Bai Yu was immersed in a story quest in Honkai: Star Rail when Argenti suddenly turned to him and asked, "Beautiful lady, do you admit that the [Pure Beauty] Star God Idrila is unmatched in her beauty?"
The question made Bai Yu pause. Pure Beauty? Idrila? He hadn't met her yet. He couldn't confirm her beauty was truly unparalleled. But…
A soft chuckle escaped him as a familiar image surfaced in his mind—a girl with flowing pink hair and a radiant smile. If she were to embody the [Pure Beauty] Path in Honkai: Star Rail…
Memories of Elysia from the long-lost paradise of Honkai Impact 3rd warmed his heart. Her elegance, her charm, her presence—it was unforgettable. Bai Yu smiled unconsciously.
Then, a shadow passed over his expression.
"If… just if… Elysia was part of Star Rail's universe, she could easily become the second [Pure Beauty] Aeon.." he thought wistfully.
"But she's not here… and…" A wave of inexplicable sadness welled up inside him, leaving him restless.
"My dear Roast Chicken… Elysia may be gone, but you—I'll always meet you in reality…" Bai Yu muttered, pushing through the rest of the quest.
After logging out, he opened his favorite app and saw a tall, pink-haired girl waving at him from the bridge. A smile crept onto his face.
He tapped the words above her head and heard her voice: "Go rest now. Let's meet in a dream, okay?"
Bai Yu blinked, then chuckled. "You're sending me to bed the moment I arrive? Fine, I'll listen. I'll find you in my dreams."
He smiled at his phone for a while, then turned off the lights and drifted off to sleep.
"Captain～ Wake up, the stars are showing～♪" came a sweet, familiar voice.
Bai Yu stirred, eyes fluttering open. But instead of his ceiling, he saw a sky filled with shimmering, otherworldly stars.
Where am I? he thought, stunned.
"Captain～ Look here ♪" the voice called again.
He turned and saw her—pink-haired, radiant, dressed in celestial finery. She smiled at him.
"Elysia?!" Bai Yu gasped.
It was her. Elysia stood not far away, glowing like a dream. His heart raced. But then he muttered, "Figures… it's just a dream. I've got work tomorrow. I really want to talk to her, but… I should sleep again."
He closed his eyes.
A gentle breeze brushed past, and a hand softly patted his head.
"Hey, Captain, wake up. This isn't a dream～♪" Elysia's voice teased.
Bai Yu opened his eyes again, blushing as he realized how close she was. At 25, he'd never been this near to a girl before—kindergarten didn't count.
He stammered, "E-Elysia, why am I here?"
"Well, Captain, I know you have a lot of questions. Don't worry—I'll explain with magic～♪" She raised her staff, and a brilliant light enveloped them.
Suddenly, answers filled Bai Yu's mind.
His longing for Elysia to exist in Star Rail had been so strong that the Creator God heard him. Moved by his wish, the divine granted him a miracle: a chance to travel the universe of Star Rail in Elysia's body.
Bai Yu was speechless. A man, becoming Elysia? But no hesitation—he accepted. This is after all a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
Elysia giggled, sensing his decision. "Even though I'm no longer alive, I still feel a little shy knowing you'll be using my body～♪"
"Elysia, I do not mind. But what about you?" Bai Yu asked, remembering the Creator God's condition: her consent was needed.
"I do not mind as well, Captain… though I'm still a little shy." Her cheeks flushed pink.
Bai Yu laughed softly.
"Don't tease me～ Okay?" she said. "One more thing—Captain, you can't do anything weird with my body～♪"
Bai Yu nodded solemnly. He would never cross that line!
Elysia smiled at his promise. "Then… Captain, my story ends here. Yours begins now." She extended her hand.
Bai Yu froze at the familiar line, then smiled and took her hand. "Then with your blessing, I'll weave my own story."
As their hands touched, a strange energy surged. Stars gathered around them. It was time to part.
"Captain, don't forget me～♪" Elysia whispered playfully.
"I won't. Because…"
"I will always love Elysia."