Chapter 89: Vita's Doubts
A girl with gray hair cascading down her shoulders, dark green feathers hanging from her earrings, and a mark similar to Su's around her neck sat in the void, kicking her legs playfully. The movement nearly sent her dark heels flying. Despite the emptiness of the space around her, she maintained an air of elegance.
After a moment's thought, she gracefully flipped and landed on the "ground"—though in truth, this place had no discernible ground, only a vast emptiness that served as a passageway.
As for notifying Sa… sorry, sorry, she saw nothing.
The girl had her own secrets to keep. After all… a god who had lost their humanity, could they still be called the gods of humanity? Even if gods created humans, could they justify destroying them as they pleased?
She didn't believe Sa was in the right but couldn't bring herself to defy them either. Besides, would a god like Sa even care about a few insignificant humans?
Vita easily dismissed the idea of reporting to Sa. She had read the relevant documents—if those legendary heroes arrived, it would undoubtedly spell trouble for Sha. As for Vitta? Se longed to escape Sa's surveillance.
"I just hope they don't hurt me."
"Then again… they probably won't harm the seven little Vita, right? After all, this method… ugh, what am I saying? Watching them die over and over again, now you're suddenly feeling guilty?"
Vita pinched her cheeks lightly and gave herself a reassuring pat.
With a helpless shrug, she took a few soft steps and began to follow them quietly.
---
Not far ahead, a glimmer of light marked the final exit. Beyond it lay a brand-new world. The four figures paused simultaneously.
In accordance with Vill-V's plan, the chosen four—Kalpas, Elysia, Fu Hua, and Kevin—were the ones to proceed. Luo Mo's suggestion had been rejected, and Kiana was also deemed unfit to travel here. Without mastering the powers of Finality, she was more suited as a deterrent than an active participant.
Besides, the companions they sought to save were still alive. There was no need for outsiders to step in just yet.
"It seems there's a little tail following us. You all probably noticed before I did… so, shall we deal with it?" Kalpas's voice was cold and direct.
To him, not immediately charging at the enemy was an exercise in patience—a grudging acknowledgment that finding Sa might not be so straightforward. According to Luo Mo's briefing, Sa was notoriously elusive, making a direct fight unsatisfying.
"She seems to want us to notice her deliberately. How intriguing—this must be the Vita Luo Mo mentioned, the one resembling Su. What do you think?~" Elysia said as she walked alongside Fu Hua, her tone playful.
"Hah—Pink woman, what exactly are you seeing from a single glowing circle?" Kalpas retorted, his back still turned to the others.
In this space, nearing the final passage, all of them sensed a faint glimmer of light that revealed no form. But determining who it belonged to wasn't difficult.
"Not much, really. I was just imagining what Su would look like in women's clothing… hmm, surprisingly cute? A bit softer, gentler, maybe even mischievous? Kevin, you must have a better imagination for this, right?" Elysia teased, resting her chin on her hand as her eyes sparkled mischievously.
"…Elysia, I am listening." Su's ethereal voice drifted into their ears, carrying a mix of bemusement and exasperation.
It was so like Elysia, Su thought. Just like in the past—no, perhaps even more so now. Her joy stemmed from witnessing the fruition of everything she had sown.
In a world long gone, her efforts had been the seeds planted in barren soil. Now, in this new era, they had blossomed into beautiful flowers.
"Dear sparrow, weave my arrows, my flowers, and my love into seeds of renewal, and bring them to the withered earth."
Su had encountered similar words in records of past events. But even he could not fully grasp what Elysia felt as she witnessed the current civilization.
Still, he could guess: she must have felt fulfilled.
"Elysia," Su's voice cut in again, "it's a shame I don't have your powers. Otherwise, perhaps we could ensure that Elysia would always meet everyone's expectations—no matter where or when.~"
"And turn Eden of Elysia into the largest religion?" Su's tone carried a faint trace of humor, aiming for the spot where he knew she was most sensitive.
The playful remark hit its mark. Elysia's cheerful demeanor faltered as her cheeks puffed up in annoyance. "Hmph." She turned to Kevin. "Well, Kevin, have you ever imagined what Su would look like as a woman?"
Naturally, Kevin didn't respond. His companions' return to their usual lively selves was a relief, but not when it came at the expense of his patience.
Meanwhile, Fu Hua silently followed the group, her vigilance unwavering as she prepared for battle.
"After finding Griseo, we'll attempt to wake her and eliminate the threats around her—specifically Sa," Kevin stated calmly.
"As for reaching Sha's location, it might require Vita's help, or perhaps the seven little Vita to activate a relic capable of unleashing a world-ending flood. Of course, Vill-Vi doesn't believe this. She's confident she can pinpoint the location herself."
Kevin gestured toward a specialized communicator Vill-Vi had provided him. "This device can transmit everything we see back to her."
The faint presence of Honkai energy in this space lent credence to the Ark Project's accuracy. Yet, the shadow of other civilizations—and the vast threats lurking in the deep—still loomed.
Griseo…
At that time, she had indeed grown up, courageous enough to take her first step even in the face of the unknown stars.
All they could do was exchange small gifts symbolizing their thoughts and feelings, offering her some comfort during her long journey.
"Oh, I trust Vill-V too! But four people in this passage are a bit of a heavy load—we need to speed things up... Let's catch Vita. Still bearing Sa's trust, she should know how to navigate the passage, as Luo Mo said."
"So, the girl over there, Vita~ Won't you come out and meet us? Vi, with a gentle bite of your teeth on your lips, and ta, with a soft flick of your tongue on your teeth."
Suddenly, she smiled warmly and greeted her over there.
She even mimicked the words Luo Mo had said.
The glowing circle trembled slightly—not because she felt exposed, but because… how did they know her name?
Yet, at this point, she had no other options. What surprised her most was that they seemed to know not only her name but even her self-introduction… word for word!
Whoa, whoa, whoa, this was unsettling.
Could it be that the rumors of someone in their group being able to foresee the future were true? If so, how could they possibly fail?
"…Alright, hello there. But, you didn't get here through conventional means, did you?"
Vita revealed herself with a somewhat awkward wave and curiously asked, "And... how do you know me, young lady?"
Her crimson eyes flickered as she spoke, still puzzled about their presence. For now, however, figuring out their goals was more pressing.
"We're here for Griseo. Take us to her," said Kalpas coldly, without a hint of courtesy.
Vita thought it over. Their purpose likely did involve Griseo; that much wasn't hard to guess. But as for the rest… well, they certainly wouldn't reveal it all, nor would anyone in their position.
"It's a pity... If you take me along, you'll be completely exposed to Sa's gaze. Even so, are you willing to proceed?"
Vita pursed her lips regretfully, her face showing a look of slight embarrassment.
"Yes, let's go! After all, if we're looking for the Ark... you can make the process much faster," said Elysia with a carefree smile, showing no concern for the danger hinted at in Vita's words—she even seemed to completely ignore it.
Vita fell silent, then began walking with them.
"As expected… they really are planning to make a move against Sa. In that case, this might not be such a bad thing."
She thought to herself.
Currently, Phros was like a small boat adrift in the ocean, unable to escape either Sa's "divine punishment" and protection or the Ark's energy supply and special functions. Vita had to find a suitable path within these constraints to ensure Phros could continue existing in the depths of the sea.
Neither outcome was what she truly wanted.
She had read some of the Ark's documentation. Humanity's fate should be left for humans themselves to decide, regardless of whether their choices were right or wrong.
"Hmm… why do I feel like only her eyes resemble Su? Considering how little he opens them, they don't even seem that similar…"
At that moment, Elysia frowned, her thoughts diverging to an entirely different matter that didn't quite align with her expectations.
Despite Vita's earlier words of caution, when they entered the city, there were no sudden attacks or dangers to confront.
Sa didn't seem to be observing this area, which, in a sense, was a promising start.
This city, named Phros, was peaceful and serene. Flowers and greenery flourished abundantly, untainted by the Honkai energy they had often sensed elsewhere. The residents walked around with content and joyful expressions.
In the distance, several small figures, identical in appearance to Vita, were moving energetically among the townsfolk, helping to resolve minor issues in their daily lives.
Tranquility defined life here—a veritable utopia detached from the chaos of the outside world.
In some ways, this god-modified world was perfect in its environment and ecology, fulfilling the Ark's mission to sow the seeds of civilization.
The only downside? It wasn't Earth's civilization.
If it were, Griseo's mission could already be considered half-complete.
Vita quietly observed the group as they examined the city, and an involuntary smile spread across her face. After all, wasn't this her handiwork?
"Alright, let's move on. Don't linger too long, or we might attract Honkai beasts~ …Just kidding."
"As for the Ark, it's in the forbidden zone. We'll likely need one of the small Vitas to grant access. Hmm… just one of the seven should do. Honestly, why doesn't Sa trust me?"
Vita pretended to be displeased, putting on a theatrical performance. Whether she truly had no solution to offer remained unclear.
After all, no one could be certain if she was telling the truth.
"No wonder people say Vita is a kind and adorable girl. You even divided yourself into seven parts? Poor Vita, reduced to existing only as a soul now?" Elysia teased as she stepped closer, her tone laced with faux sympathy.
As for the truth… it obviously wasn't what Elysia suggested. If Vita repeated her exact words, wouldn't that make her out to be a scheming woman who loved to guess others' thoughts?
That little also was especially telling, considering it had come from Luo Mo while he was staring directly at Elysia.
"Uh…" Vita scratched her head, puzzled by the remark.
Was it because her words sounded too fake? Why else would Elysia say something so absurd?
Seven parts… Who could possibly do such a thing?
Soon, Vita summoned one of the small Vitas, easily gaining its trust. Together, the group made their way toward the Ark.
The plan was simple: if they could awaken Griseo before the battle began, it would be the optimal outcome.
If Sa still held some form of control over Griseo, turning her into a hostage would only make things more complicated. Although Luo Mo hadn't specifically mentioned this, they weren't naïve enough to blindly believe everything he said.
They passed through a massive stone gate, its surface covered in yellowed grass and moss. The sky above seemed to darken, with gray clouds gathering and casting a somber shadow. The atmosphere of the forbidden zone was desolate, evoking a sense of lingering sorrow.
Perhaps it was the battle scars etched into the massive rocks. Or perhaps it was the remnants of the Ark scattered across the barren landscape, its once-bright metal now tarnished. The sight of the MOTH insignia engraved upon the wreckage confirmed their suspicions.
In the distance, the remains of the Ark stretched across the earth like a colossal skeleton, a monument to a bygone era.
This area wasn't yet the forbidden zone proper, but the Ark's wreckage marked the edge. The forbidden zone itself lay deeper still…
"This is the Ark. The forbidden zone has more remnants of it, but the small Vita can't go any further—it's purely for her safety," Vita explained.
"Oh, don't look so downhearted. Think about it: with the little Vita gone, you still have the big one to keep you company!"
Vita teased, noticing Elysia's fondness for the small Vita and trying to lighten the mood.
What a relief, she thought. Neither Sa nor this group seemed inclined to harm them.
Still, when it came down to it, Elysia was the only one engaging with Vita. Fu Hua, Kalpas, and Kevin all preferred to remain silent, especially in Elysia's presence, as though her mere existence amplified their quiet tendencies.
It almost seemed as though the pink fairy herself was some kind of infectious condition.
"Danger?" Kalpas snorted dismissively, the sound full of disdain.
It was clear he craved danger.
Vita instinctively took a step back, putting more distance between herself and Kalpas. Her gut told her that being near him would not end well.
"For example, Honkai beasts, the Sanctuary guards, and the like. They don't usually appear."
"Are there Honkai beasts here too?" Elysia asked curiously.
"They didn't exist here initially, but now... well, it's hard to say."
Vita's expression turned awkward as her gaze shifted subtly toward the Ark, clearly unnatural.
"By the way, a friend asked me to check something with you, a small matter about the museum exhibits, perhaps?"
"Hmm? Planning to visit?"
"No, just asking… if there's a blond boy named Moriarty among the exhibits?"
"Hmm…" Vita thought for a moment before shaking her head regretfully. "No, I remember clearly—there's no such exhibit."
"Alright, thank you, Vita~"
Elysia nodded slightly, seemingly setting aside a concern of hers.
As they approached the wreckage of the Ark, its massive hull now served only as a bridge. Beneath it wasn't a rushing river but a restless, turbulent space.
Just as they thought, the forbidden zone here was anything but ordinary.
Suddenly, Kevin seemed to notice something and began walking in a particular direction.
What caught his eye was a familiar object, something he had personally given to Griseo—a keepsake from Eden's concert. Just as Elysia had said, it was broken.
What Kevin saw was... a crystal ball, inside which was a miniature city.
Although it had endured the passage of time, the object was now damaged.