Every day, Elysia was like a chocolate liqueur; you never knew what her mood would be. But Bronie didn't mind this at all.
Today, Elysia cosplayed as Madoka, and tomorrow she might cosplay as another character. Bronie wouldn't even be surprised if she suddenly cosplayed as a furry one day. These activities were just the spice of life. Elysia also worked as a streamer and was quite famous online.
Meanwhile, Bronie began to focus on matters in Nagazora City. The details of the plan were being developed by Vil-V and Mobius, with most of the preparations handled by Kevin and Su. Bronie occasionally offered suggestions on the details and worked on fixing bugs. After all, the Aeon had warned that the Nagazora City plan might be immature and could have bugs.
So Bronie had no choice but to return to her old job as a programmer and fix those bugs. Of course, she still worked on making games. For Bronie, entertainment meant playing and creating games, so she wouldn't give up on game development.
Recently, after creating "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," Bronie had thoughts of venturing into the anime field. Having already worked on Cyberpunk with great success, she wondered if the storyline of "Persona" could be turned into an anime.
However, she felt it wouldn't work as well. When she watched the "Persona" anime back then, it didn't evoke the same emotions as playing the game, despite Ren Amamiya being quite intriguing.
It lacked immersion.
Yes, immersion.
Games provided a remarkable sense of immersion, which Bronie loved.
Whether it was "Outerwilds" or "Cyberpunk," they allowed players to immerse themselves deeply.
Now, "Cyberpunk Online" was one of the top games worldwide, with players enjoying their roles in that world. Thus, Bronie still hoped to create more games, games she believed were truly great.
"Alright, the preparations for the orphanage are almost complete. It's time to say goodbye to this happy home. Every time I go to the orphanage's basement, I'm reminded of Cocolia's human experiments, which always puts me in a bad mood."
Most of the orphanage's belongings had been moved. The promise to take Sin to visit the prison was delayed due to the Aeon's matters. Although Sin never mentioned it again, Bronie kept it in mind.
The main purpose was to let Sin Mal see Cocolia's reformation results and perhaps share some heartfelt words, hoping Cocolia would give up completely. In the future, when taking the planetary train, it would be good to have Cocolia look after everyone.
After all, there were still emotional ties between Cocolia and the children.
As for Bronya?
Unfortunately, the bond between Cocolia and Bronie had never existed from the start. But Bronie was happy to see her former self grow up in an environment even she envied.
Bronya was naturally gifted, and even a peaceful life seemed like a cheat for her. Who knew, one day she might become a high-ranking executive at Haxxor Bunny Studio through capital operations.
Recently, Bronya had taken an interest in Anti-Entropy. She seemed to be using her own funds to make waves in Anti-Entropy, investing significantly in developing Titan mechas to fight the Honkai.
As a mysterious Russian executive in Anti-Entropy, she rarely flaunted herself but her directives indeed helped in mass-producing Titans and possibly training real Titan pilots.
This involved many new technologies unknown to Einstein and Tesla, which could be considered a joint creation of Vil-V and Bronie. Bronie approached it with a playful mindset, while Bronya was very serious, showing a tendency to build her own Titan army.
Given Anti-Entropy's unique structure, where power and money directly correlated with personal strength, Bronya had secured a decent position, perhaps with some help from Hydra.
When Bronie planted Hydra within World Serpent, Hydra once asked how to develop itself.
Bronie unfurled a map of America and pointed to Washington. She said, "From this perspective, whether it's Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, or World Serpent, they can all make contact. The key is the chaos and decay here, which allows for plausible deniability for any action. Hydra can exploit this, securing a foothold in the process. This territory will serve as a breeding ground for Hydra."
Though Bronya usually didn't manage these affairs, letting Ash Serpent grow unchecked was indeed quite absurd.
Currently, Hydra's visible resources had essentially become part of World Serpent, and if Bronie shouted, warriors chanting "Long live Hydra" would appear instantly.
However, for now, rebellion seemed meaningless and plans couldn't keep up with changes.
"Are we finally leaving? Are we heading to the Far East because of that idiot Kiana?"
Today, Bronya finally had a chance to get close to Bronie. Normally, Elysia was always clinging to Bronie, making Bro ya feel like a third wheel.
In truth, Bronie couldn't stand it anymore. Besides, Einstein's recent breakthroughs in Ether research within Anti-Entropy kept her busy, even delaying her combat training.
So, with Elysia busy streaming, Bronya seized the opportunity to get closer to Bronie. "Partly, but also because Siberia is too desolate and lacks interesting things. Plus, my future work will mainly be in the Far East. You wouldn't want me to never come home, right?"
"If it's because of your work, I understand. If there's anything I can help with, that would be great."
Bronya quickly realized Bronie's work was likely related to the Honkai. With her Project Bunny mech, she was eager to test its capabilities.
Being just a child, Bronya couldn't contain her excitement after getting her hands on the mech.
If Bronie left the orphanage for long periods, Bronya might sneak into Anti-Entropy's Honkai-related operations to test her abilities. Bronie understood this.
"Don't worry. The script is almost ready. The last island visitation was an impromptu performance, completely unexpected. This time, Schicksal, World Serpent, and Anti-Entropy will unveil a new game on the grand stage of Nagazora City."
"Oh?"
Bronya's interest was piqued. Bronie had kept this hidden, and now, just before moving, she was revealing such explosive information.
"Nagazora City is a magical place. The Imaginary Tree's branches, under the Cocoon of Finality's influence, create a unique area, like a beginner tutorial in a story. With your participation, the story could become very exciting."
"So... what do you want me to do, Sis Bronie?"
"Fight the Honkai. Remember what Herrschers are?"
"Herrschers are going to be born!"
Although it didn't feel real, the Honkai's arrival and the birth of Herrschers had once made life miserable for her. Back then, she was ignorant and had seen little light. Influenced by the orphanage children, her attitude towards the Honkai and Herrschers wasn't positive.
Even though Bronie had warned them that Kiana's other personality might be the Second Herrscher reincarnated, she now hinted that the Third Herrscher would soon arrive. Would the people of Nagazora City face the same fate she once did?
"Bronya will try to defeat the Herrschers and the Honkai!"
"That's a good thought. Just don't push yourself too hard. Conflicts often arise when people from different positions do what they think is right."
"Are you saying that idiot Kiana might protect the Herrschers?"
"Exactly. You'll have to think for yourself about what the Honkai and Herrschers really are. I've taught you about their essence before, but some things can only be understood by seeing them."
"Kevin, the MANTIS, harbors deep hostility towards the Honkai."
Bronya spoke, recalling the memories that surfaced in her dreams after inheriting the Signet in the Elysian Realm.
Kevin's anger, grief, and hatred had somewhat influenced her, although she hadn't noticed it.
"After the Last Herrscher destroyed everything, he promised himself and all the lost ones that humanity would defeat the Honkai, no matter the cost. I admire him for that he went through so much yet only reached this point of obsession during the Arthurian era."
"Project Stigma is the worst plan. Despite experiencing so many hardships, Kevin only decided to implement it during the Arthurian period. I truly admire him."
"Indeed... losing his beloved, and then Elysia..."
Bronya only fully understood Elysia's situation after Bronie brought her back. Before, she thought Elysia was just a charming little elf who was kind to everyone. In the Elysian Realm, Bronie focused on getting stronger rather than seeking the truth.
After getting to know Elysia better, she acknowledged Elysia as a genuinely wonderful girl.
Though occasionally mysterious, Elysia was always sincere with everyone. Her special treatment of Bronie had a reason too.
"Look forward to it. I'm just setting the stage. The final outcome will depend on your own will."
"Aren't you worried I'll make mistakes?"
Bronya felt immense trust from Bronie. Hearing her words, Bronie smiled and patted Bronya's head.
"Long ago, you proved your abilities to me. I've always believed in you. Even if you make mistakes, you can cry in my arms. You'll handle Project Bunny's power well, right?"
"Yes!"
Bronya was overjoyed by Bronie's trust. She was so happy that she even forgot they were flying out tomorrow. The office was nearly emptied, even the weapons kept for self-defense at the orphanage had disappeared.
Bronie had prepared a grand stage for her. As a perfectionist gamer, how could she not be excited about the challenge?
"There's still a long time before the show begins. It might be next spring, during the cherry blossom season. We'll celebrate the New Year in the Far East, creating new memories."
"By the way, Sis Bronie..."
As Bronie was about to leave, Bronya suddenly stopped her.
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I've sent all my Homus away. Without them, I can't sleep well. Can you sleep with me tonight? I don't want to delay the trip tomorrow."
Just when Bronie thought Bronya had grown up, she clung to her skirt and acted cute.
Damn, how could Beonya be so adorable!
Especially with that smile paired with that expressionless Bronya was really interesting!
"Alright, alright, I can't refuse you~"
"And wear the Homu pajamas!"
"Be careful, I might wear Monokuma pajamas instead!"
Bronie's words made Bronya fall silent. She pondered for a while, her stubborn eyes suggesting she wanted to change her mind. But Bronya had no interest in such things, like never choosing to cosplay as Mickey Mouse.
But...
In the end, Bronya relented.
"Okay, okay, I'll wear pajamas."
"Yay! I'll invite Seele too!"