Honkai: Oh No, I’ve Become the Herrscher of Corruption?! - Chapter 51

Despite having mentally prepared herself, the moment Cecilia stepped into the Elysian Realm, she was immediately struck by the architectural style of the Previous Era—something entirely unfamiliar to her.

“So this is how people lived in the last civilization…?”

Just as she was about to explore further, a melodious voice suddenly reached her ears—soft as a whisper yet clear as a call, as elusive as the scenery around her.

“Hi there~ How are you feeling?”

Cecilia glanced around but saw no one.

“I feel fine, thank you.”

“Hmm… You seem to be adjusting well to the transition from reality to a data space. That’s impressive!”

Cecilia scratched her head. “Well, that’s probably because I’m a memory construct now, just like all of you here.”

“You’re a memory construct too? Also—no need to call me ‘senior.’ My name is Elysia. You can just call me that, or ‘Eli’ for short!” Elysia’s tone carried a hint of surprise.

“Understood, Elysia. In the real world, I suffered fatal injuries. But before I died, the Herrscher of Corruption preserved my memories and converted me into a memory construct. That’s how I survived.” Cecilia’s expression softened with gratitude.

“Oh? So she’s a helpful girl after all~ What else did she tell you before sending you here?”

“She said the Elysian Realm is a precious legacy of the Previous Era—a data space formed from the memories of the thirteen Flame-Chasers. Training and exploring here would help me grow stronger.”

“Just that?”

“She also mentioned that her appearance was based on yours, so she warned me not to be too surprised when I saw you.”

“…That’s it? She didn’t even tell you the names of the Flame-Chasers? You have to figure everything out yourself?”

“Hehe~ What a good girl, keeping secrets so well. I’m looking forward to meeting her again even more now! Well, since you’re fine, why not push forward and explore? Consider it a… beginner’s trial? Don’t worry—if you run into enemies you can’t handle, I’ll step in to help.”

A Waypoint materialized before Cecilia, its marker shaped like a blooming flower. The moment she touched it, she was transported to another space.

Thanks to her extensive training in Schicksal’s simulation rooms, Cecilia made quick work of the ordinary Honkai beasts and mechs in the Realm.

“So these are the Previous Era’s machines… Their designs are different, but their functions aren’t too dissimilar.”

Fortunately for Cecilia, she had entered the real Elysian Realm—not some game called Honkai Impact 3rd—so the robots weren’t the ubiquitous “Titan” models recycled across battlefields. The distant mountains weren’t mere background textures either, but actual towering peaks.

As the last enemy fell, another Waypoint appeared. This time, when Cecilia touched it, she found herself in the same location—until a rift tore open in space, and a Tonatiuh – Devourer of Light emerged.

Faced with this unfamiliar foe, the battle-hardened S-Rank Valkyrie didn’t panic. Her lance shimmered, transforming in her grip.

Elysia, who had been observing her, gasped. “That’s… the Abyss Flower? To surprise me twice in such a short time… You really are special, aren’t you, my lovely maiden?”

Back in the Herrscher of Corruption’s data space, where Cecilia had first awakened as a memory construct, she had been just as shocked to find she could summon the Abyss Flower effortlessly.

“I did input the Abyss Flower’s data, but I didn’t expect you to actually wield it. I suppose this is fate.”

Here in the Elysian Realm, Cecilia could feel it—this virtual Abyss Flower was no weaker than the real one. Her mastery over it hadn’t diminished; if anything, it had grown stronger, as if the weapon had become an extension of her very being. Now, it materialized in her hands whenever she willed it.

With the Abyss Flower in hand, Cecilia moved with renewed confidence. She sidestepped Tonatiuh’s strike, then spun and drove her lance deep into its body.

Dark mist—imbued with the power of decay—engulfed the beast, reducing it to ashes in seconds.

“Even better than I imagined~ Congratulations! You’ve passed the beginner’s trial with flying colors. Now, let your true Elysian adventure begin!”

Where Tonatiuh had fallen, a new Waypoint emerged. This one was slightly different—and when Cecilia touched it, the world around her shifted dramatically, revealing a golden palace.

Elysia lounged lazily on a divan, greeting the awestruck Cecilia with a cheerful wave.

“Hi there~ First official meeting! I’m Elysia, the 2nd Flame-Chaser. As you can see, I’m a maiden as lovely as my name suggests. In our era, ‘Elysia’ meant ‘paradise’ or ‘Elysian Realm.’ Let me say it again—just call me Elysia, or Eli. No ‘senior’ or anything like that. Everyone who comes here is a friend, so no need for formalities~”

Cecilia nodded. “Nice to meet you, Elysia. I’m Cecilia Schariac.”

“Cecilia… Ah, just like your name, you’re pure and beautiful. Oh! She told me you’re already a mother of two?”

“Ah—yes, though Sirin is my adopted daughter—”

Before she could finish, Elysia gasped for the third time. “Goodness! I thought she was joking! You look so young—how do you maintain yourself? Teach me your secrets! Eternal youth is very important for a girl, you know~?”

The barrage of unexpected questions left Cecilia momentarily speechless. It was then that she realized—she might have misjudged the warriors of the Previous Era.

“Elysia, I… don’t think I can help with that. I never really paid attention to those things.” (Having undergone Schicksal’s rigorous Valkyrie training from childhood, Cecilia had little exposure to cosmetics or skincare.)

“Ohhh, I see! You’re saying that as long as you keep a youthful heart, you don’t need external methods to stay beautiful? How wonderful—I think the same way! It seems we’ll get along splendidly~”

Watching Elysia’s lively demeanor, Cecilia finally understood something:

“Maybe they… really were just ordinary people at heart.”