"Hua, do you think we can defeat the Honkai?" On the rooftop of the Fire Moth base, it was silent and cold. The moonlight, which should have been bright, was dimmed by thick smoke from distant fires, only vaguely illuminating two figures.
Elysia stood at the edge of the rooftop, gazing at the collapsed city in the distance, her expression somewhat lost.
The land, once vibrant with life, was now only scorched earth. The Herrscher of Corruption had destroyed humanity's last three major cities, and along with them, the hope of resisting the Honkai.
Arguments, accusations, blame-shifting – occurred again and again within the Fire Moth. Betrayal, suspicion, doubt – constantly tormented everyone's hearts.
The relentless, day-after-day war bred despair. Under these circumstances, even Elysia, who loved to smile the most, found it difficult to do so.
She had been standing here alone for a long time, until another figure arrived.
'Hua', who was about to approach quietly, paused, unsure how to answer.
"I don't know."
"Is that so..." Elysia clearly hadn't expected an answer from her anyway. She just shook her head, staring blankly at the ruins in the distance.
A cold wind, carrying choking dust, swept past, adding another layer of desolation to the girl's figure.
They stood there in the cold wind, sharing a silent understanding. After a while, Elysia finally spoke. "Hua, do you remember the clothes I picked out for you back then?"
'Hua' certainly remembered. That was the first time she entered the Class Monitor's memories, the first time she met this girl.
The Elysia back then loved to smile, because smiles could give people the courage to live, could infect hearts, could bring hope.
At that time, 'Hua' didn't understand what she meant. But after personally experiencing the disaster of the Herrscher of Corruption, she truly felt the weight of this civilization's collapse, and finally understood why the girl always smiled.
Yet, as the Herrscher of Finality drew nearer, even this girl who loved to smile the most found it hard to maintain her cheerful facade.
"Mm."
"That city is gone now. The gift I promised you... I might not be able to give it to you anymore."
Not understanding what Elysia meant, 'Hua' could only respond silently.
"Hua, did you know? The real Hua actually doesn't like those kinds of clothes. And she never actively expresses her emotions..." Elysia turned around, her azure eyes meeting hers.
"..."
"Whenever you appear, Hua seems like a different person. But in my memory, she has never changed. So I guessed... the time period we are in now might just be someone's memory."
This is just a memory within Fenghuang Down, how could someone within the memory possibly notice?
Kiana initially thought this, but Elysia's expression showed no sign of falsehood. She had indeed recognized her.
Unsure why this change had occurred, Kiana could only purse her lips and remain silent.
"Looks like I guessed right." Seeing her unease, Elysia couldn't help but smile.
"Since you've taken on Hua's identity, whose memory this is becomes self-evident. Do you know how I noticed you?"
Before Kiana could speak, Elysia answered herself. "Because your eyes are too clear. Completely unlike someone from our era. Living perpetually in the apocalypse, everyone's eyes hold only despair and numbness. But you're different. There's light in your eyes. You can still see hope."
"I... the era I come from also faces the Honkai. It's just... much better compared to the Previous Era."
"Previous Era... is that what they call our time? So, the Fire Moth ultimately failed after all."
"Knowing your future, do you feel sad?"
"Sad... maybe a little. If I hadn't recognized you, I might feel uneasy. But since you've appeared, I have nothing to worry about anymore." Elysia turned her head, a long-unseen smile gracing her lips.
"Why?"
She didn't answer, instead looking at the object Kiana clutched in her hand, smiling as she said, "You came looking for me, which means the suspicion within the Fire Moth has become irreversible, right?"
"Honestly, I feel that especially in times of crisis like this, everyone should trust each other more. But clearly, not everyone thinks that way."
"Initially, when I learned everyone was suspicious, I was quite upset. But your appearance has actually strengthened my conviction." She suddenly leaned closer to Kiana, looking into her eyes. "You let me see hope. You let me know that everything I am about to do... has meaning."
"What are you planning to do?"
"They need a chance to unite, a common goal. Then let me be that catalyst."
"Host a grand banquet, invite all friends to participate, and finally, amidst laughter and joy, welcome a new chapter. That is the aesthetic belonging to Elysia."
Someone must be the light in the mountain mists, someone must ignite the spark in the darkness.
I firmly believe that one day in the future, humanity will no longer fear the Honkai. Everyone will be able to face the new day with a smile.
I believe that, in the distant future, the elderly will live out their years in peace, adults will be full of hope, and children will sleep soundly in their dreams.
Because I love humanity so deeply, love this brilliant, magnificent mortal world.
So, Kiana... can you, in my place, witness the arrival of that day?
...
"Of course."
Within the data space that should have been completely annihilated, Mei's voice sounded once more. The Herrscher of Corruption, just about to leave the data space, widened its eyes and immediately initiated further deletion.
But no matter how much it deleted, it couldn't completely annihilate Mei's data. Instead, the data streams that should have dissipated were rapidly rewinding, coalescing once more into a new figure.
"Fighting alongside friends is Elysia's aesthetic. So, relying on me alone is not enough." Within the chaotic data space, the visuals were already a blur. The only thing flickering was a single pink crystal flower.
This was the final gift Elysia left her before parting, and also the true key to controlling the Elysian Realm.
Mei's blurry figure floated into the air. Reaching out, she grasped it in her palm. In an instant, countless rays of light bloomed from her embrace, like a magnificent flower unfurling.
Within the illuminating light, thirteen signets appeared one by one. This was the story of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers; naturally, it must end with everyone gathered together.
After all, this was the wish the Daughter of God made together to the Stars and Moon.
"Miss me, Mei?"
Within the light's glow, the girl gently held Mei's hand. Mei looked up, meeting everyone's eyes.
Pardofelis, Mobius, Vill-V...
The Thirteen Flame-Chasers had helped her, and betrayed her. But now, they all followed Elysia, contributing their own strength.
No matter how desperate the world, everyone smiled at the final banquet. It was so then, and it was so now.
Amidst fluttering petals, Mei swung her final strike towards the Herrscher of Corruption. This strike was no longer hers alone, but the power of the entire Elysian Realm.
Crack~
The sound of a screen shattering echoed. The eyeball on the screen rolled furiously. Yet, as the entire data space collapsed, everything finally reached its conclusion.