Over the rolling waves of the East Shenzhou Sea off Shenzhou, dawn approached.
As daylight broke, coastal residents finally caught sight of the peculiar swirling vortex of dark clouds above the ocean. Emitting flashes of lightning, it blotted out the sky, exuding an oppressive aura that instilled fear and unease.
"I-it's the Dragon King raging!"
Many fishermen preparing to set sail on their boats hesitated and ultimately decided against venturing out. Even if it wasn't truly the Dragon King, such bizarre weather posed significant risks.
"Hmph! What Dragon King? It's the modern age—how can you still be superstitious? If there really was a Dragon King, the Red Kite Immortal would have taken care of it long ago."
"Hey! Didn't you just say you're not superstitious? Why do you believe in immortals then?"
"Is the Red Kite Immortal any ordinary immortal? They're clearly documented in history books—a transcendent martial artist from ancient times. That's completely different from mythical entities like the Dragon King."
"Yes, yes, I see your point..."
Amidst the bustling chatter, countless coastal residents gathered wherever they could catch sight of the sea, curiously observing the changing horizon.
Some worried individuals sent messages advising friends and family planning trips to stay ashore. Others dismissed the phenomenon entirely, going about their daily routines as usual, perhaps only remembering to bring an umbrella when stepping outside.
The myriad reactions showcased humanity's diverse range of perspectives.
Welt, Hera, Durandal, Rita, Theresa, and Himeko—seven individuals stood on the deck of the Hyperion, gazing down at the turbulent ocean currents and surging waves.
Welt frowned deeply, his expression grave.
"Could this sea give birth to yet another Herrscher? Hera, could there be another Babylon Labs hidden beneath these waters?"
His implication was clear: he suspected Otto might have gone rogue again, creating through those sinister experiments another Herrscher as intensely hateful towards humanity and terrifyingly powerful as Sirin.
Hera placed her hands on her hips, rolling her eyes with an air of feigned indignation. Her lips, delicate like cherry blossom petals, parted softly as she complained innocently,
"Don't blame me without evidence! Why would I randomly build a massive laboratory under the sea? Isn't that just wasting resources? This has nothing to do with me. Honkai will always emerge as long as human civilization continues to survive and develop—it's hardly surprising. Please don't cast unfounded suspicions on your allies; it hurts."
"I'll reserve my judgment for now," Welt said gravely, pushing up his glasses. "If you're truly not involved, do you have any other leads?"
Upon reaching the core area of the Honkai Energy release, he genuinely felt the terrifying power akin to what Sirin had wielded years ago. This was no ordinary manifestation of Honkai; the threat brewing beneath the sea could not be explained simply by the presence of a Herrscher.
Hera's expression turned solemn as she stroked her chin. "In ancient legends, there was a Demon God named Chiyou who sought to devour heaven and earth, bringing ruin upon all living beings. A maiden from Shenzhou, Ji Lin, wielding the Golden Holy Sword, cut down his physical form and sealed him beneath the Nine Realms, safeguarding Shenzhou. According to ancient texts, the location of these Nine Realms is within the East Shenzhou Sea region."
"You mean..." Welt's pupils contracted slightly.
Anti-Entropy was well aware of Chiyou. As an organization that split from Schicksal, they had access to much historical knowledge and conducted their own research on it.
Chiyou, a colossal Honkai Beast emerging over five thousand years ago, based on historical records and archaeological studies, was assessed by Schicksal as a Judgment-class entity.
A Judgment-class Honkai Beast, in many ways, is equivalent to a Herrscher—both represent natural disasters capable of extinguishing human civilization.
"Could this be considered the Third Honkai Eruption?" Welt murmured to himself.
Hera nodded, her eyes reflecting a serious demeanor.
"Based on my research, Chiyou wasn't truly killed but merely fell into a temporary slumber, likely somewhere nearby. In fact, I had planned to conduct a thorough investigation over the past two years, only to encounter this situation first. With such immense levels of Honkai Energy, if Chiyou were to be resurrected... referring to it as the Third Honkai Eruption seems quite fitting."
Welt frowned, realizing that the connection to the ancient Honkai Beast Chiyou was almost certain.
He asked, "Do you have any strategies?"
"Two approaches. First, employing high-destructive strategic attacks to directly eliminate Chiyou; second, fortifying coastal defenses. According to historical records, Chiyou constantly spawns vast numbers of Honkai Beasts, so we must prepare to repel enemies before they reach our shores."
"The entire coastline? That's quite challenging." Welt sighed.
Defending all the islands around the East Shenzhou Sea and the extensive Asian coastline would require an immeasurable number of Titans and Valkyries. Even if Anti-Entropy and Schicksal mobilized their full forces, it might not be feasible.
"Using my worker bees, Dr. Ein's fighter fleet, and some additional aerial support, we can achieve battlefield lockdown," Zeke calmly explained from his projection screen beside them. "Welt, we need a vast and sturdy circular arena to facilitate combat between Valkyries and Titans."
Welt nodded.
"I understand. Let's begin immediately. Additionally, issue a joint warning from Schicksal and Anti-Entropy to coastal nations. Evacuate residents near the shore as much as possible to minimize casualties... Hera, do you concur?"
"As per your command, how could I not comply?" Hera responded with a smile.
It was just a matter of issuing a statement for her—neither beneficial nor detrimental, so it didn't really matter either way.
Welt nodded, took a deep breath, and his eyes glowed scarlet. Terrifying Honkai Energy surged beyond his physical limits, striking awe and fear into those around him.
"So this is the Anti-Entropy Alliance Leader?" Durandal clenched her fists tightly.
Their brief skirmish last night seemed like mere child's play for Welt; he hadn't even taken her seriously.
I need to train even harder! Durandal resolved firmly.
Unconcerned with the reactions of those around him, Welt raised both hands and began calculating aloud: "Using the nearest coastline as the boundary, we'll construct a circular Fortress with a radius of two hundred kilometers and fifteen kilometers wide—what an enormous project. I might end up completely drained."
Welt smiled wryly but had already made his decision. The buildup of Honkai Energy beneath the ocean indicated the severity of this crisis, leaving no room for hesitation.
"Oh right, what about the seafloor? How can we control Chiyou and the Honkai Beasts if they move underwater?" Welt asked while erecting the Fortress.
"My worker bees can serve as surveillance. Additionally, I can deploy the black-armored trio for targeted, small-scale operations," Eins responded promptly.
"I have combat units designed for underwater battles. The temporary production line is already set up, currently supplying six thousand units, with reinforcements increasing at three hundred per hour. You can entrust one-third of the underwater defenses below the Fortress to me." On another screen, Tesla, with her smudged face, continued refining the facilities as she made this commitment.
Subsequently, Zeke on the screen and Welt at the scene both turned their gazes towards Hera.
Hera narrowed her eyes. After a moment, under their watchful looks, she reluctantly shook her head and said,
"Fine. Since it's our first collaboration, Schicksal will handle the remaining two-thirds of the seafloor defenses."
Welt regarded Hera with suspicion.
Is there anything Otto wouldn't do?
The answer was no.
His moral compass had sunk lower than the Earth's core. Honestly, despite proposing the alliance alongside Zeke, Welt didn't fully trust Otto.
As for Zeke, through the screen, he looked at Hera and nonchalantly stated,
"If you renege on this deal, I'll consider shifting my research priorities elsewhere."
"Don't say that! I'm incredibly honest; if I say we cover two-thirds, then we'll stick to that—absolutely no mischief!" Hera stomped her foot and hastily waved her hands in reassurance.
Meanwhile, at Schicksal Headquarters far away, Otto called back Amber just as she was about to leave to issue combat orders.
"Replace all the Lesser Divine Constructs with the new generation of the Divine Machinery Corps. Additionally, increase the number of underwater Valkyrie forces by fivefold—select only the elite—and don't let a single Honkai Beast through!"
"Director Otto, are you certain?"
"Yes, proceed accordingly."
"Yes sir!" Amber complied and left.
This decision would undoubtedly cause some pain for Schicksal's resources.
Otto rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly.
He was always the one threatening others, yet today Zeke had turned the tables on him, leaving him without recourse.
Friends truly evoke both love and frustration, but one thing is certain—they're never boring.
A smile tugged at the corners of Otto's lips as he gazed at the scene over the East Shenzhou Sea and raised a toast.
"I'm getting serious now; I wonder what surprises you have in store for me? Truly looking forward to it, Zeke!"