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Beyond this world lies another, embodying humanity's collective wisdom and knowledge.
It can be seen as both the final sanctuary and a Legacy Site for preserving traditions.
As Durandal 'witnessed' these memories from her past, the beastly blood within her surged even more intensely, like a raging river swelling further with torrential inflow.
She saw her younger self clutching Abyss Flower's umbrella, solemnly declaring, "Of course, I want to become a fighter—a warrior even greater than my dad."
This marked the beginning of her journey as a fighter.
After accessing those memory fragments, Durandal felt as if she had experienced an extended dream.
The flood of recollections broke through the mental barriers, leaving her mind overwhelmed.
"Are you alright?" Homu lumbered over clumsily, saying, "These memories can blur the line between reality and the past. You..."
"I can distinguish them," Durandal interrupted him. Pausing briefly, she added, "Don't worry, I know who I am."
"Is that so? That's good." Homu sighed with relief, though even he wasn't sure why.
Durandal continued searching for memory fragments within this space.
Little did she know, she was actually undergoing the final trial of Project Stigma at that moment.
Meanwhile, in the real world at Klostern:
Nagamitsu handed Gnius to Rita and said, "Alright, my part is done here. This device acts as a miniature World Anchor. Whether Durandal can return through it depends on your timing."
Rita nodded solemnly. "Understood."
"Well then, I'll be off now." Nagamitsu stretched lazily. "I've completed all necessary handovers; from now on, I'm finally free."
"Ahh, there's some reluctance, but knowing I won't have to pull all-nighters anymore feels quite liberating."
As an employee, Schicksal had left her with deeply unfavorable impressions.
Feeling somewhat helpless, Rita knew these issues were beyond her control.
"Well then, I hope your future days are filled with joy, Miss Nagamitsu... No, I should now address you as Elizabeth."
Hearing Rita revert to her original name, Nagamitsu's expression briefly dimmed.
However, she quickly composed herself. "Wishing you happiness too."
"Goodbye."
With a wave of her hand, Nagamitsu headed towards the plane awaiting her departure.
"Farewell, place where I shed both sweat and tears."
"You've got this, little Bianka."
Nagamitsu left without looking back.
Meanwhile, holding the Genius Device, Rita's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Lady Amber, I have obtained the Genius Device. The rest is up to you."
"Understood."
At that moment, Amber was high above Klostern, observing Xia Chen's battle against Theresa and others through a telescope.
In a four-against-one scenario, Xia Chen still held his own, undeterred.
"Wendy, go assist them as well."
As she spoke, another woman appeared beside her.
Wendy, who should have been at the Oceanic Branch, had unexpectedly arrived in Klostern at some point.
Adorning her body was the Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor:
Knight Moonrabbit.
This hybrid-driven armor had its development halted initially but later resumed secretly. The reason for the initial pause was due to severe physical harm it caused to Valkyries during early design stages; subsequently, its power output was reduced.
Its most significant feature is virtually limitless energy supply. Not only can it harness Honkai Energy, but it also rapidly absorbs surrounding thermal energy to continuously fuel close-quarters combat.
Wendy leaped from the rooftop, swiftly heading towards the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Xia Chen wielded the Spear of Clouds, facing four adversaries alone.
However, despite being outnumbered, he felt pressure only from three opponents. Seele's alternate personality hadn't emerged yet, thus posing minimal threat.
Xia Chen intentionally avoided provoking Seele, aware that the power of Stigmata could be overwhelmingly game-breaking.
Currently, Theresa wasn't wearing the Lunar Glory armor, Raiden Mei lacked Kujikara, and although Bronya possessed a Herrscher Core, her Herrscher abilities were significantly inferior compared to the first-generation Herrscher of Reason.
He could barely manage to hold his own, and if not for concerns about Einstein, Tesla, and other Anti-Entropy members' safety, he wouldn't have hesitated to use Ana's Stigmata power. Otherwise, even if victory wasn't assured, the situation would certainly be less dire.
Theresa gritted her teeth. "Raiden Mei, Bronya, assist Kiana. I'll handle this end."
It was clear that Xia Chen was stalling for time.
Without hesitation, Bronya and Mei prepared to disengage from combat when suddenly, gunfire erupted.
Wendy appeared unexpectedly, firing bullets directly at Bronya.
Despite Project Bunny's active defense, the bullets pierced through the armor, striking her squarely in the chest.
Fortunately, the girl wore inner armor; otherwise, the consequences would have been far worse.
"Big Sister Bronya." Seele's eyes turned blood-red instantly. "You're asking for it!"
Her scythe glowed crimson as she swiftly moved past Xia Chen, aiming straight for Wendy.
Wendy's pupils contracted slightly before taking aim at Seele with her gun.
The bullets pierced through Seele but effortlessly missed her as she swiftly dodged. Meanwhile, the massive scythe aimed for Wendy's head, yet she managed to evade just in time.
With the hybrid power of her armor, Wendy possessed exceptional speed. Engaging from a distance was her preferred combat style.
"Lunar Rabbit Suit, activating high-energy mode."
A wave of heat radiated around Wendy.
Xia Chen couldn't help but be impressed, while Theresa coldly remarked, "Hey, our fight isn't over yet."
"Is it? But I believe there's no point in continuing."
He smiled and said, "Bishop Otto has already accomplished his goal."
Upon hearing this, everyone tacitly ceased their attacks.
"Haven't you noticed that the Honkai Beasts here are becoming solid?"
Einstein frowned, "You're lying."
"If Otto succeeded, why haven't you brought Ana to Klostern?"
Xia Chen remained silent, aware of his slip-up.
Theresa quickly realized, "Let's hurry and leave."
The group rushed off to stop Otto, and this time, Xia Chen did not interfere.
After they left, Wendy couldn't help but ask curiously, "Why didn't you try harder to stop them? Even if it was just an act, you shouldn't leave such obvious flaws."
"It doesn't matter now." Xia Chen looked at Wendy and casually replied, "Instead, let's talk about us during this moment."
Wendy's expression slightly faltered.
Taking a deep breath, she managed a forced smile, "Sure, what do you want to discuss?"
As she approached Xia Chen, she asked, "Is it about our relationship or how you altered my future?"