Sky City — Restaurant Private Room
"So that's everything… but did she say where Kiana is?"
Theresa typed rapidly into the communicator, speaking with Einstein through text to avoid attracting attention.
Einstein had already informed her of everything that had just happened—
from the Fourth Herrscher's sudden appearance
to the strange girl named Penglai Temple Jiuxiao
who could somehow sense a Herrscher's presence before their detectors could.
Theresa had many questions:
Who was Jiuxiao?
How did she sense collapse energy nobody else could detect?
What power did she possess?
And most importantly—what were her intentions?
Until they understood that, there was no way they could trust her.
Einstein typed back swiftly:
"No. She didn't give a location."
Theresa frowned.
So Jiuxiao had no concrete information…
or she simply hadn't offered it.
Meanwhile, at the other table—
"Eh? Himeko… is still alive? But that contradicts what the Prophecy Book recorded!"
Jiuxiao's chopsticks froze mid-air as she turned toward Raiden Mei and Bronya, eyes wide with shock.
"What is she talking about…?" Mei whispered.
"Don't mind her." Bronya responded flatly.
"She was calling herself the Savior earlier."
Theresa pinched her brow.
"Little girl, don't go around cursing people."
But Jiuxiao puffed up her chest arrogantly.
"Call me Lady Jiuxiao. Or Savior. Either is fine.
Don't call me little girl."
Then she clapped her fists together and declared:
"I can feel it! My lost power has returned!
Now, let us go save Kiana—together!"
"…Then where is she?" Theresa asked immediately.
Jiuxiao raised a finger, eyes sparkling.
"That… even I don't know."
Everyone froze.
Jiuxiao continued proudly, oblivious to the silence:
"But fear not! Divine Revelation will guide me!
You only need to follow behind me."
Everyone: "…"
If Jiuxiao were lying, she would have simply named a fake location.
Giving no location at all was the worst possible lie.
Yet…
Would a liar really fabricate something that is unconvincing?
Theresa stood torn.
If Jiuxiao was telling the truth, ignoring her would cost them precious time.
If she was lying… It might be a trap.
Before she could decide, Jiuxiao slammed her hands onto the table, stood up dramatically, and strode toward the door.
"Why are you all silent?
Afraid of the dangers ahead?
I understand. The path of a Savior is riddled with risk.
Very well—if you lack the courage, I shall go rescue Kiana alone!"
The door slammed shut behind her.
Theresa exhaled sharply.
"Dr. Einstein—there's a tracker device on me now. You know what to do."
"Understood."
Mei stood up immediately.
"Headmistress, I'm coming too."
Her voice trembled with emotion she could no longer suppress.
"I have to see Kiana."
Theresa nodded.
Einstein pulled up a map.
"Got it. I've locked onto Theresa's position.
We'll shadow them from a distance."
Abandoned Building — Roof
"The ominous aura… it's stronger than before.
Kiana, I'm coming. I will save you."
Jiuxiao stopped in front of an old building with cracked windows and a rusted exterior.
Her expression—usually dramatic and full of bravado—turned unusually serious.
Theresa stepped beside her.
Collapse energy was rising.
Not dramatically, but enough.
Is Kiana… losing control?
Is this what Jiuxiao meant by 'saving'?
Mei arrived, trembling.
"I can feel it too…
The Honkai energy here is increasing."
Even Bronya felt chills.
Theresa clenched a fist.
"Then we go up. Jiuxiao has already entered. We must hurry."
"Right."
Top Floor
"K-Kiana…? Is that… really you…?"
Theresa froze the moment she reached the top floor.
Standing there, back turned toward them—
white hair drifting lightly—
was the girl who had vanished from their lives.
Kiana.
Right beside her stood Jiuxiao, hands on her hips in a heroic pose.
Mei choked up instantly, tears gathering.
"Kiana—!!"
No response.
But the girl didn't disappear.
Didn't attack.
Didn't run.
She simply stood there.
Jiuxiao turned and smiled confidently.
"Perfect timing!
You two—warriors destined to assist the Savior!
Come, join Lady Jiuxiao—
we shall save Kiana together!"
Her voice echoed dramatically across the ruined rooftop.
And yet—
Kiana did not turn around.
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