In the orbit of Mars.
The pitch-black universe was illuminated by a golden halo as the figures of the Monarch and Elysia stepped out from a spatial gate simultaneously.
"Ugh—"
Looking at Elysia, who couldn't react in time.
"What is it?"
The Monarch's voice slowly resounded in her mind.
The lack of oxygen, the ultra-low temperatures, and the cosmic rays—these cruel conditions of space were clearly not comparable to the "cradle" of Earth.
"To be born as human…"
"Doesn't mean you've forgotten what kind of existence you truly are, does it?"
Suffocation was merely a subconscious physical reflex, an "over-adaptation" from long-term use of a human body. Most front-line, and even second-line, Fusion Warriors could use Honkai energy to form a protective barrier and survive in the vacuum of space for a short time.
If not for the continuous consumption of Honkai energy.
They could even last longer, provided there were no impacts from celestial debris or intense radiation. This was also why, in the Monarch's eyes, Fusion Warriors could no longer be classified within the human category.
Elysia…
She took nearly three seconds to adjust herself to the conditions of outer space.
It wasn't because she was too weak.
Elysia had done this relying purely on her physical constitution, without the protection of Honkai energy.
In fact, it was quite the opposite:
This was a sign of her ever-deepening mastery over the Authority of Humanity. As she further understood human nature (both its positive and negative aspects), Elysia's power grew in tandem. The "side effect" was that she began to grow closer to a human, both inside and out.
The Monarch did not wait for Elysia to answer:
"Since you're ready—"
After she had adapted to the space environment.
The ribbon-like streams of Authority behind the Monarch, once as dark and indistinct as the starry sky, began to glow with a light as dazzling as a star.
"Then let's begin."
This place was far enough from both the Earth and the Moon.
As long as it wasn't an attack on the level of the [Star-Annihilating Cannon], it would basically not have a major impact on Earth. It was the most suitable arena for a battle of this caliber. The nature of Mars itself, along with its lack of any signs of life, also made the harm of "scouring the surface" less significant.
Since the wagered battle was initiated by her.
Then Lu Xing…
Had no intention of holding back!
BOOM!!!
His dark-golden body transformed into a boundless meteor!
The streak of light pulverized everything in its path. The asteroid belt, like space junk, was incinerated into the most basic particles by the ignited flames drawn around it. The Monarch became a meteorite capable of causing a mass extinction event, hurtling directly toward Elysia!
[Civilization Impact]
If the power of [Sky-Dome Rend] could tear apart the atmosphere and draw the gazes of all civilized species to the heavens, then [Civilization Impact] was just as its name described: enough to strike fear into any intelligent species capable of observing the starry sky.
With the Monarch's current power.
The might of this move was roughly equivalent to a three-kilometer-diameter meteorite striking the Earth's surface. That's right, without any additional conditions, a single light impact on the ground would be enough to reshape an entire continent with extreme precision… using a lunar crater as the standard.
Faced with the Monarch's opening offensive, Elysia did not choose to meet it head-on.
In fact.
Elysia in her human form could not block such an attack at all.
Even Kevin in his current [Karmafiend State], wielding the Might of An-Utu and striking with his strongest attack, would have absolutely no chance of stopping it.
After all, the durability of a meteorite could not possibly compare to that of the Monarch.
Therefore…
Swoosh!
Elysia, having just recognized the true nature of this challenge, dodged the direct hit of [Civilization Impact] with a "blink" that left no room for error!
"—"
This ability, which was extremely similar in effect to [Space Tear], operated on a principle far beyond what the former could compare to. While using [Civilization Impact], Lu Xing's Authority of the Void had already locked down all surrounding spacetime fluctuations. The combination of [Gravity Control] and [Universal Stagnation] had further slowed the movement of all objects in the vicinity.
Forget about spatial abilities.
To simply not be instantly crushed by the combined forces of the three was already a sign of outstanding strength, let alone trying to escape from it.
The only possibility…
BOOM!!!!
A mushroom cloud visible to the naked eye rose from the planet's surface.
Observed from space, one could even detect the planet trembling. If there were truly life on Mars, this would be a literal mass extinction event.
"Origin Space…"
For the Monarch, [Civilization Impact] was merely an opening move. An attack of this level, even if repeated a thousand times, would not tire him.
However.
From the way Elysia had just dodged, Lu Xing roughly understood this ability he had seen once before: when the Great Ray had trapped him back then, it had displayed a certain ability to generate an exclusive space. Elysia had an inexplicable and intimate connection with this space, able to pull herself (or her enemies) into it through a special means, a process that wasn't even affected by spatial interference.
"Elysia."
"Is this all you have?"
A wave of thought crossed the millions of kilometers, reaching Elysia who had reappeared in the starry sky.
"That last move didn't even count as a greeting."
The Monarch was speaking the absolute truth.
As a skill that had evolved all the way from [Lunge], [Civilization Impact] was indeed the most basic of basics.
"If all you do is dodge, you will never be able to defeat me."
"Come on!"
On the desert-like crimson soil, the Monarch slowly raised his right arm toward the starry sky.
"Blinded humanity cannot see a sky as distant as this."
"Right here!"
WHOOSH!!
The gentle swing of his arm kicked up a terrifying sandstorm in the surroundings.
"Let me witness your true power…"
"As a Herrscher!"
That's right.
It was for this very reason that Lu Xing had chosen Mars as the battlefield. Human society, having just experienced the tragedy of the Herrscher of Binding, was in the process of reorganizing. They had neither the strength nor the energy to observe the heavens. Therefore, this was the perfect stage for Elysia to reveal her "true self"!
"…"
Elysia did not make a move.
"What's wrong, Herrscher of Human."
"Is this something you need to hesitate about? Or perhaps, you challenged me with the intention of losing from the very beginning?"
"If you can't give me a proper fight…"
The Monarch's voice turned grim and murderous.
"I can't guarantee that I'll be lenient with my 'captives'."
How could Lu Xing not know Elysia's plan?
To sacrifice herself to fulfill the wishes of the many… such a trade, where she could not possibly lose, was Elysia's blatant, unavoidable gambit.
At the same time, it was also her greatest weakness.
"…"
"In that case."
Rays of pale pink Honkai energy began to light up, one by one, around Elysia.
"Then…"
"As you wish."