Honkai: Oh No, I’ve Become the Herrscher of Corruption?! - Chapter 82

“Apologies, visitor. I don’t have any innate defects—this is just… a habit of mine. In truth, I’ve been observing you both from the moment you entered the Elysian Realm this time.”

“Observing… us?” Sirin and Bella exchanged glances, confusion evident in their eyes.

A Herrscher and a Judgement-class Honkai Beast might stand out in the outside world, but this was the Elysian Realm, where nearly every Flame-Chaser surpassed even Judgement-class Honkai Beasts—or even Herrschers. They couldn’t understand what made them special among such individuals.

Su’s eyes crinkled into a smile as he looked at Sirin. “There’s no need for such modesty. The phenomenon you two represent has never occurred in the Previous Era.”

“The Previous Era had over a dozen Herrschers and more than twenty Judgement-class Honkai Beasts. But not even the Apocalypse-class ones shared the kind of bond you two have, let alone possessed intelligence like yours.”

Sirin stared at Su in surprise. “R-Really? I thought every Herrscher naturally had a Judgement-class Honkai Beast when they awakened, and that Enoxia was the exception.”

“Hah! See, even with just one Herrscher Core, I’m still the most powerf—uh… unique among Herrschers.”

Sirin had initially thought that with Bella by her side, even if they couldn’t defeat the Flame-Chasers, they could surely overpower other single-Core Herrschers. But then she remembered—Enoxia was already an opponent they couldn’t beat.

An attack that altered perception was impossible to defend against. As a Herrscher, Sirin might fare slightly better, but Bella… she’d likely become Enoxia’s Honkai Beast before even lifting a finger.

At that thought, Sirin instinctively pulled Bella into a tight hug. But then she remembered that Enoxia was also family, and her earlier assumptions were nothing but wild imagination. She loosened her grip, a hint of guilt flashing across her face.

Once Sirin’s internal monologue settled, Su continued:

“Thus, I believe this extraordinary bond of yours will take you to heights no other Herrscher or Honkai Beast has ever reached.”

A gentle breeze swept by, carrying two bodhi leaves that drifted perfectly into their palms.

“Since you two still have matters to attend to, I won’t keep you any longer. May this Remembrance of [Bodhi] guide you forward.”

As the bodhi leaves dissolved into their hands, a vine sprouted from the ground, stretching endlessly into the distance. Sirin and Bella followed its path.

“One flower, one world. One tree, one bodhi. May your journey bloom as abundantly as these branches.”

At the end of the winding vine stood a new Waypoint, its emblem resembling an oddly shaped clock with two uneven hands.

Touching the Waypoint transported them into a spacious hall. The floor was tiled with countless marble slabs, and though the ceiling had few lights, the room was brilliantly illuminated.

“Oh! Sirin and Bella, you’re here! Hurry, we’ve been waiting for you!”

Elysia was the first to notice them, waving enthusiastically.

The room was crowded—Kevin, Kalpas, Elysia, Enoxia, and several unfamiliar faces were all present.

Several exquisitely crafted cooking stations were arranged in the hall, each equipped with a pot but no visible heat source—no firewood, gas, or any other fuel.

At the front stood two tables draped in red cloth, clearly meant for the judges and dining area. Just then, a Flame-Chaser they hadn’t met before approached them.

“Miss Sirin, Miss Bella, thank you for honoring my Culinary Championship with your presence. I am the fifth Flame-Chaser, the Remembrance of [Helix]—Vill-V. Or, more accurately, one of Vill-V’s personas: Gourmet. Miss Bella, it’s an honor to compete alongside you in this culinary showdown.”

“Ano, three steps left… then two steps right—yes, right there!”

After Elysia gave a thumbs-up, Enoxia flicked her finger, and a cooking station levitated before landing precisely in place.

Bella was guided to the last station by Vill-V, while Sirin joined Enoxia at the judges’ table.

After all, if Enoxia participated, her Authority of Corruption would tilt the competition unfairly.

Sirin leaned toward Enoxia. “Since this is a data space… no matter how much we eat, we’ll never get full, right?”

Enoxia chuckled. “Of course. But isn’t it wonderful to taste endless delicacies without ever feeling stuffed? Though, as Herrschers, we never had to worry about that to begin with… Hm? Is Vill-V missing something?”

Vill-V nodded. Enoxia flashed to her side, and after understanding the request, she snapped her fingers—the required items instantly materialized. With the power of Jizo Mitama, her efficiency in conjuring objects within the data space had vastly improved.

Clearly, all ingredients and utensils for the competition were provided by Enoxia, guaranteeing top-tier quality.

“So… this is what Elysia wanted you to try in the Elysian Realm?” Sirin watched Enoxia return to her seat and the contestants preparing methodically below. Despite Vill-V hosting the event, Elysia was undoubtedly the driving force behind such a large-scale activity.

Enoxia nodded. “Exactly. I can create new objects and spaces within the Elysian Realm. Letting the Flame-Chasers experience something they haven’t in 50,000 years—that was Elysia’s idea.”

Sirin frowned. “If they want new experiences, why not bring them to the real world? That shouldn’t be impossible for you.”

Enoxia shook her head with a smile. “Theoretically, I could revive any memory entity in the real world, just like Cecilia and Alexandra. But… they wouldn’t go.”

“Why?”

“Because whether they see themselves as continuations of their original selves or not, they believe they belong to the Previous Era. The remnants of the old world should remain in the paradise it left behind—they neither need nor should interfere with the new one.”

“Oh…” Sirin’s expression fell.

“Don’t be so disheartened. There are still many differences between the Current and Previous Eras—stepping into the real world might not be good for them. But establishing a communication channel so they can observe and interact with the outside world? That should be fine. For now, let’s just enjoy the event and not overthink it.”

Sirin nodded and settled into her seat. By then, Elysia had already pulled out the Horn of the Past: Roar Edition.

“Testing, one-two-three… Testing, one-two-three…”

After adjusting the megaphone, Elysia took a deep breath and announced:

“Let the First Ever Elysian Realm Culinary Championship… BEGIN!”