Chat Group: Starting by Swapping Bodies with Elysia?

Ring ring ring~

The monotonous alarm clock blared by his ear, going from a hazy sound to something increasingly distinct. Powder-blue eyes slowly opened, immediately spotting the angular numbers displayed by the Nixie tubes: [7:00].

That familiar ache radiated from his arm, uncomfortable, but for Su, it was a common occurrence.

Always diligent in his studies, Su often found himself writing reports and researching case files late into the night. Many times, he wouldn't even bother to wash up before bed, dozing off at his desk while reading.

He could feel warmth on his shoulders. Lifting a hand, he took off the coat draped over him. Seeing the white-haired figure entering the room, Su couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Kevin."

"Hey, we don't need to thank each other, you know? But you really need to take care of yourself. You're always working until so late. Every time I come find you, you're asleep on your desk. It's getting cold now, be careful not to catch a cold."

The white-haired youth, Kevin, carrying a bag, placed it on the table, offering a slightly helpless but also teasing look. Then, he chuckled, "Here, I knew you'd be waking up around this time and would be starving. Your pal here brought you breakfast! There's a new breakfast place that just opened up on the west side of the city, supposedly from Shenzhou. The steamed buns are amazing."

"And these noodles, I really love them. Let's eat something together."

Steam rose from the dark broth, topped with chopped scallions, making one's mouth water.

Without any ceremony, Kevin had already snapped apart a pair of disposable chopsticks and started slurping away at the noodles.

"Can't help it, there are more and more patients lately… Don't worry about me, I'm a doctor myself, after all." Su straightened his clothes, did a quick wash, and dried his face with a towel. He sat down at the table with a casual air, but Kevin, still noisily eating his noodles, muttered, "Yeah, right? An intern? Besides, when I was studying in the Far East, I heard an old saying from Shenzhou – the physician cannot heal himself."

"You're still hung up on that girl, aren't you?"

Su shook his head with a wry smile.

Even after transferring back to Europe from the Far East, his good friend still seemed unable to let go of that person, remaining intensely interested in the Far East and Shenzhou, the origin of its culture.

But if he had to say, Kevin was definitely doing better than before. He remembered how broken Kevin looked when he first came back… cough cough, people heartbroken are all like that, it seems.

Su couldn't do much about it, so he just temporarily filled the role of a therapist, trying to console his best bro.

Fortunately, Kevin wasn't the type to become suicidal after being dumped. He was definitely in a much better state now.

Just like Kevin said, Su, who was studying medicine, was now a medical intern.

As for Kevin, after transferring back to Europe, besides continuing his studies, his friend also worked part-time as a delivery guy, a food courier, and even as a police assistant.

He was probably hoping that he might bump into MEI someday.

Even though he wasn't really holding onto any hope of pursuing MEI romantically anymore, Kevin still wanted to see her, even if they couldn't be lovers, just exchanging contact information to be friends would be enough!

Chatting and laughing, they shared breakfast. After heading out, Kevin, pushing the motorcycle he'd bought with his savings, offered Su a ride.

Su didn't have his own vehicle – well… not exactly. He did have a bicycle, at least.

Eco-friendly and healthy, that was Su's reasoning.

Otherwise, taking the subway or bus was Su's usual way of getting around.

But occasionally, there were times like this when Kevin would give him a lift.

Between good friends, there was no need for much talk. Su directly put on the helmet Kevin handed him and sat on the back.

The feeling of speeding along, the wind rushing past his face, wasn't bad at all.

In a good mood, Su was dropped off at his workplace. After greeting his colleagues, he headed towards Director Fahr's office with practiced ease – his senior, who usually took great care of Su, more like a mentor than just a colleague.

He knocked politely on the door and entered after hearing a "Come in." Director Fahr was there, and a middle-aged man in a white coat was sitting on the guest sofa. What caught Su's attention was the man's empty sleeve.

Su knew this man – Director Fahr's friend, Dr. SPACY.

Of course, he had another identity – the head of the fifth scientific division of Fire Moth, and also a founding member of the division, holding a position within Fire Moth no less significant than that of Mobius.

He would later become Su's mentor.

With the occurrence of the Third and Fourth Honkai Eruptions, although Fire Moth had not yet revealed the existence of 'Honkai' to the public for the sake of political stability and other considerations, as mentioned before, the frequent small-scale Honkai events had led to a large number of Honkai disease patients, especially in Europe.

Although the city where the fifth scientific division was located was in Western Europe, some distance from the densely populated areas of Eastern Europe, they were still inevitably affected.

Seeing SPACY, Su felt a surge of excitement.

From Director Fahr, he knew that SPACY was a member of an organization called 'Fire Moth' – a name that had been partially revealed to the public through several major Honkai Eruptions.

However, many people still didn't know the full details of this organization.

Su was more or less the same.

But he at least knew that 'Fire Moth' was involved in many secretive matters and was closely related to 'Honkai disease.'

To prevent the bodies of Honkai disease patients from causing further disaster, Fire Moth would send specialists to retrieve the deceased from hospitals everywhere.

As long as he could join this organization, he was sure there would be significant progress in finding a cure for 'Honkai disease' – Su was certain of it.

Unfortunately, his numerous applications to join Fire Moth, submitted to Director Fahr, had always been directly rejected.

Now, seeing Dr. SPACY in person, Su couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope.

Perhaps sensing this, Director Fahr sighed and spoke up, "Su."

"Regarding your previous applications to join Fire Moth, I've considered them for a long time."

"You're still too young, and you don't understand what you might face in the future. That's why I've been rejecting your applications."

Like Su, he was a doctor with a benevolent heart – otherwise, he wouldn't have died from a Honkai disease infection, even forcefully holding onto his last breath to provide vital serum to save Su, who had also contracted the disease.

But regarding Su joining Fire Moth, Fahr had always been against it.

As Dr. SPACY's good friend, he knew very well what kind of organization 'Fire Moth' was and the dangers they faced.

Su was undoubtedly talented, but he was still too young.

If he joined them, he might lose his life because of that kind heart of his.

Fahr, who treated Su like his own son, really didn't want to see that happen.

But as the Honkai grew more intense and certain underground forces stirred, the seemingly peaceful surface world seemed to be becoming increasingly dangerous.

The Third Honkai Eruption, the Fourth Honkai Eruption… where would the Fifth Honkai Eruption occur?

They didn't know, but it was clear to everyone that Europe was becoming more and more dangerous – after all, the frequency of Honkai outbreaks was simply too high, and due to certain policies implemented by the old European powers, the influence of the 'new Herrscher of Dominance' was also gradually taking hold.

Violent incidents lurking in the shadows of the city were gradually increasing, and there were even frequent 'disappearances.'

Fahr, seeing all of this, although he didn't care about his own safety, couldn't help but consider Su's future.

And so – his old friend Dr. SPACY was here.

"Now, I don't plan to keep refusing… I've recommended you to Dr. SPACY."

"If you can pass his assessment, you can join Fire Moth."

Su's talent was undeniable.

Fahr had often boasted about this junior to Dr. SPACY, and Dr. SPACY was also quite curious about him.

Undoubtedly, in terms of talent, knowledge, and attitude, Su was practically flawless.

Except for being too young, the boy seemed to have no issues.

Previously – Dr. SPACY had rejected Su's requests several times, citing his immaturity. But now, things were slightly different.

… Because of the Mu Continent faction.

The rising star within the organization, Dr. MEI, and the head of the engineering department, Vill-V, their growing influence was starting to squeeze the European faction's space within Fire Moth. Their shockingly young age also made some of the older members who adhered to 'seniority' and 'experience' feel a strong sense of crisis.

Dr. SPACY wasn't the stubborn type, and the changes at headquarters had made him reconsider his view of the younger generation – which led to the forgiveness of Su's immaturity being a disadvantage.

Furthermore – he urgently needed a successor.

Although Dr. SPACY wasn't the type to seek power or engage in factional struggles, he wasn't interested in them at all.

But precisely because of this, as the nominal leader of the European faction, when facing the emerging Mu Continent faction led by Dr. MEI, Dr. SPACY had adopted a strategy of 'inaction.'

Obey organizational management, tell me what to do, and I'll do it.

But this approach caused an uproar among the other members of the European faction.

You're the leader, acting like you're just following orders, so what about us?

Compared to the academic Mu Continent faction, the European faction, born from the local soil, understood the situation. Few had clean hands and couldn't withstand scrutiny. If they really surrendered to headquarters, every single one of them would be sent to the gallows.

There was no other way. If the leader wasn't strong, they couldn't be blamed for not listening.

Under these internal conflicts, the fifth scientific division was already showing signs of extreme division.

Dr. SPACY had very little control over the internal affairs of the organization, and the European faction was waiting for an opportunity to kick this 'follow-the-leader' out and replace him with one of their own.

Dr. SPACY, already not optimistic about humanity's fight against the Honkai, realized that this trend was bad.

If he really was ousted by these people, the European faction might truly lose control.

Sensing the growing crisis, SPACY had to start cultivating a qualified successor for the fifth scientific division, in case something happened to him and the division didn't completely fall apart.

Su was clearly a qualified candidate.

He was talented enough and understood the greater good.

And…

He also had some connection to that Dr. Mei.

SPACY, who had already investigated Kevin, Su, and MEI before coming, thought to himself.

Although this connection might be incredibly weak, as a veteran of Fire Moth, SPACY, knowing that the young genius doctor was conducting a very secretive 'purge' within the organization, had to take it into consideration.

With this connection, cooperation in the fight against the Honkai in the future would be easier.

After the assessment, SPACY didn't say anything, just calmly took a sip of his tea.

Director Fahr, his old friend, understood and glanced at Su – after a brief exchange of glances, the latter understood.

"I heard that Dr. SPACY doesn't have any students."

"I also don't have a mentor."

"If you don't mind, I hope I can become your student."

At that moment, SPACY smiled.

"Next, let's go meet someone."

Su was puzzled but silently followed Dr. SPACY after handing over his current tasks to Director Fahr.

Sitting in the dedicated Fire Moth vehicle, he chatted with the cheerful SPACY along the way.

He also learned about the person they were going to meet – a 'Fire Moth Hero' from headquarters.

This title somewhat awed Su.

From their conversation, he had gained a better understanding of what kind of organization Fire Moth was. He was both shocked and curious about who this 'Fire Moth Hero' could be to have earned such a title within this organization.

The answer: a pink-haired woman with a bust size of 55k.

"You're… the girl from that day?!" At the reception area of the fifth scientific division, Su's excellent memory allowed him to immediately recognize Elysia, who was sitting on the sofa, playfully interacting with the ELF Elysia. He blurted out in shock.

The Fire Moth Hero was just a random female tourist?!

"Uh… are you the blind person from the Elysian Realm?!" Called out, Elysia thought it was some beautiful girl and was starting to get excited. But after clearly seeing Su's face, she instantly recognized him – blurting out subconsciously.

Su: ?

"You two… know each other?"

Hearing their tones and the slightly strange nicknames, Dr. SPACY's expression became a little odd.

"Uh… we accidentally met at Eden's concert before."

"?"

Now it was the pink-haired lady's turn to be confused.

Who met you at a concert?

I haven't even been to Eden's concert, okay…

Wait, could it be…

Seemingly realizing something, Elysia puffed up her cheeks.

Elysia's Chat Group, activate.

Elysia: Bad Jiang Qiao, did you go to Eden's concert without telling me before?!

A moment later.

Jiang Qiao: Uh… maybe it was just a random female tourist?

Although answering honestly didn't seem to be a problem, [Bronya],f riding the ghost fire motorcycle and speeding across the sea, couldn't help but be a little mischievous after receiving this message – it's this body's fault! (Definitely!)

Elysia: Come on, Elysia has found an eyewitness!

Elysia: blind person.jpg

Jiang Qiao: …Su?

Jiang Qiao: How did you run into him?

Although running into Su in Europe wasn't impossible, before Su joined Fire Moth, [Elysia]'s movements shouldn't have overlapped with Su's.

Thinking this, the black silk-clad little foot pressing down on the Honkai Rabbit's accelerator pedal pressed down a little harder – speeding across the sea is so much fun.

That being said, [Bronya] didn't really care. After all, the Previous Era was already a mess. Even if Su turned into a beautiful girl one day, he wouldn't find it strange.

Elysia: I met Dr. SPACY according to MEI's arrangement, and then I saw him… Don't try to change the subject, you went to Eden's concert without telling me, didn't you?!

The pink-haired lady gnashed her teeth.

Damn it, Elysia always wanted to go to Eden's concert, but… but this bad Jiang Qiao actually went without telling me, using my body to go to Eden's concert! And I didn't even know, I was kept in the dark – Jiang Qiao, you bad egg!

The chain reaction instantly brought back memories of the interrupted tycoon snuggling session in the Elysian Realm. At this moment, Elysia was grinding her teeth at Jiang Qiao.

"Uh… is there a problem?" Temporarily ignoring the somewhat rude and concerning nickname, Su looked at the imposing and seemingly intimidating Elysia , feeling a little nervous and helpless.

Girl, you're scaring me.

Is this really a 'Fire Moth Hero' or just a 'domesticated Pomeranian'?

"Ah… hahahaha, it's nothing, nothing…"

Elysia instantly realized that they were in front of people and awkwardly tried to explain.

Inside her mind – Bad Jiang Qiao, making me look foolish! Just you wait!

Angry Elysia fiercely made a note in her 'Bad Jiang Qiao Notebook' – Damn it, I'm almost out of space to write! (Slamming her pen down).

…

The motorcycle engine gradually died down. The silver-haired girl, dismounting from the Honkai Rabbit, stepped onto the deck.

"You guys actually managed to build this thing?" Looking at the red-haired, twin-tailed 'girl' standing on the deck to greet her – Dr. Tesla from Anti-Entropy – [Bronya] tapped her small leather shoe against the metal surface with interest.

Undoubtedly, the warship she was stepping onto was the culmination of Previous Era technology – the strongest battleship that once faced the Finality, the [Selene].

"Of course. Ever since we excavated the Selene's technology after the Second Honkai Eruption, we've been building this big guy. The main systems are all complete, and the remaining parts…"

Sensing Tesla's gaze, the silver-haired girl immediately understood and sighed helplessly, "Alright, alright, I get it."

They were clearly expecting her to fix the remaining parts. No wonder they brought out the Selene.

"You're really good at using people…"

"It's you who doesn't understand the value of every penny," Tesla retorted, a little annoyed.

Did she even know how expensive the Selene was?

Building one of these things was enough to build dozens, even hundreds, of Titan mechs!

If this thing wasn't the ultimate weapon of the Previous Era against the Herrscher of the End, they wouldn't have scrimped and saved to build this damned thing.

Now that they had [Bronya], a Herrscher of Reason even stronger than Joachim, why waste money keeping this thing in the repair dock?

As for why they didn't get the old Yang to do this before – one, because that guy was nowhere to be found.

Two, because creations at the 'Herrscher of Reason' stage couldn't be used for long periods.

Once the Honkai energy inside the creation was depleted, it was basically scrap.

Only existences at the 'Truth Realization' level could create truly 'perpetual creations.'

Like what the duck did on the moon to fix the door.

At the cost of a large amount of Honkai energy and time, achieving 'imaginary construct permanent manifestation.'

"Don't understand the point of fixing this thing." Shaking her head, the silver-haired girl walked closer to the warship's wall and placed her hand on the metal. The power of the Herrscher of Reason began to operate at full capacity.

In Jiang Qiao's opinion, this thing was basically useless. Even in the Previous Era, it was just an 'experimental' weapon.

It wasn't as good as Durandal's sword that could cut through worlds.

And in this Current Era, this thing was even more of a joke, like the Sky Father that Cocolia made, a total waste of intelligence.

One required a Herrscher core as its energy source and was forever stuck at 99% completion.

The other needed four Herrscher cores to operate, but its most important function was just the 'Selene' system, the main cannon.

It was better to just build a Wonder! (Annoyed)

"Ahem…"

Tesla really wanted to argue, after all, this was a decisive weapon that she and Einstein had scrimped and saved to build.

But remembering that the person in front of her had created hundreds of Selene main cannons not long ago, she immediately shut her mouth.

She and Einstein were actually quite regretful.

The reason they built the Selene before was purely because old Yang couldn't make this thing, plus the records said it was an important weapon against the Finality. They had no choice but to build it if they wanted to fight the Finality.

But then Jiang Qiao Duck successfully proved to them – it wasn't that the Herrscher of Reason couldn't build it, it's just that they were too incompetent.

As long as the Honkai energy was available, she could build as many as she wanted.

But now that they had almost finished building it, they were reluctant to dismantle it.

So it was stuck in this half-finished state.

Fortunately, [Bronya] was capable enough, or Tesla and Einstein wouldn't know whether to continue investing in this unlucky thing.

"Done."

"…So fast?" Looking at the silver-haired girl putting down her hand, Tesla was a little stunned.

Bronya: "(???)"

This body is almost completely drained, why do you think it was so fast?

Luckily, the Selene was already mostly complete.

If she had to do it from scratch, it would probably take the power of a dozen Bronyas.

Even so, the reserves Bronya had accumulated during Jiang Qiao's absence were completely depleted.

Feeling the emptiness inside her body, as if she had been squeezed dry, the silver-haired girl sighed and rubbed her forehead.

Having to pay public funds while using this body… being a Herrscher of Reason is… sigh.

The next moment, a sharp alarm sounded in their ears:

"Warning—!"