Plan B, Activate!

Lee had mentioned the artificial Herrscher project to Vill-V, who promptly rejected it.

Lee's idea was simple: since her Honkai resistance was zero and her adaptability was maxed, why not merge her body with Honkai energy and implant a Herrscher core as a power source, creating a human-shaped Divine Key?

Vill-V rejected it not because it was infeasible, but because it was too feasible.

Divine Keys were made of Honkai-resistant materials, primarily Soulium, which could self-repair after Honkai corruption—other materials broke; Soulium fixed itself.

But Lee's body was different. Her extreme Honkai adaptability meant she wouldn't be corrupted, but become a perfect conduit for Honkai energy.

Just like a Herrscher.

Every Herrscher was once human, but upon transformation, regardless of their original personality, they became mindless human-eradication machines—if Lee became an artificial Herrscher, who could guarantee her consciousness wouldn't be affected?

Vill-V wouldn't gamble on it.

And if Lee underwent this procedure, would she even be human anymore?

No need for breathing, heartbeat, surviving solely on a Honkai core… A complete anomaly, facing even greater prejudice than a MANTIS , due to her artificial Herrscher status.

Vill-V wanted to avoid that at all costs.

But despite rejecting Lee's proposal, she couldn't deny the potential of this technology. A Herrscher fighting for humanity would be far superior to any Divine Key.

So, she'd continued theorizing, but not experimenting, until now.

Lee's heart was destroyed, but if she were transformed into an artificial Herrscher who didn't require a heart, she could live.

Though the originator of the plan, Vill-V was apprehensive. She didn't know if the surgery would work on a lifeless body… but she had no choice. Aponia said there was a chance, so Vill-V would take it.

The best outcome was Lee's revival. The worst was the surgery failing. The absolute worst was the Herrscher using Lee's body to be reborn.

If that happened…

Vill-V pushed those thoughts aside, focusing all her attention on the surgery, assisted by Mei and Mobius.

Whatever awoke next would be the pinnacle of human technology.

"…"

The three held their breath. Finally, Lee's finger twitched.

Then, blood-red eyes slowly opened.

Not the gentle blue of the sky, but the crimson eyes of the recently deceased Eighth Herrscher!

"—"

Vill-V, fearing the worst, tried to call for help, but no sound came out.

Not only her voice, but her entire body was paralyzed. Mei and Mobius were the same.

"Don't get too excited, esteemed scientists…"

Lee sat up, her crimson eyes scanning the room, then slowly reaching out.

It's over.

Seeing Lee about to attack, Vill-V despaired.

She wasn't afraid of death, but… why couldn't she help Lee, even at the very end?

First, she'd caused Lee's near-fatal injury, turning her into a cripple. Now, she'd caused Lee's body to be taken over by a Herrscher.

She hadn't held back, hadn't spared any of her talent—and this was the result?

Powerless, Vill-V could only watch as Lee made a V-sign with her fingers.

"Prank successful~"

"…?"

Vill-V, feeling her body regain mobility, stared at the smiling Lee, completely bewildered.

"Sorry, sorry, seeing you all so tense, I couldn't resist a little prank."

Lee giggled. "I just used a bit of mind control to paralyze you. Fun, wasn't it?"

"…Seems she's alright." Mei adjusted her glasses, seemingly unfazed, but Vill-V saw the relief in her eyes.

Yes, only Lee would pull such a cruel prank… but the Eighth Herrscher seemed capable of reading minds. Unless it was all an act.

But if it was an act, why not just kill them?

So… the surgery was successful?

"VV, why do you still look so dazed?"

"I'm wondering—" Vill-V almost answered Lee's lighthearted question, then stopped herself, remembering the possibility of the Herrscher impersonating Lee.

"We can't rule out the possibility of a Herrscher impersonation." Mobius sighed wearily. "Let's have Su and Aponia come in and verify. No objections?"

"Of course~"

…

The relief and joy of those waiting outside upon seeing Lee alive were immense. After confirming she was truly Lee, she excused herself, claiming the Herrscher core's mental abilities were causing dizziness, and that she needed to rest.

No one objected. They escorted her to her familiar room and left, giving her space.

Alone, Lee's smile faded.

The Herrscher core within her thrummed with power, but there was no foreign consciousness trying to influence her—the artificial Herrscher project was a success.

But her grand plan had a fatal flaw…

Lee's desperate pursuit of power, besides the obvious appeal of free power-ups, was driven by her grand plan: defeat the Final Herrscher, become a savior, be universally revered, then die tragically.

Earth had 7 billion people. Even if she only saved 1%, that was 70 million. And if even half of them mourned her death, generating even just 10 or 20 energy points each, that was at least 300 million.

Million!

Ordinary people's energy generation efficiency was low, but with such numbers, quality wasn't as important. Today's haul from her "high-end" sheep was less than 6 million. Lee estimated she could squeeze out 10 million at most.

The potential difference was immense!

But becoming a savior and farming the masses required one thing: surviving the Final Herrscher.

Lee had figured that, after becoming stronger, she could power up her teammates and defeat the Final Herrscher together. After all, Kevin's single sword strike could incapacitate the Final Herrscher for half a day.

But the moment the Herrscher core was implanted, Lee realized the problem was far bigger than she'd anticipated.

Her long-dormant future sight suddenly activated.

And it showed her a distant future, the final battle against the Final Herrscher.

The epic showdown she'd envisioned never happened. The battle went like this:

Kalpas charged in. Kalpas died.

Without a moment's pause, Kosma arrived!

Without a moment's pause, Hua arrived!

Without a moment's pause…

Everyone except Kevin lasted less than two minutes.

Remembering the final boss she saw, Lee groaned, burying her face in her hands—Seriously, isn't that a bit overpowered?

I think we need to call for help from the M78 Nebula.

Lee wished she still had her Ultraman transformation device. Unfortunately, she didn't.

She had to abandon Plan A, the potentially multi-million energy windfall, and switch to Plan B, focusing on her high-end sheep…

In the brief moments before waking up, Lee had already written her script.

Don't blame me for being ruthless, friends. It's the Final Herrscher's fault.

------

some of Lee's relationships with her 'friends':

Kevin: Lee… I failed to protect her.

Su: Lee… Senpai… I need to protect her.

Mobius: Lee… fascinating subject. Such a waste. (lie to herself)

Mei: Lee… reckless, but… important.

Elysia: Lee… so cute when she's flustered! Needs to be protected. (self cope)

Vill-V: Lee… I hurt her… I need to fix this.

Aponia: Lee… a soul too bright for this world. I can only follow her path.

Hua: Lee… Senpai… so strong and kind… I want to be like her.

Pardofelis: Big Sis Lee… I need to protect her smile.

Eden: Lee… such a selfless person. I admire her dedication.