In the recording room.
At that moment in the present, most of the Herrschers whom Elysia had spoken of… still walked the earth.
Well… to be precise, all of them.
Which was… a little strange.
Kiana: "The last thing I want is for you to be evaluating me like that — brave, cute, whatever… Tch, and I still haven't had a two-person tea party with Mei!"
Mei: "…Is this… your way of ranking Herrschers worldwide?"
Bronya: "It's quite something… Herrschers choosing to become human is even rarer than humans becoming Herrschers."
Fu Hua: "As long as you're happy."
Herrscher of Sentience: "Hey, hey! Bronya, just now — were you hinting at someone?! Elysia… Ah, even seeing you doesn't feel good. What? You're asking how I know?"
As for Seele, Wendy, Anna, Su Lu, and Luo Mo, they didn't quite match their "real name" counterparts anymore.
Of course, Luo Mo had every reason to be proud. He was the one who truly understood Elysia's ideals, and thanks to his persistent efforts, all Herrschers stood on humanity's side. From that perspective, he had rightfully become part of Elysia's "flame-chasers" in spirit.
For his irreplaceable contributions to St. Freya Academy — if it were ever renamed the "Herrscher Training Academy" — he was sure a portion of the credit would be his.
He had earned it.
Only Theresa, healed from her injuries, had achieved her goal. Even though she had become the Herrscher of Binding, her voice was no longer as loud as it once was.
-----
In the Golden Courtyard.
"Elysia, you've met everyone this time. How do you feel?"
Eden smiled with narrowed eyes, raising her wine glass to her lips. The red wine swayed gently — only a final sip remained.
"It feels… absolutely amazing!"
"All the Herrschers have become Herrschers with humanity in their hearts. That's… something I couldn't have even dreamed of!"
From the bottom of her heart, Elysia sighed at the miracle. The blush on her small, beautiful face only added to her charm, and the excitement in her voice carried her genuine joy for everyone to hear. Her bright, captivating eyes drew the gaze of all around her.
By some strange twist of fate, every Herrscher had been subdued, and enmities had turned to friendships. This kind of story — this reality — was even more beautiful than she could have imagined.
----
In the game.
The tea party with the young girl was also coming to an end — for no matter how wonderful the story, it would always have its conclusion.
Nothing remains frozen in time. And if it does… then please, choose to keep moving forward.
"I'm so glad I once chose to step into the path of the world's music… and witness your stories," Mei said with deep emotion.
In her eyes were Elysia's shadow, and the shadows of countless others she had met along the way. Those beautiful moments… the beautiful world they created… made her heart ever clearer.
"This story moved me. It helped me grow. And in the end… it became part of who I am."
"I will pass on your stories and your will, so that generation after generation will know that there was once a group like you — who lived dazzling, brilliant lives."
"Not just the heroes' tales — but Kiana's story, Bronya's story, Fu Hua's story…"
This was a wonderful journey. And every passerby along the way had given her a different gift.
"All those who fought with everything they had for something beautiful…"
And so, she too was willing…
…to fight for the beauty of this world.
Elysia smiled softly. Once a close friend, she had now become a mentor along the road of life — always playing just the right role at just the right time. At this final moment, she offered Mei a blessing as a parting gift.
"Mei. Growing up has never been something that happens all at once. Those times of confusion and doubt? They're there to make us start thinking."
"All the joys and all the pains — when they come together, they form the mature and strong Mei standing here now."
"So please… accept your whole self. Because those who love you will also love your flaws."
"Mm… I understand."
"I promise."
"Haha ♪~"
The girl let out a laugh like silver bells, gazing at the beautiful figure before her. The purple-haired girl was no longer naive. Even if sorrow lingered in her heart, she would still press forward — just as those before her once did — ready to face whatever trials awaited.
The heroes' legacy truly had been entrusted to a worthy successor. Of course… Elysia had believed in Mei from the very beginning ♪~
Just as she had always said.
"So… ready to head out?"
"…Mm."
Mei nodded softly. She knew that soon, she would have to part ways again.
But just like before, she had friends waiting for her.
She would keep going, carrying the hopes of everyone with her.
"I will become the Herrscher of Origin… and fulfill the mission I'm meant to complete."
Once again, the word "mission" left her lips. But this time, it wasn't tinged with grief — only with flowers blooming in joy.
"…Pfft — Mei, you still haven't realized it yet?"
Elysia chuckled, her laughter growing as she saw Mei's puzzled face. That expression, like someone facing a great crisis, was something she'd been holding back a laugh over for a while now.
"There was no "trial" ahead at all. Only… a little blessing ♪~"
"?"
Mei blinked in confusion.
"When you came here, Mei, you were already the Herrscher of Origin."
Elysia propped her head up with one hand, looking at her with a warm smile.
"Or maybe… it's because you became the Herrscher of Origin that you could come to this Primordial Sea and meet me."
"Tell me — was it Vill-V's signal that woke me up and allowed me to appear like this… or was it your own wish?"
The playful girl was never the kind to annoy — and this time, she wasn't posing a riddle. The answer was alive, breathing, right in front of her.
"When you came here, Mei, you were already the Herrscher of Origin, you know?"
Elysia propped her chin up with one hand, smiling gently at the astonished look on the other's face.
"Or perhaps… it's precisely because you became the Herrscher of Origin that you could come to this Aquamarine Sanctuary and meet me."
"What do you think? Was waking me up—letting me appear before you like this—something Vill-V wished for… or was it your own heart's desire, Mei?"
The mischievous girl wasn't the kind who would ever annoy someone, and this time she didn't even bother to play riddles—the answer was vivid and alive.
"If it weren't for your will, Mei, I could only have slept forever deep in your heart's reality… catching only the closest, briefest glimpse of you."
She closed her eyes with a happy smile, then encouraged:
"So, Mei… you're even more incredible than you think you are."
"…This really is… surprising."
Mei let out a wry chuckle.
"Hmm… could it be… Mei still doesn't quite feel it yet?"
"Maybe you need something a bit more ceremonial? Like… a beautiful new outfit… or maybe a little… senpai-style special lesson?"
"If Mei truly wishes it, well… it's not impossible~"
Elysia smiled with her eyes, like a curious cat's paw gently scratching at the other's heart.
"…Mm. I'll leave both of those to you, Elysia."
Mei replied without hesitation.
"My my, Mei's gotten greedy now~"
But of course, she didn't reject it.
A beautiful girl being just the right amount of greedy was nothing she would dislike.
So—both the "ceremony" and the "beautiful new clothes"—she would gladly take responsibility for them!
----
[Greedy Mei! Spoil her, Elysia!]
[Ellie, you should be greedy too! Hurry up and touch those horns, I wholeheartedly approve!]
[To witness them is to be changed by them. Everyone who sees their story is different because of it.]
['Special lesson'—sure—but a Herrscher without new clothes is an incomplete Herrscher!]
---
In the Golden Courtyard—
"Stories… I suddenly realize that word comes up a lot. My story… surely it must move Mei deeply."
Elysia drifted into thought for a moment.
"In human civilization, stories carry everything. Prometheus described it so wonderfully—people travel alongside stories through history's grand painting. Every encounter is another chapter written upon it."
Eden's voice was warm and soft, and she felt that kind of chapter suited Elysia perfectly.
A letter from the future passed through her hands—not that it was entirely accurate—but even she, romantic as she was, couldn't help but look forward to such a miracle.
"That's right. Stories… isn't that what the Elysian Realm means? To leave behind a story of Elysia for those who come after?"
Aponia folded her hands at her chest, her face serene, speaking gently.
"Don't say it like that. Peace belongs to all of us. If you say it that way, I'll get embarrassed, Aponia."
Elysia nudged Aponia away a bit, her cheeks flushing.
Aponia was just like that. And lately… Elysia couldn't tell if Luo Mo was imitating Aponia, or if Aponia was imitating Luo Mo—but in any case, stop looking at her with the eyes of a god!
"There's no need for that, Ellie. I only speak the truth."
"I told you, don't say it like that—learn from me, Aponia~"
Elysia pouted but still tried to correct her.
"Hehe, as expected of sister Ellie, every word hits right in Mei-nee's heart!"
Pardo—smiling sheepishly and scratching the back of her head—chimed in from the side.
"I'm actually quite curious—just what kind of 'Special Lesson' are you planning to give her?"
Mobius smiled—and of course, a smile on her face was never quite ordinary.
"Don't just focus on that tiny little detail. Don't underestimate the other 99% of the conversation… Besides, Mei clearly wants those first two things."
Elysia sighed, unable to really argue.
As for what kind of "special lesson"… in her heart, she quietly threw away those indecent ideas. Absolutely not allowed!
-----
At the company's recording room.
Kiana felt utterly deflated.
It wasn't that she disagreed with Elysia's words—after all, even Himeko Sensei had said something similar to her—it's just… what came after was teasing, wasn't it? Definitely teasing!
They were both "teachers" in life, in a sense, but Mei… compared to her and Himeko-sensei, was somehow just a little different, wasn't she?
Was she really a qualified teacher herself?
Of course, Kiana wasn't questioning Elysia's ability to inspire—it was just that… well… this was the Herrscher destined to destroy the world.
"Herrscher outfits… you can actually get them custom-made?"
The Herrscher of Sentience blinked in surprise, plucking at the black feathers she wore, feeling suddenly tempted to change.
"…That's what you're curious about?"
Luo Mo was even more surprised by her focus.
Ignoring the Kiana who looked like a frost-bitten eggplant, Mei was doing her best to gently reassure her.
"Maybe it's because the previous Herrscher still exists, or because of Aquamarine's special nature… But first, just so we're clear—the Herrscher of Reason has no such function."
Bronya analyzed calmly. She had no particular feelings about her transformed appearance, but if such a thing were possible for the Herrscher of Reason… the image was just too much to even imagine.
She acknowledged the uniqueness of the Herrscher of Origin—because it was a once-in-an-eternity miracle.
"I suppose that makes sense. Too bad, though… I can't give the next Herrscher of Sentience even a small joy."
The Herrscher of Sentience sounded genuinely disappointed.
"…Little Senti, I don't think your existence is the kind that can even have a successor."
Fu Hua's lips twitched slightly, but she still reminded her.
What was she thinking?
Others inherited a core—she was the core.
"Hey, I was just saying. Don't take it so seriously."
----
In the game.
Starlight burst forth, blending with a pink-tinged sky and ocean to form a panoramic world. Ripples spread from afar beneath Mei's feet, leading toward the distant, singing pink figure.
Her voice narrated the prologue—and the epilogue—of the story within this world.
"To let no song go unsung, let the chorus rise again."
"For stories buried in dust by history—write the next chapter."
"Noble and pure souls—step onto the road ahead."
Mei walked toward her. Where sky and sea met, that figure was waiting. Along this journey, Mei had met many interesting people and heard many wonderful tales.
And the voice continued to call out:
"To those dear friends who gather in joy—grant the freedom of the Dreaming Void."
"To those dear friends dancing through the mortal dust—grant the patience of Ephemeral Life."
"…"
The other twelve Flame-Chasers figures appeared one by one in this space, each leaving their mark. Elysia's voice explained each of them, and the imprints they left were now transformed into the power of Aquamarine.
The remaining twelve heroes, one after another, passed through this fragment of space, each leaving behind their traces. Elysia's gentle voice narrated for each of them, explaining the meaning of their blessings. Every hero's Signet now transformed into the power of Authority of Origin.
Pardofelis, Hua, Mobius…
Their figures moved through the wondrous space of this fragment like trains that would never intersect, yet in her consciousness, they left their tracks.
"May the endless sword of friendship grant you the hope of [Salvation]."
"May flawless kindness bless you, and grant you the return to [True Self]."
Finally, at the far end, Klein's figure appeared. The thirteen Flame-Chasers gathered not far away, signifying that all the blessings had been bestowed.
Elysia's voice rose instantly, carrying the cadence of creation itself. Countless falling stars began tracing arcs across the sky, the vast and beautiful sight unfolding gloriously at the horizon where sea met heaven.
"Here, we sing our praises — the birth of the Herrscher of Origin."
"Next—"
Far away, the manta ray gently tapped the sea with its tail before disappearing into the depths amidst a shower of pink petals.
The distant figure faded from sight, replaced by a voice close enough to feel.
A captivating, joyous voice rang out, filling every corner of space with her presence. Like a forest sprite dancing, her magic staff swept gracefully, drawing starlight's melody, merging it with the rippling sea.
"Now, it's Mei's turn to shine."
...
In the next instant, Elysia appeared before her, flying through the air. Her pink magic staff trailed petals as it soared; their fragrance reached Mei as her long white dress billowed in the wind around her.
She extended her hand, her warm smile like a painting—so beautiful no one could find a reason to refuse.
The moment Mei took her hand, a gentle power lifted her high into the air. The world turned into a swirl of pink petals around her, weaving Elysia's love, her flowers, her birds, into a garment just for Mei.
Radiant thunderlight traced the outer edges of the outfit, concealing the pure white lines of her true self beneath, while behind her, a soft violet halo like the moon and blossoms crowned her shoulders like a divine mantle.
Divinity and humanity intertwined, a pale glow filling her eyes.
Mei gently raised her hand, gazing at the exquisite pink crystal flower she held, feeling the warm power within her.
"Thank you, Elysia."
"This really is… such a magical feeling. The power of the Origin… and your heart."
"I'll carry our will from start to finish… so you'll keep watching me, won't you?"
She whispered softly toward the unseen darkness. Beyond that darkness, in the sea of starlight, she believed the other was still watching her move forward.
[This song of mine will brush your forehead, like a blessing's kiss.]
[When you are alone, it will sit by your side and murmur to you; when you are in a crowd, it will guard you away from the noise.]
[My song will become the wings of your dreams, carrying your heart to that unknown horizon.]
[When the night covers your path, it will become the honest starlight shining above your head.]
And so, the story of the Herrscher of Origin began anew.
"With me… as the ending…"
Elysia's final lingering voice drifted across the waters.
[With me… as the beginning.]
Mei closed her eyes and silently recited the words in her heart.
----
[Elysian Realm Graduation Supplement]
[Elysia: "As a return gift, your horns— I will gladly accept them with gratitude~.]
[Next, Mei, this is your story now!]
[It feels just like Elysia and the Herrscher of Thunder have merged — Mei has completely taken on Elysia's style.]
----
In the Golden Courtyard.
"Well… that's the end of my story, so I'll hand it over to the new Herrscher of Origin ♪~"
Elysia's cheerful words still carried a faint trace of loneliness.
Though she kept speaking with the same joy as before, she longed for Mei's future and regretted she couldn't witness it in person, couldn't stay by her side.
But such a grand, magnificent ending—like something from a dream—was something she truly loved.
"…," Eden sighed softly, as the elf once again stepped away from the stage.
That was simply who she was—always remembering her companions, and even at the end, pulling them together to witness the moment.
But the power of Authority of Origin had been entrusted to the next era.
"Hmph— your story is far from over," Mobius countered, her eyes holding a complicated look.
This time… don't leave before the rest of us.
"Such an ending is far too small for our once-in-50,000-years Herrscher of Origin! You could still have a far grander ending, one that declares to the whole universe that you're leaving!" Vill-V's tone rose with confidence, her expression radiating possibility.
"Well then, I'll be watching closely, Vill-V, ahaha~"
Elysia laughed, covering her mouth. How could she betray the goodwill of her dear friends?
They—thirteen of them—were a whole.
Just like during the Herrscher of Origin's grand ceremony, she had brought them all together.
No matter the ending, only with all thirteen united could it be called truly grand and magnificent—more beautiful than anything in another world.
And perhaps… she really was a little afraid of being alone.