Chapter 118: The Final Act of the Garden of Eden

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"..."

"..."

In the deepest recesses, Kalpas and Ana locked eyes, remaining silent for a long moment.

After a while, Kalpas let out a cold snort and turned to leave abruptly. Ana shook her head, unable to deny that Kalpas's temperament was indeed quite abrasive.

Just moments ago, she had instantly frozen the entire domain, halting the movement of every particle. In this state, even Kalpas's "Kalpa" and powers of annihilation were rendered ineffective, trapping him solidly within the ice.

It's worth noting that this scene felt eerily familiar.

During the tragic events at the hands of the Herrscher of Binding, Kevin aimed his sword from hundreds of kilometers away to defeat the Herrscher, freezing all the Fusion Warriors, turning the solid ice crimson with blood.

Amongst those warriors, only Kalpas was merely frozen and not killed outright.

This time, Ana experienced a similar scenario as facing the Herrscher of Binding years ago, but her icy powers were arguably even more formidable than Kevin's.

Firstly, Ana possessed a trace of Parvati's bloodline, and secondly, she was the genuine Herrscher of Ice.

With this ice crystal unleashed, all energy froze, leaving Kalpas completely unable to fight—reduced to a mere sitting duck. If Ana repeated her earlier maneuver, she could effortlessly shatter Kalpas into pieces.

However, there was no need for such drastic action.

For Kalpas, this outcome was far from ideal, not exactly a pleasant experience either. It piqued Ana's curiosity about the true strength of the newly awakened Herrscher of Ice back then.

Although Ana is now a Herrscher, adding another core does not diminish her offensive power or control over abilities, theoretically speaking. Based on the original storyline, it seemed unlikely that the previous Ana should have been so easily overwhelmed by Kalpas.

Yet, these details are now buried within the foams of history, and delving deeper holds little significance.

Nevertheless, with this outcome, Ana's journey through the Garden of Eden can be considered a successful completion.

"Are you ready to leave?"

Elysia approached with a radiant smile. Despite the somber topic, her expression conveyed warmth and blessings.

"Yes."

Ana nodded as her Herrscher attire rapidly dissipated. This power had originated from the Primogenitor, and now it naturally needed to be returned to Elysia.

After returning the strength, Ana hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something more to Elysia.

"Ladies and gentlemen, could you please grant these beautiful girls some private time together?" Understanding Ana's unspoken thoughts, Elysia turned and called out to the Heroic Spirits behind her.

The Heroic Spirits comprehended her request; some nodded, others remained silent, while a few acknowledged aloud. In any case, they graciously gave them some space. Within the Elysian Realm, such distancing was practically akin to leaving entirely.

"All right, now it's just the two of us!" Elysia faced Ana, anticipation shining in her eyes.

However, facing Ellie, Ana suddenly felt hesitant. Deep down, she understood that perhaps confessing might hold no real significance, but... not doing so seemed like it would leave her with lifelong regret.

Ugh... such a dilemma.

In the end, Ana's emotions triumphed over rationality. One could say that despite being primarily logical, Ana was inherently emotional at heart. The harsh realities she faced merely compelled her to choose reason more often.

She didn't need fanciful dreams; following a systematic approach might just suffice to achieve her goals.

"Elysia, I...I love you," Ana confessed slowly, as if finally unburdening herself.

For any reincarnator arriving in the world of Honkai Impact 3, this is likely the confession most would aspire to make. After all, Elysia truly is... Well, let's just shout "Love wins!" and move on.

"Uh-huh, I love you too, Ana."

It was quintessentially an Elysia response.

"No, I'm not joking..."

"I wasn't joking either..."

"..."

"..."

In this awkward moment, both aware of each other's sea-king nature, they responded like seasoned players. However, unexpectedly, one of these sea kings was genuinely sincere—well, actually, so was the other.

"Elysia..."

"Mm-hmm, I'm here."

"Uh—" Caught off guard, Ana finally leaned in for a kiss.

Elysia was utterly surprised; she never anticipated such a bold move from Ana. Being a sea king requires skillfully navigating relationships and maintaining control—a trait shared by both Elysia and Ana.

However, Ana held a higher level of expertise due to her knowledge of their future and past. This allowed her to justify her actions with a sense of greater purpose, providing an excuse for any sudden departures.

In comparison, Elysia seemed somewhat weaker, even giving off a slightly manipulative vibe. Yet, it wasn't entirely deceitful; both had invested genuine emotions, just refraining from crossing certain boundaries.

Now, Ana is taking that decisive step forward-a realm unexplored by Elysia but well-trodden for Ana.

Whether it's tacit consent or confusion due to Ana's boldness, Elysia surprisingly offers no resistance, allowing Ana to kiss her unabated.

This leaves Ana somewhat puzzled about Elysia's intentions. However, Elysia's taste is truly captivating, an experience far beyond what Captains from another world could ever comprehend.

An evil thought suddenly emerges within Ana's mind:

Take possession of her! You have the power! You can bring her back! All you need is the will!

Why not give it a try?

The voice entices, stirring Ana's heart.

Wait! Who are you?

"Who am I? Naturally, I'm part of you! Ha ha ha! Give it some thought; we'll meet again soon! You'll hear my voice once more, and when that time comes, regardless of...*

Suddenly, Ana jolts awake. In reality, only a few seconds had passed, unnoticed by anyone, including Elysia.

Yet, that seductive voice continues to echo in Ana's mind.

Why couldn't she do it? Otto had fought relentlessly for centuries for Kallen's sake, though not necessarily achieving his desired outcome. Now, Ana possessed a genuine method to make her wish come true, albeit with odds astronomically low—perhaps one in billions.

She truly couldn't, yet paradoxically, she could!

Once Finality was surpassed and Honkai defeated, what path should she take then? Would she end up like Kiana, guarding the moon alone? It was time for her to plan her future.

Ana's gaze gradually cleared, carrying a hint of newfound determination.

"Ellie, you must...you absolutely must wait for me!"

With those words, Ana turned and departed, leaving the Elysian Realm this time without looking back.

Elysia stood frozen in place, experiencing something unprecedented in her tens of thousands of years. In the past, Ana wasn't the first to express affection towards her, but she had always managed to brush them off.

As a Herrscher, she loved everyone indiscriminately.

But, what if she were human instead? With a human lifespan, there would be limitations on whom one can love, and from a human perspective, not everyone is deemed worthy of such affection—a shift in viewpoint and identity.

However, these thoughts hinged upon two conditions: firstly, the real Elysia must emerge, and secondly, she needed to become a true human, rather than the Herrscher of Human.

Both these conditions seemed entirely impossible.

Yet for some reason, as she watched Ana's departing figure, a glimmer of hope arose within Elysia—much like her past belief that humanity could overcome Honkai and transcend Finality.

Just as she had trusted Kevin and the other Heroic Spirits before, now she placed her faith in Ana.

Ana didn't leave immediately. She chose to bid farewell to the other Heroic Spirits first. Among them, she saw Hua—not Fu Hua, but indeed Hua, who had reset her memories and returned to her original self.

However, Hua still retained her memories from when she was Fu Hua.

"My future has reached its conclusion; it is not mine anymore, but rather Fu Hua's."

In response to Ana's inquiry, Hua spoke with conviction.

Ana merely smiled faintly, offering no further comment. This was Hua's choice, and she respected it. Initially, Ana only wished for the Heroic Spirits of the Elysian Realm to understand what the future held for Hua, without intending for her to become Fu Hua again.

Though they appeared as one person, their experiences diverged significantly, making them distinct individuals.

"Wishing you prosperity in martial arts and success in all endeavors, Your Excellency."

Sakura bowed respectfully towards Ana, expressing her sentiments. Her reaction to Ana's departure remained subdued, treating it akin to sending off any visitor—as if unaware that this particular guest might hold the greatest promise in defeating Honkai.

After all, for Sakura, her own future no longer existed.

"If there's ever a chance, I'll come back to visit you, bringing the Jizo Mitama with me," Ana paused before adding, "Although it may not be necessary. As long as she is happy and thriving, as her big sister, I will support her."

Sakura was referring to Fiery Prisoner within the Jizo Mitama.

Compared to their previous meeting, Sakura seemed more open-minded now, as if she had experienced some profound enlightenment.

"Leaving already?"

Eden raised her wine glass, inviting Ana to join her for a toast. Seeing the golden goblet in Eden's hand, Ana accepted it and took a small sip.

Indeed, one could always trust Eden's impeccable taste. Even in this modern era, she would undoubtedly emerge as a leading figure.

"I truly believe you could create your own world in the new era," Ana couldn't help but remark, understanding Eden's choice nonetheless.

"But...in the new era, Ellie won't be there anymore, right?" Eden smiled softly.

"..."

As expected, Eden was the ultimate Ellie fan.

"In that case, I might just whisk Ellie away then."

After a brief silence, Ana chuckled softly.

"If you can truly accomplish it, then Ellie is entrusted to your care, my friend."

Eden smiled as well, seemingly unconcerned. No, how could she not be concerned? However, within this Garden of Eden, there was little more she could do now.

If Ana indeed managed to succeed, all Eden could offer her would be blessings.

"Indeed, don't worry!" Ana nodded with a confident smile on her face.

"I admire your confidence, Miss Ana."

"Hmph, confidence stems from one's capabilities! If I cannot achieve it, then nobody else in this world can either."

"Well then, farewell, Eden!"

"Farewell, Miss Ana."

Ana didn't bother seeking out Su; he was quite unique, and everything she wanted to say or do with him had already been accomplished. Approaching him further would likely yield no response.

Thus, her final goodbye was reserved for Kevin.

"Between you and me, there will inevitably be a decisive battle." As soon as Ana approached, she heard Kevin's indifferent voice.

"So, Kevin, how much chance do you think I have?"

"A hundred percent."

Initially, Ana expected Kevin to respond cryptically like Riddler did, but surprisingly, he gave a straightforward answer—and it was...

"Are you serious?" Ana looked at Kevin skeptically, feeling uncertain about her ability to defeat him decisively.

"No need for further words."

This time, however, Kevin chose to keep his reasoning enigmatic. In truth, there was no need for him to elaborate—the Heroic Spirits in the Garden of Eden, especially Kalpas, were well aware of Kevin's true strength.

Currently, Ana could already match Kevin evenly, and with the Ice Authority, she would undoubtedly overpower him.

Moreover, Heaven's Fire Holy Judgement, which significantly enhances Kevin, remains under Ana's control. This shift in power dynamics is another crucial factor.

As for Ana's previous concerns about the Power of Finality or becoming the Savior-Kevin, it was all premature. Project Stigma had just begun, and achieving such feats requires harnessing the Power of Finality through this very project.

Now that Ana has entered the Elysian Realm and collected all the engravings, she possesses the seed of the Primogenitor, unlike Raiden Mei, who needed a mental transformation to awaken hers.

In other words, if Ana desires it, she already holds the qualification to access the Power of Finality. Whether she can withstand its burden is an entirely different question.

Kiana's transition into the Herrscher of Finality appeared smooth but was indeed perilously close to death.

The burdens carried by Kevin were far beyond what ordinary humans could endure, and Kiana faced similar challenges.

For Ana to become the Herrscher of Finality, she must shoulder these same responsibilities. However, individual resilience varies; thus, predicting her outcome based on others' experiences is futile.

"Alright then!"

Seeing Kevin's demeanor, Ana knew she wouldn't get more answers from him, but she trusted his words nonetheless.

Kevin genuinely never lied, nor did he have any reason to do so. He had always hoped for someone capable of surpassing him, eliminating the need to execute the desperate Plan Stigma as a last resort.