Chapter 73: Elysia - Must the Future People Be Like Us
Chapter 73: Elysia - Must the Future People Be Like Us
With the injection of the Shariac Holy Blood, the Herrscher of the Void's pupils began to tremble.
She gritted her teeth and let out a painful scream.
With the release of Honkai energy, a black hole appeared above her.
The black hole gradually expanded, growing tree-like branches, spreading further...
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "This sound... I think I hear Kiana's voice! Is that how it is? It's so gentle... I wish I had a teacher as kind as Himeko...."
A pink comment floated across the screen.
At this moment, Elysia understood why Himeko's face had shown a relieved smile when she was pushed away earlier.
Because Himeko knew that her mission had been completed.
She truly 'Beat' the Herrscher of the Void... and saved her students...
But the cost...
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Himeko, I hope you're okay!"
[Because of your livestream content, Pink Fairy Miss is feeling sad. You've received 1400 crystals!]
[Because of your livestream content, Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect is feeling sad. You've received 1400 crystals!]
[Because of your livestream content...]
The comments flooded the screen, one after another.
『Your Great Inventor?:』 "So this battle happened inside the imaginary space back then? Hmm... In moments like this, we really shouldn't hold back on praise. Himeko did great, even though she's not S-rank, she surpassed the S-rank Valkyries."
A green comment floated across the screen, offering delayed praise from Otto.
He had never known what happened inside the imaginary space, only that the result was that Kiana hadn't died and had successfully suppressed the Herrscher of the Void's destructive consciousness.
Now, Otto finally realized that his crazy experiments had achieved far beyond the expected result...
It was because of human emotions...
On screen, the floor in the virtual space continued to crumble...
The camera shifted to show Himeko, lying motionless on the ground...
At this point, she had exhausted all her strength.
Her red armor was shattered, her fiery hair had lost its shine, and her once pale skin now lacked luster.
As the space collapsed... she fell from the sky...
When Himeko fell, the animation switched to the platform where the Herrscher of the Void stood.
This almost confirmed that Himeko's efforts had succeeded.
And she could finally rest in peace...
Eventually, the screen lingered on the moment Himeko fell out of the imaginary space, returning to the real world...
Then, a flash of white light appeared.
The animation ended, but in that white light, the last background music, Nightglow, reached its peak with the lyrics:
"So stay alive, bravely.."
『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 "Hmm, such fitting lyrics for the story. This short film's production is truly ahead of its time. It's fantastic, this is the best description I can think of."
As the background music soared,
Otto sent a green comment to compliment the animation short.
『Your Great Inventor:』 "Indeed. Fantastic short film, but the story... what a pity. I haven't been moved like this in a long time..."
Following Otto's comment, Elysia sent a pink comment.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "I really loved this short film, but I'm more touched by Himeko's sacrifice."
Of course, she wasn't the one feeling the worst.
『Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect:』 "I feel so upset right now... It's an unexplainable pain. As a warrior, I know this isn't right, but... I really want to get rid of that guy named Otto!"
[Because of your livestream content, Today's Performance Wasn't Perfect is feeling angry. You've received 840 crystals!]
Hua's comment clearly expressed her current thoughts.
This caused the mastermind behind everything, Otto, to feel a chill down his spine...
『Your Great Inventor:』 "Um..."
After Otto's green comment, Rita, his loyal subordinate, began to speak in his defense.
『Maintaining Elegance Is a Maid's Duty:』 "Everyone, let's not be too hard on Bishop Otto. Whatever he did, he must have had a purpose behind it."
『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 "Heh, it looks like someone shares my thoughts. That bishop Otto, he's foolishly trying to control the Herrscher, but this plan is something that no sane person could have conceived."
Just as Rita defended Otto, a golden comment floated across the screen.
The sender was none other than the experienced Mobius, another mad scientist...
『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 "And from the results, it seems the experiment succeeded. A Herrscher with human consciousness has been born... Now, will this Herrscher choose to destroy humanity or protect it?"
With Mobius's thoughtful and epoch-making comment, the livestream fell silent...
Hokuto saw this and couldn't help but admire Mobius's wisdom.
It felt like, with enough information and data, she could predict the plot direction that was yet to unfold.
『Hokuto:』 "Cough! This curious viewer wants to know? Well, just keep watching the stream, and you'll find out soon~"
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Oh~? Well, I have a question too. Where is Kiana right now?"
『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 "Yes, that's the question... seems even more important."
『Hokuto:』 "Heh, it looks like you're really sharp. You figured that out..."
As the Herrscher of the Void, a forced experiment participant, Kiana's whereabouts were indeed the key point.
Whether or not she would revert to the Herrscher of the Void, it was key to whether Himeko's sacrifice would have a meaningful reward.
Her whereabouts... would be revealed in Chapter 13-14. As for the livestream audience's answers, they would be revealed in the short film "The Meteoric Salvation"...
The interlude of Chapter 9 was relatively simple, but its content was far from trivial. It revealed the existence of an organization.
World Serpent...
At the same time, it also revealed the struggles of humanity in this Honkai-stricken world.
Hokuto thought for a moment and felt that Elysia and the other viewers might be curious about the difficulties facing humanity in the present civilization. And they would certainly understand the weight of Himeko's statement: "The truly terrifying thing is not how many lives this world has taken, but how many people have become accustomed to losing life."
But before that, it was better to ask.
『Hokuto:』 "Cough, everyone. The storyline of Chapter 9 has already concluded. For the next couple of chapters, our protagonist Kiana will not appear."
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Oh? No Kiana? Then... when will we find out what Kiana decided? Making the girls wait for the answer like this is a bit too much~"
A pink comment floated across the screen...
Clearly, Elysia was a bit anxious at this moment. She was particularly eager to know whether Kiana, now freed from the control of the Herrscher, would choose to stand with humanity.
She wanted to know if the future Herrscher... would choose to embrace and protect humanity, just as Himeko had.
『Hokuto:』 "I know, Kiana's choice will be revealed in the upcoming limited-time Storyline, 'Meteoric Salvation."
In order to prevent Elysia and the other viewers from being too impatient, Hokuto kindly clicked on Chapters 13-14.
However, he didn't directly proceed to clear them; instead, he mentioned something.
『Hokuto:』 "However, from a storyline perspective, the interlude of Chapter 9 primarily explains the events that happened to Theresa, Mei, and Bronya after Kiana's departure. If you skip this part, you might not fully appreciate the emotional and shocking nature of Chapters 13-14."
Hokuto had seen the script, and having lived through the collapse of the previous civilization, he knew exactly what this meant.
He wasn't speaking out of turn.
『Hokuto:』 "So, whether or not to watch the interlude, it's up to all of you."
After Hokuto posed the question, the livestream chat fell into silence...
No one immediately commented, as everyone was reflecting on and wondering about the story in the interlude of Chapter 9.
Eventually, after a brief silence, a green comment floated across the screen.
『Your Great Inventor:』 "I have no objections."
Following Otto's green comment, a pink comment appeared:
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 "Hehe~ Let's let the answer be revealed later~"
Since Elysia had spoken, the other viewers naturally didn't have much to say.
Even Kevin, who rarely commented, expressed his opinion at this point:
『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Continue on."
『Hokuto:』 "Alright, I'll try to go quickly."
Hokuto clicked on the interlude chapter.
As soon as the chapter started, the game played a darker flashback.
["With the awakening of the Herrscher of the Void, the world fell into a great chaos . In just four months, survivors fled everywhere, seeking shelter."]
As the camera shifted, Rita's narration explained to the livestream audience what had happened in the world after the battle at Schicksal Headquarters.
["Arc City, the technological metropolis built by humanity in the Shenzhou region, became their refuge."]
["Two weeks ago, someone reported seeing the Herrscher of the Void here. To track her down, both Schicksal and Anti-Entropy began their operations."]
As the narration finished, Rita's figure appeared on the screen.
At this moment, she was dressed in a white and black combat suit with green accents, and wore a headband.
["Bishop, I've arrived at Arc City. Please give further instructions."]
As Rita made her report, Otto's figure appeared on the screen.
["Two weeks ago, Arc City detected a Honkai energy leak. After reviewing the surveillance footage, someone found the Herrscher of the Void's trail. Your mission is to find her."]
["Understood. But... it's been two weeks since the footage was captured. The Herrscher of the Void has probably already left the city. Is this information still worth pursuing?"]
Facing Rita's question, Otto gave his analysis.
["The person who uploaded the photo is a Arc City informant, known as 'Gray Snake.' He has a technology that allows him to monitor the city's network and sell valuable information."]
["Gray Snake released the photo to hint to buyers that he knows the whereabouts of the Herrscher of the Void."]
After hearing Otto's sharp analysis, Rita reported news about the joint efforts of Theresa and Anti-Entropy.
After a quick analysis, they confirmed the two parties had joined forces.
Realizing this, Otto ordered Rita to obtain the information before Theresa.
The communication ended.
["Even though the outside world is ravaged by the Honkai, this city remains so prosperous and safe... It's as if the disaster never happened."]
["However, the people here have no idea that the root cause of the great collapse is hidden right beneath their noses."]
["The traitors from the Far East Division are here as well. They are in the shadows, supported by Anti-Entropy."]
After Rita's monologue ended, the game transitioned to the gameplay interface.
The playable character was Rita in her new armor, Stalker: Phantom Iron.
The enemies to defeat in this chapter were the bodyguards of Gray Snake.
Before the battle began, the screen went black, and a subtitle appeared in the center.
["There are intruders. Don't let her interrupt tonight's transaction."]
Then, many enemies appeared in the level.
Rita immediately wielded her scythe and summoned the Carbon-based Hunter to fight.
During the battle, a white, bright comment floated across the screen.
『No Matter the Cost, Humanity Will Prevail Against Honkai:』 "Gray Snake?"
The comment sender was none other than Kevin, the leader of World Serpent...
Clearly, he was surprised to see Gray Snake appear in the story.
Hokuto guessed that Kevin had just come out of the Sea of Quanta. He was likely focused on executing the Project STIGMA and hadn't had time to understand what World Serpent had been up to while he was confined.
『Hokuto:』 "Looks like Gray Snake wasn't expecting this either. Let's see what happens next~"
As Rita deftly handled the enemies, a figure with an umbrella, wrapped in a coat, and wearing a mask appeared on the screen. The dialogue box showed the name—Gray Snake.
["Come out, little girl..."]
["Good evening, Gray Snake. Are you waiting for someone?"]
In response to Rita's question, Gray Snake didn't answer but instead asked:
["Did you really defeat all my bodyguards by yourself?"]
['It's just a small habit. It helps keep the negotiation setting neat and tidy. Ah... seems like I've done something unnecessary... Hmm... To make up for your loss, I can offer a business deal with great returns.']
Upon hearing these words, he instantly understood his situation and responded with a self-deprecating tone:
['Looks like I have no choice but to accept, right?']
['I won't answer that, or rather, I'll accept your judgment, Grey Snake.']
Rita then shared her discovery of the photograph and demanded that Grey Snake reveal Kiana's whereabouts.
Grey Snake, of course, would not comply so easily with such an impolite request. He countered by asking Rita what she could offer in return, only to be told that she could provide a powerful ally and... safe passage out of there.
However, Grey Snake was unmoved, having already seen through Rita's intentions.
['Please don't insult my intelligence. You think I'll live just by handing over the information? I'm no rookie in this business. Life itself is a transaction, but for someone like me... death is just the beginning of the next deal. Snakes do not submit to death, do you understand?']
['...You sound more like a poet than an information dealer. I almost feel bad about what I'm about to do. However, I'm sorry, duty is duty.']
Clearly, Grey Snake's words did not deceive Rita.
['You've made a mistake... Now... you're in the Eye of the Snake...']
['Snake?']
The "maid" drew out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off her blade.
She turned around and began to assess the Grey Snake's body lying in the blood pool.
CG Cutscene:
The first scene on screen shows Rita wiping the blood off her dagger.
['Death is the beginning of the next deal? Heh, you're right, Mr. Grey Snake. This transaction, you have no choice but to accept.']
As Rita silently muttered these words, the camera zoomed out. It shifted to a different perspective—someone was watching Rita and the collapsed Grey Snake from behind a screen.
On the opposite side of the screen, a little girl in a thin dress, holding a doll, sat there, watching everything unfold...
Livestream Chat:
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Poor child, making such a young girl witness such a tragedy. This should never have happened...'
[Because of your livestream content, Pink Fairy Miss feels sorrowful, you have gained 840 crystals!]
Upon seeing the little girl covering her mouth to prevent herself from making noise, a pink-colored comment appeared on the screen.
The comment came from the caring Elysia. Clearly, she was displeased with Rita's actions.
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Isn't this beautiful girl, Rita, being a little too cruel?'
Elysia's accusation made the person involved in the livestream feel a bit embarrassed.
Rita sent a violet-colored comment to express her helplessness:
『Maintaining Elegance Is a Maid's Duty:』 'Cough! This viewer needs to be understanding. After all, this is the Bishop's order.'
『Your Great Inventor:』 '...'
Facing her subordinate's criticism, the mastermind Otto could only remain silent...
After all, it was indeed his order...
Next Mission Start - Searching for Grey Snake
After the CG played out, the game proceeded to the next level. At the beginning of the next level, Bronya appeared on screen.
['Principal, we've arrived at Arc City. No signs of being followed or monitored. Understood, continue to keep in contact with Dr. Einstein.']
['Understood.']
['Mei will handle the surveillance.']
['Got it.']
After hearing the replies from the two Valkyries she brought with her, Theresa revealed her purpose for the mission.
['Let's quickly find that troublesome snake and finish this business deal. Why are we still using such old-fashioned methods for contact? Why not just send the info online?']
After speaking, Theresa even sighed in complaint.
['Probably to prevent the signals from being intercepted.']
['Mm. Maybe it also signifies the weight of this intelligence.']
Theresa agreed with Bronya's suggestion.
Then, Mei suddenly expressed her thoughts:
['So, this is Arc City? Even before the Great Collapse, cities as prosperous as this were rare.']
['Ah, yes. To Escape the increasing number of Honkai Beasts, people had no choice but to abandon their homes and move into large cities across the world. Only these cities had enough ability to protect them. With the gathering of technology and resources, cities grew larger and eventually became enormous metropolises.']
『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Is this what their era is like too...?'
Clearly, Elysia, who deeply cares for humanity, was sorrowful about how humanity in such an era had no choice but to migrate to cities for survival.
After all, the people in her own civilization also had to migrate to larger cities to protect themselves. But in the end, even such cities were nearly all wiped out due to the constant erosion of the Honkai...
After Elysia's comment, Theresa continued speaking.
['Although most of the information dealers are two-faced, with significant risks involved in trading with them, this is our only lead to find Kiana after escaping the headquarters... No matter the risk, I have to try.']
As she spoke, Mei suddenly reminded her:
['Principal, we've arrived.']
['It's too quiet... something's wrong. Everyone, be on alert.']
Upon hearing the warning, Theresa immediately instructed the others to be cautious.
Encounter with Grey Snake's Corpse
As the trio ventured deeper into the level, at the end, they found a corpse lying there.
After examining it closely, Theresa immediately recognized the body.
['What's going on? Grey Snake... he's dead?']
At the same time, an alarm blared throughout the area.
Immediately after, several defense robots from Arc City appeared.
['Let's fight back!']
Soon, they wiped out the mechs.
After the last Arc City riot control robot was destroyed, a dialogue box appeared.
['Bronya hacked into their channel and shut off the alarm.']
['It should be safe now. Let's head back to the Hyperion.']
After hearing Bronya's reminder, Mei immediately suggested retreating.
['Wait, this murder doesn't seem like a coincidence. Let's have Bronya check Grey Snake's body.']
End of Chapter 73