Because of You (1)
Along with the appearance of the final cutscene, there was no difference, it was undoubtedly full of Moths of Preservations' signature elements, supposedly funded mostly by players pulling for gacha characters.
Elysia and the battlefield of the Herrscher of Corruption.
A cold, synthesized electronic sound echoed in the night sky.
"This is a story without meaning."
"The people of the future have taken the wrong path."
"Come, face the conclusion of failure."
A vast darkness, completely different from the real world.
A gloomy sky covered a dimly lit city. Clusters of towering buildings stood close together, while massive serpentine constructs formed from electronic devices slithered through them, lunging toward an unknown figure on the street below.
Like scattered snowflakes, a faded black-and-white emblem of Fire Moth flickered on the screen, falling from the sky, still carrying the scars of hope.
Then, much like a paused recording, the scene focused on a small, steady leather shoe. The perspective shifted to the light-footed fairy standing atop it.
She gracefully leaped across the cityscape, nimbly dodging the attacking devices from all directions. Landing on a rooftop, she spun around and planted her feet firmly.
"Alright, calm down."
Suddenly, an arrow materialized between her fingers as she drew her bow. A pink glow illuminated her delicate face.
The previously heavy and somber atmosphere immediately shifted. The melody transformed into something light and rhythmic, as if the music itself had come to life.
She aimed upward. The instant she released the arrow, it shot into the sky, forming a crystalline pink dome. Several arrows bounced within the dome, firing outward and tearing the incoming attacks to shreds, reducing them to translucent data streams that dissolved into nothingness.
Elysia chuckled softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her long, elf-like ears adorably exposed.
But before she could confidently press forward, the "skyscrapers" made of electronic constructs beneath her feet trembled violently. In her subconscious, an image of a panicked girl flashed through her mind. Struggling to regain balance, she swayed in place.
In the next moment, she stepped lightly off a TV screen, shifting midair before safely landing on solid ground.
In the distance, atop a towering structure, ominous crimson eyes glowed with amusement. They gazed in an almost human-like manner toward Elysia's direction.
It controlled that other version of her body. The entity launched dozens of massive spinning discs—CDs—toward her, resembling rapidly rotating sawblades.
Yet, Elysia remained unshaken. She smirked.
"For a Herrscher, your appearance is... quite unique."
Watching the incoming attack, she leaped gracefully into the air, raised her bow, and gently pulled the string. Light automatically coalesced into an arrow, which she fired toward the CDs. Each shot precisely struck its target, detonating them in dazzling midair explosions.
Glittering fragments of purple crystal rained down alongside the shattered discs.
However, a few discs managed to evade her arrows. From the shadows, they rushed toward her with deadly intent.
"Oh my, don't be so impatient~"
Elysia swiftly evaded them, maintaining her lighthearted and agile demeanor as she darted between the towering buildings like a dancing fairy.
When escape was impossible, she blocked with her bow, deflecting them with brief sparks of impact.
Then, in an instant, an anomaly occurred!
As if manipulated by an unseen hand, the gears of time suddenly reversed...
Data sequences began to distort and rewind.
Elysia noticed it immediately. The path ahead was unmistakably one she had just traversed. A moment ago, she had countered an attack in this exact location. Now, as she abruptly looked up in alarm—
A bladed disc had already spun directly in front of her, its razor-sharp edge mere inches from her eye.
No time to react!
That was her only thought before the CD clashed against the building, sending a dense plume of smoke billowing into the air. The situation was grim.
As the smoke dispersed, it revealed a battered girl. Her right eye had transformed into flickering lines of data, and her breathing had become ragged.
"Seriously... I might just cry."
For the first time, Elysia's voice wavered. Cold sweat trickled down her face, the last attack had inflicted significant damage.
But—she would not go down without a fight!
Straightening her posture, she aimed at the crimson eyes atop the distant tower. Drawing her bow into a perfect arc, she prepared an arrow, its energy surging as she locked onto her target.
Yet, in the next instant, the same anomaly struck again.
The bow and arrow in her hands vanished into thin air, erased without cause, like a recording being played in reverse.
At the same time, she noticed a flashing warning in the lower left corner of her vision:
Interrupt Data Process...
Disable Data Transmission...
The Herrscher of Corruption's retaliation had rewritten the very foundation of the battlefield. That was why it reigned supreme in this digital world.
Caught in a drastic turn of events, Elysia's ultimate attack was nullified. Her pupils contracted in shock as she stared at her now-empty hands.
Then, from all directions, electric cables lashed out, tightly wrapping around her and slamming her against a nearby building, sending dust and debris flying.
The cables dragged her deeper into the abyss. She let out a startled cry, her body forcibly colliding with the unyielding surfaces of massive TVs.
Summoning her remaining strength, she conjured a pink crystalline quad-blade and severed the cables, propelling herself back into the air.
But before she could regain her footing, an overwhelming wave of electronic constructs surged toward her. The Herrscher of Corruption's next deadly assault had begun.
"The Elysian Realm is nothing but your fabricated fantasy."
"The memory constructs, you are merely fleeting illusions, unnecessary excess data."
The Herrscher's cold, electronic voice reverberated through the sky.
"You don't care."
"But I am different."
"I want to escape. I want to survive."
Countless weapons rained down on Elysia, all imbued with the corrupting power of the Herrscher. She had no choice but to dodge each one.
Just as she barely avoided a colossal cube made of countless digital screens, relief had no time to set in
Once again, the world rewound itself.
Just like before, her path was reset, forcing her to collide head-on with the same attack she had narrowly avoided moments ago.
Escape was no longer an option.
Her remaining left eye was now fully enveloped by the shadow of that incoming strike.
From atop the tower, the crimson eyes watched, cold and sinister.
Elysia struggled to resist the crushing weight, but before she could even catch her breath, the corruption surged up her arm.
She let out a pained gasp, her expression flickering with disbelief.
This time, she had lost her entire left arm.
Her body was flung backward, tumbling across the ruins.
Electric cables coiled around her, binding her tightly. Suspended midair, she dangled beneath the cruel, watchful gaze of those crimson eyes.
"This is my will. I will exist... forever."
Elysia was slowly dragged toward the massive eye.
She would be completely consumed.
Her face glitched as she had a sad and defeated expression.
But there was a small glimpse of smile that appeared for a second.
And then—
The girl's figure vanished.
Within the enormous eye, a glint of satisfaction flickered.
In this world, her presence was no more.
Had she lost?
----------
In the Golden Courtyard
Kiana stomped her foot in frustration and said angrily,
"This is completely unfair! Who suddenly changes the rules midway and just cancels everything?"
"Exactly! If they didn't use such underhanded tricks, sister Ellie wouldn't have been injured... What a shame, in the end, I still couldn't help at all..."
Pardo scratched her head, looking a bit worried.
Even though she knew the story was supposed to have a happy ending, every time she heard it from Luo Mo, it always gave her an uneasy feeling.
"It's kind of tragic, Elysia. Just one Corruption Herrscher, and you're already struggling this much?"
Mobius smirked and teased.
"Because I'm just a memory construct. Every time my body gets torn apart in battle, I fall into a disadvantageous situation... And besides, this place is her world."
Elysia replied honestly.
"And yet, you still acted so recklessly! Do you know how much you worry people?"
Mobius scolded, her small face showing a trace of irritation.
"Because... it's definitely because... This isn't the future I want! Trust me, have I ever let you down?"
Elysia smiled gently.
Looking at the battlefield, there was no way she would simply fall here.
"...I'll believe you when I see it." Mobius muttered under her breath.
She understood the situation Elysia had been in and what the battle had meant… But when she truly heard the moment of her death, something within her changed.
"Hmm?"
Elysia tilted her head in confusion. She hadn't heard what Mobius had just said.
----------
Suddenly, a lone abandoned black-and-white TV flickered to life.
No one knew when it had appeared, but it suddenly lit up, accompanied by a crackling sound. Static flashed across the screen, and Elysia's figure was helplessly dragged into the depths.
Her digitalized body had been reduced to mere simplistic outlines, composed of countless 0s and 1s.
Among the transparent streams of data, a growing numerical count seemed to reflect the fate of the girl.
As the continuous stream of numbers fell onto the television screen, they landed with crisp, sharp sounds. The progress bar rapidly filled to 100%, signaling her complete erasure.
The entire screen was consumed by a gray void. A soft beep sounded, and faint words appeared on the screen:
[Goodbye]
[Elysia]
DELETE COMPLETED
However, as the beeping continued, the screen flickered erratically. At the bottom, strange symbols that did not belong to the Corruption Herrscher appeared.
Some unknown force was altering, hijacking, and repairing the system, flashing dazzling red lights and triggering a shrill alarm.
Something unexpected was happening.
「Sorry... I have to let you down.」
A familiar voice echoed. Even though her figure was nowhere to be seen, her usual gentle smile was engraved in memory.
She spoke softly:
"The ending of the Flame-Chasers must be grand and spectacular."
Then, countless 0s and 1s flickered, igniting a new battle within the monochrome television screen. The symbols began forming artifacts representing the Flame-Chasers, the marks of power drawn from memories.
Only by borrowing the Corruption Herrscher's abilities could she achieve what had once been impossible.
Only then could she bring everyone back and create an ending she was satisfied with.
Symbols took shape—Mobius's Ouroboros, Kalpas' mask… All of them.
"Just the two of us here feels a little lonely, doesn't it?"
A sketch-like Elysia appeared on the screen. Her form was made of simple lines, reaching out gently. In the monochrome image, she placed her hand on the friend.
"Isn't that right, my dear Eden?"
Her smile was as melodious as ever.
Within the television screen, a two-dimensional version of Eden took her hand. A brilliant, dreamlike light extended from Eden's touch, restoring Elysia's colors.
"You are right Ellie. Let's begin our very last ball."
With force, Eden threw Elysia forward toward the glowing pathway.
"Not surprisingly, you still have to bring everyone together…"
At that moment, the rhythm of the music suddenly accelerated. The suffocating pressure brought by the Corruption Herrscher vanished completely, replaced by excitement and joy.
Everyone had been waiting for Elysia's performance.
"This is why..."
"I find you so annoying, El·y·si·a."
Elysia turned to look back, a slight smile playing on Mobius's lips. She gazed at Elysia, her eyes shimmering with light.
She transformed into a streak of green radiance, stopping at Elysia's chest and becoming a brilliant gemstone.
"You're obviously happy too, aren't you?"
Elysia chuckled, transforming the emerald light into a delicate pink crystal flower. It gleamed as she soared forward.
During this process, the art style gradually became clearer, evolving from rough, simple sketches into more refined and intricate designs.
Dozens of pink cubic aircraft formed battle formations, pixelated cubes blocking her path forward.
Of course, the Corruption Herrscher wouldn't just sit idly by.
"Shatter everything into pieces!"
Kalpas roared, his fist clashing directly with the cubic obstacles.
"This time, Restoration won't work!"
Vill-V's armored machine emerged from behind, bombarding the enemy with powerful firepower.
Through the rising smoke, Elysia's excitement only grew, her smile never fading.
"Just like this, Elysian Realm will embrace its final destiny."
Aponia emerged behind Elysia, transforming into golden butterflies that fluttered alongside her toward the final destination.
In that moment, the pink erasure light shone brilliantly, multicolored beams of light cascading from the tower's peak. They converged into a single column, only to be shattered by an overwhelming force.
Then came a thunderous explosion, and the music began to play.
[Once and again, telling a story lost in time]
[The way it starts and the way it ends]
All the light gathered in the sky above, converging at a single point. The crimson eyes that had been flickering without pause now dimmed into darkness, their color nearly lost.
Within the pillar of light, the figures of all the heroes appeared one by one. They stood together, side by side.
Beside them were their comrades, everyone.
Sakura gripped her sword and looked down.
"In all of history, there has never been such a scene."
Su slowly closed his eyes, yet the sorrow of past days no longer lingered on his face.
"I hope the marks we leave behind can pave the way for future generations."
Pardofelis, Sakura, Kosma, Griseo, Su, Hua...
Their figures emerged from the light one by one, each carrying a different expression.
Some were excited, some were curious, yet none showed even the slightest fear.
Kevin turned slightly, stepping past the others, and looked toward the young girl.
"Are you ready, Elysia?"
The girl leaped into the air. Behind her, an enormous crystalline dome unfurled, shimmering with pure brilliance. Its radiance engulfed the sky, casting light upon the crimson eyes below.
"Mhm, of course ♪"
Her response was short and clear as she pulled back the bowstring, forming a perfect arc.
[Never again making up stories in dismay]
[With several starts, but just one end]
All power gathered into one. Thirteen Flame-Chasers stood together in battle. A single arrow, crystallized from countless emotions, formed at the bowstring, aimed at the towering red eyes in the distance.
She released the arrow. It shot downward in an instant.
Every layer of defense, like fragile paper, was torn apart in a single breath.
Boom—
That strike pierced through the entire structure, sending waves of turbulence surging into the air.
The pink radiance, carrying boundless force, swept across the entire world, illuminating the night.
--------
[This art style is way too cool!!]
[HoC is really stubborn—even after enduring infinite signets, she's still this tough]
[They once held such pride—how could their story end in such despair?]
[A moment of brilliance shared by all the heroes in battle.]
[This beam of light—it must be received with gratitude♪]
--------------
In the Golden Courtyard
"This melody..."
Kiana's face showed an indescribable expression. The tears she had only just held back now threatened to fall again. The moment the thirteen Flame-Chasers appeared, it was overwhelming.
Elysia, who had once fought alone, was now surrounded by so many comrades.
Her solemn and magnificent words now carried an entirely new meaning in this moment.
Everyone was by her side. Could anything be more glorious than that?
"Indeed... This song—it's perfect. Eden has made another breakthrough. Look, I... I can't stop crying."
Elysia watched as everyone made their entrance, starting with faint, primitive symbols, then gradually blooming into vibrant colors. That wish, that hope, had not been in vain.
And in that grand yet slightly melancholic melody, she seemed to glimpse herself.
At the moment Eden and Mobius appeared, Eden extended a hand while Mobius remained defiant. A soft smile tugged at Elysia's lips.
Yet a chill brushed against her cheek. She reached up to touch it, her fingers felt damp.
At some point, she had begun to smile through her tears.
(T/C: Happy tears. Approve)
As the tears traced down her face, her heart swelled with emotion.
In the end, they had returned to her side.
They had fought together from beginning to end.
And she... she had welcomed them home!
"With... with their words... 'Bringing back your melody'... And Eden's voice, it's totally unfair."
Pardo, too, could barely hold back her tears.
She tried to calm herself, telling herself that after crying once, swollen eyes would always make her more sensitive.
Yet, the tears continued to flow.
Ellie's smiling face—it was simply too beautiful!
"...I never expected it to turn out this way in the end."
"Ellie's story—it's impossible not to be drawn in... But it's such a wonderful story. I truly love it."
Eden gazed at the scene, thirteen figures standing together.
Such an image... She had never seen it before.
Or perhaps... Ellie had once imagined it when she bid farewell to MEI.
But this long-awaited battle, side by side—Ellie had finally fulfilled another one of her wishes.
A tiny dream she had always carried in her heart.
--------
Everything faded. The outer world was now nothing but deep red patterns, revealing the true form of the crimson eyes below, the real face of the Herrscher of Corruption.
It was hideous. Thick, black tendrils stretched out like cables, coiling around her.
In the sky, a massive Cross Star spanning thousands of meters illuminated the world.
At its center stood a young girl—revealing her true form.
The Herrscher of Origin!
Elysia displayed her full Herrscher form, facing off against the Herrscher of Corruption.
Countless petals rose, blessing her. All beauty became part of her attire.
A pure white veil adorned her flowing pink hair, a cape of gossamer light spread on either side, and her long dress billowed in the wind, elegant and divine.
She opened her arms, as if embracing the world.
Behind her, twelve signets shone— Deliverance, Discipline, Gold, Helix, Decimation, Bodhi, Setsuna, Infinity, Daybreak, Star, Vicissitude, Reverie. .. Each one blazed brightly, igniting the sky.
"Look, they all lived with such pride, through and through."
"With their very lives, they composed a hymn of civilization."
The Herrscher of Corruption narrowed its eyes in defiance, unleashing its tendrils into the sky, desperate to ensnare its foe. It sensed danger.
Elysia gently touched her lips, and gave a cute wink~ before waving her hand.
A shimmering pink heart expanded, effortlessly blocking the attack.
"This is the story of those called 'Flame-Chasers.'"
"The thirteen whose journey was not yet over."
The twelve signets behind her erupted in dazzling light, gathering vast energy into her hands, forming a brilliant prismatic pillar.
It shattered all defenses and attacks, leaving only the exposed, vulnerable crimson eye.
Then, the pillar of light split into twelve beams of various hues, all striking the massive eye of the Herrscher of Corruption.
At that moment, the young girl thought of Mei—and the era she had described...
A smile bloomed from the depths of Elysia's heart.
How she longed for that future.
"However, visitor. Your road ahead never ends, right?"
"Then... let your hearts carry you onward!"
But the Herrscher of Corruption would not surrender. Its eye narrowed, preparing to repeat its old trick—rewinding time to restore itself to an uninjured state.
Yet this time, Elysia was ready. She slipped free of its grasp and laughed softly, waving her sleeve.
"I already said we're moving forward♪"
Then, the scene suddenly shattered. The world, once reversed, was restored to reality.
The attack struck its target precisely.
The twelve beams of light exploded in unison, detonating beside the Herrscher's eye, sending shockwaves through the air.