Chat Group: Starting by Swapping Bodies with Elysia?

Looking at the bustling sanatorium once more, Aponia smiled genuinely, then walked over to the pink-haired girl near the wall, thanking her softly, "Thank you for your help, Miss Elysia."

"You're welcome. I'm happy to be of assistance."

"If you're finished, then we should talk about the important matter."

Hearing the slightly serious tone, Aponia sighed softly and nodded:

"Please, Miss Elysia."

Although she still didn't understand what Jiang Qiao meant by 'Fire Moth', from the inhuman abilities displayed in front of the Church of Apocalypse, anyone could tell that this girl named Elysia was no ordinary person.

And her target seemed to be her – Aponia's intuition told her so.

"First, let me explain the concept of Honkai…"

[Elysia] said softly, her gaze falling on the faces of the children filled with laughter once more – the keen eyesight and sensitivity to Honkai energy that a Herrscher possessed allowed her to easily sense the traces of Honkai on some of the individuals.

Not all disasters in this world were large-scale Eruptions like the Great Eruption.

There were also countless smaller Honkai incidents. According to the information she received from MEI, Eastern Europe, where Twilight Street was located, had become a frequent zone for smaller Honkai incidents after the Third Eruption. Previously, due to the scale of the issue, Fire Moth's main focus had been on the Asia-Pacific region, and their attention to this area was somewhat limited.

Honkai sickness… Aponia was already taking in patients like that at this time.

As she explained the concept of Honkai to Aponia while observing the patients, Jiang Qiao understood.

It indeed made sense.

Not long after the Fifth Eruption, Kalpas, whose whereabouts were unknown, ended up in Twilight Street. Shortly after, a major Honkai eruption occurred in the Twilight Street area, which was investigated by Fire Moth – Kalpas and Aponia were then brought back by Sakura.

Although the timeline didn't match completely – according to the original timeline, the Third Eruption in Nagazora City should have occurred at least one or two years after the Second Eruption – considering the things she had done in Nagazora City, and the subsequent Herrscher of Dominance and Herrscher of Wind…

If the Herrscher of Dominance was born before the Fourth Herrscher, then the current Herrscher of Wind should actually be the true Fifth Herrscher.

It all lined up, everything made sense.

"The world… is actually like this?"

Although she appeared calm and composed, and indeed she was, even with Aponia's strong adaptability to new things, as an ordinary person before this, she couldn't help but be shocked and stunned upon learning about the existence of 'Honkai'.

After a moment, she regained her composure, looked at the patients she had taken in, and a sorrowful expression appeared on her face as she murmured in a daze:

"It seems… I've done another bad thing."

The secrets Jiang Qiao revealed inevitably touched upon the concept of 'Honkai sickness'.

And the truth about 'Honkai sickness' was like a bolt from the blue for Aponia.

After all, she had taken in these homeless and terminally ill people out of kindness.

— But this was definitely not a good deed.

Although Honkai sickness wasn't a highly contagious disease, it was still contagious… When it reached a certain scale, it would greatly increase the probability of a Honkai eruption in an area, or even directly trigger one.

The tragedy of Twilight Street could be said to be caused by Aponia's kindness.

She took in those patients, which resulted in the originally healthy children also contracting the terminal illness and becoming targets for elimination. Even the residents of Twilight Street who often helped the sanatorium lost their lives in this disaster.

Although the current Aponia hadn't reached this outcome yet, the 'foresight' ability she gained after fusing with 'Midora's' genes seemed to have shown early signs when she was still an ordinary person.

After learning about the true nature of 'Honkai sickness', she seemed to have foreseen that future.

A deep sense of guilt arose within her – her kindness had brought about bad consequences. She didn't feel disgust or hatred towards those she had helped, only the weight of sin upon herself.

Overwhelmed by guilt, all she could think about was atonement – Aponia instinctively wanted to do something to atone for this sin, but quickly fell into a state of helpless confusion.

What should she do? No matter how much she sought redemption, it seemed she only brought about worse outcomes.

A deep sense of powerlessness spread through her limbs, making her collapse onto the ground, like a drowning person – even breathing felt difficult.

At this moment, Aponia felt even more despair than when she was facing the burning flames on the stake.

At least the burning pain brought by the flames could bring her a moment of peace, serving as a 'punishment' for the sins she had committed – even if it seemed insignificant to Aponia.

Guilt filled her entire being, making the kind nun's shoulders tremble uncontrollably – but before this despair could spread, a pair of delicate hands grasped her trembling hands.

Looking up, she saw the pink-haired girl, who had sat down beside her at some point, holding her hands and smiling sweetly, a reassuring expression on her face.

Without excessive words, the girl who called herself 'Elysia' seemed to be saying, "It's okay, I'm here."

This reassuring feeling made Aponia's silent heart beat again, as if infused with new vitality.

Like the dawn of hope, dispelling despair once more.

It might sound laughable – Aponia, who came from a choir, didn't really believe in the existence of gods, even if she appeared devout. It couldn't conceal her inherent rebelliousness against fate, her urge to change the unfortunate fates of others.

But—

Looking at the girl before her, feeling her normal human warmth.

Aponia wondered.

If gods truly existed… perhaps they were right before her eyes, right now.

Like a magical girl's wand, a slender, exquisitely crafted, snow-white longsword… well, judging by its size, it looked more like a toy.

But this toy-like thin sword held by [Elysia] had a more accurate name – White Flower.

Unlike the incomplete Judah's Oath chains she had previously conjured with Wendy using her incomplete Authority of Truth, Jiang Qiao, upon meeting Durandal, naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to analyze 'Abyss Flower', this incredibly useful Divine Key.

With the complete blueprint, although the incomplete Authority of Truth in her hands was completely insufficient to manifest a complete Divine Key, it was still easy to construct a replica, a common practice among Herrschers of Reason.

"Although it's incomplete, it's enough for this level." [Elysia] chuckled, lightly waving the White Flower that looked like a magic wand.

The power of Origin could only handle Honkai-related problems, but if it was this White Flower, which possessed the Authority of Creation…

"Heave-ho~ Don't blink, the fairy's magic is about to begin~"

Calling out to the children, surrounded by them, the pink-haired girl waved her magic wand and lightly tapped the air.

The next moment, a vibrant aura filled the open space of the sanatorium.

Fragrant flowers bloomed in profusion, a scene unimaginable in the late autumn of the Previous Era, even in Twilight Street, where it never snowed.

"Heave-ho~"

The trees planted in the courtyard regained their vitality, the vines even forming a swing made of interwoven branches.

Pardo, playing with the children, watched this scene, dumbfounded, stammering:

"A-amazing! Big Sis Ellie… C-could you be a… a goddess from the legends?"

The cat was both scared and excited.

Scared because the person she stole from was such a powerful being – if she had a bad temper, wouldn't she be reduced to nothing if caught?

No, no – I must choose my targets carefully from now on! Keep my eyes peeled!

Pardo shuddered inwardly, determined to be even more cautious in the future.

And the excitement, naturally, came from the fact that the person she was following was so awesome.

Wouldn't she, a little nobody, soar to the heavens?

With such a powerful boss backing her, wouldn't she be able to walk sideways in that 'Fire Moth' place?

Hehe, then I can nap whenever I want, and eat as many apples and candies as I want!

And… Big Sis Ellie is so powerful, maybe she has super, super good stuff to steal!

The cat, addicted to stealing, drooled at the thought.

[Elysia], somewhat aware of the cat's delusions, raised an index finger and said earnestly:

"How could that be? You have to believe in science, Pardo. There are no goddesses in this world."

"Of course, there are fairies~"

Her tone suddenly changed, and the girl winked playfully.

Then, she looked at Aponia and said softly:

"Alright, the things you were worried about are resolved. Now~ say goodbye to everyone at the sanatorium."

"…Is it… already resolved?"

Aponia looked at the children in the sanatorium with surprise. [Elysia] simply smiled and waved her 'White Flower' magic wand:

"Hmm~ Fairy magic is amazing, isn't it?"

The sanatorium didn't belong to Aponia; she was just a 'caregiver' here.

Of course, that wasn't entirely accurate.

After all, in Twilight Street, there were practically no one willing to work in a 'sanatorium', so Aponia was almost the only staff member.

Besides caring for the patients, she also had to worry about the sanatorium's operations.

Her departure meant that the sanatorium lost all its caregivers – but that didn't matter, Jiang Qiao had already informed MEI.

Later, the people in this sanatorium would be relocated according to their wishes.

Fire Moth had recently established similar institutions, though their purpose was mainly to accommodate those who had become homeless due to the Honkai.

A little extra work is still work, she believed MEI wouldn't mind the increased workload and expenses.

And Aponia didn't have any resistance to following 'Elysia' and joining the organization called 'Fire Moth'.

After all, if her power could truly help in this 'world-saving' cause, the nun who was dedicated to changing the fate of others was more than willing.

— Especially since it was an invitation from 'Elysia'.

Perhaps it was a little embarrassing to admit, but even if Jiang Qiao hadn't invited her, Aponia would have wanted to follow Elysia, to become her 'companion'.

Time and time again, she had illuminated her heart. In Aponia's mind, 'Elysia' had become a beacon of hope for her to continue striving.

To put it bluntly, it was perhaps like the relationship between a believer and her faith?

…

Gently touching her chest, feeling the inexplicable past, Aponia looked at the 'young man' before her who was excitedly talking about 'girly' things with a smile in her eyes.

As Elysia's close friend, throughout this long period – she had heard most of these stories.

Only the news from the new era outside and the stories about a certain 'bad guy' were new to Aponia.

Although she seemed indignant, she didn't know the name of this 'bad guy' – mm, perhaps it was this 'Jiang Qiao'?

The 'fat lady', unaware that her secrets had been exposed, felt troubled.

— Although she really wanted to 'slander' the bad Jiang Qiao to get revenge on that bad guy.

But in order to carry out her 'Revenge on Bad Jiang Qiao Plan 3.0', she, currently playing the role of 'Jiang Qiao', couldn't slander Jiang Qiao, could she? Wouldn't that be slandering herself?

Then—slander 'Elysia'?

For example: "That bad Elysia is so mean!"

Something like that.

— Of course, that was impossible!

I, Ellie, am Elysia! How could I foolishly 'slander' myself!

The troubled 'fat lady' could only use 'bad guy' as a substitute for bad Jiang Qiao.

But it's okay, things were going very smoothly.

Although she was caught off guard by Aponia's strange reaction at first, as long as she reacted quickly and adjusted her approach, even this abstinence-type, big-chested, beautiful nun still fell into her, Ellie's, hands!

Looking at the smiling 'Aponia', Elysia felt a sense of accomplishment – if there was a friendship level display, the 'fat lady' believed that through their conversation just now, Aponia's affection for her had definitely skyrocketed.

This is me, this is Super Ellie's social speed!

Of course—this handsome [Jiang Qiao] face definitely contributed. Lightly touching her face from time to time, Elysia felt secretly pleased.

Bad Jiang Qiao, you like messing with me, right? I'll just use your handsome face to charm super awesome big sisters!

She had already taken many intimate photos with Aponia using the chat group, just waiting to clear the Elysian Realm and see bad Jiang Qiao's frustrated expression before revealing them, making that bad guy envious and jealous!

Just as the 'fat lady' was planning to continue chatting with the big-chested nun before her, pressing her advantage and boosting their friendship level – a sweet, nasally voice rang in her ears: "Hmm~"

…So familiar.

Elysia, hearing this familiar tone and nasal sound, was first confused, then subconsciously glanced at herself… Could it be that I'm still using my own body… No, this is bad Jiang Qiao's body.

And I didn't make a sound!

The confused 'fat lady' looked towards the source of the sound, first with joy – she saw the super famous, wealthy Eden, whom she had just started to Strategy before she ran off. But before she could be happy for long, she saw another figure standing next to Eden.

Pink hair, pointed ears, Flame-Chaser outfit… like a fairy from a book, as radiant as a flower, beautiful…

— Bad Jiang Qiao!

Elysia's mood instantly plummeted from joy to gloom, a dramatic shift like a sudden change in weather.

But before she could think or do anything further, 'bad Jiang Qiao', also known as Elysian Realm Ellie, greeted her with that usual, gentle smile:

"Hello~ I'm Elysia~"

The sweet voice and perfect imitation instantly triggered Elysia's PTSD.

However, after the initial second of bewilderment… the 'fat lady' nearly gritted her teeth to dust.

Good, good, good job! Bad Jiang Qiao!

You're putting on a show right in front of me, huh?

Elysia, who was originally worried that bad Jiang Qiao's appearance would ruin her revenge plan, instantly entered Furious Ellie mode.

You sneaky little [Jiang Qiao], pretending you don't know me now, are you!

A fairy can be killed, but not humiliated!

The somewhat enraged 'fat lady' had the urge to explode at this bad guy before her, but when this thought became reality – 'Jiang Qiao' gave a forced, strained smile.

For the grand plan of revenge against this bad guy, I, Ellie, will endure!

While the external [Jiang Qiao] forced a smile, the 'fat lady', manifesting as 'Inner Ellie', clenched her fists inside the 'suit' – [Jiang Qiao], just you wait!

'Hello, I'm Jiang Qiao.'

"Oh~"

Elysian Realm Ellie narrowed her eyes upon hearing this, then gave a playful smile – from Elysia's perspective, this instantly made the 'fat lady's' rage meter towards 'bad Jiang Qiao' rise another level. She was certain that bad Jiang Qiao was laughing triumphantly – and plotting something mischievous.

But – it's okay, I, Ellie, will never lose to you!

Pretending not to know me, huh? Pretending to be 'Elysia', huh? Hmph, as long as you don't flip the table, I'll play along with this game!

This bad Jiang Qiao must have just entered the Elysian Realm, so she definitely hasn't spent much time with the beautiful girls here. We're on the same starting line.

Even if I lose to this bad guy in 'playing Elysia' and combat power, when it comes to this 'Elysian Realm' 'dating sim'… at least in terms of charming girls, I will definitely not lose to you, you bad guy!

Sensing that stubborn gaze, Elysian Realm Ellie maintained her composure, but a slight smile unconsciously played on her lips.

Essentially, this person claiming to be 'Jiang Qiao' was undoubtedly her original self, but this familiar feeling, even a little embarrassing… Could it be that this original self…

Aiya, I seem to have discovered something remarkable.

The Elysian Realm fairy, having interacted with Eden before coming here and learned a little about this 'original self', formed a bold guess and felt glad she had agreed to Eden's request – to play along with this child.

Actually, Elysia wasn't very hopeful about this at first. After all – she was so intelligent, and her original self must be the same. If she appeared before her, wouldn't the 'game' Eden mentioned be over in a second?

If that were the case, it would be better to deliberately avoid her and observe from the shadows.

But unfortunately, she had already met the other two visitors and even revealed some information. As long as they met, she would be exposed, so it was better to contact her original self in advance and get a feel for her.

Unexpectedly – it went surprisingly smoothly.

Elysia was certain that her original self had recognized her but deliberately pretended not to know her.

And that rising rage in her eyes – although she tried to hide it, in this Elysian Realm, perhaps only little Griseo and Pardo… no, probably only Pardo could be fooled.

…Jiang Qiao.

A somewhat unfamiliar name.

Elysian Realm Ellie, trying to find information in her memory, couldn't find anything related. But she tried substituting her own personality into this original self before her…

Aiya, could it be that… my original self mistook me for someone else?

Although she didn't know the 'fat lady's' experiences, Elysian Realm Ellie, who knew her own personality very well, pieced together some information fragments based on the few words Eden had revealed and the emotions that couldn't be hidden in her original self's eyes.

And this made her even more curious about her original self's situation.

Mistaking her for someone else…

Hmm~

Elysian Realm Ellie, who initially thought this game couldn't be played, suddenly felt…

This original self of hers – might be particularly interesting.