I Am Honkai

Blinding flames overtook all light, while the oppressive roar of air combusting under intense heat consumed every sound. The wrath of Judgment of Shamash sent chaos rippling through the Empire's internal communications network surrounding the massive impact crater.

"Disperse! Keep your distance!"

"Everyone! Activate energy shields and alternate covering formations! Maintain distance from the combat zones of the Legion Commanders!"

"Astartes, Titan mechs, and Knightmare Frames, coordinate with the auxiliary and servant soldiers around you!"

Since the moment Robert unsheathed Judgment of Shamash, the blue-armored warriors of the XIII Astartes Legion, the Ultramarines, had been rallying their comrades, urging them to withdraw from the colossal impact site gouged into the ground by orbital lances.

Between the freezing blizzards and blazing infernos, compounded by thunderstorm-like energy raging around them, the key to survival was simple: stay away from the main clash of forces and the residual shockwaves.

For the Astartes warriors, with their sealed power armor, personal energy shields, and squad-level void field projectors, the challenge wasn't insurmountable, even if they found themselves momentarily battered and disheveled.

However, the auxiliary and servant soldiers were far less fortunate.

The battle of gods had come at the expense of mortals. If these ordinary humans were caught in the crossfire and killed by residual aftershocks, it would be a disgraceful end.

Even if the Empire's War Office didn't care about the losses among the servant troops, casualties from friendly fire—especially in such numbers—would be viewed as a waste of the Empire's resources. Heads would roll at military tribunals.

For many of the servant soldiers witnessing such a divine clash for the first time, following their officers' orders was instinctive, but their eyes were drawn inexorably toward the crimson-lit sky above.

The air itself boiled. Temperatures rose at an alarming rate, and even those positioned dozens of kilometers from the epicenter could feel the oppressive heat washing over them, their bodies drenched in sweat.

Faced with the fiery storm of flames and molten rock that towered into the heavens, they found themselves struck speechless.

Yes, the Empire's naval vessels, often exceeding lengths of tens of kilometers, carried weapons of unimaginable destructive power.

From surgical strikes capable of razing individual skyscrapers or city blocks to planet-cracking extermination-class munitions capable of tearing apart planetary ecosystems, the arsenal was vast.

But the destruction caused by individuals, compared to mechanical weapons, always struck a more primal, visceral chord.

Boom—whrrr!

The flames alone were enough to scorch the ground. The extreme temperatures instantaneously eradicated all life at the center—viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms were obliterated, their remains reduced to ash.

The earth dried and crumbled, deep chasms forming and melting into molten red rivers that bubbled and churned with boiling froth.

Crack, crack, crack!

Amidst the ceaseless release of glacial storms, Kevin's piercing blue eyes narrowed with thought. His testing phase was complete. Judging by Robert's current firepower output, Kevin could discard his initial hypothesis.

The Judgment of Shamash in Robert's hands was not a replica mimicked by the first Divine Key, Void Archives. It was the real thing.

Yes, Void Archives could replicate weapons and tools whose construction and principles the user understood, but replicated Divine Keys fell short of the originals.

Although the complete composition of Judgment of Shamash remained a mystery, the sheer magnitude of energy output, the familiar signature of the core—akin to an old friend—left no doubt. This was the Key of Destruction, Judgment of Shamash.

More critically, there was something else at play here.

As expected of Herrscher of the End, even the Honkai energy imbued into her subordinates differed from that of any other Herrscher. The corrosive potency was unparalleled—so intense that even a Fusion Warrior's body couldn't auto-regenerate the damage.

Kevin discreetly glanced at his sleeve.

Where the flames of Judgment had grazed him, beyond the burns, a patch of violet-red corrosion crept along his flesh, continuously eroding his body's ability to heal itself.

It was just a minor abrasion, yet the searing pain was undeniable. The invading energy gnawed at his own Honkai energy reserves.

For now, the damage appeared manageable, but as the battle dragged on, and the blows stacked up, the growing corruption would inevitably tilt the scales against him.

There was no more time to waste. Parvati's power over ice and snow was not enough to prevail.

Thud! Thud!

In an instant, a streak of fire erupted, shattering layers of icy mountains as Robert charged directly toward Kevin.

Clang—vrrr!

The crimson blade of [Judgment of Shamash], searing with flames and murderous intent, swung downward in a ferocious arc, clearly intending to incinerate the defiant figure before him in a single blow.

Crack, crack, crack!

"Hmph!"

The towering glaciers melted away in waves of blistering heat, consumed before one's very eyes. Kevin, his face like a sculpture carved from pure ice, let out a cold snort.

With a slight motion of his hand, Kevin summoned sparks in the void before him. Then, in a flash of dazzling firelight, molten-gold heat surged and morphed, forming a gilded sword hilt.

Soon, a greatsword materialized, its crossguard embedded with a crimson Herrscher core, its jet-black blade gleaming with scalding, radiant red light.

"The true [Judgment of Shamash] is meant to illuminate humanity's path forward. You, a fool enslaved to the Herrscher of the End, could never comprehend that."

Flames erupted skyward as the two weapons clashed.

Clang! Boom!

The two fiery greatswords collided with a thunderous crash, shaking the earth. The ground beneath their feet cracked and split apart. The heat was so intense that everything around them began to ignite and crumble.

Whoosh—!!

The flames, fanned by the impact's explosive shockwave, surged upward, forming a massive wall of fire. This fiery vortex twisted and burned relentlessly, consuming everything in its path.

The surrounding temperature spiked dramatically. The raging inferno created a vacuum within which even thunder seemed unable to tread.

Though both swords bore striking similarities, they reflected the opposing wills of their wielders.

The only clear difference was the size of Robert's [Judgment of Shamash], which had been enlarged to accommodate the superhuman physique of an Astartes.

In the Previous Era, Dr. Mei had forged [Judgment of Shamash], the Key of Destruction, using the core of the Herrscher of Flamescion. It symbolized selfless dedication, the brilliance of humanity, and the unyielding pursuit of civilization's advancement.

However, the version created by Selene, granted through the power of Honkai, bore no such noble aspirations.

"From this sword, I sense nothing but madness, brutality, cruelty, slaughter, selfishness, and arrogance—a complete lack of reason."

Kevin's cold gaze sharpened, his brow furrowing as he directed his killing intent toward the towering blue-armored giant.

"This is the essence of the being you serve. Herrscher of the End will never change."

Weapons bestowed upon meritorious subjects, titles and ranks earned through war—these honors were forged in the blood-soaked crucibles of countless battlefields.

No matter how subordinates interpreted or glorified such gifts, they ultimately reflected Selene's personal ambitions.

Clang! Clang!

Kevin silently apologized, the words forming soundlessly on his lips: "Mei, I'm sorry."

He resolved to unleash his full strength.

Kevin's mission was to eradicate the Honkai and save humanity. The love of his life, Dr. Mei, had created [Judgment of Shamash] to illuminate humanity's way forward.

When Kevin wielded this weapon, he fulfilled Mei's vision by becoming humanity's strongest warrior, vanquishing countless Honkai foes.

But now, for the first time, [Judgment of Shamash]—a weapon Kevin had never once raised against a fellow human—was turned against one of his own kind.

Despite Robert's colossal frame and deep connection to Honkai energy, he remained undeniably human.

He was not a Herrscher, nor a pseudo-Herrscher, nor a Death Servant or Honkai beast. If anything, he resembled the products of their Fusion Warrior program.

Boom!

"Blabbering nonsense."

"You ignorant wretch!"

Robert sneered at Kevin's sarcasm.

"Do you think you deserve to stand before me? If not for Her Majesty's orders, extermination would have been your fate—all of you."

Boom—!

His muscles tensed, the finely crafted power armor designed for Legion Commanders roaring as the synthetic Tyrant-enhanced muscle fibers surged with energy. A torrent of violet-red Honkai particles erupted from his frame with a deafening roar.

"For Selene—!"

Crash!!

The immense force channeled through Robert's blade traveled straight through to the ground beneath Kevin's feet. The earth gave way instantly, collapsing into a cavernous black abyss.

Unshaken, Kevin responded in kind.

Clang—!

With movements as graceful as a soaring crane, his swordplay flowed like a dragon weaving through the air. Kevin lunged forward, his speed lightning-quick. Planting his feet firmly, his muscles tensed as veins bulged across his hands, and with a powerful swing, he split the air, clashing head-on with Robert's greatsword.

The heat from the flames clashed and dissipated in mutual annihilation. The blades collided, producing ear-piercing metallic screeches that left those nearby wincing in pain. Both combatants displayed an astonishing level of strength.

Clang!

Yet, in raw physical power, Robert had the clear advantage.

The crimson glow of his oversized Judgment of Shamash slashed downward, its precision deadly as it aimed directly at Kevin's head.

Boom!!!

Kevin bent his knees, bracing himself as the massive blade came crashing down. Angling his own greatsword, he deflected the attack, redirecting the enormous weapon's momentum away from his body.

Seizing the opening, Kevin locked Robert's sword in place with his crossguard, pivoted swiftly, and delivered a high kick aimed... at Robert's abdomen.

Originally intended to strike Robert's head, the maneuver had to be adjusted due to the significant size difference—after all, Kevin stood around 185 cm, while Robert towered far taller.

But before the kick landed, a colossal blue-and-gold gauntlet came swinging toward him.

Bang!

Robert remained immovable, a mountain of iron resolve. Kevin stumbled slightly but quickly regained his balance, saying nothing. Almost simultaneously, the two warriors advanced again, charging toward each other.

Clang!

The clash of blades sent shockwaves reverberating through the battlefield.

Explosions rang out, audible even from far away.

The ground trembled, groaning under the strain of relentless abuse. Their techniques were flawless—every movement deliberate, without a single wasted action.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Their swords created a dazzling web of crimson slashes. Blade met blade, while molten sparks from each explosion splattered across the fractured ground. Cracks spread like a spiderweb, carving apart the entire urban zone.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield:

Crackle! Crackle!

Raiden Mei streaked across the sky, the sharp hum of her lightning crackling around her. Gazing down, she saw countless war machines crawling over the earth below.

The very presence of these giants exuded a suffocating stench of blood, forcing her brows to furrow instinctively.

The aura of death was overwhelming. Every soldier of the Imperial forces radiated this oppressive atmosphere, but none more so than the golden-haired old giant she had crossed paths with earlier.

His bloodlust was so thick it felt ingrained into his very being—something no amount of cleansing could ever erase.

The sky above was heavy with storm clouds, their edges sparking with arcs of lightning. As Mei's crimson-black Key of Castigation reflected the fading streaks of violet light, she moved.

She moved like a bolt of lightning.

In her violet-red eyes, streaks of lightning danced as Mei surged forward. Her blade sliced through the heated air distorted by relentless bombardment, unleashing a howling tempest of thunder and wind aimed directly at Budo.

Despite his enormous size, Budo moved with an agility that defied logic, twisting through the air like a darting thunderbolt. As Mei closed in, Budo raised his left hand, clenching it into a massive fist.

"Thunder Prison!"

The mechanical arms of his Imperial Artifact—an enhanced version of the Teigu, Adramelech—roared to life. Two massive metallic pylons emitted a deep, resonant explosion.

Vrrr—zzzt-zzzt!

Furious bolts of lightning erupted, transforming into tangible shockwaves rippling outward from the collision of his fists. The air itself seemed to fracture, the sky crackling under the immense force.

The next moment, a tempest of thunder descended from the heavens, sweeping over the battered landscape. Colossal arcs of electricity, as thick as water tanks, formed a web of currents, sealing Mei within confined paths of escape.

Budo's cold, emotionless gaze revealed no sympathy. To him, the outcome was already decided—there was no chance of Mei escaping.

"You're too hasty. Thunder Bones!"

With the speed of a hydraulic press, Budo's armored fist shot out.

Boom!

The heavy gauntlet deflected Mei's blade while a massive iron rod, larger than Mei herself, drove into her chest with overwhelming force.

Bang!

A resonating shockwave rippled outward, carrying an almost hypnotic vibration. At its epicenter, a furious gale erupted in all directions, scattering the oppressive storm clouds that had blanketed the sky.

The sheer impact snapped Mei's head to the side, her armored body plastered against the massive gauntlet before being hurled away.

"Ugh—!"

Even with the cushioning effect of her Herrscher armor, Mei felt as though she'd been rammed head-on by a colossal Honkai beast. The blow displaced her internal organs, and blood spurted from her mouth.

With a thunderous whoosh, her body shot through the air like a cannonball, smashing into the ruined remains of a city and kicking up clouds of dust and debris.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Her body tore through collapsing buildings, pulverizing rubble as she carved a path of destruction through the urban wasteland. Finally, her momentum carried her deep into the outskirts, where she slammed into a forest park, embedding herself within the earth.

"Cough, cough..."

In the center of a crater, Mei's once-pristine pale skin was now marred with countless fine cuts, each trickling with blood. Dust and debris clung to her hair and tattered clothes.

But this was no time to worry about appearances. Gritting her teeth through the searing pain, Mei wiped the blood from her mouth and slammed her hand against the ground.

Boom!

Using the force to propel herself upward, she launched into the air in the opposite direction, her body rising despite its battered state.

Though wounded and disheveled, her objective had been accomplished.

"Cough, cough... Kiana... I'm coming for you."

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