—Previous Era, Fire Moth Headquarters.
Inside MEI's lab, she stood in her lab coat, reviewing data on a tablet. Before her, within a massive containment pod, rested a sleek, futuristic, lavender battlesuit.
Sensing a presence, MEI turned to see a handsome, unfamiliar young man with dark hair and eyes enter the lab. Beside him walked Elysia, clad in her usual Flame-Chaser attire – a look she'd become fond of after seeing [Jiang Qiao] sporting it in her body.
It had become a staple in her wardrobe, nearly overflowing her closet.
Of course, there were variations in style and detail. Just as Elysia meticulously coordinated her hairstyles with the day of the week and the weather, she now applied the same principle to her Flame-Chaser outfits. A single glance was all MEI needed to decipher the details.
Today was Saturday.
"Hee hee, recognize me, MEI?" Elysia chirped, hoping to catch her off guard.
MEI simply glanced at her, then approached the young man. She gently touched his cheek before retracting her hand. "I didn't realize this was your true form."
"Oh? What did you imagine me to look like?" Jiang Qiao asked, intrigued.
"A girl. I have to admit, you're quite talented at playing the part."
Despite the initial surprise of seeing Jiang Qiao's true form, MEI, now fully focused, quickly regained her composure. She objectively assessed their past encounters and offered a genuine compliment.
"Perhaps it was because that MEI was simply naive."
"I'll take that as a compliment." MEI turned back to her work, her voice devoid of emotion.
Elysia puffed out her cheeks, a little disgruntled. "Geez, now there's no surprise at all! How did you recognize me so easily?"
She had planned to prank MEI with Jiang Qiao's unfamiliar face, but this was the outcome? And...what was with the cheek-touching?! In front of her no less! Hmph!
"Intuition," MEI replied without turning around.
"Alright, now that you're here, let's begin."
As the leader of Fire Moth, MEI valued efficiency. Their top priority was reforming their combat forces. According to the original timeline, the MANTIS soldier program and the Divine Key project should have been underway after the 4th Honkai Eruption.
Now, with the 5th Eruption looming, those projects were still in the planning stages. While they had the complete technology from World Serpent in the future, the sooner they reformed their forces, the better.
[Jiang Qiao], unfazed by MEI's directness, approached the glowing battlesuit, raising an eyebrow. "So, this is your prototype?"
"Yes, designed by Vill-V. Based on the prototype from the [Divine Key], we analyzed the main materials of the twin-tailed battlesuit and, considering compatibility and cost-effectiveness, opted for specialized Honkai-resistant steel (Soulium)."
A slight smile touched MEI's lips. The Herrscher of Thunder's powers had been invaluable in this process.
The biggest obstacle to technological advancement was materials science. No matter how advanced the theory, it was limited by the available materials.
But with the Herrscher of Thunder's control over electromagnetism and the Herrscher of Reason's analytical abilities, materials science was no longer a bottleneck.
"How's the performance?" Jiang Qiao asked.
"Unfortunately, without the crucial Gem of Conquest, we can't conduct a full test. However, in terms of physical durability, it offers protection comparable to a [Divine Key]," MEI explained, sighing. "I've tried other Herrscher Cores, but no luck."
She had attempted to incorporate the Blank Key technology provided by World Serpent into the design, but it was pointless. Not everyone could withstand a Herrscher Core. At best, it would be a slightly less volatile Blank Key, lacking practical value.
"You can use the Herrscher of Reason's power, right? Haven't you tried constructing one?"
For a Herrscher, accommodating multiple Herrscher Cores was commonplace. Their bodies were already compatible with Honkai energy.
This eliminated the greatest risk – being consumed by the excessive Honkai energy.
"I can't utilize the core's full potential." MEI shook her head.
She had experimented with the Herrscher of Reason Core, using it for basic material analysis, but anything beyond that only yielded the power of a standard Herrscher of Reason. MEI sensed that the core's true power was far greater.
This was why MEI hadn't dismissed the project's feasibility. She had a hunch: if Elysia tried, it might work.
MEI retrieved a glowing blue Herrscher of Reason Core from a secured compartment. After the underground base incident, despite the European branch's reluctance, the core had been transferred to headquarters.
"I can't use this in my current body," Jiang Qiao stated. His original body was still human. While he possessed multiple nascent Herrscher powers due to his body-swapping ability, his essence remained unchanged.
Using a Herrscher Core in a human body… well, it wasn't impossible. He could simply trigger a transformation into a Herrscher, a task as easy as breathing for him.
But he was unsure how integrating a full Herrscher Core and undergoing the transformation would affect his nascent powers.
"Then switch bodies," MEI said casually, glancing at Elysia. She knew [Jiang Qiao] had a way of switching.
If Jiang Qiao couldn't do it, then [Elysia] could.
"Huh?" Elysia blinked, her cheeks flushing. "I'm not some tool!"
Although they had switched bodies several times, and she'd grown more accustomed to it (perhaps even developing a slight anticipation), being treated so casually—like a piece of meat—was infuriating! Especially when the suggestion came from MEI.
Switching bodies was her prerogative! Or Jiang Qiao's, at the very least!
Elysia crossed her arms and turned away, a silent protest forming. Unless you coax me… you can forget about it!
However…
MEI, misinterpreting Elysia's behavior, simply assumed she was reluctant. She sighed, hesitated, then asked, "Alright then… can I?"
[Jiang Qiao] blinked in surprise, then nodded. For him, switching to any body yielded the same result—the Herrscher transformation would proceed as usual. Of course, a Herrscher body made the process quicker and easier.
Besides, MEI's current body was one he had created. He knew its intricacies inside and out. Using it required no analysis, just a seamless integration of his consciousness.
"Fine, let's do it."
"Are you sure? It requires… this." Jiang Qiao gestured towards his lips.
MEI's cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected suggestion, but she maintained her composure. "It's alright."
She hadn't expected Jiang Qiao's method to be so… straightforward. For MEI, still a young woman at heart, it was a bit flustering. However, as the leader of Fire Moth, efficiency was paramount. A "first kiss" was hardly a priority.
Even if it involved something more… intimate, as long as it was necessary, MEI wouldn't hesitate.
Of course, this probably only applied to [Jiang Qiao]. It certainly eased the mental burden.
If it were anyone else… MEI would likely have come up with an excuse.
"Let's do it," she said calmly, a hint of… anticipation in her voice.
All of this unfolded under Elysia's watchful gaze.
She could practically feel the air thicken with a sudden, unexpected intimacy. The temperature seemed to rise several degrees… Wait a minute, was that her fault? Her pink aura intensifying?
Elysia, who had been feigning anger to protect her pride and maintain control, watched the scene unfold with growing disbelief.
You… you two…
Right in front of me?!
Her cheeks puffed out like a blowfish. She glared at [Jiang Qiao].
Daring to "conspire" like this right under my nose! If I weren't here, who knows what you'd be up to!
"No!" Elysia stormed between them, planting herself firmly in the center. Her declaration echoed through the lab – no funny business! (Or perhaps, no funny business with other women… especially not in front of me!)
"What's wrong?" MEI asked, momentarily confused.
"How can you do this in front of a cute girl?!" Elysia huffed, attempting to take the moral high ground.
MEI nodded in agreement. Then, she proposed a "reasonable" solution: "You're right… it's inappropriate. Elysia… why don't you step outside for a moment? Don't worry, we'll be quick."
It was perfect, wasn't it? Elysia could avoid witnessing anything untoward, and they could quickly complete their "task."
Crack…
Something snapped. Elysia's fuse.
Her eyes blazed with a single emotion – rage.
So you're going to do it behind my back, then?!
What infuriated Elysia the most was… why did she have to leave?! Shouldn't they be the ones finding a corner?
Well… that scenario was equally unacceptable.
Knowing full well that Jiang Qiao was about to do something naughty with another woman, and she was supposed to just wait patiently? Absolutely not!
"We'll be quick…"
Even though Elysia knew it was true—Jiang Qiao treated these things like a quick chore, which was even more infuriating!—the implication felt like a taunt. A blatant, deliberate taunt!
"Why do I have to leave?!" Despite her anger, Elysia forced a smile, determined to stand her ground.
"Isn't this my lab?" MEI replied, genuinely puzzled by Elysia's outburst.
Damn, she has a point!
"Fine, we'll go to a corner," MEI conceded. See? I'm compromising.
Oh, should I thank you, then? Elysia's smile became strained.
Seeing MEI take Jiang Qiao's hand, preparing for their little "corner rendezvous," Elysia couldn't stand idly by while her territory was being encroached upon. She intervened once more.
"No!"
"Is there another problem?"
"...It's inappropriate!" Elysia blurted out, desperately grasping for an excuse.
MEI raised an eyebrow, then looked at Jiang Qiao. "Is it really inappropriate?"
She pondered Elysia's words, genuinely searching for a reason.
Jiang Qiao, meanwhile, looked utterly bewildered. "No?"
What was inappropriate? It was just a quick switch. Nothing more.
"I… I…"
"I know you don't want to switch. It's okay, I'll do it," MEI said, patting Elysia's shoulder with understanding. While the act wasn't that scandalous, it was understandable for a girl to feel uncomfortable.
She, too, felt a slight hesitation, but she treated it as a "task for the organization." That made it much easier to accept.
MEI, ever considerate, offered to take Elysia's place.
Elysia almost cried—with frustration.
Oh, thank you so much!
Watching MEI drag [Jiang Qiao] away, ready to "commit the act," a mortified Elysia made her final move.
"E-…"
MEI frowned, about to speak, but Elysia, fueled by pure indignation, grabbed Jiang Qiao's hand, pulled him close, and pressed her lips against his!
A moment later, [Jiang Qiao], cheeks flushed, stumbled back.
This is what you made me do!
The pink-haired girl, who had been a head shorter just moments before, slowly opened her eyes, revealing clear, azure eyes with a newfound allure.
Transformation complete!
MEI, startled by the sudden turn of events, blinked in surprise but quickly recovered. She studied Jiang Qiao's transformed appearance, then nodded approvingly. "Quite fascinating."
A hint of regret lingered in her voice. Honestly, her willingness to switch with Jiang Qiao stemmed not only from their close relationship but also from a scientific curiosity about the body-swapping ability. She wanted to experience it firsthand.
Of course, she wouldn't have suggested it under normal circumstances.
The opportunity had presented itself, and she had seized it.
Now… it was a missed chance.
But it didn't matter.
MEI shook her head and returned to her work, pushing the container with the Herrscher of Reason Core towards Jiang Qiao. Her priority was the prototype battlesuit, a potential game-changer in humanity's fight against the Honkai.
The flush on Elysia's cheeks began to fade. While kissing wasn't a new experience, doing it so boldly, in front of someone else… that was a first.
Even in private, she felt a tinge of shyness. Being watched by MEI… thankfully, she didn't seem to mind.
Relieved, Elysia shot a glare at Jiang Qiao. You made me do something so embarrassing! I'll remember this!
Oblivious to Elysia's simmering resentment, [Elysia] was now fully focused on the task at hand.
The glowing blue Herrscher of Reason Core floated out of its container, reflecting in her azure eyes. With delicate fingers, she lifted the core and guided it towards her chest, where it merged seamlessly with her body.
A faint aura shimmered around her as MEI watched intently.
In an instant, her attire transformed, resembling that of the Herrscher of Truth. Her low ponytail, bound by a crystal ornament, lifted, and [Elysia] radiated a newfound power.
Elysia – Herrscher of Ego form!
MEI gazed at [Elysia] with awe, while Elysia puffed out her cheeks. So far, she could only utilize this Flame-Chaser form.
As for the other, more… revealing form that Jiang Qiao had displayed… Elysia figured she'd have to have one custom-made. After all, she was still human.
"Deconstruction… commencing."
The familiar sweet voice echoed through the lab. [Elysia] – Jiang Qiao – expertly began analyzing the Gem of Conquest extracted from the [Divine Key].
The radiant crown shimmered, and unseen gears whirred at an incredible speed. Her eyes seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality.
Layer by layer, the gem's secrets were laid bare.
...The elemental aspects could be adjusted through Honkai energy manipulation.
But the core element, the foundation of the gem's power…
…was its inherent rules.
Realization dawned on her. The Gem of Conquest granted the battlesuit unparalleled power because it established its own set of rules, a unique framework embedded within it, allowing it to function across different worlds.
It maintained the efficacy of its unique psionic properties.
Jiang Qiao, being native to this world, discarded the original rule set and began weaving a new one, based on the rules of this world.
"Reconstruction… commencing."
Requesting access to the Project Stigma database…
—Access denied.
Connecting to the Origin… override initiated.
Jiang Qiao channeled the power of Origin, combined with a portion of the Saint's power he carried, to forcibly access a fragment of Finality's power.
With this amplified power, the Herrscher of Truth's abilities reached the level of Finality.
—Undeniably, Project Stigma possessed the power to weave worlds. The thirteen Herrschers were a testament to this ability.
Treating it as a massive reality-altering engine, [Jiang Qiao] harnessed its power to recreate the Gem of Conquest.
A surge of power flowed from the Herrscher of Truth to Origin, using Origin as the foundation and Truth as the framework.
A massive crystalline flower, radiating an otherworldly brilliance, bloomed before her.
Then, silence.
The Herrscher of Reason Core returned to its containment unit. [Elysia] reverted to her Flame-Chaser attire.
"Is it done?" MEI asked.
"Yes. I deconstructed the Gem of Conquest and replaced its core with Origin's power."
[Elysia] approached the crystalline flower, gently caressing its radiant petals. "With Origin's power, it can achieve a similar effect as the Gem of Conquest."
"However…"
She paused, and MEI leaned forward. "However what?"
"Well… it might have a few… minor flaws."
"Minor flaws?"
"Hee hee~ nothing major." [Elysia] smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
It seemed that because it was created using Elysia's power, it had inherited some of her… quirks.
Specifically, it might exhibit some of Elysia's… hobbies.
While Jiang Qiao wanted the Origin Crystal to be flawless, there wasn't much he could do about it. Was there?