["With such a simple method, you avoided all possible accidents...You win, Aponia."
Although it was just an illusion moments ago, Mei had expended corresponding power.
If they were to engage in actual combat now, Mei stood no chance of winning. Aponia's gentle voice echoed in Mei's ears: "The painting that appeared in the sky earlier was created by Griseo, wasn't it?"
"Using this method, you channeled part of your [infusion] into this battle—was this also part of your plan?"
Mei remained silent at first, seemingly uncertain whether to disclose the truth. But gazing at Aponia's sincere expression, she ultimately chose not to deceive. She explained: "That wasn't part of the plan, just an accident. I... was merely fulfilling a promise to her. I only understood what had happened when I saw it myself."
Aponia visibly relaxed, her gaze toward Mei growing even gentler: "Is that so? That's good."
"Defeating me... even killing me, doesn't matter. But if you were deliberately exploiting that child..."
"Even if it goes against my true nature, or her expectations... I would have no choice but to eliminate another Herrscher for the sake of future generations."]
[Pardofelis]: "Wow! Sister Aponia becomes incredibly dangerous whenever little Griseo is involved!"
[Stelle]: "Open up! Flame-Chasers delivering warmth!!"
[Griseo]: "Aponia mommy, Sister Mei isn't a bad person."
[Silver Wolf]: "How is Mei supposed to fight now? She couldn't even win in the illusion, let alone in reality. Will Aponia just give Mei the information herself next?"
[Honkai Star Rail·Welt]: "Let's continue watching. Speculating here serves no purpose."
["The end approaches, Mei. Could you tell me why you're so determined to [step into it]?"
Mei recalled her past and spoke sincerely to
Aponia: "I believe the outcome can be changed."
"Even if it cannot... then I want to decide the process of reaching that outcome myself."
"My companions and I... we spent a long time trapped in schemes, manipulated behind the scenes by certain individuals."
"Being arranged by others... and being arranged by fate—to me, there's no difference."
"There are too many endings we cannot change, but before that, there are equally many things I can do."
"And the [ending] will thus reveal an entirely different meaning."]
[Stelle]: "Certain individuals... a certain blond man who wishes to remain anonymous. A certain bishop of Schicksal has no objections."
[Tesla]: "**** Otto, you **** won't **** die well!"
[Boothill]: "Well bless my soul, every time Otto gets mentioned, Tesla starts showering him with such adorable sweet nothings."
[Sparkle]: "This matter is also documented regarding a certain mechanical cowboy mentioning a certain anonymous head of the Market Development Department."
[Boothill]: "Damn it, Fool! Do you really want me to love you to death!"
[March 7th]: "Huh? Didn't Mei say something similar to what Sam said to Stelle in that previous video?"
[Stelle]: "Seems like it."
[Nagamitsu]: "Is this also the similarity between counterparts?"
[Seemingly moved by Mei's account of her past, Aponia also shared with Mei the story of a certain girl: "Mei, did you know... someone once told me exactly the same words."
"Back then... she too rushed headlong toward an already predetermined ending."
"From beginning to end, I couldn't see her [fate]."
"So I thought things had taken a turn. She achieved what I couldn't through means unknown to me."
Aponia looked compassionately at the surroundings belonging to the Previous Era civilization and said to
Mei: "But as you know, the ending didn't change. That once glorious civilization can't even be found as grains of sand now."
Mei said: "So... you chose to continue searching for answers within this [Elysian Realm]?"
Aponia slowly shook her head: "I chose to remember everything about that person, using the [gift] heaven bestowed upon me."
"I recorded every moment that person's life intertwined with mine, and throughout the long passage of time, I carefully revisited—"
"I saw how she lived, how she fought, saw her walk through mud, saw her crowned with thorns... attending her [final] banquet wearing new attire."
"In her life, I discovered something I had previously overlooked." "...What was it?"
Mei asked curiously, now completely captivated by this story. "Just like you and me now, that day she stood before me and told me about her fate—that she would dissipate ten days later."
"And fourteen days later, the new clothes Eden prepared for her would be completed. Genuine joy and anticipation still shone in her eyes. Sixteen days later, Kevin's birthday would arrive again. She softly sang songs, leaving him one final gift."
"Then, she spoke those same words too."
"You understand now, Mei. You... all of you, ultimately made the same choice."
"[Even if the future cannot be changed, I want to decide the process of reaching that outcome myself]. How admirable."
"But when that kind of helplessness truly befalls you, will you still be able to say those words so calmly?" "I don't know... but before that, please continue forward. Rather than discussing these unverifiable matters with me, you should... go meet your [kindred]."
At this point, under Mei's incredulous gaze, Aponia rose and opened the path forward for her. Pure white flawless steps materialized one by one, extending upward, leading to the deepest secret guarded within the depths—that pink crystal.]
[Black Swan]: "So this was also a test. Without the same unwavering will against fate as 'her', one wouldn't be qualified to meet 'her'."
[Stelle]: "Who exactly is 'she'? So hard to guess!"
[Raiden Mei]: "...It's Elysia. The final secret is Elysia."
[Silver Wolf]: "Huh? Isn't pink equals sinister popular lately? How come Elysia might actually be pure white?"
[March 7th]: "From Aponia's words I can already imagine a huge tragedy waiting. Could Penacony be like this too? I really don't want to suffer heartbreak!!"
[March 7th]: "Um, what if I just stay on the Astral Express instead?"
[Stelle]: "A Trailblazer can't run away from battle! So what if it's tragedy? Watch me turn this imperfect story into what we desire!!"
[Misha]: "Really, Nameless these days are still so full of energy!"
[Elysia]: "Ahem, next up, everyone will get to see the true heart of Miss Pink Elf♪ Feeling a little shy now~"
By popular demand from readers, VIP membership with ad-free reading is now available.