"Elysia... no, you aren't the real Elysia, are you?"
"Although travelling with you has also been pleasant, right now, I only care about one thing."
"Where is the real Elysia?"
The gentle, languid, magnetic voice sounded beside her. Elysia could feel those golden eyes fixed intently upon her, the words laced with a hint of interrogation.
Faced with this sudden turn, Elysia, naturally, went into system shock.
Uh... Has Elysia been exposed already?
Th-th-this is impossible! My acting was so natural, I didn't leave any openings!
Flustered, astonished, a mix of emotions swirling within her, Elysia forced a smile, trying to play dumb and bluff her way through. "Eden, what are you talking about? How could I not be Elysia?"
Pah! No need to bluff. That bad Jiang Qiao is the fake! Elysia is the genuine article! The one true Elysia! The furious Miss 55kg shrieked internally.
"Don't pretend. You can't fool me."
"While you do resemble Elysia somewhat, and I haven't known her for long, still... no one knows Elysia better than I do! No one!" Eden seemed to power up, her hands gesturing dramatically, almost like playing an accordion.
Her tone became impassioned as she slapped the 'Imposter Elysia' label firmly onto the girl before her. "No matter how hard you try to act, you cannot deceive my eyes, especially when your acting is rather clumsy and full of holes!"
She stated firmly, very calmly: "The Elysia I know is incredibly gentle, yet as nimble as a fairy. And you? Your words falter, you lack confidence, full of attempts to cover up... and you look rather dense! Elysia is much smarter than you!"
"And that music piece. While passable, it simply cannot compare to the real Elysia." Eden methodically listed the differences between Elysia and 'Elysia,' concluding with her assessment: "A clumsy imitation, nothing more!"
This barrage of words left Elysia utterly dumbfounded, her face flushed red—with anger! At this moment, Miss 55kg felt as if countless arrows had pierced her chest, each inscribed with words like 'Idiot,' 'Imposter Elysia,' 'Clumsy Imitation,' and so on.
Undoubtedly, for the pink-haired miss who considered herself a perfect beauty, these critiques delivered a devastating blow. Of course, her anger wasn't directed at Eden before her, but at the root cause of it all—bad Jiang Qiao!!!
If it weren't for that bad boy's actions, how could Elysia possibly suffer such a public 'humiliation'?! Thinking back to her 'Operation Poach Eden' plan and the rosy future she had imagined, Elysia's face now felt like a painted clown mask had spontaneously appeared on it.
"You are not Elysia."
"Where is the real Elysia? What have you done with her?"
I AM ELYSIA! I AM THE REAL ELYSIA! THAT BAD GUY IS THE FAKE! Roaring internally, Elysia's outward expression was a strained smile that looked worse than crying. "Eden... I..."
Damn it, if I knew this would happen, I should have just come clean from the start! But revealing it now... Waaah, so embarrassing. After all, Eden had practically put 'Elysia' (Jiang Qiao) on a pedestal. If she revealed herself as the real Elysia now, wouldn't the truth—that the real Elysia was completely outshone by Jiang Qiao, the fake Elysia—be laid bare?!
Damn you, bad Jiang Qiao! So angry... I really want to teach bad Jiang Qiao a harsh lesson!
"Beep beep—"
Just as Elysia was about to say something, her communication device beeped. Seeing it was a message from MEI, she quickly answered. The latter's projection appeared.
MEI skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point. "Elysia, Squad 5 encountered an accident during their mission. We haven't been able to contact them. I need you to go provide support."
"Himeko's squad? Alright, I understand."
"Good. The transport ship has been prepared."
Putting down the communicator, Elysia looked at Eden with a slightly apologetic expression. "Sorry, I have to go on a mission." Although it seemed rather abrupt, especially since she had just returned, this might not be a bad thing. At least she could temporarily escape this awkward situation. As for later... Hmph, bad Jiang Qiao, you can clean up this mess yourself! Not wanting to lose face in front of Eden, Elysia decided to wait for the culprit himself to handle it.
"Wait, I'll go with you!"
"Eh?" Hearing Eden's words, Elysia, who was ready to flee, froze and blinked. She wanted to politely decline, but seeing Eden's earnest, serious expression, she stopped herself.
After a moment's thought, she said, "According to regulations, taking a newcomer like you, Eden, who just joined the organization, on a mission is strictly forbidden, but... hmm, let's just consider it giving you an early taste of the combat atmosphere. I agree."
Honestly, this decision was somewhat reckless. Eden had just joined Fire Moth and currently possessed little to no combat ability... well, maybe a little. For self-defense purposes, Eden had learned some basic techniques. But by Fire Moth standards, sending someone with that level of combat power on a mission was basically a suicide run.
However, confident in her own strength, Elysia felt she could probably protect Eden. This opportunity would also let Eden experience a real mission firsthand; simulations in the training room were always different from actual combat.
"However, you need to take this." Boarding the aircraft together, Elysia handed a glittering bracelet to Eden.
"What is this?"
"[True Self (EGO)] Armor. Since you just joined, you probably don't know yet. This is a recently implemented protective combat device for soldiers. It grants the user enhanced combat power and survivability."
"If you give it to me, what about you?"
"Don't worry, I have another one here~" Elysia smiled, showing the bracelet on her own wrist. Although she didn't strictly need it, the True Self Armor did offer significant protection, so Elysia certainly wouldn't refuse to use it.
"It's quite pretty." Eden's golden eyes fell on the pink, somewhat ornate crystal bracelet, offering praise.
"Of course~ That bad boy made this for me personally."
"But yours isn't bad either~ When I went to MEI's to pick up the calibrated bracelets, I spotted that one right away, took it, and kept it with me. Didn't expect it to come in handy."
"...Thank you." Seeing the girl excitedly explaining, making no effort to hide her goodwill, Eden's opinion shifted slightly, and she offered her thanks... Then, after hesitating for a moment, she asked a question:
"Elysia... she..."
"Honestly... I really am Elysia! ...As for what you were saying... let bad Jiang Qiao explain it to you!" Already somewhat triggered by the earlier humiliation, Miss 55kg bristled just hearing her own name. Puffing her cheeks, she emphasized her identity while simultaneously giving up with a huff.
Damn it, my good mood is ruined whenever that bad boy is involved... Annoyed, Elysia glanced at the bracelet on her hand, took it off, but then, noticing Eden's gaze, quickly put it back on possessively.
Although Eden really wanted to debate the 'false premise' of Elysia not being Elysia, it was clear the thoroughly annoyed girl had no intention of subjecting herself to further humiliation. This prevented Eden from continuing the topic; after all, the girl had clearly taken a risk bringing her along and had even given her a very beautiful bracelet. Wouldn't it be rather ungracious to keep pressing the 'fake' issue? So, she silently shelved the question for the time being and focused on the current situation.
After all, her impulsive decision meant she was heading into battle without having undergone soldier training. Even though she was mentally prepared to face danger, it would be a lie to say she wasn't nervous.
"Don't worry, I was actually really nervous during my first battle too..." Elysia noticed Eden's ragged breathing and offered words of comfort... then trailed off. Because she suddenly realized something—her first battle was technically the Second Honkai Eruption, and that fight had been completely handled by bad Jiang Qiao playing as her! Thinking of this, Miss Elysia's cheeks puffed out again. Damn it, how could bad Jiang Qiao steal even Elysia's first time in battle!
The sulking Miss 55kg could only try to entertain herself. "Eden, the True Self bracelet's armor can change its properties and form based on the user. You can try it out first... By the way, you might get a really pretty little dress." She looked at Eden with expectant, shining eyes—Hehe, seeing other cute girls in cute little dresses is just the best!
Of course, Elysia had seen plenty of transformations around the base recently, and heard quite a few groans from the male soldiers. But seeing Eden transform would still be exciting, right? What kind of appearance would a dazzling superstar like Eden manifest?
Eden hesitated, but meeting Elysia's gaze, she nodded and, following the instructions, activated the True Self crystal in her hand.
...Strange transformation phrase. Thankfully, as a famous singer with some acting experience, she wasn't too bothered by it.
After a flash of brilliant golden light... Elysia's shining eyes... instantly dimmed.
"Ah, this..."
"So this is the True Self crystal? It's truly magical," Eden said, looking at her reflection in the transport ship's plating, quite satisfied.
"What's wrong? You look disappointed?"
"Er... No, no..." Elysia quickly shook her head, looking at Eden now clad in her Flame-Chaser attire, complaining inwardly. This outfit, Elysia has already seen it!
Undoubtedly, the clothes Eden wore were the Flame-Chaser uniform she'd seen in the Elysian Realm, albeit with a few more decorations and patterns than the version she remembered. It wasn't bad... but she had expected that a superstar like Eden would manifest something more striking, more dazzling.
Thinking this, Elysia glanced at the mission details MEI had sent to her mobile terminal, and her brow furrowed.
Squad 5 was led by Himeko. This squad, primarily stationed in the East Asia region, ranked among the top combat units within Fire Moth.
Himeko herself was formidable; while not quite on par with Elysia or Kevin (who had joined recently and was stationed in Europe), she was the strongest among the rest—especially with the implementation of the True Self Armor. Her extensive combat experience and strong willpower earned her extremely high ratings within Fire Moth.
Elysia estimated that even she wouldn't have an easy time fighting Himeko.
Yet, Squad 5, led by Himeko... had lost contact? Something was wrong, very wrong. Even if they encountered a powerful enemy, it was unlikely they couldn't send out even a single message. Shanghai City, where Squad 5 went for the mission, was also strange. According to the report, it was supposed to be just a small-scale Honkai outbreak. But details were extremely vague. The whole situation felt eerie.
Lost in suspicion, Elysia mulled it over but couldn't figure out what was happening. ...Maybe I should call bad Jiang Qiao?
But she immediately dismissed the thought. Although calling bad Jiang Qiao for help was very effective, and she really wanted a chance to settle the score with the scoundrel who kept making her take the blame... Eden was still here! The matter of having her 'Elysia' status revoked still stung; she remembered it vividly. Calling me dumb, clumsy acting... Hmph, Elysia isn't that bad!
I'll use this mission to prove myself. Elysia had already decided. If she just carried Eden all the way through, wouldn't that demonstrate her super reliable, super strong 'senpai' side? Then Eden would surely look at her differently, right? When that happened, Elysia could stand tall and declare triumphantly to a certain someone—Hmph, I am the one true Elysia! The best Elysia!
Of course, besides this minor vanity... Elysia also wanted to use this opportunity to try and desensitize herself. After all, if she thought of calling that bad boy every time she faced danger, wouldn't she just be like a helpless little piggy? Dame! Absolutely dame! No! Absolutely not!
Elysia must stand on her own!
Shanghai City, just wait, Elysia is coming!