Selene, the Generous Benefactor

"Ugh…"

Rubbing her sore behind and brushing off her skirt, Mobius stood up, her face a mix of indignation and frustration. "Hey, my esteemed Majesty, is this how you treat your future chief scientist?"

With an air of confidence, Mobius mentioned the name Selene had previously brought up—the Chief Scientist of the Imperial Scientific Bureau. "That so-called Dr. Fashion? What a tasteless name. Judging by that alone, I can easily surpass him…"

"Are you Dr. Mobius?"

"Hm?" A familiar voice drew Mobius' attention. She immediately turned toward the source of the gaze she felt.

Across the long table sat a gray-haired, green-eyed woman of striking beauty.

"Hua… It really is you." Despite the differences in uniform and demeanor, and the addition of red-framed glasses, Mobius instantly recognized her.

"Well, well, if it isn't my little test subject! Long time no see. How have you been? I couldn't believe it when I heard that the unfortunate surrendering fool was you."

"So it's truly you, Dr. Mobius. You haven't changed at all," Fu Hua said, pausing her writing to glance up with a resigned expression.

When it came to Mobius, Fu Hua avoided unnecessary interactions whenever possible, always finding herself at a loss when dealing with her.

"Of course it's me. Why should I change? But you…" Mobius paused mid-sentence, scrutinizing Fu Hua from head to toe, clicking her tongue in surprise. "You've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you."

"Hey, Master Fu Hua, who's this little one? An old acquaintance of yours? Is she also one of those ageless monsters like you—" Li Sushang blurted out eagerly, her curiosity piqued.

The conversation hinted that Mobius and Fu Hua had known each other for a long time, further fueling Sushang's gossip-fueled imagination with all sorts of bizarre ideas.

"Ahem." Sushang coughed awkwardly, but her gaze toward Mobius became slightly peculiar. Another one pretending to be young… or perhaps a genuine eternal loli?

Mobius immediately sensed the malice. "Hey, kid! What's with that look?"

Her sharp instincts zeroed in on the culprit, and Mobius' tone grew icy. Her snake-like pupils locked onto Sushang, her voice as chilling as a coiled viper preparing to strike.

Crackling green lightning flickered around her, the shadow of a snake rising ominously. Her sweet face twisted into something more menacing, though the effect was… debatable.

A few hours ago, such theatrics might have been intimidating. Now? Not so much.

Imagine, if you will, a cute little girl attempting a "serious snake roar."

The result? Utterly devoid of menace.

To make matters worse, the crowd's attention wasn't even on this "snake lady."

"Alright, stop messing around."A hand reached out from the spatial rift and unceremoniously grabbed the tiny Mobius, pulling her up.

"Your Majesty Selene," Fu Hua said, rising immediately and closing her notebook.

Hearing Fu Hua's soft murmur and under Bronya's curious gaze, a white, gold-trimmed low-heeled shoe stepped gracefully out of the portal.

When did Kiana gain another sister? Has she been attracting more women again? Bronya thought, watching with wide eyes.

The figure that emerged was a tall, white-haired, red-eyed woman whose features bore an uncanny resemblance to Kiana's. In fact, Bronya couldn't help but feel that Kiana's face seemed to be modeled after this woman's.

Unlike Kiana's long hair, which was often messy and unkempt, Selene's silver locks were meticulously styled and decorated with elegant hair accessories, showcasing the care and expertise of a professional stylist. Every strand was immaculate, with not a single split end or stray hair. (Sebas: "Indeed, it is I.")

Her crimson eyes shimmered with a diamond-shaped cross pattern—one of the divine symbols of her identity as the Herrscher of the End.

Dressed impeccably, she wore her signature platinum dress embellished with violet and gold patterns, layered with white armor. Her outfit extended into six flowing panels marked with the distinctive patterns of a Herrscher's authority.

Her attire was entirely modest, a stark contrast to Kiana's and other Valkyries' uniforms that exposed shoulders, midriffs, or bare skin. Selene's elegant fingers, untouched by gloves, caught the light with a soft sheen, while a pair of long silk gloves extended seamlessly to her fingertips, connecting to her dress. Her inner skirt perfectly covered her knees, transitioning flawlessly into white, gold-trimmed stockings and low-heeled shoes. As for exposing any hint of skin in the so-called "absolute territory"? Not a chance.

From her appearance alone, Bronya could already deduce much about Selene's personality.

One's attire speaks volumes about their character, Bronya thought. This woman was Kiana's complete opposite.

With the Herrscher core of Reason embedded within her, Bronya also noticed a faintly concealed aspect of Selene: a glowing ring silently floating behind her, radiating violet-red beams of light.

This manifestation of Herrscher power was a direct symbol of Finality's authority. In the strict hierarchy of Honkai, such a symbol signified the supreme ruler, second only to Honkai itself.

"Kiana's sister," Bronya mused, then turned her gaze toward the woman.

"Selene!" Kiana waved excitedly from the dining table, with Raiden Mei seated beside her.

"Your Majesty," Fu Hua said with a bow.

Selene acknowledged their greetings with a slight nod, gesturing for them to dispense with formalities.

Without hesitation, Fu Hua picked up her notebook and approached Selene, bowing slightly and offering it with both hands. "Your Majesty, as per your instructions, I've compiled notes on the Taixuan Sword Art."

Before Selene could respond, Mobius seized the opportunity to interject. "Oh, Fu Hua, I never knew you were so adept at—"

Wham!

Mobius didn't even finish her sentence before Selene's hand tightened around the back of her neck.

"Ah! Ow, ow, ow!" Mobius kicked her legs in the air, giving up her struggle. "My Majesty, at least give me a shred of dignity!"

"Enough of your antics," Selene said flatly. "Save your energy. You're in no condition to play around."

Taking Fu Hua's notebook, Selene casually tossed Mobius to the side, eliciting a startled yelp.

"Don't worry, Fu Hua. As an exchange, I've retrieved two of your old companions," Selene said, holding up the Taixuan Sword Art (Edge of Taixuan) notebook.

Her crimson eyes flickered faintly, and her calm, clear voice carried an undeniable weight, laced with an imperceptible force that seemed to influence the hearts of those who heard it. The more Bronya listened, the heavier the aura felt, leaving her with a lingering sense of awe.

"Friend?" Fu Hua asked, holding a reluctant Mobius in her arms. "Other than Mobius, who else?"

"A cat."

"A cat? Do you mean Pardofelis?"

"If you're referring to the woman with cat ears and a cat tail, then yes."

"Pardo?" Hearing Fu Hua and Selene's conversation, Mobius couldn't resist interjecting. "That little girl managed to survive until now?"

"You've survived to this civilization, haven't you? There's no reason Pardo couldn't." Fu Hua smiled. Having a living companion was always a blessing.

The carefree girl who lived like a cat had always been a source of joy among the Moths, even if her combat abilities were lacking.

Returning from her memories, Fu Hua asked, "Your Majesty, how is Pardo now?"

"Not in the best situation. She was discovered in modern civilization's North Africa, Giza Province of Egypt. She was surrounded and pursued by the 17th Astartes Legion. She's now being personally escorted here by their legion commander, Lorgar."

...

Raiden Mei, who stood alongside Kiana, shuddered upon hearing the words "Astartes Legion Commander."

Having spent significant time at the headquarters of Schicksal, Raiden Mei had come to truly understand the status held by the Astartes Legion Commanders within the Empire—they were akin to governors of vast territories. This status was not merely a matter of authority but also of raw power. The memory of being thoroughly defeated by Budo was still vivid in Mei's mind.

"Mei, are you alright?" Kiana asked.

"Nothing," Mei replied, clasping her hands together. "I'm just praying that this Pardofelis can remain safe."

Mei couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Pardo, who she had yet to meet. However, Mei misunderstood the situation entirely—Pardo hadn't lasted long enough to face Lorgar himself. She had been thoroughly beaten by a mere squad of Astartes.

"Mei, you're so kind," Kiana said, wrapping Mei in a hug and nestling against the softness of her chest with a grin.

Ever since meeting Selene and receiving definitive answers, Kiana had gradually relaxed. The suffocating weight of being the world's savior was lifted from her shoulders.

With Mei back from World Serpent and Kiana reconciled with her true self, she had begun to recover some of the vibrancy she had lost since Himeko's death.

"Ah, Kiana, stop that! Everyone's watching… even Her Majesty Selene is here," Mei protested softly, though it was clear she enjoyed the moment.

"Hehe, it's fine! Selene-sister definitely likes Mei too."

The scene didn't escape the notice of Bronya and Seele, who exchanged knowing smiles.

"Oh, by the way, Fu Hua," Selene said, propping her chin on her finger. Her tone was calm and matter-of-fact, as if what she was about to reveal was the most natural thing in the world. "I have some good news for you."

Fu Hua turned her attention back to Selene, her expression wary.

"Your disobedient disciple, the inheritor of the Taixu Seven Swords, has been reduced to this one little glutton." Selene's gaze shifted to Li Sushang, whose innocent red eyes met Selene's.

Selene smiled faintly. "The other six have been completely eradicated."

After her resurrection, her first destination had been Issen Mansion. Though she had killed Li Shen and Qin Suyi, burned the manor, and didn't wipe out the entire clan.

Now that the feud between Fu Hua and Li Sushang had been resolved, Selene had no further interest in harming her.

As for the descendants of the other six swords, they weren't so fortunate.

"What?" Fu Hua suddenly raised her head, visibly losing her composure.

Li Sushang blinked in confusion, standing frozen in place.

"Your Majesty, they should have already passed away..." Fu Hua's hands clenched unconsciously, causing Mobius, nestled in her arms, to frown slightly. Her voice quivered faintly as she spoke.

"The person might be dead, but their descendants remain, don't they? Even if they left no direct heirs, the disciples of their sects haven't disappeared. In fact, they're thriving."

Selene's calm voice was unyielding. Her gaze seemed to pierce through Fu Hua, as if looking at something far beyond her, making her intentions impossible to read.

"How could I ignore traitors who bite the hand that feeds them?"

She began to recite softly, naming Fu Hua's former disciples:

"Lin Zhaoyu, Taixu Sword Sect of Tianqiong Peak."

"Su Mei, the unparalleled Southern Borders Sect."

"Jiang Wanxi and Jiang Wanru, the twin sisters from the Demon Sect."

"Cheng Lingshuang, Wushang Zizai Sect of the Northern Desert."

Cold sweat poured relentlessly from Fu Hua's forehead as Selene spoke. Her gentle words carried the weight of countless lives lost—entire clans annihilated.

"As the Empress of my people, how could I ignore the vengeance owed to my subjects? a ruler who cannot protect their own has no right to exist."

I, Selene, am benevolent!

Sensing the suffocating silence around her, Selene spread her hands nonchalantly.

"Don't worry. The task was handed to the 19th Astartes Legion—Raven Guard. Corvus Corax will ensure no one escapes."

"Your Majesty, I..." Fu Hua opened her mouth but could not find the words.

Patting Fu Hua gently on her thin shoulder, Selene shifted her attention to the petite, gray-haired girl beside her.

"You're awake."

In that instant, Bronya could not describe her feelings. An oppressive aura engulfed her entirely, strikingly different from before.

Under Selene's scarlet gaze, it felt as though a massive shadow had swallowed her whole. A chilling blend of fear and awe filled her heart, immobilizing her.

Her body felt trapped in quicksand, and her thoughts slowed as if submerged in a thick fog. The Core of Reason within her trembled violently. When Bronya finally regained her senses, she realized that she could no longer feel the presence of the 300,000 souls that had once haunted the core, victims of the "Berlin Incident."

"Welt Joyce. Joachim Nokianvirtanen—later renamed Welt Yang. Truly remarkable," Selene's voice rang out with an authority that felt like it stemmed from the highest laws of existence.

"You imprisoned 300,000 ghosts in this core and turned it into your personal experiment.

Trials, selection, filtration, connection, transmission... I must admit, extraordinary methods. But this ends now, traitor."

From her perspective, the First Herrscher of Reason was nothing but a traitor, and she referred to them accordingly.

In a matter of moments, Selene dismantled and melted away everything: the safeguards set by the two previous Herrschers of Reason and the lingering souls of 300,000 victims embedded in the core.

"Ah—!" Bronya clutched her head in agony, collapsing to the ground amidst Seele's panicked cries.

"Bronya! What's wrong?!"

"She's fine," Selene stated dismissively. "I've removed the 'parasites' from within her. From now on, her mastery over the Core of Reason will deepen considerably."

Once again, Selene declared with unshakable confidence:

I, Selene, am benevolent!

Selene's gaze then shifted to Seele.

"Now, you. Isn't it time for the other you to make an appearance?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon: 

Patreon.com/DaoOfHeaven