Twilight Beneath the Roller Coaster

The battle was exceptionally brilliant, like a grand banquet. At this moment, all the dazzling attacks seemed like nothing more than fireworks, mere fleeting flashes offered in tribute to Elysia before her departure.

As the massive flying stingray soared into the sky, a brief stiffness flashed across Eden's usual smiling expression.

"How is it? My new weapon still looks quite nice, doesn't it?"

Elysia, full of pride, cast a sidelong glance at Kiana and pointed at the screen.

The magic staff had an elegant and aesthetic design. At the same time, it made Kiana instinctively understand what Luo Mo had meant earlier about converting magical attacks into physical ones.

She composed herself and said seriously,

"Indeed. Striking the enemy with a surprise blunt force attack in the middle of battle, it's certainly unexpected."

"..."

Elysia widened her eyes, shooting a displeased look at Kiana before sulking a little.

"Actually, more than the weapon, I'm curious about the stingray beneath your feet when you became the Herrscher of Origin. Is it... something like Bella, a symbiotic entity?"

Kiana pushed Elysia aside slightly, a small gesture of apology for her earlier blunt comment.

As for Luo Mo?

He was fully focused on observing the developments in the story, carefully analyzing the intelligence within, as if discovering it for the first time.

Of course, given how close he was, he had overheard the entire conversation.

"...It's Eden."

Elysia replied without hesitation.

"After Eden succumbed to Honkai, this was the form she took. What do you think? Isn't it stunning?"

(T/C: is this true?)

She then added casually,

"Although, in the game, it was probably modified a little. That's not exactly my skill."

For a moment, all eyes turned to the elegant and sophisticated star who was also a renowned connoisseur of fine drinks. Usually, Eden appeared in the company as a music producer. She preferred discussing things with Himeko-sensei rather than others. Although their interactions weren't frequent, every conversation between them was deeply engaging.

Their drinking styles, however, were completely different. Eden enjoyed savoring her drinks over time, while Himeko would down hers in a storm, aiming straight for intoxication.

Previously, Eden had used alcohol to numb her pain. Now that the physical pain was gone, she found it difficult to break the habit.

Without a doubt, the two shared a great bond, much like how Elysia and Cecilia got along seamlessly.

But at this moment, the music producer's expression wasn't exactly pleasant. She placed her glass down and nodded helplessly, silently confirming that, indeed, the stingray was the form she had taken after succumbing to Honkai.

A bit embarrassed, she thought to herself.

"Huh... I always assumed that anyone who succumbed to Honkai would end up looking... less appealing. Like Kosma or Mobius."

Kiana said in surprise.

She had seen plenty of those transformed by Honkai in the game, characters like Griseo, Aponia... even those who still retained distinct human features.

But never before had she seen one who had fully transformed yet remained so breathtaking.

"That depends on how much of their consciousness aligns with the Honkai beast they merge with," Mobius said softly.

She didn't mind the misunderstanding about appearances. Evolution itself was beauty, it was simply that others failed to appreciate it.

Still... what would that woman look like if she had succumbed to Honkai?

She narrowed her eyes, curiosity stirring as she gazed at Elysia.

As a Herrscher, Elysia had never reached that moment.

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

After the banquet ended, peace returned.

The most climactic moment of the event, the dance between Mei and the Herrscher of Origin, was forever engraved in her heart. It was their story, their shared past.

On a peaceful swing, Mei and Elysia sat on opposite sides, their bodies swaying gently with the breeze as Elysia's voice reached her ears.

"I never thought I'd get to relive that banquet in this way... Thank you, Mei."

"So this is... how you appeared in the eyes of the heroes in the end."

"Mhm."

Elysia closed her eyes contentedly, a trace of satisfaction on her face.

Then she looked up at the scenery in the distance.

Every corner of the concert hall contained fragments of the world she had once searched for. She had gathered all the beauty of the world into this peaceful haven.

But the most beautiful thing was always the trust and expectations shared between them.

The companionship, the anticipation, it had not been in vain.

She smiled and spoke softly,

"Some left the battlefield because they believed in Elysia and refused to fight."

"Others came to this banquet because they believed in Elysia."

"I originally hoped that uniting against a common enemy would bring everyone together... But in the end, it was achieved through a different means."

"To have met such people... I am truly lucky."

Elysia closed her eyes, as if she could see all the Flame-Chasers smiling, waiting, watching over her.

"The Day after, I told Eden the whole truth. Aponia might have already seen something—after all, her ability is real. Vill-V, like MEI, probably deduced everything with her intelligence."

"But only Kevin... he didn't understand the situation at all. He came to the banquet just to deliver one message—"

"'There are no Herrschers here, only Flame-Chasers who believe in their true selves.'"

Elysia tried to mimic his voice in a cute way.

"See? He really did a great job, didn't he?"

Elysia sat on the swing, kicking her legs slightly, enjoying the long-lost peace while taking in the fragrant flowers filling the concert hall.

This place was beautiful, and she took pride in it.

Even the most breathtaking scenery would become dull over time... But when shared with others, it became something else entirely.

"I placed my own disappearance as the stake in this gamble, hoping that the future, the fate Aponia foresaw—might change, even just a little."

She didn't know if she would succeed. She didn't even know what would happen next...

But she still chose to believe that doing this would lead to a result.

Because...

"I want to believe that humanity have the power to change."

"..."

Mei was silent. She knew she should say something.

She also understood that Elysia's bold decision had succeeded, bringing boundless hope to those who came after. So she stood up and looked at her.

"I am the Herrscher of Thunder, but I am also Raiden Mei..."

"Standing here as I am now... is proof of that."

"The best proof."

"Though saying this now might feel a little late..."

"Thank you, Elysia."

"Thank you... for giving us the chance to change our fate from the very beginning."

She spoke sincerely, looking at Elysia.

"Carrying the burden of so many people is unimaginably heavy... But you, and all of you, made me feel that I had to do it."

"Aiya, Mei has become more straightforward and understanding of me now. So unfair~"

Elysia laughed brightly, clapped her hands, and jumped off the swing.

Looking at the distant lights flickering on and off, she clasped her hands behind her back, swayed a little as she walked, then suddenly turned around with a smile.

"Well then... Stay with me for just a little longer, Mei. This time, it really is the last."

The light in her eyes was mesmerizing. Mei found herself momentarily captivated.

But she followed after her.

"...Mhm."

She would accompany Elysia to the very end of this journey, and this time, she would be infinitely patient.

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

In the hall

"Sigh, as expected, they had more or less already understood the intelligence. So, Kevin, in your opinion, what was your reasoning for going forward?"

"Duty? Approval? Hope?... Or was it change?"

Mobius raised an eyebrow, asking curiously.

Her tone was very recognizable among the elites. Even though she always declared that she was imitating Elysia's intonation, despite her efforts to mimic it perfectly, her intent never truly changed.

With her loli-like voice carrying a low undertone, it didn't sound like something a kind person would have.

"I simply thought it was something I had to do, so I did it."

Kevin answered calmly and firmly, without hesitation.

Beforehand, he indeed did not fully understand the actual situation. MEI had only vaguely mentioned a few things to him, but it didn't affect his decision.

Whether he knew or not, he could only make that choice.

"...Ah,"

Mobius understood his meaning and let out a mocking chuckle. She gently caressed Klein's palm with her fingers, feeling a bit of warmth.

"Ah, now that is just like you."

Meanwhile, Kiana's expression was visibly displeased. Watching the two of them interact so intimately made her uncomfortable, but since nothing particularly strange happened, she decided, she would go with Mei to ride the swings and leave after watching.

She also wanted to talk with Mei!

"Thank you, Mei, for using yourself as proof, and thank you, Kevin, for not forgetting my request either."

"You really... brought a human Herrscher right before me!"

Elysia said this with a smile, expressing her gratitude naturally.

This was the future she most wanted to see.

Ah... She had been waiting for this outcome all along.

"So... was that the reason why Kevin previously invited me in such an orderly manner, as a small gesture?"

Kiana pursed her lips and asked.

She recalled past events, thinking carefully. He had extended the same invitation to others, but none had accepted.

So, he had no choice but to use a little 'trickery' to lure Mei into the World Serpent.

"That's right. Even after fifty thousand years, he still wouldn't forget a single promise, nor would he completely lose himself..."

"But every person's wish is both his burden to bear and his motivation to move forward."

"He invited you all simply because Elysia wanted to see you. That's all."

Luo Mo sighed deeply.

As expected, when it came to Elysia's companions, he still had a long way to go on the path of love.

"So... improving the food at the World Serpent, in the end, might finally prove itself, right?"

Mei joked.

Of course, it wasn't entirely a joke... She had long harbored deep dissatisfaction with the so-called Herrscher cuisine. Yet, amidst her adventures, she had even earned herself the title of Herrscher of Reason.

From another perspective, does that mean leaving Kiana made her smarter?

Or rather, without having to constantly worry about a certain someone, she could finally pay more attention to other things?

"Not entirely..."

Luo Mo shook his head in horror.

"To this day, we still don't fully understand what World Serpent's food actually is! But if Mei leaves, the only thing left on the docks will be bitter gourd water, which everyone will hate!"

"Uh..."

Mei fell silent. She really didn't like that title.

Of course, no one liked bitter gourd water.

-----------

The ball had ended, and everything had reached its conclusion.

What remained was simply farewell.

Both of them knew this, yet they still indulged in the night breeze, riding the roller coaster that had likely gone around the entire amusement park for a full week, replaying the track over and over again.

In this peaceful and eternal dreamlike paradise, standing among the flawless performers of hope, they sat together on the slowly moving cable car, observing the entire joyous scenery.

Every place had been carefully designed by Elysia.

Every place held memories of her existence.

But everything must eventually come to an end, whether it be the paradise or herself.

Her eyes reflected the bright lights, as she enjoyed the scent of flowers carried by the wind, with a dear friend beside her.

This should have been enough to bring joy... It was supposed to be like this.

So why...

Why did she wish time could pass just a little slower?

"No matter how many times I look, the Everlasting Elysium is always this perfect..."

Hope gleamed in her eyes as the Ferris wheel slowly turned. She had once looked out from above, gazing into the distance.

"So, right at the very beginning of everything..."

"Shall we draw the most perfect ending to it?"

Mei shifted her gaze aside. She knew the other was right, but...

She just couldn't bear to part.

After waiting so long to meet again, only to have such a brief moment together.

"Ah, I know. Mei must be very reluctant to part with me, because I don't want to part with Mei either."

"We just reunited, and now we have to separate again..."

"This is really too unfair, don't you think?"

"But still, farewells must come, just like every story must eventually have its own ending."

"So, no need to show that expression..."

"Mei, smile for me, okay?"

"..."

Mei choked on her words, struggling with bitterness and unwillingness.

"Is it really… coming to an end?"

"That's right. After all, everyone's efforts have been leading to this moment."

Elysia smiled gently, raising a hand to tuck away strands of hair tousled by the wind. She turned around, taking in the beautiful scenery alongside Mei.

"Don't worry, I will protect you and ensure you return safely to reality."

"Congratulations! Just like that, Mei, you have officially graduated from the Elysian Realm."

"Now, lift your head high and walk proudly toward your future."

She spoke with sincerity, her gentle smile offering blessings in this final farewell.

The roller coaster neared its final stop, yet Mei felt reluctant to leave.

Elysia looked at her, and Mei looked back at her. Neither spoke, neither moved.

But time does not stop; tomorrow will always move forward.

"I…"

Mei bit her lip, struggling.

"I'm still not…"

"Not fully prepared to say goodbye?"

"To be honest… neither am I."

"In that case, in this final moment… why don't we take one more ride on the roller coaster?"

"This time, let's go slower and just enjoy the scenery. Is that okay?"

"...."

"…Alright."

Yet, no matter how long the journey, there must always be an end. And no matter how slow a roller coaster moves, it can never stop forever.

As the ride climbed to its highest peak, the wind became gentler. Under the amusement park's glowing lights, the sunset painted the scenery with warmth. Everything that Elysia had once cherished as beautiful was now laid before her eyes.

Here, day and night didn't exist, only an eternal sunset. Because, in Elysia's heart, the amusement park looked most beautiful under its lights.

"Honestly, I already expected Mei's reaction."

She turned her back to Mei, yet she could still sense her presence.

The flickering lights cast a glow, but they did not linger on them.

"See? Haven't I come to understand you more and more?"

"You've always understood everyone around you," Mei shook her head, denying it.

"That's right! Because I always make sure to observe everyone carefully."

"Whether it's the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, the Fire Moth warriors, or even the ordinary people I've met… everyone is just an ordinary person, yet each of them is special."

"I spent my days with them, watching their lives unfold, feeling their joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. I shared their thoughts, their struggles, and I witnessed their irreplaceable souls."

"And it's because of all these precious moments that Elysia was born, don't you think?"

"I just love people like this and a world like this."

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke from the heart.

"You really… never tell a lie, do you?"

"…"

"Mei…"

"If you say anything more, I might really start crying."

There was reluctance in her gaze, emotions lingering between them. Yet Mei did not notice whether Elysia's eyes had turned red, was it because of the wind, or because of what she had just said?

But… could this girl, who always smiled, also have a moment when she wanted to cry?

Feeling a pang of envy, Mei lowered her head. A deep sadness rose within her.

"I don't want to cry while saying goodbye to Mei, because a girl's smile is always the most beautiful."

"So, make sure to remember me smiling, alright?"

"…Yes."

"I will always remember… and keep it in my heart."

Mei nodded firmly, her voice unwavering.

"Good, don't ever forget! My adorable face, my sweet voice, every word I've ever said to you, all of it, remember it all!"

"But… even if you do forget, it's okay."

"…"

"…"

Mei silently gazed at her, and Elysia, too, smiled quietly back.

They both knew, the time to part had come.

No one could stop Mei from leaving now.

Mei also knew the Flame-Chasers' plan—the sixth-generation Key of Creation, the Tower of Babylon, K666, would destroy the Elysian Realm, along with the corruption and itself.

The Herrscher of Corruption would undoubtedly be defeated, but she would never see this girl, who had always been by her side, again.

Suddenly, Mei felt a tinge of regret. Why had she doubted Elysia in the beginning?—If she hadn't, wouldn't they have had more time together?

Elysia always said she preferred smiling, that she didn't like crying girls, that she wanted this farewell to be beautiful.

But why…

Why did it feel like sand had entered her eyes, making her tears fall uncontrollably?

Was it because she had witnessed a life as fleeting and beautiful as a fairy tale, and felt sympathy?

Or was it because she had just met this girl, only to lose her in less than a day?

Or…

Was it because she once again felt powerless, just as she had in the past?

Faced with a friend's departure, she could do nothing.

But she truly felt lost.

And she truly could do nothing.

She needed to change, yet it felt like nothing had changed at all.

--------

In the grand hall

"A sunset over an amusement park? That really is the most beautiful time in my heart. Just like how afternoon tea belongs in the afternoon, how the sunrise belongs to the morning, an amusement park's sunset has its own unique charm~"

Elysia let out a soft laugh as she spoke.

Even though her analogy wasn't entirely logical.

Just as she had always been.

"You do have a very beautiful smile, but…"

Luo Mo nodded in agreement but was quickly cut off.

"No buts!"

Elysia stared at him with an adorably fierce expression, as if she were ready to pounce if he dared to say another word.

Of course, she already knew exactly what he was going to say next.

In fact, she had spent so much time around Luo Mo that she was starting to pick up his bad habits.

But in this moment, when everyone was feeling sentimental, she wouldn't allow it.

"Haha."

Mei chuckled softly and said,

"Now, more people than ever will remember Elysia, as well as your story, the story of all of you."

"No matter what, it's not such a bad ending, is it?"

"I just want beautiful girls around me~"

"But… this isn't bad either."