"I have no interest in your other personalities. Why don't you just state your purpose directly?" Her voice was slightly cold, her attitude unchanged by Vill-V's opening performance.
Truthfully, when she first entered the Elysian Realm, she had felt some curiosity towards these Previous Era Flame-Chasers. But after interacting with them, she discovered just how troublesome their myriad personalities could be. Still, out of her own nature, Mei hadn't complained much and helped them whenever they asked.
Yet now, merely because The Obsidian Concord's mark was exposed, the Flame-Chasers she had previously befriended completely changed their tune, immediately treating her as a threat. Despite her efforts to help them find the danger lurking within the Elysian Realm, she was treated this way, leaving Mei feeling incredibly wronged and frustrated.
So, even though Vill-V's self-introduction was enthusiastic, Mei couldn't muster any interest. All she wanted now was to uncover the secrets hidden within Elysia.
"Er, you don't seem very fond of gifts." Vill-V looked slightly awkward but quickly glossed over it. She cleared her throat twice and elegantly removed her hat.
"Ahem, allow me to introduce myself again. Besides being a magician, I am also the head of the Fire Moth's engineering department. Machinery, weapons, even spaceships – as long as the request is within reasonable limits, I can make it happen."
She puffed out her chest, a hint of pride unavoidably coloring her voice. "Many of the Divine Keys you're familiar with were personally crafted by me, you know."
After speaking, she shifted her eyes, sneaking glances at Mei's expression. Only upon seeing the surprise on Mei's face did she let out a satisfied hum.
Mei was genuinely surprised. Although she hadn't used one herself, she knew Divine Keys were forged using Herrscher Cores. As a Herrscher herself, she understood the power contained within a core. To be able to craft weapons from such materials, Vill-V was indeed a genius.
But what did this have to do with her? Had Vill-V sought her out just to brag about her achievements?
Her gaze shifted, falling upon the Seven Thunders fragment in her hand. Understanding began to dawn.
"You can repair the Seven Thunders of Retribution?"
"Correct! The Seven Thunders of Retribution is the most offensively powerful Divine Key, and it was also Sakura's blade during her time with the Fire Moth. Due to certain special reasons, it shattered long ago. She spent a long time collecting the fragments, and now only one piece is missing."
Vill-V's gaze rested on Mei's hand, the implication clear. "Just now, the fragment detector suddenly picked up a signal, locating the final piece."
It was obvious Vill-V knew Mei had the piece and had deliberately used another fragment as a prize. "Heh, did it not occur to you that I might refuse to hand over the fragment?"
"No, no, no, you misunderstand. While the Seven Thunders is powerful, it's very particular about its wielder. It's useless to me. I came looking for you simply because I want to restore it to its original form. If you want it, I can even give it to you."
Mei froze. She had seen the sniper rifle Raven wielded – capable of killing a Herrscher despite Raven being merely S-rank in strength. The power of a Divine Key like the Seven Thunders was undeniable. And yet, Vill-V was offering such a weapon... to her?
"Are you serious?"
"Of course, I'm serious. Sakura uses a sword, you use a sword, and you're the Herrscher of Thunder. The Seven Thunders will reach its maximum potential in your hands. I heard things haven't been peaceful in the Elysian Realm lately. Don't you want to enhance your own strength?"
Honestly, she did.
Although over half a month of trials had increased Mei's strength by nearly 50%, facing Flame-Chasers like Aponia still proved challenging. Having the Seven Thunders would definitely be a significant help in her future trials.
But Mei knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. Receiving such a benefit meant Vill-V undoubtedly wanted something in return.
"What do you need me to do for you?"
"Hmph hmph, very clever." Vill-V nodded, satisfied. "It's like this: the Expert personality is planning to build a card-playing robot for trials, but she's currently missing some parts. She needs someone to help collect them..."
"Expert? Another one of your personalities? Why doesn't she find them herself?"
"You know, that's the downside of coexisting personalities – no one can be sure who will be in control next. And I have a full eight personalities inside me. Who knows when it'll be the Expert's turn again? That's why she asked me for help."
"You could perfectly well find them yourself."
Vill-V smiled breezily, spun around elegantly, and placed the hat back on her head. "I wouldn't dream of it! I'm a magician! Why should I help her?"
"So that's the deal. You find the parts for her, and I'll sort out the Seven Thunders for you." After explaining, Vill-V turned back to add, "Oh, right. The next Vill-V you meet might be a different personality, but don't worry. Any Vill-V can help you craft it."
She seemed to remember something else and added in a low voice, "The Seven Thunders is both a weapon and a key to the garden. If you want to find her, the key is essential."
...
"'A key to the garden?'" Mei murmured to herself. The fragment had been left by Elysia. That meant the so-called "garden" most likely referred to the Eternal Paradise.
"What exactly is her goal?"
The Elysian Realm was vast; finding Elysia felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, fueling Mei's sense of urgency. Yet, Vill-V's appearance seemed to point all clues towards the Eternal Paradise.
If this wasn't arranged by Elysia, Mei absolutely wouldn't believe it.
Regardless, having a clear target was better than nothing. Taking the list Vill-V left, Mei began searching for the required materials.
It went smoother than she expected. Although the materials were scattered in hidden locations, with Klein's help, she managed to gather everything in just two days.
During these two days, the Corruption within the Elysian Realm grew noticeably worse. She could feel an inexplicable force, like a black fog, corroding the foundational programming of the realm.
The most direct evidence was in the training grounds. The Honkai Beasts she had fought before now acted erratically, sometimes ferocious, sometimes weak, as if their data was corrupted. Other monsters looked faded, turning greyish-white.
"It seems time really is running out."
Bringing all the materials, Mei returned to the engineering department. Her luck held; Vill-V was there, and it was indeed the Expert personality.
"Thanks for the help. Give me one night, and I'll fix it for you."
Handing the fragments over to the Expert, albeit with some lingering skepticism, Mei finally felt a sense of relief. At least she had made significant progress.
She returned to her room, intending to rest and gather her strength before heading to the Eternal Paradise. However, midway through her sleep, a strange voice suddenly echoed in her dreams. At the same time, the Herrscher Chatroom that Number 17 had transferred to her inexplicably became active.
Mommy, I don't want to die.
I'm not your mommy.
I don't want to die, don't want to die, I DON'T WANT TO DIE.
THEY abandoned us.
I hate them! They all deserve to die!
DESTROY EVERYTHING HERE!!
(the original fond color is red actually)
"Who...?" Jolted awake from the dream, Mei wiped her forehead, finding herself drenched in sweat. Just as she was trying to dismiss it as merely a nightmare, piercing screams echoed through the Elysian Realm.