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

In the end, the situation was resolved under Theresa's great "wisdom and magnanimity."

Although she was deeply displeased with the outfit, she couldn't deny that it was unique and even cute. If it mysteriously appeared in her wardrobe, she wouldn't mind wearing it privately.

But in front of everyone?

Absolutely not.

What intrigued her more, however, was the method by which the outfit appeared—a sudden flash of light and her attire had completely changed.

When she asked about it, Luo Mo's explanation was…

"Isn't that how magical girls always change outfits?"

Luo Mo tilted his head, as if surprised by her reaction, treating it as the most natural thing in the world.

A flash of light, followed by a glamorous outfit, it was the standard for magical girls, right?

Apparently, the "system" categorized ordinary costume cards as mere collectibles, while the special ones had additional functions. Luo Mo was now seriously considering giving Theresa a "Magical Girl Teriri" outfit. Maybe then she'd forgive him.

"…"

Theresa was speechless.

It wasn't as though she had never been a magical girl, her "secret" had already been exposed long ago.

As her appearances as Magical Girl Teriri increased, old materials and recordings had resurfaced, and Theresa had given up resisting.

Paper, after all, could not contain fire.

Even the two Vodka-loving girls had posters and tapes from over a decade ago. And unlike her grandmother, Theresa wasn't a relic from 500 years ago. It was inevitable that sharp-eyed fans would piece everything together.

Still, being "found out" was one thing. Fortunately, most people were more fascinated by the intersection of game lore and reality than by her personal history.

But now…

Theresa glared at Luo Mo again, realizing just how foolish she had been to believe he had come to apologize.

She knew Luo Mo felt guilty, but she also knew he'd never truly repent.

Expecting him to regret his actions was as futile as asking Kiana to take studying seriously.

"Magical girls… How dare you even bring that up! And since when do magical girls change clothes like this?!"

Theresa gritted her teeth as she spoke, seething with frustration.

Kiana, on the other hand, had completely forgotten about her failed exam. She was far more fascinated by Theresa's new look, circling her with sparkling eyes.

"Aunt Theresa, I really want to know, how did you change into that outfit?"

Her curiosity bubbled over, and she couldn't stop herself from admiring the small, adorable figure before her.

Theresa, in her current state, was almost too cute. For a moment, Kiana had the wild urge to pick her up and give her a big hug, but her remaining scraps of common sense restrained her. Theresa would definitely retaliate with a head-smack if she tried.

"That's none of your business! Now that your issue is resolved, Kiana, you can leave."

Theresa waved her hand dismissively, her sharp gaze shifting back to Luo Mo, who she intended to thoroughly settle accounts with.

"…Why does this feel like something a heartless woman would say?"

Kiana muttered under her breath, glancing at the small backpack Theresa carried. It was cute, but far too childish for someone of Theresa's age.

Why would Aunt Theresa even own such an adorable bag?

"If you're so curious, I can arrange a private conversation with Cecilia," Theresa replied with a cold smile.

Though her height was small, her presence was imposing. Even in a Klee-inspired outfit, she exuded an undeniable air of authority.

"Tch—well, it does look good. My mom would probably love it. Auntie, you know I never lie!"

Under Theresa's increasingly dangerous glare, Kiana retreated with Mei, deciding it was best not to push her luck. Theresa's expression practically screamed murderous intent.

As the door closed behind them, Theresa glanced down at her outfit once more, letting out a resigned sigh.

"What's the deal with this anyway?"

She looked back at Luo Mo, only to see him hand her another card. This one depicted a pink magical girl outfit, even more frilly and eye-catching than the one she currently wore. Her gaze turned icy.

"It's a costume card. It'll help you avoid wardrobe malfunctions in the future," Luo Mo explained, his tone almost smug.

"...I don't recall ever having wardrobe malfunctions. As the academy's principal, I have no shortage of clothes."

Despite her hesitation, she eventually accepted the card. After all, it wasn't like the card would force her to change, she still had the final say, didn't she? Taking it felt more like accepting an apology gift than anything serious.

(TL: Why do I feel like she will use it when she's alone and looking at the mirror.)

"There's a difference between these two cards, by the way. One is the magical girl outfit, and the other is your current attire. Oh, and this one might even have special effects, like sparkles or something. Anyway, I've delivered my gift. I'll take my leave now!"

Luo Mo clapped his hands, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He stood up, ready to make his exit.

Despite living under the same roof as Theresa, he wasn't keen on lingering around her today. At least he'd fulfilled his promise, so maybe she wouldn't keep glaring at him every time their paths crossed.

"Don't think this is over!" Theresa snapped, crossing her arms and tilting her head to glare at him.

Luo Mo blinked, genuinely confused.

Two costume cards weren't enough? He had personally selected them from a mountain of fashionable options!

In fact, the first card had been a test run to ensure there were no dangerous side effects before handing one to Luna. He had thought of Theresa first because, well…

It was only fair compensation for the rent.

And yet, she wasn't satisfied! Impossible to please, this woman! He had gone through countless designs to pick out the best two outfits, discarding all the ordinary options!

Luo Mo couldn't help but feel exasperated as he faced Theresa's cold, mocking smile.

But still… He couldn't deny that her current look made her seem older, affirming his initial instincts about the costume's design.

---

By noon, in Theresa's villa, the group quietly enjoyed their lunch.

"Huh? Luo Mo~ You don't like bitter melon, do you? Why is your plate full of it today?"

Elysia's curious gaze locked onto Luo Mo's plate. She glanced at it a few times before her intrigue got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask.

Luo Mo had made it clear, time and again, how much he despised bitter melon. And yet here he was, eating an entire bowl.

Could it be that he was one of those people, saying one thing but doing another? Just like Mobius?

Surely, that must mean his earlier comments were lies too. After all, who could truly dislike pink hair? It was so beautiful!

Elysia leaned on one hand, her other hand rhythmically stirring her spoon in her fruit salad. She brought a spoonful to her mouth, chewing with playful interest, her vibrant blue eyes brimming with joy.

Meanwhile, Mobius frowned at the overly sweet fruit salad in front of her. It was drenched in cream, identical to Elysia's. The thought made her hesitate.

Mobius triple-checked her plate, Luo Mo's meal, and their recent menu. Something wasn't adding up.

"Elysia... I don't recall this being on today's menu. It's too sweet. I don't like it."

"Oh, My dear Mobius, I made this especially for you! You should accept it gratefully, it's the limited edition with extra sugar~"

"Elysia, your enthusiasm is unmatched…"

"And you, Luo Mo? What made you decide to eat bitter melon? I can't stand that vegetable, it's so bitter and completely lacks sweetness!"

Elysia's spoon twirled lazily in her hand as she spoke. The spoon carried a mix of milk and an unidentified liquid, but just before the contents could spill, she scooped another spoonful into her mouth.

"Mmm?"

"…"

Luo Mo's expression was one of grim determination as he stared at the bitter melon rice before him. Beside the plate sat a bottle of freshly squeezed bitter melon juice. Just the sight of it made his taste buds recall its bitterness vividly.

This was, without a doubt, Theresa's unique form of punishment. She had made it clear: if Luo Mo voted for bitter melon dishes for a week and endured a meal of bitter melon today, she would forgive his previous actions.

Initially, Luo Mo had outright refused, but after extensive negotiations during their walk home, he reluctantly agreed. The compromise? One week of bitter melon advocacy and today's bitter melon-laden lunch.

As he stared down at his plate, his resolve wavered. But there was no turning back now.

When faced with the moment of truth, Luo Mo hesitated.

The unfamiliar green food before him exuded an odd smell, and the distant memories it evoked were anything but pleasant. This was Theresa's special bitter melon dish, enriched with concentrated nutrients that not only doubled its health benefits but also rendered the flavor indescribably intense.

The thought of that taste alone was enough for Luo Mo to suppress a shudder.

Now, as he stared at the dish before him, he began to regret his earlier confidence. Had he dug his own grave?

He cursed his past self, despised his current self, and desperately wished he could skip straight to being his future self, the one who'd already survived this ordeal.

Hearing Elysia's curious remark, he couldn't help but sigh in reflection.

"Humans are such complicated creatures... Why did I make that choice?"

With a tone of someone lamenting life's endless struggles, he closed his eyes and shoved a spoonful into his mouth. The intense bitterness exploded on his taste buds and spread to every corner of his being, causing him to involuntarily shiver.

"?"

Elysia tilted her head, puzzled. Had she accidentally triggered something in him?

Not understanding but still amused, she continued enjoying her fruit salad, savoring the drama unfolding before her.

"By the way… Elysia, have you gained weight recently?"

Mobius, who had been silent for a while, poked Elysia's waist bluntly, her sharp eyes narrowing in suspicion.

She scanned Elysia from head to toe, noting the sugar-laden fruit salad and the extra sweetness deliberately added to hers. Very suspicious.

The only logical explanation?

Elysia had gained weight and was trying to drag her down with her.

"Eh? Why are you suddenly asking that?"

Elysia froze, her spoon slipping into her bowl. Her mouth opened slightly in shock as she stared blankly at Mobius.

Had her secret been discovered?

But how? She herself had only realized it this morning!

It was true, her recent indulgent meals, lack of portion control, and inability to exercise had caught up with her. Why had the "side effects" of being a MANTIS disappeared? Oh, right… this wasn't her old body anymore.

(TL: ...how DARE you Author. Make such an excuse!)

Lowering her head, Elysia pouted slightly, stirring her salad absentmindedly. The colorful fruits were now evenly coated in white cream.

"Sigh~"

A soft sigh escaped her lips. The day had gone downhill ever since she stepped on the scale.

It seemed the world wasn't as beautiful as she thought.

"Tsk, as I thought, just a pink-haired fatty. I, on the other hand, will never get fat. Your little schemes won't work on me!"

Mobius chuckled, a triumphant grin spreading across her face. She looked like a victorious general savoring her triumph as she ate her salad, enjoying Elysia's distressed expression more than the food itself.

As for Luo Mo, he was barely alive, slumped over the table as he struggled with his bitter melon. The chaotic green mess in his bowl had him on the brink of collapse.

On the side, Kongming and Luna were bickering happily, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Theresa, meanwhile, supervised Luo Mo's ordeal. Watching his pained expression, she began to doubt her own taste buds, surely it wasn't that bad? His eyes were practically rolling into the back of his head!

Though she felt a certain satisfaction seeing Luo Mo suffer, she couldn't help but ponder a serious question:

Did she still have any hope of popularizing bitter melon?

Even the MANTIS warriors of the previous civilization seemed horrified by it.

The fact that her favorite food was universally despised dampened her mood.

Bitter melon was so delicious, why couldn't anyone else appreciate it?

(TL/C: I too don't like it. But I can still eat it with no problem... when it's fried or roasted.)

---

Time marched on, and Elysia's voice acting skills gradually improved. One by one, the

Flame chasers became employees of Luo Mo's company. Seeing this, he felt a surge of pride.

One day, he thought, he would help Theresa rise to power.

Then, he'd rebuild the world in her image.

…But that thought only lingered for a moment. On second thought, relying on Kongming seemed more reliable. Theresa was better suited as a mascot, putting the right person in the right position was the way to go, after all.

Luo Mo nodded to himself. It wasn't his fault his subordinates were so absurdly capable.

Look over there, that green-haired loli with a frown while voice-acting? That was none other than the infamous Mobius.

And that masked man in the corner? That was Kalpas, her equal in notoriety.

The long-eared swordswoman cradling a pink-haired girl? A top-tier assassin. That was Sakura.

And that elegant figure seated gracefully at the back, whose fingers unconsciously danced to the rhythm? That was Eden, a person whose wealth rivaled nations.

Lastly, standing near Mei, the sweet, affectionate one clinging to her? That was Elysia, the second-ranked MANTIS warrior.

Luo Mo swelled with pride as he observed the scene. With this group, securing all of Schicksal for Theresa seemed entirely possible.

Why Theresa, you ask? He'd made it clear from the start, he was Theresa's blade.

After much thought, he decided the hard work should ultimately fall to Theresa. She could handle the struggles, and he'd simply support her from behind the scenes.

---

As the curtain rose on new chapters, the main story's updates halted. Instead, numerous recurring events were introduced.

This version didn't feature a continuation of the main storyline. Instead, Luo Mo intended to focus on "Elysian Realm" as a permanent feature, giving players more opportunities to connect with the Flame-Chasers.

For strangers, even the most shocking stories couldn't evoke strong emotions. A bit of time was needed to build familiarity and slowly uncover their histories… and the tales of the bygone era.

Thus, the Elysian Realm officially opened.

A forgotten paradise, the destined end of the Flame-Chasers. But now, a new arrival brought a different kind of light to this place.

As the screen faded to black, soft, gentle music played, accompanied by a familiar voice singing in the background.

"How does it feel?"

Even the subtitles turned pink, marking the unique presence of the speaker.