"Says you! Why don't you give it a try then?! These abilities aren't that easy to control!" Wendy shouted from afar, still pinning down the Herrscher of Ice, as she noticed Zeke and Kiana seemingly watching like spectators.
Of course, she had spotted their arrival, but with her hands full battling the Herrscher of Ice and adjusting to her own Herrscher form and powers, she had no time to greet them.
Little did she expect that Zeke's first words upon showing up would be uncaring, flippant remarks instead of concern or congratulations!
Yet, despite her grumbling, her emotions finally began to settle.
With Zeke here, there was no longer any need to worry about Seele and the others, nor fear the consequences of losing control—his mere presence brought Wendy a sense of reassurance and support.
After muttering under her breath, Wendy continued confronting the Herrscher of Ice using kicks and punches without changing her approach. This physical combat provided the best outlet for her destructive urges; as for mastering her abilities, she could take her time afterward.
On the other side, after confirming Wendy's condition, Zeke smiled faintly. A series of data and video windows then popped up before him.
"Dr. Ein, the situation in Nagazora City is under control. How are our main forces faring?"
"With 120,000 Titans, 250,000 specialized Honkai Energy units, and Eins fighter squadrons, we'll begin deploying from coastal areas and airspace in eleven minutes. I need precise data from you to coordinate support strategies."
"At present, approximately 600,000 worker bees have assembled over the Far East Region, with more joining continuously. Full real-time data can be provided, and I've connected the Icarus Network's data port for your access. Please handle remote command and coordination, Doctor; I will focus on eliminating Pseudo-Herrschers, large-scale beast herds, and Zombie swarms."
"Understood."
Pushing aside the reliable Dr. Ein's video window, Zeke opened another one, revealing a cold beauty wearing a golden eye patch.
"Amber, how is Schicksal's deployment progressing?"
"Lady Theresa's primary forces from Saint Freya Academy have already engaged, along with around 30,000 Valkyries from nearby branches. Additionally, 180,000 elite Valkyries will commence landing operations in 21 minutes, accompanied by Divine Machines and heavy weaponry, all awaiting your orders."
"Thrilling news indeed. I've also sent you access to Icarus's data port; collaborate with Dr. Ein and purge Honkai once and for all!"
"As you command."
"On a side note, what is Otto up to?"
"That... Amber does not know."
Zeke closed the equally unreliable Amber's video window with a soft sigh.
Whether she genuinely didn't know or simply refused to say, Zeke had no time to ponder it further.
He shifted through numerous data windows, using large-scale Honkai Energy readings across the region to pinpoint suspected Pseudo-Herrscher reactions—there were still seventeen locations left.
Zeke looked up at the sky.
With such an alarming number, was it due to his rapid advancement in technology, or did the mysterious Will of Honkai have something else in mind?
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Zeke continued expressionlessly:
"Welt, you have twelve minutes remaining to assist with city evacuations. Prioritize relocating those nearest to Herrscher battlefields, leaving the rest to local forces. Afterward, targets one through three are yours."
"Understood!"
"Fu Hua, targets four through six are assigned to you. These sites are more spread out, so ensure swift resolution."
"Leave it to me—I won't disappoint!"
"Bronya, take Sin with you for targets 7 and 8. Stay together; confronting Pseudo-Herrschers individually might not guarantee swift eliminations. With this high concentration of Honkai Energy, efficiency is crucial."
"Yes, sir!"
"Durandal, I've seen your planned route. Upon landing, prioritize targets 9 through 11 to prevent any new Herrschers from emerging."
"Aye, Sir Zeke!"
Subtracting 11 from 17 leaves six remaining objectives.
Zeke pondered briefly before sending a communication to the Book of Fuxi at Taixuan Mountain.
"Fuxi, may I borrow the Xuanyuan Sword?"
"I'm aware of the situation in the Far East Region. Mistress Ji Lin has already set out, and she should arrive shortly given the estimated time."
"I'll provide coordinates for three more Pseudo-Herrschers. The Xuanyuan Sword's capabilities have been enhanced, ensuring Mistress Ji Lin's optimal condition within it. Let these three Cores be a gift from a junior figure to her."
"Sounding so eloquent, aren't you just trying to get someone to work without paying? Well, never mind. Little Fuxi here recently made substantial gains on investments, so a few billion won't matter... Just remind that stubborn head to come back for dinner soon."
Zeke's lips curved upward as he nodded.
Meanwhile, Kiana nearby was cracking her knuckles eagerly.
"Crack! Crack!"
"What are you doing?"
"Warming up! With three Pseudo-Herrschers left, can't I at least get one or two?" Kiana stood nearby, twisting her waist excitedly, eager to join the fray.
Zeke sighed and casually patted her soft, peachy, and pert rear end.
"...This doesn't concern you. Stay here; let me observe your soul information interference technique's resistance against Honkai Energy."
"Huh? So for the remaining three targets, are you going solo?"
"No need, I have a reliable fencer hound... Hmm, more accurately, should I call it a fox?"
With a faint smile, Zeke left Kiana puzzled, offering no further explanation.
Next, another row of data windows appeared before him, detailing large-scale Honkai Disasters—information on swarms of Honkai Beasts and Zombie armies.
The data was extensive and widespread.
Shaking his head, Zeke swiftly clicked across the screens with both hands, assigning the continuously arriving swarms of millions accordingly.
Midway through this task, Zeke glanced towards the distant west, furrowing his brow.
"Target 16, energy level... has reached an entirely new tier."
"What does that mean?"
"A third Herrscher has been born."
"What?! Three at once?!" Kiana's eyes widened with shock and disbelief.
"What the hell? Is it the end of the world?"
"Not quite. There was just too much Honkai Energy released all at once. Hold on tight—we're running out of time."
"Huh?!"
Before Kiana could react, Zeke stood up, wrapping one arm around her waist while continuing to operate the virtual interface with his other hand. At the same time, flames erupted from beneath them, melting hundreds of meters of ice within seconds.
"Whoosh!!"
A burst of fire shot skyward, tearing through the night as if momentarily transporting everyone back to the scorching daylight hours.
Watching the fading flames, Wendy's lips curled slightly.
"So you just leave me behind like this?"
Was it trust or complete disregard for her situation?
A sudden surge of anger overtook Wendy as she gazed down at the still-struggling Herrscher of Ice. Her mouth slowly twisted into a cruel smirk.
"Short-inch Strike: Mountain Crush!"
BOOM!
Over a thousand kilometers away, in Kawara City renowned for its rich cultural atmosphere, an intense pressure enveloped half the city, staining the land with a mottled blood-red hue—a gruesome canvas painted by countless civilians and fighters who couldn't escape in time.
The incident was sudden, lacking any powerful beings capable of halting the Herrscher, leading to this devastating outcome.
"Boom!"
At the horizon's edge, blinding flames scorched through layers of clouds, overshadowing even the once radiant moon above.
In mere seconds, the inferno descended upon the Herrscher standing amidst endless rock formations.
A deafening roar shook the entire city, as searing heat melted vast areas of earth and structures. Even at the outskirts, the oppressive warmth induced sweat-soaked clothing.
After more than half a minute, when the tremors subsided and smoke gradually dispersed,
Zeke emerged, holding Kiana in one arm while directing worker bees with the other. With his foot firmly planted on a charred corpse, he stood resolute.
Suddenly, resistance surged beneath his foot; the burnt Herrscher's body began visibly regenerating at a rapid pace.
"Hm?"
Zeke glanced down, exerting greater force underfoot, encasing the Herrscher's body in nearly colorless flames.
Moments later, Zeke lifted his foot as the Herrscher's corpse had been incinerated to nothingness by intense heat.
A black crystal rapidly formed and floated mid-air.
Zeke released Kiana, grasped the Herrscher Core—let's call it the "Gem of Destruction," fitting for this scene—and placed it into the now-empty Soulium sphere, previously housing the Gem of Desire, hanging at his waist.
"Check if there are any survivors from the attacks and provide immediate assistance. However, do not leave this city; your current state is too risky."
"Understood!" Sniffling, Kiana wiped away tears born from grief and rushed out.
Surveying the bloodshed around him, Zeke felt a heavy burden on his heart.
"Announce to all members: expedite our operations and resolve this crisis swiftly." His somber tone elicited prompt responses from those combating the Pseudo-Herrschers.
Zeke then expanded more virtual screens, not only monitoring the battles against beast hordes and Zombies but also intensifying surveillance on the remaining Pseudo-Herrschers' Honkai Energy levels.
The Major Honkai Eruption was never a challenge meant for one person alone.
Zeke felt immense relief for having united such formidable forces. Without their collective efforts, the consequences for the Far East Region would have been unimaginable.