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"Urgent announcement! Urgent announcement!"
"A large-scale geological volcanic activity is imminent in the East Shenzhou Sea region. Experts predict significant risks of major earthquakes and tsunamis. To ensure the safety of coastal residents, all maritime activities are immediately suspended, and a widespread evacuation from the affected areas has been initiated!"
"Please evacuate swiftly and orderly under the guidance of government authorities! Please evacuate swiftly and orderly under the guidance of government authorities!"
"This is a repeat: The East Shenzhou Sea region will experience..."
Along the coast of Shenzhou, actions were swiftest.
Although the political system had changed, the commitment to saving lives and mobilizing nationwide during crises remained similar. The Shenzhou government acted promptly, and the residents showed high levels of cooperation.
As Welt's grand fortress gradually took shape amidst the escalating Honkai Energy surge beneath the sea, Zeke observed through his worker bees that over a quarter of Shenzhou's coastal population had already evacuated, with the remaining steadily leaving in an organized manner.
However, it was far from enough.
"Rumble, rumble, rumble!!"
"Roaaar~~"
The roar of an indescribably colossal beast reverberated from beneath the swelling sea surface, as countless bubbles erupted over hundreds of kilometers, making it seem like the entire ocean had begun to boil.
"Is it coming? We need to speed up... Zeke, how's your side progressing?" Welt asked without turning, fully focused on constructing the Fortress while simultaneously resisting wave after wave, striving to minimize the coastal devastation.
"I'm en route and will make it in time. Dr. Ein's combat drones and worker bees are already positioned, and Anti-Entropy's nearby mechs and personnel have been coordinated accordingly. Full deployment within fifteen minutes."
As Zeke finished speaking, a hum filled the screens. The vast swarm of tiny worker bees, accompanied by the relatively larger EINS drone fleet, appeared in the air surrounding the circular Fortress, seemingly capable of completely sealing off the airspace above that expansive region.
Welt sighed with relief and turned towards Hera.
"The Valkyries from neighboring branches are gradually taking their positions. Headquarters' forces are still en route; they should arrive in approximately twenty-five minutes. Until then, let's hope this fellow down below doesn't cause too much havoc."
Hera leaned over the deck's edge, gazing down at Chiyou's massive and faintly visible shadow, her eyes reflecting a hint of seriousness.
To be frank, without collaborating with Anti-Entropy, Schicksal would likely face significant losses to suppress this situation effectively. Otto wouldn't let human order crumble easily, as it would hinder his resource acquisition for research and plans. However, he was also unwilling to reveal too many of his cards solely for humanity's sake.
This partnership wasn't merely driven by Zeke and Welt's requests; Otto himself saw it as advantageous.
The question remained: What made Chiyou so unique? Would it prove worthy of further study afterward?
Anticipation flickered in Hera's eyes.
Despite being outwitted earlier by Zeke and Welt, the potential gains now might well soothe her disappointment—oh, indeed!
Do you wonder if she truly felt hurt? Ahh, when a beautiful lady says she does, just accept it! Why nitpick? Where has all the gentlemanly courtesy gone?
In the distance, a black transport plane raced through the sky.
Zeke sat at the head of the conference table with his legs crossed. The Key of Thunder transformed into armored bracers wrapped around his right arm, and the Cleaver of Shamash leaned against the side of the chair. A finely crafted Soulium filigree sphere hung from his waist, containing the jade-green Gem of Desire within its delicate lattice.
Why would Chiyou awaken now...?
Is it the butterfly effect? My presence accelerated technological advancement, prompting the Will of Honkai to react accordingly?
That seems like the most plausible explanation. The 3rd Herrscher isn't yet mature enough, so having Chiyou's resurrection as the Third Honkai Eruption makes sense.
Judging by the Honkai Energy readings, this indeed qualifies as a significant Major Honkai Eruption.
The faster I progress, the sooner the Major Honkai Eruption arrives. But fearing or compromising is futile; Honkai serves as a test for civilization. Only by confronting challenges head-on can we overcome the impending doom. Escaping merely disqualifies us from triumph.
Zeke interlaced his fingers, gently tapping his thumbs on his palms, deep in thought while conserving energy.
His intensely serious demeanor deterred Kiana, Rin, Mei, along with Cocolia and Raiden Ryoma accompanying them, from interrupting him.
After a moment, Zeke raised his eyes, scanning those present before speaking:
"Bronya, lead Sin and Kiana to first ensure the worker bees' success in sealing off the battlefield, then patrol the surrounding seas near the Fortress. Do not engage directly; instead, focus on eliminating any stragglers emerging from beneath the sea or breaching the Fortress walls. Prioritize your safety above all else—no heroics, carelessness, or cowardice."
"Yes, sir!" came three synchronized replies.
The trio clad in black armor stood at attention, saluting Zeke.
Given the gravity of the situation, even Kiana, with her husky-like spirit, appeared unusually serious and dependable.
Zeke softened his expression as he turned toward Cocolia and Raiden Ryoma.
"You two will command the Titan forces stationed at the Fortress, along with Su Tan from Shenzhou joining you. Cooperation is key. This marks our first collaboration with Schicksal and a crucial battle against Honkai—there must be no mistakes."
"Yes, sir!" both Cocolia and Ryoma responded firmly.
Cocolia had long been molded by Zeke into a loyal follower, while Ryoma was a dedicated Anti-Entropy Enforcer and steadfast warrior against Honkai. Both possessed strong leadership skills, giving Zeke confidence in their abilities.
Next, Zeke pulled up several virtual screens and meticulously reviewed the entire frontline deployment once more before letting out a soft sigh.
"Miss Fu Hua, how do you find this suit of black armor?" Zeke asked, turning to address the slender figure leaning against the wall.
"The technology is truly impressive. Combined with your earlier treatment, I'm now undoubtedly over a hundred times stronger than before. Please let me know any plans you have; I'll fully cooperate... Oh, and feel free to call me Fu Hua."
Fu Hua lifted her head, a hint of warmth present amidst her usual composed voice. As key forces against Honkai, having spent time together, she genuinely wished them safety and success, eager to lend her assistance.
"Operate independently for now. Since I'm not yet familiar with your capabilities, only you can determine what tasks suit you best and how far you can push yourself." Zeke spoke softly, his gaze lowered. By leaving such formidable combat power unassigned, Otto would be unable to predict their moves effectively.
Indeed, Zeke had kept this ace up his sleeve. He hadn't mentioned anything about Fu Hua to Welt, nor revealed even a hint to Otto.
Though, it was possible that Otto might already suspect something.
Regardless, Fu Hua served as insurance. No matter the circumstances, she stood firmly against Honkai, capable of efficiently patching potential vulnerabilities across the entire frontline.
Moreover, considering Fu Hua's abilities and stance, she could instill some caution in Otto—whether significant or slight, any deterrence was better than none.
When dealing with that guy, one can never be too cautious.
Approaching the East Shenzhou Sea, the surging Honkai Energy had reached a bone-chilling intensity, palpable even at the periphery.
Zeke and Fu Hua's eyes both sharpened.
"That should do it. Everyone, prepare to disembark. Cocolia, open the hatch—we're getting off."
"Yes sir! Please stay safe out there."
"I will," Zeke replied, standing before the howling wind at the cabin door.
He paused for a moment, then turned around, patting Bronya and Sin on their heads. Finally, he gently rested his hand atop Kiana's hair.
"Stay safe, all of you. A few stray Honkai Beasts won't cause much trouble, but don't take unnecessary risks, understood?"
"Aiya! We got it already! We're not kids anymore; stop nagging us! Now hurry up and go!"
Kiana pouted as she complained, then flashed him a dazzling smile.
Naturally, Zeke pinched her soft, smooth cheek, his lips curving upward.
"If you disobey orders and mess things up, once this is over, I'll send you to the Arctic for a month of nothing but ice and snow."
His words, spoken with a smile, sent shivers down Kiana's spine.
She stuck out her tongue. "I know you care about me..."
"It's not that I care. I trust Sin and Bronya completely, but you—you're just too much of a ditz not to worry about."
"Say that again?!"
"You heard me: a ditz."
Kiana puffed up her cheeks, stomping angrily before rushing out the cabin door and plunging straight toward the sea below.
Zeke watched as Kiana's tiny figure disappeared and sighed.
"Bronya, keep an eye on them. Not just Kiana—Sin can be quite troublesome at times too. Make sure she doesn't do anything reckless."
Embarrassed, Sin fidgeted and twisted her fingers. Despite being scolded, Zeke's words carried warmth and concern, which felt comforting to her.
"Understood!" Bronya responded firmly, then jumped from the plane with Sin in tow, chasing after Kiana.
Meanwhile, over the ocean surface, a massive black shadow slowly emerged.
"ROOOOAR!"
The colossal beast Chiyou burst forth from the sea. Its head alone pierced the clouds, towering high above view, dominating vast stretches of water. The deafening roar reverberated for hundreds of miles without diminishing.
Everyone along the East Shenzhou Sea coast fell silent, utterly stunned.
Welt's lips twitched.
"This is supposed to be a fucking Honkai Beast?! Will my Fortress even contain it? With this monstrous size, how did the ancestors of Shenzhou defeat such a creature five thousand years ago?!"
He was close to losing his mind.
Just imagine if this behemoth were to casually stroll around the globe—it would surely spell doom for the world!