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While Otto engaged Durandal and others in fierce combat, Xia Chen gradually regained consciousness.
His physical condition was robust; his earlier unconsciousness stemmed from depleted Honkai Energy levels, which had now recovered significantly.
Holding Bronya, Seele looked at Xia Chen with genuine concern, "Are you alright?"
Although not very familiar with him, they had met a few times before, despite their recent altercation.
Xia Chen shook his head, "How long has Durandal been inside?"
"About ten minutes," replied Seele, who had been keeping track of time.
"Ten minutes, huh?" Xia Chen pondered briefly.
As he stood up, he noticed Wendy nearby.
"You're here too?"
Wendy calmly explained, "The number of Honkai Beasts around this area keeps increasing. I've already led my squad to safety. Lady Rita was concerned about you, so she sent me over."
On her way, she saw Durandal carrying Xia Chen, but didn't expect to find him lying on the ground upon arrival.
"Is everything alright with your body?"
"I'm fine." Xia Chen shook his head and said, "Thank you for taking care of things."
He turned to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"To collect my payment for the deal," Xia Chen replied, pausing briefly before continuing, "Bishop Otto promised this to me. Of course, you can come along; there's no need to keep it secret from you."
If not for Otto's promise, he wouldn't have risked his life here for him.
When Otto arrived at Klostern, he certainly didn't neglect making arrangements for Schicksal.
The Void Archives were naturally intended for Schicksal, containing vast knowledge and records from the previous civilization era. Even without Otto, these archives would be immensely valuable to Schicksal.
However, Xia Chen remained indifferent towards them, as this Divine Key was highly selective about its wielder.
What Otto had promised Xia Chen instead involved a secret connected to MEI, which also pertained to Stigmata.
It is true that Dr. Mei from the previous civilization era had indeed died, beyond any doubt. However, death does not always mean complete dissolution. At least in MEI's case, although she passed away, she continued to exist in another form.
Xia Chen had long harbored suspicions about MEI's death. The previous civilization possessed methods to preserve consciousness, coupled with advanced technologies still present today. It seemed implausible that MEI could simply perish due to Honkai erosion alone.
It's not that death from Honkai erosion was impossible, but MEI's significance made her demise highly suspect.
Xia Chen couldn't help but think she might have been targeted; otherwise, even if just preserving her consciousness, she would have survived. However, various indications suggested that aside from possible connections with Otto, there was no direct evidence of Dr. MEI existing in this current era.
Raiden Mei and MEI were indeed two distinct individuals with different souls.
What Xia Chen didn't anticipate was Otto revealing information about MEI to him.
He eagerly sought answers through MEI, the most crucial being the origin of his simulator and the truth behind his own transmigration.
Several signs already pointed towards his transmigration being not coincidental but inevitable, likely linked to the Herrschers of the previous civilization era.
There was no need to conceal this from Wendy, as she already knew he possessed the ability to alter the future.
Together, Xia Chen and Wendy left Klostern and headed to the location mentioned by Otto: Babylon Tower.
"Isn't this place abandoned?"
Wendy, well-versed in the history of the Second Honkai Eruption, knew that Babylon Tower had long ceased housing any inhabitants. After the Second Honkai, due to its unique experimental conditions, Babylon Tower became forbidden territory.
"I'm not sure either," replied Xia Chen.
Xia Chen remarked sarcastically, "I thought Bishop Otto would conduct our transaction in Klostern, not at such a remote place."
Babylon Tower was virtually deserted; as they entered, a thin layer of dust immediately swirled around them.
"Tsk, I even suspect if I've been tricked," he muttered, tapping his head. "But with the bishop about to depart, there's no reason for him to deceive me on this matter."
Wendy remained silent beside him.
Together, they proceeded along the path within the tower, steadily moving forward.
Babylon Tower had been abandoned for over a decade, yet aside from its emptiness, the facilities and scale were remarkably well-preserved. Surprisingly, power supply had also been restored.
Furthermore, on the third underground level, an infrared identification system was still operational, linked to Schicksal's programs. Fortunately, Xia Chen was authorized for access, and the gates slowly opened before them.
Upon reaching the third underground level, they discovered a hidden wonder inside.
Countless machines operated autonomously, densely packed together. Xia Chen observed numerous LCD screens displaying various data, performing complex calculations.
There were no signs of human presence, but it felt as though invisible beings were orchestrating this vast laboratory.
"Welcome to the Sacred Mark Terminal System.
"I am Ella, the administrator responsible for the Sacred Mark Terminal System." A figure materialized out of nowhere.
Wendy exclaimed in surprise, "Invisibility?"
Xia Chen shook his head, "It's likely a digital projection."
"Yes, indeed. This is a feature of the Sacred Mark Terminal, manifesting through data." Ella's voice lacked emotion as she looked at Xia Chen. "Now, who shall begin the experiment first?"
Meanwhile, at Klostern.
The battle within the cathedral was nearing its conclusion, with Durandal and Kiana demonstrating excellent coordination this time.
Otto, resembling a deity, showcased various extraordinary 'Divine Powers.' His life essence had transcended to infinite heights before his demise.
He surpassed even Herrschers now. Ordinary means could no longer kill him, akin to witches in Western mythology, requiring specific countermeasures to bind their souls.
Moreover, Durandal knew that Otto possessed numerous backup bodies composed of Soulium.
"I'm ready."
"Prepare yourself for death."
At the brink of her own life, Kiana opened Virtual Space.
Exile - it was her final recourse as the Herrscher of the Void against Otto.
In this battle against the false god, they emerged victorious.
As the alternate space within the cathedral became increasingly unstable, Durandal and Kiana exchanged glances and hastily departed.
"You girls have won."
A familiar voice made them unconsciously pause.
That voice concealed in the space sounded identical to Otto's.
"The battle against God comes only once, so this was a necessary practice. My proud students, Bianka and Kiana, along with another innocent hero, you now possess the qualification to engage on equal footing with the divine."
"Thus, the future of humanity should be entrusted to you."
"This is Schicksal's legacy, its final reserve." The voice carried a hint of regret and sorrow. "As per your wishes, I will no longer interfere with humanity's destiny. From now on, your responsibilities have become even heavier."
The voice abruptly ceased.
Meanwhile, at the Imaginary Tree...
A brand new branch began to grow, representing the greatest power within human reach.