Fire Moth, Grand Plaza.
The wide plaza was packed with a surging tide of onlookers.
Dignitaries from the Mu Continent and leaders from various states rushed to the scene to witness the first Ascendant 'Heroic Legacy' ceremony.
"Congratulations, Ms. Veda, the Fire Moth has grown stronger again."
"Speaking of which, what exactly is an Ascendant?"
A representative from the Mu Continent, dressed in a dark suit, smiled and shook hands, his eyes full of flattery, curiosity, and awe.
"Are they very strong? Stronger than a Herrscher?"
"Huh, that's strange, why are they all women?"
"Oh, is that Ms. Elysia? I remember her strength vividly. The Second Herrscher in Siberia was slain by her."
"Strange, why are there two newcomers? Is the selection for Ascendants based on aptitude? Or bloodline?"
"That red-haired one, oh! It's Colonel Himeko!"
"That's wonderful! She saved my city during the First Great Honkai! With such a powerful and responsible soldier, phew—I can finally rest easy."
A middle-aged man suddenly became excited, trembling as he looked at the familiar red figure on the stage.
"..."
Listening to the congratulations from the state leaders, Veda felt as if fine needles were pricking her eardrums and piercing her heart.
It was exceptionally grating.
It was exceptionally heartbreaking.
Damn it!
Himeko, she had resigned.
Veda gritted her teeth, trying hard to maintain a smile on her face, which was flushed crimson.
Her heart was already filled with surging regret and embarrassment.
No wonder those old fogeys pushed her out to receive the guests, it was absolutely f*cked.
Damn.
Can we not mention Himeko?
If you don't mention her, we can still be good friends.
And you're praising her to the heavens in front of the whole world.
That person already resigned from the Fire Moth yesterday, she is no longer a member of the Fire Moth.
Yet, she dared not explain, only clenching her jaw tightly.
Her face felt as if it were being slapped hard by an invisible hand, one slap after another, back and forth, stinging painfully.
What a disaster!
"Yes, four powerful Ascendants, I'm envious."
One person sighed, his eyes full of admiration.
Although he still didn't know what an Ascendant was, it sounded very impressive.
"Speaking of which, is the selection for Ascendants based on aptitude?"
Listening to this, Veda's heart sank sharply, feeling a pang of pain, as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
Where the hell are the four?
Besides Elysia, Himeko had already submitted her resignation and left the organization; that silly-looking Carole was going to leave with the Demon God, she didn't belong here.
Fortunately, there was still Hua left among the new forces.
This brought Veda a slight sense of comfort.
At least they didn't strike out completely.
Unfortunately, even though Hua stayed, the Fire Moth shouldn't expect to command her.
Veda closed her eyes helplessly, a bitter taste rising in her throat.
But at least she was young.
Youth meant time.
There was plenty of time to teach, to temper, and to mold her into a true sharp blade belonging to the Fire Moth.
She opened her eyes, her gaze falling back on Hua, as if looking at the future spark.
Unfortunately, she didn't know that Fu Hua had already been pulled away by Elysia.
They had formed a new 'Moth Squad', and forget about teaching her, it would be incredibly difficult just to meet her.
Himeko glanced at the trembling Veda, really wanting to see her sour face.
In any case, it felt good.
Hah~
...
In the group chat.
[Director Furina]: "Is it about to start? Quick, pull me in. @Desert Reaper."
[13th Sect Master of Yunkui Summit]: "It's clear that Fufu is in a hurry."
[Customer Service Miss Pink Elf♪]: "It can't be helped, Fufu has been pretending for 500 years, she's been holding back for too long."
[Director Furina]: "Don't expose my secret, and we'll still be good friends."
Anyway, she was already being watched by Istaroth.
And now that Fufu has a big shot covering her, she has completely let herself go.
As for why she ran to Honkai Impact 3rd to ascend?
Of course, it was to avoid the Heavenly Principles.
It's not that she's afraid.
It's just that if she were to open the 'Sun Disc' there, she would probably end up fighting the Archon of Death, Ronava.
The Archon of Life, Naberius, would most likely not interfere.
Because the Sun Disc, to a certain extent, represents the power of 'Creation'.
The Archon of Time, Istaroth, would probably just watch the show.
Moreover, Furina was already acting sneakily.
If she were to ascend in Fontaine with great fanfare, wouldn't that tell all of Fontaine that the former Furina had no power?
[Customer Service Miss Pink Elf♪]: "Hehe~, I'm just a little curious, if Fufu were to receive the legacy of a Fire-element hero, wouldn't she have to go to the next door to be the Pyro Archon?"
[1] "..."
[Director Furina]: "Ah? Don't do that."
Ryuga was also amused watching the group's banter.
[Desert Reaper]: "Don't worry, I can specify the hero, I guarantee you a 'Hydro-element' one."
[Director Furina]: "Phew~, you better be. If I really had to be the 'Pyro Archon', people would actually die QAQ."
Good heavens.
She, Furina de Fontaine, is the Hydro Archon of all the waters, all the regions, all the people, and all the laws of Fontaine, and you're giving her a Fire-element hero?
She would be heartbroken, wouldn't she?
How would the people view her?
People would truly die.
[Desert Reaper]: "Don't worry, just apply, and I'll pull you in."
[Director Furina]: "Ohohohoho~, once I have power, Fufu is going to find the 'Local Legends' to take revenge and thoroughly wipe away the shame."
Ryuga: "..."
Good heavens.
He remembered that after Furina obtained her Vision, there was indeed such an incident.
Fufu, eager to take revenge on the 'Local Legends' she had accidentally offended, was instead defeated and suffered a lot.
The defeated Fufu was very unwilling, and that night, she was still studying how to use her Vision in her room, but she accidentally flooded her house.
The entire building suffered water damage.
But this freedom and relaxed state are things Furina rarely experienced while playing the role of a god.
[Customer Service Miss Pink Elf♪]: "Sigh, I'm suddenly worried about Fufu's mental state."
[Desert Reaper]: "Ely, you underestimate Fufu, she is a mortal who can rival a god."
[Director Furina]: "Wuwu QAQ, with those words from Ryuga, Fufu feels validated."
[Desert Reaper]: "You deserve it."
Furina, as a human, played the role of a god for five hundred years, without the authority of a god, yet she had to maintain the dignity and presence of one.
During this time, she was diligent and walked on thin ice.
To prevent others from seeing through her facade, she had to minimize private interactions with others.
But now, she no longer has to worry about being exposed.
Just like in the story, after no longer needing to maintain the identity of a god, Clorinde took her out to drink and have fun with old friends.
As a result, Furina revealed her true self after just two drinks.
If Clorinde hadn't held her back, she would have jumped onto the table.
[Desert Reaper]: "Have you made arrangements at home?"
After all, the time in the group chat is different.
One day spent in Honkai Impact 3rd might mean a month has passed in the original world.
Or, a month might only be one day at home.
[Director Furina]: "I told Clorinde not to let anyone disturb me."
[Desert Reaper]: "Apply now."
'Director Furina' is requesting to enter your world, do you agree?
Ryuga nodded.
The next second, an ancient stone archway suddenly appeared on the ceremonial platform.
The moment the gate opened, a white light burst forth, blinding everyone.
Furina stepped in with light steps.
She even waved to the audience below.
"Hi~, everyone, I'm Elysia."
Ely chided: "Fufu!"
"Hehe, just kidding~."
"Ahem~, standing before you is the famous superstar of Fontaine—Furina! My schedule is very tight, so being able to see me means you're very lucky~"
Furina's tone was cheerful, and she was quite satisfied with the surprised expressions of the crowd below the platform.
Hmm, a very good reaction.
She turned and embraced Elysia, like long-lost sisters.
The crowd exchanged glances, their expressions varied.
Who is this?
Fontaine?
What kind of place is that?
They've never even heard of it.
Dressed so flamboyantly, could she have run away from some circus?
The murmurs quickly turned into gasps of astonishment.
Ryuga raised his hand, palm facing up.
A golden pillar of light shot up from his palm, piercing the sky.
The next moment, the 'Sun Disc' flew out.
It was entirely covered in a molten gold luster, its surface engraved with intricate solar patterns.
The disc ascended, flying higher and higher, growing larger and larger.
When it was suspended a thousand meters in the sky, it had completely eclipsed the sun.
A black shadow spread, swallowing every inch of the Fire Moth headquarters.
The sky turned black.
The crowd was in an uproar.
And in the new recruit square below the stage, Kevin, who had just joined the Fire Moth, stood rooted to the spot, his pupils contracting violently, his breathing almost stopping.
His hands involuntarily clenched.
He had seen this golden giant wheel that day in Nagazora.
Now, it appeared before him again.
His heart was filled with awe and shock, and in a trance, there was a hint of a premonition, almost like destiny.
...
"Carole, you're first."
Ryuga waved his hand, and the others tacitly retreated from the high platform.
"Eh? Me, me first? Then what... what should I do!?"
Seeing Ryuga and the others leave, Carole suddenly panicked, subconsciously spreading her hands, then clenching her small fists, her heart pounding.
It felt like it was about to leap out of her chest.
Below the stage, Carole's mother's palms were unknowingly slick with fine sweat.
Looking up at her daughter's figure, her eyes burned with an almost scorching light.
Sure enough, the Demon God favors my daughter.
Otherwise, why would he let her be the first to ascend?
It is well known that the meaning of 'first' is different.
"A light will soon shine down."
"You will most likely meet the will of a hero."
Ryuga thought for a moment, since it wasn't the original 'Sun Disc', the ascension ceremony probably wouldn't be exactly the same.
"After that, work hard to gain their recognition, young lady."
Before stepping off the stage, he gave Carole a thumbs-up from afar, then raised the corner of his mouth and winked encouragingly.
Elysia, Furina, and Himeko, who were also stepping down, imitated Ryuga's gesture, giving the same thumbs-up: "Go, young lady."
Then, everyone looked at the last one, Hua.
Fu Hua felt her ear tips warm up. This pose was too awkward and too chuunibyou, but she still followed the crowd and forced herself to imitate it: "G-go..."
Just then, the 'Sun Disc' suddenly shook.
A dazzling golden light burst from the disc, flowing like molten gold along the 'sun' pattern.
Then, the sun pattern began to spin at high speed, and the golden light on it became increasingly intense and dazzling.
It plated the originally dark plaza with a layer of golden light.
When the 'sun's' brightness reached its peak, the golden light exploded in an instant!
The shockwave swept in all directions, and the air seemed to ignite.
Caught off guard, people were sent sprawling.
Then, a solid golden beam of light suddenly descended from the center of the sun pattern on the disc, enveloping Carole.
"It's coming!"
Whether in the group chat or in the hearts of everyone present, there was a sudden jolt.
As for Carole's parents, their hearts were pounding with excitement.
Carole's figure was completely submerged in the light beam, and people only vaguely saw her spread her arms like wings and soar up.
They only heard one last loud, clear shout.
"Demacia!"
"???"
...
"Where is this?"
After Carole's vision cleared, she suddenly opened her eyes wide.
In her nostrils was the smell of gunpowder and rust.
Under her feet were ancient, mottled stone bricks.
She was currently outside a majestic ancient castle, with the sounds of battle shaking the heavens all around her.
Sentinels were lined up like a forest, their shields interlocked, fighting against monsters that resembled vicious dogs.
In the sky, a giant dragon circled and flew.
Confronting it was a woman in a half-dragon form.
In front of the formation, a man in heavy armor, holding a great halberd, with a face as resolute as if carved by a knife, stood like a mountain.
When the young soldiers, having witnessed their comrades being torn apart by the monsters, turned to flee.
The heroic man roared, stomping the ground suddenly.
Like a god descending to earth, he leaped up, carrying the force of ten thousand tons, and plunged straight into the center of the monster horde!
"Demacia!!"
A roar echoed through the sky.
Boom!
In an instant, the earth cracked, and countless rock pillars roared out from the ground, piercing and sending the surrounding monsters flying, scattering a rain of blood everywhere.
"To challenge Demacia is to challenge death!"
The man roared, sweeping his great halberd, and wherever it passed, monsters were severed and crushed like cut grass.
The shadow of the halberd danced, and every strike carried the power of a mountain, its sharpness unstoppable.
Even though he was already wounded.
Carole stared blankly.
Fear still coursed through her veins, but an unprecedented warmth surged from her chest, as if a flame had been ignited deep within her soul.
She trembled, picked up the weapon of a fallen soldier, took a deep breath, and charged into the battle.
And not just her.
Every soldier was inspired by the man's heroic, fearless spirit and his determination to press forward.
Their fighting spirit was high, and they held the line to the death.
The battle ended.
The heroic man walked over step by step. Even though his armor was stained with blood, his steps were still firm.
He dragged the giant dragon's head in his hand, taking one large step after another, until he stood before Carole.
Looking down from a great height, his gaze, like a torch, fixed on Carole, who was covered in blood but still standing tall.
"You have proven yourself, and you have overcome your own timidity!"
Saying this, the man plunged his great halberd into the ground, placed his right hand over his chest, and performed a solemn Demacian military salute.
"I, Jarvan IV, the Prince of Demacia, acknowledge you."
...
After an unknown amount of time, the golden light beam gradually receded, and the afterglow dissipated.
Carole floated quietly in mid-air.
Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, and a fiery golden light burst from the depths of her pupils, so dazzling that people dared not look directly at it.
She clenched her fist, and flames spread from her palm, coiling like a dragon.
The next moment, she dove down from the air, her punch falling like a meteor.
Boom!
Spiderweb-like cracks spread wildly from the point of impact, and a blazing flame, accompanied by a heaven-reaching stone pillar, shot up from the ground, instantly collapsing the ten-thousand-meter-high platform.
The aftershock swept in all directions, and the onlookers retreated, their eyes filled with horror.
The entire venue was silent.
Only Carole's parents' hearts were pounding with excited joy.
Our daughter is an Ascendant, and she's so strong!
...
"Demon God, I love you."
Carole, excited like a sparrow, threw herself into Ryuga's arms, kissing him without a care in the world.
"..."
Ryuga smiled, using the power of time to restore the high platform.
"Ely, you're second."
"Mhm."
Elysia glanced at Carole, not annoyed, and lightly skipped onto the high platform.
Soon, the light beam descended.
'As long as you call my name, Elysia will answer your expectations.'
'The starlight calls, and I answer every plea.'
'Daughter of the stars and moon, I, Star Guardian Soraka, have come at your call.'
...
At this moment, the Will of the Honkai suddenly shuddered, feeling inexplicably panicked.
"Not good. Why is fate locked?"
"Damn it!".
To be continued…
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