Making Honkai Impact lll In A World Where Kallen Exists [Continuation]

"Hm? But… this is just part of my and Mei's work. Nothing to be done about it, right?"

Elysia touched her cheek with one hand, tilting her head back to glance at the pristine green ceiling. Her eyes darted playfully, feigning a helpless look.

But those who knew her well could easily spot the delight hidden behind her facade.

Elysia was thrilled!

She really likes this kind of work!

"Ugh, you're so infuriating…" Kiana narrowed her eyes, raising a brow in annoyance as she glared.

But honestly, Elysia hadn't left any tangible evidence to hold against her. At most, she had played tricks with visual illusions to mislead Kiana.

That was why Mei, standing to the side, didn't step in to help. Instead, she looked a little troubled by the bickering between the two.

"Well, it can't be helped. After all, the upcoming scenes involve more interactions between me and Mei. Isn't that right, Mei~?"

Elysia beamed at Mei, a victorious smile spreading across her face. Everyone in this company was so entertaining!

What's more, they were all Herrschers with human consciousness. This only made her mood even brighter.

"Uh… I wouldn't say that. It depends on how the story is arranged," Mei replied calmly, patting Kiana's head with one hand to comfort her before turning to speak.

She didn't think Elysia meant any harm, but she couldn't deny that watching Kiana's flustered reactions was amusing.

Judging from their conversation, Mei could also deduce that her interactions with Elysia in the game wouldn't be scarce. There was no need to treat Elysia like a tiger lurking in the grass.

Perhaps Elysia's identity was even more mysterious than she appeared.

Mei hoped to uncover more details about her. The Thirteen Flame-Chasers… and the original trial grounds of the Elysian Realm, every detail piqued her curiosity.

Mei pondered this silently.

Still, dialogues alone were insufficient. A lack of visual elements made it harder to get a clear grasp, which left Mei slightly frustrated.

As for more specific information, that was reserved for the next version.

The upcoming conceptual trailer… was merely a tantalizing tease for everyone.

It was hard not to suspect that this was all deliberate.

And indeed, it was. Luo Mo was absolutely doing it on purpose.

The current version already had plenty of Otto's storyline. Starting the Elysian Realm plot with just a teaser was enough for now; the rest could be polished later.

As for the reason? Luo Mo had promised Su Lu a vacation. He even secured an island linked to World Serpent as part of the reward. Naturally, he intended to make good use of it!

Moreover, the modeling for the Elysian Realm and the Post-Honkai Odyssey still needed refining. Those tasks could be delegated to alternating teams for preparation.

"Really? Boss, is the upcoming storyline about her?"

Kiana's skeptical gaze bore into Luo Mo. She couldn't shake the feeling that Elysia had pulled some strings, perhaps a bribe or some under-the-table deal.

Of course, Kiana knew this was just her own malicious speculation, a vent for her frustration.

"It's not polite to say this, but to be honest..."

Luo Mo paused briefly before responding without hesitation.

From the argument between the two, he'd gotten a rough understanding of the situation.

But… how to put it? Kiana wasn't wrong in her suspicions, but Elysia also hadn't done anything inappropriate.

"For now, Kiana, there really isn't anything more for you to do. You can relax and wait to play the game instead."

He patted Kiana reassuringly on the shoulder, a clear indication that her task was complete.

After all, wasn't she the one always complaining about how tiring work was and wishing to skip voice recording to jump straight into gaming?

Now her wish had come true, there truly wasn't anything for her in the Elysian Realm arc.

Unfortunately, though… you might need to embrace a shade of green, Bugster~

(TL/N: Shade of green, means Getting your girlfriend stolen)

Luo Mo glanced at the now-dazed Kiana, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. He couldn't let himself look too long, or he might burst out laughing at her utterly baffled expression.

"Huh? I'm the protagonist, aren't I? Are you sure you didn't misspeak? You mean to tell me this game's going to sideline the main character? Boss, isn't this way too sudden?"

Kiana froze in shock at his words, her azure eyes widening as disbelief took over.

Wasn't it too early for this?

What did he mean by "nothing more for her to do"?

Was her story arc coming to a close like Himeko-sensei's?

Kiana blinked her blue eyes in confusion, staring at the boss rambling on.

"What? Of course not! Who's spreading these rumors? I've always said, this is a positive, uplifting game. How could we ever sideline the protagonist?"

Luo Mo sounded genuinely surprised as he reflexively denied it.

Who was spreading such nonsense?

Kiana, however, simply pursed her lips, saying nothing.

Wasn't it obvious? Did anyone even need to spread rumors?

Her mother had once told her: The ability to seriously say things you don't even believe yourself is a skill.

And now, she realized, her boss had mastered this skill to the point of perfection. worthy of being a teacher, a pioneer of his craft.

…Though perhaps such descriptions weren't entirely appropriate here?

Kiana pondered this for a moment before giving up entirely.

"You see, Kiana, you were personally mentored by Himeko and Fu Hua. Bronya has Welt from Anti-Entropy as her guide. Doesn't it feel like something's missing from the triumvirate?"

Luo Mo's tone was patient, coaxing her as he launched into his signature persuasion mode.

"Ah! are you talking about Mei?"

Kiana quickly caught on. His words did seem to make some sense, and her gaze turned conflicted.

"But… what does that have to do with this? Is she going to teach Mei?"

"Exactly. I really enjoy being Mei's mentor—guiding her forward, helping her overcome obstacles, and leading her toward a brighter tomorrow."

Elysia smiled warmly, raising a single finger as if emphasizing her sincerity. Her gaze was bright, unwavering as it lingered on Mei's face, filled with earnest intent.

"The Flame-Chasers of fifty thousand years ago…"

Mei murmured, frowning slightly as she avoided Elysia's gaze.

"If that's the case… thank you for your guidance. I hope… you can also help ensure Kiana's future."

"Of course! But, you can call me something closer, like 'Ely,' don't you think?"

Elysia paused briefly, then laughed softly. She had decided to approach things gradually, step by step. There was no need to rush.

"…"

(TL/C: I too was the same as them, never trust Ely, feeling uncomfortable and sus, until... I Became a her follower.)

Witnessing this interaction, Kiana instantly felt her mood souring again.

How was she supposed to compete with her? Damn it!

This thought gnawed at Kiana's mind.

Elysia's words had landed squarely beyond her defenses, neither too sharp nor too subtle, but enough to leave her irked.

Fortunately, Mei's words dispelled much of her unease.

As expected, Mei cared most about her in the end!

"Well then… let's start with the short trailer. The lines are few enough that they've already been mostly recorded remotely."

Luo Mo's smile broke the trio's friendly interaction.

Ah, these little shura fields among women were always fascinating. He thoroughly enjoyed watching girls argue, so long as the flames of war didn't reach him.

But first, work had to be done.

The Elysian Realm trailer was ready for release. It was time to let the players get a glimpse of this new chapter.

"Oh? Actually, I'm curious. How did you convince Kevin to voice act? That must've been quite the feat!"

Elysia joked, her tone light, though even she found it difficult to imagine.

Yet deep inside, she felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

She was eager to see how players would react to the trailer.

Even if it was just a teaser, she wanted to know if they would be intrigued by the ancient civilization.

Would anyone remember those stories buried in the past?

After all… those were their stories.

Luo Mo decisively released the brand-new conceptual trailer: The Elysian Realm.

As the prelude to a grand narrative, it carried the responsibility of unveiling a fragment of the previous civilization.

And Luo Mo was confident it would succeed.

The familiar pattern of trailer releases sparked immediate discussion among players.

---

[Didn't they just say this game wouldn't rush? Is Mihoyo giving up on sustainable farming now?]

[If players end up heartbroken… who's going to want to keep playing the game?]

[Players also need time to forget sadness! I don't think I need to remind you, devs.]

[The trailer quality keeps getting better, which I'm happy about, but if it keeps pulling at our heartstrings, I'm not going to like it.]

[Elysian Realm? Are you sure it's not "Realm of the Departed"?]

In front of a massive crystal, several smooth, polished surfaces reflected mirage-like images, like glass. This would be Mei's journey, witnessing the story of the thirteen members known as the Flame-Chasers.

"Welcome, pure and noble soul,"

"Have you come to seek the past,"

A soft voice echoed as the music pulsed with a quiet tension,

as if gathering strength before a powerful surge.

"But the foundation of truth has long been buried by time."

"This is the final escape from the doomsday, and the destined tomb for the Flame-Chasers."

The screen shifted to countless shattered crystals, floating in the air, each smooth facet refracting light from afar,

while a purple, cross-shaped light glowed in the distant darkness, surrounded by a radiant purple halo.

Brilliant, almost divine light flooded this small space.

"What lays here, only serves as somewhat amusing tales,"

A figure began to emerge from the shadows but remained half-concealed.

She spoke softly, a note of regret in her voice.

A crystal flower in her hand emitted a faint glow, illuminating a part of her chest and the edge of her clothing.

Each word, like a poem or a song, stirred the heart.

"Stories of a distant past…"

"About the thirteen people who never became heroes,"

The somber music swelled, the vibrant notes nearly leaping off the screen,

singing praises, celebrating, the appearance of the one known as the Golden. And another, the Sage.

IV, Eden "Gold"

VII, Su "Bodhi"

Their names appeared in the darkness, two large Roman numerals marking them, and their titles below.

"This toast is to the vast lands of this world—"

A voice rang through a golden-hued space, resonant with strength; even on her own, her voice was mesmerizing and beautiful.

"May time forever freeze this moment, may this world… shine as brightly as gold!"

She blessed this age, offering a toast to the boundless earth,

smiling elegantly, her wine red hair flowing to her waist, golden eyes gazing beyond the screen.

At first sight, she stirred a sense of artistry in everyone's heart a blend of elegance and ideal.

Under a grand golden-leaved tree, golden leaves fell in a gentle shower, undisturbed by the wind.

Half-reclining beneath it was a man in quiet contemplation, eyes closed, his expression serene and distant.

He gently picked up a fallen leaf, an image of poetic beauty.

The music didn't stop there; it surged, climbing to another level, intensifying with a heroic tone.

VI, Kalpas "Decimation"

VIII, Sakura "Selsuna"

"Enough, Kalpas..."

"The girl is already gone,"

A pink-haired girl gripped her sword tightly, blue headphones around her neck, and a cold, clear look in her eyes,

declaring she was not one for warm-heartedness.

"Farther killing is meaningless."

Yet for her comrade beside her, she still chose to reason with him, understanding that he was the more straightforward and brutal type.

"Killing is meaningless,"

The man's deep, rumbling voice seemed to simmer with barely contained fury,

"But their deaths, must mean something!"

With white, short hair and a terrifying mask covering his face, he stood on the corpse of a Honkai beast, flames spreading to his feet.

He seemed to embody the very concept of slaughter.

The music shifted again, ethereal and resonant, as if spanning fifty thousand years, leading the listener back to ancient times.

Ⅹ, Mebius "Infinity"

XII, Hua "Vicissitude"

In front of a backdrop of pale green liquid, countless transparent bubbles floated up.

Inside each bubble, without exception, was a figure of Fu Hua, showing her through different stages of life.

"Death… is not the end of life,"

A small, slightly mad voice spoke beside her, filled with an unsettling excitement that grew more manic.

"Life will evolve and be reborn, through death"

Behind those bubbles, a small face suddenly appeared.

A beautiful eye, slit like that of a serpent in myth, gleamed dangerously, evoking a shiver.

Beside a chamber, a humanoid machine stood respectfully, holding her small hand gently.

A petite girl with long green hair that nearly swept the ground stood silently. Her gaze was fixed on the container before her. Atop her head was an elegant black metallic crown, and her form-fitting attire clung tightly, exuding a sense of serpentine sleekness and flexibility.

Yet, the cold, indifferent look in her eyes sent chills down one's spine, dispelling any hint of charm. Her gaze was that of a scientist observing test subjects, utterly detached and devoid of empathy, as if life itself held no inherent value.

"Indeed... we will redefine humanity itself"

She gazed at the bubbles within the chamber, though her words seemed to address those watching from beyond the screen.

Ⅰ. Kevin "Deliverance"

"Kevin, it isn't heroes who save the world,"

A clear, feminine voice spoke, belonging to the one who had been there at the very beginning.

"It's because they save the world that they are called heroes."

"But we all know... this world is beyond saving,"

Before the towering purple light pillar, surrounded by shattered fragments of amethyst crystals,

the mistress of serpents declared solemnly.

Kevin's icy eyes fixed on the scene before him, his voice heavy and resonant, reaching the farthest corners of this desolate realm.

"Even so, we must become heroes—"

For now, he bore neither the title of Lord of World Serpent nor its weight,

but the name bestowed upon him as a Flame-Chaser: The Savior.

His voice rang with conviction, as the music swelled to grand, majestic heights.

The one known as The Savior among the Flame-Chasers had to become a hero.

Undeniably.

Irreplaceably.

...