Volume 2, Chapter 52: Why Isn't Sirin Expanding This Time?

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If not for experiencing it firsthand, Xia Chen would never have realized the vast difference between Sirin possessing Kiana's body and the current Sirin. In fact, he could say that the present Herrscher of the Void is truly in her complete form.

Compared to this, the Queen's previous descent seemed like mere child's play, both in terms of abilities and destruction inflicted on civilization.

This catastrophe has already claimed millions of lives, and only Schicksal knows what immense power they utilized to conceal the Honkai from humanity.

However, this isn't something Xia Chen should concern himself with now.

His immediate priority is to survive.

The Aether Spear, traversing between reality and virtual space, acts like a guided cruise missile, relentlessly tracking his movements. Due to its travel through Virtual Space, Ideal Fluid proves ineffective against the relentless onslaught, as it can only defend against attacks within physical reality.

Had the Herrscher during the Queen's Descent possessed such capability, Xia Chen wouldn't have had the chance to seize control.

Realizing the fluid's limitations, Xia Chen knew there was only one possible way to win.

The only option left was to get close to her.

"Ana, please trust me."

"Sirin, I'm counting on you too."

In vast Siberia, temperatures plummeted abruptly as dense frost began restricting Sirin's movements.

Xia Chen utilized Virtual Space to approach her swiftly. With a swing of his mystic blade, a blood-red aura flashed.

However, it missed.

Sirin had already maneuvered her body to evade the attack.

"The thief who stole my power does have some skills, but... that's all you can manage."

Though these words sounded boastful, when spoken by her, they carried an inherent authority.

As if under a decree, Xia Chen felt his body involuntarily slow down, and even his surroundings seemed to freeze in time.

Temporal-Spatial Imprisonment.

A technique capable of briefly manipulating both time and space, rendering them stagnant. This was the proud Authority of the Herrscher of the Void.

Only when a sharp pain radiated from his chest did Xia Chen realize the prison had shattered.

He crumpled to the ground, a large pool of blood spreading from his torso.

"So, you're just another Honkai Beast from somewhere unknown." Sirin's gaze held a hint of disdain as she approached, looking down at him with superiority. "Thinking your human appearance and intellect could integrate you into their world is truly laughable... No, it's downright pitiful."

"Humans, selfish, greedy, and indulgent... I'll give you one chance.

"Bow to me."

"Otherwise, you'll become Bella's meal."

Xia Chen coughed involuntarily and looked at her with sarcasm, "Humans are indeed selfish and greedy, but how does your current behavior differ from theirs? If we speak of arrogance, aren't you the most arrogant one, dragging the world into this calamity?"

However, Sirin paid no heed to his verbal jabs.

"Too much nonsense."

A massive dragon flew towards them from afar and landed beside Sirin.

"Bella, eat him."

"Roar!"

The dragon's thunderous roar echoed across the snowy plains. Xia Chen's flowing blood contained Honkai Energy, which appealed to Bella.

Yet just as Benares was about to devour him, confusion flickered in its large eyes.

"Your Majesty?"

Sirin's aura emanated from Xia Chen.

Benares instinctively turned to look at Sirin, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the situation.

Sirin furrowed her brow, "What's wrong, Bella?"

Her companions were few; otherwise, she wouldn't have granted human consciousness to her bonded Honkai Beast. It's important to note that when she first emerged, Benares served merely as her sustenance.

The relationship between a Herrscher and their bonded Honkai Beast wasn't as harmonious as people might think. In reality, both parties constantly contemplated consuming each other. Only Sirin, out of affection for her companion, chose to bestow consciousness upon her bonded Honkai Beast.

Perhaps this also reflected her absolute free will.

Even if Sirin desired to destroy the world, it stemmed from her own inner urge, not being manipulated by Honkai as its puppet.

Benares quickly voiced his confusion, "His body carries Your Majesty's scent."

"That's fake," Sirin retorted, visibly annoyed. "My true essence resides within me; he merely possesses something stolen from who knows where. I've already given him a chance."

"But..." Transforming into humanoid form, Benares hesitated, "I can't bring myself to consume him."

"Why not?"

"I don't know," Benares replied honestly.

"You!" Sirin felt infuriated, her chest rising and falling uncontrollably.

Bella tugged at Sirin's sleeve, seemingly pleading for Xia Chen's sake, "Your Majesty, let's spare him. He's like Bella, one of our kind. I'll keep an eye on him."

Even Xia Chen might not have anticipated Benares advocating for him.

Sirin's eyes flashed with suspicion, "Are you going to betray me too?"

"No, no! Bella loves Your Majesty the most."

Because she loved Sirin the most, she couldn't harm Xia Chen, carrying Sirin's essence.

Sirin paused before responding, "...Fine, if you truly care for him."

"Regardless, he's just a weak Honkai Beast. I forgive his provocation."

"But the Authority he stole..." Sirin's eyes showed a hint of hesitation.

Aurora was her close friend, but now she lacked one core. To extract the Core from Xia Chen using her brutal methods would undoubtedly result in his death.

However, having just agreed with Bella, it wouldn't be easy for Sirin to go back on her word.

Meanwhile, Xia Chen seized this opportunity to tend to his wounds.

His physical attributes were not lacking; although they couldn't match those of an Imperial Honkai Beast yet, he wasn't considered weak either. It was simply that compared to Benares and the current Sirin, he still fell significantly short.

Internally, Xia Chen could only offer a wry smile.

Could he say he felt quite honored? He had encountered Sirin at full strength before her ego inflated. Xia Chen suspected the reason behind this was due to his own Authority, which made her take him seriously.

She always held humans in contempt, whereas he belonged to a different category beyond humanity.

Just as Xia Chen thought about recovering further, Bella forcefully hoisted him over her shoulder.

With Bella's immense strength, he couldn't break free at all.

Sirin glanced at him and nonchalantly said, "Destroy this place, then let's return to the moon."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Thus, Xia Chen found himself living on the moon against his will for the next two days.

He was certain that Bella truly liked him.

To be precise, she greatly favored Sirin's Stigmata on his body, to the point where she wouldn't leave his side—even at night, she insisted on sleeping close to him.

Despite the fact that Honkai Beasts inherently do not require sleep.

According to Bella, it was because Queen Sirin herself is too serious, so she relied on being near Xia Chen to replenish her 'queen energy'.

So, Bella was indeed Sirin's number one fan.

However, this situation left Xia Chen with no opportunity to escape.

But Xia Chen noticed something peculiar. Despite being on the moon, he experienced no discomfort whatsoever. The abundant Honkai Energy present sustained his life, counteracting any signs of deterioration.