Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 223: Welcoming His Birth!

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"Ha ha ha, Raiden Mei, come forth! Let me witness your power!"

With a furious roar, Kalpas charged towards Raiden Mei. For others, acting might be challenging, but for Kalpas, it was simple; he just needed to unleash his utmost aggression and fury.

The others in the Elysian Realm were accustomed to Kalpas' roars and didn't comment on them. However, even dressed as a chef, Kalpas himself let out a dissatisfied humph, seemingly not entirely pleased with the situation.

As Kalpas engaged, Sakura's figure also emerged from the space, lunging at Raiden Mei. The two fought together, their coordination seamless.

"Someday, I might miss these times we've spent fighting side by side," Sakura suddenly remarked, instantly drawing everyone's attention. After all, people either tried hard to bring her and Kalpas closer or enjoyed speculating about their relationship, showing significant interest.

However, after this brief sentiment, Sakura fell silent again, leaving the others somewhat disappointed.

Griseo remained silent, engrossed in her painting with the brush in hand. This time, she continued using a realistic style, depicting the Thirteen Heroes.

Meanwhile, several stray bullets suddenly streaked across the sky, forcing Raiden Mei to swiftly dodge.

While not all the Heroic Spirits were giving their utmost effort, a few indeed fought earnestly—Vill-V, firing artillery now, being one such example.

At first glance, it seemed as though Raiden Mei was overwhelmed. However, throughout the encounter, she had yet to retaliate, focusing solely on evasive maneuvers.

For her, this battle was both unprecedented and long-awaited, and she found herself enjoying it immensely.

As for the answer, there was no need to search further.

Each Heroic Spirit is genuine, leaving only Elysia as the possible imposter. In the Elysian Realm, Ana had mentioned being bound together with Elysia.

Although those words appear false now, given the current circumstances, that remains the most plausible explanation.

Unlike Raiden Mei and Bronya's somewhat childlike skirmish, Kiana's battle raged fiercely. Both she and Jeanne engaged with their full capabilities.

Energy clashed repeatedly within the space, intertwining continuously.

Naturally, overall, Jeanne maintained a steady dominance over Kiana. However, compared to their previous encounter, Kiana performed significantly better this time, managing to exchange blows evenly.

"Jeanne, Teacher, I'd like to hear your story."

"My story? Haven't you already learned it?" Jeanne chuckled softly before thrusting her spear, forcing Kiana back several steps. Undeterred, Kiana regained her footing, a smile still gracing her face.

"Jeanne, Teacher, I'm referring to her story."

"You should ask her directly about such matters."

"But aren't you essentially the same person, right?"

"..."

Jeanne gazed at Kiana, unsure what to say.

"It is not yet the right time. The challenges before you now serve as tests themselves, including this one. Once you overcome them all, naturally, everything will be revealed."

"So Bronya and Mei are also going through this?"

"Of course," Jeanne nodded.

"However, their trials differ from yours. Each test is tailored to you individually. I've witnessed all your efforts, but it's crucial for you to understand that the entity you're about to face surpasses even Kevin."

"I believe you comprehend what I'm saying."

"Yes." Kiana solemnly nodded, realizing that Kevin had indeed held back during her trial. And now, with Ana-sensei seemingly letting her off even more easily yet still maintaining such seriousness, it was clear they were truly facing an unimaginably terrifying presence.

"Well then, let's bring this to a swift conclusion. There's much I wish to discuss with Ana-sensei afterward."

"Very well!" Jeanne chuckled softly as powerful energies surged around both her and Kiana, enveloping the entire space in golden light.

In the next instant, the two figures collided...

Above the starlit sky, Ana stood with her eyes slightly closed. In the distance, the Hyperion observed from afar, broadcasting the situation to everyone.

On Earth, moments after Adam's spiritual form disintegrated, people emerged from their Stigmata-induced dream realms. At Schicksal Headquarters, while most Valkyries were busy handling post-battle tasks, the control room gathered all S-rank Valkyries, including Schicksal Bishop Theresa.

As soon as Ana appeared, Lady Durandal's eyes flickered, revealing a momentary surge of excitement that quickly faded.

"This isn't the Ana we know," she said somberly.

"But it is indeed Ana, Lady Durandal," Rita spoke up beside her.

"What do you mean? Are you two speaking in riddles?" Despite the passage of time, Dr. Tesla remained as irascible as ever.

"Please remain calm, Dr. Tesla. What we mean is—" Rita paused briefly before continuing, "This version of Ana seems to be only a part of the one we knew."

"A part?"

Tesla blinked, then suddenly comprehended.

"I understand now; you mean this Ana is akin to those three avatars we separated earlier."

"Exactly," Rita nodded slightly.

"But how can that be? If she's also an avatar, what exactly has Miss Ana been doing all this time? What does she aim to achieve..." Dr. Tesla furrowed his brow deeply, realizing that this Miss Ana could effortlessly oppose everyone present single-handedly. This aligns with their expectations of the Supremacy of the World Serpent, albeit they never anticipated it would truly be her.

"Isn't she one of your Schicksal members? How come you don't even know her well?"

"My apologies, Dr. Tesla. All matters concerning Lady Ana were personally handled by the late Director Otto. With his passing, related documents have been purged as well."

"...So, we essentially know nothing about her and have no means to counter her?" Dr. Tesla scratched his head, feeling quite frustrated.

"Do not despair, Dr. Tesla. I believe we can start by investigating the World Serpent's Project Stigma." This time, it was Einstein who spoke up.

"Project Stigma? Haven't we already understood what Project Stigma entails?"

"Fearfully, I suspect that's merely the surface."

Einstein shook her head and swiftly presented another document.

"Based on my analysis of Project Stigma, it reveals numerous flaws; it is not a well-rounded plan. Moreover, these gaps appear to be intentionally left, seemingly for some specific purpose."

"Hmm, and then?" Tesla grew increasingly impatient. "Mophead, there's no time for this now! Just give us the conclusion!"

"It's just speculation at this point." Einstein continued, producing yet another document.

"Through our investigations, we've discovered that Earth's Honkai Energy levels have significantly increased across several tiers. This escalation occurred subtly, so if not for having baseline data, we might not have even noticed."

"Increasing the world's overall Honkai Energy levels? Isn't that quite normal?"

"As per our previous research, isn't Honkai supposed to escalate alongside civilization advancements? With the continuous emergence of Herrschers as civilizations develop, wouldn't Honkai Energy naturally rise too?"

"No, Dr. Tesla, there's additional data here, including analyses of World Serpent's projects taken over in recent months."

"Based on these analyses, it becomes evident that World Serpent is actively promoting the diffusion and increase of Honkai Energy among all humans on Earth. Assuming they have no other agenda, their actual goal seems to be making everyone adaptable to Honkai Energy, thereby preparing them for the Finality trial."

"If that's the case, doesn't it imply that Project Stigma was indeed entirely correct?"

"Theoretically, yes, but..."

Einstein glanced at Ana on the screen and shook her head, while Tesla fell silent.

If this were truly such a benevolent plan, World Serpent wouldn't need secrecy. However, it's clear that things are not as simple as they appear. There must be some hidden intentions behind all this, though currently, even Einstein and Tesla cannot discern them.

"It appears only she can provide us with answers."

As Einstein spoke, she shifted her gaze back to the screen, but this time, her focus wasn't on Ana herself, rather, it landed behind her.

Naturally, there was nothing visible behind Ana.

Naturally, Ana could hear Einstein and Tesla's conversation, but she merely smiled back at Einstein without further comment.

As a scientist, there was no denying Einstein's exceptional talent. However, some aspects of her thoughts were overcomplicated.

Ana harbored no nefarious intentions; she simply hoped that humanity of this era could harness Honkai to advance their civilization, ultimately breaking free from the cradle.

Kevin's notion of escaping the cradle wasn't truly complete because the true measure of liberation is venturing into the starlit sky.

Similarly, if Earth's civilization could prematurely step into the cosmos, the Finality trial would lose its significance. At worst, humans could evacuate, returning after the Honkai cycle completes.

As for the time reversal caused by the final moments, it would actually benefit a stellar civilization, as it signifies the renewal of resources. In essence, Earth becomes akin to a celestial body with infinite resources.

Of course, these resources aren't truly infinite. The creation of each Finality entity imposes significant strain on Cocoon of Finality, especially when rewinding everything back 50,000 years, which demands immense power from the Cocoon.

Without being anchored to the Imaginary Tree, drawing upon and transforming its energy, such trials would eventually exhaust the Cocoon completely.

This very reason led the Cocoon to move from Venus to Earth.

In other words, Cocoon of Finality can only offer limited opportunities to a civilization. To avoid detection, it restricts its activities within the Honkai solar system, resulting in cycles spanning approximately tens of thousands of years.

As Ana pondered the mysteries of the universe and the Cocoon, the Main trio successfully completed their trials one after another. Unsurprisingly, Kiana emerged first.

Next was Raiden Mei, followed by Bronya.

Reuniting with each other, they exchanged glances, sensing significant growth within themselves and their companions. This further deepened their respect for Ana.

Regardless, it was clear that everything Ana had done aimed to benefit their present selves. They also received updates about Earth's situation, yet none of them felt compelled to ask questions.

"Excellent. Since you've overcome the trials of your True Selves, what awaits now is the final showdown. May you deliver a satisfactory outcome, as Scorpio hopes!" Ana's smile widened, and simultaneously, her figure began to dissipate, gradually turning into particles and vanishing amidst the starlit sky.

With Ana's disappearance, it was as if a vast curtain had been lifted, revealing the true form beneath the facade: Cocoon of Finality.

The Main trio were no strangers to the Cocoon; before confronting Kevin, they had reached it, obtaining the Authority of Finality, which included the Origin itself.

However, the Cocoon now revealed before everyone's eyes was entirely different from what they had witnessed earlier.

The entire The Cocoon of Finality trembled as if nurturing something within it. Simultaneously, a distinct heartbeat began resonating from inside the Cocoon.

As time passed, cracks started appearing on its surface, multiplying rapidly.

"This..."

The Main trio stared at the unfolding scene, dumbfounded and unsure of how to react. They had just begun to grasp the true nature of the Cocoon, but while the idea of life emerging from it seemed plausible, witnessing this sudden event left them with a sense of uncertainty.

Moreover, the Cocoon embodied the convergence of Laws, and even Kiana couldn't predict precisely what might be born from such a source.

At that moment, she felt powerless. Her strength fundamentally originated from the Cocoon itself; attacking it would mean striking with her bare fists, rendering any attempt futile.

"Ba-thump—ba-thump—"

With each passing second, the heartbeat grew clearer, and Cocoon of Finality emitted a silvery-gray glow, signaling the imminent birth of something extraordinary. Finally, amidst a crisp sound, the conceptual and energetic essence of Cocoon of Finality truly fractured!