So... I died.
I had been expecting it for two years, ever since the doctor handed me the results of my blood tests. The very cells meant to protect me decided to turn against me, launching an attack from within. That's right; I had leukemia. It was almost miraculous that I managed to survive this long. The doctors had originally given me only six months, but I stretched that grim prediction to two years. Prolonged suffering became my bitter victory.
To think my life would end after just 20 years... How infuriating! I was still so young—damn it! I WAS STILL A VIRGIN.
Even though I was agnostic, I couldn't help but curse at any deity, fate, or higher power that might be out there. Surely, there had to be something or someone overseeing the randomness of luck. Was a prosperous and happy life too much to ask for? Couldn't I at least have been granted a body that didn't betray me? How petty, God.
At least, before I slipped into eternal sleep, my family was by my side.
As I felt my soul detach from my failing body, I saw them, huddled around my lifeless form, tears streaming down their faces. I didn't know what to do, or even what I could do. My journey had ended. It was short, but it was over.
My parents didn't deserve this. No parent should have to bury their own child. But fate, it seemed, was unrelentingly cruel.
If fate were real, I hoped I could be their son and brother again.
See you in the next world...
Damn, what a cheesy thought! It sounded like the title of a soundtrack from a famous gacha game called Guns Girl Z, later adapted into Honkai Impact 3. I always loved that piece of music. Speaking of Guns Girl Z, that game was a hidden gem. Too bad Mihoyo shut down the global version. Luckily, I was fluent in Japanese and Chinese, so I could still enjoy the game till the end.
The characters in Honkai Impact 3rd were so spectacular and relatable. Otto is one of the best villains I've ever seen. Kiana's transformation from White Comet to Herrscher of Flamescion, and eventually to Finality, was breathtaking. Mei's journey from a sweet girl to a figure of edginess and desperation, then maturing into a graceful woman, was beautifully done. And Elysia... she was divine.
Mihoyo knew how to compose unforgettable soundtracks. Were any violins left intact after recording Fantasy Note - the Fallen Rosemary OST?
It baffled me how so many gacha games had such phenomenal soundtracks. Just some other gacha games like Punishing Gray Raven, Fate/Grand Order, Arknights, all of them had music that could move the soul.
Great games must have great music.
With these final thoughts, my consciousness began to fade, leaving my family heartbroken, and there was nothing I could do about it.
It was a pity to never know how the stories of Guns Girl Z, Honkai Impact 3, and Genshin Impact would unfold. It saddened me to think I'd miss out on the future of Honkai Star Rail and Punishing Gray Raven. The thought of dying before these stories reached their climax was almost unbearable.
I wondered what awaited me after death. Would my consciousness simply fade away, or would I embark on another journey? What would happen to my soul? Would it dissolve into nothingness, or would I be reborn without the memories of my previous lives? Or perhaps, like in some transmigration or isekai fiction, I'd carry my memories into a new existence.
So many questions, and no answers in sight.
...
"You are such an interesting human."
A voice echoed in the void that was now my consciousness. It was feminine, silky, almost comforting. Was my mind playing tricks on me, using the familiar Japanese voice of a certain Miss Pink Elf to calm me?
Interesting? Me? Is this some kind of joke?
It had to be some higher being trying to communicate with me, using Elysia's voice. Who else could manage that when I was dead as hell?
Two days before my death, I somehow pulled the Herrscher of Human: Ego from a single pull. I knew my time was near then; my gacha luck had always been terrible, like my health.
I didn't have an Imagine Breaker to counteract my rotten luck. How unfair is that?
Hey, Goddess, if you find me interesting, at least give me a decent life next time.
And where are my grandparents?
"Not many people are as calm and accepting of their death at your age. You don't even seem to consider death as the end," the voice continued, sweet and angelic.
Everything ends, Dante. Even us, as a very motivated man once said. I'm not exactly accepting of my death. There's so much left undone.
Diagnosed with terminal leukemia right after graduating high school, despite living a healthy lifestyle, felt like the cruelest joke. Why grant me life only to snatch it away so abruptly?
What a fucking joke! And could you stop using that voice? It makes me uncomfortable. Surely, you can change it, right?
"I thought you'd love to hear your 'waifu' voice?" The voice teased, dripping with Elysia's flirtatious charm.
Even in this disembodied state, I could still cringe. It was almost impressive.
As much as I adored Marina Inoue's voice, alongside many other talented voice artists, I wished this could end. I was painfully aware that Elysia was a character designed by game developers to siphon money from gacha gamers like me.
Unfortunately, I was one of those.
"Don't you wish for anything? Like having overpowered abilities and creating a harem, for example? It's not every day you get to talk with a Goddess," the voice shifted seamlessly into Chinese. Damn, Yan Ning's portrayal of Elysia was spot-on, capturing her playful nature perfectly.
Mihoyo really knew how to pick their voice actors. But why did this Goddess insist on using Elysia's voice?
And seriously, Goddess? Sure, those ideas sound appealing, but they're extravagantly unrealistic for me. I've learned the hard way that nothing is truly free. Anything gained easily can be lost just as quickly.
I just want to move on, please.
"Strange, you're not as greedy as I expected. You seem surprisingly accepting of your death and even yearning for a normal, boring life. Humans are generally a greedy and selfish species, yet you seem quite mellow."
No, Goddess, I am greedy and selfish, just like most people. But I know my limits.
"You know," the voice continued, "greed and selfishness might be seen as ugly traits, but in moderation, they drive humanity towards progress and evolution."
The key is 'in moderation.' Excess in anything leads to disaster. Besides, I doubt humanity can handle 'healthy doses' of these traits.
Why am I discussing humanity and philosophy with a Goddess? I wasn't exactly a philosopher.
Let's just get this over with. I want to move on.
"Aww, but aren't we having a delightful conversation?"
No, I'm not enjoying this at all. Time feels endless here, floating in this void. And why haven't you changed your voice yet? Aren't you a mighty Goddess?
"Well, that can't be helped," the voice replied, with a hint of amusement. "I think I'll put you in your favorite game. Welcome to Honkai Impact 3."
WHAT? NO! The smugness in her voice was palpable. I don't want to go to that wretched world. A world like my previous life is more than enough.
"Isn't it your favorite game? Why reject this offer?" The Goddess sounded genuinely curious.
I don't want to constantly struggle to survive. Herrschers, Honkai Eruptions, Honkai Beasts, Project Stigmata, aliens—anything could kill me instantly in that world.
"I won't let you die so easily, boy. You can thank me later."
A blinding light suddenly engulfed my consciousness.
NO, I BEG YOU, GODDESS. Isekai sounds nice, but not to that world! It's one of the worst choices for a second life.
"I'm very eager to see what you'll do. Not many get the chance to live in their favorite fantasy worlds."
YOU WRETCHED GODDESS. I'M NOT YOUR TOY. I'LL DIE EVEN FASTER THAN IN MY PREVIOUS LIFE IF YOU PUT ME THERE.
"I told you, I won't let you die that easily. Now, please, embrace your new journey."
"And thank you for witnessing and loving our final cries."
With those last words, my consciousness faded... again.
...
"Say...my name. When the tree susurrates...",
Wait, this lyric was... why did I hear it at the time now?
This was the song TruE a.k.a Elysia's theme song.
"Once and again, telling a story lost in time...
The way it starts and the way it ends."
Who was singing? Why was this voice so...so damm beautiful?
"Never again, making up stories in dismay...
With several starts, but just one end..."
I just only let myself flow into the melody of the song. This was definitely heaven. Only heaven could produce a performance of this quality.
"...Petals linger about...awaiting for a last dance.
Shaking off all dust...from the past."
"New stories have...yet to start.", a new voice finished the song.
My vision cleared, revealing a barren wasteland stretching endlessly around me. The air felt heavy, laden with an oppressive silence. I stood there, disoriented and confused, as a cold voice suddenly pierced the quiet from behind me.
"No wonder Elysia cared about you the most, Eden," the voice said monotonously, sending chills down my spine. I spun around quickly, heart pounding, to confront the source.
To my shock, two women stood in the desolate landscape with me. One was kneeling, her posture one of utter defeat. She wore a brown dress, her golden eyes vacant, and her once vibrant red-brown hair had lost its luster, now dull and lifeless. She looked like a hollow shell of a person, someone who had been utterly broken by the world. This was Eden, the renowned diva of the Previous Era and one of the thirteen Flamechasers.
Standing before Eden was another woman, one whose presence exuded a commanding aura. She was stunning, with long, snow-white hair that cascaded down her back. She wore a white and purple dress, accompanied by a purple cape that fluttered behind her. Two ethereal energy wings extended from her back, and a bright halo hovered above her head. This woman was none other than the Herrscher of the End, an apocalyptic being feared in the world of Honkai.
"I suppose that is the song for Elysia," the Herrscher of the End remarked, her voice cold and indifferent.
Eden's response was immediate and filled with venom. "End my life now with everything I hold dear... Herrscher," she spat out, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. This woman, the Herrscher of the End, was responsible for countless atrocities. She had decimated civilizations and was directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of nearly all of Eden's comrades.
I had never believed a look could kill until I witnessed the intensity of Eden's glare directed at the Herrscher. It was a gaze filled with hatred and sorrow, powerful enough to seemingly cut through steel. Yet, the Herrscher remained completely unfazed, her expression unmoved.
To my surprise, the Herrscher reached out with a graceful hand and gently touched Eden's cheek, a gesture so unexpected it left both Eden and me stunned.
"Such a beautiful and strong-willed woman! No wonder Elysia cares so much for you," the Herrscher praised, her tone sincere, causing both Eden and me to blink in shock.
At that moment, I felt a snap of realization, as if the air around us had shifted. Eden's expression twisted with anger, and she abruptly swatted away the Herrscher's hand.
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY HER NAME AGAIN!" Eden shouted, her voice filled with fury. Her dual flintlocks, Echo of Paradise, manifested in her hands. She aimed them directly at the Herrscher, who remained unperturbed.
Eden fired, unleashing a barrage of gunfire. The air was filled with the sound of shots and the flash of muzzle flares. But despite the intensity of the attack, the Herrscher of the End stood unharmed, the bullets suspended in the air, frozen as if time had stopped for them. They fell to the ground with a soft clinking sound, like leaves dropping from a tree in autumn.
With a casual wave of her hand, the Herrscher disarmed Eden, the flintlocks flying from Eden's grasp and landing smoothly in the Herrscher's hands.
"If I kill you myself, Elysia won't be happy," the Herrscher explained, her voice flat and emotionless.
Eden's face contorted with pain and frustration. "What's the difference? Do you know how much she loved this world? She must sacrifice herself BECAUSE OF YOU," she cried out, her voice breaking on the last word.
"Fate is a fickle mistress," the Herrscher chuckled softly, her amusement chilling. With another wave of her hand, Eden's body went limp, her eyes fluttering closed as she lost consciousness. She began to collapse, but the Herrscher caught her, gently cradling her in her arms.
"And I mean it," the Herrscher continued, her voice softening slightly as she looked down at Eden. Then, her gaze shifted, locking onto me. I felt a jolt of fear as her piercing eyes met mine. We stood in a tense silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, I gathered the courage to speak.
"Are you Kiana?" I blurted out, confusion evident in my voice.
A fleeting expression of something—sadness, perhaps—crossed her face. "Why did I ask that? Herrscher of the End and Kiana are different, right?" I added, more to myself than to her.
"I used to be," she replied curtly, her tone enigmatic.
Her response left me reeling. What did that mean?
"Elysia said I could be free from my chains," she murmured, gently laying Eden on the ground, treating her with an unexpected tenderness.
"I don't understand a single thing," I admitted, my voice flat with disbelief. "Can you explain more?"
The Herrscher of the End regarded me for a moment, then nodded. "I'm not allowed to manifest in the world except on Judgement Day," she explained.
So, she could only appear during the apocalypse.
"Then why am I here?" I asked, the confusion in my voice palpable. This wasn't what I had envisioned after dying.
"She said she would bring me someone who could break my curse and help me roam freely. She chose you."
"I still don't understand," I muttered, my mind whirling. Elysia chose me? Of all people, why?
"You don't need to know for now. Let's see what Elysia saw in you." The Herrscher snapped her fingers, and the world around me plunged into darkness.
Damn it, what just happened?
I knew I would die one day, but I never imagined it would happen like this. I was still so young, too young.
Why was my fate so cruel? Dying was one thing, but to be reincarnated into the world of Honkai Impact of all places was another. It felt like some twisted joke.
Who would want to be reincarnated into a dystopian world like Honkai? Sure, the game had amazing characters and great story, but those characters lived in a world of constant danger and suffering. I couldn't survive in their shoes. No doubt about it.
I was just an ordinary person from a mundane world. How could I possibly survive in a dystopia?
And why couldn't I feel anything? Where were my senses? Why couldn't I just die peacefully? First, Elysia dragged me into this strange world, and now the Herrscher of the End had taken away all my senses.
The thought crossed my mind that the goddess who spoke to me earlier might have been Miss Pink Elf. The way the Herrscher of the End spoke about Elysia... it was all so confusing.
But... why me?
Why did Elysia know about me? Why bring my soul here?
Of all people, why me? I was just an ordinary, dying boy.
From what I knew, Elysia was a goddess first, then descended to earth as a human Herrscher. She originated from a higher domain than Honkai.
Elysia was the Honkai equivalent of Jesus. She was God's daughter, descended to save humanity, and left behind a great legacy. Thanks to Elysia, many of the Current Era Herrschers retained their humanity instead of becoming mindless destroyers.
"So, this is the one Elysia chose," a male voice said, cutting through the darkness. Somehow, my hearing had returned.
Wait, why did this voice sound so familiar?
"Are you Merlin?" I asked, confused. It sounded like Takahiro Sakurai, the voice actor for Fate's Merlin.
"That was one of my many identities," the voice replied, and suddenly my vision returned.
It was Su. I had forgotten that Takahiro Sakurai also voiced him. Su, a Flamechaser with the Sigma of Bodhi, was Kevin's best friend. He had once taken on the identity of Merlin to train Arthur, the only survivor of a mini-Project Stigmata initiated by Kevin during the medieval era in Britain.
The long-haired man regarded me with a mix of curiosity and caution, then gestured for me to follow. With no other choice, I obeyed.
From my fragmented memories, I recalled that Su had ascended to a higher dimension after training Durandal and had even engaged in a chess match with God.
"Have you found the answer you were looking for? In that chess match, I mean," I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness.
Su halted, turning to look at me. His eyes held a depth of knowledge and sorrow that made me uneasy.
"I have found several answers... but most of them are not satisfying... to her." Su sighed, then resumed walking, his steps heavy with burden. I followed, trying to piece together the situation.
"That's why Elysia tried a new way, a very unorthodox way," he continued, glancing back at me with an inscrutable expression.
"Let me guess. Me, right?" I sighed, rubbing my head in frustration.
"Yes... she said that finding someone with all the qualities she needed in a perfect situation was like finding a needle in the ocean."
"I'm honored to be picked by the mighty Pink Goddess. Now, praise the Pink," I replied sarcastically, raising my hand in mock salute.
Who cared if she was the most beloved character in Honkai Impact? That elf had brought me here, ready to throw me into a dystopian world without my consent.
A sudden pink light illuminated the space, and a figure slowly emerged from it.
"I'll take it from here. Thanks for your hard work, Su," a melodic voice called out, causing my eyes to widen in recognition.
The figure that appeared was breathtaking. She had long, flowing pink hair tied into a ponytail, a white-purple bodysuit accentuating her flawless figure. This was the iconic appearance of Elysia, the Miss Pink Elf .
Holy shit, I knew she was beautiful, but seeing her in person was overwhelming. If there was a definition of otherworldly beauty, she embodied it perfectly.
No, she was even more stunning than I could have imagined.
"Damn, Mihoyo, did you really need to create a character like her?" I muttered under my breath. "She's too perfect."
But wait, Elysia wasn't just a character; she was standing right in front of me, very much real.
"Am I not beautiful enough? Why the troubled face?" Elysia teased, her voice playful yet comforting.
Too beautiful, that was the issue. It was almost surreal.
But then, reality came crashing back. I remembered my situation—I had died, leaving behind everything and everyone I loved.
A wave of depression swept over me, heavy and suffocating.
"Why me? Why am I here?" I muttered, the question escaping my lips like a sigh. Why had this happened to me?
I was just an ordinary person, a nobody. But I had a future and a loving family.
The Pink Goddess's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a serious, contemplative expression.
"You know what, Elysia? I was living a great life, and then suddenly I was diagnosed with terminal leukemia. Even my doctor was shocked by how quickly the disease progressed," I shared, my voice heavy with the weight of my lost future.
"I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Of course, she knew. She was a goddess, after all. She knew everything about me.
"I don't understand why I'm here, Elysia." I sighed, lifting my gaze to meet hers. "Why me? I'm sure there are others far more qualified who would gladly accept your offer."
Elysia paused, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. She took a deep breath before speaking.
"Because you don't see how special you are. You are the most qualified person."
"How? I was just an ordinary student," I argued, unable to grasp what she was saying.
"So were the Flamechasers. They were just as ordinary as you," Elysia retorted, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
She had a point. The Flamechasers, legendary as they were, started as ordinary individuals.
"A soldier fights not because he hates what's in front of him, but because he loves what's behind him," I quoted, the words slipping out instinctively.
"Huh?" Elysia tilted her head, curious.
"The Flamechasers all had someone or something they loved, something they wanted to protect. But Honkai robbed them of that chance, didn't it?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
Elysia nodded slowly, her expression somber.
"So what do you expect from me? They became heroes because they had no choice. I don't have any attachment to your world besides a smartphone. And we both know how apocalyptic the Honkai world is, Elysia," I said, shaking my head in disbelief.
"DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN JUST THROW ME INTO YOUR WORLD AND EXPECT ME TO SAVE THE DAY? DON'T YOU REALIZE HONKAI IS AN APOCALYPTIC WORLD?" I shouted, my frustration boiling over.
I couldn't believe this was happening. I just wanted to live a normal life with my family. I didn't want to be thrust into a dystopian nightmare and forced to become a hero.
There was no way I could meet such expectations. Being a hero often meant sacrificing everything, and I wasn't ready for that.
"I... I just wanted to live and be healthy with my family. Maybe travel the world, have adventures. But definitely not become a hero in an apocalyptic world," I admitted, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions.
"I'm sorry," Elysia sniffled, hugging her knees to her chest. "I'm so sorry. It's just... I'm out of options." Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
Now I felt terrible. I shouldn't have yelled at her. She must have been desperate, clinging to any hope she could find.
But why was she so desperate?
"Okay, can you explain in more detail why you chose me? I'm sorry for my outburst," I apologized, my voice softer now.
"No, you have every right to be angry," Elysia replied, her voice thick with emotion. "It's just... I can't meet Eden and my friends, except for Su. And I can't leave this place most of the time."
"What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely curious now.
"No Flamechasers besides Su had the qualities to ascend to this higher dimension," Elysia explained, patting the ground beside her. "Kiana and I are stuck here, unable to descend back to the Honkai world except for special occasions. Kiana can only manifest when the Final Herrscher appears during the apocalypse."
"Then how could you have been born as a human?" I pressed, intrigued by the complexity of her existence.
Elysia sighed, playing with a small pink crystal that appeared in her hand. "That's a long story. But to be free from this place, I need someone capable of doing what I can't."
"Then what makes me special enough for you to choose me?" I asked, still grappling with the enormity of the situation.
Elysia stood up, her expression determined. "Because I know you're exceptional." She untied her long pink hair, letting it fall around her shoulders.
"What are you doing?" I asked, confused by her sudden actions.
Elysia didn't answer. Instead, her hair shortened to waist-length, her bodysuit transforming into a white blouse and pants—specifically, a nurse's uniform. Her hair and eye color shifted to brown, and she tied her hair back with a pink hair band.
I stared in disbelief. "Ellie... Elena?" I stammered, recognizing her immediately.
"Nice to meet you again. Those two years with you were very pleasant," my old nurse smiled at me.
Holy shit. My nurse, who had cared for me during my medical treatments, was Elysia all along?
"Do you like this appearance? It's based on Aponia, you know," 'Elena' said, smiling and spinning around.
I was speechless. This revelation was too much to process. My mind struggled to reconcile the nurse who had been so kind to me with the ethereal goddess standing before me.
We sat in silence for a long time. Elysia seemed to be lost in thought, her expression distant. Finally, she sighed and transformed back into her original appearance, the familiar pink hair and bodysuit reappearing.
"So, how did it feel to get the beautiful me in just one pull?" Elysia winked, breaking the silence with a playful question.
I chuckled, shaking my head. The nurse had indeed encouraged me to pull for Herrscher of Human: Ego, and against all odds, I had succeeded. "It felt like I had no regrets," I admitted, scratching my head.
"Do you accept my offer?" Elysia asked, her tone more serious now. Her eyes held a mixture of hope and hesitation.
I sighed, feeling the weight of the decision before me. "I don't have any better options, do I? I'm dead, after all." I extended my hand toward her, a gesture of acceptance.
Elysia took my hand, her grip warm and reassuring, the same feeling I felt when she was taking care of me as my nurse. She helped me to my feet, and I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me.
"You were a fictional character to me, but now you're telling me you were my nurse? How is that possible? You were living in my 'real world'," I questioned, still grappling with the bizarre reality.
Elysia smiled gently, her eyes softening. "You might not know this, but that 'real world' of yours is a paradise for many fictional characters. I'm not the only one considered fictional living there. Many characters from dystopian worlds worse than Honkai find solace in your world."
"So, some of the people walking down the streets could have had dramatic lives in anime or movies?" I asked, incredulous.
"Exactly. I'm your nurse, right? Many characters live normal lives in your world, just like I did," Elysia explained, her tone lightening. She ran her hand through her hair, which momentarily turned brown before reverting to its signature pink.
"Damn," I muttered, still reeling from the information. "But can you use your powers in my 'real world'?"
"Not really. That's why your 'real world' is considered heaven. Almost no one can exercise supernatural power there. If it were possible, I would have cured your leukemia already. Only a few beings and people can wield a very limited amount of power, and fortunately, my parents are among them. And, well, I'm a bit special too," she said, winking playfully.
"I thought you were born from the Cocoon of Finality? Aren't they your parents?" I asked, perplexed.
"The Cocoon is like a 'parent,' but I had a life before becoming 'Elysia'," Elysia whispered, leaning in conspiratorially.
My eyes widened in shock. "What...?" I muttered. "So you were like me before your reincarnation?"
"Elysia's backstory isn't that simple," another voice interjected. I turned to see Herrscher of the End—God Kiana—approaching us.
"She was only four years old when the Cocoon brought her to the Previous Era. Her parents caused an apocalypse in their world and asked me to give her another chance," God Kiana explained, her gaze fixed on Elysia.
"And you know her parents," God Kiana continued, her eyes now on me.
"I do?" I asked, bewildered.
"Yes," God Kiana confirmed. "And we need your help when you reincarnate into the Honkai world."
"How can you prepare me to not get killed immediately after I descend into the Honkai world?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. This was a critical question, I needed to know how to survive.
Without warning, the white-haired Herrscher vanished. A sharp pain erupted in my back and chest, and I looked down to see a weapon's tip protruding from my ribs.
Elysia's eyes widened in horror.
"Kiana, what are you doing?" Elysia demanded, her voice shaking as she looked over my shoulder.
I felt myself being spun around. The next thing I knew, I was face-to-face with the white-haired woman, her expression blank and unyielding.
"If you want to be Elysia's savior, you must be strong, cunning, determined, and powerful. I will not allow her savior to be a weakling," God Kiana declared, her voice cold and authoritative. She withdrew her polearm from my body, causing me to collapse to the ground.
As I lay there, gasping for breath, every heartbeat sent waves of agony radiating through my chest. The pain was unbearable, as though my very essence was being torn apart. Yet, to my shock, the wound on my chest—the gaping injury that should have ended me—began to mend, albeit slowly. Flesh stitched itself back together, cell by cell, as if defying the natural order of life and death. The process was excruciating, a slow burn that crawled through my veins. But despite the torment, I refused to scream. I had been through worse, hadn't I? Or maybe I hadn't, but this pain was just another obstacle, one I couldn't afford to let break me.
I turned my gaze toward Elysia, hoping for some sign of comfort or aid. She stood there, watching me, her expression a mix of pity and sorrow. There was no playful glint in her eyes, no teasing smile. For once, the eternal optimism she exuded seemed to have dimmed. Yet, she did nothing to help, her presence silent, almost detached, as if this trial was beyond her influence.
Her hands, usually so poised and graceful, remained still. She looked almost... powerless.
"So tell me," a voice broke the silence—calm, cold, and filled with authority. "Do you accept my training? If not, I can cast your soul into the Honkai world and leave you to rot. You will be deemed insignificant, a waste of time." God Kiana's words pierced the air like a blade. Her presence was overwhelming, like standing in the eye of a storm. Even the space around her seemed to tremble in submission.
I looked up at her, The Herrscher of the End, God Kiana. Her cold gaze shifted momentarily to Elysia, who remained silent, her sorrowful eyes locked on the ground.
"If you accept," Kiana continued, her voice unwavering, "I promise nothing will stand in the way of your training, not even Elysia."
Elysia didn't flinch, didn't speak. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, suffocating, as if the world itself held its breath, awaiting my decision.
The thought of being trained by God Kiana, a literal god among the Herrschers, filled me with equal parts terror and awe. I knew it wouldn't be easy. No, it would be brutal. Grueling. Blood, sweat, and tears would be the least of my worries. I would be pushed beyond every limit I thought I had, broken down over and over again. The challenges that awaited me would be far beyond the scope of anything I had faced before.
But what was my alternative? To be thrown into the Honkai world, to fade into nothingness? Just another insignificant soul, forgotten and discarded? That thought disgusted me. I had already died once, and I knew the emptiness that came with it. I wasn't ready to accept that as my fate again.
This was my chance. A second life, a chance to prove I wasn't just another soul lost to the void. It was an opportunity to claw my way back into existence, to carve out a meaning for myself in a universe that had already written me off.
I had nothing left to lose.
Despite the overwhelming pain still coursing through my body, despite the uncertainty of what this path would cost me, I felt a spark ignite deep within. A glimmer of defiance, of purpose. If I couldn't rise to this challenge, if I couldn't endure this, then maybe I was nothing more than a waste of existence.
I refused to accept that.
"I..." My voice cracked, hoarse from the pain, but I forced the words out. "I accept." Every fiber of my being screamed in protest, but I ignored it, gritting my teeth as I struggled to push myself up. My muscles burned, my bones ached, but I would not lie there in defeat.
I finally managed to rise, even if just barely. I stood, battered and bruised, with my chest still mending itself, but I stood. That alone felt like a victory.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of God Kiana's lips. It was a cold smile, a small acknowledgment of my resolve. She extended her hand toward me, the gesture both commanding and inviting. Without hesitation, I grasped it, her grip firm and unyielding as she pulled me to my feet.
"Remember," she said, her voice as steady as stone, "there's no turning back from this. The path you've chosen is filled with hardship. It will break you if you are not strong enough. Are you truly prepared for that?" Her eyes bore into mine, not with cruelty, but with an intensity that made me feel as if she was weighing my soul.
I met her gaze, trying to summon every ounce of resolve I had left. "I've anticipated it," I managed to say, my voice steadier this time. I knew what awaited me. Or at least, I thought I did. Pain, suffering, trials that would push me to the very edge of my existence. But beyond that? Beyond that was something far greater. The possibility of transformation. Of becoming more than I had ever been before.
Kiana studied me for a long moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as if gauging the truth of my words. Then she gave a single, resolute nod. "Very well. The training begins now."
As the weight of her words sank in, I couldn't help but glance toward Elysia. She hadn't moved, her expression unchanged—still sad, still silent. I wondered what she was thinking. Had she hoped I would refuse? Was she disappointed that I had chosen this path? But no words came from her. Just that same look of quiet sorrow, as if she understood the pain that was to come.
But this was my choice. And for the first time in a long while, I felt something stir inside me. It wasn't just fear, or anger, or even hope. It was something deeper—a flicker of purpose, of determination. A sense that, no matter what happened from here on, I was no longer running from fate. I was stepping into it.
And with that, my fate was sealed.
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"For the happy ending you seek, a Captain of Hyperion is essential." A woman sat elegantly on a chair, idly toying with a pink crystal in her hand. Her demeanor was calm and composed, radiating an aura of beauty and grace.
The woman's gaze shifted to a blonde-haired man who was also in the room. His eyes were filled with a mix of determination and uncertainty as he listened intently. He slowly nodded his head, signaling his understanding of her words.
"No one in history has ever had a second chance like this," she continued, her voice steady and firm. "I hope you won't waste it."
The man straightened up, his expression becoming resolute. "I won't," he responded without hesitation. "I am the Great Inventor and the Overseer after all." A confident smirk played on his lips as he turned to open the door.
Just before stepping out, he paused and glanced back at the woman, his face softening. "Is something wrong?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Thank you for giving me this chance, Elysia, even though I don't deserve it," he said sincerely. His voice carried a weight of gratitude and humility.
Elysia's demeanor melted into a warm smile. "Then seize your opportunity and create your own happy ending, Otto Apocalypse," she replied, her tone encouraging and kind.
Otto took a deep breath, absorbing her words. He knew the significance of the task ahead and the rare chance he had been given. With one last look of determination, he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
As Otto walked down the corridor, his mind raced with plans and ideas. The crystal-clear vision of the future he desired was now within reach, and he was determined to make it a reality. The weight of his past mistakes lingered, but the opportunity to redeem himself fueled his resolve.
Elysia remained seated, her thoughts drifting back to the conversation. She had seen many interesting cases ever since she ascended, but there was something different about Otto. His brilliance and inventiveness were unmatched, yet it was his newfound humility and sense of purpose that gave her hope.
She glanced at the pink crystal in her hand, its soft glow reflecting the light in the room. With a final, thoughtful look at the door Otto had just closed, Elysia returned to her thoughts, silently wishing him success on his new journey.
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"There exists an Aeon who can effortlessly fulfill your deepest desires. The real challenge is...can you persuade her, Otto Apocalypse?"
This question echoed in the mind of the Overseer of Schicksal every night since he traveled back in time.
Who would have guessed that the 13th Herrscher of the Previous Era was a daughter of a deity beyond the Honkai? In other words, a Goddess.
No wonder information about Elysia was so scarce, almost non-existent. Otto could only uncover details through the Void Archive.
He shuddered at the thought. He couldn't fathom the existence of deities beyond the Honkai or even the Imaginary Tree, which he believed encompassed the entire universe.
Though he hadn't returned 500 years into the past as he had hoped, arriving before Raiden Mei triggered the Third Impact was sufficient. His mission was clear: enroll the special boy Elysia mentioned into Senba High School, where the future Herrscher of Thunder was currently a student.
Fortunately, his beloved granddaughter would survive into the future, even after a fierce battle against Kevin Kaslana and the World Serpent.
He could only watch helplessly as his granddaughter was brutally beaten by Kevin, unable to intervene. The price of becoming a False God meant he couldn't interfere.
But the Goddess freed him from that curse and even helped him enter Theresa's dream world to guide his No. 1 Cutie one last time.
She granted him this second chance despite his heinous past actions.
"Every soul in the fray is striving for a safe place. Now redeem yourself by ensuring happy endings for you and everyone under your care, Overseer of Schicksal,"
Elysia's words ignited a spark of determination in his green eyes.
He had to find a way to bring Elysia back to the mortal realm. Only then could his dream be realized.
His thoughts wandered back to the moment when he first uncovered the truth about Elysia. The records were elusive, buried deep within the Void Archive. Each fragment he unearthed painted a picture of a being of immense power and grace, a Goddess whose influence extended beyond the constraints of the Imaginary Tree and the Honkai. The realization that such a divine entity existed sent shivers down his spine. It was both awe-inspiring and terrifying to comprehend that there were forces at play far beyond his understanding.
Returning to the past had been a gamble. He couldn't travel back 500 years as he had initially intended. However, arriving just before Raiden Mei triggered the Third Impact provided him with a crucial window of opportunity. He knew he had to act swiftly and decisively. Elysia had mentioned a special boy, and Otto's task was to ensure this boy enrolled in Senba High School, where the future Herrscher of Thunder resided.
As he pondered his next steps, his thoughts drifted to his granddaughter. Despite the brutal battle she would face against Kevin Kaslana and the World Serpent, she would survive. This knowledge brought him a small measure of comfort amidst the chaos. He recalled the helplessness he felt watching her suffer, unable to intervene due to the price he paid for becoming a False God. It was a heavy burden to bear, one that weighed on his conscience every day.
Yet, there was hope. The Goddess, in her mercy, had freed him from his curse. She had even assisted him in entering Theresa's dream world, allowing him one final opportunity to guide his No. 1 Cutie. This second chance was a gift, one he intended to make the most of.
He knew he had to bring Elysia back to the mortal realm. Her presence was the key to fulfilling his ultimate dream. Suddenly, the pink crystal on his table began to shine, snapping him back to the present.
"Is it time?" a voice identical to his own echoed in his mind.
"Yes..." he responded to his sole companion over the past 500 years, "Elysia's boy...has appeared," the Overseer of Schicksal concluded.
"Let's see what unique qualities he possesses, shall we?" said Void Archive with glee.
"February 14th, 2014," Otto muttered, glancing at the calendar on the wall.
Only six months remained. That day marked the birth of the Herrscher of Thunder.
Otto Apocalypse had waited for over 500 years. He could wait 500 more if it ensured the achievement of his goals.
Fortunately, it seemed he wouldn't have to wait that long.
"I hope your faith is well-placed, Elysia," the Overseer whispered before closing his laptop.
On the screen was a photo of a white-haired woman floating above the moon. She bore a striking resemblance to Kiana Kaslana, but she wore a white and purple dress. Above her head was a glowing halo, flanked by a pair of energy wings.