The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

Elysia had never found the Elysian Realm so unbearable.

She used to enjoy strolling through it, even with the constant bickering and explosions. Being with friends was better than sitting alone, watching other worlds.

Even being alone in the Elysian Realm had been comforting. In a way, this place was Lee. Being here felt like Lee's silent companionship.

Lee couldn't speak, but if she could, she would surely offer gentle encouragement and praise.

Lee couldn't possibly dislike her. After all, she'd entrusted her core, transformed into a Divine Key, and humanity's last hope, to her—that's what Elysia had always believed.

But reality seemed different.

Elysia didn't know how much time had passed, but she remembered the scorn and disgust in that person's eyes on the day she was imprisoned.

Was that person truly Lee?

Her appearance, voice, power, even her aura, were similar, but her personality and attitude… if Elysia trusted her instincts, she'd say no.

But what good were instincts?

Hadn't her instincts told her the Herrscher wasn't Lee? Hadn't they made her question Lee, even when she fought against the Herrscher of Legion?

And her instincts also told her Lihua and Lee were similar…

Unable to trust or doubt [Lee], coupled with recent events… Elysia was lost. But doing nothing filled her with dread.

Trapped in the Elysian Realm, she couldn't find a solution or seek help…

The entire realm was silent.

Since [Lee] had lifted the restraints, everyone had retreated to their own spaces. No fighting, no communication, like a still lake after the ripples faded.

Elysia was the same. Despite her turbulent thoughts, she didn't seek out anyone.

She simply sat, alone, day after day.

Even calling it the "Elysian Realm" felt wrong… if that person was Lee, she'd already taken that name from them.

Elysia lay in the silent garden, a place once comforting, now suffocating.

If only something would push her, force a decision—

With her core taken by [Lee], Elysia shouldn't have the power to make things happen. But after her long ordeal, luck seemed to finally favor her. The moment the thought crossed her mind, her surroundings shifted dramatically.

This wasn't unusual. Anyone with a Divine Key could manipulate this consciousness space—but only [Lee] or Lihua could use it now. Whichever one had returned would surely break the stalemate!

"How unusual. You all seem so… listless."

In a spacious room, most of the Elysian Realm's Flame-Chasers were gathered before [Lee], who sat with her legs crossed, a smirk on her face.

Looking at the somber group, as serious as mourners at a funeral, [Lee] scoffed. "A few days locked up, and you're all acting like defeated roosters… You're not getting any younger. Falling apart at the first setback? How will you ever amount to anything?"

"Or have you finally grown a conscience, repenting for your past deeds?"

[Lee] twirled a strand of hair, studying them. She'd never liked them, and their current dejection annoyed her. But she needed them, so she had to persuade them to join her.

"...Who are you?"

MEI finally spoke.

Having skipped the news broadcast that day, she'd missed a lot, relying on Griseo for information. Secondhand accounts lacked the impact of firsthand experience, so she hadn't reacted as strongly as the others, her judgment still intact.

"Who am I? My, my, Dr. MEI, even you are asking this stupid question?!" Mei's question made [Lee] laugh. "Should I wear a sign that says 'I am Lee'? I'm standing right here, same face, no plastic surgery. Why does everyone keep asking?!"

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, [Lee] waved dismissively. "...Whatever. You're cold-blooded anyway, never cared. Forgetting my face is normal. Let me reintroduce myself—I am Lee, humanity's savior—remember now?"

"..." MEI didn't respond, her eyes flickering as she looked at [Lee], then nodded silently.

"Hmph, good…" [Lee] smirked, feeling smug for winning a verbal sparring match with MEI. "I have good news—I'm resurrecting you all and taking you to a new world."

"I'm not a fan of cryptic nonsense, so I'll be blunt—I'm launching the Stigmata Project on Earth. Come help me. I'll create vessels for you and transfer your consciousnesses."

"…The Stigmata Project?" Mei frowned. "In another world, the necessary conditions might not exist. And it's pointless."

"Pointless?! Its purpose is to create ideal humans, to fill the world with beauty!"

MEI's question triggered [Lee], who launched into a tirade about her sincere desire to protect the world, humanity's betrayal, Hua's especially hurtful actions, humanity's inherent flaws, and the necessity of redefining them.

Her impassioned speech only deepened the others' despair.

Because these weren't words the Lee they knew would say.

Even with a perfect imitation of her appearance, the soul was missing—

"I met Kevin. He's agreed to help, but we need more hands, so I need your help!"

…?

That made them look up. The information was too shocking.

Kevin was helping this [Lee]?

Had they misjudged again?

They couldn't be blamed for their doubt. Kevin was the only one who'd recognized Lee even when everyone else believed she'd become a Herrscher and turned against humanity! With that precedent, when their judgment clashed with Kevin's, they naturally questioned their own.

If even Kevin trusted this Lee, then…

Come to think of it, humanity was disappointing. But wiping them out was extreme. Even Elysia had only considered it in a moment of despair.

But was the Stigmata Project any better? Sending humans to the Stigmata space, replacing them with Ideal Forms—one side gained happiness, the other freedom, and the world became a better place. Perfect!

"I… I understand…" Vill-V, huddled in a corner, nodded almost imperceptibly. "I'll help…"

"Hmph, VV, though you're usually useless, you're doing well this time~"

[Lee] ignored Vill-V's mumbling, focusing on Mobius and MEI—the others were expendable security. She needed these three scientists.

"Mobius, MEI, what about you two?"

"Alright." MEI adjusted her glasses, the reflection hiding her eyes.

"But the project requires immense manpower. It will be troublesome. Be prepared."

"Only a lunatic would implement the Stigmata Project… heh, whatever." Mobius's gaze was dark. "I'll do it if necessary…"

"Excellent! Talking to intelligent people is so much easier!" Easily securing the support of her three main targets, [Lee] was elated, pumping her fists. "We'll discuss the details after we're out—as for the rest of you, it's first come, first served. Limited spots, don't miss out!"

[Lee], efficient as ever, left the consciousness space after recruiting her team, ready to use the power of Origin to create bodies for them.

Omnipotent Honkai energy and wish-granting powers are so convenient.

Back in the Divine Key space, the three who'd agreed to help exchanged glances, observed by the others.

Hmm, looks like we're all thinking the same thing…