Chapter 62: Elysia – "Oh My, Kevin! I Didn’t Expect You to Be Here Too~"

Chapter 62: Elysia – "Oh My, Kevin! I Didn't Expect You to Be Here Too~" 

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Mhm~ So many people in today's stream! Everyone, be sure to get along well with Fairy Miss, okay?" 

『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Mhm, definitely! But… today's stream feels way livelier than usual… Eh? That cold guy from yesterday isn't here?" 

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Cold guy? What kind of person is he~?" 

A blue message and a pink message floated onto the screen, seamlessly blending into casual conversation. 

As expected, the soft-hearted little girl had absolutely NO resistance against the fairy onee-san! Hokuto couldn't help but sigh inwardly. 

『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Mmm… he's just someone who feels really cold. The way he talks makes people feel like they're freezing inside." 

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Mhm~ Hearing that only makes Fairy Miss even more curious~ Now I really want to meet him~"

 That "cold and distant guy"… must be referring to Kevin, right?

 Seele had zero hesitation in her wording. If she ever realized who she was actually talking about, things would get real awkward when they met in the future.

 But putting that aside…

 Kevin broke his promise?

 He said he'd watch today's stream, yet he was still nowhere to be seen.

 Did something come up?

 As Hokuto watched Elysia and Seele happily chatting in the chat, a question popped into his mind—

 Would Kevin recognize Elysia?

 But before he could dwell on it further…

 A green message floated across the screen.

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "What a shame, that fellow from yesterday didn't show up?"

 Otto Apocalypse sounded way too interested in yesterday's new viewer.

 Since when did the almighty Overseer of Schicksal care about random strangers?

 Given Otto's personality, he must be plotting something.

 "Well, if he's not here, then there's no reason to keep waiting."

 As usual, Otto was quick and decisive.

 He outright demanded that the stream continue—and since he was the biggest donor in the room, Hokuto wasn't going to argue.

 Just as he was about to start Chapter 6…

 A new notification popped up.

 [Welcome, 'No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai,' to the livestream.]

 "He's here!"

 "Oh? So he did come after all?"

 Seele and Otto immediately reacted in chat.

 And with Kevin's arrival, the ever-curious Elysia obviously wouldn't stay silent.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Mhm~ Another new friend has arrived! How delightful! Please be sure to get along with Fairy Miss, okay?"

 To everyone's surprise, the usually reserved Kevin responded almost instantly.

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "The way you speak… reminds me of an old friend."

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Oh my~ Then your friend must be a stunningly beautiful young lady as dazzling as a flying flower, right?"

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "She was my comrade… and one of the people I never wanted to disappoint."

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Oh~ This new friend is surprisingly talkative! Hehe~ Could it be that you're trying to flirt with me? Ah, how sinful of me~"

 Pink and white messages filled the chat.

 The audience—Hokuto included—didn't know how to react.

 Wait, what the hell?

 Kevin and Elysia just… casually started chatting?!

 There was no tension, no hesitation—just smooth, natural conversation?!

 These two were totally playing dumb.

 They were old teammates, yet they were acting like strangers who just met?!

 They both recognized each other immediately!

 "Oh, by the way, did something happen today? You almost missed the stream."

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "I had a discussion with some like-minded juniors. It seems they have some concerns about my plan. But it doesn't matter. Thanks to them, I am now free."

 A bright white message flickered across the screen.

 Hokuto's heart skipped a beat.

 Wait…

 Did Bronya already fight Kevin?

 Did Kevin get the Gem of Desire and escape the Quantum Sea?

 Crap… so the story's already reached this point?!

 When Hokuto connected the dots, he let out a silent sigh of relief.

 Good thing I stayed at Schicksal HQ. No way I'd have known otherwise.

 Putting his thoughts aside, he turned back to the audience.

 "Since everyone's here, let's start the Main Story."

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Understood."

 『Your Great Inventor:』 "Proceed."

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Ready!"

 With the audience's approval, Hokuto launched Chapter 6.

—

 Chapter 6 began with a CG cutscene.

 [In this space, I met the AI versions of Aunt Theresa and my stinky dad from the Second Eruption era…]

 Kiana's narration played over a montage of past events.

 As the scenes transitioned like flipping through a manga, the events of Chapter 5 replayed before fading into the present.

 [Be careful, I'm detecting a strong Honkai reaction ahead! The Second Herrscher must be inside!]

 [Theresa, Kiana, stay on guard! Do not lower your defenses!]

 The CG camera switched to Kiana's eager expression.

 [Finally! I get to fight alongside Mom! I have to do my best!]

 The camera zoomed out, revealing a distorted electronic screen.

 [Ha~~~ How interesting.]

 As the screen flickered, the camera pulled back… revealing a blonde man with a "wife haircut."

 Otto Apocalypse.

 [I didn't expect events to develop beyond my predictions. You two, keep a close eye on her.]

 As soon as Otto finished speaking, two mission reports appeared on-screen.

 [Understood, Lord Overseer.]

 [Affirmative.]

 The CG cut to black, transitioning into the real-time gameplay.

—

 『my favorite sister Bronya:』 "Who was that blonde guy at the end?! He totally looks like the mastermind behind everything!"

 Seele immediately jumped to conclusions.

 Hokuto nearly burst out laughing.

 Oh, Seele…

 Kiana getting trapped in a dreamworld wasn't Otto's doing—it was just a happy accident for him.

 The guy just happened to be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the situation.

 "Just keep watching, and you'll understand."

 With that, Hokuto began clearing the first mission of Chapter 6.

—

 In Chapter 6-1, Cecilia temporarily left Theresa behind to search for an elevator with Kiana.

 Following the mission markers, Hokuto quickly found the key and returned to the elevator.

 Upon inserting the key…

 A new CG cutscene played.

 [Alright~ Just insert this card into the computer…]

 Instead of activating the elevator, Kiana accidentally triggered an alarm.

 But before she could panic…

 A retro game interface appeared on the screen.

 […A game?]

 Kiana was completely confused.

 Then, Cecilia spoke up.

 **[Oh, isn't this Kallen Fantasy III?]**

 [It's an RPG where you play as the Valkyrie of Light, Kallen, alongside her lover Otto and their pet Houm, journeying across the world to defeat the Eastern Demon Fox who rules the land with dark magic. In the end, Kallen and Otto live happily ever after.]

 As Cecilia casually described the game's story…

 The entire livestream chat fell into complete silence.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Wow, this game's story… it's so romantic!"

 A pink message floated across the screen.

 The sender? None other than Elysia.

 Unfortunately…

 While she found the story romantic, some people who had lived far too long could only see it as… unrealistic.

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Romantic? I don't think so. This story is far too cliché—just another fantasy, like a daydream."

 A blindingly white message appeared, bluntly shutting down the sentiment.

 No need to ask who sent it.

 It could only be Kevin.

 A man who carried the hopes of an entire civilization, a warrior who had long since abandoned dreams and fantasies…

 Kevin.

 [Due to livestream interactions, "Your Great Inventor" is furious! You have received 840 Crystals!]

 As soon as Kevin's sharp remark appeared, a system notification rang in Hokuto's ears.

 …Huh?

 Otto is pissed?!

 Hahaha! Kevin's comment really struck a nerve!

 Calling Otto's beloved game "cliché," comparing it to a "daydream"…

 Damn, I bet Otto's grinding his teeth so hard right now, he'd scatter his own ashes if he could!

 But what will Otto do now?

 Hokuto clicked 'Next Stage', moving on to the shoot 'em up mini-game.

 With some quick dodging and a well-placed skill shot, he cleared the level with ease.

 And yet…

 Otto didn't say a single word.

 Huh. Weird.

 I really thought he'd snap back at Kevin.

 But he actually held back?

 Damn. Five hundred years of scheming really does build patience, huh?

 Just as Hokuto was about to move on to the third stage of Chapter 6, a pink message floated across the screen.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Hmm! Two people in love overcoming hardships and finally being together—isn't that romantic?"

 Clearly, Kevin's earlier response had upset a certain fairy.

 Normally, a simple joke would smooth things over.

 But instead…

 A certain walking ice cube actually tried to explain himself.

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Perhaps my words misled you. What I meant was that stories like this… are unrealistic."

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Oh? So you're not denying that it's romantic?"

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "I…"

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Fufu~ You must be the type of boy who doesn't smile much, right? But you know, boys should be a little more cheerful~" Hehe, you remind me of an old friend of mine. He… hasn't smiled in a very, very long time."

 As her pink message faded, Kevin fell silent.

 His suspicions were confirmed.

 She was Elysia.

 This feeling—only she could give him this feeling.

 It was uniquely hers.

 She's really here…?

 Why?

 Is this another existence from a parallel bubble universe? Or… a different point in time?

 Kevin could never forget her.

 He could never forget that final banquet.

 He didn't want to disappoint her.

 But the power of Finality… was beyond human comprehension.

 Even so, she still chose…

 ...Sigh.

 A deep sigh escaped him.

 [Due to livestream interactions, "No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai" is feeling sad! You have received 1400 Crystals!]

 !?!?

 Hold up—Kevin is actually sad?!

 Wait a damn minute…

 Did he only now realize that "Pink Fairy Miss" was actually Elysia?!

 Damn, that emotional lag is insane!

 While continuing the game, Hokuto kept an eye on the chat.

 How will Kevin respond?

 After all…

 Fifty thousand years.

 Fifty thousand years of loneliness.

 Fifty thousand years of carrying an entire civilization's expectations.

 Kevin had long abandoned his emotions.

 Yet here he was, feeling something again…

 No doubt about it.

 The person on the other side of the screen…

 The one he can't ignore, no matter how much time passes…

 Is her.

 Having understood that, Hokuto relaxed.

 He continued playing through the main story, patiently waiting for Kevin to process his thoughts.

—

 Meanwhile, in the game…

 『Siegfried hasn't finished off the Second Herrscher yet?』

 Otto's commanding voice came through the comms.

 『Otto Apocalypse?!』

 『You're not forgetting that you're fighting a Herrscher, are you?』

 『The Honkai energy in Babylon Labs will only make her stronger. The longer this drags on, the lower your chances of victory.』

 Otto reminded Cecilia of the consequences of delaying the battle.

 『Of course, I remember.』

 『There's no time for you to waste. Cecilia, I never fight battles I can't win. You'd better have a way to kill that Herrscher. If even you can't kill her… then I'll launch a Honkai fission missile and wipe out the entire lab—Herrscher included.』

 With that cold warning, the communication cut off.

 Kiana, upon hearing Otto's plan, became visibly distressed.

 Cecilia comforted her before instructing her to head to the other side of the elevator.

 Kiana followed orders…

 And got locked inside the Safe Room.

 『What?! Why isn't the elevator moving?! Move, damn it!』

 『Forgive me for lying to you, Kiana.』

 Through the comms, Cecilia apologized and explained.

 『Stay in the Safe Room, Kiana. This way, even if the entire lab is destroyed, you won't be caught in the blast.』

 After a few parting words of comfort, Cecilia headed off to face the Herrscher alone.

 But Kiana, in a moment of blind panic, accidentally restarted the elevator.

 As the elevator ascended, she passed by countless fallen Honkai beasts and dead Valkyries.

 And at the top…

 The Second Herrscher awaited her.

 『Truly… unexpected. Haha.』

 A green message floated across the screen.

 Otto was clearly intrigued.

 Looks like he never expected the Second Herrscher's illusion to be this… effective.

 As the story continued, the final cutscene of the level began playing.

 Kiana collapsed into Cecilia's embrace, smiling in relief.

 Until…

 『Kiana?! What are you doing here?!』

 『Theresa?! Hahaha, you're way too slow!』

 The CG cutscene shifted, bringing Theresa into the scene at last.

 Her face was filled with shock, while Kiana, who turned to look at her, was beaming with pride—

 The same expression she always had after overcoming a difficult challenge.

 [The Second Herrscher has been taken care of! Lady Cecilia and I defeated her together!]

 Unfortunately…

 Theresa didn't share Kiana's enthusiasm.

 [Huh? Kiana, what are you talking about? There's no one else here…]

 [W-What? What do you mean? Lady Cecilia is right beside me—]

 Kiana turned her head mid-sentence.

 The CG camera zoomed out… revealing nothing but empty space.

 Cecilia wasn't there.

 "Huh? It seems the story is taking an unexpected turn. Shattering a girl's dream… How cruel."

 A pink message floated across the screen, expressing Elysia's curiosity and concern.

 "This feels so harsh..."

 Right after, Seele's message followed.

 [M-Mom…?]

 The background began distorting, the scene warping into raw data.

 The snowy wasteland…

 The Babylon Labs…

 Cecilia herself…

 All of it was an illusion.

 The camera shifted to Theresa's anxious expression.

 [How did you sneak into this data space? Come back with me immediately—this place…]

 Before she could finish, a thick fog suddenly engulfed everything.

 Theresa coughed, struggling against something unseen—

 (Let me go!!!)

 Someone had pinned her to the ground.

 As the mist cleared, a familiar yet unfamiliar face appeared on screen.

 "???"

—

 [Due to your livestream content, "Pink Fairy Miss" is shocked! You have received 840 Crystals!]

 [Due to your livestream content, "No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai" is shocked! You have received 840 Crystals!]

 [Due to your livestream content, "Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect" is shocked! You have received 840 Crystals!]

 ...

 As Fu Hua's face appeared on the screen, the three MANTIS warriors in chat were collectively stunned.

 But the most shocked of all… was Elysia.

 "Hua! Look, look! You actually appeared!"

 "How is this possible… This doesn't make sense!"

 Fu Hua couldn't believe what she was seeing.

 Why in the world…

 Would a game character named "Fu Hua" appear here?

—

 Her own voice soon followed.

 [To avoid interfering with our mission, I must ask you to step aside for now, Headmistress.]

 Fu Hua—no, the "Fu Hua" in-game—gazed at Kiana.

 [Kiana, your mother is not here.]

 "Eh? That voice… Class Monitor?"

 Kiana turned, confused.

 [Where is this? Where's my mom?!]

 Fu Hua's expression was calm yet serious.

 [This data space has never had any virtual environments or AI. Babylon Labs and Cecilia never existed to begin with.]

 [W-What are you saying?! No, you're lying! Mom has been with me the whole time! We fought the Second Herrscher together! I protected my mom!]

 Kiana's voice trembled.

 She didn't want to believe it.

 She couldn't believe it.

 She refused to believe that everything she had seen—everything she had experienced—was nothing but a lie.

 The CG camera shifted again.

 Kiana grabbed Fu Hua's shoulders, her golden eyes filled with tears.

 [Give me back my mom!!!]

 The screen cut back to Fu Hua's expression—calm, unmoving.

 [It was all just an illusion.]

 [From the moment you entered this data space, you've been standing in place the entire time.

 It was the Herrscher's deception that trapped you in a dream.

 Everything you saw and felt… It was all fake.]

 As she spoke, countless frozen images appeared across the ground.

 Snapshots of Kiana and her dreamt-up version of Cecilia.

 Moments filled with warmth and happiness—shattered.

 The illusion of Cecilia was nothing more than a mirage, crafted by Sirin.

 Piece by piece, those memories crumbled.

 The screen cut to Kiana—collapsed, her face buried in her hands.

 [No… No, that's not true…]

 [Mom has to be here. I will find her!]

 Her voice trembled with despair.

 [That magic spell… Ich liebe dich… Ich liebe dich… Ich liebe dich…]

 As Kiana repeated the phrase again and again, the camera zoomed in on her eyes.

 Gold—glowing with unnatural intensity.

 [Yes… If I just say it… any wish can come true!]

 Light erupted from her back—colorful, radiant wings.

 [(Warning: Extreme Honkai energy detected.)]

 Fu Hua sighed.

 [No, Kiana. This time… the world will no longer change according to your will.]

 The camera focused on her face—regretful yet resolute.

 [Kiana, it's time to wake up.]

 She donned her mask—CG ends.

—

 The chat was completely silent.

 The sheer impact of what they had just seen… left them at a loss for words.

 『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "So everything we saw was just Kiana-chan's illusion? Seeing such a lively girl being forced to accept cold reality… it's truly cruel."

 『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "No matter how hard one struggles, the past cannot be changed."

 Other viewers shared their thoughts, while Hokuto quietly moved on to Chapter 6-6.

 The final battle of the chapter—Valkyrie Moonlight vs. Shadow Knight Moonblade.

 Despite the player's victory, the story was different.

 As the boss fell, the screen faded to white… then black.

 [Lord Otto, Fu Hua has secured the target. Theresa has been suppressed. What are your orders?]

End of Chapter 62