Ch-70 < Herrscher of Binding >

Months Later

The Fire Moth's headquarters was abuzz with activity. Mobius had come up with a revolutionary idea to upload the memories of their best warriors and scientists into a simulated world. It was a bid to preserve their knowledge and experiences for future generations, even if the current world succumbed to the Honkai.

Meanwhile, the completion of the Key of Infinity, a weapon designed to search the Quantum Sea for Kevin, was almost within reach.

During this time, Bronya, the AI prodigy, predicted the emergence of a new Herrscher.

A few days later, the world began to tremble under the weight of a new threat.

People across cities started dying mysteriously, and the Fire Moth initially suspected Honkai corruption. But this was different. There were no signs of typical Honkai infection, no monstrous transformations—just sudden, unexplained deaths.

Mei was buried in reports, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Weird... It's like the 8th Herrscher, but the deaths are too sudden. There's no indication of a Herrscher's presence—yet I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something."

Mobius nodded, her expression grave. "These people didn't die naturally, that's for certain."

Mei immediately dispatched a team of agents specializing in detecting anomalies and suspicious activities. But even as they worked to uncover the truth, the deaths continued. The agents themselves began to fall, heightening the suspicion that something far more sinister was at play.

Then, it happened—a major incident in a bustling city. All the people in the area suddenly collapsed, dead where they stood. Yet, in a small section of the city, a women remained unaffected.

"Send in the soldiers," Mei ordered, her voice steady but tense. "We may have found the Herrscher. But do not engage—for now."

Bronya worked to analyze the situation, her calculations running at speeds beyond human comprehension.

As the soldiers approached the unaffected women, they were greeted by an eerie silence. The woman, in particular, stood out. She looked up at the soldiers, her eyes calm yet distant.

"Ma'am, this area is now a restricted zone. Please, tell us why you're here—it's dangerous," one of the soldiers said, his tone respectful but firm.

The woman closed her eyes, tilting her head toward the sky. She mumbled something under her breath, and in an instant, the soldiers began to sway. Their vision blurred, and one by one, they dropped to the ground, lifeless.

The Fire Moth reeled from the loss of an entire elite squad equipped with Soulium suits. Mobius, her usual composure slipping, immediately gave the order: "Send every MANTIS into the field. We must contain this before it spreads."

The MANTIS warriors, humanity's last line of defense, moved out with all the equipment they could muster. The tension was palpable as they arrived at the scene, only to be met by the same woman. She stood there, hands clasped together, watching them with an unreadable expression.

Elysia, always the voice of reason, stepped forward. "I'll give you a chance to surrender," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Stop the killing—there's still a choice."

The woman's eyes shifted, a flash of madness crossing her gaze. Elysia felt a strange energy pass through her, and suddenly, her Honkai energy began to spiral out of control. Her strength ebbed away, and she could feel the same happening to Kalpas and the others.

"Communication's down!" someone shouted in panic as all their equipment failed simultaneously. In the Fire Moth headquarters, Mei's attempts to contact the field team were met with silence.

Bronya, analyzing the data from afar, came to a chilling conclusion. "The Herrscher's ability... it nullifies all energy within a 100-kilometer radius. Honkai energy, electronics, biological processes—they're all weakened or stopped entirely."

Hundreds of soldiers and elite MANTIS warriors fell within minutes. Elysia struggled to stay on her feet, but even she could feel the strength leaving her body. Kalpas, ever the fighter, engaged the Herrscher in a desperate brawl. But he was no match for her—he was knocked out, his body crumpling to the ground.

Elysia's mind raced, her thoughts a chaotic swirl of despair and determination. As her strength waned, she considered —awakening as a Herrscher herself. But before she could make the final decision, her thoughts drifted to Kevin. *Kevin, where are you?* she thought, her heart aching with longing.

---

Kevin in the Quantum Sea, suddenly felt Elysia's distress. He didn't hesitate—he surged toward her location, the distance between them shrinking in an instant.

Arriving at the scene, Kevin quickly assessed the situation. The Herrscher of Binding's domain was like anti magic area, but Kevin's body, now infused with Quantum energy, resisted the effects.

He pulled out his Divine Key, transforming it into a spear. Channeling his will and Quantum energy, he hurled the spear with precision and overwhelming force.

The Herrscher, sensed the spear too late. She turned, her eyes widening in shock and confusion as the weapon tore through the air. The spear struck her with devastating accuracy, piercing her body dividing her in two.

The Herrscher expression froze, a mix of disbelief and pain etched onto her face as she collapsed.

***

At the same moment, Elysia was preparing to awaken herself when she felt a powerful surge of energy pass by. Before she could react, the Herrscher fell to the ground, as a spear embedded in her chest. The oppressive energy that had been draining Elysia and the others faded away, leaving the battlefield eerily quiet.

Kevin landed beside the Herrscher lifeless body, his gaze shifting to Elysia. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice steady but tinged with concern.

Elysia nodded weakly, relief washing over her. "Kevin... you're back."

Kevin offered a small smile as he saw her eyes filled with deep happiness. "I'm back."