Honkai Impact 3rd: Catching the Herrscher of Sentience at the Start

"Then, please allow me to sing one last song, as your farewell gift, Miss Mei..."

"I shall sing... her favorite song..."

"Elysia, my friend..."

"May we never be apart, may time... forever remain at this moment...?"

(Crack... Eden shattered)

....

"My name is Elysia..."

"The 'First Herrscher, the Herrscher of Humanity.'"

--------------------------

"Welcome, pure and noble soul. You have finally arrived here."

"There's no need for introductions anymore, is there?"

Petals drifted down as Elysia stood at the center of the chapel, dressed in a white gown and veil. She turned back with a captivating smile, one that could put even the most beautiful to shame—no words could truly capture her beauty in this moment.

"Then, this will be the last time..."

"Hey! How does it feel?"

Mei crossed her arms, looking at Elysia with a hint of hostility in her eyes, as if she were finally facing an old enemy.

Elysia was momentarily stunned, not expecting their reunion to be like this. She narrowed her eyes and sized Mei up from head to toe. "..."

Feeling Elysia's gaze, Mei took a deep breath, lowered her arms, and said, "Aren't you going to say something? Staying silent like this is so unlike you."

Elysia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled softly. "Then... I'm back?"

Mei also returned to her usual self, smiling as she looked at Elysia. "Mm... welcome back."

Seeing Mei's slightly teasing demeanor, Elysia covered her mouth in mock surprise. "Oh my, what a dangerously sweet remark!"

"You've become quite proactive in my absence, Mei."

Mei, "Oh? Aren't you worried about your dear Fu Lin?"

"..." At these words, Elysia fell silent. After a long pause, she forced a smile and looked at Mei, lowering her voice. "So, during the time I was gone, you didn't slack off at all, huh? You've already figured out the identity of the mysterious man?"

Mei, "...Mm, the moment I saw that he, like all of you, was a memory construct, I had a rough idea."

Elysia held Mei's hand and asked, "How is Fu Lin now? Nothing bad happened to him, right?"

Mei, "He was erased by the Herrscher of Corruption. So... Elysia, can you explain to me how you knew Fu Lin?"

"Fu Lin is already gone? It seems my task is complete as well. Since you're asking so sincerely, Mei, I shall be merciful and tell you~"

It was as if a great weight had been lifted off Elysia's shoulders—no longer needing to pretend they were strangers, she cheerfully embraced Mei, wrapping her arms around her slender waist.

"Ah, such nostalgia."

"The story might be long, so Mei, you better listen carefully until the very end~"

"The beginning of this story goes way, way, way back to when I..."

—As the tale of the Eternal Paradise concluded like a scene from a play, Mei stood in a vast, silent, white space, slowly crushing the glowing sphere in her hand.

The pristine space trembled violently as countless platforms emerged in midair. The structures of the Previous Era Paradise gradually returned to their original state, with towering buildings and amusement parks rising from the ground.

Mei walked through every corner, watching the Previous Era Paradise return to its former glory. Eventually, she arrived at the garden plaza of the Eternal Paradise, where the thirteen Flame-Chasers had been waiting.

Kevin, "Herrscher of Thunder... there was no need for this."

Su, "Kevin isn't very good with words, so let me thank you on his behalf."

Kevin, "..."

Mei, "It's fine. I've gotten used to it."

Kalpas, "Hmph, Herrscher... don't think this means I'll start treating you nicely."

Sakura, "Apologies, Miss Mei. Kalpas just doesn't know how to interact with people."

Mei, "I understand."

Mobius, "My little lab rat, you never fail to surprise me~ But still, thanks."

Mei, "Dr. Mobius, how rare—you're not being stubborn this time."

Mobius, "Tch, don't push your luck, little lab rat!"

Griseo, "Big Sister Mei, I look forward to painting with you."

Aponia, "Raiden Mei, I sincerely thank you for saving the Previous Era's Paradise."

Kosma, "..."

Mei, "I know I've said this many times before, but proper communication is done through words, not just expressions. And don't try to ignore me."

Vill-V, "Is it my turn now? Ahem, then next up, let me—"

Mei, "Vill-V, you can go last..."

Hua, "Mei, thank you."

Pardofelis pounced into Mei's arms, tears streaming down her face. "Mei, I never thought I'd see you again! This is wonderful!"

Mei, "Mm, alright, Pardofelis, don't cry anymore."

Eden, "Miss Mei, Elysia is waiting for you just ahead."

"Let the great fairy Ellie guide the way~"

...

Elysia stood amidst a sea of flowers, turning back to Mei and blinking playfully.

"Mei, I thought it would be a grand and dramatic farewell, but you actually had a hidden ace up your sleeve. That makes my goodbye back then... so embarrassing~"

"It was Fu Lin who left behind the database of the Eternal Paradise, allowing me to bring you all back... But Fu Lin..."

Mei's eyes darkened. She had searched every corner of the Elysium Paradise, but Fu Lin was nowhere to be found. Would they truly never meet again?

Elysia embraced Mei, gently comforting her. "I see... Mei, don't be sad. Those who are meant to meet will always cross paths again."

Mei clenched her fists and asked, "Is there really such a thing as fate between me and Fu Lin? He's died in front of me three times already. Even if we have a connection, it's a cursed one..."

Elysia, "You need to have faith in yourself, Mei."

"Oh, right! I haven't introduced you to a certain 'old friend' yet."

"Hello~ hello~! Our adorable Herrscher of Corruption~"

As she spoke, a small computer-like creature with tiny legs peeked out from behind Elysia's hair, looking at Mei with an indignant expression.

"!!!"

Mei's expression changed instantly. Her hand reflexively reached for her sword, but Elysia stopped her. The tiny Herrscher of Corruption then hopped onto Elysia's outstretched palm and turned away haughtily.

"Dear Mei, it can't do anything now. Besides, isn't its tiny, delicate form perfect as the mascot of Paradise?"

"Hmph, I hope so..."

"Huh? But isn't Paradise already home to the sweet and lovely fairy Ellie?"