Chapter 12: Should I Tell Elysia the Truth?

Chapter 12: Should I Tell Elysia the Truth?

"Huh? An issue? I don't have any problems with it."

"Eh? Then why did you only leave this onee-san behind?" Seele was full of confusion.

After all, she was still very new to Honkai Impact 3rd.

Hokuto understood this, so he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he casually replied—

"Because she's useless. Crimson Impulse's damage output is completely overshadowed by Herrscher of Reason."

"Oh…"

Seele's response was hesitant, as if she only half-understood.

After that, the livestream fell into silence again.

The second chapter's story CG continued playing—its atmosphere felt strangely somber.

Hokuto didn't want his livestream to go completely cold so soon, so he continued the conversation—

"Also, White Comet can trigger Chariot's QTE, and Chariot's ultimate can gather enemies.

These two starter characters provide better support than Crimson Impulse."

He stretched a little, then added—

"I'll give you a live demonstration later.

For now, just focus on the story cutscene."

At that moment, the screen showed a warship hovering over a harbor, accompanied by Himeko's narration.

[After returning to St. Freya Academy, Bronya was sent in for a full medical examination.]

"A full medical examination?! Is Bronya-nee okay?!" Seele's panic was obvious from her frantic message.

"Looks like you weren't paying attention to the last CG.

Wasn't this something she requested herself?"

"Oh! O-oh… Sorry, I got nervous… (?▽?)"

With that little hiccup out of the way, the CG moved on to the next event—

The annual Valkyrie exam was approaching.

[The classroom atmosphere grew tense, and daily combat training intensified.]

As the narration played, a ponytailed woman wearing red-framed glasses appeared on-screen.

She was dressed in a blue-and-white Valkyrie uniform.

Hokuto immediately recognized her—

Fu Hua.

However—

The ones who reacted the strongest were two specific viewers in the chat.

"Hmm? This is…"

The first message came from Otto.

Then—

"I wasn't expecting this…"

Otto had truly not expected this.

Not long ago, he had stood face to face with this woman and told her—

"Red Kite Immortal, I did not lie to you."

And now, she was appearing in this game?

Analyzing the CG and its setting, Otto quickly deduced—

This was Fu Hua's time undercover at St. Freya Academy.

"Interesting… My old friend… Let me see exactly how you infiltrated them."

At the same time—

Another stunned viewer sent a message.

"Who… is this?"

Hokuto checked the sender's ID—

It was "Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect."

Which meant—this was Fu Hua herself.

Wait—

Something wasn't right.

By the current timeline, Fu Hua should already be…

Could this be a different version of Fu Hua?

But that didn't make sense either. Even if she was from a different time, she should still recognize herself, right?

Why would Fu Hua, of all people, suddenly ask who she was?

Fu Hua wasn't the type to play dumb—she wouldn't risk exposing herself like this.

Which could only mean…

This Fu Hua genuinely didn't recognize herself.

Could it be that she wasn't this era's Fu Hua?

If this theory was correct—

Then, in this timeline, she hadn't yet become the guardian of Shenzhou or met her future companions.

Then right now, this version of her should be called… Hua.

The Herrscher of Sentience's past identity.

Hokuto was shocked by the idea that his livestream could pull in people from different time periods.

But he quickly composed himself.

With a calm, casual tone, he answered—

"I have no idea either!

Maybe we'll learn more about her as the story unfolds."

"That makes sense."

After sending that response, Fu Hua fell silent.

Seeing how naturally she played along, Hokuto couldn't help but admire her acting skills.

"Damn.

She really looks like she doesn't recognize herself.

If Fu Hua ever decided to join the entertainment industry, she'd win an Oscar for sure."

What Hokuto didn't know was that—

At that very moment—

Fu Hua herself was experiencing a storm of emotions.

Pre-Civilization Era – MOTH Headquarters

Hua stood frozen in the training room.

Her gaze was filled with shock and confusion.

Just now—

She had seen another version of herself.

That person had the exact same face as her.

Even the sharpness in her expression was identical.

It was as if she were looking at a perfect clone.

But the strangest part—

That was her… in a game?

"Who created this game…?"

"And why am I in it?"

The implications were overwhelming.

A thought suddenly surfaced—

"Could this be Mobius' doing?"

"Mobius?"

A playful voice called out from the doorway.

"Hmm? What about Mobius, Hua~?"

Hua stiffened at the familiar voice.

Turning around—

She saw a beautiful, pink-haired girl leaning against the doorframe.

The girl's delicate features carried a teasing smile.

She had long, silky pink hair, flawless porcelain skin, and mesmerizing pink-blue eyes.

Her presence radiated an air of playful elegance—

A warmth that made her feel like spring itself.

"Elysia…?"

Hua whispered.

Then, after a brief hesitation, she asked—

"Why are you here?"

Elysia giggled, stepping lightly into the room—

"To check in on you, of course~!"

She swayed closer, her voice sweet as honey—

"My dear Hua~ Have you finally recovered from the shock of the MOTHs disbanding?"

She smiled so beautifully, like a flower in full bloom.

Hua sighed internally.

"No need to worry about me.

As a warrior, I may have many flaws,

but when it comes to following orders—I never hesitate."

"Oh, come now, Hua~ Don't be so stiff!"

Elysia pouted playfully, then sighed—

"But I guess it's a shame.

I was really looking forward to having a little heart-to-heart about… girl things~."

Hua exhaled sharply.

"Please… Is there something you actually need?"

Elysia beamed—

"Oh! Almost forgot—this is your Engraving, 'Ephemeral Life.'

From now on, we're both official members of the Flame-Chasers' Thirteen Heroes!

Let's get along well, okay~?"

She handed over a delicate, engraved emblem with the symbol of Ephemeral Life.

"This is yours, and mine is 'True Self'~."

Elysia twirled hers between her fingers, her smile radiant.

At that moment—

Hua realized the real reason Elysia had come here.

"So you were delivering this to me?"

"Mhm! And don't forget~ If you ever have any troubles… or any secrets you want to share…"

Elysia's gaze turned mischievous.

"You can always come talk to me~."

Her gentle words stirred something in Hua's mind.

Looking at the breathtakingly beautiful girl in front of her—

Hua hesitated.

Should she tell Elysia what had been happening to her?

Should she reveal the strange visions she had been experiencing?

End of Chapter 12