In the time after that battle, the three major organizations—Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and World Serpent—truly united under the guidance of their respective leaders, resisting the Honkai phenomena appearing all over the world together.
Although the frequency of Honkai outbreaks became more and more dense during this period, after Anti-Entropy finished manufacturing the mass-produced Moonlight Thrones, some small and medium-sized Honkai Eruptions were completely unable to make any waves, suppressed by the combination of the Quantum Teleportation System and the mass-produced Moonlight Thrones.
For the grassroots members of the three major organizations, things were undoubtedly heading in the best direction.
The Herrschers had all been subdued, World Serpent's Lord Kevin had even judged that the Stigmata Project was no longer necessary, and now even Honkai phenomena could be quickly suppressed by Anti-Entropy members remotely piloting Moonlight Thrones. Under these circumstances, this group of grassroots members naturally had no more worries.
But for some who knew the truth, the current situation was not so optimistic.
For Jackal, who had always worked hard in preparation for the Stigmata Project, even though Kevin was the Lord she respected, she could not be wholeheartedly convinced by the decision Kevin had made.
To this scientist, who did not know the specific details, Kevin's sudden termination of the Stigmata Project was undoubtedly tantamount to humanity losing its last means of victory.
But it was a pity that now, among the upper echelons of World Serpent, Kevin had decided against executing the Stigma Project, and the several Flame-Chaser memory bodies who remained in World Serpent had no intention of continuing the plan either.
Even though she knew Gray Serpent was just as dissatisfied as she was, now that the big shots had all chosen to negate the Stigma Project, the two of them, so-called upper echelons, had no way to continue executing the plan.
As for the upper echelons of Anti-Entropy and Schicksal, they were actually busier than expected.
Currently, Anti-Entropy's publicly announced final plan was to use a sufficient number of Moonlight Thrones to counter-attack the Cocoon of Finality.
And because of this, although the mass-produced Moonlight Throne plan had shown initial success, it was still somewhat lacking in both the quantity and quality specified in Anti-Entropy's final plan.
As for how many people believed this...
Anyway, Bianka, who had been reunited with her family, didn't believe it.
She didn't understand Anti-Entropy's plan, but her intuition told her that this matter wouldn't end that simply.
Admittedly, the predecessors of the Previous Era, due to various mishaps, had failed to manufacture a sufficient number of Moonlight Thrones back then. So, in the end, after dealing with 30% of the Herrscher of Finality's energy, they couldn't keep up the output and ultimately lost to the other side.
But the problem was, if stacking materials to build Moonlight Thrones could solve the problem, why was Leo Ash currently feigning an appearance of having already relaxed and started slacking off?
After visiting the World Serpent headquarters once, Leo Ash seemed like a changed person, looking as if he had completely relaxed.
Although he hadn't gone so far as to publicly seek pleasure, judging from the fact that he was no longer acting like a tryhard in private, in the eyes of some people, like Chen Tianwu, who didn't know him that well, they felt that the current Leo Ash was completely 'at ease'.
If one only looked at the surface, Bianka might also, like Chen Tianwu and the others, think that Leo Ash was relieved, and therefore Anti-Entropy's plan must be fine.
But the problem was, she had lived with Leo Ash for two whole years when she wasn't on missions.
Even if Bianka didn't pay much attention to details, as someone who had been tricked by Leo Ash's "I've given up on revenge" excuse once before, the girl clearly noticed this time that Leo Ash's current state was similar to his state after lying in the past.
He deliberately put on an air of light-heartedness, but deep down, he still hadn't given up his original idea.
If the Moonlight Thrones were useful, he definitely wouldn't have this attitude right now, so...
"So, tomorrow is Leo's birthday. I think, Lady Bianka, you need to seize the opportunity."
Bianka, who had been lured to a clothing store by Rita for some unknown reason, finally returned to her senses after hearing Rita's voice.
"Seize... the opportunity?"
Hearing Bianka's slightly puzzled words, Rita whispered an almost inaudible sentence in Bianka's ear.
And Bianka, hearing this sentence, looked as if she had been struck by lightning. She suddenly took a few steps back and said to Rita in utter shock.
"You, you, you—you two actually?"
"But you are—"
"We are family."
After saying this, interrupting Bianka's words, Rita smiled at Bianka and said.
"A family member has problems, so guiding them in this way... I don't think it's such a strange thing, is it?"
"But, this..."
"Sigh. In the end, it's all because you procrastinated too much, Lady Bianka."
Looking at Bianka, who was clearly still a bit shocked, Rita suddenly said helplessly.
"Originally, in my plan, I wanted to set you and Leo up..."
"Who-who-who-who wants to be with him—"
"Look into my eyes."
Under Rita's calm gaze, Bianka, who was originally flustered, now had nowhere to retreat. She let out a deep breath.
Afterward, the girl, forced to see her own heart clearly, said very helplessly.
"Alright, I admit it. I do... like that guy. Is there a problem with that?"
"Of course there's no problem."
Looking at her close friend who was frankly facing her own heart, Rita said to Bianka with a giggle.
"Everyone has the right to pursue happiness, and you, Lady Bianka, are naturally the same."
"Leo has clearly opened up a lot. If you don't fight for your own future at a time like this, could it be..."
"—Do you want Isla to call you 'Aunt Bianka' for the rest of her life?"
Although Bianka felt there was nothing wrong with how Isla Ash addressed her, at this moment, she was incredibly surprised to find a trace of... agitation... welling up in her heart?
Seeing the girl's expression, Rita knew that her words had entered the girl's heart.
"Alright, tomorrow is Leo's birthday. Everyone will celebrate with him."
"But, at the very end, I will try my best to help clear the others away, so..."
"—Lady Bianka, you can prepare a gift and leave him an unforgettable night."
"...Mmm, I understand."
This, this feeling is...!
Bianka, suddenly feeling a slight discomfort in her body, forced herself to remain calm and said to Rita.
"In that case, Rita, please help me pick out a few evening gowns that suit me."
"Of course~"
Watching Rita turn and walk towards another section, Bianka finally turned around and revealed a pained expression.
Ever since Isla Ash and Kiana had their incidents, Bianka had actually been secretly feeling that something was wrong with her body too.
It was just that, unlike Isla Ash and Kiana, Bianka, who was stronger than both of them, didn't fall into a state of being unable to move or having her Honkai Energy rapidly increase.
But during this time, she had gradually come to understand the source of this abnormal agitation.
After secretly looking up a lot of data, most of which she couldn't understand, Bianka finally understood what was happening to her.
According to the data transmitted to Schicksal/Anti-Entropy by old seniors like Kevin and Su, the Cocoon of Finality was the type of existence that wouldn't select any single person as the Herrscher of Finality.
But 'not selecting' didn't mean the Cocoon of Finality wouldn't do some unexpected things at specific points in time.
It wouldn't designate who the Herrscher of Finality was, but that didn't mean It wouldn't hand out entry tickets to those who were qualified.
And Bianka, who had felt this abnormal sensation multiple times now, could be almost certain, based on the data, that she...
Perhaps, like Kiana and Isla Ash, she had the qualification to become the Herrscher of Finality.
Becoming a Herrscher... From the past until that day, Bianka had never thought that she would one day have such a thought.
But now, sensing that there was clearly something wrong with the plan Leo Ash had publicly announced, she felt that, rather than letting Isla Ash or Kiana bear this pain they shouldn't have to, it would be better for *her* to become the Herrscher of Finality.
After becoming a Herrscher, I might not be able to maintain my self-awareness.
And the Power of Finality is far greater than that of other Herrschers. Even Leo Ash, who has a perfect winning record against Herrschers, would definitely not be able to just directly suppress Finality like before.
But, if the one who became Finality was herself, Bianka was at least confident that she could fight against Honkai while becoming a Herrscher, thereby weakening a portion of Finality's power.
As long as a portion of Finality's power could be weakened, then humanity, which was much better prepared now than 50,000 years ago, would have a slightly better chance of defeating Finality.
Now, the time for that day to arrive is getting faster and faster.
Only by leaving no regrets can I fight against Finality with all my strength.
At least before that day comes...
Maybe I really should, as Rita said, say what's on my mind out loud.
.....
Next day. Schicksal HQ
On the day of Leo Ash's birthday, most of the affairs at Schicksal HQ, of course, did not stop because of this.
Leo Ash hadn't planned on making a big scene in the first place, and to avoid affecting everyone's work, only a few people who were particularly close to him knew it was his birthday.
Even seniors and elders like Welt, Su, and Siegfried tactfully chose to inform Leo Ash that they had matters to attend to and couldn't make it to the birthday party, sending their birthday wishes and expressing their apologies.
Of course, Leo Ash knew very well that although they were busy, the real reason they weren't coming was mainly because...
—Today's party guests, besides Leo Ash, were only the girls he was familiar with.
Perhaps it was so as not to disturb the exchanges between the young people, or perhaps it was to leave enough space for Leo Ash and those girls, which was why these people didn't show up.
Of course, in terms of age, there were still two 'exceptions' at the scene.
For example, Fu Hua, who had already 'exchanged deeply' with Leo Ash, still chose to attend the party.
And Elysian Realm Elysia, who hadn't known Leo Ash for long but was on very good terms with him, also attended the party today as the representative of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers.
At the party, everyone didn't do anything strange.
Singing happy birthday, blowing out candles, making a wish, cutting the cake...
Watching the crowd, who were laughing and wishing him well, trying their best to make the birthday party lively, Leo Ash's thoughts suddenly drifted far away.
These were all very normal birthday routines, but at this moment, Leo Ash felt emotions welling up that were very out of place for the atmosphere.
This was, one could say, the first birthday Leo Ash had celebrated since regaining his memories.
But now, this beautiful scene before him actually made Leo Ash recall...
—Years ago, when he wasn't an orphan, his family had celebrated his birthday just like this.
Everyone is so good. Everyone is doing this just to make me happy.
But now...
Ha, my mind has become so twisted that even on such a happy occasion, I still subconsciously think of those things I shouldn't be thinking about right now.
"What's wrong, Leo?"
Seeing Leo Ash, who had clearly zoned out, Rita asked him softly.
"Are you dissatisfied with the cake sister made?"
"...Of course not."
Suppressing the memories in his heart, Leo Ash smiled at Rita and said.
"Thank you, sister, and everyone."
"Today, I'm really happy."
"Mhm, as long as you're happy. In that case..."
"It's getting late. I should go back and rest early too."
Rita, who suddenly said this, waved at Leo Ash with a smile.
"Leo, see you tomorrow."
With that, Rita was the first to take the initiative to leave, just as the party was about to end.
"Eh, Rita, you—"
Bianka, who had changed into an evening gown today and had been dressed up by Rita and Yuna to be even more stunning than usual, suddenly felt a trace of panic when she saw one of her supporters just leave like that.
"Ah, that's right. We have a mission tomorrow."
Yuna, who had always hoped Leo Ash would have more companions, gave Rita a knowing look and then grabbed Isla Ash, who clearly still wanted to play, and waved to everyone.
"Isla needs to sleep early too, so I'll take her back to her room first."
"Ah, wait for me, Yuna."
Kiana, who had been playing very happily just moments ago, quickly chased after the two.
But as she brushed past Bianka, Bianka heard her sister whisper a sentence to her in a barely audible voice.
"Sister, good luck."
Wait, Kiana, what do you mean by that???
"Hmm, in that case, could it be..."
Wendy, who had originally planned to pretend to be drunk to take advantage of the situation, was suddenly dragged away by the Herrscher of Sentience using Fu Hua's body.
"Alright, alright, you're still young. Don't think about these things."
"Master, wait, let go—"
Before Wendy could cry out the full sentence, she was instantly knocked unconscious by the Herrscher of Sentience using her ability.
As the Herrscher of Sentience, Senti, of course, easily sensed what Rita was trying to do.
After all this time, her jealous thoughts had long since been worn down by reality—stinky disciple was just a pervert. What could she do?
Every time she scolded him, they would end up 'Doing it' anyway. So why bother scolding? Just accept reality.
Li Sushang, who hadn't figured out the situation at first, glanced at the wide-eyed, unconscious Wendy. After a moment's thought, she decided to follow her Grand Master's footsteps and leave this place first.
She did have things she wanted to say to Martial Uncle Leo Ash, but this atmosphere right now...
She had a feeling that if she took one step towards Martial Uncle, Grand Master would drag her away too.
Watching everyone leave one by one, Anna, who was on good terms with Bianka, gave Bianka a meaningful smile, said nothing, and just left.
"...I see."
The gentle Mei, of course, understood the atmosphere. She ignored the Herrscher of Thunder roaring in her consciousness [Are you seriously going to cuck yourself?! I said, don't you dare leave!] and left the banquet hall with the others.
And Seele, who hadn't understood the situation at first, suddenly heard a voice in her head.
[Let's go. What are you standing there for?]
*But...*
[I know you're reluctant to leave Leo Ash, but the problem is, even *I* can see that the protagonist of tonight's party has already been decided.]
[There will be other opportunities. We'll retreat for today—listen to me, it's the right call. Let's go.]
*Ah?*
*Oh...*
As everyone left one by one, and only Leo Ash and Bianka remained, Leo Ash definitely knew what was going on.
Rita had wanted to do this for a long time, and by now, she had definitely convinced Bianka.
As for why Bianka hadn't made a move yet...
[Even if she might become the Person of Tianyuan in the future, before she becomes the Person of Tianyuan, she is still a girl. At a time like this, you should, of course—]
*As a mature man, I should take responsibility and guide her, right.*
[Sigh. You not only follow this System's train of thought, you even act according to it.]
*What, are you unhappy that I'm listening to you?*
[Not really. It's just that at this moment, this System is certain.]
[The 'shy Leo Ash' of the past... is truly dead.]
*Ha, that's one way to put it. I've just become more... than before.*
[More than before?]
*Nothing. Let's just drop the topic.*
[Right. You still have important things to complete. So, good luck.]
[The test is over. This time has been, for this System, a pleasant experience, I suppose.]
*Your tone...*
[Host...]
[No... Warrior Leo Ash, farewell until we meet again.]
As the voice in his head spoke these words, Leo Ash could feel that, at this moment, the System had truly left his body.
Honestly, although Leo Ash truly found the System annoying at times, it was undeniable that he had really received a lot of help from the System along the way.
It could even be said that if the System hadn't pulled him up, he likely would have died out there long ago.
Now that the System had chosen to leave on its own accord, Leo Ash's heart... felt a little wistful.
But right now, facing the tense girl before him, Leo Ash could only suppress this wisp of melancholy.
"Alright, everyone has left the stage now."
Walking to Bianka's side, Leo Ash proactively took Bianka's hand and asked her softly.
"Beautiful young lady, may I have this dance with you?"
"...Smooth-talker."
Although her words were dissatisfied, Bianka did not pull her hand away.
At this moment, feeling the other's intentions, her body relaxed considerably.
"But, seeing as it's your birthday today, I'll reluctantly agree. Brother Leo."
In the empty banquet hall, the boy and girl, who had known each other for years, danced together on the stage with clumsy steps.
As their steps gradually slowed, the two, gazing into each other's eyes, felt the thoughts in each other's hearts...
—And embraced tightly.
..