Honkai: Oh No, I’ve Become the Herrscher of Corruption?! - Chapter 60

Previous Civilization

Inside the MOTH (Mandate of Termination for Honkai) base, Mei was presiding over a meeting. Strangely, Elysia, Aponia, and Vill-V were absent. Judging by Mei’s grave expression, everyone knew the topic at hand was anything but ordinary.

Mei took a deep breath and scanned the room.

“Time is running out for me, so let’s cut straight to the heart of the matter.”

“Everyone, from a mere name on paper to becoming the final barrier standing today—when I first joined MOTH, I never imagined things would come to this.”

“I am not a ‘Suitable One,’ nor do I have the luxury of a long lifespan to correct my mistakes. Before we achieve final victory over the Honkai, I may very well lose to the limits of human mortality.”

*”So… there are things I must entrust to you all. Today, I want no lies, no half-truths.”*

“Think carefully, everyone—

When exactly did you first meet Elysia?”

Eden was about to speak, but Mei raised a hand to stop her, forcing her to swallow her words.

…

That night, the moon hung high in the sky.

Elysia stood lightly atop the spire of the MOTH base, a crystalline violet flower flickering between her fingers under the moonlight. She restrained the Honkai energy within it, even though releasing it would have bathed the night in a soft, ethereal glow.

A rustle came from behind. Without turning, she already knew who it was—after all, only one person would seek her out here tonight.

“Hi, Eden.”

“Hi, Elysia.”

Even without seeing her face, Eden could read the emotions radiating from Elysia’s silhouette under the moon—confusion, restlessness, unease, anxiety. Words never before associated with Elysia now clung to her like shadows.

“Eden, has Mei’s meeting ended?”

“Yes. They found no anomalies. Your name has been cleared.”

Elysia turned, forcing a smile.

“Oh, I don’t mind, really. These are desperate times, and everyone’s on edge. My past is… shrouded in mystery, so suspicion was inevitable. But I’m understanding, aren’t I? Of course I forgive them.”

Seeing Elysia mask her sorrow with a smile only made Eden’s heart ache more. She wanted to comfort her but struggled for the right words.

“What about you, Eden? What do you think?”

“Elysia, you know my memory works differently from others’. I’ve always believed—you’ve never betrayed anyone.”

“Thank you, Eden.”

She lifted her hand, letting the crystalline flower drift into the night.

“It feels like… forever since I last saw such a beautiful view. Eden, did you bring wine? Share a drink with me, won’t you?”

Eden handed her a glass and poured generously.

The wine didn’t intoxicate—Elysia was already drunk on emotion. She drained the cup in one go, her cheeks flushing pink. Without thinking, she leaned into Eden.

“Eden~~ my dearest Eden~~”

By the second glass, her signature smile faded, and the emotions she’d suppressed began to spill over.

Feeling Elysia nuzzle against her, Eden smiled tenderly.

“Elysia, do you have a wish? Anything you’d like to do right now? I’ll make it happen.”

A third glass loosened her tongue, ushering in unfiltered honesty.

“Eden, I want to go up there—to feel the night breeze, to fly higher, to see the moon up close!”

“How very like you, Elysia. Such a romantic wish.”

But both knew the MOTH base had no spare aircraft for such whims.

After a brief pause, Eden made up her mind.

“Wait here, Elysia. Your wish will be granted soon.”

Assuming it was just comforting words, Elysia slumped against the rooftop, saying nothing more.

Then—the world shifted before her eyes, jolting her halfway back to sobriety. A colossal whale glided through the starry sky, soon hovering beside her.

“Elysia, climb on.”

The familiar voice came from the whale’s back. Stunned and grateful, Elysia carefully pulled herself onto its broad surface.

Once she settled, the whale flicked its tail and soared into the night.

The wind played with her hair as the moon bathed her still-flushed cheeks. She seemed almost ethereal, as if she might dissolve into pink mist at any moment.

“Eden, are you… alright?” She gently stroked the whale’s back.

“Don’t worry, Elysia. At this size, your weight is nothing.”

Now cruising the heavens, Elysia felt she could reach out and pluck the moon from the sky.

“The moon’s so close!”

“Yes. It’s been too long since I’ve been this high.”

Eden’s voice enveloped her like a gentle tide, soothing her without touch.

“You always know how to comfort me, my dear Eden~~”

“Do you want to talk about the meeting? I know it weighs on you.”

“Hmm… did anyone say anything afterward?”

The whale swayed slightly—Eden’s way of shaking her head.

“No. Just as the meeting concluded, this topic may not resurface for a long time.”

Finally, Elysia smiled—a genuine one.

“Hehe~ I knew it. Mei acts tough, but she’s always had a soft spot for me.”

She tilted her head back, gazing at the flawless silver moon. Then she lay down, pressing against the whale’s warm spine.

“Eden, stay with me a little longer. I want to savor tonight’s moon.”

“Of course, Elysia. My entire evening is yours.”

The whale swayed gently, rocking her like a lullaby.

“Eden, I never imagined your first ‘Artificial Eruption’ would be used like this. It’s so romantic… I love it.”

A pause. Then, softer:

“…And thank you, Eden. Meeting you—it’s been the greatest joy.”

The night deepened.

Under the radiant sky, the great whale carried its pink-haired passenger across the stars, its tail flicking gracefully as it vanished into the celestial sea.