Chapter 209: There's a Limit to Sibling Squabbles

"Big Bro Zeke, is she going to be okay?"

"No."

In response to Seele's anxious question, Zeke answered truthfully.

Despite Anti-Entropy having examples like Welt and Wendy, controlling Herrscher powers has always been as challenging as ascending to heaven. Otherwise, why would the previous civilization create so many Divine Keys instead of simply assigning Herrscher Cores to MANTIS fusion warriors?

Veliona, developed from the Stigmata of the Herrscher of Death from the previous civilization, emerged after fifty millennia as Seele's secondary personality. Though possessing formidable power, fundamentally, without Seele, Veliona lacks even a complete form of existence.

Zeke acknowledged the intention behind trying to bypass Seele and endure the Herrscher transformation alone, but he held little optimism regarding its success.

"Big Bro Zeke, please help her," Seele pleaded, eyes reddening with worry.

While not fully aware of the details, Seele trusted Zeke's judgment unquestioningly.

Zeke looked at her and nodded.

"Step back, Bronya, and protect her."

"Understood!"

Bronya pulled the teary-eyed Seele behind her, retreated some distance, and watched as Zeke approached the black-clad Seele encircled by chains. He gradually merged with the crimson blood mist enveloping Veliona until he vanished completely within it.

The Herrscher of Death, embodying both Withering and Creation, possesses the power to decompose or construct life at the molecular level. While potent against physical bodies, its influence within the consciousness realm is limited.

Nevertheless, Veliona's consciousness domain surged with energy on par with that of a Herrscher. In this pitch-black space, even a faint gust of red mist could extinguish the awareness of hundreds in an instant.

Yet, Zeke navigated through this treacherous environment calmly, his steps unhurried.

Suddenly, as Zeke took another step, the surroundings transformed before his eyes, revealing a stark room with a black-and-white checkered floor.

"Whoosh!"

No sooner had he entered than a massive dark-red metallic claw lunged towards Zeke, offering him a rather unconventional greeting.

Zeke lifted his gaze, expressionless, facing the imminent danger head-on.

"Boom!!"

With a deafening crash, the colossal metal claw shattered. The immense force reverberated along the black chains connected to it, jolting the black-clad girl who initiated the attack several steps back. Instinctively, she shook her hand to alleviate the searing pain.

"Tch! Just as stubborn as ever!" The youthful face identical to Seele outside scowled, clearly irritated.

In the next instant, Veliona caught sight of a figure clad in a white trench coat entering her vision.

Suddenly, a hand grasped her face and forcibly tilted it upwards.

"Come to think of it, this should be our first genuine meeting, isn't it, Seele?"

Zeke pinched Veliona's smooth cheeks, contorting them into a slightly comical expression. Leaning down, he spoke with a deadpan tone that, amidst the dim room, felt eerily menacing.

"Fatty Kewo..."

"Hold still, this is a rare opportunity; let me observe you properly."

"You fucking..."

"Snap!"

A quick flick on the forehead silenced Veliona's attempt at spewing profanities, momentarily dazing her as she stumbled backward.

She soon realized she had fallen onto a soft sofa chair, facing Zeke who sat across from her in another chair. Between them, a teapot emitted a faint, pleasant aroma.

Instantaneously, the dark room transformed into a warm, blooming garden on a spring afternoon.

Seele stiffened for a moment before sneering.

"Hmph! Who would've thought someone like you would have such a fragile Mental Image Space? Appearances can indeed be deceiving!"

"Sigh... Don't force me to teach you a lesson, you know I'm quite skilled at handling unruly kids."

Zeke rubbed his temples, then spoke numbly.

After all, this was another version of Seele, reminding him of the familiar Seele he knew well. He couldn't bring himself to act harshly against her.

Meanwhile, Veliona scoffed, crossed her legs, folded her arms, and lifted her head proudly, saying coldly:

"Who do you think I am? You won't intimidate me here!"

"Snap!"

"You fu..."

"Snap!"

"I'll..."

"Snap! Snap!"

"I'm gonna end you today!"

"Snap! Snap! Snap!"

Five minutes later, amidst scattered fragments of broken weapons, Veliona held her highly swollen cheeks, glaring tearfully at Zeke.

Zeke raised his teacup, taking a leisurely sip.

"All right, enough mischief. Due to various circumstances, I haven't visited you for some time. It was my oversight, and I apologize."

Zeke reached out, gently ruffled Veliona's hair, and sincerely offered his apology.

On one hand, he had indeed been extremely busy over these years: upgrading himself, advancing civilization, assisting Welt with societal reforms, and engaging in strategic battles with Otto, leaving very little free time. On the other hand, Zeke never intended for Seele to participate in combat. She happily spent each day doing household chores, so he chose to let her live peacefully without feeling an urgent need to communicate with Veliona.

Nevertheless, having gone years without speaking to Veliona, Zeke realized his failure as a guardian.

"Who needs your apology?! You... jerk, why are you still so strong even within my mental space?"

"This involves quite a bit of technical explanation. To put it simply, given my current capabilities, to assert dominance in the consciousness domain against me, one would need at least Herrscher of Sentience level."

"...Well, congratulations on being truly impressive!"

"Yes, I've always been exceptionally capable. Let's not dwell on these matters. Tell me, how is your situation now? Don't withhold anything; it won't benefit either you or Seele outside."

Zeke asked mildly.

Mentioning herself, Veliona remained indifferent. But when it came to the other Seele... she hesitated briefly before pursing her lips and saying:

"This power was originally mine; I can handle it, but it just takes time... As for that idiot, my powers will never fall into such weak hands!"

"If I relay those exact words to her, do you think she'll show you her tears every night in dreams afterward?"

"You dare challenge me?!" Veliona slammed her fist on the table, shattering it.

It was unclear whether her agitation stemmed from Zeke's accusation or the possibility of Seele crying to her nightly.

Zeke shook his head, waved his hand to restore the table, and continued, "This situation is no longer something we can simply ignore by wishing she wouldn't get involved. You're experiencing the Herrscher's power firsthand now, so you should understand that forcibly protecting her could easily lead to complications later."

"Do you underestimate me?"

"I don't doubt your abilities, but future outcomes are unpredictable. It's always best to minimize potential risks. Our desire to protect Seele seems aligned; please consider this carefully."

"Who wants to protect that... brat..." Veliona attempted a firm rebuttal, but her voice involuntarily grew softer.

Then, she glared coldly at Zeke's face. "I see through you—you've been eagerly waiting for her to become a Herrscher, just so you can exploit her powers, right? All that manipulation and grooming her to obey your every word—it was all leading up to today!"

"BOOM!!!"

Veliona's body flew backward, crashing beyond the garden, and the world reverted to that cold, gloomy room once more.

"Even when sulking, there should be limits. Know when enough is enough; don't shut out those who care about you."

Zeke approached Veliona lying on the ground, knelt down, gently touched her reddened forehead, and spoke without revealing any emotion.

Veliona fell silent, refraining from further response.