Chapter 120: The Sensation of Azure Empyrea! Seele's Little Thoughts on Su Mu
The incident at the office ultimately didn't spread through the company. Carole had told Pardo and Elysia about it, and they had initially intended to gossip about it.
"No, absolutely not! Only this matter is strictly forbidden!" However, Elysia, usually the pioneer of gossip and the "big megaphone," firmly opposed the idea.
"?" "Sister Ellie, why don't you agree?" Carole and Pardo were confused. "If we announce this, wouldn't it be like Senpai declaring her sovereignty? Once everyone knows she's interested in Su Mu, wouldn't it make those other girls give up?" Carole found it strange; she thought this would make Bronya's road to romance easier.
"That's where the problem lies, Carole." Elysia sighed, gazing into the distance with a deep, contemplative look like a seasoned philosopher. "Think about it. Declaring sovereignty only works if Su Mu actually has feelings for Bronya. If he doesn't, and this rumor spreads, what if he clarifies it publicly? What would happen to Bronya then?"
"...." "Ah, that's true... that would be equivalent to a public rejection. It would be a huge blow to Sister Bronya!"
Carole and Pardo reached a sudden realization and looked at Elysia with admiration. They hadn't expected Elysia to consider so many factors. For the sake of Bronya's love life, she was willing to suppress her desire to gossip and seal away her "megaphone" attribute! To support Bronya, Elysia had become unlike herself! Such sacrifice was truly great!
"Sister Ellie, you are too great!" "I'm going to put my hands together and shout 'Amen' to Ellie!" "We were so short-sighted. Amen!"
Elysia enjoyed their worshiping gazes, looking like a proud little rooster. As for whether Elysia was truly "great" or "farsighted"? The answer was definitely no. Her reason for not spreading the news was simple: if sovereignty was declared, what "stocks" would she have to speculate on? What CP would she have to ship?
Bronya's romance was important, and Elysia's support was genuine. However, on top of that, Elysia's moments of "enjoying the chaos" could absolutely not be sacrificed! Let the waters get murkier! Only then will things become more and more interesting! Aha-haha!
I see that girl Firefly is being looked after so much by Su Mu—there must be some chemistry! Maybe with some proper manipulation, she can join the race too... This is a visual feast like no other! Su Mu, oh Su Mu, my entertainment for the whole year is all on you! ~♫
Like a cunning little fox, Elysia began plotting a new scheme!
Su Mu was naturally unaware of this. The new Honkai Impact 3rd version—"Shadow over Deep"—proceeded with its preview livestream as usual.
The Interlude of Main Story Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 "Under the Deep" were opened. A new Chronicle for Bronya x Seele, "Azure Sea," was added. The "Augment Core" for Valkyrie Bladestrike was introduced—Stronger than ever! The Augment Core for Yamabuki Armor was also added! The ELF (Equipment: Living Form) system featuring Blood Embrace and Jingwei's Wings was launched! A new team challenge, "Eye of the Deep," was announced!
In the second half of the version, a new event plot—"The Legend of the Xuanyuan"—would begin! At that time, Fu Hua's S-rank battlesuit, [Azure Empyrea], would have its rate-up.
The Augment Cores for Bladestrike and Yamabuki were showcased stylishly in the PV, catching everyone's eye. But it was Fu Hua's Azure Empyrea, with its ink-wash style attack effects and movements integrating Tai Chi, that sent the Shenzhou players into a frenzy!
[Holy crap! Class Monitor is so cool!]
[Azure Empyrea is too ethereal! I love it!]
[It's got that true Shenzhou flair!]
[Xianxia is the true romance of Shenzhou!!]
Undoubtedly, the appearance of Azure Empyrea was a massive surprise for Shenzhou players. Fu Hua already carried many traditional elements, but this suit made her the definitive representative of the style. Night Squire had already allowed players to experience the thrill of martial arts combos, and the Jingwei ELF had integrated the legend of "Jingwei Filling the Sea," turning into a flaming divine bird.
Now, Azure Empyrea combined ink-wash aesthetics with Tai Chi, paired with Fu Hua's transcendent, immortal aura... Shenzhou players were naturally captivated. Most importantly, Fu Hua's in-game strength was legendary. The high-skill combos of Shadow Knight had already led many to claim the "Action Soul" was truly ignited.
[I declare! From today on, this is Fu Hua 3rd!]
[Honkai 3rd ignited Fu Hua, and Fu Hua ignited the Action Soul!]
[I need to play Azure Empyrea right now! Or I'll die!!]
Without a doubt, the new version had the players' expectations redlined. Forums were filled with discussions as everyone looked forward to the arrival of the "Immortal."
"My god! Su Mu! Do you actually have a crush on the Old Timer? Her character is way too cool!!" Little Senti couldn't stop screaming after watching the preview.
"....What nonsense are you talking?" Fu Hua said dryly, flicking Senti's forehead with her finger.
"I'm not talking nonsense!" Senti clutched her head, looking wronged. "Look! Every character Su Mu makes for you clearly has a lot of effort put into them! Especially this Azure Empyrea—look at how much care he put into it! He definitely has a crush on you!"
Fu Hua felt both annoyed and amused. She had barely met Su Mu a few times; where did this "crush" come from? Besides, did Su Mu not put effort into any character? The move designs for all characters in Honkai 3rd were top-tier. Was he showing favoritism? Didn't he treat them all equally? Furthermore, Su Mu couldn't handle all these flashy moves alone; the rest of the project team put in immense effort too. According to Senti's logic, the entire project team must have a crush on her. This kid is never serious!
Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the version maintenance and update. That morning, outside Bronya's apartment:
Seele was wearing a white summer outfit, the "Lily of the Valley" style from the game. She naturally had a pure and kind temperament. In this dress, she looked even more adorable and moving. However, while Seele looked cute at first glance, she wasn't a "flat" girl like her in-game self. Compared to the matured "Big Duck" Bronya, she was on par; compared to the in-game Bronya, she was a total blowout! After all, she had gathered all the "nutrition" of the orphanage!
The moment she saw Bronya, she lunged into a hug. "Bronya-oneesama!"
Su Mu, watching them from the side, gave a mental thumbs-up. This was truly a sight for sore eyes.
"Seele, it's been a while. You seem to have grown taller." "Really? Hehe! Maybe I'll even surpass Bronya-oneesama one day!"
After tapping Seele's nose, Bronya took her hand and introduced her enthusiastically. "This is Pardo Felis, a member of our studio and a super popular streamer. Seele, have you watched her streams? They're very interesting."
"Hello, hello! I'm Pardo Felis! Just call me Pardo!" Pardo greeted Seele with high energy. "Sister Bronya mentioned you. Now that I see you, Seele is indeed so cute!"
The praise made Seele's face flush like a ripe red apple. "No, not really... Pardo-oneesama, you're very pretty too..." As she spoke, Seele's gaze drifted toward Su Mu, sizing him up.
"Hello, Seele. I'm Su Mu." Su Mu stepped forward and greeted her before Bronya could introduce him.
"Brother Su Mu, hello.... I often hear Sister talk about you. She says you're very capable, and it's thanks to you that miHoYo is what it is today!" Seele proactively reached out her hand.
Su Mu shook her hand, but he could clearly feel that Seele was observing him throughout. Although she had a smile on her face, for some reason, her eyes didn't reflect that same mirth.
"Alright, let's not just stand here. Let's head up and talk." Under Bronya's lead, they entered her apartment. It was a single-unit apartment, not large, but more than enough for one person. The room was clean and tidy, likely because she knew a guest was coming. The air had a faint fragrance—one Su Mu recognized as Bronya's scent. It felt a bit surreal being in Bronya's home for the first time.
Su Mu didn't just sit down; he helped Pardo set up the laptop and various streaming equipment. He wouldn't be appearing on camera for this stream; once everything was ready, he could rest. He didn't plan on staying long, intending to return to the company and then take the three of them out to dinner after the stream to welcome Seele.
Pardo said apologetically to Seele while working: "Sorry, Seele, you just got off the plane and we're already making you participate in a stream..."
Seele gave a gentle smile: "It's okay, I rested well on the plane. Besides, I was looking forward to joining a stream with Bronya-oneesama!"
Bronya asked with concern: "Seele, will the livestream be okay?" Seele thought for a moment and replied: "Mhm... though it's my first time, Seele will work hard!"
Seeing Seele's enthusiasm, Su Mu nodded. He believed in her; once Seele promised something, she would do her best. After finishing the setup, Su Mu left. He knew Seele might be a bit restrained if he stayed.
Shortly after Su Mu left, Seele suddenly looked at Bronya and asked: "Bronya-oneesama, you and Brother Su Mu seem to have a good relationship. Can you tell me the story between you two?"
Bronya didn't refuse Seele's request and recounted what had happened. "We're comrades who shared trials together, I suppose? Seele, you know that when Su Mu joined miHoYo, our studio was on the brink of bankruptcy... But that day, I received a bizarre game demo called Getting Over It. It's funny now... I was so angry at that game then. I didn't think a game designed to frustrate people could have a market. But Kiana saw his potential and appointed him as Director. I didn't trust him then and even questioned his ability. But later, he proved himself—first with Getting Over It, and then with Honkai 3rd. The success of those two games brought miHoYo back to life. Seele, you know? He's truly an incredible guy... originally my most respected people were Mother Cocolia and Mr. Yang, but now I have to add Su Mu. He really seems to have a kind of magic, turning the impossible into reality and creating miracles..."
While telling this story, Seele was quietly observing Bronya's expression. She saw the light in Bronya's eyes and her animated gestures, especially when mentioning Su Mu's achievements.
"I see.... It seems Brother Su Mu is indeed an amazing person for Bronya-oneesama to think so highly of him." Seele nodded, her face still wearing a gentle smile. But in her eyes, there was something more.
"Sister Bronya, Seele, the stream is about to start! Are you ready?" Pardo's voice interrupted them.
"Let's join Pardo's stream first." Seele smiled and took Bronya's hand. "Bronya-oneesama, tell me more about Brother Su Mu later."
Bronya and Seele sat before Pardo, and after some preparation, the stream officially began.
[Here we go! Front row!]
[Pardo finally went live! I've been waiting for ages!]
[Wait, did Pardo leave Can behind again?]
[The streamer has clearly separated from her true body. Will we ever see the cat again in our lifetimes?]
"Hello, hello! It's Pardo! Welcome to my stream!" Pardo greeted the audience warmly. "Today, Pardo will be streaming the new Honkai 3rd version—'Shadow over Deep'! I'm sure everyone has been waiting for this! I am too~♪"
"There's still a bit of time until maintenance ends, but Pardo came prepared! I've invited two guests today. Can you guess who they are?"
[Holy crap? Two guests again?]
[Our Pardo never disappoints! Last time it was Himeko and Su Mu. Who will it be this time?]
[I can only say Pardo's connections are too strong!]
[This new chapter should be about Bronya and the others. I bet one of them is Bronya!]
[The other one wouldn't be Fu Hua, would it? Since the new suit is for her?]
[But that's for the second half of the version. I don't think it's her!]
The chat was buzzing with guesses. Pardo saw the timing was right and introduced Bronya and Seele.
[Wait.... who are these two beautiful girls?]
[I haven't seen them in the game? Wait, that girl looks a lot like Bronya!]
[Yeah, though the face is more mature, it's definitely Bronya's face!]
The audience was startled to see the Big Duck and Seele. But they quickly realized how similar the Big Duck was to the in-game Bronya.
"Hehe, I know everyone might be a bit confused... Pardo won't keep it a secret. They are Bronya and Seele, who is about to debut in this version's story!"
[Holy crap! In-game Bronya is a flat loli, but in reality, she's such a mature and beautiful woman!]
[I'm officially a Bronya fan! The Big Duck is too pretty!]
[Will we get a Big Duck suit in the game? I'll top up immediately!]
[I remember now! Seele appeared in the PV. I was wondering who that girl was!]
[Didn't Bronya mention in Chapter 4 that she had a sister named Seele?]
[Seele is too cute!]
The chat was boiling. The visual appeal of the Big Duck and Seele was undeniably high. Under the rapid scrolling of the chat, the Honkai 3rd maintenance officially ended.
"Servers are up! Let's go, go, go!!" Following the end of maintenance, Pardo boarded the Hyperion elevator, eager to experience the new content!
END OF CHAPTER
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