Volume 3, Chapter 51: Trials, Trials, and More Trials

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When the Dominion Theater manifested as expected, nearly everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Einstein's strategy was simple: use Jizo Mitama to lure the Herrscher of Dominance. If Schicksal and Anti-Entropy reconciled, the rogue doll would essentially become redundant—a mere clown.

At this point, the doll would employ every means possible to sabotage the plan, and the most direct approach, undoubtedly, would be to directly seize Jizo Mitama.

However, Einstein had secretly placed a spatial beacon on the Jizo Mitama—something Kia learned to do based on her Herrscher Authority. With her ability to traverse between reality and the void, locating the Jizo Mitama was no issue for her.

Moreover, considering Divine Keys were essentially remnants of previous-era Herrscher Cores, Kia could sense their presence effortlessly.

The next critical step involved having Kia pinpoint the Dominion Theater's location, open up a portal, bring the entire USS Hyperion through it, and directly dismantle the theater from within.

Based on Rita's intel, Einstein deduced that the Dominion Theater served as a crucial facility for the Herrscher of Dominance—at minimum, it was where they communicated and exchanged information.

Of course, capturing all enemies present would be ideal if possible.

If the Herrscher of Dominance refrained from intervening, transferring the Divine Key would ease tensions between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, allowing both sides ample time to address internal issues.

Regardless, this plan benefited both parties immensely.

What caught them off guard was how, the moment the Dominion Theater appeared, control over the USS Hyperion's electrical systems was hijacked.

"A doll infiltrated the ship." Theresa couldn't hide her grim expression.

As a floating battleship, the Hyperion naturally housed more than just a handful of individuals. On the contrary, each operation required key personnel to coordinate essential tasks.

Meanwhile, Kiana calmly stated, "It's alright; the dolls' power comes from the Herrscher of Dominance's core. Once we secure the core, everything else is insignificant."

She advanced towards the Dominion Theater.

Not far away, Durandal and Rita witnessed this scene. Durandal turned to Rita and said, "I'll follow them. Rita, you handle matters with Senior Theresa."

The term 'Senior' reflected her attitude towards Theresa.

Rita nodded and replied, "Don't worry, Lady Durandal. Please be cautious yourself. The true threat from those dolls isn't their combat strength but their ability to manipulate through words."

"Rest assured, now that you've informed me, I know what aspects to watch out for."

Upon returning earlier, Rita had immediately briefed Durandal about the Herrscher of Dominance's Authority. Although these Herrschers were not particularly powerful individually, they somehow remained indestructible, and their controlled powers continuously grew stronger.

With that, Durandal joined Kiana, rushing into the Dominion Theater.

Meanwhile, at the Oceanic Branch...

Although Xia Chen and Wendy were responsible for relaying information between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, they did not participate directly in this operation. Despite his genuine interest in Jizo Mitama's Control Spirit.

He desperately wanted to extract its Herrscher Core and give it to Rin. However, based on the intel he gathered, the Herrschers from the previous civilization had perished, and their cores could not revive upon death.

At that moment, Wendy appeared restless.

She truly wished to involve her Valkyrie Squad in this mission, as it presented an opportunity for the Oceanic Branch Valkyries to unite. Yet, Xia Chen declined her request.

The dolls' abrasive language made him fear if others could handle it.

As Xia Chen tried to reassure Wendy to patiently wait for updates, Amber suddenly contacted them.

"The organization known as World Serpent has initiated an operation to capture the Herrscher heading towards Taixuan Mountain in Shenzhou. The Herrscher went berserk, prompting the Shenzhou government to seek assistance from Schicksal."

"Given the complex ties between the Shenzhou government and Schicksal, along with the unique nature of this Herrscher, we hope you can handle this Honkai incident. Bring Wendy along; she lacks experience dealing with such situations."

"There is no requirement to forcefully retrieve the Herrscher; simply ensure she aligns with humanity."

Schicksal now recognized Herrschers as possessing absolute individual will, leading to a shift in their approach. Harnessing the power of Honkai against itself is highly effective, and humans have no need to provoke powerful enemies unnecessarily.

However, Xia Chen was concerned about something else: "What about the Oceanic Branch...?"

"I have other arrangements for that. You two should depart immediately."

"All right."

As Kiana and Durandal approached the Herrscher of Dominance, they encountered a frenzied crowd of screaming dolls.

"They're here, they've arrived."

"Let me see who it is... Oh, I recognize them, it's Kiana and Durandal."

"Trial! Trial!" The dolls erupted in wild laughter and shouts.

Kiana and Durandal exchanged glances.

"Kiana, let's take care of these first; they're too noisy," suggested Durandal.

"I agree completely," replied Kiana.

After undergoing Schicksal's training and experiencing the Honkai on Coral Island, Kiana had matured significantly. Although she held strong reservations about Schicksal, her feelings were not directed against everyone within the organization. In fact, she still deeply respected Durandal.

While Durandal wielded Hellel's Serenity with unmatched prowess, Kiana simultaneously judged the dolls using her dual guns. Thanks to the intelligence shared by Xia Chen through Rita, Schicksal was aware that the Herrscher of Dominance possessed the ability to seize other Herrschers' powers. Consequently, Kiana carefully refrained from utilizing hers at this moment.

Only after clearing the dolls did she plan to summon Hyperion.

However, the doll's Trial was far from over.

To their astonished gazes, the broken puppet rose again and cackled wildly, "Heh heh heh, oh we're in so much pain."

"But there will be someone who'll suffer even more."

The blindfolded eyes concealed its expression, but mockery filled its tone.

"Kiana, do you remember a man named Siegfried Kaslana? Heh heh heh, one of his hands has already been severed, ah, it was on a snowy night."

Kiana remained emotionless.

She was no longer the girl who would scream at any news about her father. Moreover, she had already reunited with Siegfried.

At that time, Kevin had not yet emerged from the Sea of Quanta, allowing father and daughter to share a tender moment together. This brief respite served as a slightly brighter part amidst her otherwise dim destiny.

Having learned much from Xia Chen beforehand, Kiana naturally wouldn't be shaken by these words.

Seeing Kiana unaffected, the doll turned its attention to Durandal.

"Ah, isn't this Schicksal's former Chief Valkyrie? No wait, now you should be its owner."

"Heh heh heh, poor Head Valkyrie, do you know your comical and ironic fate?"

Durandal's gaze turned cold. "You're too noisy."

She pierced the doll's mouth with Hler's Serenity once again.

Based on Rita's advice, disabling the doll's vocal mechanism would silence it.