Theresa inputted commands into an integrated computer. "Search for data related to human brain integration with biochips."
The computer responded with a mechanical synthesized voice: "In Schicksal's core database, 713 records found. 712 records are classified as top secret due to their connection to the Sirin Project and are inaccessible."
"Tch!" Theresa clicked her tongue. "Hidden by that guy again, huh? What about the remaining one?"
"On February 7, 2000, records exist from the Babylon Laboratory in Siberia."
Hearing this date, Theresa's brows furrowed tightly. "February 7, 2000? Damn it, of all times."
The next moment, her eyes hardened with resolve. "Database, retrieve the relevant data!"
"Understood, Lady Theresa."
Kiana, secretly observing from the doorway, saw the phenomenon before her and said, "Huh? The screen's starting to disappear? I need to follow it quickly!"
The mechanical voice spoke again: "Virtual data construction complete. Date: February 7, 2000, 3:00 PM. Location: Babylon Laboratory, Siberia."
In an instant, Kiana found herself in a snowy, icy landscape.
"Where am I?" She looked around, spotting a prominent tower in the distance.
[Uh, isn't this too convenient?]
[Seriously, so convenient. Just one record left, just perfectly letting Kiana enter, just right!]
[Is there a mastermind behind this?]
[During the Valkyrie exam, that maid-like Rita was watching Kiana the whole time.]
[So, no more knives! Bro, it's only a few episodes in, and it's already this brutal. Who can handle this?]
[It's a virtual scene—how can it be a knife? Tell me how it's a knife!]
[Buddy, leave your ID. I'll mock you hard later.]
[Hahaha, knives! I love knives! Bring on the knife factory!]
[Respect, bro. Leave your ID. Let's see how tough your mouth is!]
[I Love Drinking Himeko's Coffee—that's my ID.]
[Got it!]
— —
Kiana found all her communication devices offline. With no other options, she headed toward the only visible structure—the tower—likely the only place with signs of human activity.
As she pressed forward, inexplicable emotions welled up in her heart.
Her missing father, Himeko drinking, Mei cooking, Bronya gaming…
A feeling called loneliness surged within her.
As Kiana advanced, she encountered endless Honkai Beasts and Deadwalkers but no living people.
The tower's position didn't seem to get any closer.
Fortunately, Theresa's communication came through just in time.
Kiana, grasping at this lifeline, immediately headed toward the signal's source.
…
Meanwhile, Theresa knelt in the snow, a trail of blood stretching endlessly behind her. Her left arm was gone, the wound glowing with golden light.
"Damn it! I was careless! I didn't expect the Second Herrscher to have such power. I need to regenerate my body quickly… I must eliminate the Second Herrscher before Overseer Otto deploys her."
"Theresa, you're hurt!" Kiana, seeing Theresa's severe injuries, was at a loss.
But Theresa didn't look relieved; her eyes were filled with wariness. "Who are you?"
"We just parted ways, and you already forgot me?" Kiana quickly helped Theresa up. "I'm your niece, Kiana!"
"Kiana? Kiana Kaslana?" Theresa's expression suggested she'd seen through everything. "Hmph! You vile Second Herrscher, trying to deceive me with illusions? Do you take me for a fool? My niece Kiana is only one year old!"
With that, a massive cross appeared behind Theresa, chains instantly coiling around.
Her severed left arm had fully regenerated.
"You illusion! Die!"
"???" Kiana stared at Theresa, dumbfounded. "Hey!"
Before she could explain, the giant cross slammed down.
Left with no choice, Kiana realized the academy principal's hellish training had begun again.
She had no intention of taking hits passively!
Kiana drew her dual pistols and fought back.
…
After a few exchanges, Theresa stopped. "Wait! That technique… is it the Kaslana family's Gun Kata?"
"Yeah."
"Who taught you?"
"My dad, obviously."
"Dad?"
"Siegfried, Siegfried Kaslana."
Theresa scratched her head. "What's going on? She says she's Kiana? But Kiana's only one year old!"
"One year old?" Kiana pondered. "Right, when I entered this virtual space, the system said it was February 7, 2000. Could it be that this Theresa is from that time, so she doesn't know me?"
As Kiana thought, Theresa suddenly snapped awake.
"I get it! You must be Siegfried's illegitimate daughter!"
"Huh?!"
"Damn it, I knew Siegfried's private life was a mess, but to think he'd have an illegitimate daughter this old! That's why you're calling yourself my niece?"
[Hahaha, no wonder Kiana's so silly—it's genetic!]
[Wait, Theresa hasn't aged at all, or grown taller?]
[Haha, Siegfried's character is kinda interesting.]
[So, where's the blood flowing like a river?]
[Chill, it's gonna get wild!]