Come back, Elysia!

She descended from the moonlit sky, alongside the sculptor of legends.

Amidst fleeting joys, sorrows, and anger, in the face of darkness, she opened the door to hope and a new chapter.

In the depths of the night, time flowed, revealing the truth of that fateful evening.

Beneath the starry sky, only two remained.

In the end, the grand banquet had only four attendees. But before that, another woman came to visit. She was not a hero, yet she was qualified to be there.

MEI.

The leader of Fire Moth at that time.

Elysia wanted to tell her everything before the end arrived.

"Even though I always believed that beautiful girls could do anything, becoming a Herrscher... is still beyond imagination."

Elysia lowered her gaze, watching the shimmering stars reflected on the ocean's surface, where light and dreams intertwined, separating this place from the noisy reality.

But here, her life would come full circle.

She was not afraid, not anymore—just... a little hesitant.

"Maybe I'll succeed, and from now on, all Herrschers will know that they can be like me."

"Maybe I'll shine even brighter—and in the next second, Honkai will vanish completely from this world."

"But it's also possible... that nothing will change at all."

"..." MEI remained silent.

She knew Elysia did not need persuasion or comfort. She just needed someone to listen, to be by her side.

So she played the role of a quiet companion, offering silent encouragement through her gentle gaze behind her glasses, occasionally nodding and smiling faintly.

"But even so, I still want to try."

Elysia looked down at the ocean beneath her feet, a sight that reminded her of Eden on that distant night, her graceful presence, so breathtaking that Elysia could never forget it. She wanted to see it one more time.

But Eden had said she would dedicate her most beautiful song to her, so Elysia had no reason to bring up her own little thoughts again.

Then, more faces appeared in her mind.

So many people.

"To all those brave warriors who fought, I love you all deeply... They deserve a better ending."

"This is something only I can accomplish, something only I must accomplish."

"Maybe... I was born for this very moment, who knows?"

A flawless smile curved her lips, but a faint loneliness lingered within.

In the end, she would not be able to witness everyone's happy ending...

She had only seen sorrow and calamity. Perhaps she had accomplished nothing. Perhaps she had already given everything she had.

Or perhaps... she simply loved this world too much.

"If even you have doubts, then we really know nothing about Honkai at all."

MEI chuckled softly, yet her words carried absolute trust in Elysia.

A leader of unwavering reason and composure, yet she was willing to entrust her faith entirely to Elysia.

"There is no divine Herrscher ruler, at least not within me. That so-called consciousness spoken of by those believers has never appeared before me."

"Deep within, all I can feel is a vast chaos, like a cocoon silently waiting for rebirth..."

"It seems to whisper to me, everything we have experienced in the past is neither judgment nor a trial..."

"But simply... an embrace."

"But clearly... for humanity, such an embrace is far too painful."

Elysia murmured uncertainly. These thoughts were merely vague feelings, perhaps too idealistic, but they were hers, and she believed in them.

She would share everything with MEI, for MEI was the one guiding this civilization forward.

"Perhaps this is simply the price a civilization must pay to say farewell to its childhood."

MEI replied calmly.

Elysia let out a soft laugh, no longer burdened by sorrow. Instead, she spoke with ease.

"So, let the first Herrscher, the Herrscher of Origin..."

"...become a beautiful fairy tale."

"It doesn't have to be so serious."

"I'm the heroine of this story, after all. Saving the world I love, shouldn't that be natural?"

"Look, even now, as the end approaches, there are still people holding onto hope for tomorrow."

"Even when civilization trembles on the edge of darkness, light continues to be born from within it."

"I love those kinds of people, and that kind of world. That is the miracle named the Herrscher of Humanity."

"..." MEI vaguely understood what Elysia was trying to convey, but she did not reject it.

"So, will you promise me, MEI?"

"No matter how certain the Stigmata Plan's success may be, no matter what happens, never abandon the Fire Seed, can you promise me that?"

One was the worst-case scenario. The other was the best plan.

And deep down, MEI had always thought the same way.

"...I promise you."

MEI answered carefully, in what would be their final conversation.

--------------

In the Golden Courtyard

"Not at a banquet, yet you still managed to meet so many people. Impressive."

Mobius spoke in a tone that was difficult to decipher. "And in the end, I'm the only one you didn't inform about this, isn't that right?"

"No need to emphasize 'only,' Dr. Mobius..."

"Look, you were the one who personally tore up the invitation back then, so you can't blame me for that. Just look, Kosma, Kalpas, and the others definitely didn't know either."

Elysia spoke with some difficulty.

"Invitation... That was clearly an official order from headquarters to carry out a punitive expedition. There was never any invitation to begin with."

Mobius raised an icy brow and shot a sharp glance at her.

"Ah. Even for me, I had my doubts back then. At that time, everyone relied too much on trust... Perhaps, even I did." Elysia said with sad tone.

"..."

Mobius frowned, staring at Elysia for a while but ultimately said nothing more.

In the future, if there was a next time, she would not be absent.

Of course, it wasn't for the sake of comforting her. Watching her die once? That wouldn't be so bad either.

"So... when did you realize the concept of 'Embrace'?"

Mobius furrowed her brows and asked.

This was also her first time hearing about this concept. The existence of cocoons had been discovered earlier, after all, when studying Herrschers. Their connection to the cocoons... was far weaker than she had imagined.

It was like gathering all the Herrschers together and comparing their collective energy, utterly insignificant.

"Before my death? Hmm... I don't quite remember. Perhaps, in a dream, I met the entity that nurtured my existence."

Elysia smiled lightly, as if speaking of something trivial.

"But even now, I still don't understand what 'Embrace' truly means... What exactly is an embrace?"

Mobius absentmindedly tugged at her hair, deep in thought.

"Ah, but I do know! Want me to demonstrate it for you? We can use ourselves as an example."

Elysia nodded earnestly.

As she spoke, she spread her arms wide and moved toward Mobius, preparing to show her what she meant.

Mobius, as if forgetting to dodge, froze for a moment, then found herself pulled into Elysia's embrace.

Right there, in that moment, she was directly wrapped in Elysia's arms.

However, whether the hunter or the prey had truly won remained unknown.

---

"The Herrscher of Origin? The Herrscher of Humanity?... Which one is actually her title? They both sound... incredibly powerful."

Kiana furrowed her brows.

Understanding the abilities of a potential rival was urgent.

But this person... was she stronger than expected? No wonder she had been able to influence Sister Su's thoughts before. She outright entrusted the future Herrschers to their humanity!

Ah, so it wasn't that pre-civilization records were inaccurate, nor that Schicksal exaggerated things, Herrschers really had been the mortal enemies of humanity.

The revelation shook Kiana to her core.

And yet, they owed everything to that woman. Whether it was Mei or herself, they both had reason to be grateful to her.

"Origin was her original title. The Herrscher of Humanity... that's the name she gave herself. Elysia wanted to stand alongside humanity, though now that idea seems much more commonplace..."

Luo Mo closed his eyes slightly, scanning the people before him, modern Herrschers were now overflowing with humanity, a stark contrast to the previous era.

"Ah, I see."

Kiana nodded in understanding, then returned to her game.

---

"Mei, do you also believe that the Fire Moth plan was the best option?"

Hua hesitated for a moment, glancing at Elysia. What she saw was firm approval, and from Mobius, a muttered complaint, still unwilling to leave Elysia's embrace.

"Ah, who can say for sure which plan was truly the best? But... the Fire Moth plan gave the future infinite possibilities. Among them, surely there exists a future we most desire."

"After all, who would willingly become part of the Stigmata Plan?"

Vill-V chuckled knowingly.

-----------

In the beginning, the world was nothing but chaos.

There was no light, nor darkness; no beginning, nor end.

Like erased data, like memories wiped away.

Elysia floated in this void, unsure of what tomorrow would bring.

From the distance, a voice called out.

Then, a faint light shone through, no matter how distant.

"Today... I will only sing your favorite song."

It was the voice of her companions.

Warm and gentle, it gave a sense of nostalgia, like a light long remembered.

Aponia: "It was you... who changed fate."

That light illuminated the darkness, dispelling the void.

Vill-V: "Don't make such a surprised expression."

It was as if someone was calling out, as if someone was remembering. As if someone was narrating a name, or reciting a story.

"Because we have always believed in you." A steadfast warrior declared.

Elysia's head ached slightly, her consciousness drifting through the endless stars, yet at the same time, it felt like she was falling from the sky. Slowly, she opened her eyes.

She recalled what had happened that night.

...Why?

At the end of this story, wasn't she supposed to stand against humanity?

Wasn't she supposed to perish as the Thirteenth Herrscher, leaving the stage behind for those she loved?

That was how it should have been.

But then why...

Why was the one standing in the spotlight, surrounded by everyone... herself?

And why...

Why had memories that should have faded with time still remained?

She didn't understand. She had lost so many memories. She had lost so much...

"Because I am here."

Another voice came through, steady and strong.

"Because I will remember."

"Because your origins, your footsteps, every little fragment of your life has been etched into the hearts of those who love you..."

"Even after ten thousand years, they will remain here forever."

It was Mei's voice, but Elysia couldn't see her.

More and more voices joined in, by her ears, in her mind, in her memories, in every corner of her soul...

They brought light to this space, they restored color to her being...

They... were becoming her.

In the darkness of her consciousness, twelve stars appeared, shining brilliantly.

She thought she saw Eden's gentle smile.

"That's right... because we still remember."

Deep in the void, Aponia whispered a prayer.

"Our lives intertwine, our memories connect."

On the ice, Kevin's cold expression seemed to thaw.

"As long as someone remembers, existence continues."

Even the trickster wore an uncharacteristically sincere face.

"Her shadow is carved into our lives, her name has never stopped being spoken."

"Hmph. What a ridiculous name."

The ever-prideful Mobius.

"Too long. I can't remember it."

Unable to endure a Kalpas

"But it's an easy name to listen to! Sounds like the name of a major client!"

Pardofelis laughed awkwardly yet encouragingly.

"Thank you. I will never forget your kindness, nor your name."

Sakura expressed her gratitude with a touch of loneliness.

"Because of this name, we are now connected. Even if we don't acknowledge it, this truth remains undeniable."

Su spoke.

"As long as we acknowledge it ourselves, then we are one entity."

Hua added.

"Therefore, I will give my all, no matter what form it takes. I will stake our names—"

Kosma calm tone came.

"Everyone, together..."

Griseo's cute voice appeared.

A glow of light and a sky full of stars.

She could hear it, the voices of many, many companions.

No matter what, they had all met here and now. The threads of fate had intertwined them.

She had so many companions now...

They were hers, the ones who proved her existence as a person.

They all wanted her to wake up again.

Because she had once made a promise, no matter where or when, Elysia would always answer their expectations.

So, she must respond to them, right?

"Herrscher of Origin... how fitting a name for you."

Mei's voice was like a church choir, pure and clear, each word resonating in the ears of the newborn beings.

Her voice carried more emotions, to the one she wants to meet again.

"The Origin of yesterday, and the Origin of tomorrow as well."

"You truly created it—naming it after yourself, the Elysia's paradise... Look, it's right here."

"An everlasting, and pristine paradise."

"An era belongs to its people."

"So come back... and take a look again, at the world that exists because of you."

"This is a story that you started."

"And also a stage that I dedicate to you."

"Just like before, respond to my call..."

"...Elysia."

Mei softly sang, shaping the moment with their shared memories, painting it with their recollections, bringing it to life in a magnificent scene.

Step by step, she ascended the staircase, surrounded by the rich fragrance of flowers and the chirping of birds. The sound of flowing springs echoed faintly, and the forest carried countless decorative hues. The marble archway resembled the setting of a wedding ceremony.

Petals drifted down, and in her memory, a girl stood there.

Filled with anticipation for their reunion, she attended the grand event, completing a beautiful picture.

"Ah, in the end... you still found me. I've been waiting for so long~"

"Another meeting... we should at least greet each other properly, right?"

She smiled, just like in the past.

This time, she was truly well-dressed, for Mei and for everyone else.

"Hi, did you miss me~?"

The same bright smile as before, identical to the one in their memories.

It was her.

Elysia.

(Image)

A name that had always echoed in everyone's ears.

A name that had always brought joy.

Mei's steps suddenly felt lighter, and her mood lifted.

All the haze clouding her heart vanished the moment she saw the girl.

The both stared at each other in silence.

"..."

"....~"

"Oh? Why aren't you saying anything? It's unlike you."

Elysia tilted her head, the chime of a small bell ringing beside her. She took a step forward, breathing in the sweet floral fragrance.

"Then... I am back, Mei?"

As the moment came to an end, the stage was still waiting for her to appear.

"Mm... welcome back."

A simple, clear response, but Mei felt as if tears were welling up in her eyes.

"Ah...!"

Elysia gasped in shock. This was the first time Mei greeted her like this.

----

The screen returned to the homepage automatically.

But this time, it wasn't the symbol of a heroic card shattering.

All the broken and empty cards gathered at the center, condensing into one.

Forming the image of Herrscher of Humanity. Elysia.

The official announcement—Elysia has returned.

---

[She is finally Back! Tears]

[It's like meeting for the first time again!]

[Who wrote this script? Scriptwriter!]

[Answer me, Elysia!]

[I'm activating my spell card—Fusion! The thirteen heroes fuse into Elysia!]

---------

In the Golden Courtyard

"This is... quite moving,"

Elysia carefully chose her words as she observed how everyone had come together to awaken her. She was slightly dazed.

"I never expected everyone to like me this much. I can't disappoint such high expectations, can I?"

She smiled confidently.

At that moment, Mobius seized the opportunity to jump out of her embrace, her expression somewhat annoyed as she let out a quiet sigh.

In a low voice, she muttered, "Most of the time... you really never disappoint."

In fact, for the most part, it was Fire Moth that had let everyone down.

"Hm? Dr. Mobius, what did you just say? Why is your voice getting quieter? Could it be... that sound changes based on size?"

Elysia asked in surprise. She really couldn't hear what the other was saying.

They were so close...

Was it intentional?

Thinking of this, she had the urge to tease Mobius again.

Even though she always stayed up late, her skin was surprisingly nice.

"Nothing. You misheard."

Mobius responded flatly, unwilling to entertain her any further.

But this time, Elysia was surprised to find that even after hugging Mobius... she wasn't struggling to escape?!

Had she... gotten used to it?

"Although... although that was really touching, Mei, shouldn't you also say something to me too?"

Kiana rubbed her slightly reddened eyes, her voice choked with emotion.

Watching from the sidelines was different from experiencing it personally, she deeply felt that now.

"..."

Mei patted Kiana's head.

Kiana was still emotional; saying too much wouldn't help. A simple gesture was best.

Besides, the lines... weren't really suited for Kiana.

Who knew? Maybe she'd have to deal with the boss later.

Mei thought to herself.

"No matter where or when, Elysia will always answer your expectations."

"That is the Elysia we dream of. At the moment Mei called out to her with deep emotion, she, Elysia, appeared!"

Luo Mo said excitedly, full of enthusiasm as he spoke to Pardo.

Not bad, he was spreading the faith.

"Ah? So sister Ellie was telling the truth all along?"

Pardo hesitated but decided to play along. After all, she was already used to cooperating with Vill-V.

One more time wouldn't hurt.

"What truth?"

Luo Mo choked on his words, confused.

Pardo glanced at the others to make sure no one was paying attention before leaning in closer.

In a hushed voice, she whispered to Luo Mo,

"She... really has the power to grant wishes. A wish that isn't too difficult."

"Gambling... doesn't count, does it?"

Luo Mo stroked his chin, uncertain.

"Where did you get this information?" He pressed further.

"From sister Ellie herself. Last time, she said she wanted to play with sister Snake, and then the next day, I saw sister Snake entering her room..."

"That's sister Snake we're talking about!"

Pardo checked her surroundings before speaking cautiously.

Of course, that wasn't the only example.

Everything sister Ellie casually mentioned always seemed to come true right on time.

That was... terrifying.

She had even asked Pardo if she had any wishes she wanted fulfilled.

That very afternoon, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and the heavens released a shower of twinkling stars, leaving Pardo completely dumbfounded.

"..."

Luo Mo was silent for a moment.

He had a strong suspicion that while he was thinking about messing with cat.... Pardo was also thinking about dragging him along.

But he maintained his air of wisdom and nodded in agreement.

"You're absolutely right!"