"Maybe this video is from the future?"
"Like, fifty thousand years after our time? Who knows?"
"..."
Someone floated the idea.
Of course, there were those who agreed.
That so-called "Current Era" they mentioned—it had to be our era, right?
But others argued, "Our timeline is divided into Before Common Era and Common Era. We're in the Common Era now."
If you really think about it…
Wouldn't the actual time difference be something like fifty-two or fifty-three thousand years?
It couldn't possibly be exactly fifty thousand.
Still, everyone kind of accepted it.
The so-called Current Era and Previous Era were divided just like BCE and CE.
Many high-ranking officials adjusted their glasses, growing serious. If this really was a video from the future, exposing the past… then that "past" might very well be their future—something they could learn from.
Especially after what had just happened: they'd exhausted every method of investigation, consulted multiple experts, and still came up empty-handed against this sky-spanning projection.
All they could do now was watch.
Whether to believe it or not was a question for later.
For now, at least, instruments measuring Honkai energy levels showed no reaction. If it were just one region, that'd be one thing—but this was happening everywhere across the globe.
Maybe it really wasn't the work of a Herrscher, and they were curious too.
Just who was this so-called "Goddess"?
--+--
[There were once differing scholarly opinions on how to distinguish between the Previous and Current Eras.]
[But now, a consensus has been reached.]
[...]
The VTuber in the video continued speaking.
Her tone was a little more serious now, but still sweet and gentle, like the warmth of milk—distinctly her own.
That was probably her signature style as a content creator.
Some people got it.
Others didn't really care.
She went on:
[Generally speaking,]
[the end of the Honkai serves as the dividing line.]
[Thus, the Previous Era spans 5,000 years, and the Current Era 55,000 years—adding up to 60,000 years in total.]
[...]
[You can think of it like this:]
[The Previous Era was the period of humanity's struggle against the Honkai.]
[The Current Era is when humanity had moved past the Honkai, tamed it, and gained complete control over Honkai energy—entering a period of rapid development.]
[...]
"Huh?"
Those who knew about the Honkai were stunned.
None of the earlier stuff had really registered.
But now she was talking about the Honkai? Now they were wide awake.
This… this can't be the same Honkai we know, can it?
Members of Fire Moth, national leaders, behind-the-scenes organizations—one by one, they all froze.
Oh no.
So we're in the Previous Era.
Well, that settles it!
Now it all makes sense… everything clicks!
No one here was a fool.
And the content of the projection wasn't exactly hard to understand—even your grandma could follow along.
Heck, the speaker was practically bending over backwards to explain it clearly.
But that just made it all the more unsettling!
Especially hearing this VTuber describe—
How the Honkai of the past was a terrifying disaster. Even the scattered fragments in historical records made it clear how many lives it had claimed.
Even back in the Previous Era, when people could already harness Honkai energy, it was never truly tamed—and far from harmless.
But according to her, by the time of the Current Era, over fifty-five thousand years into the future,
Honkai Energy had become a completely clean energy source.
Their entire society was built on it.
Heck, they were cruising through the stars, gallivanting across the galaxy—evolving into an interstellar-level civilization, all thanks to the "gift" of the Honkai.
Holy crap!
My head's spinning even more now…
"What in the world is this?!"
"..."
Some clutched their heads in agony.
Others, hands trembling, took off their glasses and wiped them.
So, piecing together what the VTuber said:
Their era was the Previous Era—a tragic time defined by the struggle against the Honkai. They eventually won, but at the cost of nearly everyone.
Sure, overcoming the Honkai and gaining full control of its energy was a good thing. Many were well aware of how efficient and versatile Honkai energy was compared to other sources.
But no one wanted to be the stepping stone.
Even if the ones enjoying the benefits were their own descendants.
--+--
[Maybe some of you aren't fully aware,]
[but the Honkai energy we take for granted today was once incredibly dangerous.]
[...]
[According to historical records, back then, Honkai energy was highly corrosive. Beyond a certain concentration, the human body couldn't handle it.]
[At extremely high levels, it could cause your body to break down, your genes to unravel—reducing you to dust, without a trace left.]
[Even at lower concentrations, if you were exposed without sufficient resistance, you'd develop illnesses and slowly waste away.]
[...]
The projection continued.
There weren't many visuals, but the chibi-style avatar gesturing emphatically on screen was oddly charming.
Yeah.
Those who knew nothing about the Honkai were still watching cheerfully, like amused spectators.
After all…what will be, will be.
Since no one could figure out what this sky projection was about, they might as well sit back and watch.
A VTuber explaining things in a friendly tone—even serious topics didn't feel so dry that way.
It was genuinely entertaining.
[And according to historical records, the Honkai back then wasn't just about energy corrosion.]
[In areas with high Honkai concentration, various types of Honkai beasts would emerge. Some people with partial resistance—but not enough—would turn into zombies. Oh, right, zombies—kind of like the ones in movies, mindless but some could be really strong.]
[...]
[But these weren't the main threats. The real key was the Herrschers. Or rather, Herrschers were the embodiment of the Honkai.]
[Because only by passing the trial of a Herrscher could that particular Great Honkai Eruption be considered over. It was only after overcoming each Great Eruption that humanity truly passed the test.]
[After all, the Honkai is a trial.]
[The clean energy we have now is the reward for passing.]
[...]
[That's something everyone should keep in mind.]
[...]
--+--
"Pfft, what zombies? Honkai beasts? Never heard of 'em. Herrschers? What even is that?"
"Confirmed—this definitely isn't our world."
"..."
"See, I told you! This has to be some scientist's stunt, projecting this for us to see."
"It's not like everything she says is automatically true, right?"
"..."
Most people had initially thought the "Current Era" referred to their own time.
Even if they hadn't heard of Honkai energy, no big deal.
But now?
Nothing seemed to match up.
Those who thought this was about their world were clearly too naive.
Might as well relax, listen along, and enjoy the show.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.