Miss Pink Fatty's small eyes held enormous confusion, as if asking, "Who are you?"
However, she quickly realized what was happening.
"Eh?"
"You, you, you..."
The silver-haired girl innocently held up a device resembling a firefly, which presumably transformed her.
Elysia took a deep breath, her cheeks puffing out like some sort of pink, perpetually hungry orb.
I'm so stupid, really. I actually thought Bad Jiang Qiao wouldn't hook up with other girls.
The betrayed Miss Pink Fatty stared resentfully at the girl before her... Wait, why did this girl seem kind of cute?!
"Um..."
"Ah, Eden! You're awake!" Elysia noticed Eden stirring beside her. Due to the Herrscher of Sentience's illusion, Eden, lacking mental resistance, had also succumbed to its intensified effects.
"Where am I...?"
"You just woke up from a 'dream'. Of course, I don't think it was a pleasant one, but... it doesn't matter now. Everything's over." Jiang Qiao, disguised as Firefly, spoke to Eden.
"My methods were a bit rough, and I may have caused some mental distress to those affected. They might feel mentally drained for a while... I apologize." The gentle voice held a hint of remorse, which, combined with the silver-haired girl's naturally soft features, created a unique charm.
"Is that so? Ah... you..." Just awakened, Eden was somewhat disoriented, as Jiang Qiao had said. But when she noticed the girl in front of her, she froze. Elysia, supporting her, saw this reaction and instantly beamed.
"Eden, let me tell you..."
"It's you, Elysia!" Before Elysia could say anything, Eden spoke first, her golden eyes filled with joy and excitement. "Although your appearance is completely different, but... this familiar feeling, I would never mistake it."
At this moment, Eden was undoubtedly happy, having found the real 'Elysia'.
Of course, according to the law of equivalent exchange, one person's happiness often comes at another's expense.
Clearly, Miss Pink Fatty was on the receiving end of this transfer.
Why was this happening?
Elysia was the one who cared for Eden first! Elysia is the real Elysia...
The thought of her efforts to win Eden over, to reverse the 'favorability rating', only to have Eden call her name while looking at someone else... It was a painful blow.
The utterly heartbroken Miss Pink Fatty's eyes gradually lost their sparkle.
"Uh..."
The silver-haired girl looked at Eden, who had rushed over and grasped her hand, a subtle expression flickering across her pretty face.
While it wasn't the first time someone recognized her upon meeting, was Eden usually this proactive?
Thinking this, 'Jiang Firefly' perfectly embodied the qualities of a 'first love', a faint blush dusting her cheeks, adding a touch of shyness.
"I didn't expect to be recognized so quickly... Yes, it's me, my dear Eden."
Witnessing this scene, Miss Pink Fatty transformed into 'Angry Elysia', like some sort of pink spherical creature.
Damn it, you actually admitted it! You scoundrel!
And you called Eden what... my dear Eden? Miss Pink Fatty pouted, extremely displeased. You've never called me that!
And what's with this 'first love' act! You big jerk!
Elysia's never seen this side of you before!
Selectively forgetting any previous instances, Miss Pink Fatty felt like she'd bitten into ten lemons at once, her face contorted in a grimace as she watched Jiang Qiao and Eden interact with this 'first love' vibe.
Of course, this kind of behavior was quite common for Jiang Qiao.
Whether he was using Elysia's, Kiana's, or any other body, it was like a 'basic skill' he inherently possessed.
However, encountering Firefly, a professional 'first love', amplified Jiang Qiao's inherent skillset, boosting its potency to unprecedented levels.
"I'm so happy to see you... but, you look like this..."
"And this fake Elysia..." Although Eden was fond of Jiang Qiao's 'Jiang Firefly' form, compared to the more familiar 'Jiang Elysia' form, it felt somewhat unfamiliar. She was also puzzled by the transformation and Elysia's reaction, glancing towards the latter as she spoke.
Jiang Qiao followed her gaze, meeting Miss Pink Fatty's fuming, resentful glare.
It was as if she was saying, If you don't explain everything clearly this time, just wait and see what Elysia does to you!
"Ah, about that... Sorry... Eden... it's like this..."
Seeing Jiang Qiao honestly preparing to explain, Elysia instantly cheered up. Hmph, now the truth will come out!
Then, Eden will know Elysia is the real Ely... and that scoundrel Jiang Qiao... hmph, using her name to do so many bad things, Eden would definitely be a little angry, right?
Looks like Elysia still has a chance!
Miss Pink Fatty, who had initially thought her grand plan had completely failed, suddenly felt excited again.
She then 'fiercely' supervised Jiang Qiao as he recounted the events of how he impersonated 'Elysia'.
Eden's expression changed from confusion to surprise, then disbelief, finally settling on a complex mix of emotions. Witnessing this, Elysia felt as refreshed as if she'd just chewed some Extra gum.
At the same time, she felt a sense of relief.
Finally! Finally! Elysia is cleared of suspicion!
Having been labeled an 'Elysia impersonator', Miss Pink Fatty had been under immense pressure!
And now, the burden was finally lifted.
However, unlike Elysia's expectation of a dramatic shift in Eden's attitude towards Jiang Qiao, although her expression did show some exasperation, there wasn't much resentment. Instead, she said with understanding:
"So that's how it is."
"I'm sorry, Eden. I haven't had a chance to explain until now... Only now can I show you my true self." The silver-haired girl's gentle words held a hint of guilt.
"And for letting you misunderstand Elysia for so long, it's all my fault."
Elysia's lips twitched. Hmph, you finally admitted your guilt, you rascal!
Well... considering your sincere attitude...
As Miss Pink Fatty pondered whether she should be magnanimous, given his apparent sincerity...
Eden smiled understandingly:
"That's certainly surprising, my friend. But it's alright... Qiao, may I call you that?"
Hearing this intimate address, Elysia's good mood instantly turned cloudy. No way!, she screamed internally.
But unfortunately, Jiang Qiao didn't refuse, merely nodding.
Eden's smile became even more genuine.
"Qiao, although you weren't using your real identity with me before... I am a little upset about that. After all, I confided in you completely, and you kept such an important thing hidden... However, everyone has their own secrets, and I don't expect complete reciprocity between us... What I want to say is..."
"Although everything before was veiled in deception, but... you were sincere, weren't you?"
"In that case, the beautiful memories and friendship we forged won't change because of a shift in identity... In my heart, you're still my best friend." Her languid words were like a gentle melody, filled with genuine emotion.
"You're the same to me, Eden."
The silver-haired girl and the world-renowned singer smiled at each other, the atmosphere incredibly harmonious.
The anticipated 'cooling down' of their relationship didn't happen at all, which left Elysia feeling somewhat discouraged, yet also strangely joyful. After all, what she cherished most were the sincere connections between people.
Of course, whether she should be happy or annoyed that this sincere connection was happening between Bad Jiang Qiao and Eden, right in front of her, was a complex question. Perhaps she felt both.
"Hey, don't leave me out!" Elysia grumbled, feeling a twinge of jealousy.
In this beautiful 'best friend' game,
Elysia should be in the car, not under it!
"Uh..."
Eden's smile towards Elysia was somewhat complicated.
Although the misunderstanding was cleared, the 'Elysia impersonation' farce was over, but... how should she put it? Even knowing this was the real Elysia, thinking about the 'pure' persona displayed before, she couldn't help but compare the two.
The conclusion was naturally that they were quite different...
But overall... this real Elysia, despite some shortcomings, was alright... passable as a substitute, she supposed.
But truly just a 'substitute', not a replacement.
Dismissing these impolite thoughts, she said:
"Miss Elysia, I apologize for my previous misunderstandings."
"Ah? Oh, I don't mind. After all, a kind elf wouldn't hold a grudge, especially a girl like you, Eden."
"Thank you."
"Well, also... We don't need to be so formal, right? Using a more intimate form of address is fine too. Although Bad Jiang Qiao did a lot of 'bad things' using my name, if you'd like, Eden, you can still call me Elysia~" Miss Pink Fatty seized the opportunity to close the distance, attempting to inherit the 'favorability rating save file'.
"Alright."
Eden didn't refuse.
Elysia beamed.
She glanced triumphantly and provocatively at Jiang Qiao.
Hmph! Elysia finally succeeded!
So angry, aren't you, Bad Jiang Qiao!
Elysia will gladly accept the favorability rating you worked so hard to build up!
"Hee hee~ Let's be best friends forever~"
Hearing this, the silver-haired girl's expression turned slightly complex. She instinctively wanted to say something but held back.
After the Herrscher of Sentience was subdued, the somewhat suppressed Honkai energy in Sapphire City transformed into a more direct threat.
Honkai beasts began to proliferate... Fortunately, the Fifth Squad members were awake, and after reporting to headquarters, reinforcements were dispatched.
Later, Himeko, who had been slumbering somewhere in the city, rejoined the group.
"You've worked hard."
On the other end of the communication projection, Dr. MEI nodded after listening to Jiang Qiao's summary.
"We will handle the Herrscher of Sentience."
After receiving support from the future, the Previous Era had accumulated some technology. Coupled with Jiang Qiao's assistance and the presence of several Herrschers within the organization, Fire Moth had developed its own methods for dealing with such situations.
They weren't just sitting idly by.
"You'd better keep an eye on Himeko, too."
The silver-haired girl gave a reminder while looking at the red-haired woman commanding her subordinates in the distance.
Dr. MEI understood:
"Yes, I know."
The records Mobius gave to the Previous Era weren't limited to technology; they also included information about Herrschers.
Himeko, the Herrscher of Flame, was naturally a key observation target.
Only the 8th Herrscher... because both the sequence and candidate had changed, even her abilities had deviated, resulting in MEI and the others failing to recognize her.
But with this example, someone as cautious as MEI would definitely take precautions.
"How's the preparation for dealing with the Herrscher of Domination progressing?"
"Femirins is fully developed, and the main unit has been launched into space."
"Thanks to Elysia's combat doll, the global network is under construction."
As MEI spoke, the image of the ELF Ely flashed across the projection:
"Hee hee, did you miss me~? Your naughty Ely?"
The ELF Ely hadn't mysteriously disappeared; she was simply brought back to the Previous Era by Elysia.
This was a decision Jiang Qiao made after the moon incident.
After all, compared to himself, the one who truly needed the doll was Elysia herself.
And during this time in the Previous Era, the ELF had been assisting MEI and the others in constructing the global network, using the seed Jiang Qiao had left her.
The 'Pristine Seed'—that was what Jiang Qiao, while using Elysia's body, had prepared for the global network.
In addition to acting as a connector, its primary function, just like what Miss Pink Elf had used in the final chapter, was to link their Herrscher authorities... Of course, after universalization, it became 'hearts'.
After handling matters in the Previous Era, although Elysia had desperately wanted to 'seize the opportunity', detain Jiang Qiao, and give him a thorough 'reckoning'...
Unfortunately, with Jiang Qiao currently using [Firefly], it was out of the question.
Due to this body's limitations, he couldn't stay away from the Star Rail universe for too long.
Meanwhile.
In the Elysian Realm.
The pink-haired girl and the silver-haired girl stared at each other.