The God of Justice

Eden, unfamiliar with the concept of "remnants," still grasped the underlying implication.

Under what circumstances would a life leave behind a remnant?

—The end.

The word echoed in her mind. Not just a personal end, but the twilight of an era.

This wasn't arrogance.

"People of this era grew up listening to your songs, Eden," [Elysia] said, her sweet voice and gentle smile conveying the singer's profound impact.

These were Elysia's words, originally meant for Eden. While the pink-haired goddess hadn't met this Eden yet, spoken by Jiang Qiao in Elysia's form, they resonated deeply.

The fragmented information couldn't paint a complete picture. But Eden, gazing at the girl's genuine smile, fell silent, taking a sip of wine.

"Are you afraid, Eden?"

Jiang Qiao, armed with Elysia's memories, recognized the singer's unease. In Elysia's experience, Eden drank when troubled… or happy… basically, whenever she felt anything.

Perhaps it was her way of coping.

"No," Eden replied, unwilling to show vulnerability.

[Elysia] tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Really?"

As she spoke, a stray drop of wine from Eden's lips drifted towards her. [Elysia] extended a slender finger, intercepting the droplet like a pink serpent snatching its prey.

A seemingly innocuous gesture, but it sent a jolt through Eden.

Unlike her future, more composed self, this Eden blushed crimson.

"That's the taste of a lie," [Elysia] teased as the setting sun gave way to the pale moonlight, casting an ethereal glow upon her.

Eden sighed, a wry smile gracing her lips. "I can't hide anything from you, Elysia."

Of course, she was afraid.

As Elysia had once said, "I'm a girl too. I get scared."

Eden was no different. Her past experiences hadn't changed that.

Beneath her strong exterior lay a fragile core. Her unwavering dedication to art was her pillar of strength.

If that pillar crumbled, she'd be lost.

Like when the Australian wildfires had extinguished the flame of art in people's hearts.

The revelation of the Honkai had confirmed a harsh truth: in this era, art was dying.

And Eden, the seemingly invincible songstress, had broken.

She'd spent every day after the fire in despair, her life seemingly devoid of meaning.

Until a certain girl had appeared, offering a gentle smile and words of hope:

"Tragedy isn't the end, but the beginning of hope."

Eden had traded her microphone for a weapon, stepping off the stage and onto the battlefield.

In truth, she simply wanted to fight alongside that girl.

But the current Eden lacked that anchor. The impending "end" revealed by Elysia filled her with uncertainty.

"I've delivered her message," [Elysia] said, her gentle smile replaced by a serious expression. "So… what is your decision, Eden?"

"I… I don't know," Eden confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

She trusted Elysia. But knowing her future left her paralyzed with indecision.

Mere words and images couldn't convey the despair of a world without art. How could she abandon the very thing that defined her? Even if it was her future self's request.

She took another gulp of wine, a gesture she'd normally consider sacrilegious. But now, she desperately needed its numbing embrace, hoping for clarity, for an answer.

But alcohol, even to the point of intoxication, offered no solutions. It only amplified her turmoil.

Then…

A warm, gentle touch grazed her cheek. She looked up, meeting Elysia's concerned gaze. The girl had risen from her seat, her hand now cupping Eden's face.

Despite the lingering warmth and unease in her body, the gentle touch calmed her racing heart.

Her cheeks flushed, her golden eyes glazed with unshed tears.

"Elysia," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "What should I do?"

She couldn't decide.

But perhaps… Elysia could?

Compared to her future self's plea, she'd rather trust the girl before her, the one who brought her such comfort.

Even if it meant abandoning her art…

Loss required a new anchor, a new source of strength.

And for Eden, Elysia was that anchor.

"I can't tell you what to do," Elysia said softly, her hand gently caressing Eden's smooth skin. "Like I said, I'm just a messenger. The choice is yours."

"After all," she continued, her voice filled with sincerity, "You have to walk your own path. Take your time, Eden. You have plenty of time to find the answer."

"But if you really can't decide…"

"Ah, no negative self-talk!" Elysia playfully scolded, her expression a mix of mischief and concern. Eden chuckled, the tension easing slightly.

She opened her mouth to speak, but the world went dark as she fell against something soft.

"But…" Elysia's voice, barely a whisper, reached her ears. "No matter what you choose, Eden… I'll support you."

A simple sentence, yet…

It carried immense weight.

If affection were quantifiable, a "+1000" would have popped up above Eden's head.

Her affection for Elysia was already immeasurable.

"Elysia…"

Eden, her heart overflowing, wrapped her arms around [Elysia], clinging to her like a life raft.

"Elysia… Elysia… Elysia…" she murmured, her words slurred with intoxication.

As Jiang Qiao looked on, bewildered, the drunk singer spun him around, her unsteady movements sending him into a dizzying whirl.

The verdict was clear:

The rich lady was wasted.

"Oh dear…" [Elysia] sighed.

Elysia's memories painted a different picture. Eden's tolerance was supposed to be high.

Perhaps her younger self wasn't as resilient?

Glancing at the dark sky, Jiang Qiao decided to take the inebriated singer to the Fire Moth guest quarters.

Femirins had already cleared up the concert's postponement announcement. And since Eden's agency was involved in the kidnapping, Fire Moth had temporarily taken over, ensuring the concert would proceed as planned.

He gently laid Eden on the bed, watching her peaceful sleeping face. He was about to leave when—

A strong tug on his hand sent him tumbling onto the bed beside her.

"Heehee… Elysia…"

Eden, still mumbling in her sleep, clung to him like a life-sized plushie, refusing to let go.

[Elysia] sighed, resigning himself to his fate.

Guess I'll stay…

And so, Jiang Qiao (as Elysia) achieved the remarkable feat of "from meeting to bed" in less than a day.

Thankfully, in Elysia's body, there was no risk of… complications.

And to his relief, Eden was a surprisingly peaceful sleeper. Aside from clinging tightly and using his face as a pillow, she was perfectly still.

Jiang Qiao, not quite tired yet, checked the chat group.

Qingque was, as usual, the main topic of conversation.

The acting Diviner could only find respite in the chat group, only to be caught by Jingliu… and even Fu Xuan had made an appearance!

Qingque had been ecstatic to see Fu Xuan return. She'd never been so eager to see the Grand Diviner before. Usually, she avoided her like the plague. But now? Fu Xuan's return meant freedom!

This acting Diviner gig was way too stressful!

Unfortunately…

Fu Xuan was not pleased with Qingque's… regression.

After that inspiring speech, she'd reverted back in just a few days?!

How could such a person lead the Divination Commission? It still needed her…

Wait… Qingque's actually doing a decent job?

While disappointed by the backslide in attitude and efficiency, Fu Xuan couldn't fault Qingque's work. Her reports, her proposals… they were surprisingly competent.

A bit green, perhaps, but experience came with practice.

Fu Xuan, who'd already planned to appoint Qingque as her successor, was pleased.

Hmph! This little sparrow needs a taste of responsibility.

Seeing the positive results, Fu Xuan considered extending her "sick leave." Maybe two or three years? After all, the Vidyadhara had warned her about emotional wounds!

In the end, much to Qingque's despair, Fu Xuan patted her shoulder reassuringly before being dragged back to the Alchemy Commission by Bailu.

A patient should rest, not run around causing trouble!

Qingque's suffering continued, her sentence potentially extended.

Fu Xuan, meanwhile, embraced her convalescence. It was peaceful, and she had the General as a fellow patient. The General even promised to share her leadership wisdom!

Awesome!

But the hottest topic in the chat group was undoubtedly the newest member.

God of Justice: What… what is this place?

Compared to previous IDs, this one was… bold. Not only a god, but the god of justice.

Yuuyu: Sounds like a cool name!

Yuuyu, an unremarkable group member, was impressed. In the Konosuba world, the Crimson Demons thrived on chuunibyou – grandiose titles were a must.

While Yuuyu was unusually normal for a Crimson Demon, she couldn't entirely escape her cultural influences.

Kyoko: Tch, what a god.

Sakura Kyoko, as always, was skeptical. Her life was a testament to the absence of divine intervention. Her family, devout followers of a god, had received no answers to their prayers.

While magic existed, proving the existence of miracles, Kyoko had paid a heavy price for it. It had nothing to do with any god!

Meanwhile, in the Court of Fontaine, Furina paused mid-bite, her expression a mixture of confusion and panic.

She was enjoying her usual afternoon tea and pastries when… what was this?

Staring at the unfamiliar interface, she felt a surge of panic. Seeing Sakura Kyoko's dismissive comment, she typed a hasty reply.

God of Justice: How rude! I am a god!

God of Justice: Blasphemy against a god… is a crime!

Despite her confusion, she wouldn't let anyone question her divinity. It was a secret she guarded fiercely.

Hu Tao: Uh… God of Justice… Could you be the Hydro Archon of Fontaine?

Hu Tao, noticing the commotion, chimed in, her tone laced with curiosity. While she didn't follow international affairs, she'd heard of the other Archons.

God of Justice: Hmph, of course!

Furina, her cheeks puffed with indignation, felt a surge of pride.

Looks like my fame has spread far and wide!

Perhaps that other girl was just an ignorant country bumpkin.

God of Justice: Since you know my name, this will be easy! What is this place?! In the name of the God of Justice, I demand an explanation! Cooperate!

Hu Tao's comment had eased Furina's initial fear. Now, she could employ her usual tactic: feigning authority.

If they knew about gods, they must know something. A little intimidation would surely get her the answers she needed.

Kyoko: Hmph, doesn't sound like a good god to me.

The chat group's existence implied the presence of gods. And Hu Tao's confirmation meant this new member was likely genuine.

But Kyoko, still harboring resentment towards all things divine, felt her anger flare at Furina's posturing.

If you were fake, I wouldn't be this mad!

God of Justice: I am the God of Justice! How can I be a bad god?!

Furina, chewing on her fork, felt a surge of annoyance. While she didn't particularly care about her divine title, it was a necessary role. And this girl… constantly questioning her!

Even if she was a country bumpkin, it was still infuriating!

She needed to assert her divine authority.

Yes! I'll scare her!

I'm a god. She wouldn't dare challenge me.

God of Justice: While I am incredibly magnanimous, such repeated insolence is unacceptable. In the name of the God of Justice… I find you guilty!

Kyoko: So?

God of Justice: I shall judge you!!!

Furina puffed out her chest, a smug smile gracing her lips. That should do it.

When she said that to criminals, they usually cowered in fear.

The judgment of the God of Justice!

The chat group fell silent.

Furina's smile widened.

Heehee, scared speechless, huh?

Then—

"Sakura Kyoko has requested access to your world."