Chat Group: Starting by Swapping Bodies with Elysia?

2014. Philippines Capital, Manila.

This bustling city nestled among the Southeast Asian islands, the nation's capital, had been engulfed in flames due to a sudden major Honkai Eruption.

Amidst this inferno teeming with Honkai beasts and Embers, a leg encased in special metal armor gently touched down.

"How's the civilian evacuation going?"

Blue armor, a sharp scythe, and short ash-blonde hair – Rita Rossweisse, Schicksal's S-rank Valkyrie, clutching 'Skadi,' communicated through the Valkyrie channel.

"Most of the civilians have been evacuated, but… Anna is out of contact."

Under Durandal's orders, the Snow Lotus Squad stationed in the Southeast Asian branch was responsible for Manila's security. They had performed admirably, rescuing the majority of civilians in the initial moments of the Honkai outbreak, but the Snow Lotus Squad had also suffered significant losses.

Besides ordinary members, there was also the report from the Snow Lotus Squad leader – the Snow Lotus Squad's vice-captain, Anna Schariac, was out of contact.

Rita could hear the despondency in the communication channel. For Valkyries, being out of contact and being deceased were practically the same thing.

"Don't worry, she'll be alright."

As a seasoned Valkyrie, Rita, accustomed to such situations, could only offer words of comfort while clearing out the Honkai beasts on her own. As the adjunct of Immortal Blades, she should have been leading the Immortal Blades Valkyrie unit for this mission, but…

Casting a glance at the 'refrigerator' rampaging and obliterating everything, a hint of resentment flashed in Rita's eyes.

With this thing around, how could she dare to act alongside her subordinates?

Back at headquarters, Rita had considered asking the logistics department to help remove this awkward feature, but the result was predictable. Nagamitsu, the director of Schicksal's 1504th Research Institute and the head of the Valkyrie armor project, gave his answer after research: it can't be changed, just make do with it.

The Herrscher of Truth's power had directly pressed the researchers' faces into the ground. If it were the Herrscher of Reason's deconstruction, it might be manageable. Although it was also 'imaginary construction,' it followed a structure and could be disassembled.

However, the Herrscher of Truth's 'construction understanding' was entirely different. This ultimate 'imaginary' ability operated on the principle of 'because I think so.' If you didn't have the blueprints, forget about understanding the internal structure. To put it abstractly – it was a solid block welded together. Don't ask why a solid block could produce so many effects. The Herrscher of Truth simply designed it to have those effects.

As long as you didn't disassemble it and provided energy, it would continue to function. But once you took it apart… probably even the Herrscher of Truth herself couldn't put it back together perfectly.

Nagamitsu had tried to comfort Rita, saying, "Look, even though it's a bit abstract, that Herrscher of Reason is quite considerate."

"For example… if you open the refrigerator door, you can actually put drinks inside. You can take them out and enjoy a refreshing drink anytime during battle – the Argent Knight: Artemis battlesuit inexplicably gained a life skill. You've hit the jackpot!"

Unfortunately, she couldn't request a replacement.

Each Divine Key armor was basically exclusive and expensive. Trying to replace it just because you disliked the 'guardian spirit''s appearance? It was suggested she create one herself.

Helpless, Rita could only grudgingly accept her role as the 'refrigerator's owner.'

Even though it looked ugly, it possessed a beauty of strength.

In this painful yet gratifying situation, Rita could only silently accept it – at most, she wouldn't summon the refrigerator for most battles. When she did summon it, she would engage in solo combat.

She didn't want the younger Valkyries to think of Durandal as the strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal.

And think of herself…

"Rita is so amazing! But why does she fight with a refrigerator?"

"Uh, maybe it's Rita's hobby?"

"It doesn't matter, Rita looks cool fighting alongside the refrigerator too!"

Thinking of this, Rita felt a wave of darkness wash over her. Gritting her teeth, she viciously swung her scythe at the exposed rear of a nearby Chariot-class Honkai beast.

Speak, are you mocking me too?!

Although massive, the Chariot-class Honkai beast had cute little eyes. Looking completely innocent, it turned into specks of purple Honkai energy, vanishing into nothingness.

"…This."

Rita suddenly paused, looking in a certain direction.

The Argent Knight armor's Honkai energy detection device registered a rapid surge in Honkai energy.

It also brought a feeling that was very familiar to her…

— A Herrscher.

Picking up her pace, she quickly eliminated the incoming Honkai creatures. Her vision gradually cleared.

She witnessed the source of that familiar power firsthand.

Amidst the ruins, a girl with long ash-blonde hair similar to her own was kneeling on the ground.

"Anna Schariac."

Recognizing the girl instantly, Rita frowned slightly.

She was no stranger to her. After all, Anna was an outstanding member of Schicksal's new generation of Valkyries. Plus, with the name 'Schariac,' Anna deeply admired Durandal, who had inherited the title of Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie from Cecilia. She was a typical fan, and naturally, Rita, as the adjunct, had interacted with her.

But…

What in the world had happened?

Feeling the latent dangerous Honkai energy and the steadily dropping temperature in the air, Rita's heart grew heavy.

Nevertheless, she cautiously approached Anna.

Tear streaks ran down the girl's cheeks, and the ice crystals on the ground spoke volumes.

"I… I faltered."

Schariac was a name synonymous with 'salvation.'

Just as those from the Kaslana family took it upon themselves to protect the masses, the Schariacs naturally shared a similar conviction.

Even at the cost of their own lives, they would strive to save others.

Cecilia Schariac, the former strongest Valkyrie of Schicksal who sacrificed herself in the Second Honkai Eruption to save civilians caught in the disaster, using the forbidden move 'White Lily's Thorns,' (i forgot the name) was a prime example of this belief.

The Misteln, the Schariac Stigmata's Will, would seek self-destruction due to conflicting ideals.

For them, their beliefs were more important than their lives.

Perhaps ordinary Valkyries could be afraid of death – that was perfectly normal.

No one would condemn them.

But the Schariac Valkyries were different. Even if there were extenuating circumstances or numerous reasons, once they betrayed their ideals, even if others didn't care or know, they would be tormented by 'inner demons.'

It was probably similar to the 'saving the world' ingrained in the Kaslana bloodline.

The original Anna was optimistic enough to bury this pain in her heart until a man named Chen Tianwu brought it to light.

But now, perhaps due to being a suitable vessel for the 'Fifth Herrscher,' even though she originally possessed the mental fortitude to suppress it, under the influence of the 'Cocoon,' this guilt and despair were amplified to the point of being impossible to conceal.

"…Anna, calm down."

Feeling the chilling air that made her shiver even through her Divine Key armor, Rita felt a pang of fear but could only try to soothe the other girl's emotions.

"…"

Anna didn't respond, her eyes vacant.

In a way, she was already trying her best to suppress herself.

If it were anyone else, they would probably have already turned into a Herrscher.

"Think of your comrades…"

"Comrades? Comrades…"

As if a keyword had been triggered, Anna repeated the word. Rita thought things were stabilizing.

Well, they did stabilize.

Terrifying Honkai energy erupted, and the girl's clear tears transformed into ice crystals. Her last shred of reason seemed to have been shattered by the word 'comrades.'

Large amounts of ice crystals enveloped Anna Schariac's body, turning her into her original 'ice cream' form.

"…"

Rita, hiding behind the refrigerator, had a contorted expression.

Were your comrades the ones who killed your whole family?

Hearing those two words directly triggered her Herrscher transformation?

Great… was she going to fight another Herrscher?

Thinking of this, Rita felt numb all over.

She instinctively recalled her previous fight with the Herrscher of Wind.

Alright, alright.

Let's fight then.

It's not like I lose every single time, right?

Besides, we're both ice-based, it's not a given that you're stronger than me!

For the sake of the 'refrigerator's owner's' dignity, Rita swallowed hard and raised her scythe, planning to see if she could solo the 'Herrscher of Ice' before her.

Good news – because they were both ice-based, she had some resistance. At least Rita wasn't freezing to death.

Any other Valkyrie would probably have been frozen solid by now.

Bad news – because they were both ice-based, her attacks on the 'Herrscher of Ice' were even weaker than against the 'Herrscher of Wind.'

The 'cold air' that the Argent Knight armor was proud of felt like a tickle to the Herrscher of Ice. Sis, are you turning on the heater?

Close combat was slightly better. The Herrscher of Ice wasn't as elusive and hard to hit as the Herrscher of Wind.

But those massive ice blocks…

It was like playing whack-a-mole – and Rita was the mole.

Large-area AOE skills were the bane of melee fighters like Rita.

Fortunately, Rita finally found an opening thanks to the refrigerator's unexpected burst of power and landed a blow on the Herrscher of Ice.

The assessment: very effective, triggered phase two.

The speed of the six ice swords increased even further. Even worse –

"Her movements have become slower…"

Rita keenly noticed this. Feeling the biting cold, the hope of victory she had just felt began to fade as her vision blurred.

'Slowing molecular movement,' the upper limit of this authority was far beyond the Argent Knight armor's capacity.

If she were using the prototype of the Key of Empyrean, equipped with the Serenity Gem, it might be better. But competing in cold… what gave you the courage, some old geezer from Schicksal headquarters?

In the despairing cold, even the air began to condense and fall.

This entire area was transforming into a dead zone.

Even time seemed to slow down.

"Huff… huff…"

The Divine Key armor's external circulation system was struggling to supply enough filtered oxygen. Although it had internal oxygen generation technology, in this extremely cold environment, even though it was also ice-based, the armor began to malfunction, with a series of red alerts flashing, which was infuriating.

…This one is even more troublesome than the Herrscher of Wind.

Struggling to breathe but still enduring thanks to her Valkyrie training, Rita narrowly dodged the sharp ice shards.

"Ride on!"

A voice with the hint of baby formula rang in her ears, like heavenly music. Immediately afterward, a beam of light piercing the sky struck the 'Herrscher of Ice' hovering in the air.

Rita, freed, collapsed into a somewhat narrow embrace – in her blurry vision, she could see the silver-haired girl's indifferent face and the crown of light above her head, representing truth.

The Herrscher of Truth – [Bronya] – had joined the battle.

"Phew… it's really cold."

Exhaling a white puff of air, [Bronya] felt the extreme cold that was hard to bear even with a Herrscher's body and couldn't help but complain.

The very sensible Project Bunny activated its air conditioning, rapidly raising the temperature within their small area.

Rita quickly regained consciousness.

The previous attack must have caused significant damage to the Herrscher of Ice. The flowing 'authority' had begun to weaken. Although the surrounding temperature was still very cold, it was within a tolerable range.

Seeing 'Duckie,' the maid recognized her instantly, her eyes slightly moist.

You came just in time.

If you had been any later, I would have become iced Rita.

If she wasn't so devoted to Durandal, Rita might have considered 'offering herself' after being saved by her so many times – well, if it stayed like this, it might not be a bad idea.

Rita found [Bronya] in this form quite appealing.

"She's… never mind."

The silver-haired girl had wanted to get an update from Rita, but after thinking about it, she gave up. "I'll just do it myself."

She raised her hand.

Pink light flickered and spread out.

The portion of her original authority within her body began to stir.

— Using the power of the Origin, Jiang Qiao could try to connect to the 'Herrscher of Ice.' And with the 'Elysian Astra' in his hand, he could use the Herrscher of Sentience's authority to a certain extent, achieving operations similar to what the trio did later.

Connecting to the other's consciousness.

However, this method was very difficult to execute. It was only possible because the Herrscher of Ice wasn't very aggressive and didn't seem like a big threat – and Anna's consciousness was also resisting the Herrscher's power.

"Let me see…"

The surroundings changed. [Bronya], entering Anna Schariac's consciousness, immediately saw the crying girl.

Without offering much comfort, he chose to understand the source of the problem first.

The perspective shifted and changed, becoming Anna's.

Then – time seemed to rewind to shortly after the Manila Honkai Eruption. Anna had entered the city to eliminate Honkai beasts and evacuate civilians.

Jiang Qiao watched Anna's actions in Manila… eventually pausing at a specific moment.

The reason for the girl's collapse seemed to be – a girl saved by her teammates at the cost of their lives was crushed under a building because of her hesitation. Due to the attacking Honkai beasts, Anna, already seriously injured, chose to leave with Chen Tianwu, whom she had also saved.

However, Chen Tianwu had witnessed everything in his hazy consciousness and questioned her after waking up – and then, after taking Chen Tianwu to safety, Anna, filled with shame, left.

What followed was her encounter with Rita, and then Anna's collapse and Herrscher transformation triggered by the keyword 'comrades.'

"…"

Jiang Qiao frowned slightly after quickly reviewing everything.

This is a bit tricky.

Jiang Qiao sighed.

He gave up on the possibility of persuasion.

The Schariacs, like the Kaslanas, were stubborn and single-minded. Once their beliefs were shaken, not even eight oxen could pull them back.

[Bronya], back in reality, raised her head.

She lifted her palm.

The authority of Truth began to operate at full power – a golden cross gradually formed. Chains pierced through the ice blocks that tried to obstruct them and bound the 'Herrscher of Ice.'

"Pseudo-God Key: Oath of Judah."

The voice with a hint of baby formula softly chanted, completing the 'capture' of the Herrscher of Ice.

The solid ice gradually melted, revealing the face of Anna Schariac, peaceful and serene, before the girl.

A slender index finger gently touched the white chest revealed by the melting ice. An ice-blue gem emerged and landed in [Bronya]s' hand.

A metal box materialized from the weaving of ones and zeros, housing the core within.

Then, another 'crystal' appeared in [Bronya]'s' hand and was implanted into Anna's body.

"This is…"

"With this, her condition will be no different from a normal person, but correspondingly, her Herrscher powers will be sealed." With a snap of her fingers, [Bronya] tossed the metal box – a Soul Steel storage device – into the Imaginary Space and calmly answered Rita's question.

True Herrschers could condense again even without a core by relying on their authority, because they grasped the essence of authority – the Imaginary Core.

The core was just a container for storing Honkai energy. Having it allowed for a more comprehensive use of their powers.

Jiang Qiao had used the authority of Origin to create this 'substitute.' It would block the Imaginary Core held by the Herrscher, preventing her from using her powers or condensing a core again. The advantage was that it possessed the undetectable properties of the 'Herrscher of Origin.'

"Being in Schicksal with the power of a Herrscher will do her no good."

That old geezer at Schicksal headquarters dreamed of creating a controllable 'human Herrscher.'

If Anna returned as the Herrscher of Ice, Jiang Qiao knew exactly what Otto would do, without even having to think about it.

"Indeed."

Rita wholeheartedly agreed. Although she didn't know why her lord bishop was so eager for Herrschers, what she did know was enough for her to agree with Jiang Qiao's actions.

"I'll seal her memories of this incident. I'll leave the rest to you."

"Understood, Rita."

…

Although not as clear-cut as Su's, Kevin had his own life.

Delivering takeout and packages, occasionally working as a police assistant – regarding the future, he had heard that the IT industry had good prospects. If possible, he would like to find a good company and become an ordinary office worker.

MEI's disappearance brought him a brief moment of loss and regret. The sun would still rise, and tomorrow would still come.

Besides wanting to see her again and be friends, he also hoped that she would be happy if she really found someone else she liked.

Putting on his police assistant hat, Kevin started his day.

The job was exceptionally simple. Besides maintaining order sometimes and occasionally filling in as a traffic cop, there weren't many troublesome things… but recently, the city seemed to have become more chaotic. The violence festering in the shadows was exhausting.

But it was okay – the righteous baseball bat hero would make those bad guys have nowhere to hide.

Kevin regretted that he couldn't use a baseball bat.

Well, a baton might be the same thing?

Issuing a ticket to a thirty-year-old woman on a ghost fire motorcycle who had caused an accident but was still yelling about 'breaking your limbs,' Kevin finished his stint as a traffic cop. Walking through a small alley to uphold justice, he leisurely observed his surroundings.

He wished he could run into MEI.

But while he didn't encounter MEI, Kevin soon spotted a suspicious figure seeming to be waiting for something.

It was a scantily clad girl – Kevin wasn't interested. He had his good bros, and women would only affect his swing with the bat.

However, with his experience as a seasoned police assistant, Kevin could tell at a glance that the girl wearing a cat-eared hoodie was definitely a 'repeat offender.'

And that bulging little bag she carried.

Thinking of the certain type of recreational drug that was very popular in Europe's underbelly recently, Kevin's gaze sharpened.

The white-haired young man, having such thoughts, slowed his pace and cautiously approached.

He knew that catching such repeat offenders was extremely difficult.

If he alerted her, even with his skills as a former basketball star, he might not be able to catch her.

Slowly, slowly…