Chapter 162: Volume 3, Chapter 31: The Coral Island Honkai Under Global Scrutiny 1
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Honkai typically struck without warning, but this time was an exception.
The Stairway to Galaxy Project aimed to gather genetic data from people worldwide, creating an advanced civilization city. However, as the civilization reached a critical point, a large-scale Honkai Event emerged.
Nobody knew the source of this overwhelming Honkai Energy; all they witnessed were countless lives succumbing to it.
Xia Chen helplessly watched as the leader of the Galactic Ladder project became infected by Honkai, transforming into a Zombie.
With no other choice, he stepped forward to intervene.
"Rin, collect data," he instructed mentally.
"Understood," Rin responded promptly.
Rin's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that he was not alone.
Taking a deep breath, Xia Chen stepped onto the open space outside.
The Herrscher Core within him pulsated restlessly, as if drawn by some unseen force. Sensing through the Herrscher Core, Xia Chen discovered with shock that the entire Coral Island itself was a massive Honkai Source.
He now stood at its very center.
As if invisible threads pierced his body, directly flowing into the Herrscher Core.
Then, Xia Chen felt a chaotic consciousness emerging in his mind:
[Destroy, destroy, destroy!]
[Freedom, freedom, freedom!]
[Craving destruction!]
[Craving freedom!]
The Herrscher consciousness amplified his negative traits infinitely. For a moment, Xia Chen struggled to control this overwhelming impulse. If not for Ana's timely assistance, the Herrscher consciousness might have taken over completely.
Instinctively, he retrieved the Gun of God from the system space.
With Ana absent, there was no need to conceal the Gun of God anymore. Should he fail to withstand the Herrscher consciousness, its power would intervene and act upon him.
Alongside the intensification of his negative personality, Xia Chen experienced a surge in mastery over his Authority. It was akin to a sudden 'epiphany,' granting him profound understanding of fluid dynamics.
Clearly, Honkai had acknowledged him as a Herrscher and bestowed this newfound strength upon him.
Xia Chen remained uncertain about the criteria for the Will of Honkai to recognize a Herrscher, but it seemed a Major Honkai Eruption served as a catalyst.
Seeded by resentment and nourished by Honkai, their union creates a Herrscher.
Contrary to Xia Chen's expectations, Fu Hua and Kiana were completely unprepared for this Major Honkai Eruption.
Kiana initially froze for a moment before shouting, "Class Monitor, Mei and Bronya are still at our temporary garrison! With the high concentration of Honkai Energy, our communicators are unusable. I'll go find Mei first and have them assist with rescuing survivors. Class Monitor and Captain, please regroup."
"Understood."
Fu Hua, having experienced such large-scale eruptions before, remained composed amidst chaos.
Kiana and Fu Hua swiftly parted ways.
In reality, splitting up was not a wise decision at that moment.
Soon, they encountered countless Zombies and Honkai Beasts blocking their paths.
"Outta my way!" The girl activated her armor's auxiliary functions, sweeping aside enemies like swiping cat claws, clearing a wide area effortlessly.
Currently, Kiana could sustain using her armor's assistance for extended periods.
Many Zombies and Honkai Beasts charging towards her were instantly sent flying.
However, the sheer number of Honkai creatures resembled an entire army.
The concentration of Honkai Energy on Coral Island appeared even denser than Nagazora City, despite having significantly fewer inhabitants—over one-third less.
This indicated that Honkai Energy concentration is not directly tied to population density.
Of course, these thoughts weren't on Kiana's mind at the time.
Her immediate concern was running out of energy.
Six Templar Honkai Beasts stood in her path. Quickly assessing the situation, she realized engaging all six would likely exhaust her completely.
Fatigue has always been an issue for Valkyries, especially when battling while wearing armor, as it rapidly drains their stamina.
Yet, there was no alternative.
Just as Kiana prepared to face her fate with determination, she heard a deafening roar nearby.
Small tactical missiles were targeting these Templar Honkai Beasts.
"It's Bronya."
Kiana's eyes brightened slightly, and as if acting in perfect sync, when the Templar Honkai Beasts focused on blocking Bronya's fire, she targeted their weak spots for instant kills.
The remaining Honkai Beasts moved simultaneously, but swift blades flashed through the chaos.
Raiden Mei unexpectedly appeared amidst the fray, coordinating with Bronya to swiftly dispatch the Templar Honkai Beasts.
"Great job, Kiana! You're safe now." Holding her sword, Raiden Mei instinctively hugged Kiana tightly.
"Mei, Bronya," Kiana exclaimed joyously, "I knew you'd come. This time, let's act together as the Moonlight Squad."
Bronya's voice remained emotionless, "Idiot Kiana, what happened here?"
"I'm not sure, but I've already alerted Class Monitor and the Captain."
"The captain? Xia Chen?" Raiden Mei frowned, "Didn't you say he went on vacation?"
"We'll discuss that later; first, we need to..."
Before Kiana could finish, they heard an enraged roar, causing all three of them to visibly tense up.
An Imperial Honkai Beast had emerged.
As Fu Hua followed the sound to locate the Imperial Rank Honkai Beast, she witnessed Xia Chen extracting its Honkai Energy Core and consuming it.
This primitive act sent shivers down her spine, evoking unpleasant memories from the past.
"Xia Chen?" Fu Hua's tone turned serious. "How much do you know about the Coral Island incident?"
"A lot," Xia Chen replied without concealment. "I have already obtained data regarding the tipping point between civilization and Honkai."
His words ignited Fu Hua's anger.
"This is a major city with 1.8 million people!"
"If not for this controlled Honkai, countless more cities of similar size would be engulfed by chaos," Xia Chen countered firmly. "While I don't agree with Bishop Otto's methods, I can't think of a better alternative."
In that moment, Xia Chen realized he wasn't much different from the villagers of Yae Village. Perhaps amplified by the Herrscher's negative emotions, he felt no remorse for his actions.
Seeing the cold determination in Xia Chen's eyes, Fu Hua couldn't help but sigh.
"You remind me of a tragedy," she said. "I cannot claim you're wrong because I lack valid arguments myself. However, continuing civilization through such means, beyond merely preserving the species called 'human,' holds no meaningful purpose."
The previous era was similar too.
Unscrupulous methods were employed to push humanity further. In the end, morality, constraints, and order were abandoned, leaving behind only what was termed as 'civilization.'
After experiencing one failure, Fu Hua couldn't help but ponder even more deeply.
Xia Chen sighed, "Many situations have always been this helpless."
"I will handle this Honkai Incident, but that is all I can do."
Fu Hua gave Xia Chen a deep, searching look.
"I understand."
She departed from Coral Island, yet left behind a strand of Fenghuang Down.
Xia Chen knew it represented Fu Hua's final vestige of trust.