 | Transcluded ScriptThis section contains story script that was transcluded from the game with the help of OCR tools to avoid human-made mistakes as much as possible. Generally speaking, it shouldn't be altered unless the in-game equivalent has been changed. Any typos or other errors that are also present in the game are to be retained on the wiki but can be marked via {{sic}}.Chinese and Japanese romanizations and translations, if present, are unofficial. |
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Signets[]
Buddha's Epiphany[]
As time quietly flowed by, another leaf drifted off the bodhi tree.
Su
Welcome, visitor.
Su
Raiden Mei,
Su
I foresaw your coming.
Mei
... You know my name?
Su
In the Elysian Realm, everything was created by perception, and you're part of perception from the moment you arrived.
Su
I'm a Pioneer, the 7th Flame-Chaser, but I prefer to be called Su.
Mei
So you're the MANTIS endowed with the Signets of Bodhi.
Su
My title doesn't define me. We're both seekers of the way, and you can simply call me by my name.
Mei
I thought there was some sort of rule about that. After all, Elysia seems to be very mindful of it.
Su
She has her reasons. The titles were necessary when the group was founded, and her foresight kept us alive in this form.
Su
But to you, we're ghosts from the past, and everything has been said and done, so there's no need for you to be formal.
The man opened his palm and sent a new leaf drifting away.
Su
Visitor, if you seek to reveal the forgotten past, follow the leaf and it will show you the path of the awakened one.
Mei
Aren't you going to give me a trial?
Su
A trial can be an ordeal, or it can be solitude. Your trial has begun, and it will never end.
Su
To see, to hear, and to feel. Every step you take and every choice you make shape you into the one you're meant to be.
Su
One day, the answers you seek will come to you, and I'll bear witness to your enlightenment together with the rest of the realm.
Su
All phenomena are unstable
Su
as they are spun by the wheel of karma.
Su
Any change
Su
is but a fleeting illusion.
Su
Come, step into the Immeasurable Light.
Su
This is the signet of [Bodhi].
Granting Signets 1[]
Su
I'm just a bystander, and only you will know how the journey ends.
Granting Signets 2[]
Su
Don't mind anything besides yourself. The gate to the cosmos is in your heart.
Granting Signets 3[]
Su
I'm blessing you with the wisdom of Bodhi.
Granting Signets 4[]
Su
May the soil of yesterday nurture the new buds of today.
Granting Signets 5[]
Su
Nothing can escape the wheel of causality. Between life and death, there are only dreams.
Granting Signets 6[]
Su
A flower is a world on its own. May your journey bloom splendidly.
Granting Signets 7[]
Su
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Granting Signets 8[]
Su
If you're still unsure about the path ahead, take a moment to think. The answer will come to you naturally.
Granting Signets 9[]
Su
Visitor, this is a gift to you. Say no more. Taking a step forward is the best answer.
Granting Signets 10[]
Su
May this Signet of Bodhi guide you onward.
Granting Signets 11[]
Su
The whispers of the leaves and the chimes of the past were carried on the wind.
Granting Signets 12[]
Su
What was once strong would eventually grow weak, and fragile civilization withered like an autumn leaf.
Granting Signets 13[]
Su
The leaves drift down like rain, and the tree still stands tall. Countless leaves grow into countless civilizations.
Granting Signets 14[]
Su
Mankind of this age will set out on its path. Whether it's flowers or thorns you run into, I'm certain you'll blossom.
Granting Signets 15[]
Su
Everything in the world is connected by causality.
Granting Signets 16[]
Su
The gate to the future will only open to those who embrace causality with a humble heart.
Granting Signets 17[]
Su
Within every leaf, a new civilization forms, prospers, and falls. In comparison, human lives only last for seconds.
Granting Signets 18[]
Su
You're a visitor from the new age, coming here with new hopes.
Granting Signets 19[]
Su
Your courage, resolve, and will are forged into an unstoppable blade.
Granting Signets 20[]
Su
Leaves fall to the ground and return to their roots. We just found our resting place.
Buddha's Memory 1[]
Su
Hello, visitor.
Mei
I hope I didn't disturb your meditation.
Su
Don't mind me. I'm but a shadow, and this place is no more than a mirage from yesterday.
Su
The deeds were long done and the dust long settled. There's no such thing as disturbing me.
Mei
...You surely have a broader mind than anyone else here.
Mei
You all know that you're just sims?
Su
More or less. Some accept itit while others deny it.
Su
I'm only a shadow cast by the former Su, and the essence of the human mind does not lie in replicated memories.
Su
So don't mind us. You should be free from the interventions of the past. Elysia and Eden would say the same.
Buddha's Memory 2[]
Su
Welcome, visitor.
Mei
You seem different. I can't sense your desires.
Su
Obsessions and hopes are both forms of desire. Without any hope, I wouldn't be here.
Mei
Then what are you hopeful for?
Su
A world free from Honkai, just like everyone else here.
Mei
Is that so? You seem indifferent to the conditions of the outside world.
Su
You've told me.
Mei
What?
Su
You came looking for answers... which is solid proof that the Pioneers' plans all failed.
Mei
...
Su
It's fine. Your coming also indicates that the kindling was lit. One day, people of your time will embark on the journey, too.
Mei
They won't necessarily follow your path.
Su
But that's still their choice. Humanity's choice as a whole.
Su
I believe humanity's wisdom can be passed on, and I hope your journey proves to be more fruitful than ours.
Buddha's Memory 3[]
Su
Every withered leaf signifies a dying world. Leaves drift off from the branches and dissolve into the sea.
Su
But here in the Elysian Realm where only memories exist, it means something different.
Su
Every scene is from the past, and time forever stays at the last moment before the apocalypse.
Su
For me, it means eternal listening, meditating, and remembering.
Su
Listening to the cycle of birth and death.
Su
Meditating on the rise and fall of the world.
Su
Remembering the good and evil we've done.
Buddha's Memory 4[]
Su
Visitor, you seem to have doubts.
Mei
...
Su
You can tell me.
Mei
...You knew Kevin from before, right? You met each other before joining the MOTHs.
Su
He's my friend, and always will be.
Mei
I saw your past.
Su
And you cast light on his future for me.
Mei
Do you still think he's the old Kevin?
Su
Kevin's decisions are left for later generations to judge.
Su
But I believe no matter how time changes us, there are certain parts of the human mind that don't get chipped away.
Mei
This is the answer from the Awakened One?
Su
This is the answer from Su.
Buddha's Memory 5[]
Su
Hi, visitor. You seem to be accustomed to everything here.
Mei
More or less, except for a certain unpredictable friend of yours.
Su
Elysia? Sorry, I don't know what's been on her mind either.
Mei
Aren't you a psychic MANTIS? You're good at reading minds, right?
Su
I can't do it on her. Elysia is special -- even the Flame-Chaser bearing the Signets of Discipline can't restrain her.
Mei
After seeing so many different members of the Flame-Chasers, I think you're the odd one out in the group.
Su
When the world's demise is nigh, strong desires and obsessions can make one go further. The MOTHs need individuals like that.
Su
I was a doctordoctor and I hoped to ease people's pain and heal their wounds. Maybe this is my obsession.
Mei
But in the end, you alone were entrusted with Project: VALUKA.
Su
But I am not alone.
Mei
Don't you care about what's happening outside? Where the future you is or what he is doing?
Su
How many worlds can "I" see? How would "I" reflect on them? After endless time and possibilities, would "my mind" change?
Su
Unfortunately, there's no way for me to find the answers here.
Su
But I believe the real Su will stick to the path he's chosen.
Mei
Is that your prediction?
Su
I can't predict my own future. It's just a hope. Like everyone else, I too have obsessions.
Su
If someday fate brings the future me to you, you can find out the answers for me.
Buddha's Memory 6[]
Mei
In the Previous Era, you were exposed to Honkai veryvery earlier, in the form of a disease.
Su
That's correct.
Mei
But... how did you manage to conquer this incurable illness?
Mei
It seemsseems from a certain point, this death-bringing disaster had never been brought up again.
Su
The answer is simple: we never did.
Su
We did, however, foundfound a way to keep very few infected going, but their path was paved by the dead.
Su
That was a failure I cannot accept, a sin I cannot condone.
Mei
... Sorry for bringing this up.
Su
Don't mind it, visitor. I never tried to forget.
Su
I always keep the name of every deceased in mind without anyone reminding me.
Su
The reason why it wasn't mentioned anymore was that casualties inflicted by Honkai later far outweighed it.
Su
For me, it was a lifelong regret. But for Honkai, it was merely a negligible beginning.
Su
We deemed it unacceptable to save one life at the cost of thousand, but in the end, even that became a bargain.
Mei
......
Mei
I see. Thanks.
Su
... Hold on, visitor.
Mei
Huh?
Su
I believe it's karma at work. Kevin sent you here for answers, right? How is he now?
Su
...
Su
Has... Project Stigma begun?
Mei
Yes.
Su
... Thank you, visitor.
Mei
... What? I can be more specific if you want.
Su
No need. I've had enough failures... and I won't mind one more.
Su
May this failure bring its own meaning.
Buddha's Memory 7[]
Su
Visitor, what is your confusion?
Mei
......
Mei
I believe I didn't show at all. You can... read people's mindmind?
Su
I used to be a doctor, so understanding patients was part of my job. The Meta-Morph surgery amplified this sense formed by experience.
Su
I didn't mean to intrudeintrude though. I could turn my senses off if you wish so.
Mei
... It's alright. You wouldn't tell me in the first place if you planned to use it against me.
Mei
But... I've had this doubt all along.
Mei
You appear more wise and philosophical. Anyway, you're quite different from your peers in terms of mentality.
Mei
Is this... a trait later acquired as a psychic MANTIS? Or before the surgery, you were already this...
Mei
This...
Mei
Sorry, I can't find the right words.
Su
Pretentiously mysterious? Is that what you wanted to say, visitor?
Mei
Uh...
Su
Don't mind it. You're not the first one to make such a remark.
Su
In the eyes of others, it was indeed the Meta-Morph surgery that altered my personality.
Su
Before it, my mind used to fluctuate with worldly gains and losses just like everyone else.
Su
I communicated with other psychic MANTIS warriors. Some believed it was enlightenment, while others regarded itit the loss of true self.
Mei
Then... how do you reckon it yourself, Su?
Su
If I was led to a unique perspective, I believe this is the trade-off I had to make.
Su
Having found the path but not being able to tread upon it myself... this is far more disheartening than getting lost.
Su
But I should consider myself lucky. I've seen worse victims suffering from having a profound mind.
Buddha's Memory 8[]
Mei
I noticed... some sort of open wound on you, but...
Mei
But is this possible in a space fabricated by consciousness?
Su
It is not a wound, visitor. Instead, it is a beacon that allows no mistakes.
Mei
A beacon?
Su
As you know, I have observed worlds as numerous as sand grains in the Ganges with the aid of the 2nd Divine Key. Nonetheless, a mortal was unfit for this mission.
Mei
You mean... you could get lost in other worlds?
Su
Indeed. I do not know if this will numb me in the future, but in the past I know, every observation threatened to flood my mind.
Su
It was measuring a sea with a cup.
Su
A person who had the same ending in every world left this beacon on my wrist with the 6th Divine Key.
Su
The power of destruction and creation formed this wound that would never heal nor deteriorate.
Su
No matter what I see or experience, this pain will remind me of my identity and responsibility.
Mei
But... there'rethere're other ways to achieve the same effect.
Su
This is why it allows no mistakes. It is a beacon, and an anchor I requested to be put on myself.
Su
I might as well tell you to amuse you, visitor.
Su
If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into you. I'm not the only one to observe this immeasurable world.
Su
Once, another me felt my observation.
Mei
Feel? How's that possible?
Su
Nothing is impossible in the infinite possibilities.
Su
In that world I am a woman, but one harboring great malice. She weaved an illusion that ensnared the entire Earth with a spirituality far superior to mine.
Su
And... she was using the 2nd Divine Key, seeking to spread her influence.
Mei
What happened?
Su
She pursued me for ages, and I barely escaped. Perhaps she's still looking for me above that sea.
Su
If she caught me, then it may not be me who woke up from the Divine Key.
Su
The holder of the 6th Divine Key would be able to easily expand this wound to eradicate me.
Mei
I see... this is what an anchor means...
Mei
Su, what if you had the Abyss Flower at that time?
Su
It won't happen. In the worst-case scenario, it will still be given to other Flame-Chasers, unless...
Mei
Unless?
Su
... Please pay no mind, it's impossible.
Buddha's Memory 9[]
Mei
I noticed... you've fought by controlling other bodies remotely more than once, and... it was often a decisive move.
Su
For a psychic, this is only...
Su
......
Su
It was rash of me, visitor. It is something only I'm capable of.
Mei
You hesitated... Is there anything behind it?
Su
Not so. Most psychics can establish links easily, but to influence the frontline is another matter.
Su
It's easy to control a body, but difficult to harness a power. I must emulate the owner's fighting style and habits.
Mei
Like... piloting mecha?
Su
Even more complex than that. I'm not a fighter, had I not known those soldiers well and gained much knowledge from the Karma Wheel, it'd be impossible for me as well.
Mei
The Karma Wheel...
Su
Several experiments gave me insight into the abilities of my colleagues. Certain futures I foresaw made me play against my colleagues subconsciously.
Su
Therefore, such a mediocre ability isis in factfact the culmination of many coincidences.
Mei
No, I believe it can play a critical role under some circumstances.
Su
Which are rare. I almost always ask for permission, but few wish to expose their innermost awareness.
Su
And... ever since I came across Aponia's seed in the Tragedy of the Binding, I've not done it again.
Buddha's Memory 10[]
Mei
Su, you once said you can't foresee your own future, but... what's the difference between foreseeing yours and another's?
Su
To observe or not is the difference.
Su
I've seen too many worlds come and go, and no world has escaped this cycle. I began to draw on these experiences in my world for my own benefitsbenefits.
Su
For this reason, I used to betray myself.
Mei
You mean... your foresight is actually forecasting, but your improvisation made yourselfyourself unpredictable.
Su
Yes, visitor. Only... this may not be unchanging.
Su
We face countless choices, among them are paths we know are right but refuse to take.
Su
In the end, I was still clinging to the world, unlike fabled saints.
Mei
Will you regret this?
Su
No, I'm thankful for it.
Su
If humanity is freed from the clutches of Honkai one day, they are freed by themselves, not a god.
Su
I've always believed in this.
Su
Visitor, please do not concern yourself with my foolishness. You belong to a new era, so you are extremely fortunate to witness Nirvana ahead of time.
Su
All things wither and flourish. Like humanity itself, an era must undergo this process to achieve enlightenment.
Chapter 1[]
About the Past 1[]
Mei
Talking about the past doesn't seem to pique your interest.
Su
The curtain has drawn for the old time, and humanity needs to press on and set its eyes on the future.
Mei
What if a successor brings it up?
Su
I'll answer to the best of my ability in the hope that our footsteps could show you the way.
About the Past 2[]
Su
You seem tired. Better take a break.
Mei
Didn't you ask me to look forward?
Su
You have to stop sometimes to look back and discover things you didn't notice on the way.
Su
If you're traveling in the mist, you need to bear in mind where you came from.
About Friendship 1[]
Su
You're alone but not confused. I suppose you once had friends you could trust to have your back?
Mei
"Once" is inaccurate. Our paths diverge, but we hold the same conviction.
Su
Good. As long as you believe in each other, one day you'll eventually be reunited.
About Mei 1[]
Su
You've traveled a long way.
Mei
Really? I feel like I've just started.
Su
You ask too much of yourself, which makes this journey even tougher.
Su
But I can see you chose this path and mean to follow through.
About Mei 2[]
Su
Visitor, you seem confused.
Mei
You said you were only illusions, but these Signets... they have real power.
Su
The power was always yours. What we did was no more than awakeningawakening it from the stigma.
About Mei 3[]
Su
I think you should give yourself more credit.
Mei
Why?
Su
I can see that you're closer to becoming what you wish to become than you acknowledge.
About Mei 4[]
Su
Have you ever wondered if it's really answers that you're looking for?
Mei
I don't know yet.
Mei
That's why I keep looking.
Su
Excellent.
About Rankings 1[]
Mei
I'm still curious about your rank.
Su
The number 7 sits right in the middle, between 1 and 13.
Su
So I took on a role suitable for my rank -- to maintain the balance within the group.
Mei
That's it?
Su
For Elysia, it's reason enough.
About Myself 1[]
Mei
...
Su
...
Mei
...
Su
...
Mei
...Are you asleep?
Su
...
Su
...What did you say?
Mei
...
About Kevin 1[]
Mei
When did you and Kevin first meet?
Su
We were friends back in school.
Mei
School... it sounds so strange coming from you.
Su
Isn't it his past that makes you feel strange?
About Kevin 2[]
Mei
Kevin... what was he like back then?
Su
You can visit memories left by him yourself.
Mei
I want to know him even before that.
Su
These are the memories he wouldn't forget.
About Kalpas 1[]
Su
...Kalpas.
Kalpas
...
Mei
He left without even looking back.
Mei
Does he do this to everyone?
Su
He wasn't like that before the surgery.
Mei
You knew him before the surgery?
Su
Sort of. We were acquainted with one another.
Mei
Did you see him without his mask?
Su
...
Su
It's too soon to talk about this now.
About Hua 1[]
Hua
You've known the truth all along, haven't you?
Su
I won't deny it.
Hua
You could have changed everything.
Hua
We could have had a different ending.
Su
No...
Su
It was precisely because I knew, that the ending was inevitable.
Su
The only thing I could do was observe.
Hua
...
Hua
Su, how many times have we had this conversation?
Su
...
Hua
I keep deleting this memory. Why don't you stop me?
Su
It's your choice. I shouldn't intervene.
Su
Not to mention we can't change anything here.
About Mobius 1[]
Su
Visitor, you've met Mobius.
Mei
She seems to be interested in me, not in a good way.
Su
She's interested in anyone that makes for a good test subject.
Mei
I won't give her a chance.
Su
I expected as much.
Mei
Seems like you two don't get along too well, but she did speak highly of you.
Su
Being praised by her is dangerous enough.
About Mobius 2[]
Mobius
Ah, I feel I'm not welcome anywhere. Do you have a clue, Su?
Su
...Why ask me?
Mobius
Oh, I almost forgot that you dislike me the most.
Su
Maybe I'm not alone in this.
Mobius
Hey, we worked together for a long time. You should help me out sometimes, right?
Su
That depends on your actions.
Mobius
Every time a new lab rat comes, you prevent me from reaching them. I know that.
Mobius
But it's a shame, they always wound up coming to me anyway.
Mobius
I need to think of an appropriate surgery for the new lab rat.
Su
...
Su
I recognize your intellect, Mobius. You're a genius.
Su
But I can never identify with your ideals. Respect for life is what makes us human. You've gone too far astray.
Mobius
I know... you've told me a million times.
Mobius
But only crazy minds like mine could save our dying world.
Mobius
You know Dr. MEI and I are the same type of person, don't you?
Su
...
Su
No, you saved nothing.
About Eden 1[]
Su
The goblet...
Mei
It's from Eden. Looks expensive. I'm thinking about returning it to her.
Su
Just take it. She's generous like that.
Mei
You two seem well acquainted.
Su
Everyone knew her well. She was the biggest name of our time.
Su
Her career took off from a charity performance.
Su
Her talent brought her fame and wealth, but she was a pure artist and would casually give away gold trophies as gifts.
Mei
That's impressive.
Su
Her personality won her an even bigger following, and she shone brightly on stage, performance after performance.
Su
The Angel of Strings, the Voice of Heaven...
Su
She claimed countless titlestitles and even the most demanding critics gave her the highest praise.
Su
But she still preferred to be called Eden, her first stage name.
Mei
Eden... the first paradise.
Su
She fulfilled the meaning of the word. She created a paradise of art all by herself.
About Eden 2[]
Su
I miss her voice.
Mei
Eden gave me this record. She really likes gifting people things.
Su
That's how she shows her affection.
Mei
I think I understand now.
Su
That song... she always sang it during the curtain call. It became a tradition.
Mei
Have you heard it?
Su
She was already a household name when I was a student. Kevin even dragged me to one of her concerts.
Mei
Hard to picture that.
Su
Yes, that was a long time ago. Eden's music was wildly popular, even among young folks.
Su
Her voice had the magic to touch one's heart. She put her soul in her music.
Su
She was the era herself.
About Elysia 1[]
Su
...
Elysia
...
Su
That leaf doesn't contain the future you wish to see, Elysia.
Elysia
Ah, so you're awake.
Su
I'm always awake.
Elysia
Your eyes are always closed. How can I tell if you are awake or not?
Su
If you're looking for something, I can help you.
Elysia
Nah, I'm just bored. Walking around and killing time.
Elysia
You're always sitting there motionless. You'll turn into a mushroom someday.
Elysia
If you do, I bet you'd be a plain-colored one, quietly sitting under a tree.
Elysia
If it were me, I'd definitely become a colorful and glamorous mushroom. We are just the opposite!
Su
Mushrooms like that are usually poisonous.
Elysia
Even better. Roses all have their thorns, and pretty mushrooms are not for food.
Su
...
Su
Elysia, the future you seek has never existed, from the very beginning.
Su
In here where time is stopped and out there where our world has perished, you never...
Su
Changed your decision once.
Elysia
Thank you, Su.
Elysia
I agree. I'm a persistent personperson after all.
Chapter 2[]
About Myself 2[]
Mei
Among all the Flame-Chasers I've met, you seem to be the only psychic typepsychic type.
Su
For you, maybe.
Mei
Huh?
Su
Truth is conditional.
Su
If you met all the Flame-Chasers, you'd find there are more than just me.
Mei
Even so, there aren't many psychic typepsychic type Flame-Chasers in general.
Su
Indeed.
Mei
...Why? Technical issues? Or... is there something special about you?
Su
Both.
Su
As you can see, we made no breakthrough in the psychic world until the demise of our civilization.
Su
Scalpels couldn't reveal the secrets of the mind, and that's why I chose the way of Bodhi in the first place.
Mei
Which is to say... psychic MANTIS soldiers were more like an accident.
Su
Yes. Although it wasn't hard to observe brain activity, even Dr. Mobius had given up her research on the topic.
Su
As for why... maybe it was the fact that we didn't prove ourselves very useful against Honkai, unlike other MANTIS soldiers.
Mei
Useful?
Su
Every psychic MANTIS soldier has the ability to intrude on or manipulate someone else's mind.
Su
It can be a deciding factor when fighting our own kind -- a moment of hesitation can be the difference between life and death.
Su
But when facing Honkai Beasts or other non-human enemies, we were unable to contribute to the fight in a meaningful way.
Mei
Sounds like engaging enemies head-on wasn't your strong suit.
Su
Indeed. When the war wasn't at its height, we were usually operating at the back lines, save for a handful of mutants.
Su
There was a psychic MANTIS who awakened the power of psychokinesis. She'd be a Flame-Chaser if not for the 8th Herrscher.
Mei
Well... I suppose you're not just an ordinary MANTIS either, are you?
Su
No, but my mutation was not worth mentioning compared to the ability to face Honkai head-on.
Su
Maybe if I went into the surgery with the resolve to die for the cause, the results might have been very different.
Su
But if that were the case, perhaps... it would have been my cold body that Hua saw in the accident caused by Mobius.
Su
Just another example of how causality works in mysterious ways.
About Myself 3[]
Mei
The Signets of Bodhi... seem to be different from the others.
Mei
What they possess seems to be spiritual wisdom rather than power. It feels like a thought... or an ideal.
Su
I'm glad you're so perceptive, visitor.
Su
In the eyes of many, power is the only thing worth pursuing, and that's why they were lost here.
Mei
But you never brought it up to me.
Su
Because the answers you seek can only be given by Raiden Mei rather than the future I've foreseen.
Mei
...
Mei
I appreciate your good willgood will, but to me...
Mei
The future you've foreseen might very well be the key to making this a more efficient journey for me.
Su
...
About Myself 4[]
Su
Hello, visitor.
Su
You arrived a bit later than I anticipated.
Mei
Su, for little things like when I arrive, you don't need to make prophecies every time.
Su
This isn't a prophecy, just an ordinary prediction.
Su
It's just as Eden said, art is not only descriptive of an era, but also predictive of the future.
Su
And there is something in common between them.
Su
You've been in the Elysian Realm for a while now. Perhaps you haven't noticed that each decision you make is pre-determinedpre-determined.
Su
It seems as if you're making a choice, but the thoughts that come into your head are fixed from the beginning.
Su
To most people, this is known as "causality."
The sound of nearby footsteps interrupted Su. They weren't sure who it was, but their voices were somewhat familiar.
Eden
True, that's just what I was thinking.
Eden
When art is describing an era, it is also predicting the future.
Elysia
Oh... no wonder your music never seems outdated.
Mei
...
Mei
Do you often persuade people by bringing up future events like this, Su?
Su
"The future" is a meaningless concept to me. Time is just an artificial construction.
Su
Like leaves on a tree, they will eventually wither and decay. But there is no leaf like them. They contain all human knowledge and emotion.
About Mobius 3[]
Su
You've really crossed the line this time, Mobius.
Mobius
Crossed a line? You're still saying that under these circumstances?
Mobius
Feel free to have your own principles, but don't try to impose your arbitrary restrictions on me.
Mobius
It's precisely because of your useless ideas about morality that you haven't been able to experience evolution.
Mobius
But if you admire the progress my research has made... why not stop being a hypocrite and free your spirit?
Su
Mobius, you can stop trying to provoke me. I won't fall into your trap.
Su
What I want to talk about today has nothing to do with our past conflicts. It's about what you are doing now.
Mobius
I don't remember doing anything that you would need to talk to me about.
Su
You are concealing your true intentions from all of us.
Mobius
Oh... that's not exactly true, is it? At least Elysia knows my objective.
Mobius
What, you feel excluded? Never thought you would care about that. Hehe... seems like you have an adorable side.
Su
Looking for a suitable vessel for sentience transfer in the new era— you know no one would approve of such an insane plan, so you avoid telling anyone.
Mobius
You take yourself too seriously, Su.
Mobius
I don't need anyone's approval... I'm just doing what I want. I don't tell anyone about it because there's no need.
Su
But you are building more than one sentience transfer device.
Mobius
Yes. Once I complete the transfer on myself, I plan to repeat the experiment on other Flame-Chasers... and stop after that.
Mobius
After all, the Flame-Chasers' sims are the last remnants of the previous era. Letting them wither away here is really a shame.
Mobius
But after that, all of you are free to do as you please. It doesn't concern me.
Mobius
You can lead the next generation against Honkai, enjoy your new life, or end it in despair, it's all up to you.
Mobius
What do you think? That's really considerate of me, isn't it?
Su
...
Su
It looks like we are indeed unable to find any common ground.
Mobius
Really?
Mobius
I thought that we... had just come to an understanding.
About Mobius 4[]
Elysia
Dr. Mobius has the mind of a young girl sometimes.
Su
How so?
Elysia
Haven't you noticed? Every time she gets younger, she changes her outfit to go with her new body.
Elysia
She says it's because her old clothes don't fit anymore, but she's actually changing her whole style.
Elysia
Eden has made her several different uniforms, even more than she's made for me.
Su
...
Elysia
...
Su
...
Elysia
Huh? Don't tell me you've never noticed before, Su? I thought you were close with her.
Su
Sorry, maybe because we only see each other at work, I always picture her in a lab coat.
Elysia
Even when wearing a white coat, she still manages to switch up her style.
Elysia
She changes hairclips, cuts her bangs, attaches different scales to her badge. Girls pay attention to all these small details.
Elysia
Sigh...I thought out of all the guys, you understood women the best, Su.
Su
... Sorry.
Elysia
...
Elysia
(He shouldn't be this oblivious... I wonder what's wrong.)
Elysia
(Ah! Could it be that... he really can't see anything?)
Elysia
(Oh, I have an idea... next time I'll switch jackets with Kevin and see if he notices.)
About Prediction 1[]
Su
Hello, visitor.
Mei
Long time no see, Su. I rarely see you show up here.
Su
The me you're seeing is but a lingering image of Bodhi.
Su
Since I'm just an illusion, why should I appear before you often to disturb your thoughts?
Mei
Your partners don't seem to think that way, and some of them even exhibit strong hostility.
Su
Please forgive them, for that might be the proof of them once being human.
Su
Everyone is troubled by their own obsessions, and we're no exception.
Su
But those obsessions are what allowed us to shine in our own ways during our brief lives.
Mei
Hmm, I can understand it, but I can't say I approve of it.
Su
That's the position you should take, visitor, whether in here or in reality.
Mei
Reality...
Mei
I've seen the real Kevin and Hua in the real world. They're still changing the world in their own ways.
Mei
But, Su... I doubt they're the only surviving Flame-Chasers.
Su
Sorry, visitor, I can't give you an accurate answer.
Su
If everything is going according to plan, the real Su should be assisting Kevin with the MOTHS' projects.
Su
But since you never met me before coming here, I suppose something I couldn't foresee has happened.
Mei
...According to your prediction, who will become the Pioneers of the new age?
Su
Kevin, Eden, Mobius, Aponia, and me.
Su
My prediction is that we'll be driven by our respective missions to roam the land in the new age.
Su
Of course, there are certain unpredictable individuals.
Mei
...Mobius.
Su
Hmm. It's more of a personal judgment than prediction.
Su
Her research on life has passed the point of no return. Death is now something she can control.
Su
I've never foreseen any future where Mobius can truly die. Even if civilization perishes, her life goes on.
Su
Maybe... only beings beyond human knowledge can claim her life.
Su
Or... no, if she made the choice herself, she won't be Mobius anymore.
About Klein 1[]
Su
...Sorry.
Klein
...I don't understand.
Klein
Why do you have to say sorry whenever you see me?
Klein
I don't remember you ever mistreating me.
Su
You don't have to know the causes and effects of the past, Klein.
Su
I had the opportunity to save youyou but I forfeited it, and that constituted bad karma for me.
Klein
Uh... sorry, I don't get it.
Klein
Can you please translate this into language I can understand?
About the 10th Herrscher 1[]
Mei
Was there some kind of misunderstanding between you and Klein, Su?
Mei
Before she appeared, I rarely saw you seeking out others to chat.
Su
...
Su muttered under his breath, and then let out a long sigh— unusual for him.
Su
... Bad Karma is hard to reverse.
Mei
(Bad Karma? Could it be...)
Mei
Su, you once told me that the psychic MANTISes specialized in countering enemies who can think.
Mei
The MOTHs... They didn't really fool Mobius, did they? Was the real Klein killed by...
Su
... Feel free to believe that, visitor.
Su
Because failing to save someone when you have the opportunity isn't any different.
Mei
(No, the one who killed Klein... wasn't him...)
Su
When Klein killed Mobius, I didn't know she had already hadalready had become a manifestation of the 10th Herrscher.
Mei
"When she killed Mobius"? Was that still the human Klein? You've never mentioned this to me before.
Mei
...
Mei
I understand. Even though Mobius has the ability to revive herself after death, it apparently takes time.
Mei
It's no wonder that even she wasn't clear what happened to Klein. And besides...
Su
That's right, I was the only one who witnessed it. I only bring that up to serve as "evidence".
Su
I went to Mobius's lab to deal with another matter, but when I got there, she was already lying in a pool of blood.
Su
...And Klein had just stepped away from her body.
Su
At the time, I didn't know her motive for killing Mobius.
Su
Among the MOTHs, there were more than a few who couldn't tolerate Mobius's continued existence, but Klein was not one of them.
Su
She was one of the few... who could actually understand Mobius.
Mei
But by then... she was probably already a puppet of Honkai.
Su
Yes, but I didn't find that out until later.
Su
At that moment, I didn't want to act rashly. I could only restrain Klein from committing more evil acts.
Mei
That is to say, you were more than a "witness".
Su
That's why... I feel guilty about what happened to Klein.
Su
After becoming a Herrscher, Klein's mind was exceptionally weak. In an instant, I was able to prevent her from taking any more action.
Su
And just as I was about to check Mobius's condition, her "corpse" underwent an unusual change.
Su
A strange substance, like a physical manifestation of a shadowshadow sprayed out of her body... Before I could react, it had engulfed Klein's Herrscher Core.
Su
It was only then that I knew the full extent of Mobius's power.
Mei
To come back from the dead... she devoured her own assistant?
Su
Yes... to revive herself that way, Mobius needed enough energy.
Su
I believe it wasn't a conscious decision, but she instinctively swallowed up whomever was closest.
Su
It was an ability that came from Honkai... So the Herrscher Core was undoubtedly like a nutrient for her.
Su
If I hadn't been suppressing Klein at the time, using Mobius's method, she might have had a chance to become human again.
Mei
But in that case, it might have been Mobius who ended up dead... or you.
Su
I know... but this was still an act of evil.
Mei
...
Su
... Visitor, please don't bring up what I've told you today with Mobius or Klein.
Su
This is my own bad Karma, there's no need to bring them into it.
Mei
In my opinion, you are not to blame for this, Su. If you weren't there, the results may have been even more disastrous.
Su
In the end, humans are powerlesspowerless and heaven decides all. I know that much.
Su
But this does not exonerate me from what I've done.
About Active Honkai Reaction 1[]
Su
Visitor, it seems you've been particularly interested in matters related to Mobius lately.
Mei
Well, of the Flame-Chasers I've encountered, she's the one of whom I have the least understanding.
Su
I recommend you keep your distance from her. The serpent's shadow has been watching you. You might end up in danger in the course of your investigation.
Mei
But you won't stop me, right?
Su
Of course not. I'll help you to the best of my ability and answer your questions, but I'll let you make your own decisions.
Mei
Thank you. If the other Flame-Chasers were as helpful as you, this journey would be over a lot sooner.
Su
But in that case, they wouldn't be themselves.
Mei
That's true. The way each of them answers my questions reflects their own personality and viewpoint. It also gives me insight about the MOTHs' current situation.
Mei
But, I do have a question I want to ask you. It's about Mobius' "life research."
Mei
You and Hua both mentioned the incident Mobius caused at the First Institute. Was it related to her research on life?
Su
Good question... But this is not a memory that is pleasant to recall.
Su
You are already aware of Mobius's ability to resurrect herself. That was gained after her MANTIS surgery.
Su
Ever since she died on the operating table, and regained a heartbeat many hours later, the line between life and death has been blurred for her.
Su
But it seems she wasn't satisfied with this.
Su
Whether it was experimenting on herself, observing how other MANTISes' abilities affected her, or even provoking Kalpas... she was constantly testing her own limits.
Su
And in the end, she discovered that method... the Active Honkai Reaction.
Mei
... Active Honkai Reaction?
Su
...
Su
After ridding herself of the limitations of the Meta-Morph surgery, she abandoned her human body, and tried to fully assimilate her Honkai Beast.
Su
Before the incident at the First Institute, it was called "Meta-Morph Overload" and was considered a line MANTISes could not cross.
Su
When the alarm went off, I went to Mobius's lab immediately, but she wasn't there.
Su
In her place was a huge snake lying in the shadows, giving off an eerie green glow.
Su
My MANTIS instincts allowed me to understand the situation immediately, and I executed a PsychicPsychic attack on her.
Mei
On the snake?
Su
On the snake-like entity, you could say. Whatever you call it, it was a being that should never exist in this world.
Mei
Could it be that Mobius...
Su
That's right. Mobius entered that form after undergoing an Active Honkai Reaction. She had completely shed her humanity.
Su
In that state, Mobius was completely out of control. I'm afraid she would have been a problem even for Kalpas.
Su
But fortunately, no matter which form she took, she was still Mobius. So I could still use psychic interference on her.
Su
The Karma Wheel— I have the ability to use psychic interference to turn enemies' attacks against them and control their movement.
Su
Using this method, I was able to temporarily suppress Mobius, but was unable to defeat her.
Su
For a long time, neither of us could get the upper hand. It became a contest of endurance.
Su
And then, Hua rushed in after hearing the alarm... She accidentally broke the stalemate.
Su
I didn't have time to reverse the psychic attack, which soon rendered her unconscious.
Su
My attack wavered for a moment, and Mobius took the opportunity to inflict a damaging blow.
Su
I could barely continue to fight, but I needed to stop her, or at least make her return to human form. So I...
Mei
Hmm?
Su
So I used the last of my strength to stop her. Although I was down, I judged that her strength was also nearly exhausted.
Su
I didn't see what happened next. But apparently, Sakura saved my life.
Su
She delivered the final blow to Mobius, but did not kill her... a level-headed move.
Su
That's what I know about the incident at the First Institute.
Mei
So that's how it happened. Thank you.
Mei
(So he is willing to forgive and forget.)
Mei
(Seems like he's unwilling to share the method he used. What happened in the end?)
Chapter 3[]
About Aponia 1[]
Kosma
(...So, he really doesn't know.)
Kosma
(...Forget it.)
Kosma
Maybe that's it. If we had been present, perhaps Rin wouldn't have...
Kosma
Huh?
Mei
...
Su
Hello, visitor.
Mei
Please continue. I didn't think that I would interrupt you.
Su
Don't worry, we still have plenty of time to mull things over.
Kosma
...
The taciturn youth nodded his head and turned away.
Su
Whatever troubles your heart is growing heavier, visitor.
Mei
That's why I'm here.
Mei
Su, we once talked about the psychic MANTISes... You said you were "one of many".
Mei
And, some people have suddenly gained something close to "superpowers".
Su
That's right. But most abilities are unnoticeable. In fact, the changes most people undergo are too subtle to be classified.
Su
Also... becoming a psychic MANTIS member will always cause a person's "cognition" to experience imperceptible distortions.
Su
Many people, who could have shined on the battlefield, were hampered by their psychological states... They were unable to continue this kind of work, and even began to oppose humanity.
Mei
Then... Su, was there anyone that could also "predict the future" among these psychic MANTISes?
Su
Visitor, it seems like you have already met Aponia.
Mei
Strictly speaking, I haven't "seen" her. It's more like a constant dream.
Su
Yes, I also have the habit of using fantastical dimensions to communicate with people. This may be a shared trait among psychics.
Su
Did she... interpret something that she has "seen" to you?
Mei
What she's "seen?" Yeah, it's just that I don't know if I can trust her.
Mei
You've mentioned being able to "foresee" things. Is that similar to what Aponia can do?
Su
My foresight... is based upon the "progress" of the past and the "personality" of the person involved.
Su
It's just like the adage, "History repeats itself." Once conditions are met and in place, to me, the ending is already inevitable.
Su
What Aponia "sees" is different... She can come into contact with another person and "see beyond reality".
Su
...
Su
Sorry. It is difficult for me to explain. I hope this analogy will help you understand.
Su
Silence in conversation can express what the speaker is trying to say more than words. The breath of your skin understands your life better than your consciousness.
Su
Through the sound of joints, the flow of air, and the expression of genes, we can easily read one's life, as long as we understand this language.
Su
We all have some understanding about "observation and interpretation", but Aponia... she was born with "the heaven's eye".
Su
What she says aren't "assumptions", but the "reality" that appears before her eyes. Before she understood the "principles", sheshe already mastered how to "apply" them.
Su
And then becoming a MANTIS only enhanced this blessing... or perhaps it is a curse.
Mei
But even so... The kinds of things she can predict are too "broad".
Mei
If someone really has this kind of ability, then you are basically saying that humans have never possessed free will.
Mei
Is it possible that... it's just an illusion?
Mei
Since a psychic MANTIS has the power to influence other people's cognition, perhaps... the "future" that she sees is only an incident caused by that influence and what that influence suggests.
Mei
Perhaps even a "regular person" could make this happen with proper planning and preparation.
Su
The crux of the matter is... Aponia is certainly the best psychic MANTIS among us, but the ability to "guide the future" is absolutely not something a human can achieve.
Mei
Which means that... you think she is telling the truth.
Su
Perhaps no one has the answer as to what the nature of Aponia's ability is. But if we are merely puppets controlled by destiny, then she is a puppet, too.
Su
The only difference is that she can see the strings that bind everyone. That's all.