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

It was a weekend holiday, the perfect time to game together! The pink-elf Lady thought so from the bottom of her heart, greeting Mei, Kiana, and Bronya enthusiastically.

Mei and Kiana seemed a bit surprised. Elysia smiled at their reactions.

"Wha—! Why are you still here? Isn't that villa almost finished?"

Kiana exclaimed immediately. She had been trying her hardest these past days to prevent herself from losing Mei to Elysia, but her efforts weren't working.

Despairing, she doubled down on being extra sweet to Mei, hoping she wouldn't really turn into a "green bug."

Damn it. Damn it! The boss was the one who told her to come here. Why was this woman here too? Like a lingering shadow…

And why did she always hover so much around Mei? Argh, and even in the game—ugh! No way, no way! This could never become reality!

Kiana was full of grievances, a sourness in her heart she had no one to confide in.

She was carrying burdens far too heavy for someone her age, her tear-filled eyes saying it all, sigh.

"Hmm~ Because it seems livelier here, of course! And, well, I heard you guys were coming over, so naturally, I decided to stay a few extra days,"

Elysia said matter-of-factly, her calm demeanor completely unbothered.

"Sigh…"

The green bug sighed heavily.

Bronya and Seele, on the other hand, didn't seem to care much. There had been a time when Elysia was overly attached to them, but ever since Mei showed up, her attention shifted entirely.

Bronya genuinely admired Mei and pitied the now pitiful Kiana.

Exchanging a quick glance with Seele, the two chose to remain silent.

"Hmm? Kiana, I really do welcome you, you know? Don't look so dejected. Come, come in~"

Elysia eagerly invited them in, exuding the air of a hostess, as if she owned the place.

Mei's expression grew a bit awkward.

…Wait a second.

This was supposed to be the principal's villa, wasn't it…?

Mei scratched her cheek, hesitating to speak. Ultimately, she said nothing and chose to follow the group inside.

--------

Within the game, Theresa's Raiden Mei had just completed the current trial.

(TL/N: They are playing on Theresa's account)

As the screen faded to white, they reached the moment of first contact in the game's storyline.

....

The familiar scene of the grand hall unfolded, the warm orange lighting dispelling the surrounding darkness, leaving behind a comforting warmth.

In the center stood a floating, hollow stone sculpture with a glowing purple crystal at its heart. Flickering screens occasionally displayed corrupted data, while a semi-transparent panel added a high-tech barrier to the corner.

"I'm here~"

Elysia's voice rang out.

A long-awaited voice called out, somewhat teasing as it addressed the person who had just emerged.

"Hi~welcome back."

She was half-sitting on a vintage sofa, the light gently filtering through her hair. Her pink locks cascaded obediently over her shoulders, and her light blue eyes gazed seriously at Mei.

A faint smile constantly graced her lips, while her hand draped over the sofa, fingers slightly curled. A loose sleeve partially covered her fair and delicate fingers.

Just by sitting there, she seemed to draw all attention to herself, as if stealing the scenery from everything around her.

"Hmm? Are you okay?"

Mei's expression was pained, her brows furrowed as she panted softly.

It was clear that even though it was just a trial, it had been too overwhelming for her as a first-timer.

"Relax, take it step by step. Do you remember where this is?"

In critical moments, she was surprisingly reliable, offering Mei comforting and careful words. It was hard to believe this was someone typically so carefree.

Mei sank into deep thought. According to Raven, this was a place every World Serpent cadre had to pass through for baptism. However, after navigating the winding passages, she had arrived at a golden palace... and found her, waiting there.

Breaking out of her reverie, Mei looked at the smiling woman before her, waiting quietly.

"Staring at me like that will make me feel shy~"

"Ah… my apologies."

Mei lowered her head slightly in apology. She still didn't understand who the person before her was—or what she represented.

"Then, do you remember who I am?"

Elysia's eyes seemed to sparkle as she eagerly awaited Mei's response.

----

[Feather Bunny]

[Pink Fairy Lady]

[Pink Flirty Fatty]

"..."

Theresa found herself at a loss, staring at the options on the screen for two minutes without finding a correct answer.

It wasn't like in the game, she had met Feather Bunny in person, although… she'd been tricked by that one's appearance and fallen into her trap.

But the pink-haired, beautiful lady in front of her? Even without the game's hints, just hearing her enthusiastic self-introduction once would make Elysia's name unforgettable.

So… which one to choose?

Theresa glanced at Luo Mo with a hint of distress. He subtly averted his gaze, silently pleading, Don't look at me! I'm innocent!

He had only borrowed Mei's previous answer and added a bit of flair.

"Pick the third one!"

A delicate voice rang out, filled with undisguised amusement.

Mobius's drowsiness disappeared instantly as her eyes widened. What did she just see? Pink Flirty Fatty?!

It matched her impression of Elysia perfectly. Not choosing it would be a crime against justice!

Unfortunately, the controls weren't in Mobius's hands. If they were, she wouldn't have hesitated for even a second. Respecting her current feelings demanded immediate action.

"What kind of options are these?! Is someone making fun of me?"

Elysia pouted, glaring at the screen.

How could Mei possibly forget her name?

And yet, there wasn't a single correct answer on the list. How could she not be angry?

"While I do have some complaints about you, I wasn't the one who wrote this~"

Mobius sighed dramatically, feigning regret at not having a hand in creating the text. If she had, she would've added even more amusing nicknames.

"Humph—"

Elysia shot Luo Mo a sidelong glance. It wasn't hard to guess who was behind it. But honestly, she was almost used to such antics.

Turning back to the group, she playfully declared:

"Alright, alright. Let me remind you one more time: my name is Elysia, derived from the word 'Elysium' in the language of the Mu Continent in the Previous Era. Don't forget it again, okay?"

"Ahem—so, which option should I choose?"

"Oh, Aunt Theresa! Why not try the third one? There might be some kind of easter egg!"

Kiana's eyes sparkled as she stared at the peculiar option, practically bouncing with excitement.

Everyone knew how much the "baka tuna" loved chaos.

Theresa glanced at the three options, her hand unconsciously hovering over "Pink Flirty Fatty."

Her curiosity about what might happen next got the better of her.

Elysia naturally noticed her hesitation and sighed deeply, her face falling.

"Well… fine. Do whatever you want. But remember, none of these are correct. Especially that third one—humph! Luo Mo, there's no way Mei would say something like that about me!"

The Pink Fairy Lady stated this with conviction, her gaze filled with trust as she looked at Mei.

How could her Mei be so mean-spirited?

Although… maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all~

....

"Feather Bunny? Why would Feather Bunny's name appear above Elysia's? Could there be some connection between the two of them?"

Cecilia asked curiously.

Theresa had mentioned someone who looked remarkably like her in a previous report. Cecilia hadn't forgotten. In fact, the impression was quite vivid.

Even Theresa, who had known her for so long, had mistaken the stranger for her at first glance. That said a lot about their resemblance.

"Who knows? I've never met that person. I would never mistake anyone for Mom, especially not some shortie…"

Sirin clicked her tongue in annoyance and muttered to herself.

It wasn't that she had something against Theresa... Well, okay, she did have some complaints about Theresa lately. Too many exams! How could Kiana be so diligent? Didn't she realize her laziness buddy still wanted to relax in peace?

"Hmm... maybe ask Luo Mo when you have time? He must have a reason for including those options," Cecilia said thoughtfully, lightly tapping her finger against the armrest as if deep in contemplation.

Beside her, Sirin puffed up her cheeks in frustration, feeling like nothing was going her way lately. She held a glowing card in her hand, a depiction of her own image.

"What's wrong? Still can't use it?"

"...Mom, I still think that chant is ridiculous. Why does my stigma require such a weird catchphrase? I… I just can't accept it."

---

Unsurprisingly, the group chose the option that left Elysia both embarrassed and angry.

"Eh? Pink Flirty Fatty? What a rude name! Is that supposed to be some inner nickname for me?"

"You're so mean, Mei~ I don't even know what to say!"

"But please, don't do that again. I'll get upset, Mei… Please seriously and carefully remember my name, okay?"

In the game, Elysia paused for a moment before protesting indignantly.

It was clear she had taken her time to think, only to find none of the options even remotely correct!

"This time, you really need to remember! If you forget again, I'll be very upset."

Onscreen, the lively and adorable woman pouted playfully, scrunching her nose like a lover annoyed at their partner's forgetfulness. Her soft voice carried a charming, sweet aroma, as if it had physically spread into the room. Like the song of an oriole, her voice was crisp and pleasant, resonating in their ears.

"My name is Elysia. As you can see, I'm a beautiful girl who lives up to her name."

"My friends like to call me 'Ellie' You can use that too, it's cute, just like me."

Elysia smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with a playful light.

She leaned forward slightly, getting closer to the closed-off Herrscher of Thunder. With a subtle shift in her tone, she began explaining the essence of this place.

"As for my identity… I'm a MANTIS from the Previous Era, and a former companion of the hero Kevin."

"Of course, the real Elysia would never waste her youth in a place thousands of meters underground. I'm just a fragment of her, a memory construct that inherited her personality and experiences."

As Elysia spoke, the initial confusion about this place gradually began to clear up.

The Elysian Realm was, at its core, a hall of memories. It was a repository of knowledge left behind by the past, chaotic fragments of information pieced together and built by thirteen individuals.

But Mei wasn't focused on the ghostly girl in front of her or the ancient history of the Elysian Realm. What she sought were answers.

Answers that Kevin had spoken of, the qualifications to seek the truth. That was why she had come here.

"...But rather than a place for seeking answers, this seems more like a trial ground," Mei said, frowning as she looked at the massive apparatus Elysia had introduced. It was a mechanism designed to push deeper into the Elysian Realm through combat.

This had been her original purpose for coming, but Elysia seemed to have avoided addressing it directly.

"Hehe, see? That's why Kevin keeps his words to a minimum. It makes it so much easier for you to uncover the truth yourself," Elysia said with a faint smile, her tone laced with a subtle sense of amusement.

Deep down, she was likely thrilled, silently applauding Kevin's approach.

"But he didn't lie. Answers… Everyone comes here seeking answers. No matter what they're searching for, the Elysian Realm can provide them."

"To engrave the moments of the past, guiding people to follow the footsteps of the saviors toward a more distant future, that is its purpose. Every result finds its origin here."

Elysia's explanation carried a mix of encouragement and inspiration.

Of course, it also contained a strong desire to keep Mei here.

"When we first met, you mentioned the Flame-Chasers, heroes composed of MANTIS who were the core strength of the Fire Moth."

"...From what I've seen, they even possess power comparable to Herrschers."

Mei paused for a moment before continuing her questions, seeking clarification from this seemingly kind and approachable woman. She still had much to understand about this place, and she needed someone to explain it.

"Hmm, you've done your homework well and seem quite diligent. Does that mean, in your eyes, Kevin is only on par with you?"

"...That's not what I meant," Mei replied after a moment of silence, shaking her head.

"Don't be afraid! You can say that in front of him too. I'll be on your side," Elysia teased, her smile warm yet mischievous. Was she mocking Mei's confidence or naivety?

Well… she wasn't entirely wrong. Power comparable to Herrschers, there was a lot to unpack there.

But for now, Elysia decided she'd give the Herrscher of Thunder a little affirmation.

---

[I want to know Elysia's weight. Is that okay? (Blushing) So curious about the "Fatty" part.]

[Kevin (crossing arms): If I didn't speak in riddles, how else would I have tricked you into coming here?]

[Troublemakers can't resist; Elysia is too fun—always stirring things up!]

[Elysia is so cute. Looks like troublemaker vibes in one glance.]

"Hahahahaha—"

Kalpas burst into laughter.

"Kalpas, please quiet down," Aponia said gently yet firmly. She could understand his amusement, but she wore a faint expression of helplessness.

"Comparable to Herrschers? See? They're saying you're only at the level of the Herrscher of Thunder. Hahaha!"

Kalpas laughed freely as he looked at Kevin.

Kevin simply glanced at him and said nothing.

Herrschers… they came in many forms. Kalpas was mocking the Herrscher of Thunder's perceived inferiority. To him, her strength didn't measure up.

"Well, eh-heh, I think Mei should just be seen as having average power… You know, unlike me, I can't even beat any Herrscher!"

Pardo scratched her head awkwardly, making a small gesture with her fingers to indicate her lack of strength. She shyly added that not all fusion warriors were at the same level as Herrschers.

She was a clear example.

She couldn't defeat anyone! (Proudly)

"But, Kalpas, I must remind you of something... She's entered the Elysian Realm, and since you can't stand her, the two of you are bound to interact. She's the protagonist... So, what does that lead you to conclude?"

Vill-V adjusted her hat, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes as she asked curiously.

"Hmm? What are you trying to say? That I would lose? Lose to her?!"

"Since when... Vill-V, did you develop a joke-telling personality? What's its new name?"

Kalpas sneered, anger seemingly reaching its peak at this moment.