[After hearing Mei's explanation, Vill-V clicked her tongue in amazement, as if meeting Mei for the first time:
"Strange... How peculiar. Did you really figure all this out yourself?"
"Oh... cough, truly remarkable. I have to look at you in a new light, Herrscher of Thunder... No, has anyone ever told you you'd make a better Herrscher of Reason?"
Vill-V said: "I can indeed help you reach that place, but anything that happens afterward is beyond my control."
"That's enough, thank you."
"Hey! Don't thank me yet. I'd love to help you... but this time is different."
"As you know, this is equivalent to building a bridge between cognitions. In other words... to reach the Depth through this method, you must pass through my Sea of Thoughts."
"I must completely lower my defenses and lay bare my [entire soul] to you. If it were you, would you be willing to endure such a thing for the sake of [helping others]?"
"I'm not Elysia, after all!"
Mei fell silent, seemingly unsure how to persuade her. Then Vill-V revealed a sly smile: "Let's make a deal, Herrscher of Thunder. My complete self, in exchange for your complete self."
Mei completely agreed to this proposal, as there was nothing in her past that couldn't be shown to others.]
[Black Swan]: "Mei laying bare her entire heart and all her memories to Vill-V... I truly wish Mei would share her memories with me too. The Garden of Recollection would treasure them properly."
[Kiana]: "Why is everyone after Mei's memories! Why wasn't I the first one Mei bared her heart to!!"
[Stelle]: "Poor Kiana! In situations like this, we generally call it 'Kiana in Anti-Entropy'!"
[Kiana]: "You!!"
[March 7th]: "You should act more human!"
[Stelle]: "No! I've received approval from lofty morals confirming I'm correct!"
[Boothill]: "Dammit, if the whole universe's moral standards were like yours, could we even keep the Woob-woob universe?"
[The prepared Mei soon arrived at Vill-V's Sea of Thoughts, where she saw numerous fleeting glimpses and even unknown imprisoned personalities begging Mei for help!
Mei now understood - Vill-V had deceived her. She hadn't completely laid bare her own heart, while Mei's heart was completely undefended. But Mei had no time to dwell on Vill-V's behavior now. Having reached the boundary of the Depth, Aponia was already waiting here, hoping Mei wouldn't proceed further. However, Mei had paid with her memories, her heart, tried countless methods within ten days, investigated unknown amounts of content, and was now about to reach the end. How could she be stopped by such obstacles? Mei had no intention of listening, continuing forward relentlessly until she soon arrived at the Depth - a holy hall, sacred and solemn. As Mei arrived, Aponia clasped her hands together, praying devoutly for
Mei: "All admonitions cease here."
"Raiden Mei, what has made you determined..."
"To so wretchedly fall into the endgame?"
Mei now understood: "My final question has finally been answered - my [death date] is indeed connected to my intention to reach the Depth. Even... it's the same thing."
"The truth about the so-called prophecy is... you don't allow anyone to uncover the secrets of the Depth. If someone like me dares to cross the boundary, you will undoubtedly strike them down."
"Strike down... ah, what an appropriate description."
"[Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down] - Since you already know I will do this, why still take the risk?"
Aponia frankly admitted Mei's speculation - she had indeed concealed some things. There were matters Mei shouldn't know about. But regarding the prophecy, it truly wasn't that Mei would die on the tenth day. "Unfortunately I cannot recreate that scene, but your fate will undoubtedly be severed here and now."
Mei sneered. "Or rather... our fates intersect and both are severed. I cannot see any outcome beyond this, only silence."
Aponia said sorrowfully: "Either... I eliminate Miss Mei, or... I eliminate [Elysian Realm]."]
[Ellio]: "So this is how it is. The scene Aponia prophesied was actually the destruction of Elysian Realm."
[Hi3rd-Welt]: 'So that's how it is. What Aponia foresaw was the arrival of the Herrscher of Corruption. After Schicksal received World Serpent's database, we learned that the Herrscher of Corruption's arrival was split in two - half in the real world, eliminated by Gray Serpent and Raven, while the other part entered Elysian Realm, perishing together with it."
[Vill-V]: "Understood. Was it Kevin's Divine Key 666 or Mobius's imitation corruption virus?"
[Vill-V]: "Corruption in Elysian Realm is no different from Finality. Since it was mutual destruction, it should be 666."
[Theresa]: "You all... aren't afraid of death?"
[Elysia]: "I imagine our curtain call must have been grand and solemn! ♪"
[Elysian Realm-Kevin]: "No matter the cost, humanity will definitely overcome Honkai!"
[Kalpas]: "Afraid of death!? Hahahahaha!"
["Aponia, what if... I eliminate you?"
Aponia smiled, looking at Mei as if gazing at a mischievous child, once again urging her to leave. At this point, battle became unavoidable, and Mei and Aponia began to fight.
Although they seemed evenly matched in combat, Aponia still had leisure time for therapeutic conversation during the battle. She explained things Mei hadn't fully understood before and told Mei that she had already merged with Elysian Realm - she was Elysian Realm itself. Mei was now opposing the entire realm. After expending tremendous effort (with Griseo's help), Mei finally defeated Aponia, who weakly fell from the sky. Then, the sky shattered like glass. A flash of white light later, Mei shockingly saw Aponia still there praying, no different from when she first arrived at the Depth. "Mei, welcome to the Depth [in person]."
Mei said in surprise: "None of what just happened was real?"
"I told you I wouldn't harm you."
Aponia's voice remained as gentle and merciful as ever.]
[Herrscher of Sentience]: "Haha, not bad with illusions, Aponia!"
[Raiden Mei]: "All those previous battles were just illusions!?"
[Theresa]: 'The Flame-Chasers' strength... almost every one of them can fight against Herrschers.'
[Pardofelis]: 'Sorry for being weak!'
[Ellio]: "It's just a pity that, according to what Mr. Welt said, fate ultimately still played out, just unrelated to Mei."
T/N : I'm back!!