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Chapter 280 - Volume 5, Chapter 23: After the Disappearance of Honkai 1

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The moment Finality successfully arrives, all traces of Honkai vanish.

This is the rule and the sole chance for civilization to pass the trial of Honkai. As certain as the rising and setting of the sun, this law remains unambiguous.

A global-scale Honkai event threatened to become a worldwide catastrophe.

Yet, just like a musical abruptly ending at its climax, amidst the widespread emergence of Honkai, when nearly every major city seemed poised to erupt with Honkai Beasts and Zombies—

Honkai disappeared.

"Countries across Europe, Asia, and more have reported the disappearance of Honkai Energy, along with Honkai Beasts and Zombies."

"The Headquarters' Honkai Energy reactor mysteriously shut down, rendering all weapons dependent on Honkai Energy completely unusable."

"Most Valkyrie Armors have been severely damaged, and nearly all traces of artificial stigma corruption have vanished."

"..."

As reports from various regions began to converge at Schicksal Headquarters, everyone confirmed one thing: Honkai had disappeared.

"The Honkai Energy detectors can no longer function... We can now affirmatively state that Honkai has completely vanished."

"We succeeded."

When Einstein announced this news, almost everyone was stunned.

Although she had previously suggested using Finality to defeat Honkai, nobody knew how it could be achieved. To think they actually managed it!

With the loss of Honkai's power, the heavy Valkyrie Armor became a burden for its wielders. Many Valkyries had to change their attire, lay down their weapons, and join in celebrating this victory.

Suddenly, someone noticed Einstein's hair and face beginning to transform.

"Dr. Einstein... Your..."

"Don't worry about me," Einstein said, feeling her vitality fading away. "Now that Honkai is gone, the gifts it bestowed must also disappear."

Their extended lifespans were solely due to the Abyss Flower.

With Honkai's disappearance, the force sustaining them vanished as well.

"But doctor, if that's true..." The individual, deeply admiring Einstein, anxiously asked, "Is there no other way?"

"Yes," Einstein paused before continuing, "But it's no longer necessary."

The alternative she referred to was the Sea of Quanta. However, enduring endless time merely to cling to life seemed less preferable than dying amidst human civilization.

Einstein shifted the topic, "Right now, the most critical concern isn't me, but Durandal, Xia Chen, and Kiana—they're still on the moon."

After losing Honkai Energy, theoretically, Xia Chen and Durandal no longer had the means to return from the moon to Earth.

Although they reached the Moonlight Throne, its cockpit provided oxygen inside, but this massive battleship had lost all power.

Durandal clenched her fists; while not entirely defenseless, at this moment, their only option was to wait for rescue. She couldn't help but attend to the unconscious Kiana nearby.

Following Finality's 'evaporation' of all Honkai, the Herrscher of Finality disappeared, leaving Kiana deeply unconscious.

"What should we do now?"

For the first time, Durandal felt utterly helpless. The strength she relied on seemed useless, and Schicksal likely lacked the capability to mount a rescue mission on the moon.

They were trapped here.

"Wait, I have an idea."

Xia Chen realized there was still something he could depend on—the pheromones left behind by Finality.

Unsure where Finality had gone, he attempted to communicate telepathically, "Can you help me one last time?

"Please send us back to the surface."

He didn't know if such a request would work, but within his consciousness, a response echoed.

Unexpectedly, the dormant Lunar Throne began showing signs of energy replenishment.

"This is..."

"The final remnants of Honkai Energy from the entire civilization."

Xia Chen didn't know how Herrscher of Finality managed it, but at that moment, he promptly activated the Lunar Throne and departed from the moon, heading towards Earth.

Without a designated orbit or time to plan a course, the massive battleship resembled a meteor crashing through outer space towards the planet.

Under intense atmospheric friction, the battleship's systems began malfunctioning. Durandal tightly embraced Kiana, ready to jump at any instant.

Just then, her communicator beeped.

"Lady Durandal."

Rita took a deep breath, "What happened? Where are you currently?"

"I'm not sure." Concisely, Durandal explained the situation to Rita, concluding, "We can only pray that the Lunar Throne lands on land now."

"Regardless of the cost, I will find a way to rescue you both," Rita assured her.

With Honkai having just vanished, Schicksal still maintained control over many countries.

She immediately issued orders to all Valkyries: The Technology Department would determine their location, while others were tasked with search efforts.

Onboard the battleship, Xia Chen watched as unfamiliar landscapes rapidly flashed by, silently praying for enough luck this time.

If they landed in the ocean, it would be outright disastrous.

Fortunately, his luck seemed to hold up.

In the end, the Lunar Throne crash-landed on an unknown island.

"Now, we truly must leave it to fate," he thought.

Three days later, the stranded Xia Chen and his companions were found by Schicksal forces.

Instead of being taken back to the former Schicksal Headquarters, they were escorted to a nearby hotel. When Xia Chen inquired about the situation during these three days, it seemed to align perfectly with his expectations.

The day after realizing the end of the global Major Honkai Eruption, some Middle Eastern countries, influenced by the United States and European nations, expelled Schicksal's Valkyrie Squads stationed within their borders.

With no more access to Honkai Energy, Schicksal naturally relinquished its leadership role, despite its past significant achievements.

Recognizing this shift, Theresa joined forces with Anti-Entropy to negotiate with various countries. However, the outcome of the negotiations was far from optimistic.

Schicksal agreed to dismantle its branches and Valkyrie squads across multiple regions worldwide. The organization would operate as a private entity but must disclose all technology related to Honkai Energy developed over the last thirty years. In return, the United Nations committed to providing Schicksal with $1 billion annually for five years.

This treaty could be seen as deeply humiliating for any organization or individual.

Yet, Theresa accepted it.

Now, both doctors from Anti-Entropy were rapidly aging, the Valkyrie Forces lacked Honkai Energy, and their weapons no longer held a competitive edge.

Schicksal had fulfilled its historical mission.

When Kiana and Durandal learned about this arrangement, they remained silent.

Rita sighed, "I fear the Valkyries must now consider their individual futures."

Durandal, however, seemed more accepting.

"This is the best outcome, isn't it?"

Despite humanity's demonstrated greed, everyone now held high hopes for the future.

Looking at Rita, she suggested, "Let's organize a celebratory banquet upon our return. Even if others may not fully understand, we need to honor all the warriors who fought tirelessly on the front lines."

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