Right.
Although the Outer God had been dealt with, and the Counter Force that hindered human development had been eliminated along with it, Elysia's mission in this world was, in theory, complete.
But... how was she supposed to get back?
The barrier between the Type-Moon world and the Honkai world was not as simple as the world bubbles in the Sea of Quanta or the parallel worlds in the Nasuverse. It was a barrier that could absolutely not be crossed easily.
To put it this way, even if the Herrscher of the Void—the Herrscher who commanded space in the Honkai world—were to arrive, she would have absolutely no way of crossing between these two worlds.
Similarly, in the Type-Moon world, the Wielder of the Second Magic, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg—also known as the Jewel Mage—also had no possibility of crossing the barrier between the Honkai and Type-Moon worlds.
Both of these beings were existences who had mastered space to its absolute limit. The Herrscher of the Void commanded the authority of space and connected to the Imaginary Space, making her the undisputed Queen of Spacetime. The Jewel Mage's Second Magic was also an ultimate application of space, allowing him to observe countless parallel worlds, travel between them at will, and even draw magical energy from other parallel worlds for his own use.
Yet even these ultimate conceptual masters of space could not cross the barrier between the Honkai and Type-Moon worlds.
These two worlds were fundamentally different in their operation. In theory, there was only one way to cross the barrier between them.
That is... to transcend both worlds in both a physical and conceptual sense.
In other words, if Elysia had the power to shatter either the Type-Moon world or the Honkai world with a single punch, she would be able to travel between them at will.
But that was impossible. Forget Elysia; even Kevin, after overcoming Finality, could not do it.
Entities in the Type-Moon world like ORT, the Great Spider of the Crystal Valley, or the other Ultimate Ones of the planets; God from the Bible; Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism... these were beings whose very names were enough to shake the entire multiverse, yet they too could not transcend the Type-Moon world itself in a physical or conceptual sense.
Therefore, it was theoretically impossible for Elysia to return to the Honkai world.
She could either prepare to live in this world for the rest of her life or travel to other parallel worlds within the Type-Moon universe. There were no other options.
---o---
Light Curtain Danmaku—
After learning about the insurmountable nature of the barrier, more and more people found the concept of transmigration even more incredible.
This was especially true for those who had already been successfully reincarnated in another world, such as Ainz Ooal Gown, Rimuru Tempest, and Kumoko.
Although their transmigrations were fundamentally different from Elysia's, they were not experts in this field, so it was reasonable for them to view the two as similar.
Otto Apocalypse: "The barrier between multiverses is like two books written by different authors. No matter how vast the world in one book is, it can never connect with the world in another."
In the Honkai world, Otto muttered to himself. With his current knowledge and abilities, it was possible for him to reach other world bubbles in the Sea of Quanta, or even any branch world on the Imaginary Tree.
However, if he were asked to find a way to cross the barrier to another multiverse like Elysia, it would be impossible. He wouldn't even know where to begin.
Herta: "Alright, I think I understand what this means. I'd advise that young lady named Elysia to just stay put in that world. The Genius Society has tried everything, and the conclusion is: impossible."
At the Herta Space Station, a short, doll-like loli spoke up. Even the Aeons were trapped within the confines of the universe, unable to escape. What chance did other lifeforms have?
There was something the light curtain hadn't mentioned: what would happen if someone with insufficient power tried to break through the world's barrier? The most likely result would be death. Herta herself did not wish for this lovely girl, who was as beautiful as an Aeon of Beauty, to die in such a way.
Qingque: "Wow, even the folks from the Genius Society are stumped. This really is a cosmic crisis."
On the Xianzhou Luofu, Qingque, who had just finished her work and was about to slack off, commented. The light curtain was a blessing for slackers like her; the feeling of being able to slack off anytime, anywhere was great. But a barrier between worlds? It sounded quite interesting. Even the Genius Society had shown up. However, she was just watching for fun. If the sky fell, the old lady Fu Xuan would be there to hold it up. But if the Genius Society found it a thorny problem, then it was even less likely that old lady Fu Xuan could solve it.
Conan Edogawa: "The Genius Society? What kind of weirdo club is that?"
In the world of Conan, he felt his intelligence was being insulted by the name. Such a straightforward name. A club made of geniuses? It had to be some organization with a twisted sense of humor...
---o---
On the Light Curtain—
Saber's words plunged everyone into silence.
Elysia immediately turned her gaze to the almighty Vill-V. Then, thirteen pairs of eyes, including Saber's, all turned to look at the greatest magician and genius of the Dusk Era.
However, the usually omnipotent Vill-V, faced with the expectant and pleading gazes of Elysia and the others, faltered for the first time.
"Ahahaha, Elysia, I'm suddenly thinking that staying in this world isn't so bad after all. Let's just leave the matters of that world to our original selves to handle," the Magician laughed awkwardly. The word "impossible" did not exist in her dictionary, but right now, she truly could not do it.
"I'm sorry, Elysia. Theoretically speaking, we will likely have to remain in this world forever," the Conductor said, taking control of the body, her tone helpless.
The Vill-Vs had all tried their best, but what couldn't be done, couldn't be done. Even an almighty person would eventually encounter things they could not foresee or achieve.
"Then... are we stuck here for the rest of our lives?" Elysia asked in a low voice.
Her ideal was to create an Everlasting Paradise. In the Honkai world, this was almost impossible to achieve. But in this world, Elysia's wish had already taken a particularly important and crucial step towards realization.
However, that was not a reason for her to stay. Everything about Elysia belonged to the Honkai world. That was her home.
The Thirteen Flame-Chasers were the people Elysia loved dearly, but so were the others. MEI,蒼玄 (Cangxuan) and 丹朱 (Danzhu), and all the humans who fought to defeat the Honkai—all of them were waiting for Elysia to return.
Therefore, Elysia would not accept staying in this world. She spoke in a cute voice tinged with a hint of pleading, "Vill-V~ I'm sure you have a way. If I enter that state from before, I'll definitely be able to do it, right?"
This pleading expression was too much for Vill-V to handle. She clutched her head in frustration, her mind racing.
The Herrscher of Origin had the ability to turn thoughts into reality, but this conceptual power was not enough to break the barrier, let alone return.
Even trying to leverage Kevin's power seemed unrealistic; the conditions for him to overcome Finality did not exist here.
Even if they tried to work with the Type-Moon world itself, there was no possibility of finding a way to cross the spatial barrier.
After exhausting all possibilities, Vill-V came to the same conclusion as Herta and the Genius Society in the light curtain danmaku.
Theoretically, it was impossible for Elysia to cross the world's barrier. However... that was only in theory.
"Elysia, do you really, no matter what, want to return to your original world?" Vill-V's tone and expression suddenly changed. It was a tone completely different from the flamboyance of the Magician or the calmness of the Conductor.
"'Original Self' Vill-V..." Su's eyes flashed with surprise. Vill-V's original self... she hadn't even appeared during the battle with the Outer God, yet she had emerged now?
"Mm, of course," Elysia replied affirmatively. The 'Original Self' Vill-V then spoke slowly:
"Theoretically, neither Kevin after overcoming Finality nor the Herrscher of Origin with the combined power of the Flame-Chasers has the ability to cross between two different 'box' worlds."
"However... that is only in theory. In practice, no one has ever tested it. Think back carefully, Elysia... how did you come to this world? Your arrival was by no means a simple coincidence."
"There must be some existence manipulating everything. In other words, Elysia... you just need to do it. That power in the shadows will lend you a hand."
Her tone was somewhat flat. The 'Original Self' Vill-V was the root of all of Vill-V's personalities. In other words, she was the most genius of them all.
Although she appeared to be a socially anxious girl, she actually had extremely strong confidence in her seemingly outrageous statement.
Elysia was a miraculous name. Her birth was a miracle, and her arrival in this world was also a miracle.
Eden often said that Elysia was the daughter of a god. This might be an exaggeration, but there was evidence to support it.
That unseen existence would always help Elysia, and it would never let her die. As long as Elysia's request was not too outrageous, that existence would do its best to fulfill her wishes.
"However, Elysia, I suggest you stay one more day. After all, you have people you've gotten to know in this world, don't you? Say your goodbyes before you leave. I also need to confirm the existence of certain things."
After giving her advice, Vill-V left the spot, seemingly to prove the existence of something.
Elysia watched her figure, carefully pondering her words. She mostly understood what Vill-V meant.
The Counter Force's story was full of holes. The barrier between multiversal boxes was not that simple.
Some supreme existence had brought her to this world. That being had clearly transcended both the Imaginary Tree and this world's so-called Root. Otherwise, there was no explanation for her sudden transmigration.
But based on the current situation, that Supreme God held no ill will towards her or humanity, nor did it interfere with human development like the Counter Force.
If it was a god like that, then Elysia had a pretty good impression of it. But the fact that the young woman's little thoughts were being completely seen through was a bit frustrating... Elysia thought to herself helplessly.
---o---
The Supreme God!
The one and only, the strongest god in the countless multiverses.
In a sense, it must also be the creator of this light curtain. Had Vill-V, being inside the broadcast, already realized this?
It had to be said, Vill-V was truly a genius. Such talent absolutely qualified her to join the Genius Society.
In the Star Rail world—Herta and Screwllum were conversing at the Herta Space Station. While surprised by Vill-V's talent, they also felt a deep curiosity towards that Supreme God.
From the moment the light curtain appeared, the major top factions in the universe, including the Genius Society and even Nous, the Aeon of Erudition, could not see through it at all.
This unprecedented phenomenon had left the members of the Genius Society deeply shocked and fearful.
As powerful as the Genius Society was, they could not find any trace of Elysia in their own universe. From this, they could conclude that this broadcast was indeed connected to a true multiverse.
"Screwllum, tell me... what is the purpose of the Supreme God creating this broadcast? And... why does It value Elysia so much?" Herta asked.
"Hmm. Regarding your first question, I do not know. That existence has far surpassed the Aeons; it is not something I can perceive. As for your second question, the answer I can provide is: because Elysia loves people."
Although Screwllum was a machine, his voice was exceptionally gentle, showing no trace of a typical genius's arrogance.
"Isn't that just stating the obvious? So many people love others, why was she specifically chosen? I love people too, but I don't see the Supreme God choosing me."
Screwllum's words were as good as saying nothing. In Herta's view, there must be a deeper reason. It was just that the level of the world they inhabited was not high enough for them to understand the plane on which the Supreme God existed.
Faced with his friend's dismissal, Screwllum just shook his head helplessly. Admittedly, there were other reasons why that existence chose Elysia, but her deep love for humanity was undoubtedly an important factor in her selection.
"Alright, Screwllum, there's no point in discussing this now. I just hope that when Elysia returns to her original world, that so-called Supreme God might make an appearance. At least let me see what a true god looks like."
Herta said nonchalantly, because she knew that the Supreme God would most likely not show itself.
Author's note:
ps: The protagonist has a very high "bige" [coolness/prestige factor], but he's purely a plot device, a background element. He might only show up at the beginning and end of each volume and won't intervene in the story of the broadcast.