable impulse rose within her.
Unable to resist, she wrapped her arms around Nina tightly and softly called out, "Nina..."
Nina remained quietly still, as if immersed in her own dreams.
Feeling the soft warmth in her embrace, Iselin gradually drifted off to sleep as well.
...
On the isolated island, sunlight filtered through the cracks of a cave, illuminating the ground as everyone walked out.
However, the calm did not last long. A dispute quickly arose over how to deal with the assassin sent by the government—Nana Hiiragi.
Watching the group of superpower users arguing endlessly, Shigure Kira felt a headache coming on.
Her gaze swept across the scene. Iijima Moguo, along with several followers, was aggressively raising his fists, preparing to attack the curled-up Nana.
"Stop!" Rin stepped in front of Nana.
Iijima Moguo and the others halted their actions.
Yota Hiratsuka pointed at Nana and shouted, "Should we kill this woman?"
Inukai Mitsuru timidly stepped forward and said in a small voice, "Don't kill anyone. Nana isn't a bad person."
Tachibana Shin pushed up his glasses and said calmly, "We should be thinking about what to do after we leave this island."
Kyoya Onodera added, "The government wants us all dead here. Once we leave, we'll be hunted and wanted."
Tachibana Shin retorted, "Even if we stay here, we won't escape death. If my deduction is correct, the entire world is already in chaos."
He turned his gaze toward Shigure Kira, curiosity filling his eyes. "Who exactly are you people?"
Holding Nana's phone, Shigure Kira remained silent, as if deep in thought.
After a long while, the stalemate was broken by the roar of engines. A transport aircraft slowly descended onto the island.
Everyone boarded the aircraft, heading toward the Far East mainland.
Unlike Iselin and the others, who remained hidden behind the scenes, the Queen of Insects, Maria, and Kiana had been exposed and became priority targets for the military.
According to the military's predictive intelligence, the insect disasters that could destroy humanity, along with the appearance of zombies and various monsters, were all closely linked to these three.
In an underground laboratory, Maria slowly opened her eyes on an operating table and immediately heard Kiana say with a slightly mysterious tone, "I've got news for you. Not sure if it's good or bad."
Maria sat up and looked down at her now-flat stomach, confusion filling her mind.
Was the surgery successful?
Kiana spoke seriously, "Your fake pregnancy has become a real one."
Maria froze. It took her a while to react. "You're saying... I'm actually pregnant now?"
"That's right. And don't look at me like that—I didn't do anything. It's a mutation caused by the combination of the Queen of Insects' genes with yours, absorbing Honkai energy. If you don't want the child, I can help you terminate it."
Seeing the murderous look in Maria's eyes, Kiana quickly explained.
Maria's expression shifted repeatedly. After a long silence, she took a deep breath and said, "No need. What's done is done."
Before the surgery, she had already prepared herself for all kinds of unexpected situations.
Kiana patted her chest and assured, "Don't worry! I'll take responsibility for this. If you don't want to raise the child, I can do it for you."
"No need. Are there any other issues with the surgery?"
Kiana shook her head. "No. Just this one."