Honkai Impact — The Elysian Realm.
"Laws of the world, is that all you've got? Hiding and dodging—how weak!"
The world burned red. The very air in this realm of flame was stiflingly hot, like breathing inside a furnace. Every breath scorched the throat.
Kalpas hefted his massive pillar weapon, raining down relentless attacks upon Kiana. She dared not meet him head-on and instead used the Authority of Space to dodge and reposition.
"Who said I'd fight you head-on? I'm not stupid."
Her exasperated voice echoed through the realm. She knew her strength didn't lie in brute force.
"Hahaha! Then keep running!" Kalpas bellowed, laughter rising with the flames as he unleashed a barrage that shook the entire Elysian Realm.
The ground quaked violently. His power was terrifying, near-limitless.
"Dr. Klein is going to have a headache cleaning this up," Koji remarked beside Elysia, shaking his head with a faint smile.
"'Dr. Klein'? That's quite a title." Elysia blinked, surprised.
"Not carefree Klein—flawless Klein," Koji corrected. "When has she ever rested? Even in the previous civilization or in the Elysian Realm, she's always working."
Elysia thought for a moment, then nodded. "True. I've never seen her take a break."
"She's called the Flawless One for good reason," Koji said with pity. "Having Mobius as her boss must be suffering enough."
"Hey! I'm not some heartless capitalist!" Mobius suddenly popped out, visibly offended.
"Then why never give Klein time off?" Koji countered calmly.
"Uh… she's just used to working overtime," Mobius muttered.
In truth, she knew Klein was an ideal assistant—diligent and understanding—but she had never forced her to overwork.
Mobius crossed her arms. "So, what do you want this time?"
Koji smiled. "I'm offering you bodies. Real ones. Would you like to join me on a little 'Flame-Chasers' journey in another world?"
"Flame-Chasers?"
Mobius and Elysia exchanged glances. The term was all too familiar.
"That's right. And there'll be people you know." Koji's smile deepened. "I wonder how you'll react when you see Kevin again."
"Oh? Now I'm interested," Mobius said, the corners of her mouth curving up.
The Thirteen Flame-Chasers gathered.
Koji restored their bodies, though these incarnations were not identical to their past selves.
"At last, freedom from the Elysian Realm." Mobius pressed a hand to her chest, startled by the beating heart beneath.
"Kiana," Koji said, "Himeko is with Theresa. You can go find them next."
Kiana bowed deeply to the Flame-Chasers. "Thank you, seniors, for all your guidance."
"Go, Kiana. We believe in you," Elysia said warmly.
She was such a lovable girl—much like the little Shigure who had once departed this place.
The Flame-Chasers emerged from the portal, arriving at World Serpent Headquarters.
On the throne sat Kevin's original body. The moment his hollow eyes met theirs, a faint ripple stirred within them. He raised his hand slightly.
"Kevin! Missed me?" Elysia called playfully.
Kevin's true body gave the slightest nod.
His memory body stepped forward. "I'll hold the line for World Serpent. You, Elysia, and the others will accompany him to the new world."
Kevin's real form frowned. "What—?"
But then he paused, understanding silently.
"Good."
Otto's research had made progress; there was no need to return immediately. It was fine for Kevin and the others to leave for a while.
"I'll explain briefly about that world…"
Koji described the Golden Sage, Titans, Recreation, and The Conspiracy, outlining the essence of the "simulation world."
"How fascinating," said Vill-V, eyes gleaming. "A sandbox calculated by a computer of stellar scale! Wonderful!"
"Recreation is a cruel illusion—a cycle without end," Su said softly.
"As long as there's something to fight, that's all I need," Kalpas added simply. "No scheme can stand before raw strength."
Koji chuckled. "You'll have plenty to fight, I promise."
He produced two black twin blades. "These are for you—the Keys of Erosion. You may find them useful."
He had retrieved them earlier, during a trip to the Far East.
"...Sister?!"
A small pink-haired girl with fox ears suddenly appeared—Sakura's younger sister, Rin. She threw herself into Sakura's arms.
Sakura froze, then hugged her tightly in return.
When had her little sister become a fusion warrior, merged with a divine key?
Even Su, who had been meditating, opened his eyes in disbelief.
Rin held her sister's hand and began recounting everything that had happened since her death.
"Thank you," said Kevin's true body quietly. "That regret… is finally mended."
Kalpas snorted. "Kid, I'll skip the mushy stuff. If you need anything, just say it."
Koji nodded. "Consider it done."
The Keys of Erosion he gave them were reinforced—powerful enough to threaten even Herrscher-class beings.
Vill-V examined the blades, intrigued. "Self-evolved? How delightful. The twelfth Divine Key—the one that never got built, wasn't it?"
Koji nodded. "Yes. The power of erosion was unstable. They never had the time to finish it. Only the Herrscher's will remained sealed in a black box—until now."
"This one's called Jizo Mitama," Koji said. "It's caused a few problems in this era, but I've stabilized it."
"Good name," Vill-V mused. "Though the design could use some improvement—maybe a few modifications?"
"Don't even think about it," Eden said with a tired smile. "You'll set Sakura on fire again."
Vill-V froze, feeling several sharp gazes lock on her. She laughed awkwardly. "Heh… just a thought."
(End of Chapter)
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