Like a passing storm, the furious wind and rain subsided unexpectedly.
According to Fire Moth's experience, Herrschers were accompanied by numerous Honkai Beasts, including powerful High-Rank Honkai Beasts.
Herrscher of Thunder was no different; however, the credit fell to Ryan.
He'd killed Mosha before the Herrscher's arrival, then engaged the Herrscher, ultimately defeating it with Elysia.
A Herrscher possesses immense power and abilities; skills and intelligence depended on the vessel's memories. Herrscher of Thunder's vessel was relatively weak; when she was consumed by arrogance and destruction, the outcome was predetermined.
The Honkai Beasts couldn't protect the Herrscher; with the Herrscher defeated, the Honkai Beasts were defenseless.
"It's finally over."
The setting sun pierced the clouds. Hua stood amidst the ruins, watching a colossal Chariot-Class collapse, crushing a dilapidated building.
Sporadic gunfire echoed; armed helicopters flew overhead, stirring her ponytail.
The girl was somewhat dazed. This was Huaihai Road, once Shanghai's most prosperous area; she and Ryan had strolled here just days ago. Now, only ruins remained; even her school building was riddled with holes, fulfilling the dreams of many underachievers.
Helicopters overhead, tanks rumbling below, occasional explosions, distant buildings and zombies buried.
'It really feels like being in a movie.' Hua shook her head. Her current life was completely different from before.
She never imagined she'd witness such firepower, missiles, and monsters; she'd even begged Mr. Ato to join the battle, her hands stained with the blood of Honkai Beasts and zombies.
Lost in thought, the cries behind her brought Hua back to reality. She leaped from the ruins; behind her were elementary school students rescued from the school debris; several girls were crying from fear.
"Don't cry, don't cry. Those are uncles fighting monsters." Hua, unskilled at comforting children, awkwardly reassured them. "See the helicopters? Are they like in the movies?"
"Sister, were the monsters defeated?"
"The monsters were scary. They destroyed our school with one punch."
"Can you help me find my mom? I can't find her."
"Sister…"
Children's voices echoed; Hua couldn't answer. She realized her own fortune; she could cope with this world's upheaval.
Many of these children were now orphans; their homes, families, teachers, all gone. How would they survive?
Hua's lips twitched; she was speechless, overwhelmed by their innocent gazes. A hand patted her shoulder.
"Go, leave this to the professional psychologists; they might be of some use now."
A red-haired woman in powered armor approached, clicking her tongue. Soldiers quickly took the children away.
Hua watched them go, then bit her lip, turning. "Captain Himiko, thank you for helping me."
"Hmph, it's nothing. Don't overthink it; you'll get used to it." Himiko waved dismissively, glancing at the girl.
If not for knowing she was Ryan's junior sister, Himiko wouldn't have let her participate. But after observing her for a while, she sighed in relief; although beyond average, she wasn't monstrous.
There's only room for one monster.
"The area's been cleared; let's prepare to move to the next sector. Want to join?"
"Yes, I'll support you; I won't distract you." Hua answered immediately.
"Such strong fighting spirit. Not bad for an untrained recruit. I'm satisfied; you know when to advance and retreat; you won't recklessly charge into danger." Himiko took a sip of energy supplement, observing her curiously.
"Does your sect have any unusual tenets? Like saving the world?"
"What do you mean?" Hua blinked, confused.
"Seriously, why participate in this mess? If Ryan truly cares for you, even if the world ends, you'd be among the last to die."
So she's asking about my fighting spirit.
Hua understood and replied gravely. "Because I don't want to be protected; I want to be a partner, to follow my conviction."
The girl's resolute expression stunned Himiko; she'd only seen such determination during Fire Moth's oath-taking ceremony.
She smirked, taking a document from Rose and clapping.
"Understood. You admire Ryan; you want to be his support, not a burden."
Hua was confused; after a moment, her serious expression faltered. She waved her hands. "That's not it; I… I just…"
She couldn't explain it—admiration for that figure? Simple gratitude?
Himiko looked up, her mocking expression turning serious. "Bad news. Ryan was critically injured fighting Herrscher of Thunder; he's dying…"
"Take me there!"
Before she finished, the girl grabbed her hand; her dazed expression vanished; worry burned in her eyes.
Himiko chuckled.
See? The answer was found.
...
Ryan experienced a strange dream.
He drifted through empty void, a limitless expanse of black.
Time lost meaning; his body was numb. He repeatedly reminded himself of his identity, origin, and past, struggling against despair and loneliness.
He didn't know how long or how far he drifted; memories flowed by like a river; gradually, he forgot his parents' names, even his own.
Occasionally, shadows or lights flickered in the void; some were massive, some strangely elongated; none lingered, rushing past towards an unknown destination.
Ryan wanted to call out, but he had no mouth, unable to make a sound.
As despair consumed him, as his consciousness neared oblivion, he saw a light approaching, leaving a trail in the void.
Who was it?
Instinctively, Ryan drifted towards it; his vision filled with light; he vaguely saw a tall figure.
He couldn't see their features or clothing, but the limbs and head brought tears to Ryan's eyes. As he despaired of communication, he heard a voice—a curious voice.
"Ah, I've encountered a mysterious entity."
"Interesting. Who are you? Where are you going? You can't speak; this is troublesome. I can't establish a connection. How can I learn about you? Oh well, let's try a different approach."
"Would you… like to travel with me?"
Of course, I would! As long as I escape this hellhole, I'll walk through hell itself!
Ryan roared, then opened his eyes, seeing a metallic ceiling, hearing an excited female voice.
"The strong electromagnetic stimulation worked; his heartbeat has finally returned!"
Who?
Ryan was dazed, as if he'd slept for a long time; he vaguely remembered a dream, encountering a friend.
Before he could think further, a familiar face appeared—green hair falling over her face, her green eyes excited and strange.
"Ah, still in a dazed state?" Mobius tilted her head, then slapped Ryan's face, hard enough to make one suspect revenge.
Then, a smile appeared on her usually cold, rational face.
"Such a pity, Dr. Ryan has become mentally deficient. Klein, prepare the operating table. Let's put the waste to good use; let's extract a few things."
Ryan's eyes regained their focus; the lingering despair from his dream dissipated.
"Mobius, you… you're the one who's mentally deficient!"