Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

Like Raiden Mei, Delta was a card Ren held for the future. While not yet time to play it, she could prove crucial. Thus, he kept track of her.

Her contact with Bronya was unexpected, but he didn't interfere. He'd initially severed their connection to prevent Anti-Entropy from influencing Delta's development. That was no longer necessary.

After confirming Delta hadn't revealed anything about the Obsidian Concord, Ren left the base. His dealings with Kevin were concluded.

"Time to go back."

Facing the rising sun, Ren exhaled, closing his eyes.

The unsupported puppet collapsed. As it touched the ground, a portal to the Imaginary space opened. K424 fell smoothly onto the cold floor of the Domination Theater.

...

"Attention passengers, we will be arriving at our destination in thirty minutes. Please remain seated. Restrooms are located..."

Ren opened his eyes to the bustling interior of a passenger plane.

Sunlight streamed through the windows. He squinted, adjusting to the bright light, then looked out.

A sea of white clouds stretched below, like spun sugar. Through the clouds, he glimpsed forests and cities with distinctive architecture.

Towering pagodas, sloping roofs, dark glazed tiles—a rare sight in a world dominated by Schicksal's Western influence.

Only Shenzhou, with its cities protected by ancient sects, retained such unique landscapes.

Three days had passed since he and Kiana began searching for Mount Taixu. They'd traveled across various cities, seeking information.

Mount Taixu's location was shrouded in secrecy, hidden deep within the mountains. Even with the Quantum Network's analysis, pinpointing its location near the village where K424 had acted as bait had taken considerable time.

Shenzhou had countless steep mountains. Finding Mount Taixu among them was no easy task.

Moreover, Ren had to control his puppet, dividing his focus between fighting Kevin and maintaining a semblance of normalcy with Kiana, leaving him mentally exhausted.

Thus, Kiana, who could have flown them with her Herrscher of Void powers, opted for conventional transport to accommodate Ren.

That was why they were on this commercial flight.

Now, with World Serpent matters resolved, and incorrect leads eliminated, this trip should be their last.

Ren turned to look at the girl leaning on his shoulder.

Her pristine white hair cascaded down his arm.

Her eyes were closed, long lashes fluttering in the sunlight. Her delicate face, pressed against his shoulder, was slightly squished. Her nose twitched with each breath, like a sleeping baby.

She was asleep.

Ren smiled, then frowned at the noisy passengers. He raised his hand, and invisible threads extended, forming a soundproof barrier around them.

The cabin noise faded.

He lowered the window shade, blocking the harsh sunlight.

High above the world, they were alone.

"Goodnight."

Satisfied, Ren leaned back, closing his eyes, and drifted off.

Thirty minutes until their destination. He could rest.

He didn't notice Kiana's hand tightening on his shirt.

...

...

"Get away! Get away from me! I don't want to die!"

A frantic man shoved through the crowded street, fleeing towards the city's outskirts, as if pursued by something unseen.

"Where am I?" Kiana looked around, bewildered.

Her memories were hazy, her mind assaulted by waves of dizziness.

She stood directly in the man's path.

"Get out of the way!!"

The crowd parted, leaving only the disoriented Kiana.

Frowning, she couldn't remember why she was here, but she knew this man's panic was causing chaos.

She stepped aside, reaching out to grab him. But as her hand touched him, he passed right through her, like a distorted projection, shoving another woman aside.

He couldn't see her. He was yelling at someone else.

"Am I dreaming?"

Realizing this, Kiana tested her theory, reaching out to touch others. Her hand passed through them all. She was in a dream.

"Humans, so blind."

A cold, youthful voice echoed in her mind as she turned to look at the fleeing man. He reached the edge of the crowd, his face alight with relief.

Then, blood splattered.

A scream pierced Kiana's ears, cut short by the sickening sound of tearing flesh.

Her eyes widened as hot blood spurted from the man's severed neck, passing through her, splashing onto the surrounding people.

Then came explosions, car alarms, the sound of fleeing footsteps.

A cacophony of noise flooded Kiana's mind, shattering her returning clarity.