"So… the most likely explanation is that Kiana escaped during the battle between the Second Herrscher and the Fourth Herrscher?"
Einstein summarized calmly after the group spent several minutes discussing possibilities.
Theresa had contacted them earlier to report Kiana's sudden appearance in Sky City, and the entire Anti-Entropy leadership had gathered to analyze what might have happened.
Tesla immediately found the flaw.
"Even if she escaped, why wouldn't she return on her own? Sky City isn't a prison. No one would stop her from leaving!"
"I've already considered that," Einstein replied.
"My suspicion is that the World Serpent is involved."
Her tone darkened.
"Think about it:
Kiana is Otto's experimental subject—she has value to them.
And the Fourth Herrscher clashed with their mysterious leader.
It isn't impossible that World Serpent interfered—
or even orchestrated the Second Herrscher's absorption of the Fourth Herrscher's cores."
The room fell silent.
It sounded far-fetched—
but it fits the facts better than anything else.
Tesla rubbed her forehead.
"World Serpent again… So what do we do?"
"We go," Walter interrupted firmly.
"Regardless of who's involved, Kiana cannot fall into their hands."
He felt responsible—
for Kiana, for Siegfried, for everything.
"And you'll stay here and rest," Einstein added.
"You're in no condition to fight."
Walter opened his mouth to protest—
but Tesla slapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"Relax. Leave this to me and frizzy-head here."
Walter sighed, defeated.
"Fine… I'm counting on you."
"Let's move!"
Sky City
"This city is… unbelievably huge.
Bigger than most in the United States."
Tesla stared up at the towering skyline as the three of them stepped off the bus and took shelter in a roadside station.
They had split into two teams to increase efficiency:
Theresa & Raiden Mei
Tesla, Einstein & Bronya
Only by dividing had they any chance of finding Kiana quickly.
"You're right, Doctor Tesla," Bronya said quietly, "but the size of this city does not benefit us.
The bigger the city, the lower the odds of finding Kiana."
"We'll compensate with intelligence," Einstein answered.
"Sky City has plenty of information brokers—so long as we pay, they'll talk."
Bronya nodded.
"Then let's begin. I've pinpointed the location where Kiana's photo was taken."
Just as they were about to leave—
A voice called out dramatically:
"Looks like you need help. Allow the great Jiuxiao—huh?
Hey! Don't walk away! Are you even listening to me?!"
The three froze for a moment.
A small girl had appeared in front of them, hands on her chest, eyes closed as if preparing to deliver divine prophecy—
Only to find her "audience" walking away without hesitation.
Einstein turned around slowly.
"…Little girl. Were you talking to us?"
She stared.
Cloak.
Chains.
Cross-shaped accessories.
Bandages.
Theatrical pose.
Einstein blinked.
Is… this a fashion trend in Sky City?
The girl didn't notice the disbelief in their eyes.
"I, the great Jiuxiao, am guided by the Book of Prophecy to—
Hey! Don't leave again! Listen to my revelation!"
She ran after them, flustered.
Einstein let out a quiet sigh.
Ah. In eastern slang, this child is… a walking chuunibyou case.
That explained the outfit.
"Little girl," Einstein said gently, "we don't have time to play your chuunibyou games.
And you're a bit too old for—"
"You mortals never understand! Hmph—
Hm?"
Jiuxiao's eyes suddenly widened.
She inhaled sharply.
"…This aura… This ominous presence…
A Herrscher?
So you've finally come?
Prepare yourselves! This great Savior will not allow Herrschers to run wild!"
Einstein froze.
How—
HOW did this girl know that word?
"Herrschers? How does she—?"
Einstein's voice dropped.
A civilian should not know anything about Herrschers.
Bronya immediately began scanning.
"No Honkai detected.
She is lying."
Einstein nodded.
"So she's just—"
But then—
A new voice echoed from above.
"Again?
Sadly for you, Wendy is off-duty today. I've no time to entertain you."
All of them looked up.
High atop a glowing billboard—
The Fourth Herrscher sat lazily, legs crossed, staring down at them with a cold smile.
"Fourth Herrscher…?
H-how—? She should have been—"
Einstein's eyes widened in horror.
Everyone in both Destiny and Anti-Entropy had believed the Fourth Herrscher was dead.
The Second Herrscher had displayed the Gem of Desire.
Her powers.
Her cores.
There was no reason to think otherwise.
But now—
She was alive.
And here.
So what did the Second Herrscher fight?
What did she absorb?
What is going on?
Einstein's mind spiraled.
And Jiuxiao's small voice cut through the tension:
"…You again, demon?"
Everyone looked at her.
This tiny chuunibyou girl—
Who was she?
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