Making Honkai Impact lll In A World Where Kallen Exists [Continuation]

The storyline of the Elysian Realm reached a temporary conclusion as Elysia and Mei crossed paths. Their encounter marked the end of the arc with a mix of shock and wonder. This time, Elysia revealed her true identity,

The signet of Ego, the Thirteenth Herrscher.

From the very beginning of the Elysian Realm, Elysia was the first to welcome Mei. Things always seemed to circle back to her. She was the starting point for everything, and just as the poetic verses foretold, she would eventually mark the conclusion of a pursuit.

Although the main plotline of the Elysian Realm had come to an end, the door opened by Aponia hinted at a new, mysterious world yet to be explored.

In the current game, countless plots still awaited players to unravel. Pieces of this other world had already been quietly revealed to the audience.

Notably, unlike previous events that ended with new version updates, the Elysian Realm became a permanent feature. This change provided retired Valkyries with a chance for reemployment in the game. Many older battle suits, once overshadowed by newer models, found their place here.

For example, battle suits like Herrscher of Sentience gained buffs that enhanced their already impressive "New Year Swordplay," allowing for faster, more powerful strikes. Players rejoiced as the gameplay became even more thrilling.

Others, like Raven's antics, continued to elicit facepalms during gameplay. Still, even her battle suit received notable upgrades.

All previously existing battle suits were added to the Elysian Realm, yes, even the infamous White Comet (Kiana's 1st battlesuit). Sadly, despite this inclusion, her performance still struggled to meet expectations.

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Back at the villa,

After finishing the story content, Theresa indulged in her favorite pastime.

"Slash, quick-draw, and watch out for the top!"

Controlling the Shion battle suit (fox Theresa), she effortlessly swept through hordes of enemies, mowing them down like grass. Theresa had to admit, seeing herself go full berserker in the game felt incredibly satisfying. The low difficulty allowed her to confidently challenge Kalpas in the final level, finally releasing her pent-up frustration over previous scripted defeats. Her cheeks even flushed slightly from the thrill.

"They even gave me a new suit linked to Rosalia?"

Delta raised her eyebrows as she noticed her playable character among the options, including an upgraded Rosalia suit. This was her first time seeing her in-game appearance, made available after the latest side story.

"Not bad. I mean, you're technically new gear," Theresa teased with a smile. "But power creep means stronger ones are on the way. Who knows what they'll release next?"

She shrugged, staring at the "End of Storyline" message, clearly disappointed by the lack of further content.

"Luo Mo, is the story ending here? You've really stopped at an interesting point…"

"Indeed, when it comes to cliffhangers, I'd call you the strongest."

Bronie nodded in agreement, shooting him a sidelong glance.

"...What do you mean by 'me stopping the story'? This is clearly to give you all the best experience! The next part is already under intense preparation."

Luo Mo pointed out the misunderstanding in their words, feeling that this was pure slander!

The construction of the Elysian Realm, or rather, the Eternal Elysian Realm, was still a work in progress. The bigger challenge lay in giving players time to familiarize themselves with the Flame-Chasers' stories. It was an obvious fact: the death of someone you've known for months hits differently than the death of someone you've known for just a few weeks.

Letting players take their time to explore the Elysian Realm seemed like the best approach.

Besides, he wouldn't be stingy with rewards for each exploration and even planned to add more casual daily moments from the Flame-Chasers.

The ultimate goal? To make players fall in love with every Flame-Chaser's unique persona.

After all, a true tragedy is the beauty that shatters right before your eyes.

(TL: Boss you son of the-... at least this will make everyone love the 13th. Including Ellie.)

Luo Mo continued confidently on a path that no one else could fully understand. As he thought about this, a faint smile crept across his lips.

"Stop smiling… It's making me nervous."

Theresa nudged him, narrowing her eyes to study his expression. Kongming tapped her folded fan lightly and glanced at him with some curiosity, puzzled by his sudden silly grin.

"Oh, I just remembered something pleasant," Luo Mo replied casually. Then, as if it were no big deal, he said, "By the way, Luna, try this out."

He tossed a costume card to Luna. The card was chaotic and colorful, like drifting smoke, with crimson eyes that resembled Luna's own. The card depicted an elegant black dress with intricate red accents, including a vivid red rose blossoming at the chest.

Luna, who had been resting her chin on her hands while pondering tonight's plans for a surprise attack, was caught off guard. She fumbled to catch the card, but it slipped from her grasp, floating gently downward.

Kongming hesitated briefly before reaching out and catching it. She didn't intend to keep it, after all, she was sure Luo Mo wouldn't be foolish enough not to have prepared something for her as well. However, as she handed the card back to Luna, she inadvertently glanced at it. That one glance made her fingers freeze.

"Let go. You're not planning to keep the gift meant for me, are you?"

Luna puffed up her cheeks in annoyance and grabbed the card, trying to yank it free with force.

"..." Kongming pursed her lips but eventually released it. However, what she saw on the card lingered in her mind.

Why… was it so large?

She glanced down at her own still-developing figure, then at Theresa, who was similarly unremarkable in that area. She'd always assumed all Theresas were like this and never felt any urgency to compare.

But why…? Could it be true that "big chest, no brains" really applies?

No, no… It's just a costume card!

Kongming had always paid close attention to Luo Mo, trying to understand him while offering him her help. Though he didn't favor anyone explicitly, she undoubtedly knew more about him than Luna did.

For instance, not long ago, she had caught Theresa sneaking into the training room for something clearly unrelated to training. With Bronie's help, she discovered Theresa was gleefully simulating explosions to catch fish, indulging in her childish side.

(TL/C: PFFFT!!!)

At the time, Kongming had pinched her temples, convinced Theresa was just bored out of her mind. But then she realized, bombs don't just appear out of nowhere. With some casual prodding, she learned about the existence of costume cards. She feigned indifference but secretly looked forward to them ever since.

Yet today, that costume card for Luna… was clearly out of the ordinary!

Kongming took a deep breath to steady herself, silently watching as Luna examined the card with a mix of excitement and curiosity. She fumbled with it, flipping it around and holding it up to the light to admire its intricacies.

Suddenly, Luna straightened up and blinked her large eyes. With some hesitation, she asked, "Human … can I try it? It doesn't feel like mine, but it also feels like it could work…"

"Huh? It's just a costume card. What's with the fuss?"

Theresa, still engrossed in her game, responded absentmindedly, oblivious to the implications of what was happening. Little did she know, what she had always dreamed of would soon be realized, not for herself, but for another version of her.

Perhaps one day, they'd venture out together, and someone might even mistake them for a mother-daughter pair…

"Kongming, why does your face look so strange?"

Bronie, intrigued by Kongming's unusually dark expression, chimed in. Was it because Luo Mo hadn't prepared something for her? If so, this would be quite the spectacle! As someone who thrived on schadenfreude, Bronya was ready to enjoy the drama.

Luo Mo, of course, was curious to see what would happen. After all, Theresa had already tested the card and confirmed it was harmless, so there shouldn't be any issue with Luna trying it out.

"Mm…" Luna murmured nervously, clutching the card tightly.

Would she… transform into the adult version depicted on the card?

With a flash of light, Luna's casual home attire was replaced by a striking black-and-red dress. Her hair grew longer and split into twin tails adorned with ornate red ribbons. A deep crimson rose nestled at the center of the ribbon, tying her hair elegantly.

She raised her arms and adjusted her stance, glancing down at her new figure. Spinning around, she noted how the bold, sleeveless design exposed her shoulders, contrasting starkly with the black fabric. A hint of white stood out beneath the dark layers, drawing attention to her daring transformation.

But what stood out most?

Luna felt the weight on her chest. It was heavy. Exhausting, even. Her earrings jingled lightly, and her elevated perspective made Kongming appear smaller. At the same time, she noticed Kongming's widened eyes and her troubled expression.

(TL: I'm dying🤣)

Thud!

Theresa's game controller dropped to the floor as she turned, stiffly, to look at Luna. Shock was written all over her face.

Wasn't it… just a costume card?

Why… Why did someone else's card make them bigger, while hers only made her younger?

Her expression quickly turned mournful, pitiful even, as she stared at Luo Mo with a hint of grievance.

Kongming also pressed her lips together, her gaze fixed on him. The pressure on him instantly mounted.

In contrast, Luna was in high spirits. She compared her height with Irene's, finding they weren't too different, and then began to feel the fabric of her outfit. The material was cool, smooth, and silky yet surprisingly durable. Suddenly, her hand brushed against the smooth black stockings on her thighs.

Her face immediately turned bright red.

Blushing furiously, Luna sat down on the sofa, covering her face with her hands out of embarrassment.

Unable to believe it, she cautiously looked again. Examining the torn, glossy, transparent black stockings on her legs, she confirmed they were real. She could feel the softness of her own skin underneath. Instantly, the heat rose to her head.

When she initially looked down, her vision had been obscured, but now she could see clearly…

Yet, even with the embarrassment, her excitement couldn't be contained. She had grown up!

She had finally become an adult!

Luna's joyful gaze turned toward Luo Mo, who seemed to be admiring her new attire. With her newly matured figure paired with her girlish demeanor, she looked absolutely adorable to him. Luo Mo stared at her, momentarily lost in thought, perhaps contemplating the mysteries of energy conservation and matter transformation.

"Ha! Someone's completely mesmerized. Snap out of it already," a somewhat sarcastic voice rang out. It was the kind of tone Mobius might use, but unfortunately, it wasn't her. It was Kongming, shooting a cold glance at Luo Mo.

"A costume card? I'd call it a transformation card! This is incredible, Luna, or should we say Lunar Vow?" Luo Mo praised, nodding approvingly.

Luna's eyes sparkled at the compliment. She puffed out her chest proudly, much to Kongming's visible displeasure.

"This… this isn't real… this can't be real… why don't I have one?" Theresa stammered, already falling into a panicked mumble. She even reached up and patted her own head, a spot usually off-limits to others—to check her height. Her spirit seemed utterly crushed, her eyes dim and devoid of light.

Someone had overtaken her.

Irene, meanwhile, had a complex expression as she observed the now-grown Luna. A faint smile tugged at her lips. "It seems the Captain has many fascinating tools. I wonder if I could have a look?"

She casually moved closer to Luo Mo, her every step exuding a faint floral fragrance. Her demeanor was calm, but her intent was anything but.

If others could achieve automatic transformation through these cards…

Wouldn't her competitive edge be wiped out?

Although she knew it wasn't logical to fixate on appearances, surely the Captain wasn't that superficial—having both forms was undeniably unfair.

Bronie and Delta, who had been watching from the sidelines, also seemed intrigued. All eyes were on Luo Mo.

Even without offering combat enhancements, the costume cards were undeniably captivating.

But Luo Mo, aware of their thoughts, could only shrug apologetically. "Blame it on your parallel-world counterparts not being up to par," he mused inwardly.

Take the "Duck King" for example—progressing rapidly within just eight years. At worst, look at Big Luna. Ten thousand years of existence made her growth seem natural. And Griseo proved it had nothing to do with mysterious surgeries.

So clearly, the issue was with them!

Luo Mo stuck to his explanation, "These costumes can only appear in parallel worlds or the future."

Of course, if they just wanted the outfits, he'd happily provide as many as they liked.

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