Honkai Transformations - 131 - 140

Honkai Transformations - 131

--+--

A few moments later.

The "Depths" had truly become, well, the deepest of depths.

The space was hollow, so cavernous you could hear your own echoes. Inside Aponia’s room—a place Mei had never reached in the original game—there was absolutely nothing left.

Cipher surveyed the area with a look of immense satisfaction. Her tail held high, hands on her hips, she wore the triumphant grin of a harvester who had struck gold.

The handmade carpet that once covered the floor of Aponia’s room? Gone.

The bed in the corner—perhaps not ostentatious, but certainly comfortable enough to promise a good night’s sleep—and the bedding, neatly folded and still carrying the faint, lingering fragrance of Aponia’s scent? Gone, every last piece!

Even the dresser by the bedside, filled with Aponia’s neatly organized intimates, hadn’t escaped Cipher’s clutches.

Lace, silk, cotton; black, white, pale purple...

Cipher had cleared it all out right in front of Aponia’s eyes!

She mentally tallied her haul with a smug sense of accomplishment, feeling like the richest, happiest cat in the world.

And then...

A few images couldn't help but flicker through Cipher’s mind, making her cheeks burn and the tip of her tail twitch involuntarily.

Before she returned to the real world in a few days, she’d have to find a private spot to properly... examine these belongings.

"Cipher."

Just as Cipher was drifting into her own fantasies, Elysia’s voice suddenly breathed against her ear, so close she could feel the warmth of her exhale brushing against her earlobe.

Cipher jumped, her fur nearly standing on end, and whipped her head around.

"What?!"

Elysia had crept up on her at some point. Her exquisite, beautiful face was mere inches away, her eyes dancing with playful mischief.

"You..." Cipher instinctively took a step back.

But Elysia didn't hesitate, closing the distance again in a single stride. With her hands behind her back, she leaned in, her voice dropping to a low, suggestive whisper that only the two of them could hear:

"You even took Aponia’s... personal garments."

She gazed at Cipher’s face, as if savoring a delicious secret.

"S-so what if I did!" Cipher’s face flushed a deep, vibrant red, the heat traveling from her neck up to her ear tips. She darted her eyes away for a second before puffing out her chest, trying to project an air of righteous indignation.

"I just figured those things were worth a fortune! Yes, valuable! Plus, the craftsmanship is exquisite and the fabric is high quality—prime collector’s items!" She explained this with total gravity, though her eyes refused to meet Elysia’s, wandering instead toward the empty corner of the room.

"Collector’s items?" Elysia repeated the term, the curve of her lips deepening, the amusement in her eyes intensifying.

"Exactly!" Cipher nodded vigorously, her tail flicking unnaturally behind her to emphasize her "seriousness."

"I’m a professional thief! I’m only interested in valuables. Don't go getting the wrong idea!"

That's right… just like that~

The more professional I act, the more I’ll catch Elysia’s interest~

Watching the way Cipher tried so hard to act tough while being utterly flustered, Elysia finally couldn't hold it back and let out a light laugh.

"Alright, alright~" Elysia drawled, looking at her with a beaming smile. "Collector’s items, then."

But her eyes said everything.

I get it. I totally get it.

Cipher felt entirely uncomfortable under that gaze, like a mouse cornered by a cat.

"Hmph!"

Cipher decided to stop explaining altogether. With a huff, she turned her head away, pretending to admire the room she had picked clean.

"Believe what you want. As long as it’s valuable, it can’t escape my grasp~"

Her tone was stiff, but her bright red ears and the slightly tucked tip of her tail betrayed her inner guilt.

Seeing the adorable way Cipher was trying to hide her true feelings, Elysia stopped teasing her. Instead, she reached out and gently rubbed the top of Cipher’s head, deliberately brushing her fingertips against the base of those still-blushing cat ears.

"Okay, okay, I believe you~"

The touch made Cipher go soft, her cat ears twitching in reflex. Still, she kept her face tense, maintaining a final shred of defiance.

"That's better."

Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of coyness she didn't even seem to notice herself.

But then—

Elysia leaned in just a little closer again, whispering softly into her ear: "Would you like to come see my room one of these days? I have plenty of 'valuable things' there, too~"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Cipher’s earlobes turned crimson once more. She looked at Elysia with a mix of disbelief and a budding, secret excitement.

Elysia simply smiled back, her eyes twinkling with a mix of delight and a playful, alluring provocation.

Meanwhile, Aponia, who had been standing quietly at the door, watched the two of them, a trace of resignation crossing her violet eyes.

She looked at her living quarters—which could now be described as stripped bare—and sighed softly.

"...As long as you are happy." Her voice was light, filled with a calm, resigned acceptance.

In truth, she suddenly felt that having her intimate clothing taken was almost more acceptable than being given a beating.

Hearing this, Cipher finally turned back to look at Aponia and cleared her throat twice.

"Don't worry, ahem! Once I finish... uh, evaluating the value of these things, if they're useless, I'll give them back."

"That won't be necessary." Aponia shook her head, looking at Cipher with the faintest, almost imperceptible curve at the corner of her mouth, her eyes holding a touch of maternal warmth and tolerance. "They are yours."

Cipher blinked, then her tail began to wag even more happily.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony!"

In high spirits, she skipped toward the door. As she passed Aponia, she reached out and patted her on the shoulder.

"I forgive you!"

Aponia watched her retreating figure, her eyes still filled with gentleness.

Within Cipher’s memories, Aponia had already seen everything Cipher had endured, understanding that she wasn't a child with a malicious soul.

Furthermore...

She had also seen that Cipher truly loved taking valuables from the homes of the wealthy, only to sell them and donate the money to those living in poverty.

So... Aponia trusted that Cipher wouldn't use her belongings for anything wicked.

Elysia followed behind Cipher, quickening her pace as she exited the room to catch up to the triumphant cat ahead.

"Cipher, wait for me~ Do you want to take a look at my room too? I have plenty of good things there~"

"Not a chance!"

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 132

--+--

Does Elysia like me?

Of course!

I’m so adorable, she has to love me!

Cipher thought to herself with a surge of pride as she stepped into the Elysian Realm hall. But, a split second later, her heart sank with a soft, internal sigh.

Too bad... Elysia loves everyone.

Inside the hall, the warm sunlight spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor bathed the vast, empty space in a cozy, tranquil glow—it looked just like a painting.

Cipher walked toward the sofa and was just about to sit down when a sweet, honeyed voice, laced with a hint of languid laziness, drifted over from the other side of the hall.

"Oh my, oh my~ You’re finally awake?"

Cipher’s tail went rigid in an instant, and she whipped her head around toward the source of the sound.

There stood Mobius, emerging from the shadows of the corridor.

She was still wearing that signature form-fitting gown, her long green hair drifting softly behind her. In her hand, she toyed with a test tube filled with a mysterious, glowing liquid. And on her face was that specific expression—the one that always made Cipher’s skin crawl.

It was the look of a serpent coiling in the darkness, spotting its prey, preparing to strike.

As Mobius’s eyes locked onto Cipher’s, her expression was a mix of anticipation, delight, and something unmistakably twisted.

"Mobius," Elysia stepped out from behind Cipher, tilting her head slightly as she looked at the scientist with a smile, "Is there something you need with Cipher?"

"Of course there is~ And it’s something very, very important~" Mobius tilted her head, her gaze sweeping past Elysia to lock back onto Cipher’s green eyes, full of playful malice.

She didn't explain herself immediately. Instead, she stared at Cipher, scanning her from head to toe—from the tips of her cat ears to the end of her tail—inch by excruciating inch, as if she were inspecting a particularly exquisite specimen for an experiment.

Cipher could feel the hair on her arms standing on end.

As a cat-hybrid, her instincts easily picked up on the thick, suffocating malice radiating from Mobius.

"What... what are you trying to do?" Cipher’s voice carried a sharp edge of wariness. Her tail went bolt-upright, and she instinctively shifted, stepping closer to Elysia.

Seeing this, Mobius’s smirk only widened.

"Don't be so nervous~" Mobius let out a soft chuckle and began to stroll lazily toward them. "I’m not going to eat you."

She stopped right in front of Cipher, looking down at the bristling cat-girl with that same taunting curve to her lips. Then, she extended a hand, palm up, and held it out.

"I want something," Mobius said, her voice soft but crystal clear. "A single drop... of your golden blood. The blood of the demigod that flows through your veins."

Cipher’s brow furrowed tightly. She stared at Mobius, her blue eyes brimming with caution.

"Why do you want my blood?"

"Why?"

Mobius laughed, a note of fanaticism and raw sincerity coloring her tone.

"For research, of course! The blood of a demigod—blood that has come from another world, another universe, and has weathered countless cycles of rebirth... I simply can’t help myself!"

As she spoke, a flush of intoxicating, sickly crimson began to spread across her petite face. She shivered slightly, as if struck by some visceral, hidden stimulation.

"?"

Cipher froze. She was honestly terrified.

"Just one drop... that’s all I need." Mobius stepped forward, her green eyes boring into Cipher’s with undisguised hunger.

"Why should I give it to you? And what exactly are you planning to do with it?"

Cipher looked at her, her expression turning somber and cold. The carefree, playful aura she usually projected faded away, replaced by the heavy, dangerous pressure one would expect from a true demigod.

"I won't hurt you, and I won't use your blood for anything that would put you at a disadvantage. I just... I want to know. I want to know why you are capable of cycling through rebirth again and again..."

Mobius turned serious as well, the smile on her face fading into something more measured.

"Mobius~" Elysia stood to the side, watching Mobius intently before speaking in a soft, warning tone, "If Cipher doesn't agree, you can't force her."

"I know that, of course~" Mobius nodded, though her gaze flickered ever so slightly when it met Elysia’s earnest stare.

"Haven't you figured it out yet, Cipher?"

Mobius seemed to have made up her mind; she was determined to get that drop of golden blood.

"Figured out what?"

Cipher was momentarily stunned, a surge of confusion rising in her chest. Was Mobius about to tell her that she was actually just a data construct, or perhaps a fragment of memory?

Beside her, Elysia’s expression turned stern, her eyes warning Mobius to be careful. In the corner of the hall, Kevin appeared, arms crossed, watching Mobius with a calm, unreadable gaze.

"This Elysian Realm, this Golden Courtyard—it doesn't exist in the real world," Mobius said, unfazed by the attention, her eyes fixed on Cipher.

"I know that," Cipher complained. "If this place were in the real world, I would have bolted ages ago."

"True enough~" Mobius chuckled softly. "But you haven't realized that we—the many Flame-Chasers residing in this world so different from reality—are not actually human."

At those words, Cipher’s pupils contracted. She feigned a look of shock and disbelief, playing the part of someone truly shaken by the revelation.

However, neither Elysia nor Kevin made a move to stop her.

That meant one thing: Mobius was allowed to say this. It was something they wanted Cipher to know.

"Not actually human?" Cipher turned to look at Elysia beside her.

Suspiciously, she reached out and gave her cheek a light poke. "What do you mean, 'not human'? Is there really a difference between you and the people from my world?"

As she spoke, her gaze couldn't help but drift downward.

"Don't you go wandering with your eyes, now~" Elysia reached out, caught Cipher’s ear, and gave it a playful tug. She looked at her with a smile that carried a mixture of helplessness and lingering unease.

"Mobius is right... we truly aren't human anymore. We died a long time ago, during the war against the Honkai..."

Elysia’s words made Cipher’s eyes widen in genuine, profound shock.

--+--

Honkai Tranformations - 133

--+--

"The war against the Honkai... you're all dead?"

Cipher whispered the words, her gaze fixed on Elysia and Mobius with a look of utter disbelief.

"Mmhmm..." Elysia stayed silent for a moment before nodding gently. Her magnificent eyes searched Cipher’s face with a trace of caution, as if afraid that the truth might frighten her.

Beside her, Mobius let out a delicate laugh, her voice drawing out into a languid sigh. "We all died fifty thousand years ago."

"Fifty thousand years?"

Cipher’s expression went completely blank. Her eyes darted between Elysia and Mobius as if she had just heard the most impossible thing in the world.

"I don't believe it."

After staring at them for a long moment, Cipher spoke without hesitation. "I can feel it from you—you are living, breathing creatures. I can smell your scent, feel your body heat, and sense the rhythm of life within you... How could you possibly be people who died fifty thousand years ago?"

As she spoke, a flicker of suspicion entered her eyes.

"And if you’ve been dead that long, then what is this place? The afterlife?"

"You could say that, though the essence is quite different," Mobius interjected, her eyes harboring a suppressed, restless energy.

"This place is actually a world woven from memories. Those of us here... to be precise, we aren't the real Flame-Chasers from fifty thousand years ago, but rather memory constructs molded from their legacies."

"Memory constructs?"

Cipher knitted her brows.

Mobius nodded, continuing, "Think of it as... a recording that carries someone's entire memory and personality. And this 'Elysian Realm' is the vessel that contains us. Everything here is illusory; none of it truly exists."

Cipher stood frozen, shock and disbelief etched across her face as she locked eyes with Mobius.

She couldn't help but turn her head toward Elysia, catching that look of vulnerability and unease in her expression. Even her tail stiffened in mid-air.

"Mobius is telling the truth," Elysia said with a soft nod.

"Then how did I even get in here?"

Cipher looked down at her own hands. They were fair, soft, with neatly trimmed nails and a rosy flush to the fingertips.

“This is exactly why I want to get my hands on your golden blood~”

At that moment, Mobius suddenly stepped forward a few paces. Raising both hands and spreading her fingers, she precisely interlaced them with Cipher’s.

She leaned in close, her eyes overflowing with a disturbingly intense obsession and desire.

“You’re completely different from all the previous candidates. They could only enter the Elysian Realm by putting their consciousness into it through a stasis pod, while their bodies remained in the real world. But you’re nothing like them!”

“You can enter this world with your physical body! You can touch memory constructs like us! You can feel everything we do!”

Mobius’s youthful voice was filled with longing and anticipation. As their fingers remained intertwined, Cipher could feel Mobius’s normally cool hands rapidly growing hotter and hotter.

Meeting that feverish gaze, Cipher had no doubt that Mobius genuinely wanted to swallow her whole.

“Y-you...” Cipher looked genuinely startled by Mobius’s appearance, her expression turning noticeably timid.

“Just give me a drop... or even more of your blood~” Mobius stared at Cipher with infatuated eyes and licked her lips. “Whatever you want from me… I can give it to you~”

Really?

Looking at Mobius’s petite and adorable figure, Cipher couldn’t help imagining herself being coiled up by her.

Would it really be like being wrapped up by a water snake~?

She put on a convincing act of being tempted. Her eyes widened slightly, a blush quickly spread across her cheeks, and her gaze blanked out for a moment before she suddenly looked shy and flustered.

Mobius caught every bit of it.

For an instant, her eyes widened again. Then she narrowed them slightly, the corners of her lips curling upward into a delighted smile. Her expression became even more excited and expectant than before.

Cipher had no idea what Mobius had just imagined, but she was absolutely certain it wasn’t something fit for children.

Hehe~

“Mobius, you’re scaring Cipher~” Elysia stepped forward at that moment, placing both hands on Mobius’s small pink shoulders and gently pulling her back.

“Honestly~” Mobius let go of Cipher with surprising ease. The earlier frenzy had vanished, but there was now a teasing glint in her eyes as she looked at Cipher.

What is she up to?

Cipher felt something was amiss again.

"Why... why didn't you tell me this before?" Cipher turned slightly, avoiding Mobius’s gaze to look at Elysia instead.

"Because we didn't want you to be sad."

Elysia looked at her, her eyes filled with sorrow and concern. "And... I was afraid. I was afraid that if you knew, you would distance yourself from me, or see me as some kind of ghost from a horror story."

Listening to Elysia, and seeing the worry in her eyes that she might be alienated, Cipher’s heart softened.

Elysia looks so adorable like this.

Without hesitation, Cipher stepped forward and gently took her hand.

"How could I ever hate you because of something like that? Besides, it’s not like I haven't seen ghosts before. And anyway, you aren't ghosts."

"Is that so... oh, that’s wonderful!" Elysia’s face lit up with a beaming, joyful smile, and she squeezed Cipher’s hand in return.

"So... does this mean you want my blood?"

Cipher looked at Mobius, her expression turning more serious, though she still retained a touch of her usual skittishness—like a greedy cat caught in a trap, ready to pay the price in blood to make the trouble go away.

She held out her hand, and with the tip of her other finger, she made a slight cut.

A single drop of golden blood emerged, its brilliance so intense that not even the warm sunlight streaming through the second-floor floor-to-ceiling windows of the Golden Courtyard could dim its luster.

Mobius moved with lightning speed, catching the drop in a test tube. It was thick like liquid gold, shimmering with a vivid, radiant light.

"I shall study this with the utmost care." Mobius looked at Cipher with eyes full of excitement and anticipation. "Thank you, little kitten. In exchange, you may come to me with any request at any time."

“If I discover anything, I will be sure to tell you as well.”

"Fine," Cipher nodded. She was somewhat curious to see what Mobius could possibly unearth from her blood.

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

Mobius departed the meeting hall immediately.

Yet, as Cipher recalled the final look Mobius gave her—a lingering, twisted, and pathological hunger for knowledge that remained unsatisfied—she knew this wasn't over.

Perhaps one day, Mobius would try to sneak into her room at night.

How exciting, Cipher thought with a faint, pleased smile.

Kevin had also departed the Golden Courtyard by then.

"I didn't expect you to hand over your golden blood to Mobius so easily, Cipher." Elysia’s voice pulled her back to reality.

She turned to Elysia, the corner of her mouth curling into an expression that suggested it was only natural.

"Of course. I want my blood to help you all. But tell me... do you want to leave the Golden Courtyard, or do you want to gain greater strength?"

"Perhaps a bit of both," Elysia said, a hint of distress crossing her face.

"Mobius has always wanted to leave the Golden Courtyard, but everyone else, including myself, does not want her to go."

"Why?"

"Because we are people of the past." Elysia’s smile grew heavy. "The dead should not interfere with the living world."

Cipher looked at Elysia without speaking.

In her heart, she thought it would be a good thing if the Flame-Chasers could leave the Elysian Realm. But she had no idea what would happen if they truly broke free.

"But..." Cipher asked, her voice tinged with curiosity, "Mobius wants to leave?"

"Yes," Elysia nodded. "She always has. From the day the Elysian Realm was established, she has been trying to find a way out.

To go to the real world, to be resurrected, to... continue her research, and to bring the rest of us out of this realm."

"I see..."

Cipher nodded, though she still wore a puzzled expression. It was as if she couldn't comprehend why this was a bad thing.

"Do you think... that letting us leave the Elysian Realm wouldn't be such a bad thing?" Elysia asked, reading Cipher’s expression with a knowing smile.

"Yes."

Cipher nodded. She truly wanted to know the answer.

"The reason is simple," Elysia laughed softly. "It is not that we cannot leave the Golden Courtyard, but rather that we choose not to. This was the collective decision we made at the very beginning.”

“The core purpose of the Elysian Realm is to provide our experience to the warriors of a distant future—which is to say, your present. We want them to use our history to protect themselves, so that they might endure and not fall."

Elysia’s smile grew brilliant and radiant, as if she were glowing from within.

"And this era has its own hopes and its own future. We belong to the past; we shouldn't stifle the future of this world, nor should we disturb its heroes."

Cipher fell silent upon hearing this.

A moment later, she couldn't help but ask, "Don't you want to live one more time? To see the world after these fifty thousand years, to see what has become of the things you sacrificed your lives to protect? And to see the miracles created by the people of this era?"

Elysia looked at Cipher, a flicker of complexity in her eyes.

Then, she nodded gently and smiled. "I want to, of course. But... that doesn't belong to us."

She reached out and gently ruffled Cipher’s hair.

"We are characters in a story. Once the story is over, it is time to step off the stage and let new people... write a new chapter."

Are you teasing me?

Cipher barely managed to stop herself from hissing in annoyance.

She thought about it for a long time. If the Flame-Chasers refused to come out, would her dream—the story of the Flame-Chasers living together with Kiana and the others in Sapphire City, the "Golden Courtyard: New Year Wishes in Winter"—never have a chance to begin?

"Cipher, what are you thinking about?" Elysia asked curiously.

"Nothing," Cipher shook her head, her tail drooping slightly behind her. "I just... think you're all very silly."

"Silly?"

"Yes," Cipher looked up, meeting Elysia’s eyes with earnestness. "You could leave, yet you stay here. You want to see the world again, yet you tell yourselves that your story is over. But aren't you writing a new story right now? Turning the pages, adding line after line of new content?"

Cipher took a deep breath and smiled firmly. "If it were me, I would have run away long ago. Forget about the past, forget about what you 'should' or 'shouldn't' do. If I want to go somewhere, I go. No one can stop me."

Elysia was stunned by Cipher’s words, then couldn't help but laugh.

"Indeed... we are writing a new story, aren't we? But, Cipher, if one day you could leave Amphoreus... would you?"

Cipher froze at the question. Her tail stopped swaying, and she fell into deep thought.

A moment later, she shook her head, her expression resolute. "No."

"Why?"

"Because there are people I care about there," Cipher said firmly. "There is Phainon, there is Aglaea, and there is the duty I haven't finished yet."

"But... if you stay, you will continue to sink into the cycle of reincarnation over and over again... the world will continue to be destroyed, and you might..."

"Of course not." Cipher interrupted Elysia, a light laugh escaping her lips, her eyes radiating conviction.

"Rather than saying the world is being destroyed over and over... it’s more like..."

Cipher tilted her head, her small face filled with fighting spirit. "Our world succeeds in holding onto that final spark after every failure, earning the chance to start over!"

She looked at Elysia with fierce, earnest intensity and stepped forward.

They were face-to-face now.

They were close enough that their chests were almost touching, the slight rise and fall of their breathing causing them to brush against one another.

Ignoring the intimacy entirely, Cipher looked at Elysia seriously. "This must have something to do with you! No... it’s about Cyrene. In my memories, after the first failure, Cyrene disappeared, and then everything else changed..."

"..."

Elysia felt a wave of bashfulness, but looking at Cipher’s determined face, she harbored her own secret suspicions.

However...

She thought of the conclusions Mobius and Vill-V had reached. Watching Cipher’s steadfast belief that the world would eventually succeed filled her with a pang of sorrow.

Cipher’s world was artificial, and Cipher herself was artificial.

Their reality might just be a massive, unimaginable computer calculating something, which was why it kept resetting...

But Elysia would never tell Cipher that.

Such a confident, cute, and beautiful person...

Elysia couldn't bear to see Cipher’s spirit shatter and her faith collapse.

Taking a deep breath, Elysia reached out and pulled Cipher into a tight embrace.

"I see... then I believe in you. You will definitely succeed."

"Hehe~" Cipher laughed happily. It felt so good to be held by Elysia—especially when their chests were rubbing together.

Another successful heist!

"But..." Cipher said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "If... I mean, if one day we do succeed... I'm still leaving Amphoreus to see the outside world! To see what treasures are out there!"

"Mmhmm. If only we could meet again then," Elysia pressed her cheek against Cipher’s, rubbing against her gently.

"We definitely will!"

Cipher said it with such earnest conviction that it felt as though she had already seen that future.

But that only deepened the sorrow in Elysia’s heart, making her reluctant to let go.

She worried that after Cipher left... she would only sink back into that infinite cycle, until the machine finished its calculations, and Cipher would be reduced to nothing more than useless data.

"What about you?"

Cipher pulled back slightly, meeting Elysia’s gaze.

Their breathing mingled, and the atmosphere grew incredibly intimate, causing Cipher’s eyes to flutter and a flush of red to rise to her cheeks.

"After this world overcomes the Honkai, will you... come out of the Elysian Realm to see the new world?"

"Of course~"

Elysia beamed, her smile radiant.

Hearing this, a weight lifted from Cipher’s heart. She had truly been afraid that Elysia and the others were stubborn enough to stay hidden even after the war was won.

"Are you worrying about me?" Elysia gave a playful smirk, causing Cipher to look away immediately.

"Not at all! It’s just... I just think you should go see the new world. After all, you’ve done so much..."

"That sounds like worry to me~" Elysia laughed happily, completely ignoring the 'you all' and hearing only 'you'.

"Do you... like me?"

When Elysia asked that, Cipher truly blushed—not the pretend, shy act she put on earlier, but a genuine, burning crimson.

"N-no."

"Then why can't you look me in the eye?"

"It’s just..." Cipher turned back and met Elysia’s gaze.

She saw Elysia’s joyful, proud smile as she leaned down and whispered into her ear, as if sharing a secret: "I like you too~"

Cipher felt as if someone had lightly tickled her ear; she shivered, and goosebumps broke out all over her body.

She’s so good at this!

I really want to do some naughty things with her.

"Alright~"

Elysia pulled away, stepping back and watching with satisfaction as Cipher’s face turned bright red.

Cipher couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustrated embarrassment.

"If you keep teasing me, be careful or I'll steal everything in your house!"

"Oh? Including... my lingerie?"

"..."

The Elysian meeting hall was filled with the sound of Elysia’s bell-like laughter, and Cipher finally quieted down, completely defeated.

She realized, belatedly, that Elysia was playing in a league far above her own.

However, another thought crossed her mind. She looked at Elysia and asked curiously, "Since you don't want to leave... why did you watch me give Mobius my golden blood?"

"Because it was your decision to make," Elysia’s expression turned serious. "Kevin and I didn't stop you because... we also want to know the answer."

"What answer?"

"The answer regarding your world." Elysia held Cipher’s hand tightly. "About the endless cycles, about your memories... and about... why you were able to... enter the Elysian Realm directly. We want to know the truth too."

So they were planning to hide the fact that I’m a data construct from me, Cipher thought. She nodded gently and asked one more thing. "Then, if she really figures it out, and finds a way to leave..."

"Then..." Elysia paused, then smiled softly. "That would be her choice. We might stop her, or perhaps we wouldn't..."

"Are you worried she’ll do something evil out there?"

"I am," Elysia didn't deny it. "But I also trust her. Mobius might... frighten people at times, but she isn't a bad person. She... she is simply trying to save this world in her own way."

"I see." A glimmer of understanding dawned in Cipher’s eyes.

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore."

She let go of Elysia’s hand and stretched, her tail flicking up behind her.

"I’m a bit hungry. Do you have anything good to eat around here?"

Seeing Cipher’s mood shift, Elysia couldn't help but laugh.

"Come along."

She took Cipher’s hand once more and led her toward the corridor. "I'll take you to Eden. She has plenty of delicious things, and Pardo often goes there to mooch a meal..."

"Then why did she run away so fast earlier?" Cipher raised an eyebrow.

"Because she thought... you, like her, would surely find a way to escape once you met me," Elysia chuckled. "And once you escaped, you could just pretend you didn't know anything later. After all, Aponia tacitly allows that sort of thing. I just didn't expect you to be so easy to trick—I kept you here with just a few words."

"Hmph," Cipher let out a huff, her face heating up. "Well, she could have at least given me a hint before running! Just wait until I go to her place later—if I find any valuable treasures, I'm stealing them all!"

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 134

--+--

Tomorrow is already the fourth day...

I spent the whole of yesterday feigning a coma, just sleeping my time away. What on earth have I been doing these past few days?

Cipher sat alone on the bed, hugging a pillow to her chest, resting her petite chin upon it as she pondered.

Did I really manage to spark some sinister desire in Mobius? Perhaps she truly could research something out of this. I just hope that one day, she can really bring the Flame-Chasers into the real world.

As Cipher pictured that scene, the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily.

Kevin sitting in a cafe in Nagazora City, sipping coffee while Su read a book nearby; Eden's concert posters plastered all over every street; Pardo continuing to act as her "noble thief."

And Elysia... Elysia would probably run everywhere, dragging everyone along to go shopping, eat snacks, take photos—maybe even start a livestream or something.

It would be even better if she could do all this before "Old Ancestor" Kevin breaks out of the Sea of Quanta, and then hit him with a "Pre-Civilization 2.0" experience to make him dream of his youth!

If I could transform into Dr. MEI at that moment, it would be even more amusing!

Just as Cipher was enjoying this thought, a sudden chill ran down her spine, and the fur on her tail stood on end. She shook her head hurriedly.

Forget it... I don't want to engage in some "Ghost Story" romance with Old Ancestor Kevin. Acting like a sweet daughter in front of Otto was already enough to make me sick.

She decisively shook that thought out of her head, buried her face in the pillow, and let out a stifled sigh.

"So boring..."

Cipher couldn't sleep at all; her mind was a mess. She couldn't help but let her thoughts wander—from the Elysian Realm to St. Freya Academy, and then to the Sea of Quanta.

I wonder how things are at the academy now. The dorms should be rebuilt by now, right?

Knock, knock.

Just as Cipher was lost in her wild thoughts, the door was suddenly tapped gently.

Cipher’s ears shot up, her tail went rigid, and her entire body tensed instantly. Who could it be? In the middle of the night...

She sat upright, tossed the pillow aside, and stared at the door, asking with a trace of caution, "Who is it?"

The space outside the door went quiet for a moment, and then a voice drifted in—lazy and sweet.

"It’s me~"

Cipher froze, recognizing the voice. "Mobius?"

"Mhm~"

Cipher stared at the door, her eyes widening slightly, her heart skipping a beat for no apparent reason.

Why is Mobius here? Several thoughts raced through her mind. Is she actually here for a late-night raid? One of those... spicy, late-night raids like you see in manga?

As Cipher thought about Mobius’s petite, cute face, her slender and delicate figure beneath that form-fitting dress, and those green eyes that were always filled with a sick fanaticism—yet unnervingly seductive when she got serious—her cheeks burned, and her tail curled involuntarily.

Wait... don't think too much.

Cipher shook her head vigorously, regaining her vigilance. This is Mobius we’re talking about; she isn't exactly a saint. In the game, she didn't hesitate to lash out at Raiden Mei.

If it weren't for Elysia and the others stepping in, who knows what would have happened. Plus, Mobius just got her hands on my "Golden Blood," and now she’s here in the middle of the night...

Cipher felt her guard go up to the maximum.

Still... it wouldn't hurt to take a look. If things go south, I can decide whether to fight or run.

She threw off the blanket and hopped out of bed, her bare feet hitting the cold floor. Her tail flicked high behind her, and her ears remained erect, alert like a cautious kitten. She was prepared to test the waters with a viper that could potentially cost her her life.

Walking to the door, Cipher took a deep breath, braced herself, grabbed the handle, and pressed down. The door swung open.

Outside, the hallway light was dim. This wasn't one of the Flame-Chasers' small worlds, but a room automatically generated within the Golden Courtyard, specifically for Cipher to rest.

At the threshold, Mobius looked at her with a mix of anticipation and craving, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

Cipher scanned Mobius up and down, checking for test tubes, syringes, or anything resembling lab equipment. Seeing none, she let out a slight breath, though her expression remained guarded.

"It's so late. Do you need something?" Cipher asked, her voice tinged with wariness.

Mobius tilted her head, her voice drawn out with a clear, provocative tone: "Aren't you going to invite me in for a seat?"

Cipher stared at her, silent for a moment. Wow... Is something actually about to happen?

She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement, though she knew Mobius couldn't possibly be here for anything "spicy." She definitely had some kind of scheme!

After a brief thought, Cipher stepped aside. "Come in."

Mobius stepped inside. After she entered, Cipher closed the door and leaned against it, crossing her arms, watching as Mobius walked slowly toward the bed and traced her fingertips along the bedsheets before turning back to look at her.

"What are you here for?" Cipher felt a little unsettled under that gaze, her tail stiffening again.

Mobius’s current gaze was like that of a predator watching a lab mouse that had already fallen into her control; her eyes brimmed with fanaticism, desire, and a morbid urge to research.

Mobius didn't answer immediately. She walked toward Cipher, stopping just half a step away.

"I told you, didn't I~" Mobius lifted her hand. Her voice was drawn out, sweet and lazy, accompanied by a faint, snake-like hiss. "You can come to me with any request at any time~"

Her hand landed lightly on Cipher’s collarbone, sliding slowly downward along the edge of her collar.

"So~ I’m here now to ask you is there anything... you want?"

Cipher felt her heart rate accelerate, her ears reflexively flattening against her scalp.

The distance between them was so close that she could feel each other's breath. This proximity only made the morbid hunger in Mobius’s eyes grow more intense.

"This is the feeling..." Mobius couldn't help but lean in further, until the tips of their noses were almost touching. "This... feeling of vivid vitality, not something simulated by data..."

"You..."

Cipher looked at Mobius, finally asking in a soft voice: "What you said just now... that I can make any request at any time... is that true?"

"Of course..." Mobius’s smile widened, her eyes locked onto Cipher’s deep blue ones.

Cipher took a deep breath, her nostrils filled with the faint, ethereal scent of Mobius, and she reached out, gripping the finger Mobius was about to slide down toward her chest.

"I want to know..." Cipher paused, her voice turning calm. "You came to my room in the middle of the night—are you here to get more blood... or is it to... experiment on me?"

Even though being "spicy" with Mobius would definitely be comfortable, Cipher didn't think for a second that Mobius was actually here for that. This is Mobius! Even if she stripped naked right in front of her, Cipher would still suspect she was hatching some devious plot.

Besides, Cipher didn't think she was currently "pretty enough" to make Mobius want to start some "interesting little story" with her.

Mobius narrowed her eyes, locking gazes with Cipher, seemingly weighing something.

Then, she chuckled softly. The playful, ambiguous look on her face vanished, replaced by an expression of intersecting rationality and fanaticism that made Cipher’s skin crawl.

"You’re even smarter than I thought~ little kitten~"

Mobius pressed her body against her. Cipher felt the cool, lithe curves of her figure, which made her feel flustered, but her gaze remained cool.

"So?" Cipher asked again.

She felt she was starting to understand Raiden Mei from the game. Faced with these Flame-Chasers who all approached with their own agendas, if you weren't sharp, you'd end up led around by the nose.

"Both~" Mobius didn't deny it. Her eyes lit up with that peculiar, scientist-like hunger for the unknown. "But it's more than that."

"More than that?"

"Mhm." Mobius nodded, reaching out with her other hand to gently stroke Cipher’s soft abdomen. Her eyes, meeting Cipher’s, began to shimmer with a hazy mist. "Cipher, do you know what you mean to me?"

Cipher frowned. "A demigod from another world? Something for you to study?"

"No..." Mobius shook her head, the fanaticism in her eyes intensifying. "You are... a miracle."

Cipher was stunned. "A miracle?"

"Mhm." Mobius’s voice lowered, sounding almost reverent. "You can enter the Elysian Realm in your physical form, touch us—these memory constructs—and travel freely between reality and data... No matter the world, you are real. Do you know what that means?"

Cipher began to understand. For Mobius, who always wanted to leave the Elysian Realm and had even tried to take over Mei's body in the game, her existence was indeed a miracle.

"You want... to be like me?" Cipher asked, feigning confusion.

"Yes~" Mobius raised her hand, cupping Cipher’s face, her green eyes boring into her. "To me, you aren't just a lab mouse to be played with. You are... a myth, a legend, a miracle that finally appeared before me after five thousand years of searching."

Cipher stood there, her tail frozen in mid-air, ears pinned flat. She hadn't expected her existence to be this... significant to Mobius. She had even used words like "myth" and "legend."

"So..." Cipher’s voice became dry, her eyes filled with suspicion. "You wanting my blood before... was to..."

"To study you." Mobius was blunt and honest. "To figure out why you exist, and to find a way for me... to continue existing just like you do."

After saying this, Mobius’s expression turned feverish. She leaned in, her soft lips slightly parted, seemingly wanting to kiss Cipher’s mouth.

But Cipher’s figure flashed, vanishing instantly from Mobius’s reach.

"...Hmph." Mobius let out an unsatisfied huff, then turned to look at Cipher, who had reappeared behind her. "Really now..."

"I don't believe you came here just for that," Cipher said, her tone cold.

What a joke. If it were just that, Mobius would never offer herself up. Based on her understanding of Mobius, she should be doing everything in her power to strap her onto an operating table.

"Fine~" Mobius nodded, looking at Cipher with a hint of regret, then continued: "After you gave me that drop of Golden Blood... I had a new idea."

Cipher heard this, and though she didn't understand yet, a bad feeling bloomed in her heart. Mobius's next words confirmed it.

"What idea?"

Mobius didn't answer immediately, her green eyes flashing with a light that made Cipher’s hair stand on end.

"I want to... procreate with you."

The moment those words were out, Cipher’s brain crashed. "W-what?"

"Procreate." Mobius’s tone was calm, as if she were merely stating her next research direction. "I want to procreate with you, to attempt to... create a true, living being in this virtual world."

Cipher felt goosebumps erupt from the top of her head to the tip of her tail!

"Are you insane!?" She raised her voice an octave. "I don't want to have a baby with you! Besides... I’m not ready to be a mom!"

She didn't want a child this early! And especially not this way! Mobius's words instantly extinguished all the messy, "spicy" thoughts in her brain.

She had only one thought now: Run! Get out of here as fast as you can, away from this crazy woman!

But Mobius just looked at her with a smile, as if she had already anticipated this reaction.

"Don't be so nervous~" Her voice remained lazy and sweet. "I am just... offering a suggestion~ If you don't agree, I won't force you."

Cipher took a deep breath, trying hard to calm down. "How could two girls... possibly have a baby? You’re joking, right?"

"For ordinary people, yes, it's impossible." Mobius shook her head. "But for me... that is not a problem."

She tapped her temple, her eyes devoid of arrogance, as if merely stating a fact. "I am one of the most brilliant scientists to ever exist. Give me time, give me resources... there is nothing I cannot do."

Cipher stared at her in silence for a long time. Then, she shook her head. Her voice was firm. "No. I refuse."

What a joke... Cipher was all about wanting spicy romance, mischief, and stirring up trouble, but she didn't want to bring a child into this world so carelessly.

A flash of regret crossed Mobius’s eyes. She wasn't joking; she genuinely wanted to be with Cipher. It wasn't just to verify her theories, but also... a possibility of "eternity and infinity" that had popped into her mind at some point.

The regret lasted only a second before vanishing.

"I see..." Mobius sighed softly. "What a pity."

She turned and headed toward the door. "But... this is within my expectations."

Cipher watched her back, her tail swaying gently. Her guard was still up.

"However~" Mobius stopped and glanced back, the corner of her mouth curling up. "If you change your mind... you can come find me at any time~"

"I won't change my mind," Cipher said without hesitation.

"That’s not necessarily true~" Mobius laughed, her gaze lingering on Cipher’s face with a playful glint. "Alright, let's put that aside. I had... another reason for coming to see you."

"What reason?"

"Tomorrow," Mobius said, her tone more serious. "I want to ask you to return to the real world and conduct an experiment."

"What kind of experiment?"

Cipher felt a fresh wave of caution. Anything related to Mobius's experiments rarely felt safe.

"The treasures you took from Eden, and the items you moved from Aponia's room..." Mobius's eyes shimmered with anticipation. "When you return to the real world, try to see if you can take them out with you."

Cipher was taken aback. "Take them out?"

"Mhm." Mobius nodded. "I want to know... what happens to things brought out of the Elysian Realm into the real world. Will they vanish, stay the same, or... undergo some kind of change?"

Cipher thought about it and nodded. "Fine, I can try that."

She was curious about it herself. If she could, she’d even want to stuff a Flame-Chaser into her inventory space and release them in the real world. But... Mobius’s words had also sparked some more daring thoughts.

"Good." Mobius smiled, satisfied. "Then~ is it a deal?"

"Mhm," Cipher nodded slightly.

Mobius stared at her for another moment, some unreadable emotion flickering in her eyes, before turning to walk out.

"Oh, by the way." She stopped at the door, looked back at Cipher, and said in a serious tone: "What I said earlier... I meant it."

"Which part?"

"Every word." Mobius blinked, her tone sweet and playful. "As long as you are willing... I am happy to engage in any interesting relationship with you. No matter the kind, I can accept it."

She paused, watching Cipher’s face flush crimson, and smirked. "As long as... you agree to let me carry your offspring."

Cipher’s face turned bright red, and she shouted with a firm but guilty voice: "Impossible!"

"Then I shall wait for you to change your mind~"

Mobius chuckled, pushed the door open, and stepped out. The door clicked shut behind her.

The room fell silent. Cipher stood where she was, her tail stiff, ears pressed tightly against her scalp, her fur slightly puffed up. After a long while, she finally relaxed.

"Seriously..."

Cipher covered her face with her hands, walked to the bed, and face-planted into the quilt, hugging it tightly to her chest. "Coming in the middle of the night to tell me she wants to have a kid with me..."

Cipher let out a stifled sigh. Today's events were more stimulating than every day she’d spent in this world combined. But... deep down, was there a flicker of interest?

Actually... if she could really do whatever she wanted with Mobius, and there was a child... maybe... it wasn't completely out of the question? Plus, a child with Mobius... raised by all the Flame-Chasers, it would definitely grow up to be a Valkyrie as powerful as Kiana and the others, right?

"No, no, no!" Cipher shook her head vigorously, casting the dangerous thought away. "I don't want to be a mom yet! No! I mean, a dad!"

Cipher flipped over, staring at the ceiling, her tail tapping rhythmically against the sheets.

"Besides... when everything is still so uncertain, the future is unknown, and we don't know if the Elysian Realm will be destroyed... having a child... just thinking about it is scary..."

She closed her eyes, trying to force herself not to think about those messy things. But Mobius’s green eyes, and her words—that she could engage in any relationship she wanted whenever she was ready—kept spinning in her mind, impossible to chase away.

"Seriously..."

Cipher sighed, pulled the blanket over her head, and curled into a ball.

Tomorrow... I should hurry back to the real world. At least there, Mobius can't follow me, and I won't have to think about all these complicated things.

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 135

--+--

Early the next morning.

The Elysian Realm was as radiant as ever. Warm, golden sunlight streamed in through the second-floor floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the Golden Courtyard in an atmosphere of tranquility and coziness.

"Does the Elysian Realm only have this one type of weather?" Cipher yawned as she walked out of the corridor, her tail trailing lazily behind her, ears drooping with a touch of listlessness.

She hadn't slept well at all last night. Or rather, she hadn't slept a wink.

Every time she closed her eyes, Mobius’s words would loop in her mind in an endless, agonizing cycle, making it impossible to drift off.

Honestly, she really regretted it now; she should have just nodded and agreed last night when she had the chance.

Cipher gave her tail a gentle flick.

Just then, she heard Elysia calling out to her.

"Cipher~ Good morning~"

Cipher looked up and saw Elysia lounging on the sofa, her legs crossed—a display of alabaster skin that was almost blindingly bright.

Surrounding her, nearly all of the Flame-Chasers were present in the main hall.

At the sight of them, Cipher jolted, her tail standing straight up in an instant.

Kevin stood deep within the hall, arms folded across his chest, his icy blue eyes fixed on her with an unreadable calm.

Beside him, Su stood with a book in hand, eyes slightly closed—Cipher couldn't tell if he was actually reading or just meditating.

Eden leaned against the second-floor railing, a glass of red wine in her hand and a graceful smile touching her lips.

Vill-V sat near Elysia, toying with a small mechanical component, her gaze sweeping over Cipher with the curiosity of a scientist encountering a new specimen.

Meanwhile, Pardo sat primly on the other side of the sofa, casting a slightly guilty and ingratiating look toward Cipher with her heterochromatic eyes.

Even Aponia was there. She stood in the corner of the hall, her long hair cascading behind her, hands clasped before her, watching Cipher with a gentle, focused gaze.

Essentially, save for Kalpas, every Flame-Chaser had gathered in the hall once again.

Cipher looked at them, a touch of confusion clouding her eyes.

She sauntered slowly toward the sofa, her voice laced with languor. "Morning, everyone. What’s the occasion? Why is everyone here?"

"Because today is the fourth day, after all." Elysia smiled and patted the spot next to her. "Come on, sit here~ Sit with me."

Cipher didn't hesitate and went to sit down. Mobius was right beside her.

No sooner had she sat than Pardo scurried around from behind the sofa, standing before her with her head bowed and fingers twisted together, looking for all the world like a child who had been caught doing something wrong.

"Um... Cipher..." Pardo’s voice was soft, heavy with apology. "About yesterday... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you all by yourself."

Cipher arched an eyebrow. "You mean the time at Eden’s treasury?"

"Yeah..." Pardo nodded, her ears plastered flat against her head and her tail swaying anxiously behind her. "I... I just didn't think it through. I panicked and ran off out of habit... so... I'm really sorry."

She buried her head even lower.

"Is that all?" Cipher sighed softly, then reached out and ruffled Pardo's hair with a heavy hand, much like a boss petting a cat. "Forget it. I didn't say I blamed you. Besides, I didn't even want to run. If I really wanted to, no one could catch me."

"Really?" Pardo snapped her head up, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Really." Cipher nodded, her tail giving a little flick, though her eyes held a playful glint. "However..."

"However what?" Pardo’s heart climbed back into her throat.

"You’d better keep a close eye on your vault over the next few days." Cipher wore a cunning, mischievous smile. "Who knows when I might sneak in and swipe all your treasures?"

Pardo blinked, then laughed. "You don't need to sneak! If you want them... you can take them all! As long as you’re happy!"

Cipher chuckled. Looking at Pardo’s genuine, joyful expression, she blinked. "Take them all? Well, I won't be shy then~"

Pardo’s smile faltered for a heartbeat, a flicker of headache crossing her eyes, but she nodded firmly nonetheless. "Yep! As long as you want them, Boss! I’ll give them all to you!"

"It's a deal, then~" Cipher planned to check out Pardo's collection later.

If there happened to be that limited-edition Judgement of Shamash figure she'd seen in an anime, or the comics Griseo drew based on Kevin, Su, Kosma, and Kalpas, or even the little dress Elysia had gifted Mobius, that would be a dream come true!

"Alright, alright~" Cipher turned to the group, her expression turning serious, a glint of eager anticipation in her smile.

"Elysia, I have an idea."

"Oh? What kind of idea?" Elysia met Cipher’s gaze, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Beside them, Mobius looked slightly surprised.

She knew what Cipher was about to say, but in her original plan, she was the one who was supposed to propose the idea she and Cipher had discussed yesterday to the rest of the Flame-Chasers.

"I want to go back to the real world," Cipher said, looking at Elysia with a determined smile.

"Back to the real world..."

At those words, the smile on Elysia’s lips faded slightly, turning serious. The other Flame-Chasers shifted their focus, watching Cipher with grave intent.

"Cipher, are you trying to see if you can take things out of the Elysian Realm?" Elysia asked, her tone gentle.

"Exactly." Cipher looked at her, surprised. She hadn't expected Elysia to guess her intentions so quickly.

"That is a marvelous idea~" Elysia sighed, impressed. "If you can truly bring items out of the Elysian Realm... it would prove that you are even more significant and unique than we originally imagined~"

"Of course I am."

Hearing the praise, Cipher’s tail shot up high, a look of immense pride plastered on her cat-like face.

"Was this Mobius's suggestion?" Elysia glanced at Mobius, her eyes carrying a smile Cipher couldn't quite decipher.

"More or less," Cipher nodded. "But it’s my own wish, too. I mean~ I’ve gained so much on this trip! It would be such a pity if I couldn't take it all with me."

"Indeed."

Mobius nodded, though not in agreement with Cipher’s talk of "gains." Instead, she looked at the Flame-Chasers, her youthful voice carrying that same languid, seductive, and elongated tone:

"Everything in the Elysian Realm... is composed of data. In the real world, they shouldn't exist. But... Cipher is special. She can enter the Elysian Realm with a physical body and touch us. So... I, too, wish to see if she can bring things out from here."

"And if she can?"

Vill-V, one of the few scientists present, chimed in, though her tone sounded slightly probing.

"If she can..." Mobius’s eyes lit up again, that familiar, fanatical look returning. "Then it means the boundary between data and matter is not insurmountable."

She didn't continue. But Cipher and the other Flame-Chasers all understood what she meant. Mobius was still obsessed with finding a way to bring the Flame-Chasers out of the Elysian Realm.

Kevin stared at Cipher with icy blue eyes, remaining silent—neither opposing nor supporting.

Eden, still leaning against the railing, took a slow sip of wine while watching Cipher, a glimmer of expectation flickering in her eyes.

Cipher felt a chill crawl down her spine under their collective gaze. She knew that, generally speaking, the Flame-Chasers had no intention of leaving the Elysian Realm—or at least, that was how it went in the original script.

Now, though...

With their reaction to her giving the "Golden Blood" to Mobius, and the fact that they didn't seem to oppose this plan, it was getting hard to say.

Cipher found these riddlers who had lived for tens of thousands of years utterly exhausting. She had no desire to be forced into the role of Sherlock Holmes like Mei.

"Cipher, what do you think?" Elysia asked, searching Cipher's gaze.

Her question confirmed to Cipher that whether or not the Flame-Chasers would stop Mobius from researching a way out ultimately depended on her.

"Sure," Cipher laughed and nodded. "I want to try it anyway."

"Then it's settled~" Mobius nodded with satisfaction, then looked toward Elysia. "So… Ellie~ I'll leave it to you~"

"Mm-hmm."

Elysia nodded gently and reached out to Cipher, her eyes full of trust and tenderness, as if she weren't in the least bit worried that Cipher might just vanish the moment she stepped out of the Realm.

"Ready."

With a flippant smile, Cipher took her hand.

"Close your eyes~ Don't resist~ Just like last time, just relax~"

Cipher obeyed, closing her eyes. The next moment, she felt the world around her grow heavy, gain a certain... "reality" to it.

"Alright."

Elysia’s voice whispered in her ear. Cipher opened her eyes.

They were still in the hall of the Elysian Realm—everything looked identical. The light streaming through the window was just as bright, but it lacked any warmth. After all, it was virtual.

Around her, the Flame-Chasers stood exactly as they had before, though now they were mere projections.

"Good. Let the experiment begin!" Mobius stared at Cipher, her eyes burning with fanaticism. Vill-V couldn't help but crowd in closer, looking at her with wide, intense eyes.

Cipher nodded and reached into her inventory space, pulling out her stash.

First, the crystal ball she’d taken from Eden’s vault—though the gold inside had vanished. Seeing it, Aponia looked slightly embarrassed.

Then, she brought out the emerald-inlaid brooch and a handful of brilliant gemstones.

Cipher laid them all out.

Even Su couldn't help but open his eyes at the sight.

"It's real." Cipher tossed the items in her hand, a pleased smile curling her lips. "I really brought them out!"

Mobius stood to the side, and Cipher watched as her little face flushed a deep red.

"Is there more? Can you bring out everything else?"

Cipher nodded and pulled more items from her inventory. The treasures from Eden’s collection began to pile up on the floor, glittering with various colors under the lights. She glanced at the pile of Aponia’s personal garments in her inventory and, after a second thought, decided not to bring those out.

"How is this possible..." Vill-V’s voice was filled with disbelief. "Data is data, matter is matter. How could they possibly..."

"And yet, the truth is right before our eyes."

Mobius took a deep breath, then looked at Vill-V, a triumphant, victorious smile playing on her lips. "Existence is reasonable, is it not?"

"..."

Vill-V said nothing more. All the Flame-Chasers stared at the pile of items on the floor, watching them shimmer with a tangible light.

Eden, in particular, looked at these treasures that once belonged to her, a joyful smile spreading across her face, as if she were witnessing something profoundly satisfying.

"So..." Mobius’s voice trembled with barely contained excitement. "The boundary between data and matter can be broken."

She couldn't help but look at Cipher, her gaze even more fanatical. "Little kitten, do you know what this means?"

Cipher looked at her for a moment, then laughed. "It means~ you all might actually have a chance to come to the real world, doesn't it?"

Mobius nodded slowly but firmly. "Exactly."

The hall fell silent. Every eye was fixed on Cipher. She knew that, in their eyes, she had likely become as important as the Elysian Realm itself.

Elysia remained silent, though a soft, glowing light began to shine in her eyes. Cipher looked at her, her expression turning earnest.

"I don't know~ Are any of you interested in coming to the real world to hang out?"

"No..." Kevin said, his voice calm. "Now is not the time. We cannot interfere with the humans of this era. They need to walk their own path."

Really? Cipher wondered if, were he to step out, this Kevin might end up walking the same path as the "Old World" Kevin. And... if he did, how would they tell them apart? Would they end up fighting over the Raiden Mei situation?

Cipher thought about the distant future for a split second before deciding she couldn't be bothered. What did that have to do with a cat, anyway? Cats just wanted to be well-fed and have a nice, sunny spot to nap in.

"So~" Cipher turned to Mobius, her eyes filled with curiosity. "What are you planning to do next?"

Mobius’s eyes sparkled with a fanatical light. "My experiment... the first step is complete. Now... I need you to perform a reverse experiment."

"Reverse?" Cipher blinked. "You mean, have me take something from reality... into the Elysian Realm?"

"Yes!" Mobius nodded. "I want to see... once you bring them into the Elysian Realm, will they remain the same? Or will they undergo some sort of change..."

Cipher thought for a moment and agreed. She carefully tucked the pile of jewelry back into her inventory and looked around.

Her eyes locked onto the sofa the Flame-Chasers always sat on—she wasn't sure if it was the same one from fifty thousand years ago, but she walked over and tucked it straight into her inventory space.

Even though her inventory already held plenty of loot from the World Serpent base, including the throne of the "Old World" Kevin, a cat could never have too many treasures.

"You packed it away?" Vill-V leaned in, looking at the empty patch of floor with interest. "That space-storage device of yours... it's quite convenient~"

"Of course it is." Cipher preened. "It's my exclusive treasure. Even in all of Amphoreus, not many people have one."

"Enough." Mobius cut off their conversation. "Ellie, trouble you once more."

"Understood."

Elysia nodded and walked over to Cipher, holding out her hand. Cipher didn't hesitate to take it. She closed her eyes, and moments later, they were back in the Elysian Realm.

However...

Cipher could feel that this time, when Elysia held her hand, it was tighter than before. Not a grip born of tension, but one of hesitation—as if she were afraid that if she let go, Cipher would suddenly leave and never return.

It seemed... she had become quite important to Elysia.

"Alright."

Elysia’s voice rang out, bright and gentle, and Cipher opened her eyes.

"Welcome back~" Elysia looked at her with a tender smile.

"Tell me, why do we have to close our eyes every time?" Cipher asked, feeling a bit curious.

"Of course because..." Elysia’s lips curled into a playful smile. "It makes it more immersive and mysterious~ Closing your eyes here, and opening them there—from the original world to the Elysian Realm—it’s like a magical adventure~"

"Is that so..."

Cipher blinked, unable to hide a grin. Still, looking at Elysia, she couldn't help but feel a surge of genuine joy.

"Well?" Mobius interrupted the sweet atmosphere, her voice laced with urgency. "Did you manage to bring it in?"

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 136

--+--

Cipher nodded, taking the sofa out from her inventory space.

The massive fabric sofa materialized in the Elysian Realm’s lobby, landing on the wooden floor with a heavy thud.

Mobius and Vill-V immediately crowded around it, meticulously studying this object brought in from their own world.

"The data is identical to reality..."

"I need time to analyze it... or rather, to think this through properly..."

The two scientists huddled in front of the sofa, deep in discussion.

"So... do you still need me for anything?" Cipher leaned in, looking at them with a curious expression.

"No, that’s all." Mobius stood up and turned to face Cipher, a fanatical gleam shining in her eyes.

"We’ll keep this sofa. Vill-V and I need to study it in depth... until we’re done, do whatever you want, just don't disturb us."

Cipher hadn't expected to be pushed aside the moment she was no longer of use. Without another word, Mobius and Vill-V carried the sofa toward the depths of the corridor, exiting the lobby.

"Mobius is always like that, right?" Cipher asked with a helpless shrug, watching their retreating backs.

"Mm-hmm." Elysian nodded, remarking with a sense of sentiment, "That’s just how girls are~ When they encounter something that piques their interest, they simply won't rest until they've gotten to the bottom of it. It’s just like how they are with you~"

As she spoke, she winked at Cipher, looking quite charming and playful.

Cipher found herself struggling to keep up with her enthusiasm.

Soon, the other Flame-Chasers dispersed to attend to their own affairs.

However, Cipher’s interest was now piqued by Griseo. In the game, Griseo was like a blank sheet of paper, incredibly susceptible to outside influence.

If so...

What would happen if she got close to her?

Cipher pondered this for a moment, and a flicker of mischief sparked in her heart.

"Speaking of which..."

Cipher walked over to Griseo, stopped in front of her, and reached out to gently pinch her little cheeks.

They were soft and warm, like a piece of jelly~

Griseo lifted her head, opening those large, watery purple eyes, looking up at Cipher with curiosity. She didn't shy away, nor did she speak. She simply tilted her head, her gaze filled with pure, unadulterated wonder as she studied Cipher.

Off to the side, Kosma’s lips parted as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he remained silent, standing with a blank expression, appearing as indifferent as a statue.

"Why is there a child among the Flame-Chasers?" Cipher looked up, asking Elysian curiously, "Is she... like the others in Amphoreus, like Tribbie and her friends?"

"Not quite."

Elysia walked over, her gaze falling on Griseo. A soft, tender light filled her eyes, and her tone grew much gentler:

"Griseo is different from our situation."

"Different?" Cipher looked confused, though her hand didn't stop gently kneading Griseo’s soft cheeks.

Griseo continued to keep her wide, watery eyes fixed on Cipher, occasionally letting out soft, adorable, "Oh," or "Mm," sounds in response to the tactile stimulation.

Elysia began to recount Griseo’s story.

She glossed over the details of her parents’ passing; Cipher knew Elysia did this to avoid distressing the girl.

"...And that is how Griseo became the youngest of the MANTIS Soldiers."

"I see..."

Cipher nodded, then looked at Griseo’s purple eyes, which were still fixed on her as if observing something fascinating, and let out a silent sigh.

The adult Griseo was still drifting through the cosmos.

She wouldn't return until long after the Great Eruption. By then, both the ancestors Kevin and Su would be gone, and the Elysian Realm—the only place where the adult Griseo could meet her old friends one last time—would have been annihilated by the Herrscher of Corruption.

However, with her here this time, those tragedies would never come to pass.

Griseo watched Cipher silently.

In her eyes, Cipher’s "color" was truly unique.

It was a spectrum of everything—yellow, white, black...

Just like a natural palette. But the yellow, which Griseo couldn't quite comprehend, occupied the largest space, yet it wasn't as vibrant as other colors that filled only tiny patches of the canvas.

This mesmerized Griseo; she had never encountered anyone with such a rich, unique composition.

"Oh..."

Griseo’s eyes began to glaze over, as if she had lost her train of thought.

"Griseo~" Cipher called out softly.

"...Hm?"

Griseo tilted her head, her pale blue hair sliding off her shoulder, making her look as cute as a doll.

She looked just like Bronya.

Watching her, a wave of homesickness washed over Cipher. Though she was having a wonderful time in the Elysian Realm, surrounded by charming, warm people like Elysia, Cipher couldn't help but want to go home.

After all, St. Freya Academy was the place she had spent the longest time in since she had arrived in this world.

"Here, this is for you." Cipher quickly shook off the feeling and pulled a gold coin from her inventory.

A golden coin with a cat face on it.

"This is my treasure. It’s been with me for a long, long time."

Cipher handed the coin to Griseo. She didn't know if the item would persist after she vanished, but that wasn't a problem for her to worry about right now.

Once an item was given away, how it was kept was up to the recipient.

"With this, all the bad things in the world will stay away from you." Cipher placed the coin in Griseo’s palm and chuckled.

"Really?" Griseo looked down at the coin in her hand.

"Really." Cipher nodded. "I never lie to kids."

Griseo studied the coin for a long time before giving a soft nod. "Thank you, big sister..."

"Hehe."

Cipher finally smiled, feeling satisfied.

"Cipher." Elysia asked, looking on with curiosity. "Isn't that coin a symbol of your Authority? If you give it to little Griseo... won't that cause any issues?"

"Of course not." Cipher replied with a wave of her hand. "It’s not like I only have one of them. Besides, it’s just a symbol; it doesn't truly represent my full power. Though, it does carry a tiny shred of my influence. It should, more or less, grant the holder the power of super speed."

"Super speed?"

"That's right."

Cipher nodded, blinked for a moment, and added, "It basically makes you go really, really fast~"

"Boss! Can I have one too!" Pardo’s eyes lit up the moment she heard that, her expression filled with anticipation.

"Of course... not."

Cipher refused without hesitation, a playful smile on her lips.

"Eh? Why! D-don't tell me you're still holding a grudge?"

"Of course not. It's just... you're already a master thief. If I give you one of these... I'm afraid the entire Elysian Realm won't be enough to satisfy your thieving needs~"

"O-oh, I see. Ehehe~"

The rest of the day passed quickly.

The next morning, Cipher was awakened by a soft, rhythmic knocking at her door.

Tap, tap, tap—

It wasn't very loud, and the rhythm was completely different from the way Mobius or Elysia knocked.

"Mm... what? Who is it?"

Cipher yawned, sitting up in bed, her tail drooping lazily behind her, ears not yet fully perked up. She rubbed her eyes, walked barefoot across the cool floor, and opened the door.

The moment the door swung open, she froze.

Griseo was standing there.

She was wearing a white dress, her pale blue hair cascading down her back, and she was clutching a pile of brushes and paint jars to her chest.

Those large, watery purple eyes were shining with a light Cipher had never seen before.

"Gr... Griseo?"

Cipher looked at her, perplexed. She ventured a hesitant question, "Is there something you need?"

Griseo tilted her head, looking up at her with lips that were pink and tempting, looking as sweet as candy.

Then...

"Mine."

Her voice was soft and sweet, yet firm, with a hint of a playfulness that Cipher recognized all too well.

"Huh?" Cipher blinked, thinking she had misheard, but the realization hit her instantly.

Griseo had been influenced by her!!!

"Mine." Griseo repeated, hugging her brushes and paints tighter, and took a step toward Cipher. "All mine."

She looked down at the brushes in her arms, then back up at Cipher.

"These... mine. That... also mine. Everything... is mine."

Cipher’s brain short-circuited for a second.

Subconsciously, she cast a guilty glance down the corridor.

Kosma wasn't there.

Elysia wasn't there.

The hallway was empty, save for her and this Griseo, who seemed to have been deeply influenced by her.

"Um..." Seeing that the coast was clear, Cipher crouched down to meet Griseo’s gaze, trying to do damage control. "Griseo, what's wrong?"

Griseo didn't answer. She just kept staring at Cipher, her purple eyes reflecting her face, her pink lips slightly pouted, as if she were staking a territorial claim.

"Mine," she said again, clutching her brushes and paints even tighter.

Cipher: "..."

It’s over... there’s no saving this.

She knew Griseo absorbed the "colors" of those she spent time with, but she hadn't expected to influence her to this extent!!

Mine, mine, everything is mine!

Isn't that the catchphrase of the character I'm currently embodying?

Griseo learns fast!

Cipher opened her mouth, intending to intervene, when rapid footsteps echoed down the hall.

Kosma rounded the corner, followed by Elysia and Aponia.

"Griseo!"

Kosma rushed over to her, crouched down, and gripped her shoulders, his eyes filled with nervousness and worry.

"Are you okay? Why did you run out here all alone?"

Griseo, being held by him, tilted her head, her purple eyes reflecting his face.

And then...

She said something that left Cipher utterly shocked and doubting herself. Did Griseo catch a glimpse of her "true colors," the more... spicy shades of her personality?

"Mine." Griseo reached out with a small hand and lightly tugged on the hem of Kosma’s clothes. "Kosma... is also mine."

Kosma stiffened.

He had never heard Griseo say something like that to him before.

Cipher stood by, trembling. If there were a hole in the ground right now, she would dive into it without a second thought!!

Elysia walked past Kosma and crouched before Griseo, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

"Griseo, what are you saying?" Elysia asked with a gentle laugh, as if coaxing a child. "All these things are yours, and Kosma is yours too~ No one will take them away."

Griseo looked at her for a long moment in silence.

Then...

"Elysia big sister... is also mine."

Elysia was stunned for a moment, then smiled.

"Yes, I am yours." She reached out and gently stroked Griseo’s hair. "Forever."

Griseo nodded, satisfied, and turned to look at Aponia.

"Mother Aponia... is also mine."

Aponia stood by the wall, a flicker of gentleness and helplessness crossing her eyes, but a subtle smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Yes," she nodded softly. "I am yours."

Griseo’s gaze shifted from Aponia and finally landed on Cipher.

So bold!?

So greedy?!

Cipher looked at Griseo, her expression one of utter shock.

Even I wouldn't dare say something like that!!

After staring at Cipher for a long time, Griseo whispered: "Cipher big sister..."

Cipher’s heart soared.

"...is mine, too?" Griseo’s voice held a note of uncertainty, as if she were seeking confirmation.

Cipher watched her, staying silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh of relief. Griseo’s eyes were clear and bright, lacking that familiar spicy glimmer she was worried about, and Cipher couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes."

Cipher reached out and gently ruffled Griseo’s hair, laughing, "I’m yours, too."

Griseo’s eyes lit up.

"Then... the coin... is also mine."

Cipher nodded, smiling earnestly. "Yours, all yours. Everything is yours."

Griseo finally nodded, satisfied, and clutching her art supplies, she turned and walked down the hallway.

After a few steps, she stopped and looked back at Cipher.

"I won't return them, okay?" There was a serious note in her voice, wanting to be sure.

"No need to return them," Cipher replied, torn between laughter and tears, nodding. "Once I give them to you, they're yours."

Griseo finally turned away, walking off with light, jaunty steps. Kosma followed immediately, though he glanced back at Cipher, his mouth opening as if he wanted to say something.

"..."

In the end, he remained silent, turned, and followed Griseo.

"Then, I shall take my leave as well." Aponia nodded and turned to join Kosma, chasing after Griseo.

Watching their backs, Cipher rubbed her nose, feeling guilty. Elysia stood by, watching Kosma walk away, then turned to Cipher, her voice brimming with mirth.

"Griseo absorbs the 'color' of those she spends time with, and you gave her the coin yesterday... it still bears your scent."

"She has that kind of ability?"

Cipher widened her eyes, feigning astonishment as if hearing it for the first time.

"Mm~" Elysia chuckled. "And actually, Kosma wanted to explain that to you earlier, but he's too introverted to express himself properly, so he just didn't say anything. Well? Isn't he a lovely child?"

Cipher thought about it and gave a light nod. "Indeed."

Introverted? True. Lovely, on the other hand...

Cipher vaguely remembered some artists drawing gender-bent versions of Kosma; they really were quite cute!

After all, that was the most visually pleasing among the many fan-made gender-bent drawings of the male Flame-Chasers...

"This state... probably won't last long," Elysia added gently.

"It won't last long?"

Hearing Elysia's explanation, Cipher couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "About how long?"

"I don't know." Elysia shook her head. "But... perhaps only half a day?"

Cipher finally felt at ease.

Half a day is fine...

She had been genuinely worried that Griseo might be so deeply influenced by her that she’d start acting... well, a bit spicy, and that...

That would be truly catastrophic.

"Don't worry." Elysia smiled warmly at Cipher. "She's just mimicking you, repeating 'all mine, all mine,' it's nothing to be concerned about."

"That's a relief." Cipher wiped a bead of cold sweat from her forehead, her heart finally settling down.

"Why..." Elysia looked at her, a teasing curve forming on her lips. "Cipher~ are you perhaps worried that little Griseo, influenced by you, might start becoming interested in... other girls?"

Cipher: "..."

Can you read minds or something?!

"Not at all~"

And you say you can't?!

Cipher’s eyes widened slightly.

"How could such a thing happen~"

Elysia chuckled teasingly, then laughed. "It’s just because your expressions are so easy to read~ Besides, I have just happened to spend a few days with you, and I’m becoming more and more interested in you~"

“I'm starting to understand and know you just a little bit, after all.”

Cipher fell silent for a moment, then straightened her face.

Elysia couldn't help but laugh happily at her reaction.

By noon, Griseo had returned to normal.

The days that followed flew by.

In the blink of an eye, it was the sixth day.

This was Cipher’s final day in the Elysian Realm.

She was roused from her bed by Elysia at the crack of dawn. After groggily washing up, she was dragged to the Elysian lobby.

Inside, except for Kalpas, who remained absent as usual, the other Flame-Chasers were gathered, just as they had been the day before.

Even their standing positions hadn't changed much.

Only Mobius and Vill-V were different; they stood in the center of the hall, their table cluttered with various instruments and data screens.

"Good morning." Cipher’s voice was thick with drowsiness. She scanned the group and let out a yawn. "Why is everyone here so early today? The sun hasn't even come up..."

"Because today is your last day here, silly." Elysia looked at Cipher, her gentle eyes tinged with a hint of reluctance. "Besides... Mobius and Vill-V have a new experiment and would like your help."

Cipher’s drowsiness vanished instantly.

She looked toward Mobius and Vill-V in the center of the hall. Both of them had dark circles under their eyes; it looked like they hadn't slept at all for the past two days.

Truly dedicated...

Cipher actually thought they probably wouldn't find anything, but...

"Mobius." Elysia gave a gentle nudge. "Cipher is here."

Mobius looked up from the pile of experimental data, glancing at Cipher with a weary glint in her green eyes.

"You're here."

"Yeah, I'm here."

Cipher put on a deliberately serious expression, walked over to Mobius’s side, and cast a curious glance at the cryptic data, only to feel her scalp prickle with bewilderment.

"So, have you discovered anything yet?"

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 137

--+--

“Same as before?”

Cipher blinked, a look of helplessness and confusion crossing her face.

“In other words, it failed?”

“Not entirely a failure.” Vill-V said, her voice carrying a complex tone. “Sometimes, not finding an answer is, in itself, an answer.”

“Exactly.” Mobius nodded.

“We’ve used every method at our disposal to analyze that sofa, but we still can’t explain how it remains stable within the Elysian Realm. Under normal circumstances, the Elysian Realm is composed entirely of data. There is only one conclusion to draw from this.”

Mobius paused, her green eyes fixing on Cipher with a renewed, feverish intensity.

“Uh…”

Facing Mobius’s gaze, combined with the equally intense look from Vill-V nearby, Cipher knew they had both concluded that these anomalies were linked to her.

Cipher hadn’t expected her "cheat code" transformation to be this overpowered—so much so that even Vill-V and Mobius couldn't make heads or tails of it.

“So…” Cipher feigned a blank expression, her voice tinged with a hint of hesitation. “The reason isn't in the sofa?”

“Correct.” Mobius nodded. “The reason lies with you.”

Cipher froze, raising her hand to point at her own nose in disbelief. “Me?”

“Yes.” Mobius stared straight into Cipher’s green eyes. “That sofa was brought in through your inventory space. It stays stable in the Elysian Realm not because the sofa itself has any special properties… but because of you.”

“You possess a power… one we cannot comprehend. It is that power that allows things that shouldn't exist here to persist.”

Mobius paused, a flash of complex emotion crossing her green eyes.

“Vill-V and I have a hypothesis: this power likely stems from the Curio that brought you to this world. And furthermore…”

Her voice grew heavy, laced with a thirst for the unknown.

“It is also possible that you, yourself, are a part of that artifact.”

Cipher didn't speak. Her tail went rigid in mid-air, and her ears pressed flat against her skull, feigning a look of sheer terror.

Internally, however, she was grumbling.

Vill-V and Mobius… they’re actually pretty sharp, aren’t they? I wouldn't have even thought of that myself.

But the "Curio" they were talking about…

She had only invented that excuse at the beginning to fool Mei and the others. She never imagined the Flame-Chasers in the Elysian Realm would actually start accepting it as fact.

“So…” Elysia’s voice shattered the silence. She frowned as she looked at Mobius. “Are you saying that Cipher can manifest items from the Elysian Realm into reality because she herself is unique?”

“Exactly.” Mobius nodded. “And it’s not just about taking things out… she can bring things from the real world in, too. This ability… calling it ‘unique’ is an understatement.”

With that, Mobius’s gaze settled on Cipher once more.

“Little kitten, I’d like to ask for your cooperation in one more experiment.”

Cipher looked at her, silent for a moment, then nodded.

“What kind of experiment?”

“Bring a drop of a Flame-Chaser’s blood.” Mobius’s voice was calm, but Cipher could detect the suppressed excitement beneath it. “Leave the Elysian Realm, return to the real world, and see what changes occur.”

Cipher blinked, a realization dawning on her.

When it all came down to it, Mobius just really wanted to get back to the real world.

Cipher couldn’t help but ask, brow slightly furrowed in mock confusion: “Take a drop of blood out?”

“Yes.” Mobius nodded, her excitement barely contained. “My assistant is already waiting in the real world. If the blood can truly be brought out, she will take over the remaining work.”

Mobius’s assistant?

Klein’s image immediately surfaced in Cipher’s mind.

That E.L.F who was perpetually working overtime, perpetually sporting dark circles under her eyes, and perpetually being squeezed by Mobius.

Thinking of that role made Cipher shudder. Before transmigrating, she had seen her own future reflected in Klein.

Of course, she meant the future of becoming a corporate cog after graduation—the kind of hellish existence where the pay wasn't great and there were no beautiful women to look at.

Thank goodness she had transmigrated!

Hahahaha!

“If you can successfully bring a Flame-Chaser’s blood into the real world… and keep it stable, it means the barrier between us and reality is not insurmountable.”

Mobius continued, though she stopped short after that sentence. But everyone understood her implication.

Perhaps all the Flame-Chasers could use this possibility to return to the real world, and perhaps even possess the same strength they had in their prime.

If that were the case…

Perhaps humanity of this era wasn’t destined to be defeated by the Herrscher of Finality.

“…Then why not just take you guys out directly?” Cipher asked, unable to stop herself. “Use something to put you into a temporary stasis, and I’ll just shove you all into my inventory. I can take you all out in one go. Wouldn’t that save time and effort?”

“It won't work.” Mobius shook her head, a hint of regret on her petite face. “We don’t know yet… what kind of accidents might happen if the memories from the Elysian Realm leave this place.”

“What kind of accidents?”

“For example…” Vill-V took over from Mobius, her voice solemn. “The data might not be able to remain stable in the real world and could simply vanish.”

Cipher fell silent for a moment.

True. After all, she wasn't entirely sure if her "cheat code" was powerful enough to carry the Flame-Chasers out directly. That felt a bit like exploiting a bug.

“Fine, we won’t take you out then.” Cipher put that thought aside and looked at Mobius. “So… whose blood are we using for the experiment?”

“Mine.” Mobius said without hesitation. “Use my blood.”

“No.”

Kevin’s voice echoed from the depths of the hall—low, calm, but carrying an unquestionable firmness.

Every eye turned to Kevin. He stepped out from the shadows, his icy blue eyes fixed calmly on Mobius.

“No.”

Kevin repeated, his voice deep. “If you use your blood… you might use that single drop to be reborn in the real world.”

How blunt, Cipher thought. She had expected Kevin to be at least a little bit tactful, but he had just laid it all out there without pulling any punches.

Mobius’s brow furrowed. “That is only a theoretical possibility.”

“But the possibility exists.” Kevin’s voice remained flat. “Use someone else’s blood.”

Mobius looked at him for a long time. Cipher could feel her mood rapidly deteriorating.

“Kevin is right.”

Su, still keeping his eyes closed, spoke with earnest gravity. “We cannot take that risk, Mobius. If you were to leave the Elysian Realm… you might exert some… unpredictable influence on the current civilization.”

“I also agree with Kevin’s proposal.”

Eden leaned against the second-floor railing, gently swirling the wine in her glass. “Use someone else’s blood.”

One by one, the Flame-Chasers began to voice their stances.

With the exception of Elysia, Kosma, little Griseo, and the absent Kalpas, all the other Flame-Chasers expressed their opposition to Mobius’s plan.

Mobius was silent for a long moment, then let out a soft sigh.

“…Fine. Use someone else’s.”

Cipher watched the scene, her tail flicking slightly. Honestly, she didn't approve of using Mobius’s blood either. She remembered from the game that Mobius had claimed that if she wanted to, even the Herrscher of Finality couldn't kill her.

If she brought a drop of Mobius’s blood out, she wouldn't be surprised to find it growing into a full-sized Mobius before long.

“Since no one can make up their minds,” Cipher said, her eyes landing on Elysia, “how about we just use yours, Ellie?”

“Sure~”

Elysia laughed softly, walked straight up to Cipher, and extended her hand.

“Get ready, Cipher.”

Cipher nodded at her. “Mhm!”

Under Cipher’s curious gaze, a closed pink crystal flower appeared in Elysia’s other hand out of thin air.

The moment she saw the crystal flower, Cipher couldn't help but want to let out a breathy yawn. Elysia then used the flower to gently prick her own extended finger.

A drop of blood seeped from her fingertip into the crystal flower, causing it to emit a brilliant, iridescent glow. Then, its petals unfurled, one by one, in a display of breathtaking beauty.

“Catch.” Elysia handed the crystal flower to Cipher.

Cipher stared at the cool, incredibly beautiful crystal flower in her hand for a moment before looking up at Elysia. To be honest, she kind of wanted to keep it.

“You can keep it later~” Elysia caught Cipher’s thought once again and gave her a playful wink.

Cipher’s face stiffened, and she pouted, unconvinced.

So, "forgetting to turn off the mind-reading" is the same as "never turning it on" to you, huh?

Afterward…

She grasped Elysia’s hand again. This time, she didn't close her eyes. But with a mere flicker of vision, she found herself standing in the Elysian Realm hall at the World Serpent base.

Just like last time, the Flame-Chasers appeared as projections, all of them looking at her with various expressions.

“Did it work?” Pardo asked softly, her tone laced with nervousness.

Cipher didn't answer; she simply took the crystal flower out of her inventory.

It still felt cool to the touch, and inside, the pink brilliance still glowed—the petals still unfurled, as beautiful and dazzling as ever.

“It’s real…”

Mobius’s voice trembled slightly. “Elysia’s blood… it can exist in the real world…”

The hall fell silent. Everyone gazed at the crystal flower, unable to hide their shock.

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 138

--+--

"What does this mean?"

Cipher asked, looking at Mobius with a hint of curiosity.

"It means that we can, in fact, enter the real world directly through you." Mobius took a deep breath, her gaze toward Cipher turning increasingly serious.

"So... you’re still not planning to come to the real world, then?" Cipher looked at them and gave a helpless little shrug.

This left Mobius feeling somewhat stifled.

She couldn't help but look back at the other Flame-Chasers, but even though their expressions were still struck with shock, there wasn't the slightest inclination to use Cipher as a vessel to manifest in reality.

"Elysia, Kevin, are you both really going to be this stubborn until the end?" Mobius looked at them, her eyes darkening with a deep, frustrated resentment.

"I’m sorry, my dear Mobius." Elysia turned toward her, her expression filled with gentle apology.

She walked over, bowed, and wrapped her arms around Mobius’s, rocking them back and forth against her chest.

"The world right now... it just isn't prepared to accept our arrival yet. So, please, be patient just a little longer, okay?"

"Hmph."

Mobius let out a sharp scoff, though it was unclear whether it was an agreement or a rejection.

Cipher, however, felt it was an agreement—mostly because, in her position, she wouldn't be able to turn down the experience of being cuddled by Elysia either.

"Is there anything else you need me to do?" Cipher asked, her tone earnest.

Mobius replied, "No, that’s all. All my hypotheses have been confirmed. Cipher, you have no idea how truly special you are to us."

"I think I can imagine a little bit of it, can’t I?" Cipher said, scratching her head with a wry smile.

Joking aside... outside of those who had lived together for fifty thousand years, she was probably the person who understood them best.

Mobius was likely still trying to find a way to pave the road for herself and the other Flame-Chasers to return to reality.

Though, Cipher still didn't entirely understand why Mobius was so intent on bringing everyone back. Was it friendship? Or something else entirely?

"Alright, you can go back now," Mobius said with a soft sigh.

In the corner of the Elysian Realm hall, a green-haired, chibi-proportioned puppet with deep, dark bags under her eyes trudged out. She wordlessly took the crystal flower soaked in Elysia’s blood from Cipher’s hands.

"Please leave the rest to me. I will cooperate with Dr. Mobius to facilitate the upcoming experiments," Klein said quietly to Cipher before leaving.

Cipher watched her, filled with curiosity, and couldn't help but reach out to poke her. "So firm... not squishy at all."

"I am an E.L.F; my body is constructed from Soulium," Klein replied, ignoring the intrusive poke before turning and walking away.

"Oh..." Cipher felt a pang of regret, but she couldn't let it show on her face, or Elysia would surely tease her about it.

"Oh, right," Cipher said, turning back to Mobius with a serious look. "There's one more thing."

"What is it?" Mobius frowned slightly, her eyes filled with suspicion.

"You said I’d be returning to my own world today. If that happens... what will you do if you want to come out later?"

Facing Cipher’s question, Mobius was silent for a moment.

She scanned the room at the other Flame-Chasers before speaking: "There is a way, of course. Since you can carry our blood out, we only need to have Klein collect a sample from everyone. I can then use that blood here in the Elysian Realm to cultivate a clone—a vessel without a conscious mind.”

“We will keep them in cryo-sleep. When the day comes that they’ve all decided they are ready, they can simply transfer their consciousness into those clones."

"..." The Flame-Chasers fell silent.

Cipher’s eyes brightened, and she said earnestly, "I think that’s a great idea. But... are you worried that Mobius will use her own blood to manifest in the real world before the rest of you agree to it?"

"Yes," Kevin replied, letting out a soft sigh. "This era must not be disrupted by our existence, therefore this plan..."

"Wait a second." Cipher’s mind began to race. "You said earlier... you only agreed to let Mobius take my blood because I’m an 'outsider'."

She tried to recall what Kevin and Elysia had said, then continued, "Since I am an outsider, from my perspective, Mobius’s plan is completely feasible. So... how about this?”

“I will be the one to take your blood out of the Elysian Realm, and I will be the one to oversee the creation of the clones in reality based on Mobius’s blueprints. How does that sound?"

"..." Kevin fell into silence. He gazed at Cipher, his ice-blue eyes devoid of emotion. After a moment, he nodded. "Acceptable."

"Then it’s settled!" A joyful smile bloomed on Cipher’s face.

She knew she was basically "breaking the game," though she still didn't fully understand why the Flame-Chasers put so much weight on her status as an outsider.

"And, I have a way," Cipher said to Mobius, a cunning glint in her eyes, "to ensure that Mobius can’t recover from her clone until you all give the word."

"Oh?" Mobius furrowed her brows, confusion flickering in her green eyes.

"I am a demigod, after all," Cipher said with a straight face, channeling her authority at that very moment. "As long as I use my divine power to place a seal on Mobius’s blood sample, I can prevent her consciousness from entering the clone."

She tried her best to bluff them, meeting the gaze of each Flame-Chaser in turn. They had seen her memories; they knew she had built her "Dawn Device" on lies.

They probably knew she might not actually be able to pull off such a feat, but they couldn't be entirely sure. And as long as they chose to believe, that was enough.

"You..." Mobius opened her mouth, her face turning slightly pale with irritation. She had obviously realized the implications.

"I really can do it," Cipher said, widening her eyes with an air of complete sincerity, as if she were about to swear an oath to the heavens.

"Fine, fine..." Mobius took a deep breath, suppressing her resentment. Yet, was there a hint of excitement underneath?

"Well then," Cipher said with a grin, looking at Elysia and the others, "are you all ready to give me your blood?"

"..."

Shortly after, Cipher went back into the Elysian Realm and began collecting the samples. By the end, only Kalpas’s remained.

Aponia let out a soft sigh and said, "Please, wait a moment. I shall return shortly."

"Oh?" Cipher watched with curiosity as Aponia walked deep into the corridor and disappeared behind a door.

A moment later... the entire Elysian Realm shook as if an earthquake had struck!

After nearly ten minutes of violent tremors, the door opened, and Aponia returned to the hall as if nothing had happened. In her palm, she held a small vessel of blood radiating a scorching, intense heat.

"..." Cipher stared at the volume of blood, then back up at Aponia.

"That child is very generous and enthusiastic," Aponia said with a gentle smile.

Generous? Cipher thought, recalling the earthquake-level disturbance. She tremblingly reached out to take the blood.

With the task complete, she returned to the real world and handed the samples over to Klein, who was waiting.

"Alright~ that’s everything done." Cipher clapped her hands, flashing a triumphant smile.

With this, even if the Elysian Realm were to face destruction in the future, the Flame-Chasers would still have a lifeline. She wondered what kind of face Old Man Kevin would make if he saw them all reappear from the realm at that time.

At the very least, he wouldn't be so lonely, and with Elysia by his side, his fate would surely change.

As for Su... she wasn't quite sure; she’d never fully understood where Su went after his death in the game. After all, Su wasn't a girl, and he never made it into the gacha pool.

"Perfect," Cipher breathed out, feeling this was the best thing she’d accomplished since she arrived in this world.

"Thank you, Cipher." Elysia walked over, her smile bright and gentle.

"Why thank me? I just feel that people like you staying locked in this Elysian Realm forever is a bit of a waste," Cipher said with a bold wave of her hand.

"Mm..." Elysia nodded softly, but then looked at Cipher with a trace of regret. "If only... if only you could stay here longer. I feel like... I’ve only just begun to understand you, and now you have to leave."

"Yeah..." Cipher grew quiet at her words.

She felt the same helplessness. She had no idea if her "cheat" could be upgraded, but she really wished she could extend her transformation time just a little bit longer.

Just then, Vill-V spoke up. "Actually, there is a way."

"Oh?" Cipher immediately turned to her, curious. "What kind of way?"

"There was an off-world visitor before you—Silver Wolf," Vill-V said with a smirk. "She helped Bronya, a Valkyrie of the other organization, Schicksal..."

After Vill-V briefly explained the situation with Schicksal and Bronya, she mentioned Silver Wolf's Aether Editing technology.

"I’ve been monitoring the network for information on Bronya for some time now." Vill-V waved her hand, and a holographic screen appeared in the hall. It was filled with videos of Bronya practicing Aether Editing techniques. "And I happen to have grasped a bit of it~"

Cipher was stunned. What? You just watched Bronya and taught yourself Aether Editing? Aren't you a bit too overpowered?

"They’ve already used this technology to successfully preserve a suitcase belonging to an off-world visitor to this day," Vill-V said, her smile full of the joy of discovering something new.

"So, I believe... perhaps I can intervene when you leave using Aether Editing... and who knows? It might allow you to stay for quite a bit longer."

You make me feel really dumb, Cipher thought.

She suddenly realized that if others could use Aether Editing to make her or her belongings linger longer, could she use it to extend her own transformation time?

Why hadn't she thought of that before? She’d just been too focused on hanging out with the Valkyries!

"Here, take this," Vill-V said, tossing a bracelet toward her.

Cipher scrambled to catch it, looking at Vill-V in confusion.

"I made this bracelet based on Aether Editing. It creates a sort of 'anchor' to reality. Perhaps... you can use it to stay in this world for longer," Vill-V said seriously.

Cipher gripped the bracelet, falling into a thoughtful silence. Do I really want to stay? Probably not; this role she was playing had to return to Amphoreus.

"I'm sorry..." Cipher looked at Vill-V with a touch of apology. "I don't think... I can stay. I have to go back. Amphoreus needs me."

"Mm, I know that," Vill-V nodded, smiling. "As long as you cooperate with me to run an experiment before you go, that will be enough."

"In that case, I can do that." Cipher nodded, gripping the bracelet tightly.

Still... her gaze drifted toward Elysia.

"Sorry, Ellie."

"It's alright," Elysia said with a soft, gentle smile, stepping closer to stroke Cipher’s hair.

"Perhaps we shall meet again one day in the future. If by then the crisis in your world has ended, why not stay a little longer next time? Then, we can really go out and play to our hearts' content~"

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 139

--+--

The remaining time slipped away all too quickly.

As evening fell, Cipher joined Elysia and the others for a final romp through Sapphire City. However, given the lingering trauma from her last experience at the amusement park, Cipher steadfastly refused to set foot anywhere near it.

After the final movie ended and they returned to the Golden Courtyard, Cipher stretched her arms wide, her cat tail swaying lazily behind her with a life of its own.

“Cipher, make sure you think of us often once you’re back,” Elysia said, her eyes brimming with a deep, poignant reluctance.

“You know I will.” Cipher met that heartfelt gaze with a nod, a wide, bright smile stretching across her face. “I’ll definitely remember today!”

“Mm…”

Elysia nodded, though in her heart, she couldn't help but wonder if Cipher would ever find her way back to the Elysian Realm again, or if they would ever cross paths once more.

Would Cipher even remember her?

She didn't even know if Cipher might already be dead. After all, the girl had died more than ten million times. The sheer weight of that number left Elysia feeling a profound sense of helplessness.

Just then, Vill-V stepped forward, looking at Cipher with a characteristically intense expression. “Cipher, don't forget to test that bracelet in a moment. Furthermore, if you’re willing, it should be possible for you to take it back to Amphoreus with you.”

“If that happens, perhaps… it will allow you to retain your memories across subsequent cycles. Even after your world falls and resets, you’ll remember everything that happened before.”

“Really?!” Cipher’s eyes lit up instantly as she looked at Vill-V.

“Of course. Never underestimate my craftsmanship.” Vill-V placed her hands on her hips, flashing a confident grin.

Hearing this, Cipher couldn't resist—she lunged forward, throwing her arms around Vill-V and vigorously nuzzling her face against the other girl’s.

“You are literally my goddess!”

“Heh, heh~”

Vill-V didn't seem to mind the enthusiastic display; in fact, she seemed to rather enjoy it. It felt as if Vill-V were running on cheat codes that never turned off.

Cipher couldn't fathom how the genius had managed to pull off such a feat. If this bracelet actually worked as promised, it meant the duration of her transformation could be extended indefinitely!

Actually, no… it meant she could end it whenever she pleased!

Cipher even started imagining what it would be like if she transformed into a super badass character and just decided never to turn back. At the thought, she couldn't help but suck in a breath, nearly drooling.

When there were only a few minutes left on her transformation timer, Cipher clasped the bracelet onto her wrist. It was a pity, she thought, that it wasn’t a leg cuff.

“Time’s almost up.” Cipher looked at everyone and let out a deep, steadying breath. Inside the hall, a holographic screen displayed a countdown. Only ten seconds remained.

“Boss…” Pardo looked at Cipher, her eyes shimmering with hesitation.

Only then did it occur to Cipher that she hadn’t taken a peek at Pardo’s secret stash. Oh well. She offered Pardo a soft smile.

“See you later, other me.”

The clock hit zero.

However, the silver bracelet on Cipher’s wrist emitted a gentle, fluorescent glow.

To her delighted surprise, she remained standing in the Elysian Realm—she hadn't vanished with the fading time!

“...It worked!”

“That’s wonderful!” Elysia dashed over, wrapping Cipher in a hug and rubbing her face against hers, mimicking the way Cipher had nuzzled Mobius moments ago.

Cipher curled her lips upward, fully enjoying the physical affection. The sensation of Elysia’s soft embrace, pressing against her as they swayed, was simply divine.

“Cipher, would you like to stay for a few more days?”

“Yes!” Cipher didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation.

The next few days passed in a blur. After another three days had gone by, Cipher finally decided it was time to return to Amphoreus.

In reality, she felt she had reached the limit of what she could do with her current transformation, and there was nothing left to keep her there.

She returned to the Golden Courtyard once more. The bracelet held firm, maintaining her transformed state perfectly.

Although Vill-V had warned her that the device likely had its limits and couldn't keep her in this world forever, Cipher was already satisfied. Extra time was always a blessing.

“Well then, everyone, see you next time.”

Standing in the hall, Cipher smiled brilliantly at the assembled crowd and waved gently.

“Mm, see you…”

Elysia stood before her, her bright, beautiful eyes soft and devoid of sadness, as if Cipher were merely setting off on a short journey. The other Flame-Chasers were present, too, all of them—save for Kalpas.

Cipher took one last look at them, then pressed a button on the bracelet.

In the next heartbeat, she vanished from sight. She left no trace behind in the Elysian Realm, as if she had never existed there at all.

“How intriguing,” Vill-V murmured, her eyes burning with excitement.

“My instruments couldn’t detect any energy fluctuations when she departed. If it truly is some sort of Curio… what is the principle behind its operation? And how, I wonder, could I uncover it?”

Vill-V was thoroughly hooked.

“Instead of obsessing over that,” Mobius said, eyeing the spot where Cipher had vanished with equal intrigue, “why don’t we see who arrives next? And whether she’ll appear directly here in the Elysian Realm?”

The other Flame-Chasers braced themselves, ready to strike if the next arrival proved to be a threat.

But to their complete astonishment, what appeared in the exact spot where Cipher had vanished was an exquisite, beautiful cage—a work of art so fine it looked like the life’s work of a master sculptor.

“What is this?” The Flame-Chasers’ eyes widened in shock.

Then, they saw it: inside the cage, a figure emerged, possessing a form strikingly similar to Elysia’s, yet composed of shimmering, liquid silver.

“Hi~ Did you miss me?”

--+--

Honkai Transformations - 140

--+--

"Another... me?" Elysia gazed at the being inside the cage—a creature whose body shimmered with a fluid, mercury-like luster, yet possessed a presence as ethereal and refined as a beautiful, manifested dream. Her eyes widened in genuine astonishment.

Within the hall of the Elysian Realm, this exquisite cage, entwined with heavy chains and delicate, blooming flowers, stood in silent defiance.

The "person" inside was no longer speaking. Instead, she gripped the bars, silently observing the Flame-Chasers outside, as if she had suddenly sensed the abnormality of the situation.

"That’s not Elysia!" Pardo’s voice shattered the silence. Her tail bristled as she stared at the figure in the cage, her expression filled with wariness.

"How interesting..."

Mobius stepped forward, her eyes scanning the prisoner with a mix of surprise and fervent curiosity. "Another existence that defies our common sense."

"Who... are you?" The one in the cage finally spoke. Her voice was indistinguishable from Elysia’s, save for the heavy, lingering confusion that colored it.

She lacked distinct features, yet her face remained impossibly beautiful, a sight that held one’s gaze captive.

She peered at Elysia. "Peach? No... you’re older, taller. You aren't the short one."

"Peach? What a cute nickname. Are you referring to me from another world?" Hearing something so intriguing, Elysia didn't feel a flicker of fear or caution. She walked right up to the cage, leaning in to look at the figure within.

"Yes."

"Well then~ before you tell me who 'Peach' is, could you tell me your name, your story, and your past?"

"Of course, Peach. My name... I don't have one, but Peach does. Her name is... Cyrene."

When Elysia heard the name Cyrene, her eyes widened slightly.

The image of the young girl from Cipher’s memories immediately surfaced, and as she watched, that girl’s silhouette began to overlap perfectly with the being in the cage.

So, that’s how it is~ Elysia thought.

"...Then, may I call you Cyrene~ or perhaps, Peach?"

"That is fine."

Cyrene nodded, her hands still resting on the bars. A profound sense of realization washed over her.

She felt as though she had uncovered a pattern: the longer she spent in a certain place, or with certain people, the easier it became to transform into a version of herself linked to them.

"What is your name?" Cyrene asked, feigning ignorance, her voice filled with curiosity and a slight, deliberate hesitation.

"My name is Elysia~ it means 'Garden of Bliss'." Elysia beamed at her, her smile warm and genuine.

"Elysia... a lovely name." Cyrene looked at her, her voice lingering with an unconcealed joy.

"Isn't it~?" Elysia was delighted by the compliment, her expression radiant.

And so, one outside the cage and one within, they began to talk.

"I am Elysia, and this is the Elysian Realm, a world that doesn't exist in reality. How about you? What world do you hail from?"

"I come from Amphoreus. That is what Peach calls it."

As she spoke, Cyrene’s mind raced. With this transformation, she had been infused with exactly 30 Million [Flower of Memory]. It wouldn't be long before she fully evolved into the Greater Cyrene.

"Amphoreus..." A flash of undisguised curiosity crossed Elysia's eyes. "Cyrene, do you know if a girl named... Cipher exists in your world? In Amphoreus, she is a demigod."

"I remember her." Cyrene nodded without hesitation, her tone softening. "In the 30 million memories that Peach shared with me... the City of Thieves, Dolos, Cifera, Cipher."

"30 million..."

At the mention of that number, Elysia’s pupils contracted, and for a fleeting moment, her smile vanished.

She hadn't expected this. Cipher had left their world less than ten minutes ago, but to this new arrival, it seemed Cipher had already endured the cycle of life, death, and destruction... nearly 20 million times?

"Thirty million..." Elysia murmured.

Pardo could no longer take it. She rushed forward, peering at Cyrene with a panicked, bewildered expression. "Thirty million times? How is that possible! She just left a few minutes ago!"

"It seems..." Vill-V sighed softly, a complex look crossing her eyes. "The flow of time in our world is not the same as in theirs."

"Perhaps it is due to... that Curio?" Mobius speculated, though her gaze remained fixed on Cyrene with intense focus.

"But regardless of what has already transpired, I believe we should be asking what she actually is, and why she remembers the passage of thirty million cycles. And just who is this 'Peach' she keeps mentioning?"

"Error," Cyrene said, her faceless visage scanning the group. "Cannot connect... to the archives. This is not Amphoreus, where Peach resides."

The Flame-Chasers stiffened, their expressions shifting as the implications hit them.

They realized that Amphoreus might just be a massive, incomprehensible computer. If that were the case, was the Cyrene standing before them... the administrator?

"This is indeed not Amphoreus."

Elysia stepped forward, reaching out to place her hand over Cyrene’s on the bars. Her touch felt soft, like a phantom, lacking the physical resistance of something truly tangible. "But... do not be nervous." Elysia looked at her with infinite gentleness.

"This world is a reflection of Amphoreus in another reality. It is like..."

"A reflection in the water? Two sides of the same coin?" Cyrene asked, her curiosity evident.

"Exactly. Look at you, so clever." Elysia nodded, her eyes glowing with pride.

"So, you are also... Peach?" Cyrene watched her, extending her other hand to cover Elysia’s, ignoring the wary gazes of the other Flame-Chasers.

"Yes, I am. 'Peach'—it suits me quite well, don't you think?" Elysia tilted her head, her eyes shining with a joyful, brilliant light. "But... I am not the Peach you know. Don't worry, though. In seven days, you will return to your world and reunite with the Peach you wish to see."

"I understand."

Cyrene nodded softly. Her docile demeanor only deepened Elysia’s fascination.

Elysia realized that the Cyrene before her was likely the flower that had been nurtured, petal by petal, by that little girl who was just as adorable as herself, during Cipher’s very first memory.

An... AI?

And after thirty million cycles of "watering" by another version of herself, she had become what she was today? Elysia couldn't help but wonder what her other self had done to bring this about.

"Now... can you tell me about Peach?" Elysia asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

It’s just as you asked, Cyrene thought, a surge of dark pleasure blooming within her. She was dying to tell Elysia about Cyrene’s thirty million deaths.

"Very well. I will tell you the entire story of Peach."

Cyrene nodded, and standing there, face-to-face with Elysia, she began to recount the tale of Peach from the very beginning, as seen through her own eyes.

Time slipped away. Not one of the Flame-Chasers left; a full day passed in the blink of an eye.

They listened to the story of Peach’s first life, and when it concluded, a heavy, suffocating silence fell over them.

Death?

They knew that in a repeating world, death was also a recurring cycle, but they had never imagined the choices Peach—this Cyrene—had been forced to make.

She had allowed her best friend, the Kevin of another world—Phainon—to kill her, just to prevent the return of the Flame-Chasers, to stop the world from being recreated, and to allow the Aeon of Remembrance to witness her existence.

And Phainon, the executor, had been forced to hunt down his former mentors and dearest friends before the seeds could return...

The cruelty of it all was suffocating.

"How could it be like this..." Pardo’s ears drooped, her tail hanging limp. Her eyes were clouded with shock and confusion.

"So this... is why Cipher was able to reincarnate over ten million times..." Su murmured, his eyes heavy with sorrow.

"I’m beginning to think..." Vill-V touched her head, a rare look of bewilderment on her face. "Perhaps I shouldn't have given that device to Cipher... Thirty million times... Can she truly bear the weight of thirty million memories? Is it... is it just too cruel for her?"

"..."

The hall of the Elysian Realm remained deathly quiet. No one spoke. Even Elysia’s expression had dimmed.

Cyrene hadn't even reached the stories of the later cycles, yet they could all guess exactly what had happened.

--+--

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