Seele didn't disappoint.
She kept praising her other self while listing her own flaws.
Finally, 『Seele』 emerged.
"Quit yelling already. Geez, can't even leave you alone for a second. Pathetic—you really can't do anything without me."
Hearing that tsundere voice again, Seele's face lit up with joy.
"You're back! I'm so glad!"
"Yeah, yeah. Now can you relax? All that whining was giving me a headache."
Though secretly pleased, 『Seele』 played it off with her usual disdain.
But Seele didn't mind.
"I was so scared… I thought I'd lost you."
"Tch. Enough talking. I'm going back to sleep. You should too."
"Wait—there's still one thing left."
For the first time, Seele's eyes shone with determination.
Her other self froze.
"You once asked… what I should call you. I've thought about it. You're the other me—so you're also Seele. From now on… can I call you Seele too?"
"...Hmph. Call me whatever. I don't care."
With a tsundere huff, 『Seele』 retreated again.
But now that she knew the other was safe, Seele didn't push further.
After a shower, she climbed into bed.
Once she drifted off, 『Seele』 reemerged.
Gazing at the sleeping girl, she poked her cheek.
"Always saying such nice things… Why not say it to my face? Tell me you need me. That you can't live without me. That I'm important to you. Go on—say it."
But her muttering couldn't wake Seele.
After a long pause, 『Seele』 retreated into Seele's body.
Then, like a sleepwalker, she took control—marching to the vanity and grabbing makeup brushes.
She almost doodled all over Seele's face… but couldn't bring herself to do it.
Defeated, she laid back down.
"Don't worry. As long as I'm here… no one can hurt you. I'll protect you… until the day you don't need me anymore."
With those final words, 『Seele』 too fell into slumber.
"Wake up, coward. Rise and shine~ The sun's burning your butt~"
"WAAH—! Other me, do you have to scare me awake?!"
Rubbing her eyes, Seele pouted at the sharp voice in her head.
『Seele』 ignored her, so Seele trudged to the bathroom to wash up.
Just then, a message arrived from Dr. Einstein.
"Huh? Did they figure out what happened before?"
Realizing this involved both her and 『Seele』, Seele rushed over.
By the time she arrived, others were already there.
"We've confirmed the abnormal Honkai energy readings match data from a Herrscher in the Previous Era—the Herrscher of Dominance, also known as the Thousand Herrschers."
"A Herrscher…? Understood."
Bronya nodded calmly. After facing so many Herrschers, she wasn't fazed.
"So it is a Herrscher… Dr. Einstein, what's its power?"
"According to records, its authority is a weakened version of other Herrschers' abilities. There are 1000 of them—meaning we must defeat 1000 Herrschers. Individually weak, but… annoying."
Hearing this, Seele relaxed slightly.
"Then let's deal with them quickly. Leaving them be is dangerous. Besides, Bronya has mastered some of the Herrscher of Reason's power now. She can handle them."
Bronya's confidence was absolute.
As the true Herrscher of Reason, a mere Thousand Herrschers meant nothing.
Inspired, Seele grew confident too.
With Bronya-oneechan here, no challenge was too great.
Since the records suggested the Herrscher of Dominance wasn't a major threat, Einstein didn't stop them.
And so, the two set off—without even telling Kiana.
The Herrscher of Dominance, sensing their approach, immediately dragged Bronya and Seele into the Theater of Domination.
"Bronya-oneechan, this is the place! Where I was before!"
Recognizing the space, Seele quickly briefed Bronya.
Bronya scanned the area, fully alert.
"Ohhh? Our frequent visitor brought a guest~ But uninvited guests are so rude. As the host, I'll have to teach you some manners~"
Titan mechs and Honkai beasts materialized around them.
Bronya instantly activated her Herrscher form, summoning floating cannons that obliterated the enemies with ease.
But more kept coming.
As time passed, Bronya suddenly felt her power draining—
—until she forcibly reverted to her normal state.
"Bronya-oneechan?! Why did you exit your Herrscher form?"
"Bronya… doesn't understand. Her power is fading, but the Core of Reason is still intact…"
This had never happened before.
For the first time, Bronya was at a loss.