Chapter 70: The Prototype You Need, Vermilion Knight: Eclipse!
Chapter 70: The Prototype You Need, Vermilion Knight: Eclipse!
It was clear that Kevin had a much more favorable opinion of the Asleikr series compared to the Asleikr Machines.
Perhaps it was because, compared to the Asleikr Machines, the Asleikr models had a design that more closely resembled the Previous Era aesthetic, giving him a nostalgic feeling.
Of course, the Asleikr series was not only more aesthetically pleasing but also far stronger in combat capabilities than the Asleikr Machines, or even Anti-Entropy's mechs.
The moment the Asleikr appeared, Himiko found herself at a disadvantage.
It wasn't just the fact that the enemy's action speed and destructive power far outstripped hers.
But even the mechanics of its enraged state—where the machine would become uncontrollable after taking too many hits—made it a near-impossible battle for Himiko to win.
However, in the middle of the battle, the Asleikr suddenly collapsed, immobile.
["I've disrupted its AI. Hurry up, run now!"]
At Tesla's urging, Himiko hurriedly fled toward the elevator.
Once she entered the elevator, the mission completion screen appeared.
Hokuto clicked to proceed to the next stage, continuing the storyline.
After entering Chapter 9-13, Tesla began to grumble about Schicksal's madness. Just as she spoke, Himiko cried out in pain.
["Hey! What's wrong? Are you okay?!"]
Hearing Tesla's concern, Himiko stubbornly responded.
["Just a little injury..."]
["I told you not to rush in."]
Suddenly, Tesla's eyes lit up as though she had spotted something.
["—Ah, a communication device! Now we can contact Chicken Nest Head!"]
Like a predator spotting its prey, she rushed toward it.
However, all she received was the crackling sound of static.
["Damn!!!"]
She kicked the useless metal box in frustration and plopped down on the ground.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Hehe, Tesla's acting like a little angry kitten. So cute! I wish my friend was this straightforward."
A pink comment floated across the screen.
Clearly, Elysia didn't mind Tesla's self-pitying reaction. She seemed to quite like her directness.
After a brief moment of silence, Himiko spoke.
["Your face really looks awful."]
["Hmph, you don't look much better yourself."]
["Let's keep going. We have no other choice. Fu Hua said there's something in that laboratory that can 'save everyone.' It must be something that can counter the Herrscher. I don't think Schicksal would have awakened the Herrscher without preparing for a potential failure."]
Amidst the uncertainty, Himiko remained far calmer and wiser than Tesla.
["Maybe the answer is there."]
["Fine, I don't think I can convince you. Just in case, I've set up a code here to send out a signal. I hope they'll see it. Alright, let's move!"]
After agreeing to move forward, Himiko silently vowed in her heart.
["Fu Hua, I'm going to catch you and get all the answers..."]
The game then transitioned into the gameplay phase, with new enemies appearing.
After taking down the enemies, Tesla activated the elevator, and the platform they were on began to rise.
Before reaching their destination, Himiko, wanting to encourage Tesla, shared a little of her past.
From the Valkyrie assault team to Saint Freya Academy...
On the screen, Himiko's dialogue appeared.
["These guys keep getting stronger. Every one of them wants to kill me. But I'm still here."]
["..."]
["Don't worry, it's just a new enemy. Like before, we'll find a way to deal with them."]
["... That's really unconvincing."]
While they were talking, the platform reached its destination. Tesla finally had a chance to speak up after listening for a long time.
["Hmph, there are a lot of guards here."]
["We've come to the right place. This laboratory definitely has something hidden."]
Himiko rationally analyzed the situation and Tesla added.
["Alright, before we go in, let's go over the plan. First, we break in, dig up the secrets here. Then, we take what we need and leave, find the Hyperion. Finally, we beat the Herrscher to a pulp and everything will be fine."]
["I appreciate your humor, Dr. Tesla."]
After hearing Tesla's straightforward plan, Himiko responded with a tactful reply.
["Ready? Let's go."]
The mission's storyline concluded as the next stage began. Upon entering the next level, Himiko and Tesla were shocked by the sight in the laboratory.
["The entire floor is filled with industrial equipment. They're all connected, forming a massive assembly line."]
With the narrative text disappearing, Himiko expressed her surprise.
["This... it's more like a factory than a laboratory!"]
Just as she finished speaking, the game triggered an alarm sound.
Before they could figure out what was going on, the loud alarm interrupted their thoughts.
["Looks like we've got company. Let's clean them up before we investigate further!"]
The game transitioned into the next gameplay phase, with Asleikr Soldiers appearing to block their path.
Fortunately, these were just Asleikr Machines, not the stronger Asleikr models, so they were no match for Himiko and Tesla.
After clearing the enemies, they arrived at the control system of the laboratory for a temporary rest.
["Phew... This place doesn't look big, but it sure hides a lot."]
After all the battles, Himiko was exhausted, her voice tinged with fatigue...
But Tesla, on the other hand, was still full of energy.
["Found the control system of the laboratory. Let me study it for a bit. Give me 10 minutes."]
["Perfect. I'll rest a bit nearby."]
As Himiko sat down in a secluded spot, a familiar voice suddenly rang in her ears.
[—You're badly injured.]
["Heh, finally showed up... Fu Hua, is this the place you mentioned?"]
Fu Hua's figure appeared on the screen.
She was still wearing the red-and-white distinctive combat suit, and her tone was as calm as ever.
["...No, not yet. Continue down to the lowest level, you'll find the answer there."]
But then, as if reconsidering, she added:
["Wait, I recognize these symbols... Heh, it looks like Otto has a hidden ace. I take back what I said—this level is important for you as well. Explore it well and you must find—"]
Before Fu Hua could finish, Tesla interrupted her.
The incomplete words left the livestream audience puzzled.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』"Eh? What does Fu Hua want them to find?"
『Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect:』"Is it something that can heal her?"
In the livestream, both Pink Fairy Miss and Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect's comments appeared one after another.
At that moment, both of them were curious about what Fu Hua had left unsaid.
What kind of thing could Fu Hua have specifically instructed to be found?
And the answer to that question... could only be discovered by continuing the storyline.
["—Hey!"]
Not long after their comments, the screen displayed a new narrator's text.
Tesla's shout distracted Himiko, and when she regained focus, Fu Hua had already disappeared.
["Ah!?"]
["What's going on with you? You've been zoning out, and when I called you, there was no response."]
Upon hearing Tesla's complaint, Himiko froze.
["Zoning out?"]
["The battle was too intense, did the blows damage your brain? ...Never mind, come here! I found something amazing!"]
Upon hearing this, Himiko couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion.
("What exactly is going on?")
At the same time, a green comment floated across the livestream chat...
『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Oh? This Anti-Entropy doctor didn't notice Fu Hua? Interesting..."
Clearly, Otto, upon seeing Tesla's reaction, had confirmed something.
That Fu Hua was in a chaotic state, both visible and invisible.
In simpler terms...
『Your Great Inventor:』"Looks like her consciousness has left her body, but it hasn't dissipated. Instead, due to some special force, she still retains the ability to act independently."
As Otto analyzed and explained, a pink comment floated across the screen.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Eh? Does this mean... her soul has left her body?"
『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Yes, that's it!"
At this moment, Pink Fairy Miss finally realized, thanks to the other viewers' reminders...
So, has Fu Hua truly died? Sigh...
[Because of your livestream content, Pink Fairy Miss is saddened. You've received 560 crystals!]
The system notification chimed in Hokuto's ear.
It had to be said, Otto was truly a great inventor, the top researcher and strategist at Schicksal.
He had discovered and understood how Fu Hua had managed to persist after being destroyed by him.
Perhaps now, he also understood why Himiko was able to touch that precious Valkyrie armor.
And why she was able to inject the Shariac Holy Blood into the Herrscher's body.
["Success. Although there were some unexpected issues, the 'Herrscher Killer' has fully proven its worth in the Second Eruption. Cecilia's blood has undoubtedly reached a very high level of completion... There's only one more step, and I can complete the 'Shariac Holy Blood.'"]
On the screen, Otto's own narrator voice played, and the text displayed was his research log.
Upon seeing this log, both Tesla and Himiko realized the importance of this information.
["...The Herrscher Killer. That's Otto's secret weapon to fight the Herrscher in the Second Eruption."]
["Let's keep going."]
The two continued searching the database for experimental data. After a small setback, they successfully learned of Otto's hidden trump card, Shariac Holy Blood...
However, after obtaining this critical piece of information, Tesla and Himiko fell into silence.
At this moment, the narrative text appeared again.
[Tesla hesitated, looking at Himiko, wanting to say something, but then swallowing her words.]
—While she hesitated, Himiko spoke first.
["Can you make it? The trial Divine Spear..."]
[Himiko stretched out her right hand, tightly gripping the red serum. The test tube had the letters "HSN-b46" written on one end.]
This serum... was the life-saving gift that Fu Hua had left for her.
By using it, Himiko could abandon her Valkyrie powers and return to a normal life...
Clearly, even Tesla, who was straightforward and brash, found it difficult to speak up and ask her to give up on her hope of survival...
But unfortunately, Himiko spoke first...
["I think... now is the time for it to be used."]
The holy blood sample could be found in the laboratory, but what was missing was this rare serum.
If they could gather the materials, creating the Divine Spear based on the experimental logs wouldn't be impossible for Tesla.
However...
["You... should not have too high expectations... there's too little of this serum... there's only one chance to try..."]
Just as they were talking, an alarm sounded again.
Himiko shoved the serum test tube into Tesla's hands and turned to leave.
["I'll go handle the enemies, you take care of this."]
Tesla silently watched her leave, the test tube still warm from Himiko's touch.
She still didn't say that one thing, but she knew that even if she did, it wouldn't change anything.
["...I'll do it! I'll show you! Keep this place secure... don't let anyone disturb me!!"]
With those words, the game transitioned back to gameplay mode.
Asleikr Mech started to appear in waves, making it quite tiresome for them.
But fortunately, Himiko managed to deal with the enemies skillfully.
After the crisis was resolved, Tesla spoke to Himiko.
["Go ahead and check the lower levels. Time is tight. We'll split up."]
["But you..."]
["Go! No time to wait for you here!"]
Reluctantly, Himiko headed to the lower levels.
After she left, Tesla extended her smooth arm and began her experiment.
As for the subject of the experiment... it was herself.
...
Himiko reached the next level and discovered the Valkyrie combat suits on display.
These combat suits quietly floated in strange mechanical devices, as though waiting for someone to awaken them.
After taking down the smaller enemies guarding the area, Himiko finally reached the combat suit at the far end.
["Ha—ha!"]
The long journey and constant battles had exhausted her, but she had reached her destination, the final point Fu Hua had guided her to...
Dragging her body along, Himiko walked past the remains of the Asleikr mechs toward her goal.
At the end of the hallway was a brilliant red suit of armor.
["...This is it. Is this what you wanted me to find... Fu Hua?"]
At Himiko's call, Fu Hua's figure appeared again.
["You've finally made it here... This is what you need. The secret Otto has hidden here. His other trump card, the weapon to face the Herrscher head-on—the Vermilion Knight: Eclipse."]
["The Herrscher has already awakened. This armor is the only means we have to fight her."]
["It's not from this generation, but rather a legacy left behind by the Previous Era."]
"Eh? Why would that combat suit... Wait, pre... Previous Era!"
[Because of your livestream content, Pink Fairy Miss is saddened. You've received 1140 crystals!]
"How could it be?! How is this possible... I see now, so that's how it is!?"
[Because of your livestream content, Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect is shocked. You've received 1140 crystals!]
As soon as Fu Hua mentioned the term "Previous Era," both Pink Fairy Miss and Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect's comments flooded the screen in the livestream...
Hokuto, meanwhile, could hear the system notification chime in his ears, realizing that the concerns he'd had before were finally coming to light.
Elysia and Hua... had finally learned about the concept of the "Previous Era."
What did this mean? The "Previous Era" was actually referring to the civilization they were living in.
Kiana and the others, however, were in the current civilization. This simple realization revealed a fact:
The civilization they were in had already perished...
...
"Hua, I didn't expect your discovery would give us such shocking intel."
Inside the headquarters of Flame Moth, Elysia looked at Hua.
"Hehe, looks like I wasn't wrong. Perhaps now I should start calling you Miss Fu Hua?"
"...Please don't call me that, Elysia. Don't you remember that Fu Hua in the game is already dead?"
"But she was able to help Himiko, wasn't she? Hua, you should know that you also have that ability."
Elysia's rhetorical question left Fu Hua speechless.
She might have questioned this before, but now she had realized one thing.
Fu Hua must possess the Divine Key, Fenghuang Down... There was no other explanation for how she could continue existing after her consciousness left her body.
So, that means... I really...
Hua couldn't continue thinking about it, the more she thought, the more absurd it seemed.
Why did I live through the post-civilization? And why did I choose to cooperate with Otto? In the end, why was I killed by Otto directly?!
Knowing one's own death was a terrifying thing for anyone.
Even Hua, in this moment, found herself speechless...
"What should I do..."
"Hua, don't worry, I'm here~ Don't stress, hmm... I think we should find another person to help us now."
"Who?"
"Of course, our dear Dr. Mobius!"
After Elysia finished speaking, she winked at Hua, then grabbed her hand.
With energetic steps, they walked toward the Fire Moth's hidden laboratory...
They walked slowly, so slowly that others might think they were just casually strolling.
But they also moved quickly, and before long, they arrived at the laboratory door.
As Elysia was about to open it, the door with the Fire Moth symbol automatically opened.
"Oh my~ What a rare guest. Klein~ Let them wait a bit. I'll take care of them personally later."
Mobius' voice came from inside the laboratory... Then a little figure wrapped in bandages slowly appeared.
"Ladies, please follow me. Dr. Mobius is conducting an important experiment. It's about..."
"Klein! Don't reveal my experiment!"
"Oh! Sorry... Dr. Mobius!"
In response, Elysia smiled. She could tell that the relationship between the master and servant was quite harmonious.
Ah, if only Mobius could be this open with me too...
After a brief wait in the laboratory, Mobius finally appeared in front of them.
"What do you want, Elysia?"
Mobius' tone was unusually cold, and she glared at them while sitting by the instruments. She clearly didn't seem to be welcoming them...
"Oh, don't be so cold~ Mobius, the intel we brought will definitely interest you!"
"Oh? Hehe, tell me more."
Soon, Mobius learned a number of things that surprised her greatly...
...
["Welcome, where did the little lab rats hide? Come to the livestream room."]
Not long after Pink Fairy Miss and Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect's comments floated past, a message appeared on the screen...
It was clear who was calling people "lab rats" now.
"..."
As Dr. Mobius arrived, a white comment, glowing bright, appeared almost simultaneously.
Clearly, Kevin was surprised by the arrival of this former comrade.
『Your Great Inventor:』"Welcome to the new arrival, hehe, this place is gradually getting livelier."
A green comment floated by... Otto, still ever the philosopher, made his remark.
『Horuto:』"Yes! Welcome, newcomer!"
『my favorite sister Bronya:』"We're so happy to have new people joining us."
However, as the welcome comments flowed, the newcomer remained silent...
The atmosphere in the livestream chat quickly shifted from lively to awkward.
Everyone stared at the screen, waiting for the newcomer to respond.
In this waiting silence...
『Pink Fairy Miss::』"Hehe! Sorry~ This viewer is my good friend, she's probably just shy..."
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Hehe, looks like Mobius is shy~"
At last, the newcomer finally made her first comment.
It was a golden-colored comment, in a font that was peculiar and winding, resembling the body of a snake...
『where did the little lab rats hide?:』"Who's shy? You... stop talking nonsense!"
Hokuto looked at Mobius' flustered reply and had to admit, Elysia sure knew how to read people.
But then again, she really invited Mobius over? What could possibly happen next?
Ah, who knows! Anyway, let's continue the plot.
Hokuto clicked to continue the storyline.
In the game, Fu Hua finally had a chance to reveal the truth about why the Divine Spear Prototype was here.
["Schicksal took it, and based on it, they developed the modern Valkyrie armor. But Otto was not satisfied. He started a crazier plan."]
["That plan was to combine the Gem of Haste with this armor, creating a weapon that could fully replicate the Herrscher of Flame's power."]
『where did the little lab rats hide?:』"Oh? There's such technology? Looks like we really came to the right place. This guy called Otto must be quite the interesting doctor."
As Fu Hua spoke about Otto's design, a golden-colored comment floated across the screen.
End of Chapter 70