Chapter 280: [Changing House] is also a Strategy

In fact, the situation on Pardofelis' side could be said to be the best, because Griseo liked her very much, so she kept her on purpose... In other words, Griseo was a little biased towards her, which saved her from extra battles.

As for whether Pardofelis would accept her invitation and continue playing with her... Griseo actually didn't care.

Griseo had no intention of forcing Pardofelis to stay. Since Pardofelis didn't want to, Griseo would not force her to stay. If Pardofelis wanted to leave, Griseo would let her go. This was the difference between her and Nozomi and Mobius.

It just so happened that those two people, especially Nozomi, had no objection to Griseo's approach. It was not known whether it was because they did not care about Pardofelis, or because they doted on Griseo too much, or because they had extra arrangements for Pardofelis... In short, Pardofelis was safe on Griseo's side.

But others were not so lucky...

Unlike the situation on Pardofelis' side, the other people who were separated encountered a large number of "opponents." Those were all "portrayed" by Griseo. Of course, in addition to these, there were also real enemies.

for example...

"......"

"......"

Dystopia, who had just cleaned up the other "portrayed" monsters, looked at the... "person" in front of her with a complicated expression. Her figure floated in the air. She neither attacked nor dared to land on the ground. She didn't know how to talk to the... "person" in front of her.

On the other hand, Kosma was not good at speaking, and facing this girl whom he was familiar with and even had a slight crush on, he had no idea what to say. Even though he heard teasing and encouragement from others in his "thoughts," he still didn't know how to start.

'Should I prove myself to her?' Kosma thought subconsciously.

Prove that he is still himself, that he is still the Kosma she knows? For example, some things that only he and she know? For example... the original gift, or the harmonica or something?

'Ah, no, it seems that she hasn't given me this gift "this time"…'

'Damn it, when "memories" are piled up, there will always be some cognitive bias... I can't prove myself to her like this...'

Using "blood" to prove himself seemed like a good choice, but wouldn't that make her mistakenly believe that "Kaiji" could already simulate the color of human blood, and would not always keep the azure "blood"?

'...No, forget it. It doesn't seem to have any effect except deepening the misunderstanding.'

"......"

Kosma remained silent and at the same time gave up the idea of proving himself to Dystopia in his heart... He more or less understood Nozomi's feelings at the time. Once the premise of suspicion was confirmed by others, all subsequent self-proof would be difficult to carry out, and it seemed to be of no use except deepening the suspicion.

Although the premise of this suspicion was deliberately guided by Nozomi, but... Tsk, this feeling is indeed too bad.

Kosma pursed his lips silently, suppressed all the unnecessary thoughts in his mind, narrowed his eyes slightly, and put his attention back on the things at hand.

On the other side, Dystopia seemed to have finished her thoughts as well. All the conflicts and entanglements in her heart were suppressed one by one... She looked at Kosma deeply again, imprinting his appearance in her mind.

Inexplicable pressure came from all around, like the stabbing pain of a sword and the knocking sensation of a hammer, and sometimes it turned into a heavy and terrifying pressure like a hydraulic press... It seems that she has made some kind of decision.

"......"

That's fine, too.

Kosma felt all of this silently, and finally... he sighed as if he was sighing, and as if he was relaxed, and then... the azure water began to flow. Ignoring the sudden increase in pressure around him, he took a step forward, stepped on the water, and his figure disappeared in an instant.

After connecting with "thoughts" and acknowledging one's own attitude, the benefit is this... What Nozomi can do, they can also do. Although the effect may still not be comparable to Nozomi himself, they can also exert similar power.

'Now that you have made up your mind, just stick to it, Dystopia.'

Kosma, who was carried by the water, thought so and looked at Dystopia, who was a little surprised by his sudden attack in the air but still calmly kept her distance and height and immediately launched a counterattack. Kosma encouraged the girl in his heart.

'Even if the final [result] will not change, but before that, you, all of us, and even everything we hold on to, will not disappear, and the same goes for what we have experienced and witnessed...'

"......"

Kosma was silent, and as always, he didn't know how to speak or express himself. He just silently endured the attacks from Dystopia, interspersing some counterattacks against her in the middle, trying to end the confrontation with her in a relatively "gentle" way.

Otherwise... once Nozomi and Mobius' attention is drawn to us, it might not be easy to resolve.

…

......

"It's you again..."

After defeating and burning the rest of the "portrayed" enemies, Hua looked at the last enemy and said with a gloomy expression.

She knew that the person in front of her was definitely not "portrayed"

"Yeah, that's right, it's me again."

Himeko spoke slowly and leisurely, leaning against her [compatriot] and speaking leisurely.

"Honestly, I'm tired of this repetition. Sometimes I really want you to just go with me, and then everything will be fine."

She gently shook the wine glass in her hand... She didn't know if it was an illusion, but Hua felt that the wine glass in her hand was much more gorgeous than before and looked very beautiful.

"But after thinking about it carefully... forget it. Seeing you struggling and fighting, you are still quite cute and lovable. It makes people feel pity for you. It makes people sigh... You are really strong. No wonder you carried out that kind of mission later, and you carried it out well."

As if she had thought of something, Himeko laughed, took a sip of the wine in the glass, and at the same time flicked her fingers. A stream of azure water shot out like a whip, and with a fierce lash, it dispersed all the oncoming flames.

"Can I say you have a bad taste?"

Hua said expressionlessly.

"Of course. Rather, I am glad to see you using such words."

Himeko still smiled, put down the wine glass in her hand, handed it to her [compatriot], asking it to help put it away, and then patted it, as if rewarding a well-behaved pet. It also obediently put away the wine glass, moved its limbs little by little, and gradually left.

"Sure enough, you have grown a lot, Hua..."

"It's just that from what I see now, you seem to have grown a little crooked... But that's true, who made him do this?"

"Also... I don't know if you will be dumbfounded when you join us. After all, your 'experience' is much richer than others."

Himeko moved her wrist, and the water around her kept flowing rhythmically, dispersing all the flames that Hua had shot out from a distance... Compared to the "newcomer" Kosma, Himeko's control over the water flow was becoming more and more proficient.

After all, she is a veteran from the "first batch," isn't she?

"nonsense."

Hua snorted coldly, and the look in her eyes when she looked at her became increasingly gloomy.

"Yes, yes, I know you will firmly tell us that you will not join us and will not become our [compatriots]. And you will also complain that I am using this skin to face you again, which makes you feel disgusted and annoyed... This kind of thing is obvious, isn't it?"

Himeko sighed, held her forehead with her hand as if she was somewhat helpless, and spoke casually.

"Ah... all this mess can be remembered... huh? Oh?"

However, just when Himeko wanted to continue speaking, she subconsciously raised her eyebrows and took a step back.

Then, the fist mixed with red flames brushed past her face, and the burning sparks almost ignited her red hair, which was the same color as fire.

She immediately pressed her hand down again, barely blocking the fist that was heading for her abdomen... But even so, the huge force still pushed Himeko's hand to her abdomen, knocking her whole body away, with flames spreading in the middle, covering her body in an instant.

It's not over yet!

She slid forward and attacked Himeko with constantly changing rhythms. While suppressing her, the flames on Himeko's body became more and more dazzling, and Himeko's figure was completely enveloped in flames and distorted by the high temperature.

Until the very end, the entire "painting" seemed to be melted by the flames, and all the colors were about to be burned by the flames, and then it ended with a kick, knocking her far away, leaving sparks all over the ground.

"sigh..."

Hua quickly adjusted her breath and took a vigilant stance... It was not that she didn't want to continue chasing, she also wanted to keep suppressing her until she was sure that she was killed.

But... it was very strange. The flames had clearly enveloped her, and the high temperature had clearly dried up and burned everything around her, so that the "painting" around her seemed that it could no longer be maintained, but she... still seemed to be fine, at least that was how Hua perceived it.

This is so strange; shouldn't they be afraid of fire? Shouldn't it be their "weakness"?

Then why... even after it has come to this, there is still no effect?

"Interesting... You're much stronger than before, Hua."

Himeko's voice came from the flames... Although her voice seemed somewhat distorted and distorted under the influence of the raging fire, Hua could still hear that her voice was obviously full of energy, as if she was not affected at all, or even not hurt at all!

No... that's not right. Hua is sure that the blow she inflicted was effective, but why...

"Hmm... Do you feel weird? I can sense the increasingly alert aura coming from you... Oh, really, why is Dr. Mobius always researching in the wrong direction? This feeling of receiving pheromones is quite strange."

'What... does that mean?' Hua didn't quite understand what she was saying but could only be as alert as possible to prepare for what was to come.

Hua has already realized that what's coming next... will probably be a tough battle.

"Ah... I'm sorry, I said something that you found difficult to understand again."

She was actually apologizing… Although there was a clear hint of teasing in her tone, she still said it.

"But there's nothing we can do. We have different perspectives from you, and the information we know is also different. It's only natural that this situation would occur..."

Tick-tock——

　It started raining in the sky.

　In this "painting" world, it started to rain!

　Water began to accumulate on the ground; it was azure blue and very beautiful.

　"But it doesn't matter. When you, the rest of you, join us... you will understand what we are talking about."

　The azure water began to flow, gradually extinguishing the flames on her body.

　"Although I really wanted to tell you in advance, after all, it's boring to keep asking you riddles."

　The flames faded, revealing her figure.

　The flames did leave scars on her body, but... not many. Even the burn marks were healing quickly. Almost in the blink of an eye, all the scars on her body were restored to their original state...

　Even the clothes on her body returned to their original state as if everything that had just happened was just an illusion and Hua's attack on her did not exist.

　"But... he is the boss now. It seems not a bad idea to follow his ideas."

　She smiled and said it very easily.

　"Hmm... it seems like you're quite confused. This wary expression... is not unexpected."

　Himeko looked at Hua carefully and then continued.

　"After all... suddenly discovering that your own power seems to be unable to harm us... is really too terrifying, right?"

　"......"

　Hua did not answer.

　"Okay, okay, let's talk about the extra things later. After all, you won't be here to listen to my nagging, right?"

　Himeko straightened her long fiery red hair with a strand of white highlights, bringing out the azure water droplets that were suspended in the air, and spoke softly.

　"But out of courtesy, I still have to remind you to be fully alert and use your full strength to deal with the upcoming battle, okay?"

　Himeko reminded with a smile.

　"After all... you are not just facing me, but... [us]."

　"We can also use what he has... Haha, should we say he is really generous and selfless?"

　As she said this, Himeko casually snapped her fingers... the azure water began to flow again, gathering into the shape of a sword in her hand.

　"So... you better be careful, Hua, otherwise... you will fail."

　"You were defeated by a monster like me who pretends to be your savior."

　"......"

　Hua remained silent, not angered by her words, but his eyes became more fierce...

　"Very good."

　Himeko praised generously.

　"Well then... let's start a new [round]!"

　Holding the greatsword made of water in her hand, he made a sweeping strike from bottom to top, bringing up a huge crescent-shaped water blade from the accumulated water on the ground and rushing towards Hua rapidly.

　[Jumping the Waves]!

　…

　......

　"Haha… hahahaha!!! It's finally here!"

　Compared to the silent battlefield on Kosma's side and the repeated encounters on Himeko's side, which were somewhat interesting and full of evilness, Kalpas's side was much more lively.

　However, Kalpas's location was not in Griseo's "painting," but somewhere in reality... He had been waiting here for a long time, and that person did not disappoint him and appeared after a while.

　"I knew it! There's no way you can be trapped by something like that!"

　Kalpas looked at the figure not far away, feeling the familiar cold and heat that was more intense than ever before, and laughed a little crazily.

　"Come on! Kevin! I've been looking forward to this battle for a long time, don't let me down!"

　Crash!

　The sound of waves came in an instant, and Kalpas's figure blurred for a moment and then became clear. In a trance, he attacked Kevin, who had just escaped from the "painting" trapped in himself.

　Azure water flowed around him, and the water followed his figure closely... He swung his fist, and a column of water flowed towards Kevin's face.

　Boom!

　A dull sound was heard instantly, and the huge force was blocked but also overflowed to the surroundings, bouncing away the drizzle falling from the sky and causing the accumulated water on the ground to spread out, creating waves.

　The water that was wrapped around his body turned into spikes and sharp blades and attacked Kevin, but was frozen into ice in an instant. The water that followed was also cut and evaporated by the red flaming sword.

　Kalpas's three consecutive attacks as the "opening" were resolved by Kevin in this way.

　"...Kalpas?"

　Kevin spoke with some doubt... He knew clearly that the existence in front of him was most likely a simulation of "Kaiji," and he knew clearly that the person in front of him was most likely "fake," but he still subconsciously called out the other person's name.

　"Oh, yes, it's me."

　Kalpas didn't care as much as the others about this. He just admitted it with a grin.

　"What? Are you... surprised?!"

　While responding in a low voice, he raised his leg, stirring up the accumulated water on the ground. The azure water surged and formed a water blade to force Kevin back. Kalpas also rolled over and adjusted his posture. At the same time, he exerted all his strength to shatter the ice that had just spread because of Kevin and wrapped around his entire arm.

　"...No, you are not him."

　On the other side, after Kevin broke up the waterblade, he stood firm again. After a moment of silence, Kevin murmured this.

　"Hahahaha!!! You guys are always like this! The truth is right before your eyes, but you don't even have the courage to admit it!"

　Kalpas stood firm again, shook his arms, and sneered, his words filled with the same madness and... a little bit of disgust as always.

　　"This is really... really..."

　　he Raise his hands and let the water flow!

　　"ridiculous!!!"

　　The waves swept over but were frozen into ice in an instant, and then violently smashed by Kalpas, rushing in front of Kevin, using his hand as a knife, making the blue water wrap around his hand to form the shape of a sword, and swung it violently, leaving a strange white mark in the air like a wave...

　　But even such a swift attack was still blocked by Kevin's sword. The place where water and fire met instantly turned into steaming water vapor.

　　He stepped forward, and the accumulated water flew up. In the blink of an eye, it turned into sharp spikes and attacked Kevin from bottom to top. However, Kevin just frowned slightly and clenched the flaming sword in his hand. The red flames surged, and the high temperature swept away all the dampness and coldness around him, forcing Kalpas's figure back...

　　He stepped back, and the accumulated water surged up, helping Kalpas offset the oncoming flames time and time again. He tilted his upper body back to avoid the flaming sword that followed closely behind. He tapped his toes lightly, turned over, and jumped to avoid the ice that spread from his lower body and wanted to freeze all the accumulated water... But Kalpas laughed.

　　Although blocked by the mask, Kevin could still feel the slightly smiling, teasing, and sarcastic look from under the mask. The sudden sense of crisis came over him instantly, causing Kevin's eyes to freeze and his body to retreat.

　　Kalpas also turned his hand around and raised his hand from bottom to top while his body was still spinning in the air!

　　[Jumping Waves]!

　　A huge and extremely solid azure water blade directly penetrated the spreading ice and attacked Kevin forcefully.

　　Fortunately, Kevin noticed it in advance; otherwise, given the position of the waterblade... Kevin would probably have been split in half by the waterblade from bottom to top between his legs.

　　Hmm... that doesn't sound good.

　　But Kalpas's attack did not end there. He rolled over and fell, and the blue water rushed forward, carrying his body forward in an instant, and arrived in front of Kevin in a flash.

　　he Raises his hand and drops it!

　　[Tide Hit]!

　　The azure water flows down from the sky, carrying rain!

　　"Tsk…"

　　Kevin pursed his lips at the heavy force and the strong sense of threat. This familiar feeling reminded him of the time when the Herrscher suppressed them in Nozomi's guise... What happened? Did the Herrscher change his skin again? Did he become Kalpas?

　　But Kevin no longer had the leisure to think about these things. While he was waving the flaming sword to evaporate the water above his head, Kalpas in front of him had already broken through the ice that Kevin was using to block him.

　　A hand wrapped in azure water had quietly reached into Kevin's arms, and then... clenched his fist! At a distance that was almost touching Kevin's chest, it instantly struck out!

　　In an instant, in the brief time when the huge force was transmitted, Kevin seemed to catch a glimpse of a blue shadow flashing behind Kalpas, and the shape... seemed to be some kind of [shrimp].

　　Unfortunately, when the huge force penetrated his body he was suddenly knocked away, as if he was about to be "shattered" in an instant... Kevin no longer had the energy to think about what the phantom was.

　　He inhaled, concentrated his mind, and forced himself to hold back the blood rushing up his throat. The ice and flames spread, and he stepped heavily on his lower body to stabilize his body, and then... he gripped the flaming sword tightly!

　　[Judgment of Shamash——]

　　Swipe forward!

　　[Unsheathed]!

　　The red flames surged and submerged Kalpas's figure in an instant. The transparent rain disappeared without a trace, and the azure accumulated water instantly evaporated. Even the earth soaked by water was left with only a long, burned red mark.

　　"......"

　　However, Kevin did not relax. After judging Kalpas as a "herrscher in disguise," he knew that the enemy in front of him would not be easily defeated.

　　"Hehe…hahaha…hahahahahaha!!!"

　　Kalpas's unbridled laughter could be heard from the raging fire.

　　'As expected!' Kevin's eyes narrowed.

　　Kevin knew that nothing would end so easily. Next, he should summon flowing water, extinguish the flames, and then show a more powerful posture... right?

　　'...Um?'

　　'Why did the flame... not go out? It even began to... flow? It was as if it was being controlled by someone, controlled by him...?!'

　　"Ah... Should I say it's unexpected? Should I say it's as expected of you, Kevin?"

　　Kalpas's wanton voice came from the raging fire.

　　"I can't do anything to you at this level… I know! I know! Hahahahaha!!! Good! This is great!"

　　With a wave of his hand, the flames flew up and spread out to the side like some twisted wings, revealing his twisted and hideous appearance in the flames, as if he was covered in lava as if magma was flowing in his upper body.

　　As he continues to go down, the traces of fire on his body will gradually fade, just like lava flowing in the deep sea and the high-temperature magma being cooled by seawater. The further he goes down, the dimmer the red color becomes, and in the end, it turns into a dark blue like the deep sea.

　　As he took a step, the azure water was still flowing, weaving through the flames, dancing with the swaying flames, and stimulating Kevin's nerves.

　　"Ah... As expected! As expected!!! Only this one! Is more suitable for me!!!"

　　"Fire! The fire that shows anger! This is me!!!"

　　"Oh? What's wrong, Kevin? Are you stunned? Can't move? Ah... I can feel the surprise emanating from you, that sense of astonishment... It's really funny!"

　　"Hahahaha!!! That damn snake is only capable of this! This ability to directly sense your emotions is only useful for this!"

　　"Okay... Kevin."

　　Kalpas pressed his mask covered with molten fire slightly... that was his [compatriot].

　　"Let us continue our... fight, our fight!"

　　"Until one side's blood runs out! Until one side's breathing stops! This fight will not end!!!"

　　"Come!!!"

　　Kalpas's figure disappeared in an instant.

　　Soon...

　　The water spread and the flames raged.

　　…

　　......

　"…It seems like I'm being treated specially~"

　Elysia, who had left the "painting" that had trapped her, looked around and spoke softly.

　She didn't have to face many enemies before, or rather, she didn't encounter any enemies in the "painting." She left the "painting" with almost no effort. But when she returned to reality, she found that the surrounding scene had changed. She seemed to have come to a... town, or a "nest"?

　The surrounding walls were covered with a moss-like azure substance, which occasionally emitted a faint light in the dim atmosphere, illuminating the surroundings like a lamp, and preventing the surroundings from falling into complete darkness.

　The air was still filled with the smell of dampness, but there was no more water on the ground. With every breath, some strange bubbles would emerge and float upwards, as if Elysia was no longer on land, but in the deep sea.

　"......"

　Elysia calmed down, held the beautiful bow tightly in her hand, and walked forward slowly with caution. Pink crystals emerged and gathered around her, and finally bloomed into a beautiful flower... This is a small prop for her to assist in combat. Isn't it beautiful? Just like her?

　As for the "Black Abyss White Flower"... she had no use for it. She had already found someone more suitable to wield that weapon, so she gave up owning it.

　Although logically speaking, the "Fire Moth" should not allow her to do this, especially when carrying out this kind of mission, Elysia's behavior is even more... difficult to understand. After all, the power displayed by the "Divine Key" is undoubtedly strong, and giving up using it at this critical moment... is really hard to understand.

　However, Elysia still gave her reasons... On the one hand, she herself was not used to using "Black Abyss White Flower." In comparison, she was more accustomed to using her own [ability]. Since someone was more suitable, she would naturally give up her position; and the other reason... was not known to others.

　After all, her own special nature means that she does not need to possess the "Divine Key" constructed by the "Herrscher Core." Even if she does not possess the "Divine Key," her combat power will not decrease much... In short, she is strong enough.

　It's just that she often limits her own output, which is why the title of "Humanity's Strongest Warrior" now belongs to Kevin, rather than herself. If she really wanted to, even if she couldn't defeat Kevin, she could at least be on par with him.

　After all... she is too special.

　A Herrscher who loves humans prefers humans, and wants to become a human... no matter what, she is still a Herrscher.

　The power she possesses is not comparable to that of ordinary people.

　However, when she thought of this, Elysia couldn't help but think of another person who was similar to her... a "Herrscher."

　He clearly loved [humanity] just as much as she did, and like her, he was willing to give everything for [humanity], and even in the end... he died as a [human]... Is that right?

　"......"

　Elysia pursed her lips, not knowing whether her guesses and thoughts were correct.

　She would rather believe that the existence that was the same as herself adhered to his identity as a human being and sacrificed himself in the end, and believed that another "Herrscher" had taken on his skin and done evil than she would rather believe... that everything that followed was done by him.

　only...

　Hmm~

　Before Elysia could continue her thoughts, a soft humming sound came from the depths. It was a voice Elysia was familiar with as if it was deliberately guiding her to move forward and go deeper.

　"......"

　Elysia calmed herself down again, suppressed the confusion in her eyes, and took a step forward.

　No matter what, she came here for only one purpose - to defeat the "Herrscher" and put an end to this [Great Eruption].

　Humanity... will definitely win.

　The magnificent civilization that belongs to mankind... will surely continue to exist.

　Hmm~

　As Elysia got closer, the humming seemed to become a lot lighter, as if the singer was thinking of something beautiful. The feeling of happiness, joy, and love came along with the song... and then, it suddenly stopped at a certain section.

　It was as if... the singer had sensed Elysia's arrival.

　However, Elysia didn't have the energy to pay attention to those things... everything in front of her left her no time to care about anything else.

　The azure blue is endless, azure blue bubbles.

　In this "nest"-like place, numerous and huge bubbles that stretch as far as the eye can see form a unique underground ocean, which always reminds people of the origin of the planet under their feet - at that time, "life" was also born from the [ocean].

　Magnificent life comes from the sea and may stay in the embrace of the mother ocean, step onto land and walk on the thick mud, or soar in the sky and enjoy the comfort brought by the clouds and breeze...

　And now, everything returns to... the sea, to [water].

　Yes, that's right… those staying in the bubbles are exactly… [human beings] one by one.

　The people inside looked like they were asleep, curled up, or lying on their sides, but they were floating quietly in the bubbles, like a "baby" waiting to be born.

　It looked like some kind of "egg," like the "nest" of some alien creature that appears in some horror movie. The impact of the scene in front of her was a little too much for Elysia.

　"The devil has deceived people into believing that there is heaven above, hell below, and the world in between... but that is not true."

　A voice like a chant, an intonation like a recitation, a voice with a hint of holiness and madness that is difficult to describe, came softly and then echoed here.

　"The journey to hell is destined to pass through heaven."

　"...How is it, Elysia? You are determined to travel from the human world to hell. What did you see along the way?"

　"......"

　Elysia looked in the direction of the voice and found Nozomi's figure... At this moment, he was standing next to a bubble, as if waiting for something, and... the bubble next to him seemed to be larger and darker in color than the other bubbles as if it was specially prepared for a special person.

　"To be honest, I quite like your response to the Nun... Think of the whole world as a sandwich cookie. Hell and the human world are the crackers on both sides, and heaven is the cream sandwich in the middle."

　Nozomi did not look up at her. It seemed that compared to Elysia, he had more important things to do and people who needed more attention... The only thing that remained unchanged was his gentle voice.

　"But at the same time, you're right. How can the human world and hell be the same? Right?"

　He was still talking to himself, seemingly not caring about Elysia's answers and responses... Of course, because Elysia didn't remember these things at all, and had no impression of these words.

　'Ah... It seems that I can find out some manifestations of my own [Power]... Every time I start over, the impressions left by others seem to be related to me. Otherwise, Elysia should have a similar impression to Sakura, and she would not be like now, always maintaining an ignorant appearance, and her attitude towards me would remain at the level of liking, without any extra attention or extra favoritism.'

　'...Haha, this is only natural, after all, she is Elysia.'

　"Nozomi..."

　Elysia pronounced his name with difficulty, her face filled with disbelief and sadness... Her guess was confirmed, but precisely because of this, she felt sad.

　Once... a companion who was just like her and loved [humanity]... eventually became like other "Herrschers," a tool for destroying civilization and a butcher knife for killing humanity.

　"Yes, it's me."

　At this time, when it was just the two of them, Nozomi no longer pretended or concealed anything, but admitted it openly. At the same time, and only at this time, did he look up at Elysia, and then retracted his gaze... Compared to Elysia, he had someone he needed to wait for more.

　"...Why?"

　"What why?"

　Nozomi asked back.

　"Why did you become like this?"

　There was sadness, confusion, and reluctance in Elysia's words.

　"You didn't die at the beginning, right? Everything that happened afterward was also caused by you... Then why... did you do this?"

　"Don't you like [humans] the most, Nozomi?"

"Yeah, I liked them, and I still do."

Nozomi spoke softly, and as he spoke, an inexplicable power began to flow around him, just like water flowing, spreading and diffusing from his body, and finally... gathering in the palm of his hand.

"So, I also expressed my love to them."

"So, this is your way of showing your affection?"

Elysia looked at the bubbles around her, looked at the people wrapped in the bubbles, and asked.

"Kill them... and let the Honkai creatures wear their skins and continue to live?"

"Nozomi, is this kind of person still a human being?"

"…Ha, let's just leave it at that."

Nozomi paused for a moment, then laughed and responded to her in a slightly frivolous tone... Since Elysia could ask this question, it meant that he was still very successful and had not been exposed until now.

This is only natural. After all, "thoughts" connect each other, and "blood" connects everyone... The efficient exchange of information allows him to clearly know the situation of everyone... Well, if I put it this way, he will always seem like an excessive "dictator", which is not good.

'We are all [compatriots], and we are all "equal"... Well, at least in some aspects, hehe~'

"...Nozomi."

"Yes, I'm here, Elysia."

Nozomi still didn't look up at her but responded softly... Such an impolite gesture was really bad and annoying, but Nozomi was more concerned about the things at hand and was looking forward to another person, that... his lover.

Compared to Elysia, she is more worthy of his attention. After all, he has to make a promise to her, a promise that will never change from now on.

The azure "blood" flowed out from the palm, flowed and gathered in the air, and finally outlined a gorgeous, azure "ring."

"Do you... really like [humans]?"

"Certainly."

Nozomi responded immediately, firmly, and as a matter of course, even with a hint of unquestionable meaning.

"Of course I like them."

"Really?"

"If you have any doubts, don't ask me again, Elysia."

Nozomi's voice sounded soft and plain.

"Before I answer the answer in your heart, everything I say will be doubted by you... I know the power of suspicion much better than you, Elysia."

"......"

"Let me tell you, Elysia...we are different, and we have always been different."

Nozomi said softly.

"You started from the human world, passed through heaven, and finally went to hell... This is the path you once chose, and it is also the path you have always chosen."

"But I'm different. I'm the opposite of you."

"I came from the hell where you ended up, passed by heaven, but my destination is the human world... Do you understand, Elysia? I am different from you. My starting point is different from yours. What I learned at the beginning and what I witnessed along the way are all different from yours."

Nozomi carefully looked at the "ring" in his hand. Although he was confident that she would accept it, he was still a little worried that this "ring" might not please her... After all, it was the pinnacle of art of an era.

But...if it were me, she would definitely accept it, right?

After all...

The "Twin Stars of the Times" depend on each other, accompany each other, and... will never fall.

"So the path I will choose, everything I choose, everything I do... will be different from yours, Elysia."

He said softly.

"You want to know why I do this? Well... it's simple because I can do it and I'll do it."

"In order to make [the ending] what I want, for this... I will exhaust everything and give everything."

"Look, Elysia, I have never changed. I have always been like this."

"What you mean by giving everything... is to turn everyone into what you want them to be? To become like this?"

Elysia asked... Her tone changed a little as if she was gradually strengthening her resolve.

"What else, Elysia? Otherwise, how else do you want them to defeat [Honkai]?"

Nozomi chuckled and looked up at Elysia.

"From the moment [Honkai] appeared, all people can do is embrace it and make it their own strength... Other than that, any behavior that resists it will only lead to bad consequences."

"No, that's not it. There's something better..."

"Okay, Elysia, there's no need to say anything more. Neither of us can convince the other."

Nozomi's tone lost its gentleness and became dull.

"We have different perspectives, Elysia, so it's too difficult to understand each other."

"But...it's okay, Elysia, it's okay."

Nozomi smiled gently.

"The final [end]... is already determined, and you can't change it, Elysia."

"......"

Elysia remained silent and pulled the bowstring in her hand.

Pink crystal flowers began to bloom and became brighter and brighter.

"Are you still planning to use this posture and this power to deal with me? You are too confident, Elysia."

Nozomi glanced at her and shook his head... 'You believe too much in human power, Elysia, and place your expectations on people's self-help, and on the brilliance and talents that people can show in desperate situations... This is too bad, Elysia.'

'The price that needs to be paid for something that can be called a "miracle" is... too heavy, especially for humanity and the entire civilization.'

'Even if it was "once", in the end, didn't you choose to use your own power as a "herrscher" to exchange for that "miracle"?'

'There is gain in loss, this is inevitable.'

'But...just as I said.'

'It's okay, Elysia…it's okay.'

'I will take it all on, I will be responsible for it all, and I will rewrite it all.'

'Because I can do it, I will do it.'

"That's great, Elysia. It's great to see you realize that this contradiction is irreconcilable. It's great to see you give up the idea of ​​having the best of both worlds. It's great to see... you make up your mind."

Nozomi raised the corners of his mouth slightly with a meaningful smile. He raised his head and looked at the oncoming pink arrow.

"But let me give you a little warning, Elysia."

The azure water flowed, blocking the arrow and trapping it in mid-air, preventing it from advancing an inch.

"Have you noticed? My 'blood relatives' are not around me."

"The doctor doesn't seem to be there either."

"So..."

Nozomi blinked his strange eyes that were golden and scarlet.

"where did they go?"

"......"

Elysia had a bad feeling.

"Elysia, you know, [changing homes] is sometimes a strategy... especially when your own [home] is impossible to be breached by the other party."

Nozomi looked at Elysia who was suddenly stunned and said with a smile.

"From the beginning, from the moment that song started, everything was set."

"You can't change this, Elysia."

......

Outside, on the coastal defense line built by humans, gloomy rain clouds suddenly began to spread and spread, covering the bright world.

The seawater surged, and waves came one after another, each wave higher than the last, and with them came countless "Kaiji."

Tick-tock——

It is the sound of rain falling.

Boom!

Thunder roared all around, and a flash of lightning illuminated the dark distant sea and the distant place shrouded in heavy rain.

What was revealed was a huge, gigantic black shadow whose entire body could not be seen at all, a dark blue body, numerous "eyes," and those conspicuous "fins"... It was the "monster"!!!

However, this time, above the huge and dark blue figure, in the dark and rainy sky, there was a conspicuous scarlet presence.

A bright red skirt, long white hair like waves, dangerous scarlet pupils, a strange dark blue sword in her hand, and more importantly, the aura she exudes... is close to that of a "Herrscher."

Everything is too conspicuous and too eye-catching.

"Don't worry," she said so.

"You don't have to suffer from dryness anymore... your way of living... is too hard."

"Please come, follow us, follow my Blood relative, to... our eternal Home."

"Don't worry."

She raised her sword.

"No lives will be lost."

Crash——

In an instant, heavy rain poured down.

In a flash, the waves were surging.

...

"It's really gorgeous."

At high altitude, in an altitude that is beyond the reach of ordinary aircraft and can only be reached by vehicles such as rockets, Mobius was in a gorgeous "jellyfish," looking at the outside world through the translucent skin, and said with a chuckle.

The sky is no longer blue. All that remains is the darkness of space. The moon becomes clearly visible, and the sun's radiance demonstrates its existence.

Here, in this place where there is nothing, in this extremely cold place, a group of gorgeous "jellyfish" are swimming and swaying quietly and slowly.

"I never thought that I would go to space in this way..."

Einstein, who was standing next to Mobius, looked at the scenery of space outside and said with a sigh.

"It's really amazing."

"Haha... yes, this feeling... is really great!" Mobius said with a smile.

"but…"

She lowered her head and looked around, especially at her own hands and her fellow jellyfish-looking fellows beneath her.

"There are still areas that can be further improved. If you want to cruise through the universe as an ocean... this level is not enough."

"Just take it one step at a time," Einstein said.

"After all, we still have many opportunities."

"Of course, we still have many opportunities to try and make mistakes... Before that, let's first solve the problem with the little guy~"

Mobius raised her hand, gently wiped her lips, and said with a smile.

Looking up, you can see through the translucent skin is the satellite in orbit... That was the "Fourth Divine Key," the only way for humans to maintain their position and prevent the world from being directly covered by heavy rain.

And now... it will belong to "Kaiji."

No, no, it still belongs to [human beings], doesn't it?

Hehe~

...

"Ah... I have to say, you're pretty lucky. Or maybe you and I, and her, have a deep connection. The timing of your coming is really good."

Nozomi withdrew his gaze from Elysia and turned to look at the bubble beside him... He stayed here just to wait for her.

he smiled, revealing a joyful and happy smile that Elysia had never seen before. With a polite and elegant manner, he held the "ring" in his palm and hid it behind his back, while the other hand reached forward and caught the slender and white hand that groped out of the bubble, looking a little flustered and confused.

The touch was gentle, as soft as flowing water, and the other party seemed to realize who they were touching. After a slight pause, they held Nozomi's hand with a little surprise and let him lead her out of the bubble.

Looking at the figure, Elysia widened her eyes and almost subconsciously wanted to shout out.

she can feel the cool breeze blowing around her, and she can feel the moist air at the tip of her nose.

Of course, there is also the warmth in his arms.

"Welcome back."

'Ahhh... I know, I know.'

She smiled happily, and her long burgundy hair intertwined and mixed with his hair.

Her brilliant golden pupils were filled with joy, and she closed her eyes happily, letting all her weight fall on Nozomi, allowing him to hold her in his arms... and she also raised her hand and held Nozomi in his embrace.

"Eden."

He whispered his lover's name.

" I'm back, Nozomi."

She responded so gently.

The two stars that once shone brightly meet and accompany each other again in repeated and overlapping times.

Elysia on the side just stared at it all in a daze, not knowing what to say or what to do.

She just felt... that she was really redundant at this moment.