Volume 5, Chapter 8: Simulation - The Thirteenth Herrscher Incident of the Previous Civilization Era

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel. Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Xia Chen acknowledged that every piece of information Mobius brought forth exceeded his imagination. It wasn't just him; even Sakura shared this sentiment.

Despite being one of Fire Moth's Heroic Spirits, she had never heard any of these revelations before.

Sakura herself lacked knowledge in such matters; her primary role has always been combat-focused. Additionally, as someone from Cocoon, she had limited access to high-level classified information.

In the Elysian Realm, Mobius informed them that Dr. Mei was already deceased, and Sakura didn't question it at the time.

However, upon reconsideration, during the previous civilization era, there were indeed effective treatments for suppressing Honkai Energy. Even if infected by Honkai, individuals could undergo surgery to be transformed directly into MANTIS fusion fighters.

Given these possibilities and Dr. Mei's esteemed status, how could she have died so easily?

Sakura found no answers within the Elysian Realm, nor did she previously concern herself with the doctor's fate. But now, things were different.

Rin's life had been carried on through another means, implying that as her sister, Sakura must once again bear the responsibility of combating Honkai.

In reality, when Sakura planned to leave the Elysian Realm, it sparked numerous debates within its confines.

However, ultimately, Sakura and Kalpas' firm stance 'persuaded' everyone.

After Infinite Creation departed, Sakura couldn't help but look at Xia Chen, asking, "What's your next move?"

"Wait," Xia Chen replied with a slight bitterness in his tone.

Mei's words implied that his 'Deception Finality' plan was now doomed to failure.

He said, "Since Dr. Mobius has appeared and revealed this information to us, it suggests she possesses another method to visit 'God.'"

Despite these thoughts, Xia Chen wasn't willing to wait much longer.

It wasn't as if he hadn't 'seen' the so-called God before, albeit only within the simulator.

"Hoping the simulator can provide some answers," Xia Chen pondered inwardly.

Sakura listened to Xia Chen and nodded involuntarily.

She then turned to Rin, "Had enough rest? Let's continue practicing."

Rin pouted but complied, "Alright, Big Sister."

That night, Xia Chen activated the simulator in his room.

[Honkai World Simulator initiated.]

[Current Scenario: Pre-Civilization Event of Thirteenth Herrscher in the Intrinsic World.]

[Equipped Weapon: Kukulkan's Breath.]

[Assigned Stigmata: Ana Schariac; Sirin Ascension.]

[System generating records...]

[Day 1: You are an ordinary soldier within Fire Moth...]

As Xia Chen regained consciousness, he found himself gazing at a dim and lightless sky.

He touched the gas mask on his head, realizing that his entire body was covered by protective gear.

The clothing alone weighed fifteen pounds, akin to wearing a heavy quilt.

However, this cumbersome attire was a necessary precaution.

In the post-apocalyptic world, Honkai encompassed more than just Honkai Beasts or Herrschers. Unpredictable Honkai Sources, viruses infecting living organisms... these all represented different forms of Honkai.

Honkai-resistant suits were their best means of self-protection against such threats.

The bulky combat suit, obscuring his figure, represented one of the few resources humanity could currently provide.

Xia Chen instinctively wanted to remove his helmet, but a cautionary voice echoed in his mind:

"Do not abandon hope against Honkai; do not take off your protective gear."

It was a Commandment.

After visiting the Elysian Realm, Xia Chen gained insight into the nature of these Commandments.

Without hesitation, he likened them to the tight-fitting circlet on Sun Wukong's head—a restraint that even Sun Wukong couldn't defy without Tang Sanzang reciting the incantation.

To Xia Chen, this felt immensely suffocating and deeply uncomfortable.

Yet there was nothing he could do about it.

Suppressing those thoughts, he continued observing the outside world.

Following the Herrscher of Corruption incident, the remaining three human cities were destroyed by nuclear explosions controlled by the Herrschers. Now, apart from Fire Moth's base, no significant urban centers existed in the world.

Currently, the Fire Moth organization lacked any military forces beyond protecting their own base.

Mei had no choice but to direct people to start excavating an underground city and gradually move production lines from the surface into subterranean areas.

Although no one explicitly stated it, nearly everyone had lost hope for humanity's future.

As a result, humans needed to preserve their spark of existence.

Women, children, a few able-bodied youths, some Fusion Warriors, books, medicines, industrial blueprints... all these formed the foundation of civilization.

However, these were not his concerns.

His duty was solely to safeguard the crumbling order.

"The Thirteenth Herrscher..."

Xia Chen pondered internally.

According to Mobius, Elysia was indeed the Thirteenth Herrscher, the first Herrscher who stood on behalf of humanity. She severed the inevitable connection between Honkai and human destiny, ensuring that after this era's civilization collapsed, the world did not degenerate into a world bubble.

This also provided time for the implementation of the Stigmata Project, Spark Project, Ark Project, and Desert Crossing Plan.

"Could this be considered another Revelation scenario?"

He felt somewhat uncertain.

As a fighter, Xia Chen could not freely move around the hall; he was confined to his assigned post. Naturally, he couldn't seek out other Fusion Warriors here.

Suddenly, an alarm sounded throughout the base.

"Warning, warning! Detecting numerous Honkai Energy reactions..."

Xia Chen immediately grabbed his weapon and rushed towards the source of the Honkai Energy.

Not just him, but other Fire Moth warriors did the same.

However, to their surprise, the origin of the Honkai Energy was outside the Fire Moth facility.

It must be noted that virtually no humans remained outside now, naturally eliminating any conditions for Honkai's emergence.

As Xia Chen burst out, he saw an intense radiance illuminating the surroundings.

In the dim night sky, pink crystal flowers refracted light, seemingly enveloping the entire world.

The dazzling crystals cast reflections on every person present, eliciting fear among the Fire Moth personnel who had never witnessed such a sight before.

Despite the crystals' undeniable beauty.

They began wielding their weapons, attempting to break through this crystalline barrier. Yet despite pouring gunfire, it proved futile.

Xia Chen held back, not engaging.

Instead, he focused on feeling the light refracted by the crystals.

As the light enveloped them, he felt something within himself being lost.

The Commandments in his mind vanished, and with it, the sense of destiny disappeared as well.

Xia Chen instinctively closed his eyes, murmuring, "Is this the Herrscher's gift...?"

Within him, a stirring desire began to surface.

It was as if a force attracted him, unleashing his inner yearnings.

His Authority was being drawn forth.

Xia Chen cut out a piece from the crystal and placed it into the Gem of Desire.

Instantly, the entire crystal barrier shattered with a resounding crash.

Then, Xia Chen saw Kevin appear wielding Judgment of Shamash.