I Am Honkai

Chapter 373: The Temporary Thrill of Unleashing Power



"Burn to ashes like weeds," Selene declared.

Buzz—Buzz—Buzz!

An endless expanse of pale blue diamond-shaped barriers instantly covered the skies. In the next moment, a radiance akin to a solar flare eruption burst forth, enveloping the entire Northern Hemisphere in an unparalleled conflagration of light and heat.

This was a temperature that surpassed everything known, a force so overwhelming that even the brilliance of Calamity's Extinction could not compare. It had reached the highest temperature ever recorded in human knowledge.

If the weapon forged from the Herrscher core of the Seventh Herrscher of Fire from the Previous Era—the Key of Destruction, [Judgment of Shamash EX, Calamity Form]—could be likened to the descent of a god of destruction…

Then, in this instant, the radiance unleashed by Selene, derived from the same Herrscher of Fire' power, had transcended mere brilliance to become the true birth of a star.

However, as Selene needed to preserve the world rather than destroy it, she restrained the output of her power. Even so, this divine light was still capable of erasing everything, melting all known matter on Earth with ease, and could likely pierce even the planet's core.

Kevin knew his death was imminent, yet he remained unfazed. Raising his head high, he gripped the [Judgment of Shamash] with both hands. A trace of crimson flashed in his azure eyes as he faced the heavens.

"Come!"

Screech—!

Once again, Kevin squeezed every last ounce of his life force. His body immediately began to disintegrate—skin splitting, flesh tearing, and muscles exposed to the open air. The ice-bound power granted by the Emperor-class Honkai Beast Parvati's DNA was utterly overwhelmed by the Honkai energy coursing through him.

The pain transmitted from every nerve ending to his brain made Kevin let out a stifled groan, an outlet for the unbearable agony ravaging his body.

His torn, bloodied flesh revealed his white bones beneath, yet no blood flowed. His body no longer had any resources left—no blood, no fat, no cells—everything had been extracted, all infused into his final blow of Calamity.

Even if Selene chose not to kill him, Kevin was already fated to die.

"EX · Calamity!"

Spitting out saliva mixed with fragments of internal organs, Kevin let out a final roar. Mustering every muscle fiber in his body, he swung the [Judgment of Shamash] toward Selene above.

Rumble!

Explosive flames erupted from the greatsword once more, shattering the earth and reaching skyward.

Bang!

Like a clay ox entering the sea, the fiery slash didn't even have a chance to expand before it was swallowed and assimilated by the overwhelming heat, destruction, and apocalyptic flares of Selene's light.

In response, Kevin gave a bitter smile. "The gap is still this despairingly vast…"

The pain was excruciating. His skin burned and peeled away in large swaths, resembling the molting of a snake. The raw flesh beneath was charred as his body disintegrated further.

He was so tired. His eyes could no longer stay open. Was his body finally reaching its limit?

The sound of the explosion became faint and unclear in Kevin's ears as his consciousness began to fade.

In the next moment, what seemed to be the light of divine punishment descended. Countless shimmering particles coalesced into a pillar of light that connected the heavens to the earth, enveloping Kevin entirely.

Boom—!

The shattered ground lay in ruins, molten lava forming boiling orange-red "giant waves."

Crack!

If one were to slow the scene a millionfold, it would be clear: the moment the light touched the [Judgment of Shamash], it resonated instantly with the Herrscher of Fire' core. The blackened blade dissolved like melting snow.

In the next instant, Kevin's bones, flesh, blood, and even the very soul buried deep within his body were completely annihilated.

"Mei…"

With the final syllable of his life, Kevin's lips curled faintly—whether in reminiscence, self-reproach, regret, or all three was unclear. Ultimately, he turned to ash in the destructive radiance, scattered to the wind.

He departed peacefully.

And died utterly, completely.

"It's over."

Selene observed for a moment before extending her hand. With a single motion, a crimson crystal shot up from the abyss where Kevin had vanished, landing squarely in her palm.

It was none other than the core of the [Judgment of Shamash], originating from the Herrscher of Fire in the Previous Era.

Crack!

To Aponia's astonishment, Selene exerted pressure with her fingers, crushing the core effortlessly.

A ripple emanated from Selene's body, signifying the Herrscher of Fire' power being assimilated. Any restrictions, output limits, or other protocols left by Dr. Mei, Vill-V, or anyone else were completely erased.

Purified into pure Honkai energy, the remnants of the core were absorbed by Selene.

"Now, it's your turn."

Her crimson gaze shifted to Aponia.

"Bearer of the Sigil of [Discipline], the third of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, Aponia. I'm quite curious—how many of you remnants from the Previous Era are still alive?"

Selene cast a fleeting glance at Aponia, their eyes meeting for the briefest moment.

Aponia's eyelashes trembled—an instinctive reaction to locking eyes with a higher predator. She quickly turned her head away, closing her eyes in silence.

Selene, unbothered, shifted her attention to the surface below, which had become a hellscape of molten lava. This land was once a tranquil ocean world of rolling blue waves.

"Went a bit overboard…"

Returning to an old routine, Selene muttered about "post-battle reconstruction." After all, she couldn't leave it in this state.

If left unchecked, within days the polar ice caps would begin to melt, causing global sea levels to rise. The volcanic and geological disasters triggered here would escalate, forming a chain reaction. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions would follow in quick succession across the globe.

While this might only be a minor issue for the planet itself, it would mean catastrophic destruction for the biosphere, resulting in the extinction of most life on Earth.

Selene raised one hand, emanating an earthy yellow glow, while the other emitted a sea-blue radiance.

"Steadfast as rock; calm as water."

The power of the Herrscher of Earth stabilized the tectonic plates, smoothing out the subterranean pathways. The power of the Herrscher of Ice forcibly cooled the hyperactive magma caused by the crust's violent movements.

Just as a weapon's morality depends on its wielder, so too does the nature of Herrscher powers. They can destroy worlds but can also bring immeasurable benefits.

The key lies in how they are used.

Watching Selene from a distance, Robert noticed her fingers moving with the grace of a maestro, commanding invisible forces that mended the Earth and soothed its impending turmoil. It was as though her hands belonged to a god of creation, crafting order from chaos.

Standing cautiously nearby, Robert couldn't help but smirk slightly. The scene felt strangely familiar. Where have I seen this before? he thought.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Budo whispered.

"Nothing, it just feels familiar," Robert replied with a slight shrug.

As Selene continued her restorative work, the Imaginary barriers surrounding hundreds of cities began to dissipate. Survivors embraced one another, crying tears of relief, some sobbing uncontrollably, while others laughed with joy at having lived through the catastrophe.

The calamity brought by Calamity's Extinction—a disaster that mimicked the destruction of a dying star—had felt like the very end of the world for them, the true collapse of heaven and earth.

On the other hand, the Imperial forces reacted in stark contrast. Whether they were Astartes warriors or soldiers from the auxiliary armies, they raised their weapons high and cheered with fervor, shouting with zeal to honor the Empress above, to whom they pledged their unwavering allegiance.

This moment, captured in its entirety, was broadcast live by the Imperial Navy to Schicksal's floating island headquarters.

"That's the Key of Destruction—the most powerful among all Divine Keys. That's the power of [Judgment of Shamash]. I can't be mistaken," Theresa exclaimed in shock.

As Cecilia's close friend and the former head of Schicksal's Far East branch, Theresa recognized that stellar-like radiance. She knew exactly to whom that power belonged. But…

"Wasn't [Judgment of Shamash] supposed to be in Siegfried's hands?!"

Even though Theresa often called Siegfried a "hateful idiot" and resented how he had taken Cecilia away from her, he was still her old friend. And more importantly, he was Kiana's father. If he had died…

Her mind raced, her thoughts spiraling into panic. Could it be that Siegfried, in his recklessness, had tried to take on Selene directly? That would be a death sentence! How could she possibly save him now?!

Theresa stomped her feet against the metal deck in frustration, groaning like a small, distressed animal as she ruffled her white hair incessantly.

"It's not Siegfried. It's Kevin—Kevin Kaslana," came an ethereal voice.

A graceful woman with gray hair and emerald eyes emerged from the hangar, her light footsteps carrying her toward Theresa. She gently patted Theresa's shoulder, seeming to sense her worry.

"Headmistress, without external assistance, Siegfried could never achieve something on this scale," she said.

The woman's slender figure was adorned with a blue-and-white double-breasted uniform reminiscent of a martial arts outfit. Its lightweight design and modified sleeves and cuffs suggested custom tailoring. She wore brown boots, and her attire radiated a blend of scholarly elegance and martial poise. Her presence exuded a sense of ethereal detachment, akin to that of an immortal.

Her only "flaw," if it could be called that, was her modest physique. Not much could be said about her curves, as they were almost nonexistent.

With all these traits combined, her identity was unmistakable.

"Class monitor, you're back!"

With a laugh, Kiana dashed forward and threw herself into Fu Hua's arms, nuzzling against her like an overjoyed child. "Thank goodness you're okay!"

"Kiana? Why are you…" Fu Hua asked, her tone warm but uncertain.

Kiana's demeanor—so carefree and reminiscent of her days at St. Freya Academy—left Fu Hua momentarily stunned. Just yesterday, Kiana had been burdened with grief, her expression weighed down by endless sorrow. How had this changed so quickly?

"Hehe…" Kiana scratched the back of her head with a sheepish grin. "Because of Sister Selene…"

Perhaps it was the realization that the Honkai Eruption no longer required Kiana to bear its weight, the relief of laying down her burdens. Or maybe it was witnessing Selene actively protect human cities and repair the Earth's scars.

Coupled with Raiden Mei's return and the safe arrival of Fu Hua, Kiana felt an overwhelming joy—many times greater than she had experienced in a long while. Her current happiness was evident for all to see.

"Class monitor, long time no see."

"Raiden Mei…"

Fu Hua's gaze shifted to the woman following close behind Kiana. She paused, examining Mei's current form. Mei's violet-red eyes, an unmistakable sign of her Herrscher state, carried a sharper, more resolute intensity than before.

After a moment, Fu Hua's lips curved into a gentle smile as she remarked, somewhat cryptically, "Long time no see, Raiden Mei. You haven't changed at all."

"Ah, maybe so," Raiden Mei replied with a slight nod, her brow softening. "But it seems you've changed quite a bit, class monitor."

"Eh? Class monitor?" Kiana poked Fu Hua's soft back with a relaxed air, looking around curiously as she asked, "Where's that one person? And where did you go just now?"

"I'm Li Sushang, brat! Remember it properly!"

An irritated voice chimed in before Kiana felt a sudden knock to the back of her head. "Ow!"

"Honestly, I'm not just some nobody! I'm an S-rank Valkyrie of Schicksal, not some random grunt. Remembering names is the most basic etiquette in the martial world," the voice continued, crisp and clear, with an innocent, girlish lilt that made it oddly endearing.

Kiana turned toward the voice, her gaze first catching sight of long brown twin-tails tied with silver hairpins. The inner sections of the braids were a vibrant blue, decorated with deep blue ribbons.

Her wine-red eyes still carried traces of youthful naivety, paired with the spirited determination of adolescence. Her elegant posture and floral-patterned blue-and-white dress, which left her delicate left shoulder exposed, exuded a certain charm. Her right shoulder bore a gradient white-blue cape.

Li Sushang crossed her hands behind her head as she spoke. "As for where I was just now, it's obvious—we were sparring. Master Chi-Yuan and I fought inside a barrier to prevent interruptions."

"And who won?"

"Do you even need to ask?"

Li Sushang, having survived thanks to Otto's intervention, chose to aid him after her awakening as an act of gratitude. During their final mission together in the town of Korosten, she encountered Fu Hua while walking the path to Saint 537 Church. They had a brief exchange of blows, treating it more like a sparring session than a serious fight.

Ultimately, Li Sushang emerged victorious but chose to withdraw from the conflict.

However, upon exiting the barrier with Fu Hua, she was greeted by an unfamiliar sight.

What happened to Korosten?

The once-bustling town was replaced by a massive blackened crater. All around, remnants of Honkai energy emanated from mechanical constructs and human armies, while the skies were filled with fleets of massive warships.

I know Otto caused a lot of trouble and made enemies everywhere, but didn't he just retire? Why does it look like they've come to raze everything to the ground—buildings and all?!

Before Li Sushang and Fu Hua could process what had happened, they found themselves surrounded by large numbers of Imperial soldiers. If not for a few Hyperion crew members recognizing Fu Hua, things might have escalated into violence.

From there, the pair were detained and sent to Schicksal headquarters. Upon arriving on the tarmac, they found Theresa frantically pacing and saw the devastation of the Far East metropolis displayed on the screen.

"Schicksal headquarters hasn't changed much, but these giants are everywhere now. I heard it was you, Theresa, who ordered the surrender?" Li Sushang asked, wrinkling her nose and sniffing the air.

"Hmm? What's this strong smell of blood?"

At her words, Kiana's cheerful expression vanished in an instant. Her mood sank as she pointed to the other side of the hangar.

"Over there… The Imperial Inquisition is conducting executions. Every participant in the K-Project on Herrscher hosts is being put to death without exception. By order of Sister Selene… entire bloodlines are being exterminated."

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