Chapter 76: Elysia - "Kevin… You’re Not Planning to Execute That Plan, Are You?"

Chapter 76: Elysia - "Kevin… You're Not Planning to Execute That Plan, Are You?"

It had been four months since the Great Honkai Eruption.

To escape the Pale Beasts that emerged from the void and the deathly infection that followed the waves of Honkai creatures, more and more survivors fled into large cities, seeking refuge.

However, the disaster showed no signs of stopping.

For the mech units defending Arc City, this was an especially difficult night…

['So many monsters… They're like cockroaches. We can't kill them all.']

['The frequency of Honkai Beast outbreaks in the surrounding districts is increasing… Arc City is now completely under lockdown. All mechs have been deployed to the city's outer defenses.']

The screen displayed the complaints of the mech squad members.

And at that very moment, alarms blared.

['Massive Honkai energy signatures detected ahead—']

['Stay alert! The next wave is coming!']

Before the warning even finished, the monsters had already begun swarming in.

The game transitioned to an opening CG, displaying a first-person perspective from a mech pilot's cockpit.

The streets had become a sea of flames, littered with the wreckage of destroyed mechs.

Ahead, a horde of Honkai Beasts approached.

Over the radio, chaos erupted.

['Damn it! There's too many! We can't hold the line!']

['At this rate, the city's defenses will collapse—it's only a matter of time.']

['Hold the line! Do not retreat!']

Suddenly, the pilot's screen captured a figure standing on a bridge.

She held twin pistols, but due to the dim lighting, her features were indistinguishable.

Then, she vanished.

"Who's there?!"

With that, the opening CG ended.

The game transitioned into real-time gameplay.

The figure that had vanished moments ago was now standing on the battlefield.

For the first time in four months—

Kiana had returned.

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Kiana-chan! Ah, I've been waiting for this moment! It looks like she's much calmer than before?'

A pink-colored comment floated across the screen.

Clearly, Elysia was thrilled to see Kiana's return.

The moment she appeared, Elysia immediately sent a message.

Almost simultaneously, a green-colored comment appeared.

『Your Great Inventor:』 'Hmph. What is she doing here?'

The sender was none other than Otto Apocalypse.

Like Elysia, Otto was also very interested in Kiana.

The difference was…

Elysia genuinely wanted Kiana to be safe and happy.

Otto, on the other hand… wanted to drag his "experiment" back to the lab.

On-screen, Kiana moved among the wreckage of fallen mechs, searching for survivors.

She soon found a pilot trapped in his cockpit.

After helping him escape, the pilot expressed his immense gratitude.

However, Kiana didn't dwell on it.

She immediately rushed ahead, toward the bridge.

As she neared the other side, a massive Honkai Sovereign charged toward her.

With a ring-shaped laser attack, it obliterated the remaining mechs.

Four months ago, Kiana wouldn't have stood a chance in a one-on-one fight against a Honkai Sovereign.

But now—

She was no longer the same person.

Her signature twin ponytails were gone, replaced by long, flowing hair.

Her eyes were no longer pure blue—they had become heterochromatic, one golden, one blue.

And her Valkyrie battlesuit had changed.

Gone was the white and blue armor of the past.

She now wore black and orange—the attire of the Valkyrie Ranger.

With newfound power, Kiana effortlessly tore through the Honkai creatures.

The surviving mech squad members watched in disbelief.

['Did you see that, Captain? That girl… she took down a Honkai Beast in a few moves?!']

['…She's not a monster. No… she's a superhero—like the ones from comics!']

As they watched in awe, Kiana swiftly eliminated the remaining enemies.

After the battle ended, she relaxed.

['…All clear.']

Suddenly, Fu Hua appeared on-screen.

['Leave immediately. Don't let too many people see you.']

Her tone was full of concern—like a mother scolding her reckless child.

Kiana let out a small sigh and replied casually.

['Got it, got it~']

The mech pilots never saw her face.

Before they could fully comprehend what had happened, she was already gone.

However…

In the shadows, two pairs of eyes had been watching everything.

As this narration appeared, a new dialogue box popped up.

For the first time, a previously unseen username was displayed.

"Jackal."

['According to Grey Snake's intel, she never left Arc City.']

The scene shifted.

Inside a dimly lit room, two holographic projections were conversing.

['K-423 has been showing up at every Honkai disaster site. I'm worried she might interfere with our experiment.']

The one speaking had the ID name "Raven."

After hearing her concerns, Jackal remained silent for a moment before responding.

['Hmm… troublesome, indeed. But we have no time to worry about her now. Lord Kevin has returned from the Sea of Quanta. The command has been given—we begin the operation immediately.']

['Our priority is dealing with interference from Schicksal. They've already deployed forces to Shenzhou. Do not let them disrupt our plans.']

Upon hearing Jackal's orders, Raven made a suggestion.

Let Schicksal chase after K-423 instead.

Jackal considered it for a moment… then nodded.

['Good. If a confrontation becomes inevitable, don't forget to use the "gift" I've prepared for Schicksal. I'm sure they'll find it… quite surprising.']

『Your Great Inventor:』 'Oh? A surprise? Heh. How interesting. I wonder what kind of "gift" this Jackal has prepared for Schicksal…'

At the same time…

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'If it's Kevin's plan… Ah~ That's different. I can't ignore it now~'

Elysia's pink-colored comment floated across the screen.

If it was that plan…

If it really was that plan…

Then things were about to become much more complicated.

Elysia knew a fair bit about the Stigmata Plan—including the many revisions it had undergone.

If that plan were ever successfully implemented…

Hokuto couldn't be sure how she would feel about it.

But one thing was certain—she wouldn't be happy.

As Elysia's pink-colored comment floated across the screen, the scene transitioned to Schicksal's floating island base.

The game's perspective shifted to Otto and Rita.

['Lord Overseer, we have analyzed the intelligence retrieved from the Humanoid Unit in Arc City. Although it is insufficient to pinpoint K-423's exact location, the data suggests that she remains in the city. Furthermore, the existence of this information itself confirms that she is under World Serpent's surveillance.']

Rita's figure appeared on the screen.

Moments later, Otto's holographic image materialized as he responded.

['…I'm curious to see what this hidden snake is scheming. Rita, I want you to return to Arc City, locate K-423, and continue the pursuit.']

However, Rita had some concerns.

['Given the current situation, I fear that our actions may alert her to our presence.']

Of course, Otto had already accounted for this.

He immediately provided a countermeasure.

['No need to worry. You can travel under the guise of inspecting one of our partner corporations. Schicksal collaborates with numerous multinational enterprises across various fields. Among them, the pharmaceutical company "Shencheng Medical" has been conducting an aid program, providing free medical services to cities affected by Honkai disasters worldwide.']

['Their humanitarian efforts in Shenzhou use Arc City as an entry point. Over the past five months, Schicksal has regularly supplied Honkai-resistant vaccines and aid materials through this organization.']

['This time, you will serve as our envoy, delivering a new batch of medical supplies to Arc City. By leveraging Shencheng Medical's access to medical records and information networks, your search for K-423 will be far more efficient.']

After hearing Otto's plan, Rita responded immediately.

['Understood.']

With that, the conversation ended, and the screen faded to black.

When the game resumed, the background had changed to the cockpit of a transport aircraft.

Several hours later…

The Schicksal transport ship, Eos, was en route.

Destination: Arc City, Shenzhou.

"Autopilot disengaged. Eos initiating landing sequence."

As the landing procedure commenced, a holographic projection of a young girl appeared on the screen, smiling and saluting Rita.

Her name was displayed in the dialogue box.

"Arvette."

['Vice Captain, a representative from Shencheng Medical is requesting communication.']

['Have the team remain on standby aboard the ship. I will complete the inspection and return shortly.']

['Understood.']

After finishing communications with her team, Rita accepted the incoming call.

A slightly distorted holographic projection materialized on the screen.

['Welcome to the Industrial District, Miss Rita. I am Xiola, an advisor stationed at Shencheng Medical's Shenzhou branch. I will be your guide for this visit.']

As the communication ended, the game transitioned to a cutscene.

The transport ship Eos descended slowly.

On the landing pad, a figure clad in a bodysuit and cape stood waiting.

As the CG cutscene ended, the game returned to real-time gameplay.

Rita now stood inside a massive corporate building.

['This facility is quite impressive. While we complete the handover, I would appreciate a tour.']

['No problem. Please follow me.']

With that, Xiola began leading Rita on a guided tour of the facility.

Throughout the exchange, both women remained exceedingly polite and respectful.

Each expressed gratitude toward the other's organization.

However…

It was all a façade.

Both were highly wary of each other.

Because of this, they remained restrained in their conversation.

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Aww, why are they being so distant? Shouldn't girls be more open with each other?'

A pink-colored comment floated across the screen.

Clearly, Elysia noticed the tension between the two.

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Honesty is the best approach~'

However…

A purple-colored comment appeared right after.

『Maintaining Elegance Is a Maid's Duty:』 'Hehe, I'm afraid I must disagree. Sometimes, maintaining a certain distance is necessary.'

The sender was none other than Rita herself.

As the person currently being streamed, she had been silently watching.

Though she hadn't expected her future actions to be broadcasted, she found nothing wrong with how she had handled things.

In fact, if given the choice, she would do the exact same thing again.

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Mmm~ That's fair. Distance has its own beauty too~'

Shortly after Elysia's response, Rita's inspection finally ended.

After leaving the medical facility, Rita reconnected with her subordinate, Arvette.

Following a trail of leads, she arrived at Grey Snake's secret base.

As the game entered real-time combat, waves of mechanized enemies spawned in the level.

Rita swiftly eliminated them and located the door leading to the inner chambers.

After several battles, she reached the final destination.

However…

The room was empty.

Only the hum of machinery filled the space.

Every moment, countless requests from all over the world were being processed, seeking the most valuable commodity in the black market—information.

Grey Snake was dead.

That was certain.

Yet, his empire still operated.

Remembering the man she had slain with her own hands, Rita felt an absurd realization creeping into her mind.

Had she truly killed him?

"?"

A purple-colored question mark floated across the screen.

[Because of your livestream content, "Maintaining Elegance Is a Maid's Duty" feels surprised. You have gained 560 crystals!]

The sender was none other than Rita herself.

Clearly, she had not yet realized that Grey Snake was still alive.

After all, that part had been skipped…

Hokuto paused for a moment, then decided it wasn't his problem.

The crystals were already in his account—so he continued the stream.

Rita shook her head and inserted a data drive containing the Humanoid Unit's intelligence.

['Access granted. Humanoid Unit scanning module enabled.']

['Now… where should I start looking…?']

She thought back to the survivor's testimony.

A girl fighting Honkai Beasts…

Xiola had also mentioned a lone figure…

Suddenly, Rita realized the answer.

As soon as she entered the information, the system completed the scan.

Every recorded Honkai disaster in Arc City was displayed on a map.

One by one, rumors, photos, and surveillance footage flooded the screen.

And within the endless stream of data…

Rita locked onto a familiar figure.

['Finally… I've found you, K-423.']

『Maintaining Elegance Is a Maid's Duty:』 'So this method works too?'

A purple-colored comment appeared.

Now that she had a confirmed location…

Was it time to proceed with the capture?

Rita believed that an immediate capture operation was feasible.

From what she understood in the game's narrative, the source of the disaster was none other than the Herrscher of the Void—K-423.

To prevent further escalation, she had to be contained immediately.

However…

Acting without prior approval was out of the question.

Moving Valkyrie units and deploying Schicksal's mechanized forces without direct authorization would be considered an act of rebellion.

Thus, she had to request permission first.

Rita initiated communication with Otto.

After a brief wait, the connection was established.

Otto's holographic projection appeared before her.

['Is there an issue, Rita?']

['Lord Overseer, I have confirmed K-423's location. I believe we can initiate the capture operation. Based on the methods observed in the livestream, securing her should be a simple task. I am requesting permission to act.']

With Otto's approval, the Valkyrie forces would be ready for immediate deployment.

The Gods' Chariots—Schicksal's elite mechanized units—could also be mobilized.

At that point, K-423 would have no escape.

Everything would return to the way it was.

Or so Rita thought…

['Oh? And where did you find the courage to request operational authority from me?']

Otto's voice snapped Rita back to reality.

She suddenly noticed the calm, unreadable expression on his face.

His keen gaze was piercing.

And in that moment, she felt uneasy.

['I sincerely apologize, Lord Overseer. I have overstepped my bounds. I should not have acted presumptuously.']

['I understand what you're thinking, Rita. Let me ask you a question—if we were to act prematurely, what do you think the consequences would be?']

['…I cannot say for certain.']

['Hmph. Have you already forgotten what I told you? We observe the future to select the most advantageous possibilities. If you act recklessly, our observation becomes meaningless.']

Ultimately, under Otto's orders, Rita was forced to abandon her plan for immediate action.

Instead, she continued watching the livestream, waiting for the right moment.

The screen faded to black.

A text prompt appeared.

[Two Days Later]

As the game returned to real-time play, Arc City's skyline filled the screen.

The player-controlled character had changed from Stalker: Phantom Iron to Argent Knight: Artemis.

Unlike her previous battlesuit, this one focused on ice-element attacks.

Against the Honkai Beasts and undead soldiers in the level, it was devastatingly effective.

During the mission, the game played an internal conversation among Schicksal's Valkyrie squad.

[Arvette: Vice Captain, we've intercepted a security alert from Arc City's defense units! Honkai creatures have invaded District D-2322!]

[Rita: Gather the squad and head to the target location immediately. Once inside the disaster zone, maintain concealment.]

[Rita: Remember—only eliminate Honkai Beasts that obstruct our path.]

After clearing the last Honkai Beast, the game displayed another dialogue box.

[Arvette: These undead soldiers… they're becoming more aggressive! …Wait, what's that? Red markings on their bodies? Is that… a Stigmata?!]

Hearing Arvette's voice, Rita was taken aback.

However, she quickly realized that this was not the time to investigate.

['Stigmata…? No matter. Get into position immediately. K-423 has been located. All units, standby for battle.']

With that command, the scene shifted—

The location changed to a damaged bridge in Arc City.

The player-controlled character switched to Kiana, who now faced an approaching wave of Honkai Beasts.

The narration appeared on-screen.

[Amidst the darkness of the Honkai Beasts and undead soldiers, the girl's movements flickered like a shadow. Gunfire and flames burst through the night.]

With a final flash of gunfire, the girl landed.

[Under the night sky, her white hair shimmered like moonlight, casting shadows upon the countless corpses at her feet.]

She tilted her head slightly, standing in silence for a moment.

Then, she spoke.

['…Are you just going to keep hiding?']

As soon as those words left her lips, the screen changed.

A group of Valkyries surrounded Kiana, blocking her escape route.

They belonged to Schicksal's elite unit—the Immortal Blades.

Standing at the front of the group, wielding her scythe, was Rita.

She smiled politely.

['Hehe. It's been a while, Miss Kiana.']

['Or should I say… Herrscher of the Void?']

With that final line, the mission ended.

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Eh?! Why did the mission end at such a crucial moment?!'

A pink-colored comment floated across the screen.

Clearly, Elysia was deeply invested in the story.

Seeing the scene cut off at the most intense part left her incredibly frustrated.

However…

This was just another example of Mihoyo's storytelling tactics.

Later in the game, players would encounter even more cliffhangers like this.

Eventually, Elysia would get used to it.

Hokuto clicked into the next stage.

As soon as the mission began, Kiana responded to Rita's greeting.

['Rita Rossweisse. I remember you. A Schicksal inspector. We met months ago at St. Freya Academy's examination grounds.']

Her voice had changed.

It was deeper, calmer—steadier than before.

Listening to this more reserved tone, Hokuto found himself momentarily distracted.

The real Kiana… After everything she had been through, did she sound like this now, too?

She was no longer the naïve young Valkyrie from St. Freya.

['I'm glad you still remember my name.']

Rita's tone, however, remained as gentle as ever.

['It must have been difficult, wandering for so long. By order of Lord Otto, I extend an invitation for you to return to Schicksal Headquarters.']

『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 'An invitation? How polite. If it were me, I wouldn't bother with the formalities.'

A gold-colored comment appeared—Mobius.

Clearly, she had already seen through Rita's real intent.

However, before she could continue, Elysia interrupted.

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'Hehe~ Is that so? Then why do you always keep your true feelings hidden from me?'

『where did the little lab rats hide?:』 'Shut up!'

『Pink Fairy Miss:』 'o(￣︶￣)o'

As the gold and pink comments scrolled across the screen, the livestream atmosphere became livelier.

At that moment, Kiana gave Rita her answer.

['I'm not going with you.']

Rita remained composed.

['You should know that your condition is unstable. This city's frequent Honkai Beast outbreaks prove it. Only Schicksal can help you. If you return to the lab for treatment, no one else will get hurt. It's the best option for everyone.']

But Kiana wasn't fooled.

['I won't repeat myself.']

 End of Chapter 76