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Chapter 97: Mei - "I Will Take Her Away." Raven - "Before That, I Will Kill Her."

Mei's Plea

[W-Wait!]

Mei knew that everything Raven said was true.

Yet—

She couldn't accept it.

She wouldn't let Kiana be hurt.

So, she proposed an alternative.

[Anti-Entropy will send a fleet to escort her far from the Far East.

That way, the children will also be safe...]

Raven's response was sharp and immediate.

[I doubt Anti-Entropy has the means to save her.

I still remember what happened four months ago,

Like it was yesterday.]

Her tone was laced with something else—

Resentment?

[If we're going to do something, let's do it cleanly.

The best way to solve a problem…

Is to eliminate the source.]

Chat Reactions

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Hmm… Why does it feel like she's holding a grudge? Is it because of the island mansion?"

[Due to your stream content, 『Pink Fairy Miss』 is suspicious. You have received 1040 Crystals!]

Elysia, recalling Sora's earlier story,

Knew that Raven lost her dream home during the last disaster.

Now, she was dead set on eliminating Kiana.

Could it really be purely out of duty?

Or was there something personal in her motives?

『Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect:』 "It does seem that way… But maybe, it's more about fear?"

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Oh~? You think so?~ I'd say she's just terrified of Herrschers."

『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 "Oh, hehe. It seems everyone has been chatting a lot while I was busy. Now I have some free time."

The chat was alive with speculation.

But inside the game,

Mei wasn't backing down.

Mei's Accusation

[This isn't about solving a problem.

You just want to kill her…!]

Mei's voice was filled with emotion.

But Raven didn't argue.

She knew—

There was no convincing this girl.

So instead, she gave a warning.

[You helped the children.

You're not my target.

I don't want to fight you.

But if you insist on standing in my way…

Then that's a different story.]

The Battle Begins

The game entered combat mode.

Mei vs. Raven.

However—

There was no requirement to defeat Raven.

The goal was simply to reduce her HP by half.

Sparks flew as their blades clashed.

A duel between lightning and shadow began.

[Sleep peacefully.]

[I… won't let you near her…!]

Mei refused to back down.

Even as Raven's shadows encased her,

Even as cuts and bruises formed on her body,

She stood her ground.

Raven's expression hardened.

She halted her assault,

Perched atop The Nest,

Looking down at Mei—

As if evaluating a caged animal.

Then—

Her eyes changed.

A crimson glow flickered within.

Her cloak suddenly billowed—

Despite the absence of wind.

It rustled ominously—

A sign of her preparing for something… dangerous.

But then—

A small voice interrupted.

[W-Wait!]

Sora Breaks the Fight

The battle came to a sudden halt.

Raven's cloak settled.

She tilted her head,

Looking toward the tiny figure at the entrance.

[Sora? Why are you out here?]

The little girl trembled under her teacher's gaze.

[Teacher…

Why are you fighting Mei?

Mei never hurt us.

She's kind to everyone… She even saved me…!

She's just looking for her friend.

If she finds her, she'll leave…

With your skills, you can definitely help Mei find her friend, right?]

Sora's plea

Made Raven pause.

Her stance softened—

But not enough to yield.

[I can't give her that friend.]

Sora's Heartbreaking Question

[Why?]

[Because that person is dangerous.

She could hurt you.

She could hurt everyone.]

Sora stared at her teacher.

She didn't understand.

Her voice was small.

Hesitant.

[…Does that mean… Mei will never see her again?]

Raven didn't answer.

She simply stood in silence.

But that silence

Was louder than any words could be.

Sora's expression fell.

Tears welled in her eyes.

She clutched her head,

Trying to hide her face—

Like a frightened animal.

Her small frame shook,

Overwhelmed by emotions too heavy for her to carry alone.

A Faint Glimmer of Hope

For a moment—

Raven stared at the crying Sora.

Her small frame trembled,

Her face buried in her hands,

Desperate to hide her tears.

This scene felt...

Uncomfortably familiar.

A Memory Resurfaces

Ten years ago.

In a village engulfed in flames,

A young girl had once cried the same way.

Raven sighed softly.

She descended from her perch,

And knelt before Sora.

She gently wiped away the girl's tears.

[…It's alright, child. Don't be afraid.]

A moment passed.

Then, she sighed once more.

And—

She made a decision.

[I promise you…

I will give her a chance.]

Raven crouched beside Sora,

Whispering softly into her ear.

She spoke for a long time,

Her voice soothing and calm.

By the end of it,

Sora nodded timidly,

Then disappeared into the shelter of The Nest.

As she closed the door behind her,

Raven lingered in silence.

She stood motionless

Before finally turning away,

Releasing a heavy sigh.

A Deal with Mei

[…Don't drag the children into this mess.

If you want to find her—

Follow me.

I won't attack you.

And you—

Don't get in my way.]

At last,

Raven agreed to uphold her promise.

[I won't change my opinion of her.

But what you do…

Is up to you.]

As she finished speaking,

The stage ended.

Chat Reactions

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Hehe~ See? A kind-hearted girl will always find help from others! Phew, that was tense… I was really worried Mei wouldn't hold out."

[Due to your stream content, 『Pink Fairy Miss』 is relieved. You have received 1040 Crystals!]

Elysia's relief was obvious.

After all, if Mei failed here,

There would be no one left to save Kiana.

But now—

There was finally a way forward.

Would Mei finally get her wish?

Would she reach Kiana in time?

An Unlikely Alliance

With the deal sealed,

Mei and Raven left The Nest together.

On their journey,

They encountered and defeated countless Honkai Beasts.

Raven, in turn,

Explained the mechanics of the 'Safe Zone'.

After some time—

Mei finally asked the question that had been bothering her.

Mei's Doubt

[I…

I don't think you're completely evil.

Sora told me a lot about you.

She respects you.

She's proud to have you as a teacher.]

[But—

How do you reconcile that?

You save these children…

Yet you also help World Serpent turn an entire city into a lab experiment.]

[Don't you… feel conflicted?]

Raven opened her eyes

And smiled faintly.

[You misunderstand me.

I'm a mercenary.

As long as the price is right—

I can do anything.

Kill anyone.]

She paused.

Then, her expression darkened.

[You might think saving a handful of children makes a difference.

But compared to the lives I've taken?

That number is… insignificant.]

Raven spoke of her past.

Of the things she had seen.

Of why she saved Sora.

Of the choices she had made and the cost of those choices.

Then,

She turned back to Mei.

Her voice was calm,

But her words were like daggers.

A Final Warning

[You believe in her will.

You're willing to risk everything—

To bet on her overcoming the Herrscher within.]

[I fear her power.

I refuse to take that risk.]

Raven tossed aside one last defeated Honkai Beast.

She pulled her cloak over her shoulders,

And turned to leave.

[I am a villain, but I am not a monster.

But out there…

There are true monsters.]

She looked over her shoulder.

Her voice was lower now.

[People who hate her.

People who will use her.

People who covet her.

People who control her.]

Raven's eyes narrowed.

[From now on—

There will be no 'good days' in her life.

Only endless suffering.]

Then,

She spoke the words that cut deeper than any blade.

[You can't even stop me.

How do you plan to stop them?]

Her words shook Mei to her core.

She could feel it—

That same suffocating truth she had been hearing from everyone.

Lita.

Durandal.

And now—

Raven.

All of them had been telling her the same thing.

You're too weak.

You cannot protect Kiana.

Mei clenched her fists.

Her heart ached with frustration.

She couldn't even argue against it.

Because—

It was true.

Chat Reactions

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Mei… sigh. She really needs strength. But even so, I still hope she doesn't lose her kindness."

[Due to your stream content, 『Pink Fairy Miss』 is deeply moved. You have received 1040 Crystals!]

Elysia felt conflicted.

She understood Mei's pain,

But she didn't want her to lose herself.

Returning to The Nest

After a long and heavy silence,

Mei and Raven returned to The Nest.

Waiting for them—

Was Tesla,

Who had been ignored for far too long.

As they regrouped,

Raven gave Mei one final condition.

[Only you are allowed to come.

No one else.]

A Dangerous Resolve

Aboard the Helios,

Tesla questioned Mei about the risk.

Mei's answer was firm.

No matter how dangerous it was,

She would go.

The meeting was set.

At the agreed time and place,

Mei and Raven came face-to-face once more.

The Final Obstacle

After a series of warm-up battles,

The true enemy stood before them.

The dragon—

Benares.

She was different from other Honkai Beasts.

She did not act out of instinct—

She fought from her heart.

Her only desire was to protect Kiana.

Yet now—

To save Kiana,

Mei had to fight her.

Mei and Raven joined forces once more.

They faced Benares together—

And defeated her again.

A Final Warning

Atop the rooftop,

Raven spoke first.

[Now… The Herrscher of the Void is just within reach.]

Her voice was low,

Measured,

Ominous.

[She's dangerous.

She could lose control at any moment.

Even if you send her away,

You can't stop what's already happening.]

Then—

Raven turned to Mei.

Her eyes narrowed.

[I'm curious…

What will you do?]

Mei's Answer

There was no hesitation.

[I will take her away.]

Raven's expression remained unreadable.

Then—

She smiled faintly.

[Then I suppose…

You'll only be taking a corpse.

Because before that—

I will kill her.]

Silence hung between them.

Mei stared at Raven.

She knew her own strength.

She knew how outmatched she was.

But—

She refused to give up.

[I won't let that happen.]

A sharp glint of steel flashed.

Mei's sword was drawn.

She pointed it straight at Raven.

Waiting.

Ready.

Raven laughed softly.

[…Heh.

Good.]

She raised her claws.

Her cloak billowed.

She grinned.

[Looks like we both understand.

This is the only way.]

The Duel Begins

The battle started.

Mei vs. Raven—

A fight to decide Kiana's fate.

Raven was stronger now.

Unlike before—

She wasn't holding back.

Her movements were wild and ruthless.

There was no restraint.

Mei, however—

Was still the same Mei.

She had gained no real power.

Yet—

She fought on.

Eventually—

Raven's HP fell below half.

Then—

The scripted event triggered.

Mei's Struggle

Suddenly—

Mei staggered.

Her vision blurred.

Raven moved instantly.

Her silhouette flickered—

And in a flash—

She pinned Mei to the ground.

A Battle of Wills

Mei raised her blade,

Desperate to block Raven's claws.

But—

She was losing ground.

[Ngh…!]

Mei gritted her teeth.

Her arms shook.

Her entire body strained against Raven's strength.

Yet—

That wasn't the worst part.

Raven's words

cut deeper than her claws.

[You won't let it happen?]

[World Serpent knows everything about you, Mei.

Without the Gem of Conquest,

You're nothing more than an ordinary girl.]

[You couldn't protect her before.

What makes you think you can do it now?]

Mei's heart sank.

Raven's words struck something deep inside her.

Something she didn't want to admit.

Something she feared.

She shook her head.

Her voice wavered.

[I don't understand…

Why is fate so cruel to her?]

Her vision blurred with emotion.

Tears threatened to spill.

[Because of her identity?

Because of her past?

Or simply because she was born a Herrscher…

Even though she never wanted to hurt anyone?]

Mei's voice cracked.

She was shaking now.

Desperate.

Frustrated.

Angry.

[She is kind…

She is gentle…

So why does the world keep punishing her?]

Then—

Something shifted.

The air around them changed.

Raven stiffened.

Her expression darkened.

She felt it.

The Honkai energy was rising.

Her grip tightened.

And she spoke quickly—

[Are you insane?

You're going to kill yourself!]

But Mei had already made her choice.

She lifted her head—

And with unwavering determination—

She spoke her final answer.

A Willing Sacrifice

[...If sacrificing my life can bring her back—

Then I am more than willing...!]

Mei's voice trembled but remained resolute.

[Because my life—

Was saved by her...!]

Her body tensed.

Hazy traces of electricity flickered across her form.

It was building up.

Something inside her was awakening.

Mei's voice hardened with determination.

[I know—

I have always hidden behind her.

I have always run away.

But I have nowhere left to run.

Now—

I must protect her.]

Electricity snapped in the air.

The lightning grew brighter.

[As long as I am still breathing—

I will never let you hurt her!!]

Lightning erupted.

A pure white surge of energy burst forth.

Mei's irises shifted.

The pale violet was gone.

Her eyes—

Now shone with pure white radiance.

The surge of power was overwhelming.

The force alone pushed Raven back.

She landed lightly, stabilizing herself.

Her sharp eyes analyzed the situation.

"So... this is your choice."

Mei's breathing was ragged.

The electricity faded from her body.

She stood her ground.

Her irises returned to violet.

Raven glanced at her gauntlet.

The burned metal still smoldered.

Even soulsteel could not withstand that power.

The lightning—

It was real.

A power capable of killing.

Raven exhaled.

A rare smile crossed her lips.

[I like that look in your eyes.]

Then—

She took a step back.

[...Take her.

The farther, the better.

Keep your promise—

Make sure she never hurts anyone again.]

Raven's expression softened for a fleeting second.

Then—

It hardened once more.

[You should thank yourself.

At the very last moment—

You actually gave me proof.

Now go.

Before I change my mind.]

A sudden gust of wind swept through the ruins.

And with it—

Raven vanished.

Only her words remained—

[We will meet again, Raiden Mei.

If you wish to find me—

You know where to look.]

The screen faded to black.

Silence lingered.

The End of the Search

When the screen brightened once more—

A new scene appeared.

Sunlight poured over a ruined cityscape.

The air was still.

Dust danced in the golden light.

A lone figure stumbled forward.

Her steps were weak.

Yet—

She refused to stop.

[Finally…]

Mei dragged herself across the rubble.

She searched desperately.

Her breath was heavy—

Her body exhausted.

Then—

She saw her.

A familiar figure.

Lying amidst the ruins.

Kiana.

Mei froze.

Her heart tightened.

Her voice shook.

[I finally found you…]

[Kiana.]

She rushed forward.

Kiana remained motionless.

Mei knelt beside her.

She studied her face.

Kiana's expression was peaceful.

As if she were simply asleep.

Yet—

Something was wrong.

The sunlight illuminated her features.

The warm glow fell upon her pale skin.

But—

It also revealed the truth.

Vivid pink marks traced across her body.

They glowed softly.

Like a curse.

Like a wound that never healed.

The Honkai corruption—

It had spread too far.

Mei's breath hitched.

Her hands trembled.

Her mind screamed.

Kiana's condition…

Had become irreversible.

End of Chapter 97.