Volume 5, Chapter7: The Key to Defeating Finality

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According to Mobius, victory against Finality through brute force alone was impossible. He had witnessed the disappearance of the previous civilization era, where all human civilizations on Earth were wiped out.

It was the Authority of Finality, capable of resetting everything to zero.

Under such immense power, even with numerous self-willed Herrschers emerging in this era, they would still be no match for the Herrscher of Finality.

Therefore, defeating Finality could not rely solely on combat; it would be the most foolish approach.

"Before her death, Dr. Mei devised a plan to create and subsequently kill the Herrscher of Finality. However, unlike other Herrschers, the Herrscher of Finality cannot be created nor destroyed," Mobius explained from past knowledge. "To replace the Herrscher of Finality, one must operate at a higher level."

"You mean, the Will of Honkai?"

"Yes," Mobius confirmed. "In the previous civilization era, the Will of Honkai did not exist, at least to our knowledge."

"So, the Will of Honkai is connected to Dr. Mei?"

"Hmm, indeed."

Mobius didn't deny it but instead questioned back, "Why do you think humans from the previous era relentlessly fought against the Herrschers yet accepted MANTIS fusion fighters, who fundamentally have no difference from Herrschers? And could the current era accept Herrschers?"

Xia Chen fell silent.

It was impossible to dismiss the people of the previous era as foolish. If negotiation with Herrschers had been feasible, humanity would have pursued that path long ago. Why spend such immense costs to defeat each Herrscher one by one, merely for displaying military might?

"Was it Dr. Mei?"

"It was Elysia." Mobius pursed her lips, adding, "While I don't like her, she did something commendable." She paused briefly and suggested, "Let's find a quiet place to discuss this further."

Xia Chen now uncovered secrets that were not revealed in his previous life's storyline.

Elysia from the previous civilization era was actually the Thirteenth Herrscher, with her Authority related to Destiny. By severing the fate between Honkai and humanity, she preserved the Kindling for the remnants of the prior civilization.

Without her intervention, after the collapse of the previous civilization era, this world would have likely fallen directly into the Sea of Quanta, just like other world bubbles.

In essence, it was Elysia who opened the opportunity for a second civilization era.

If not for her actions, the current civilization era might never have begun.

Mei initially intended to create a Holy Mark Terminal using Elysia, which could potentially allow for her resurrection later.

However, the Holy Mark Terminal required immense computational power, necessitating Prometheus as its substitute.

Through Elysia's actions, Mei realized that Herrschers and Honkai may not be inherently inseparable. Thus, she continuously sought ways to interact with the source of Herrschers' powers.

This is precisely what Xia Chen obtained when he became a Herrscher—the concept of "Jurisdiction."

However, by the time she realized the existence of Authorities, it was already too late.

Finality approached, threatening to wipe humanity from the face of the earth.

Thus, Mei chose to sacrifice her life and hide within the Holy Mark Terminal. Alongside Mobius, they executed Project Stigma through the terminal, fundamentally aiming to find 'the end of humanity'.

During this search, she became part of the Will of Honkai's consciousness.

As Xia Chen comprehended this revelation, he couldn't help but feel astonished.

"I can't shake the feeling that you've glossed over a significant portion."

"That's because even I am unaware of the exact details during that period," Mobius spoke with evident frustration. "Mei was also concealing information from me."

"From what I know, your relationship wasn't exactly harmonious, so isn't it normal for her to withhold information?"

"Ha, indeed... Never mind." Mobius still didn't want Xia Chen to learn about the intricate relationships within Fire Moth. "All you need to understand is that the only way to overcome Finality is by altering its ownership."

"The Holy Mark Terminal briefly interacted with the Imaginary Tree, which is why we had confidence to proceed with Project Stigma. During that encounter, Mei became the Will of Honkai."

"Your former Schicksal Archbishop, Otto, collaborated with Mei," Mobius revealed.

Xia Chen finally understood what Otto meant by having an opportunity to converse with Mei-it was referring to communicating with the Will of Honkai itself.

Currently, it seemed she had almost entirely relinquished her Herrscher's self-will, resulting in a remarkably smooth progression for humanity against the Herrschers in this era.

Sakura, puzzled, asked from the side, "Does that mean even if Finality arrives, they might not necessarily be our enemies?"

"Well, that depends on how much effort you're willing to put in."

"What do you mean?" Xia Chen queried, perplexed.

"Lab rat and Sakura, let me correct a misconception you both have. In Honkai's judgment, Mei herself is also considered a bug, needing rectification. To be honest, I'm quite surprised she managed to liberate the Herrschers, but that doesn't imply Honkai remains indifferent to it."

"It's somewhat challenging to explain this to you directly. Instead, tell me your understanding of 'Honkai'."

"Chaos and entropy?"

"Hmm, that's a superficial summary." Mobius immediately dismissed it. "Civilization itself is a unique form of Honkai; essentially, it encapsulates natural laws. However, when humans attempt to alter these natural laws, Honkai emerges. This is why once civilization reaches a certain level, Herrschers appear."

"Honkai aims to correct civilization back to its most primitive and natural state."

Mobius paused before continuing, "And what Mei seeks to achieve is integrating humanity as part of Honkai."

"The core of Project Stigma lies in Finality, but its true essence is genetic transcendence.

"Humans are a peculiar creation of life, yet this fundamentally conflicts with the rules of Honkai."

Both Xia Chen and Sakura were stunned by Mobius's explanation.

"You mean Dr. Mei wants to transform people into Honkai?"

"It's merely genetic evolution from a biological standpoint, and the only path to combat Honkai," Mobius explained. "Regardless of how advanced human civilization becomes, it is still viewed as part of Honkai." She paused briefly before continuing, "In that case, perhaps Finality itself would cease to exist."

"However, it's clear that the Human Completion Plan failed; the Holy Mark Terminal couldn't reach all the Holy Mark holders," she stated directly. "And my true self disappeared as well."

"Did you die?" Sakura asked, intrigued.

"Who knows?"

Mobius was merely a replica of memories, so such matters didn't concern her.

She continued, "Now, our hope to overcome Finality can only lie in harnessing the Will of Honkai."

Xia Chen, somewhat skeptical, asked, "So, what we need to do is gain control over the Herrscher of Finality through the Will of Honkai, correct?"

"Mm-hmm."

Mobius did not deny this.

Once again, Xia Chen thought about Kiana. If anyone were closest to the Will of Honkai, it would be Sirin, who had a connection with Kiana. Perhaps within her lies the key to unraveling this mystery.