Ch-94 < Last ball >

The atmosphere in the lab was charged with anticipation. Kevin, Jyahnar, Mobius, Mei, and Bronya gathered around the chamber, where Elysia was prepared for her transformation.

They then decide to head to a safer place and bronya will give false data to prevent system from detecting a Herrscher.

They decide to enter the sacred place constructed in India. The place which got destroyed by herrecher of wind.

The room was dimly lit, with the soft hum of machines filling the air. Elysia, poised and serene, stood in the center, her eyes reflecting a calm acceptance of what was to come.

As the process began, a surge of energy crackled through the air, causing the lights to flicker.

Elysia's body began to glow with a soft, ethereal light, her form gradually enveloped by a radiant pink aura. Her long hair floated around her like a halo, shimmering with a life of its own. The glow intensified, and the air grew thick with power as the transformation took hold.

Kevin watched with a mixture of awe and concern, his heart pounding in his chest. Jyahnar, standing beside him.

"Is she... okay?" Jyahnar asked, she remember that all herrscher will have their will corrode by honkai.

Kevin nodded, his eyes never leaving Elysia. "She's strong. She can handle this."

Elysia's aura began to shift, taking on darker, more intense hues of pink and violet. Her eyes, once gentle and kind, now glowed with a piercing, otherworldly light. The transformation was nearing completion, and the energy in the room was almost unbearable. Mei and Mobius exchanged worried glances but continued monitoring the process.

Kevin Immediately comstuct a barrier to prevent her aura from leaking out and elysia even transfer her aura to Kevin through soul bond.

Suddenly, a wave of power erupted from Elysia, shattering the glass of the chamber. The shockwave sent a ripple through the building forcing everyone to brace themselves. When the light finally began to subside, Elysia stood transformed—a true Herrscher.

Her appearance was otherworldly, her body radiating a fierce yet beautiful power. Her once pink hair had deepened in color, and her eyes now held the intensity of a thousand stars. A crown of energy floated above her head, and her hands crackled with raw, destructive force.

Elysia took a step forward, and the ground beneath her trembled. She glanced at Kevin, a smile playing on her lips—one that still carried the warmth he knew.

"How do I look?" Elysia asked, her voice echoing with the power of her transformation.

"Like a goddess," Kevin replied, unable to hide the awe in his voice.

Mobius approached cautiously, her eyes scanning Elysia's new form. "Your energy levels are off the charts," she remarked.

Elysia nodded, her gaze distant. "I can feel it... the power. This isn't just a transformation—it's a rebirth."

Kevin stepped closer and said yes.

******

A whole month has passed and it's time for last traditional ball. Mobius and Kevin has used 30% of treasury for this event.

The grand ballroom was bathed in the soft glow of chandeliers, their golden light reflecting off the polished marble floors. The air was thick with the scent of exquisite dishes, a blend of flavors from across the world. Mobius had outdone herself this time, using a significant portion of the treasury to ensure that this final ball would be remembered for ages.

Tables were adorned with the finest silks, and each was laden with a cornucopia of delicacies. The best chefs from across the globe had been summoned to prepare the feast, and the elite soldiers, who had seen countless battles, now found themselves awestruck by the sheer extravagance of the event.

Crystal glasses clinked together, filled with the most refined liquors, while live performers played melodies that added a soothing backdrop to the evening's festivities.

The members of Squad 7 were all present, each one a pillar of strength in their own right. Kevin stood at the center, his gaze sweeping over his comrades, who had become more like family.

Elysia and Jyahnar, dressed in stunning pink and blue gowns, looked like goddesses descended from the heavens. The gold jewelry Kevin had personally selected for them glinted under the chandelier lights, adding to their ethereal beauty.

As the night went on, the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the ballroom.

Kevin allowed himself to indulge in the full-course meal, leaving nothing behind. He savored each bite, knowing that this might be the last time they would all gather like this.

Kevin stood at the front of the grand hall, the weight of his responsibility evident in his eyes as he looked over the gathered soldiers. They were warriors, each one hardened by countless battles, yet the uncertainty of the coming days weighed heavily on them all.

Taking a deep breath, Kevin began, "Comrades, the time has come for us to face the final challenge. In seven days, the final Herrscher will descend upon the moon. It will be a battle unlike any we've faced before, and only a select few of us will go to meet this threat head-on."

A murmur ran through the room, and Kevin could see the questions and concerns in the eyes of his soldiers. He raised a hand to quiet them, his voice steady and resolute.

"The team that will engage the final Herrscher will consist of me, Bronya, Jyahnar, and Elysia.

"Boss, why are you leaving us behind? I'll come with you too!" Kalpas shouted, his fists clenched tightly. Kosma nodded in agreement, his usually calm demeanor giving way to a fierce determination. The rest of the squad voiced their objections, each one expressing their desire to stand by Kevin in this final battle.

Kevin raised a hand to quiet them, his expression softening as he looked at each of them

"I know many of you are eager to join us, to stand together as we always have, but I must ask you to remain here. This is not a decision I've made lightly."

Kevin paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "The final Herrscher is beyond anything we've encountered. The Herrscher of Light alone has the power to devastate entire planet. I dread to think what the final Herrscher is capable of. I can't allow any more of you to become casualties in this fight."

He remembered what happened to other MANTIS against final Herrscher in canon.

Kevin's gaze swept across the room, his voice growing firmer. "You are all warriors, with hearts as strong as steel. If we fail to defeat the final Herrscher, the fate of humanity will rest in your hands. That's why I need the Elite Squad 7 and the rest of you here, ready to defend what remains. You must be the ones to carry the torch if we fall."

The room was silent, the gravity of Kevin's words settling over the soldiers like a heavy cloak. He took another deep breath, his tone softening.

"In the event that the final Herrscher proves too powerful, we have a contingency plan. Project S.A.V.E. last phase will be activated, and those chosen—along with any MANTIS soldiers who wish to fight in the next era—will go into hibernation. The hibernation key can host up to one thousand people, enough to ensure that humanity has a fighting chance in the future."

Kevin's voice rose, filled with the fire of determination. "This is not the end. Even if we fall, humanity will rise again, thanks to the strength and courage of those who remain. You are the future of our species, and I trust you to carry on the fight, no matter what happens."

He raised his glass high, his voice ringing out with conviction. "For humanity!"

The soldiers echoed his words, their voices a chorus of resolve. "For humanity!"

"For humanity!" The others echoed, their voices rising as one. The toast was made, and everyone drank deeply, the liquor burning a path down their throats, a reminder of the fire that burned within them.

Kevin looked out at them, his heart swelling with pride. They were ready—no matter what came next, they would face it together.

The night continued with a sense of finality, but also with a renewed resolve. They danced, they laughed, and for a brief moment, they allowed themselves to forget the looming threat.

As the night wore on, Kevin found himself standing by Elysia and Jyahnar, both of whom had been quiet after his speech. He turned to them, a soft smile on his lips.

"You both look stunning tonight," Kevin said, his voice warm.

Elysia chuckled, twirling a lock of her pink hair. "Flattery, Kevin? You must be nervous."

Kevin laughed lightly. "Maybe a little. But with the two of you by my side, I know we can do this."

Jyahnar looked at Kevin, her blue eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. "No matter what happens, we'll be with you."

Kevin nodded, feeling the weight of her words. He reached out, gently squeezing Jyahnar's hand. "And I'll be with you."