Volume 3, Chapter 58: World Serpent Base

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Regarding the handling of the Herrscher of Sentience, Xia Chen also contacted Schicksal Headquarters. After all, he had become a significant figure within Schicksal now, and privately visiting World Serpent could lead to various rumors spreading.

Currently, Otto nominally led Schicksal, but obtaining Durandal's approval sufficed. In fact, she was much more approachable than Otto.

As long as there was a valid reason, Durandal would generally trust unconditionally. This granted Xia Chen considerable freedom.

Incidentally, after the elimination of the Herrscher of Dominance, Bronya was brought to Schicksal Headquarters for treatment. Accompanying her was Raiden Mei, who is now training at the Immortal Blades' garrison.

As for the Divine Key Jizo Mitama, although it resides with Schicksal, no one currently possesses the ability to harness its power. Xia Chen planned to return to Headquarters once this matter concluded to retrieve the Jizo Mitama.

Initially, the Shenzhou government was alarmed by the Herrscher of Sentience's need to visit World Serpent's headquarters. However, they ultimately decided to trust Xia Chen.

There wasn't much choice; Shenzhou lacked significant resources and heritage to combat Honkai directly. Without believing in Xia Chen, what other options did they have?

Everything proceeded smoothly.

Along the journey, Wendy returned with her Valkyrie team to the Oceanic Branch, as further involvement was not within her purview. After all, the World Serpent would not grant access to her.

Naturally, Raven had attempted to recruit Wendy, but unfortunately, her strong allegiance to Schicksal rendered his efforts futile.

Raven's enticing offer even made Xia Chen consider switching sides momentarily, though it seemed Raven had no interest in recruiting him.

According to this senior officer, Xia Chen was destined to join the World Serpent eventually, although it remained unclear where such confidence stemmed from.

Xia Chen didn't take Raven's words too seriously, focusing most of his energy on the Herrscher of Sentience and himself. Despite no battles occurring since arriving in Shenzhou, managing these matters proved mentally exhausting.

The most daunting aspect was the constant pressure of making no mistakes, inducing a pervasive sense of unease.

Fortunately, if everything goes as planned, the situation should soon reach its conclusion.

However, would everything truly go as smoothly?

Even the seemingly optimistic Book of Fuxi harbored concerns. Its creator, having witnessed the previous civilization era firsthand, fully understood the nature of Herrschers.

Regardless of their thoughts, they had arrived at World Serpent's headquarters.

Unlike Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, World Serpent's base was located within the ocean, more precisely, in a subspace above it.

This organization, hidden for many years under Schicksal's watchful gaze, possessed unique technology allowing them to create subspaces outside the intrinsic world's dimensions.

It was also the foundational technology behind Project Stigma.

To this day, no one knows how MEI, with her mortal body, managed to complete the construction of the Stigmata at the last moment, harnessing unimaginable power capable of transcending even a Herrscher.

Such a dimensional-defying existence stands as the legacy left by the previous civilization for the modern era.

During the pre-Finality period of the previous civilization, fusion warriors faced crises within similar subspaces.

The Herrscher of Sentience, likely visiting this place for the first time, raised his head confidently and stated, "Dr. Mei was indeed a genius, able to place people beyond space itself. Although the final concept failed, she preserved civilization."

Raven, who had never met MEI but felt inexplicably reverential towards her, frowned at Herrscher of Sentience's candid remark.

Fortunately, Herrscher of Sentience didn't elaborate further. "It's unfortunate that Project Stigma likely cannot proceed now, given that Dr. MEI is no longer with us."

"No, even if a new Dr. MEI emerged in this current era, implementing Project Stigma would still be impossible. Some transactions only have one chance, after all."

Raven's eyes involuntarily narrowed. "What do you know?"

Clearly, Herrscher of Sentience possessed significant information from the previous civilization era. It was uncertain whether this knowledge originated from Fu Hua's memories or the infusion by the Will of Honkai.

Herrscher of Sentience snorted. "I can't reveal such details to you, but Kevin might know." She paused briefly before continuing, "Speaking of which, despite World Serpent appearing so small and understaffed, Little Fuxi, does this place truly hold experience in defeating Honkai?"

"Ah, my dear immortal," responded the Book of Fuxi, "don't forget, we have the Elysian Realm here. If there's anything you don't know, just ask them, won't you? With Kevin currently unavailable, you're the strongest present, hence it falls upon you to shoulder this responsibility, right?"

No one knew how the Book of Fuxi instilled the mission to combat Honkai within the Herrscher of Sentience, but somehow, it succeeded.

The Herrscher of Sentience nodded, "True enough." With pride, she placed her hands on her hips and said, "Indeed, this is the moment for me to step forward, Little Fuxi. You have keen insight."

Without hesitation, the Herrscher of Sentience entered the World Serpent's facility.

Raven couldn't help but remark, "This guy seriously treats fighting Honkai like a game, doesn't she?"

"Hmm, that's indeed her perspective," Xia Chen paused briefly before continuing, "As agreed upon next, we will access the Elysian Realm."

If anyone had the highest chance of saving Fu Hua, it was undoubtedly Mobius.

Fu Hua's remarkable fortune only manifested when subjected to Mobius' experiments. However, the precondition was that Mobius must agree, and the Herrscher of Sentience needs to cooperate - this posed the greatest challenge.

The animosity Heroic Spirits hold towards Herrschers is self-evident, and the Herrscher of Sentience can directly sense such hostility. Deceiving a Herrscher into entering the World Serpent was already pushing the limits, but convincing a Heroic Spirit to overcome their disdain for Herrschers...

It would be incredibly difficult.

Xia Chen's proposed solution involved stabilizing the Herrscher of Sentience within the World Serpent while he ventured to Elysium himself. This plan received Kevin's approval.

It was indeed complex, but if it could save Fu Hua and align the Herrscher of Sentience with humanity, it would be entirely worth it.

Xia Chen also couldn't help but wonder about the potential power if all Herrschers stood alongside humans. However, this curiosity remained hypothetical, as at least the Herrscher of Dominance did not side with humanity.

Moreover, the current era's Herrscher of Ice had yet to emerge. Without experiencing events like Heavenly Meteor, it was uncertain whether Kiana would still become the new Herrscher of Flame. These were all unknown variables.

The future lay shrouded in mist, and Xia Chen needed to visit the Elysian Realm to gain clarity on certain matters.

Most crucially, he wanted to understand more about Stigmata. He doubted that mere information inscribed in genes could possess the power to manipulate space. Such a feat seemed beyond human capability.

Unless, like him, MEI had already obtained 'authority' over these abilities.

"Little Fuxi is currently accompanying the Herrscher of Sentience, and your timing is fortunate. Jackal and Gray Serpent are preoccupied with facilitating the Lord's return, so they won't disturb you for now. Otherwise, even I would have quite a headache dealing with them."

Raven paused before continuing, "However, opening the Elysian Realm requires some time, not exceeding two days at most. Actually, I need to notify the Heroic Spirits beforehand, to prevent any clashes that might inadvertently destroy the garden."

Xia Chen nodded.

"Understood, I'm prepared for it. But how should we handle the Herrscher of Sentience?"

"Don't worry, she's currently conversing with the Lord. It should be quite enjoyable," Raven reassured him.