'Guess?' How can I guess?
Elysia tilted her head and started to recall the little things with Ryan. She remembered that their first meeting was in Japan. At that time, she felt that this young man was a little special.
He was very smart, also very cold, and had a little bit of a desire for friends?
"You couldn't have really planned this in advance, could you? Even though I'm very cute, who would plan so far ahead for a girl they met for the first time? Wow, I remember the look in your eyes back then. It was as if you had known me for a long time?"
Elysia lightly clapped her hands, as if she was back in the city in early spring. That young man stared at her, a little surprised, but there was no sense of wariness at all.
"Hehe, you guess. I didn't expect you to care about me so much back then."
"Ryan, you're so cunning. You dare to trick me!"
The girl turned her head angrily, but the man smiled.
There was no need to guess the answer at all. Ryan might have decided to change the fate of the world the first time he saw Elysia. At that time, he didn't even know it himself. Now that he recalled it, some key points had already been established.
One of the important reasons why he was willing to take over the Fire Moth, rebel, and form the Golden Courtyard was for Elysia.
He knew this flawless girl too well. For the people she loved, and the things she loved, she would not hesitate to sacrifice her life. It could be said that the final ball in the original timeline was inevitable. Trying to persuade her with empty words was more of an insult. He had to do things in advance.
The fact that Herrschers cannot be saved has become a truth. Even the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, they might believe Elysia, but no one had the right to bear this risk for the entire civilization. Moreover, even if they believed her, the Fire Moth would not. As Elysia's Herrscher characteristics became more and more obvious, when the time came for her to show her cards, there were very few choices left.
At that time, humanity was already on the verge of extinction, with only a few tens of thousands of people left clinging to life. The Fire Moth Council was like a frightened small animal. When they saw a Herrscher, they would have a fit and would not dare to seek a third path.
The Herrscher must be killed. The Herrscher cannot be reasoned with. All flowery words are just a prelude to destruction. What about being a hero? Himeko's reputation was also quite famous, but she burned down Australia.
Under the pressure from the higher-ups, Kevin and the others had no choice either. Could they start another dispute and fight a civil war for Elysia?
Ryan believed that the almost-mad Fire Moth would definitely do something like cutting her off. For Elysia, the choice was also very simple.
To use her own life to fight for a slim hope for this era. After all, no one knew how powerful the end was. What if the deranged Kevin and the Moonlight Throne system could get through it?
If that doesn't work, she would use her own life to end the painful cycle and leave hope for the next era. When the Herrschers regain humanity, destruction will no longer restart. Maybe in tens of thousands of years, humanity will truly see the dawn of victory.
This was self-sacrifice for others. This was sacrificing oneself for a righteous cause. That 'amen' was not said for nothing.
In an instant, Ryan thought of many things. He compared the timeline he had 'experienced' with the current one, filtered out the differences, and then came to an answer.
This was definitely not an impulsive boast. It was the result of scientific justification, accumulated step by step. On this day of reckoning, he was not panicked at all.
"You thought my promise was just empty words? I'm sorry, I started preparing a long, long time ago." Ryan's voice was very low. What he did was actually very simple. He just had to give Elysia another choice.
"For this, I became the Commander of the Fire Moth. I became the flag of humanity. My judgment has defeated several Herrschers. I have saved the world several times. So—"
"I have the right to make a choice for them and bear the risks behind this choice. You don't need to do anything extra."
The man was very firm, and even his tone was commanding. This kind of overbearingness could not be refuted even by the most opinionated warrior.
Without his repeated desperate struggles, humanity would have been extinct long ago. Ryan seemed to have 'weakened' Kevin, 'weakened' Kalpas, and 'weakened' Aponia. In reality, he took their fate on himself and clearly told the world:
Kevin doesn't have to go crazy. The things that need to be done can be done, and they can be done better!
So he really did all this for me.
Elysia's heart warmed. She didn't even think about how Ryan knew this outcome and started to hesitate.
"But if you do that, the war might be endless. I can only bring the game to an end by dying."
Her hesitation was normal. Honkai had every intention of grinding humanity down, and the extinguishing of the flame of origin was the end.
"I don't need that. This problem can be solved. I already have a plan. You don't think I'm just showing off, do you?"
"But if I die, the solidified fate will change. The future Herrschers will not be cruel and heartless. They will be tainted by my scent."
Ryan also understood these words. The Herrscher of Human would give Herrschers 'humanity', which is emotion. They would change from a killing machine to a 'person' who could be enlightened. This was the decisive factor, and also Mei's biggest hesitation.
Without this premise, the success rate of the Fire Seed Plan was very low, and the world would still be in an endless cycle. Then the 'Stigma Plan' was the only option. Look at the Honkai of the next generation. What's the difference between them and a spy organization? There are almost no people who do their jobs, and traitors are everywhere.
"No need. I'm too deeply involved with you guys. I'm not in the mood to make new friends. There's no need to do such unnecessary things."
"But I..."
"Alright. The fact that you're willing to talk proves that you're ready to let me make the decisions." Ryan interrupted her forcefully and said concisely: "Don't overthink. Don't do anything extra. Leave everything to me. If there's any problem in the end, I'll bear the sin. It has nothing to do with you."
'I will admit it, I will bear it, I will solve it.'
Elysia finally understood the weight of these words. This was him admitting her identity, bearing her fate, and solving all the problems that arose from it.
'Can Ryan handle it?'
After a moment of hesitation, she already had the answer. The person standing in front of her was the Commander of the Fire Moth, Ryan, who was known as the strongest human.
That beautiful face finally showed a hint of a smile: "Don't you feel that the pressure is too great? The old you wouldn't do this."
When she met Ryan, it was right after the Qianyu Academy incident. At that time, she saw through Ryan's thoughts in one glance.
This man was desperately seeking power, and it was only for survival. He wanted to live and was a little ruthless.
"I am no longer the person I used to be. As I walk on my path, I also receive feedback from it. Isn't this change to my 'true self' a kind of supreme Trailblazersing?" Ryan slightly let go of her and stroked her slightly curly pink hair. His eyes became more and more domineering.
"I've decided to walk the path of a hero, even if I'm only the hero of you few. And a so-called hero—" He reached out and gently pointed at Elysia's prominent left chest.
"Is defined by what they bear."
...
The TV was playing a cartoon. Rin and Griseo were watching without blinking. The round table was already filled with food, but no one was touching their chopsticks, making the delicious food go cold.
This kind of waste of food would normally make Kalpas roar, but at this moment, everyone was silent.
The atmosphere was a little heavy. No one was talking. Eden would occasionally turn her head to look out the window. Aponia was knitting mechanically. Kalpas was staring at the table in a daze. Sakura opened her mouth several times, but didn't know what to say, so she closed it.
The Golden Courtyard had become desolate. On one hand, most of the people had official business outside. On the other hand, there was a sense of heaviness in their hearts.
Elysia's identity was never a secret. Anyone with a brain could guess it. Because they were together day and night, any small emotional fluctuation could be seen. And there were existences like Joyful Vil-V and Aponia who could see through people's hearts. With a little hint, everyone understood.
Unlike the original timeline where they came together out of despair and were never all together, the current Thirteen Flame-Chasers were definitely more united and cherished each other more. Everyone had a strong sense of presence.
"No, I have to go out and see!" Kalpas suddenly stood up, but was pulled back by Sakura, and his eyes immediately became unfriendly.
Sakura was not afraid. She shook her head: "Don't go. Any decision Ryan makes will not be wrong. He must have thought of everything."
"You trust him that much?"
"Yes. I believe he can do it perfectly. No one else besides him can solve this."
Looking at the determined girl, Kalpas hesitated for a moment and then suddenly raised his head: "What about you guys? Why are you all just sitting there?"
"Because we all trust him."
"Ryan's judgment has never been wrong. Without him, do you think we would be able to live in peace until now?"
Their opinions were the same. The bloody battle had no end and had also witnessed a lot of cruelty, but their lives were generally peaceful. Everyone had time to rest, so they had a little more calmness.
Kalpas scanned everyone. Their worries were similar, and their confidence was also similar. He then sat down sullenly.
'A bunch of idiots. I'm too lazy to talk to you.'
Seeing him give up, Sakura also breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced at Aponia who was knitting. She trusted him, but her heart was still in turmoil.
'The guess actually came true. Elysia is actually a Herrscher.' Every time she thought about this, she felt a little pained. No matter what, she couldn't associate this lively and beautiful girl with those cold and heartless Herrschers.
That 'love' definitely came from the bottom of her heart. Compared to the emotionless Herrschers, she was the opposite. She quietly clenched the Seven Thunders of Retribution she had just gotten back.
She had asked Mei about this, but this time, Dr. Mei, who had a foolproof plan, just told her to follow Ryan's orders and make her own judgment. She said that she was only the chief of staff and had no right to decide on such a big matter.
'How can I make a judgment? How can I dare to make a judgment?'
"Sakura, you're afraid that the future Elysia will be completely different from now, aren't you?" Aponia stopped her actions and looked at her with a gentle gaze.
"Yes. After a person becomes a Herrscher, their personality changes drastically. For example, the Fourth Herrscher. Himeko once talked to me a lot when she was drunk." She remembered the red-haired older sister who was crying.
The Fourth Herrscher used to be her subordinate, a beautiful, gentle, and a little old-fashioned girl, and also Himeko's best friend. After she became a Herrscher, her memories remained, but she had completely changed.
This was the biggest hidden danger. If Elysia became like this, and she was just acting with her memories now, the consequences would be unimaginable. A knife from behind was the most terrifying.
"So I never dared to mention Elysia to Himeko. The blow would be too great."
"Then don't mention it. From what I've seen, Elysia is completely different from the other Herrschers, but I can't describe this feeling either." Aponia said calmly. Then she changed the subject: "There's no proof for this. It all depends on whether the listener believes it or not. It's not suitable for discussion."
Sakura's purple eyes lit up. She asked anxiously: "Then did you tell Ryan?"
"Him? Do you think there's a need to? Ryan knows more than I do."
Sakura was a little choked up and didn't know how to retort. Because she didn't have Aponia's ability, she didn't know what her fate was originally. She had asked before, but the nun just smiled without a word.
Anyway, that hint of pity she showed made Sakura feel that if she hadn't met Ryan, her ending would probably not have been good.
Hearing that all the professionals were on Ryan's side, her confusion dissipated a lot. She thought to herself that she shouldn't think too much. Ryan and Mei were not unreasonable people who only cared about emotions.
As long as the two of them agreed, what opinion could anyone else have? But the key was, would Elysia accept this kindness?
"Phew, it should be fine. It just depends on how Ryan convinces Elysia." After Sakura relaxed, she felt even more restless. She craned her neck to peek outside, curious about what the two of them were talking about.
Elysia looked carefree, but she was actually very opinionated. Ryan wouldn't use force, would he...
At this moment, the door lock suddenly clicked. The people who were lost in their thoughts immediately looked over, and a hint of anticipation appeared in their eyes.
Ryan walked in, his face expressionless, with a unique coldness, which made everyone's hearts skip a beat. Kalpas even half-squatted, and killing intent was brewing. Sakura looked at him warily and quietly put her hand on the hilt of her knife.
If Ryan was the organizer of the Golden Courtyard, Elysia was the soul. Some people wouldn't care about what was righteous.
At this tense moment, a glimpse of pink hair appeared in their sight. The flower-like girl followed closely behind him, her face a little red, and she was humming a soft tune.
"Hmm, why are you all looking at me? Sakura, your eyes are red." Elysia was full of questions. Before she could react, Eden rushed over in a step and hugged her tightly.
"Eden, you're so passionate. You're making me shy."
"Don't talk. I just want to hold you now."
Eden was a big woman, and her hug was very tight, which made Elysia a little breathless. She froze for a moment, slowly raised her hands, and also hugged the singer's smooth back, gently stroking it.
She felt that Eden's embrace was very warm. She then looked at the others and showed a sweet and warm smile.
"Hi, I'm home again ♪"