Akiri and the rest of Squad V are currently looking at Bronya through a large panel of glass. The unconscious girl is lying on a hospital bed, being treated by a group of doctors and specialists.
Theresa then walked up to them and turns her head and looked at Bronya.
Theresa: She'll be okay, we have the best doctors here in St. Freya. They will be able to help her, I'm sure of it
The group looked at Theresa, they know she is trying her best to cheer them up, but it seems that none of them can shake off their worries.
A moment of silence later, Kiana then spoke up.
Kiana: Yeah... Yeah! I'm sure Bronya will be okay!
Mei nods in agreement.
Mei: Bronya will go through this
Himeko: Yeah, she's a strong girl. We need to have faith in her
They felt their spirits were lifted a bit.
Akiri then walked to Theresa and tapped her shoulder. Theresa looked at Akiri to see that he was motioning with his head, seemingly wanting her to follow her away from the others. The boy then walked a few distances away, and Theresa followed him.
Akiri: That was a lie wasn't it?
He asked as soon as he was sure they were away from prying ears.
Theresa: ...
Theresa averted her gaze to the floor, having difficulty answering his question. Looking at how she reacted, he already knows the answer.
Akiri: Miss Theresa. I need to know the truth
Theresa: ...Even the doctors were unsure if they could save her... Worst-case scenario, she'll be in a coma for years, or she won't be able to wake up at all
She finally lifts her head to look at the boy.
Theresa: Only a miracle could save her now
Himeko: Akiri
They heard Himeko call his name and they turned to see that she and the others are approaching them.
Himeko: I think it's time you give us some explanations
Kiana: Yeah! How the heck did you do that yesterday?
They asked, referring to what they'd witnessed in the last fight, when Akiri seemingly had conjured Xuanyuan swords out of thin air and used them to defeat Anti-Entropy's super weapon.
Mei: Akiri, you... have one inside of you too, don't you...? A Herrscher core...
They all glanced at Mei with a look of surprise.
The boy takes a deep breath before answering.
Akiri: Yeah... Although, what's inside of me is only part of a Herrscher core. It's altered in a way to act like some sort of artificial core, at least, that's how Eins described it...
Theresa: So you have Herrscher powers, but you still have control of yourself...
Akiri: Pretty much. But my powers are only a fraction of that of a real Herrscher
Kiana: Then the swords we saw... That was your-
Akiri: Yes. As long as I understand its molecular structure, I'm able to make a copy of anything using Honkai energy. Well, in theory anyway. But as I said, my powers are limited, so I could only materialize only the simplest of objects. Like a sword
Theresa: But yesterday, you projected the Xuanyuan sword, a lot of them. Those are Divine Keys, objects of extraordinary power. How are you able to...
Akiri: That, I'm not sure myself...
He recalls the events that he had used a Divine Key, first being the Judgement of Shamash in the virtual world, and the Xuanyuan sword back at Jiuling. In both events, he remembers having felt a sense of familiarity with both weapons, as if he had used them prior.
Akiri: For some reason, Divine Keys are an exception. I'm able to recreate them, and even use their powers
He looked down and stares at the palm of his hand.
Akiri: I still don't fully understand it myself...
Himeko: Well, I guess that'll do for now. We're all still tired from yesterday, so why don't we return to the dorm and get some rest?
Mei: Yeah... I need to get some more sleep
Mei lets out a yawn, which she covered with her hand.
Theresa: Yeah, you guys should take some rest. I got something I need to do
Himeko nodded in agreement before excusing herself and walking away, with Akiri, Mei and Kiana following behind while Theresa went in a separate direction.
As they were walking, Kiana then slowed down her pace before silently breaking away from the group without them noticing.
Kiana: ...
Using her vast experience of sneaking out of classes, she silently went towards the direction where Theresa went, intending to follow her.
Meanwhile, Akiri took a brief glance behind him to the confusion of seeing that Kiana is now missing.
Akiri: What the? Where's Kiana?
Mei: Eh? She was right next to me just a second ago
Himeko releases a sigh.
Himeko: Just let her be. I'm too tired to worry about that right now
Akiri: I don't know... I'm gonna go look for her
Himeko: Whatever floats your boat
With that, he turned around and walks away, while Himeko and Mei continued their way to the dorm.
(Timeskip)
Theresa: Search for data on "biochip brain implant"
Currently, deep below the academy grounds, Theresa is seen being alone in front of a computer terminal, being surrounded by arrays of holographic screens.
Computer: 713 search results found in the Schicksal Core Database.
A computerized voice replies.
Computer: 712 entries are classified as top secret due to their implications with "Sirin Project" and cannot be accessed
Theresa: What? Even I can't access it? Must be Grampa's doing...
As she kept using the computer terminal, she was oblivious to the presence of a certain white-haired girl, peeking at her through the door from outside.
Kiana: Whoa... What kind of room is this...?
She muttered to herself. However, as she was spying on Theresa, she was unaware of someone else approaching her from behind.
???: What are you doing?
Startled by the sudden voice, she quickly turns around and saw that it was Akiri.
Kiana: Idiot...! Don't sneak up on me like that...!
She scolded, but managed to keep her voice low so that Theresa doesn't notice them.
Akiri: You know this place is for authorized personnel only, right? If we get caught here, it's a guaranteed suspension
Kiana: I know, but-
Computer: Access granted. Unlocking records; February 7th, 2000, Babylonia Labs, Siberia. Standby to enter virtual space...
They heard the computerized voice say and Theresa was then transported away.
Without a word, Kiana quickly rushed towards the computer and stood where Theresa was.
Akiri: Wait, Kiana!
The boy ran after her, but it was too late as she was also transported away and disappeared into thin air.
Akiri: Damn it...
He then looked at the computer terminal and walked closer to access it. He tries to find a way to follow where Theresa and Kiana went, however, the computer responded with a rejecting alert.
Computer: Warning, user is unauthorized to access this record
Akiri: Figures...
The boy lets out a long sigh. He then looks around the room he is in before looking back at the computer in front of him.
He seems to have realized where he is standing; a terminal to access Schicksal's Core Database.
Akiri: What can I access...?
Computer: User, Akiri Shiranobu, B-rank Knight. Accessible documents, 58. Student records, Attendance records, Test results...
The computerized voice went on for a while, listing every piece of information that is kept on him by the school. The list went on for a while, until something then caught his interest.
Computer: ...Physical examination records, Honkai resistance level, Previous Era...
Akiri: Previous Era? Why do I have access to that?
He inputs the keyword into the terminal and an article was then shown to him on all the screens, filled with dozens of lines of text and paragraphs.
Akiri: 50000 years ago...?
The boy started to read through the document, taking in every single word, line and paragraph.
Akiri: Herrschers... Fire Moth... Divine Keys...
He kept reading, and as he does, his breathing then started to get heavier and shaky, and drops of sweat appeared on his face. His eyes dart around as he starts to read faster through the article.
Akiri: ...
He then felt a sudden headache, and he reached a hand up to hold his forehead.
Akiri: What... What is all this...?
As he held his head in pain, he started to recall words that he couldn't make sense of.
After a moment, he then went to the keyboard and typed in the words that came to mind.
"Project MANTIS"
Computer: Access denied
"Project STIGMA"
Computer: Access denied
Akiri: ...
The boy paused, taking in a few breaths before going back to typing on the keyboard.
"Dr. MEI"
Computer: Access denied
"Kevin Kaslana"
Computer: Access denied
"Elysia"
Computer: Access denied
He took a step back from the computer, running his fingers through his hair and he released his breath which he didn't notice he was holding.
Akiri: What the hell is all this...?
All of a sudden, he felt his headache returning, the pain is much more intense this time, causing him to grit his teeth and close his eyes shut as he grips his head tightly.
???: Akiri?
He was snapped out of it, and all the pain dissipates when he heard a familiar voice calling his name from behind, and he turns around to see that it is Fu Hua.
Fu Hua: What are you doing here?
Akiri: O-Oh... I was-
Fu Hua: This place is off-limits to students, you know that, right?
She said as she walked closer to him and he quickly turns off the holographic screens to hide what he was reading.
Fu Hua: Well, since this is the first time I ever caught you breaking the rules, I'm willing to let this slide
Akiri: Right. Thanks...
He scratches the back of his head.
Akiri: I'll be on my way then
With that brief exchange, he started to walk to the exit, Fu Hua was silent as he walked past her.
However, he then slows down to a halt as he had noticed something off about her. She is for some odd reason, wearing her 4th Generation Battlesuit, Shadow Knight.
Akiri: Hey, Fu Hua?
Fu Hua: Hm?
Akiri: Why are you wearing your Battlesuit...?
He asked as he turned around to face her.
Akiri: And why are you here?
Fu Hua: ...
The girl kept silent as she lowered her gaze.
Akiri: And in your Battlesuit, no less...
Fu Hua: Walk away, Akiri...
The boy narrowed his eyes at her.
Akiri: Not until you tell me what's going on
Fu Hua: ...I'm sorry, Akiri
In a blink of an eye, Fu Hua moves closer to him until they are face to face with each other. He could barely register anything as he felt a sharp pain in his stomach and he suddenly lost all of his strength.
He then dropped down to his knees, now unconscious and Fu Hua quickly caught him before gently setting him down on the floor, resting his back against the wall.
Fu Hua: I'm sorry...
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.
There was only darkness.
The boy was confused, it was like he was awake, but he couldn't move a single part of his body as he drifts in a sea of endless darkness.
He then started to see a series of images fade into view.
He sees a group of people, their faces blurry, he can barely make out their silhouettes, but for some reason, he can feel a sense of nostalgia and belonging acquainted with the sight.
Next, he sees a man with snow-white hair. With the vague image, comes also the feeling of camaraderie and respect, trust and brotherhood.
He then saw a girl with long flowing purple hair. Her face is also a blur, he can't at all see the features on her face, she is completely unrecognizable, yet so familiar, almost familial.
Finally, he felt a tender warmth suddenly wash over him. A bright pink aura surrounds him, as if giving him a loving embrace. He felt comforted and assured, calm and safe.
Then, comes blinding light, overwhelming the darkness, as a girl with long, flowing pink hair came into view, descending from above like an angel, lighting up the night.
The girl seems to get closer and puts her mouth up to his ear and whispered.
???: Wake up...
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The boy's eyes flutter open as his consciousness slowly returns. His body is still weak, but he could at least move them. He lets out a groan as he starts to feel the pain in his stomach from Fu Hua knocking him out earlier.
His vision started to become clearer, and to his shock, he saw that the database room is now a complete mess, as if a massive fight had just broken out.
Akiri: What... What the hell happened here...?
???: I've captured the target. What about the other one?
He heard a voice and he looks to see that it is Fu Hua, holding an unconscious Kiana in her arms. She seems to be on a call with someone.
???: Understood. I'm on my way
He then notices someone lying on the ground, injured, and he sees that it is Theresa.
He then looks back to Fu Hua, who seems to have finished speaking.
Akiri: Fu Hua...? What are you...?
He weakly called out to her, but the girl only spares him a brief glance before walking away with Kiana in her arms.
Akiri: Wait...
He places his hands on the floor and tries to get up, but he drops back down as he hasn't yet recovered his strength.
Akiri: Where... Where are you taking her...?
He asked, trying to get an answer out of her, but he could only watch as Fu Hua walked out of the room, carrying Kiana away and they disappeared from sight.
Theresa: Ai-chan... Tell Himeko to prepare for battle and get the transport ship Helios ready for deployment...
Akiri saw that Theresa is now awake, still lying on the ground she contacts Ai-chan.
Theresa: Also, transfer Bronya to the Hyperion and prepare her for surgery right away...
Akiri: Principal Theresa... What happened?
The principal then got up, clutching her injured arm as she slowly walks towards Akiri.
Theresa: Fu Hua... She had orders from the Overseer to bring Kiana to headquarters
Akiri: What? Why?
Theresa: I'm not sure. I'll tell you more later. Right now, we need to get ready. Can you move?
The boy tried getting up again, with Theresa helping him to stay steady and he soon managed to get up on his feet.
Akiri: Let's go
With that, the two of them got out of the room and made their way back up.
As the two entered an elevator, Theresa then broke the tense silence between them.
Theresa: Akiri... Can I ask you for a favour?
Akiri: Huh?
Theresa: I need to get in contact with someone...
(Timeskip)
A few minutes later, Akiri and Theresa arrived at Squad V's dormitory room.
Both Himeko and Mei were shocked when they saw the two looking beat up and injured and Mei rushed to treat Theresa's wound.
Akiri: So that's what happened...
Mei: Kiana-chan...
While she was getting wrapped with bandages by Mei, Theresa told the other three about what happened to Kiana in the database room yesterday before she was taken away by Fu Hua.
According to Theresa, as soon as Kiana followed her into the virtual dataspace, she was immediately put into an illusion fabricated by the Second Herrscher inside of her.
In her dreams, Kiana had travelled back to the year 2000 at Babylon Labs in Siberia, where she had joined forces with her mother Cecilia and defeated Sirin, the Second Herrscher, preventing the death of her mother.
When she learns from Fu Hua that what happened was nothing more but an illusion, she wasn't willing to accept it. In denial of the truth, Kiana's emotions got the better of her, and she soon lost control and her body was taken over by Sirin.
Fu Hua had no choice but to fight. The battle was fierce but ultimately, Fu Hua managed to defeat and subdue the Second Herrscher before taking her away to Schicksal Headquarters in Europe.
Himeko: So Fu Hua was taking orders directly from HQ?
Himeko asked. She was sitting on the couch the whole time while Theresa told the story, occasionally taking drinks from the beer can in her hand.
Akiri: I thought it was weird that she somehow got a 4th gen Battlesuit. Seems to me that she's more than just a class president...
Theresa: The way she acted, and how quickly she conducted her mission, it seems like it was a high-priority order. Probably from Gramps himself
Akiri: The Overseer... What do you think his plan is?
Theresa: Knowing Gramps, it's probably nothing good.
Mei: Then, what should we do?
Akiri: We go rescue her, of course
Theresa: Yeah. I've already told Ai-chan to prepare the Helios
Himeko: Why not use the Hyperion?
Theresa: I have plans for that later. Besides, the Helios can get us there faster
Himeko: Fine...
Theresa: Everyone, make your preparations. We're leaving as soon as the Helios is ready for deployment
The others nodded in silent agreement. The atmosphere around them was tense and serious as they now had the time to contemplate on what they were planning to do.
Theresa: Listen...
Theresa said, breaking the silence.
Theresa: If we do this, we'll be committing treason. There's no turning back. So, I understand if any of you...
Himeko: What? You think we'll stay loyal to Schicksal?
Himeko said as he got up from the couch and slammed her beer can on the coffee table, releasing her pent-up anger.
Himeko: You said it yourself. Whatever the Overseer is plotting, it won't be good...
She grits her teeth. The anger and frustration are clear in her eyes.
Himeko: I don't give a damn what happens! We're going there and we're going to take Kiana back!
Theresa looked at Himeko for a moment before nodding. She then glanced over to Mei and Akiri, and already knew their answers just by looking at them.
Theresa: Alright. Let's do this
Having steeled their resolve, the four of them then went to get ready and they prepare themselves for the upcoming conflict.