Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

As the performance ended, the audience remained spellbound, still lost in the lingering echoes of the song. Only when the lights fully brightened did they finally rise from their seats.

They exchanged glances with those beside them, instinctively containing their excitement. Once they had filed out in an orderly fashion, they eagerly shared their joy with their companions.

Eden's flawless performance and the clear, crystalline voice of the wheelchair-bound girl had been like morning dew, soothing their hearts that had been troubled by recent Honkai incidents.

Li Sushang, walking alongside Susannah among the crowd, instantly gripped the Ink-Stained Fragrance concealed in her sleeve when she sensed Ren's presence. As they left the venue, she couldn't help but glance back at the white-haired girl still lingering in her seat.

"That girl..."

Thanks to Susannah's briefing, Li Sushang knew that Herrschers were humanity's greatest threat. By all logic, she should apprehend Kiana and bring her back to Schicksal.

Yet... she couldn't sense any malice from Kiana, no trace of evil. Despite being a Herrscher, the girl could wield the Taixu Sword Art.

Li Sushang had experienced Kiana's Taixu Sword Art firsthand and knew that during their clash, the other girl hadn't intended to kill her—she'd only wanted to subdue her and learn about Ren.

She isn't our enemy.

Having reached this conclusion, Li Sushang chose not to reveal anything about Kiana to Susannah, nor did she disclose any information about Ren.

As a natural-born sword spirit, her sensitivity to good and evil far surpassed others. She trusted her own judgment more than anyone else's words.

"Lady Sushang, is something wrong?" Susannah asked, noticing her sudden pause.

"No, I just saw an interesting girl."

"Oh? Could it be that Lady Sushang likes—"

...

As the last spectator departed, the venue's lights dimmed one by one, leaving only a faint glow. The vast hall plunged back into darkness, with only Kiana and Himeko remaining in their places.

Even Eden and Wendy had vanished, leaving the venue in profound silence.

"Kiana." Himeko gently stroked the girl's head, her heart aching at the sight of her worn expression.

She could guess that the girl's state had something to do with Ren, but now Ren was gone.

"He saved so many people. You should live on well too."

But Himeko's comfort fell on deaf ears. Kiana wiped her tears with her sleeve and slowly shook her head.

"No, he never left."

This was the promise she'd made with that boy. Even if her memories became clouded with time, a promise was something she could never forget.

"He's always been here..."

Looking at Himeko watching the stubborn Kiana, she could only sigh. She knew all too well that no matter how much the girl believed, Ren wouldn't come back to life. Some endings couldn't be changed, no matter how regrettable.

Still, she wouldn't say such harsh words to crush Kiana's spirit. The fact that she was showing signs of life again was a good thing – they could deal with everything else later.

Scanning the stage, Himeko had a sudden flash of inspiration to help Kiana release her pent-up emotions. "Why don't you sing a song on stage? If he's really by your side, I'm sure he'll hear it."

Click.

As if on cue, one of the spotlights above the venue malfunctioned, suddenly illuminating center stage.

Light poured down from above, as if waiting expectantly for Kiana's performance.

Himeko frowned slightly – she hadn't sensed anyone else's presence. Just as she was about to investigate, her body suddenly froze, leaving her unable to even lift a finger.

"Hm?" This feeling...

In an instant, Himeko's surroundings transformed. When she regained her senses, she found herself in the majestic Theater of Domination, with its interwoven threads and rotating clock faces.

Kiana hadn't noticed anything unusual with Himeko. She closed her eyes, and memories of her time with Ren began flowing unbidden through her mind.

Their first meeting, their mutual salvation, their shared friends, powerful enemies, the Honkai bomb...

This was ARC City – the place that held both Kiana's most painful past and her warmest memories.

When she opened her eyes again, determination shone in her gaze.

"Ren, can I sing a song for you? Our song."

She walked onto the stage step by step, basking in the spotlight.

In the deep night sky, she was the only star.

In the empty venue, on this grand stage. No accompaniment, no music, no audience.

No clamoring crowds of thousands – this was a stage for her alone.

She didn't need to think about melody or lyrics; she simply sang from her memories.

...

[Song Title: Starfall]

What is reflected in my eyes?

Not the moonlight in a starless midnight

(That showers on the people passing by)

...

The entire world fell into darkness and silence. Kiana was the sole performer, while Ren, perched unseen somewhere in the upper levels of the venue, was her only audience. This was their private concert, their own little world.

Threads of Domination enveloped the entire venue, completely shutting out any possibility of intrusion from the outside world.

As the girl's clear voice rang out, their shared memories flowed between them like gentle streams of time, coursing through both their hearts.

...

Crash against the barrier above the crowd, Flaring up pieces in the air to show a fairy starfall.

I want no tomorrow or yesterday.

These sparkles shine and never fade till the break of day.

...

As her song grew more passionate, the venue's lights began to illuminate one by one, like stars appearing in the midnight sky. Like beacons guiding lost souls home.

This was the light of a girl's hope, and Ren's salvation.

"I heard you, Kiana." Ren's voice drifted from the darkness.

As her song came to an end, Kiana felt something stir within her. She looked up toward where Ren's voice had come from.

The space was empty – perhaps the voice had been just her imagination. But Kiana believed with all her heart that, for just a moment, a certain boy's silhouette had lingered there.

She smiled knowingly, responding almost to herself: "Mm."

...

"Are you sure you won't turn back? I can forgive your deception."

"I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"Because... only a Herrscher can stand beside another Herrscher."

"..."

"Remember what you told me when I first joined? 'Those who fall to darkness must be struck down!'"

"..."

"Let me experience it then – your strongest technique."

"..."

Facing the young man before her, now corrupted by malevolent energy, Li Sushang remained silent.

A dark, hopeless aura had almost completely devoured his consciousness. She knew there was no chance of saving him now. The only option was to follow Otto's instructions – to kill him.

After a long moment...

"Li Sushang, First Disciple of the Supreme Freedom School, please guide me."

"Ren... Second Disciple of the Supreme Freedom School..."

"Please guide me."