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

The meaning of the Elysian Realm seemed to unveil a layer of its mystery. It was nothing more than the footprints left by predecessors, a story about how they lived.

In this story, the purpose wasn't important, and the results could well amount to nothing.

But the experiences, the intertwining of lives with those who came before, and the appreciation and understanding of beauty—

Perhaps these were what the Flame-Chasers truly wanted to pass down.

"Maybe we've been ignoring much of the journey, too focused on chasing an elusive result… Is the scenery along the way more important?"

"They never defeated Honkai, so there are no solutions to Honkai here… Yet their footprints walk boldly across the pages of history."

-----

Post:

[Eymona! Join my Eymona! The love of all things divine!]

[Only in a distant future will people truly understand the meaning behind Elysia's words and the reasons she left so many truths unsaid. They'll realize that the Elysian Realm is an exquisite fairytale, a story written by thirteen individuals.]

[They'll also understand that every word Elysia spoke was right. The truth of it all had been laid bare from the start… Even back then, she had already given us the answer…]

[Time will prove everything. It will reveal the pure and beautiful Elysia—Eymona!]

(TL/N: not sure what 'Eymona' means, but I think it like 'Amen' that Luo Mo made for Elysia's fan followers)

-----

In the lounge, this dramatic narration flowed like an impromptu performance.

Unquestionably, it was none other than Luo Mo, providing colorful commentary to fill in gaps across the vast timeline.

Naturally, Elysia cast a side-eye at him, suspecting that his over-the-top theatrics were a deliberate attempt to cause chaos.

Luo Mo clasped his hands in a prayer-like gesture, his reverence almost causing a divine glow to emanate from him, or rather, it was just sunlight streaming through the window behind him.

"...So it was you stirring up the Eymona support group nonsense, wasn't it?"

Elysia's tone was one of mild exasperation.

She couldn't deny that those lines she spoke in the game truly resonated with her, portraying the image of a vice-leader as she envisioned. Yet, she preferred engaging with others in a gentle, friendly manner, forming bonds, fulfilling beautiful promises. She enjoyed the simple daily interactions with friends, which suited her more than playing the role of a guide or leader.

However, if circumstances required her to step up, she wouldn't shirk her responsibility.

After all, if there's one universal truth, it's this: Beautiful girls can do anything!

"I swear, it wasn't me!"

"Your oath is invalid, Luo Mo~. Your credibility score is already zero with the Pink Fairy, you know?"

Elysia smirked knowingly at him.

"What's this about a support group? Boss, I didn't know you were into that sort of thing!"

Kiana's eyes darted mischievously as she looked at him, curiosity evident in her expression.

"Hmph. Childish."

Kongming scoffed, but a hint of irritation flashed across her face.

Why couldn't this guy pledge loyalty to her instead?

(TL: because he is a true follower of beauty!)

Of course, as for Luna and Irene, they need not exist in this world.

Come to think of it… That woman, Irene, had been away for some time. Based on her claims, she should be returning soon.

Kongming furrowed her brows slightly, calculating the timing of Irene's return.

Not that she cared about her or anything! It was just that meeting her again was inevitable. Besides, she looked far too similar to Rita…

"Look, I'm just saying I know a bit about Eymona. I didn't actually join the support group…"

Luo Mo persisted in defending himself, refusing to yield to any rumors, even if they originated from himself!

He attempted to back up his claims with examples:

"Besides, it's not just Eymona. I've dabbled in Serpentine Gate, Kaemona, and even Tribemona."

(TL: ... I think those are Serpent/Snake, Kalpas? and the big three club followers. I don't know, it can be a Chinese fan group/faction)

"Wow—you're really not picky, are you? And here I thought…"

Elysia widened her eyes in mock astonishment as she looked at him.

"Is the plan to capture all the Flame-Chasers at once?"

"Oh dear, I thought I was special."

While it wasn't heartbreaking, there was a slight sense of disappointment… But which group should she join? Eden? Aponia? Or… Sakura?

"Hm… not quite. For example, Pardo doesn't have one. I'm not joining the Cat faction."

After a moment of thought, Luo Mo firmly rejected the idea that he was open to all factions. He didn't create a Cat faction!

Wait, could he actually establish one? As long as he doesn't join it himself.

"Oh? What's the reasoning behind this?"

Elysia's mood quickly recovered, her face full of curiosity as she stared at him.

She always found his strange and self-consistent explanations fascinating and intriguing.

Luo Mo didn't answer. Instead, he gave a knowing smile.

At that moment, no one could understand what he was thinking. But by the time it all happened… it would already be too late.

"Wait, the Snake faction? Did you two just say something outrageous? Two little… guinea pigs?"

(TL/C: I can already guess who will join this faction)

A cold voice from behind interrupted their conversation. Mobius had already clenched her fist, glaring menacingly at the two whose wavelengths seemed to match.

... Tsk. And she thought Elysia was the weird one!

Elysia was so annoying. And of course, this guinea pig in front of her wasn't any better. He was the worst.

---------

In the Golden Courtyard, everyone was stunned as they listened to Elysia's heartfelt words.

"It's exactly the kind of thing Elysia would say… but it feels a bit early, doesn't it?"

Eden leaned lazily on the sofa, her beautiful eyes fixed on the whispering figure on the screen.

From beginning to end, the light in her eyes had never wavered. She always held onto her pursuit of the distant stars, dispelling the fog of uncertainty with her radiant brilliance, just like the eternal Elysia in Eden's heart.

Through the storm, she remained unyielding. That bright crystal flower would never shatter again.

"The Flame-Chasers should inherit the honor of being Flame-Chasers… Ha, how poetic."

Kalpas sneered, clearly unconvinced.

All he planned to teach them was how to fight. The rest? That wasn't his concern.

The continuation of war… That part, at least, was something he could grudgingly accept. He… was somewhat satisfied with it.

Kevin stood with his arms crossed, his gaze still icy. Yet deep inside, there was a sliver of doubt.

Was this what Elysia's presence in the Elysian Realm truly meant?

At that time, she had defied all opposition and persuaded everyone single-handedly. And now, it seemed that everything she had truly set her mind to had borne fruit.

Whether it was the exchange of gifts, confirming the Flame-Chasers' titles, or preserving the final memories, they were all her achievements.

She had led thirteen individuals to recognize one another as comrades and composed a symphony of civilization with their lives…

Would there ever be another chance to load a bullet of life into the chamber? Kevin didn't want to play a role in such a grand, lofty song of civilization anymore.

Should he instead follow the desires of his heart?

Kevin's eyes flickered with contemplation, unwilling to set his thoughts aside.

--------

No matter how long one hesitates, there always comes a moment to step through the door before you.

But upon crossing the threshold, Mei found herself in an unexpected place.

It wasn't the anticipated figure she meant to confront, nor was it a trap-filled, perilous space. Instead, she stood in a strange realm.

Looking ahead, she saw five towering "peaks," two of them marked with dark green patterns, while the other three were wrapped in black leather. Farther away, the sky was painted in thick green hues.

The ground beneath her feet was made of solid metal, producing a crisp echo with every step.

This was not a normal place.

That thought struck Mei immediately. Of course, this wouldn't end peacefully.

She warily observed her surroundings. Alarm bells rang repeatedly in her mind.

"My, my, what a rare guest we have here~!"

A soft, childlike voice drifted in from nowhere.

"Who's there?!"

Mei glanced around but couldn't find the speaker. However, when she turned behind her, she was left stunned by the sight before her.

In the distance loomed a massive figure, not hidden in shadow but simply, unimaginably large.

What she had mistaken for mountains were merely fingers.

A chilling, sickly smile crept across the enormous face above, piercing to the soul.

"Hehehe~ Herrscher… shall we play a fun little game?"

She eyed the prey in her palm with reckless abandon, as though pondering the best place to take a bite.

Mei gripped her sword, the blade already drawn.

Yet the giant seemed indifferent, gazing at her with an amused look.

"Oh, don't be so tense, miss. I won't bite you up all at once."

Mebius smiled on, her voice exaggeratedly sweet.

She fixed her gaze on her long-awaited prey, now finally ensnared in her web. Every part of it, so satisfying.

She could hardly wait to devour it entirely.

But no, she wouldn't rush. No, she'd savor it bit by bit, getting to know everything about her prey in detail.

Suddenly, her crazed eyes betrayed a hint of mock surprise. Her exaggerated expression gave way to a look of false astonishment.

"Or… are you perhaps thinking about how you'll bite me instead, Herrscher?"

Mei, of course, had no such intention.

Aside from a possible lingering feeling toward Kiana, Mei didn't harbor any strange emotions for others. Nevertheless, her grip on the sword tightened further.

Though she still didn't understand Mobius's intent, both Elysia and others had proven how dangerous such individuals could be.

"Oh dear, but I've been watching you ever since you first entered the Elysian Realm~"

"Hmm, wait… or do you dislike this type of approach? Then…"

Her expression turned mischievous, like a cat toying with its prey. But her tone suddenly shifted, becoming that of a child's, laced with exaggerated urgency.

"Big sister… it's so dark here… so scary… Big sister, won't you take me away from here?"

Mei stared at her, expressionless.

The situation quickly became awkward.

----------

In the hall, the Herrscher of sentience had something to say.

There was someone, someone so shameless that she wouldn't name—who had stolen her idea.

"How is their introduction exactly the same as mine? No originality at all. Ugh, how irritating—"

She muttered under her breath, inwardly mocking the outdated tactics of her "imitator."

Was her idea the problem? How had it become so clichéd after fifty thousand years?

Unbelievable—

But, unfortunately, it was Mobius. She belonged to the Herrscher of sentience's mental list of people best avoided.

Let's be clear: it wasn't about being unable to provoke her, but more about avoiding unnecessary trouble. She wasn't like those stubborn old timer; her philosophy had always been to act with flexibility and adaptability.

She glanced sideways at Mobius, whose expression remained calm, entirely unbothered by the supposed imitation of her entrance.

Elysia, watching the in-game confrontation, was intrigued. Both sides were people she found fascinating. It was a pity they had to clash.

But why didn't Mobius ever use that tone when talking to her? If she had, Elysia would have gladly hugged her tight, making both of them happy!

Mobius's voice had almost become as cute as Theresa's. Though it felt strange coming from Dr. Mobius,

Cute trumps all!

Everything else could be overlooked!

Unable to resist, Mei glanced at a small figure nearby, one many people had warned was not to be trifled with.

The petite body resembled Theresa's childlike form, but the sharp, dangerous aura surrounding her left no doubt about her identity.

Since this person stood here, their paths were bound to cross sooner or later.

Besides, weren't they all comrades in the fight against Honkai… right?

"So, you're not planning to say a few words? Like, those lines from the game?"

Mobius's composed demeanor almost made it seem like the in-game character wasn't her at all.

To be honest, if her in-game persona behaved in such a contrived manner, she might not be able to resist facepalming.

"Say… what? Are you not cautious enough?"

"Why does everyone tell you to be wary of me, only for you to let me ramble on like this? Why give me the time? You knew it was a trap, didn't you?"

Mobius's snake-like eyes narrowed as she slowly turned her gaze toward Mei, fixing her with a piercing stare.

Her tone carried dangerous implications, yet her lips curled into an amused smile. Was there anything shameful about it?

A little slip-up and preparation before catching prey, wasn't that normal?

The careless one was her opponent!

"Huh? Mei's in danger?"

Kiana watched the scene on the screen, growing visibly anxious.

When it came to herself or others, she didn't mind much. But when it came to Mei, she couldn't help but imagine herself in her place. She didn't want the person most important to her to get hurt.

"Don't worry~ I'll step in!"

Elysia raised her fist with confidence.

"I really don't want to hear that explanation. But Mei's safety… hnn..."

Kiana grumbled in frustration, caught between her concerns.

Was this the downside of a long-distance relationship? Even through it's just a game, she could feel it.

"Alright, just leave Mei to me!"

Elysia declared sincerely, her eyes radiating earnestness, making it hard not to believe her.

"..."

Kiana stared at her in silence, giving her a knowing side-eye.

---------

As it turned out, Mobius was right. By the time Mei realized it, it was already too late.

Shadows crept over her skin, and tempting whispers slithered like serpents through the cracks of her mind.

"Come closer~"

"Let's go deeper—"

"It's right there. I'll give it to you…"

"All you need to do is take one more step forward…"

In the encroaching darkness, Mei caught a glimpse of Mobius's eyes, as well as the strange earring on her ear, two halves forming infinity, glowing with a hazy brilliance.

Drawn by the light, she couldn't stop herself from stepping closer.

Was she truly advancing in the abyss, or was she merely falling deeper?

And so, it approached its end.

When she awoke again, Mei found herself back in the hall.

She seemed to have gained the signet of Infinity.