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

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Kalpas's outburst eventually subsided, but it was clear he would return like lightning, seeking a "lucky" participant to claim a luxurious one-day exclusive interaction package.

The idea alone left people both eager and thrilled.

In the next Memory Capsule, however, a song suddenly filled the air.

The melody was sublime, majestic, and laden with complex emotions. A single verse was enough to immerse listeners, transporting them to the singer's era.

It was an art, a treasure of humanity.

Everyone who heard it thought the same:

"This is Eden's song. How is it? Isn't it beautiful? I should've mentioned her to you before, right?"

As if her days revolved entirely around Mei, Elysia appeared at just the right moment, offering an explanation to clear Mei's doubts.

"Eden…"

Mei softly repeated the syllables of her name, a vague sense of familiarity surfacing.

"If I'm the embodiment of cuteness, then Eden is the epitome of beauty. She is someone who fulfilled humanity's desire for beauty and elevated it to its zenith."

Elysia ran her hand across the stone wall beside her, speaking with a hint of regret. How many people in that era had heard Eden's songs?

How extraordinary must one be to represent the beauty of an entire era?

"She was one of the symbols of her time, a brilliant star illuminating the world."

Elysia's tone was firm, her eyes sparkling as if she were reliving their first encounter.

"It's hard to believe there was such a superstar among the Flame-Chasers…"

"Ah, even someone as eloquent as me can't truly convey how remarkable she is. Why don't you see for yourself?"

"Be careful. Her beauty rivals yours and mine... Don't let yourself get enchanted, okay?"

"...?"

Mei stared silently at Elysia, offering no response.

But not long after, when she finally met Eden, Mei realized Elysia hadn't been exaggerating. Eden fully lived up to those descriptions.

The crisp notes of a piano danced gracefully, a melody both bright and somber, like the anthem of dawn or the requiem of dusk.

"When the stars dim and the goblets run dry, my king, why do you remain in this desolate kingdom?"

"To await the triumphant chorus,

To seek the ultimate truth."

The poetic verses echoed beneath a golden ancient tree as leaves swirled and fell around her.

A figure of unparalleled elegance and beauty stood there, leaning against a jet-black piano. Ethereal notes flowed from her fingers. In her right hand, she held a half-filled goblet, her other hand brushing back her wind-swept hair.

The golden sunset bathed her in light but could not outshine her. Instead, it added a faint glow to the edges of her wine-red hair.

Indeed, she was the embodiment of beauty, the very essence of her era.

Her mere presence spoke of elegance, weariness, and a regal grace carved into her very soul.

"Ah, hello, visitor. My apologies, I was momentarily lost in thought."

Her lips curled into a faint smile as she noticed the approaching Herrscher. Her golden eyes glimmered with curiosity.

There was something about Mei that intrigued Eden.

Could she truly bear the weight of all that lay here?

"Hello, Miss Mei. I am Eden, the Fourth Flame-Chaser, known as the Gold."

"...Gold?"

Mei was puzzled.

In the eyes of ordinary people, gold was undoubtedly precious. But on a grander scale… its rarity seemed less significant.

For a moment, Mei couldn't articulate her feelings. But instinctively, she knew—

Gold wasn't worthy of this woman. She… shone far brighter than gold itself.

"Yes, that's the name Elysia  gave me. I suppose she was referring to the wealth I possess."

Eden's fingers brushed lightly over the piano keys, the notes echoing with the songs of centuries past, as she replied with a gentle smile.

"I'm nothing more than a performer on the stage, a star shining solely for the audience."

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[Elegance—Timeless and Unfading!]

[Eden? The Star of Eden?]

[There's an artist among the Flame-Chasers?]

"To attain all you've achieved, to gather the world's most coveted wealth and brilliance into one… That is the inscription of 'Gold.' Although, she should be the one introducing herself to you. But the way you're looking at me now, are you questioning my taste?"

Elysia was clearly displeased with the skeptical looks from the others.

To her, this was a matter of pride.

She had carefully considered these titles and discussed them extensively with her companions before settling on them. How could they be questioned like this?

"'The Inscription of Gold'—just how wealthy is she? And so, so beautiful. Wow! She's even more gorgeous than you, Elysia!"

Kiana asked excitedly.

No wonder every time she saw that elder sister next door, she exuded an air of lazy opulence. Turns out Eden had already started pursuing higher-level artistry. How wonderful.

Meanwhile, Kiana was still working tirelessly as a mere wage earner. Truly, it was a tale that brought tears to the listener and sorrow to the beholder...

"Wealthy? Hmm… that's putting it a bit simply. A more fitting term would be 'richer than nations.'"

Elysia squinted slightly, clearly delighted by the praise of her close friend. However…

Even though she knew the remark carried a hint of mischief, she couldn't let it slide.

"Kiana, let me correct you, Eden and I are equally beautiful and charming, without ranking one above the other!"

"Doesn't that make her even richer? With that much money… could she buy out the boss's company? Honestly, I think we need a new boss—"

(TL: pfft! Cough! Cough!)

Kiana spoke with conviction, her words laced with a rebellious undertone, as if she'd been planning this for a while.

She thought the company's game design was a bit too punishing and needed someone with a greater appreciation for beauty to take charge.

Well… she was only thinking about the company's best interests! No disloyalty intended!

"Huh???"

Luo Mo looked at Kiana in confusion.

What was she plotting now? And what did she mean by "a new boss"? Did she still even recognize him as the boss?

Kiana's words about replacing the boss left him feeling uneasy about his position.

Indeed, as the saying goes, "like principal, like student."

In that moment, Luo Mo fully grasped the idea of bad leadership leading to bad followers. The root of the problem definitely lay with Theresa!

"Who are you calling 'like principal, like student'? Ahem—what I just said was a joke! Boss, you're magnanimous…"

Kiana grinned sheepishly, attempting to smooth things over. She swore she'd just blurted it out carelessly and was merely curious whether Eden was richer than the company.

After all, most of her voice acting paycheck had been recouped by the company anyway!

Though… that was because she lost a bet to Bronya. Still, it was frustrating that all her wages ended up back in the company's account!

"Ha ha—"

Luo Mo's smile was anything but genuine.

Had she just exposed herself? Perhaps it was time to increase Elysia and Mei's screen time.

This devilish thought crossed his mind in an instant.

"What do you mean, 'like principal, like student'? What does this have to do with me?"

Theresa huffed indignantly.

She was pleased to see someone challenging Luo Mo, but why did it always come back to her? Was she some sort of rebellion specialist?

Or was this academy no longer a Herrscher academy, but a hub for rebels? Hmm, that did sound better than the "Far East Demon Dungeon." Not by much, though…

"Well, who can say? Otherwise, why are the Valkyries here always so exceptional?"

Luo Mo responded with an ambiguous smile.

Didn't the game itself show the entire academy rebelling against Schicksal?

"…Tsk, you people are unbelievable. Can't you stick to the point when you argue?"

Mobius pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration, clearly exasperated by the conversation's derailment. She sighed and brought the discussion back to the topic at hand.

"Weren't we talking about Eden earlier? Although… I dislike most people, I have to admit Eden's wealth is unparalleled."

"For a long time, the MOTHs survived hard times thanks to Eden's generosity. In terms of ranking… Tsk, if someone's personal bias weren't in play, Eden's contributions would absolutely qualify her for the fourth position."

"In modern terms, if you want to compare her wealth to something, don't bother with Luo Mo's company. Compare her to all of Schicksal instead… No, that's too exaggerated. About half of Schicksal, maybe."

Mobius's tone was casual, but her words were enough to leave everyone speechless.

To the others, this made the concept of the "Inscription of Gold" far more tangible.

"But gold doesn't just represent wealth," Elysia added with a gentle smile. "What's even more precious… is Eden herself, who shines brighter than gold."

Her words, while simple, left everyone stunned. They couldn't hide the astonishment in their eyes.

Luo Mo merely shrugged, unsurprised. Mobius was right, why bother comparing Eden to his company?

"But… why is she always associated with that wine glass?" Mei couldn't help but ask.

"About this... hmm... it's better if she explains it to you herself."

.....

"My appearances... always carry a sense of longing for the past that belonged to me,"

Eden's eyes seemed somewhat hazy as she gazed at her reflection in the screen, the last light of the setting sun washing over her.

"Because Eden always speaks about her era, huh…"

Pardo scratched her head as she spoke, glancing around. Without Aponia around, she didn't know what else to say.

"Hmm…"

Eden half-closed her eyes, perhaps a little tipsy. Yet even as she leaned lazily to the side, she exuded an unparalleled elegance.

"But there are people in this era who enjoy Eden's music too. Just the other day, the radio kept playing several of her songs back to back, it shows that everyone loves them~"

Pardo tried her best to cheer her up.

"Hehe, that's not bad at all,"

Eden smiled faintly. A rosy flush spread across her cheeks, and her mesmerizing crimson hair draped over her shoulders as she immersed herself in her personal theater.

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Then came the next encounter with another MANTIS.

Mei happened to notice a fairy-like girl with pink hair. She was standing there with her eyes closed, muttering something under her breath, occasionally waving her little hands and furrowing her brows in deep concentration.

Mei had no idea what the girl was trying to do.

"...Huh? I didn't even notice you arrived, Mei!"

Elysia exclaimed in surprise.

"...You had your eyes closed. How would you have seen me?"

"Ah, but some people can… That reminds me of a certain expert in this field."

She sounded a little dejected and stopped whatever she had been attempting. It was rare to see her face such a puzzling situation herself.

Why could someone recognize others without even opening their eyes?

Elysia simply couldn't figure it out.

"...Someone can do that?"

"Mm-hmm! The 7th-ranked MANTIS, Su of the Bodhi."

Elysia chuckled and gave a word of advice,

"Oh, by the way, if you manage to figure out how he can see without opening his eyes, you must come back and tell me, okay?"

That Su…

Mei pondered. She had heard his name more than once from various sources,

The Wisest One, the Healer, the MANTIS who still lives to this day.

And even... in fragmented memories from before, his name had appeared. Su of the wisdom's Sigil.

...

But she hadn't expected to meet him so soon—

And so unexpectedly peacefully.

At this moment, he was leaning against the roots of a winding, ancient tree.

Golden Bodhi leaves rested on his shoulder, some fluttering down gently. He remained motionless, calm and composed.

His gray hair, streaked with green, framed a serene face that carried an inexplicable sense of naturalness, as though he embodied the flow of cause and effect.

With his eyes closed, he spoke:

"Visitor, Raiden Mei, I have foreseen your arrival."

Time seemed to stand still under the Bodhi tree. Another leaf drifted to the ground.

Amidst the descriptions surrounding him, Mei couldn't help but admit her gaze was drawn to his closed eyes.

Could someone really recognize others without opening their eyes?

Elysia's earlier question flashed through her mind, consuming her thoughts. The idea of solving this mystery filled her head. Was he truly not opening his eyes?

As for Su, he didn't seem to have any intention of testing her.

He came and left as calmly as a passing breeze, seemingly aware of her inner musings.

Su gently pinched a falling leaf with one hand before releasing it, letting the wind carry it away.

"Trials come in the form of suffering, and so do they in tranquility. Your trial has already begun and will continue on."

With those words, the Signets of Bodhi fell into Mei's hands. Everything… felt almost unreal.

Then, in silence, she returned to the main hall.

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"That's Su? Speaking of which, I really am curious, why can Su see everything without opening his eyes?"

Elysia couldn't help but ask aloud. This was one of the greatest mysteries lingering in the pink fairy's heart. It was like a little purple kitten scratching at an itch, tickling her curiosity and leaving her restless.

Why?

It seemed so profound. They were all Fusion Warriors, so why couldn't she do the same?

She turned to Luo Mo and asked him out of curiosity.

"Hmm... Why don't you ask him directly?"

Luo Mo, unsure of how to answer, could only respond helplessly.

The only explanation he could provide was the unique abilities of MANTIS. As for how Su specifically managed it, how could he possibly know?

"Sigh, but every time I try to ask, he always changes the subject... Even if I do manage to ask, he just looks a bit embarrassed, and then… nothing happens,"

Elysia said gloomily. She was powerless against Su's unwillingness to share the true principles behind his abilities.

But she was so curious!

"Maybe he really does feel embarrassed,"

Luo Mo nodded sincerely, offering a moment of silence for Su, the MANTUS of Bodhi.

To have a secret that piqued Elysia's curiosity, Su's future surely would be filled with challenges.

"Hmm... do you have any good ideas?"

"Why not ask Aponia, since she's also gifted in spiritual matters?"

Luo Mo suggested cautiously.

---

"Su? Do you have anything to say?"

Kevin asked.

It was unusual for the icy and detached Kevin to ask questions out of curiosity, but with Su, it was perfectly normal.

"Sigh—"

"Who would've thought Elysia has been holding onto such thoughts?"

Su's eyelids trembled slightly, and his words carried a hint of helplessness.

"And… Pardofelis, don't worry. That rumor you're anxious about is false, nothing happened."

His calm voice revealed that he had already seen through everything.

"Ah?!-hehe..."

Pardo scratched her head awkwardly, her initial tension at noticing Su's eyelid movement easing into an embarrassed silence.