“Reporting, Commander, the body of the First Herrscher has been recovered.” The adjutant trotted up to Haren, stood at attention, saluted, and reported.
Yes, the body.
Originally, the frontline soldiers were prepared to piece together fragments of the Herrscher, but they found that after taking a hit comparable to a nuclear explosion, the Herrscher merely had a large hole in its chest.
In the center of the hole lay the deactivated core, and while the rest of the body was damaged, it was still recognizably humanoid.
“Good work.
Have you found any clues regarding that strike?” Haren asked while writing the report on this operation.
“The technicians traced the origin of that strike through reverse engineering.
Testing revealed high concentrations of residual Honkai Energy, but the trail went cold after that.” “So that strike was essentially a high-energy Honkai Energy attack?” “Yes, the technical experts believe that is the most likely hypothesis.” “Then why didn’t it cause any further damage?
A Honkai Energy explosion of that magnitude shouldn’t be like this.” Haren frowned.
“They believe the Herrscher passively absorbed all the energy before it died.” “Fine, that is truly unexpected.
Theoretically, there is no organization in the world that has studied Honkai Energy more deeply than the Fire MOTHS.
We are still in the experimental stage, and they have already achieved weaponization?” Haren tapped his pen.
“Keep monitoring it.
If there are any new discoveries, remember to report them immediately.” “Yes.” The adjutant put away the documents and left through the door.
Haren looked distressed as he faced the combat report.
This operation against the Herrscher was undoubtedly a failure.
In terms of command coordination, emergency contingency plans, rapid response, and strategic deployment, it was unequivocally a failing grade.
As an ally, the European Union army hadn’t fired a single shot from start to finish, aside from throwing missiles.
If not for that unknown assistance at the end, they would have all been done for.
If he submitted this report, the Fire MOTHS council would definitely be furious.
Moreover, he scratched his hair, they knew almost nothing about that unknown entity, and the follow-up investigation would be an extremely energy-consuming task.
Just as he was in a state of confusion, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.” He composed his expression and straightened his collar; he still needed to maintain his image in front of his subordinates.
The person who entered was a pink-haired girl.
Although she hadn’t fully matured, she was already surrounded by a calm temperament.
“Ah, it’s Elysia.
Long time no see.
It seems traveling the world has brought you quite a few changes.
But you’re late, Great Honkai has already ended.” Haren relaxed slightly.
Since Elysia’s phone was equipped with a custom anti-tracker made by Vill-V, the Fire MOTHS had been completely unable to track her whereabouts after she left the European Union.
At the time, Haren notifying her was more of a last-ditch effort.
Elysia remained silent, only taking out a bow covered in cracks from behind her back.
“Hm?
This bow looks extraordinary.
If you need it repaired, I can help you find the Engineering Department.” Haren said, picking up the communicator.
“That strike was done by me.” Haren’s movements froze instantly.
A few dozen minutes ago.
“It’s a bit exaggerated.” Vill-V got out of the vehicle and dug out a still-functioning surveillance camera from the ruins.
She connected it to a storage device and saw the scene where that arrow wiped out the Honkai, clicking her tongue in wonder.
“There will be more exaggerated things in the future.
After a few more rounds, you’ll probably see the scene of a Herrscher sinking a continent.” “Didn’t you say that Honkai intensity is linked to the level of civilization development?
If we start suppressing technology now, won’t the Herrschers stop getting stronger?” Vill-V asked.
She had already listened to all the settings regarding the Honkai that Elysia knew.
“It’s useless.
In the end, we still have to face the Cocoon of Finality.” Elysia sighed.
“It not only has the authority of all Herrschers but also comes with the authority of time.
If technology doesn’t climb higher, there’s no chance of winning.” The current civilization was able to transcend the Cocoon of Finality despite its technological level being far inferior to the Previous Era; honestly, it was relying too much on the legacy of the Previous Era.
If Kevin hadn’t hijacked the Cocoon of Finality through the stigmata project, relying solely on the Trio to fight the divine corpse of finality would have reduced the odds of winning to negligible levels.
Moreover, in the end, it was only a co-existence ending rather than a true victory over the Honkai.
“So, I’ll have to trouble our genius Vill-V later.
I’m just a warrior; I don’t have such powerful intelligence.” Elysia blinked.
“After all, science and technology are the primary productive forces~” “Fine, I’m stuck with you for this lifetime.” Vill-V resigned herself to her fate.
“Then how do you plan to explain the strike that killed the Herrscher?” Vill-V continued to ask.
“Or are you just going to pretend it didn’t happen and muddle through?” Elysia thought for a while: “I can’t leave my abilities unused when fighting the Honkai in the future, but its personal characteristics are too obvious; it’s easy to make the connection.” “Then isn’t that exposing yourself directly?
It won’t be easy for you to explain if the Fire MOTHS investigate.” “Hmm, indeed.” Elysia lowered her head and thought for a while, coming up with an idea.
“Vill-V, did you bring the Soulium out?” “That goes without saying; this is my most genius invention.” Vill-V pulled a large box out of the drilling vehicle’s trunk, pressed a button, and the box automatically unfolded, revealing a crate of viscous black liquid.
“All the Soulium is here.
Because the production line was bombed not long after it was set up, there’s a bit less.” Elysia’s eyelid twitched.
This amount was enough to build several Divine Keys…
“It’s more than enough.
Soulium is a special material, not common goods.” Elysia walked to the liquid Soulium, reached out, and raised her tone.
“Watch carefully~” Pink brilliance emerged from her body, gathering at her palm, almost condensing into substance.
Under the guidance of her power, the Soulium surged.
A peak rose in the center, slowly lifting upward until it hovered in mid-air, changing its form.
Elysia concentrated her authority, and pink crystals grew upon it, shaping the Soulium, eventually condensing into a longbow with a gorgeous design of pink, white, and purple.
Its name is, Pristine Past: Love’s Poem.
Subsequently, Elysia continued to inject Honkai Energy into the longbow.
Under the continuous energy input, the bow body began to tremble and crack, projecting pink radiance from within.
“It’s going to explode, Elysia.” Vill-V hurriedly reminded her.
“That’s the effect I want.” Elysia stopped just before the structure completely collapsed.
The longbow landed in her palm.
She flipped it over and looked at it from various angles.
“That’s about it.” “Phew, you scared me.” Vill-V wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead.
“Is this the Herrscher’s power?
It’s truly amazing.
So, Elysia, your power is crystals?” “No, it’s a prayer art, but I’ve only developed it superficially.” Elysia admitted frankly.
“Uh…
alright.
So what’s the point of making this bow?” Vill-V took the bow and looked at it for a few moments.
“This is an advertisement for you.
You don’t mind, right~” Elysia smiled slightly.
— “That strike was fired using this bow?” Haren felt like Elysia was joking.
“Is the arrowhead a nuclear warhead?” “No, it’s a condensed mass of Honkai Energy.” “That’s impossible.
No material can withstand such a high level of Honkai Energy.” Haren immediately retorted.
This was also the difficulty in manufacturing Honkai Energy weapons, a problem the Fire MOTHS Engineering Department had failed to crack despite long-term efforts.
“Unhun~” Elysia handed him the bow and pointed to the cracks on the bow body.
“Uncle Haren, look closely.” Haren took the bow and looked at it closely, surprised to find that the cracks were gradually healing.
“Nanomachines, Uncle Haren~” Elysia added the explanation from the side.
“Since the erosion and damage caused by Honkai Energy to materials is unavoidable, wouldn’t it be solved as long as it can self-repair?” “The only difficulty is collecting Honkai Energy.
I traveled all over the world and spent two full years collecting enough energy to fire one arrow.” Elysia lied very smoothly.
“Can this part be reimbursed~” Actually, part of it was true; this bow really could withstand that arrow.
“Wait a moment.” He took out a Honkai Energy probe from the side of the table and carefully inserted it into the cracks that were still glowing with a faint pink radiance.
The dashboard connected to it immediately went off the charts.
“Someone actually managed to make it,” Haren hurriedly pulled out the probe, his grip on the bow body immediately becoming much gentler.
“The Engineering Department had a hypothesis long ago, but that bunch of useless people all said it was complete fantasy.” His gaze immediately became fervent: “Who made this?” “Of course it’s Vill-V.
She’s a genius.” Elysia began to fabricate history without any obstacles.
“Before you introduced the Honkai to me, Uncle Haren, I often saw some light purple crystals during my travels.
I boxed them up, isolated them, and sent them to Vill-V.” “After her testing, she found they contained extremely high energy, so after discussing it, we originally decided to use them for power generation.” “To carry this energy, Vill-V invented Soulium, which is these nanomachine aggregates.” For the past ten years or so, the global concentration of Honkai Energy had been rising, and indeed there would be scattered Honkai Energy crystals generated, though the quantity was very small.
“We originally wanted to build a bow as a test item, and it just happened to be used after Great Honkai erupted.” Elysia said, spreading her hands.
“It’s just that there’s nothing left now.” “Wait, shouldn’t Soulium be used to build generators?
Why build a bow?” Haren expressed his confusion.
“Because the output was too low and I couldn’t wait, I wanted to make some products.
After all, she works for me, so she has to listen to me~” Elysia blinked innocently.
“Besides, isn’t this bow beautiful?” “Fine, I have nothing to say.” Haren succumbed to Elysia’s whimsy and returned the bow to her, but his interest remained high.
“When I take you to visit the base later, can you bring this bow?
The slackers in the Engineering Department will probably have their jaws drop when they see it.” Trying to steal the technique, are you.
“Of course~” Elysia changed the subject.
“But since Uncle Haren said the Engineering Department is mediocre, shouldn’t the position of Minister be given to someone capable?” Haren understood her implication and immediately promised: “If Miss Vill-V is willing to join, that would be even better.
I’ll handle the negotiations with the council.” “Just the invention of Soulium alone is enough.
Resources will definitely not be lacking.
If anyone below is unconvinced, tell me, and I’ll deal with them.” “Then it’s a pleasure to cooperate~” “One more thing, Elysia.” Haren added.
“I personally am willing to believe that you ended Great Honkai, and this bow counts as evidence.
But you didn’t leave any direct video proof, so it might be difficult to verify the achievement.” “That is true.” Elysia tilted her head and thought.
“It will take a long time to save up for another arrow.” It was time for the Fire MOTHS to reimburse the expenses.
“The MOTH Base has some Honkai Energy crystals in storage.
Later, when you go to the test field, you just need to be able to partially replicate that strike.” Haren suggested.
“Then thank you, Uncle Haren~” — “It’s done.” Elysia clapped her hands.
“All resources here in the European Union must be used for post-disaster reconstruction.
Vill-V, your future research funding can be borne by the Fire MOTHS.” “Thanks, Elysia.” Vill-V felt a bit embarrassed.
“I feel like I’ve somewhat falsely claimed credit.” After the showdown, Vill-V’s address to her became much more intimate.
“Not at all,” Elysia didn’t mind.
“Honkai Energy weapons will definitely be the mainstream in the future, and Soulium will become a hot commodity.
You’re just getting paid in advance.
Have more confidence.
Besides, the credit is at most fifty-fifty, it’s fine~” “I will also be staying in the European Union for a long time, so you can go with peace of mind.” “Are you not going to travel anymore?
The hanging line is also quite important, right?” Elysia walked to the window, looking at the ruins outside, her tone slightly low.
“You have to distinguish between what’s important.
The priority of post-war reconstruction is absolutely the highest right now.
There will be a lot of things to do next, so I have to stay and help you share the burden.” Elysia said matter-of-factly.
“It was hard work to expand so quickly without any side effects.” “Not at all.
Rather, only someone as open-minded as you could offer the conditions of unlimited funding and complete freedom.” Vill-V scratched her head.
“Unhun~” Elysia turned her head and smiled slightly.
“So, in a way, is this a mutual reaching out?” “That’s too ambiguous…” Vill-V couldn’t help but avert her gaze.
The sunset glow spilled over the firmament, magnificent and grand.
The collapsed ruins in the city were half illuminated by the gentle orange light, and half hidden in the shadows.
The prosperity of the city in the past could rival the heavens and the earth, but now it could only become a backdrop for the sunset glow.
Elysia seemed to have a feeling and turned back, asking a question: “Vill-V, if I describe the Honkai as at most a slightly painful [embrace], or a [test] for civilization, what would you think?” “Then I would think your brain must be broken.” Looking at the post-apocalyptic scene outside, Vill-V said speechlessly.
“Yeah, if I said that, my brain must be broken.” “After all, a disaster is just a disaster.” ————————
“And If you’re enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!”