Chapter 446
Since Mei had made such a request, Elysia could only lower her head in disappointment. Did she want to possess her all to herself? Thinking this, Elysia became happy again. She was right; Mei was indeed a girl with a very strong aggressive nature.
Chapter 159 The Unrecognized Flame-Chasers System
"Is there any special consideration behind this special location?"
Mei began by asking if there was a special request that led to the change of location, and whether a test was required to uncover this memory.
"Consideration? Not really. Hmm... I should say it's just for the sake of ritual. You see, Mei already knows a lot about what happened after the Seventh Honkai War. From the Eighth Herrscher to the Eleventh Herrscher, we've been constantly moving forward in a cycle of gaining and losing. Although each part is an important story, it would be a bit complicated to go into detail about each one. So, I think we can go straight to the climax, go through that door, and you'll understand."
It wasn't a test at all. She trusted Mei completely. Elysia showed Mei the door behind her, Mei stepped forward without hesitation. She truly trusted Elysia.
After passing through that door, Mei's vision went black. When she opened her eyes again, she was in a familiar place. It seemed that this door was not a door in the traditional sense. Could it be that passing through it would lead her here?
"Isn't this... Elysian Realm Hall?"
Looking around, everything was very familiar to Mei. She had been operating here for some time, but what was Elysia's purpose in bringing her here? After going to Eternal Elysium, Mei hadn't returned here for a while.
"This is where we first met. Mei, don't you think it's meaningful?"
Elysia, who appeared beside Mei, emphasized that it was the place where they first met, the place where they first met.
"Going through that door will bring me back here, that's a really convenient way to teleport. But why bother coming back here in the first place?"
Without responding, Mei continued to ask why she had brought her here, since she was supposed to explain the memories that followed.
"After all, the story that follows is related to it. This is where we begin... Oh, this time it doesn't refer to me and Mei, but to the Thirteen Flame-Chasers. In reality, this place was once used as the council hall for the Flame-Chasers, and it was here that I proudly announced this name to the world."
Looking around, those scenes from the past seemed to still be vivid in his mind. It was right here that he announced the establishment of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, and everyone was sitting right here back then.
"Hmm, let me think... It seems like not everyone came. It was just me, Kevin, Eden, Aponia, Griseo, and Hua. Kosma needed to adjust his condition, Sue was treating him, Pardofelis was taking care of Griseo, so she didn't come either. Sakura asked for leave for me, Chakravartin was missing as usual. Aponia went to call Mobius but was turned away, so only the rest of us were here."
Elysia led Mei to the lounge area of the Elysian Realm Hall and pointed to the sofa in front of her, telling Mei about what had happened before. She still remembered everything that happened that day, and even everyone's seats.
"What was the purpose of your gathering that time?"
Mei asked softly, "Only Elysia could bring all these people together, right?"
"It was to announce the establishment of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers and to determine my first place. I even wanted to give the Fairy Elysia to them, but everyone was too shy. Except for Aponia and Eden, they were all too embarrassed to accept it... Then, my proposal to the higher-ups regarding the establishment of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers system was not approved."
After saying these words, Elysia's smile remained unchanged, while Mei frowned, wondering what she had just heard.
"Flame-Chasers, refusing to acknowledge the Thirteen Flame-Chasers?"
This was somewhat unexpected for Mei. She had been familiar with the Thirteen Flame-Chasers system since arriving in the Elysian Realm, but now Elysia was saying that the Flame-Chasers had not recognized the Thirteen Flame-Chasers. What was going on?
"... As expected, presenting this fact so directly is still a bit sad. And even I feel frustrated just thinking about that conversation back then."
As Elysia continued to smile, Mei could clearly see, for the first time, a smile of loneliness on Elysia's face.
"I never expected... that what you call the beginning would actually be the end. Why is that? I've had many speculations about the Flame-Chasers system, but none of them included this situation... I think it's a reasonable idea, at least it's very valuable to you."
Mei raised her own question: why didn't the Flame-Chasers agree with the Flame-Chasers system? She couldn't understand it.
"Perhaps the problem lies in the value. After all, in a sense, Flame-Chasers is a privilege. Once it rises to the organizational level, it involves many issues. The Flame-Chasers doesn't really want some people to have privileges... If that's the case, Mei should be able to make some connections, right?"
Elysia winked at Mei. Mei was such a smart girl, she must be able to figure out the ins and outs. The Flame-Chasers didn't want some of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers to get special privileges.
"... Is it Chakravartin?"
Mei's mind immediately conjured up several names, and she tentatively named one of them. Elysia nodded in agreement; he was indeed one of the names rejected by the higher-ups.
"Yes, that's right. Mei, you know Chakravartin's personality. It's not unimaginable that she would be rejected. And then there's Mobius, whose morals are slightly different from ordinary people. Or you could say... that she has no morals at all? It's inevitable that she would be resented. And then there's Aponia, who has always been practicing good. But no matter what she does, the final result always inadvertently leads to evil. Perhaps, this is just a joke of fate."
Elysia counted on her fingers and named three representative figures. This shows that it's not fair to say that the higher-ups made things up out of thin air; they had their own considerations, and they were reasonable and correct.
"For this reason, although May was already the de facto leader at that time, she could not act unilaterally on such matters, so she had to return the document. However, the reasons they used to reject it were rather disheartening."
It's hard not to feel a little resentful when someone doesn't agree that more than half of the members can be called heroes.
"I understand... So, later on, did you take the lead in pushing this forward on your own?"
Mei processed the information she had received. So, such a thing really existed.
Chapter 160
No wonder Elysia said that the Elysian Realm had nothing to do with the Flame-Chasers, and that it was entirely the work left behind by the Flame-Chaser. Mei didn't expect there to be another layer of meaning behind this, that is to say, the Thirteen Flame-Chasers system was never recognized by the Flame-Chasers's higher-ups from the very beginning.
"I don't mean to oppose the Flame-Chasers. From the beginning, what I wanted to gain for everyone was status, rather than privilege. This doesn't require much official guarantee. You see, even without approval, many people in later generations still recognize us, thank us, and sing the stories of Flame-Chasers."
Elysia regained her high spirits. So what if she wasn't recognized? As it turned out, the Flame-Chasers of the Thirteen was still being sung about even in Mei's time.
Elysia is right about that; otherwise, the World Serpent would not be possible.
"By the way, speaking of which, I'd also like to hear your opinion, Mei. Judging from your reaction just now, you at least don't deny that Chakravartin and the others have the potential to become Flame-Chasers, right? Why do you think that way? And what are we like in Mei's eyes?"
Wanting to get the answer she wanted from Mei, Elysia could sense that Mei agreed with the Thirteen Flame-Chasers. In her heart, were all the Thirteen Flame-Chasers worthy of this title? Elysia wanted to understand what Mei was thinking.
"... The answer to this question cannot be given in a single sentence. I may need to think about it for a while longer."
Mei shook her head. Mei couldn't give the right answer right now. She needed to know more information and think things through before she could tell Elysia.
"It's okay, standing here all the time would be boring. How about... we go for a walk and relive what we started? Mei, you've been here for so long, you're familiar with every place now, returning to where it Mei began will surely bring back memories for you, won't it?"
Elysia jumped in front of Mei, the girl put her hands behind her back and bent down slightly. The Miss Pink Fairy looked up at Mei's face, a hint of reluctance showing on her pretty face.
"Because, after this, Mei, you'll get the answer you want and then leave this place. Ah, it's a little lonely. I guess no matter how much time passes, I still can't get used to parting. So... this time, let's not take shortcuts, let's follow Mei's footsteps again, shall we? Consider it my farewell to Mei."
Faced with Elysia's words, Mei didn't know how to respond. She wanted to tell herself that what was in front of her was just Elysia's memory, and that she didn't really exist. But seeing the living girl in front of her with such a lonely expression, even she felt a little down. What should she say at this moment?
"Alright, Mei, do you remember? We first met here. Back then, Mei was visiting Elysian Realm for the first time, feeling lost and helpless, like a frightened little rabbit... Just then, a girl as beautiful as a falling flower appeared before her and reached out a helping hand."
Sitting on the sofa in the Elysian Realm lounge, Elysia recalled everything that happened when she first met Mei. The past was still vivid in her mind. Neither she nor Mei had changed at all. Everything was just like the first time they met.
"... Could you please stop adding your own delusions?"
No matter how many times, Mei couldn't handle Elysia's boastful personality. She knew Alicia was confident in herself, but she didn't need to put on such a show. This girl, as radiant as a blooming flower, didn't she blush at all when she said such things?
"No way, this isn't wishful thinking, it's a fact. Under the girl's guidance, Mei embarked on this journey... Look, this is where you first explored Elysian Realm, Mei."
Leading Mei through the entrance to the Elysian Realm, the bizarre and wonderful scenery was just as it had been before. What seemed so strange back then now felt very familiar to Mei, as did Mei people she had met there.
"Kevin, Hua, Ying... they're all your old friends."
"Strictly speaking... I didn't know Sakura before, but we unexpectedly have a lot in common."
Mei corrected her, but Elysia pouted unhappily. How cunning that was! She also wanted to have a lot in common with Mei.
"Although Sakura appears cold on the surface, she is actually a very good person. Mei, what do you think of Sakura?"
"She just wanted to find a place to belong with her sister. But that era didn't give her many options."
Mei shook her head. She didn't want to say more about it. Even though Xing wasn't here, she still didn't want to bring up these sad and upsetting things.
"Hmm... It was here that Mei- Flame-Chasers... Well, at least he was really warm. Chakravartin was always shy and would get into arguments with people, which could be quite a headache sometimes. But actually, he had an endless, pent-up anger..."
Speaking of another person Flame-Chasers knew, Mei, although Chakravartin always seemed very irritable, he wasn't like that in Elysia's eyes. She wondered if Mei still remembered what she had told Mei back then.
"It's anger at fate, resistance against a hopeless reality, an endless cry against a dying end... That's how you explained it to me back then."
Mei picked up where Elysia left off, and the girl immediately perked up upon hearing this. Mei remembered; that's so Mei for you.
"It seems Mei understands too! You've already built a deep friendship with him without even realizing it."
Elysia was very satisfied with Mei's response. Mei and Chakravartin had become good friends. However, after hearing what she said, Mei shook her head decisively. Chakravartin said that Aponia was his friend, but the way he treated his friends... Mei felt that it was better not to be friends with him.
The friend Chakravartin knew seemed to be different from the broader definition of a friend. If she could, Mei hoped she would never be friends with him in her entire life.
"A friend of Chakravartin? Forget about it... Let's keep going."
Having expressed her wishes, Mei continued on her way, with Elysia following beside her. Just walking with Mei like this made her happy, and she really didn't want this experience to end.
Chapter 161 The Flame-Chasers of the Past
The two continued on their way and soon came to a courtyard with a linden tree. Mei seemed to relax as soon as she arrived here; she had always liked this place.
"I love this place so much. The sunset is beautiful, the leaves are beautiful, even the flow of time seems to slow down, peaceful and serene. This scene suits that wise and insightful enlightened being perfectly, doesn't it?"
As Elysia spoke, the girl twirled among the bushes. In Mei's eyes, Elysia was even more deserving of the title "fairy girl." Although neither of them mentioned her name, Mei knew what Elysia was talking about. It was here that Mei had met Su, a very pleasant person. He was quite nice.
"Although I still don't understand why he can see things even with his eyes closed."
"I'm also very curious about how to learn such a special skill. Of all the Flame-Chasers Mei has met, Su is probably the one who has helped her the most. A doctor's benevolence will never change, no matter where you are."
I have a high opinion of Su. Perhaps among the Flame-Chasers, he is the one who can give people the most peace of mind. It is wonderful to have him among the Flame-Chasers.
"Yes, thanks to his advice, I avoided a lot of detours. After all, most Flame-Chasers... aren't exactly honest."
At this point, Mei couldn't help but steal a glance at Elysia. Yes, the kind of Flame-Chasers Elysia she was talking about was one of them.
"Hmm? Mei, were you peeking at me just now? It must have been my imagination. After all, I am Elysia... Look, there's a piano under the tree. My good sister, Eden, the entire Elysian Realm was originally her property."
Pointing to a piano under the tree, Elysia ran over happily. Her slender fingers gently pressed a few keys, and the piano music reminded Mei of the heroic Flame-Chasers of the Golden Sigil. Mei also knew that Elysian Realm was her property.
"Whether it's the divinely bestowed artistic talent or the fame and wealth that come with it, it's all part of Eden."
"But she chose to perish with the old era, playing her final song with her life."
"Yes, a beautiful yet tragic ending, that's very Eden."
The atmosphere fell slightly silent as the two continued on their way. These were all places Mei had been before. Then they came to a lush, green landscape. Needless to say, this color was definitely the favorite of a certain mischievous Mobius girl.
"How should I describe this lush, green landscape..."
Mei's expression was somewhat complicated, unsure of what to say about the surrounding color scheme. Perhaps it was because of Shen Gonglin; Mei now felt an instinctive discomfort with this green.
"Although it's obviously Mobius hobby, it just doesn't suit my taste."
Elysia tapped her head, looking troubled. It seemed she wasn't too fond of this greenery, just like herself.
"Your relationship with her is also quite delicate."
"How could that be? I've always liked dear Mobius. Especially... when I teased her? Poor Mobius, her schemes were thwarted by brave Mei, and she was even outmaneuvered by her own reality. It's enough to make me cry."
Elysia exaggeratedly corrected Mei's misunderstanding, saying that their relationship was not subtle and that she and Mobius had a particularly good relationship. She said that she felt sorry for Mobius's situation right now.
"Isn't it you who loudly proclaimed this in the Elysian Realm?"
Mei didn't quite understand what Elysia was saying. If someone could do something like that, their relationship definitely couldn't be considered good.
"I did all that publicity because I wanted everyone to comfort her, but unfortunately no one does it. It's really frustrating... Hey, Mei, why are you leaving? Why don't you stay here a little longer?"
Elysia said matter-of-factly that she told everyone about Mobius's tragic experience so that they would comfort Mobius, but no one did so, so she couldn't be blamed for it.
Elysia was speechless at this kind of thought process. Mei could only quickly leave Mobius's territory. That Mobius girl was really too pitiful. Having a close friend like Elysia, it was hard to say whether it was lucky or unlucky.
"Wait for me... Oh, it's the store! Mei must always feel relieved when she comes here."
Upon arriving at Pardofelis's private area and seeing Pardofelis's little cart, Elysia smiled and said to Mei, but the girl's expression was somewhat subtle, as if she had breathed a sigh of relief...
"It's hard to say, after all, you never know when you might see something familiar in a store... Speaking of which, the theft rate in the Elysian Realm must be quite high."
Looking at the shelves on the trolley in front of her, Mei recalled what had happened here before. The pendant that Aponia had asked Raven to bring her was stolen by Pardofelis, as was Shen Gonglin's necklace. That cat girl was quick and not very clean, and the others in the Elysian Realm must have suffered as a result.
"Hehe, Pardofelis is really good at this."
"Speaking of which, Pardofelis has made so many purchases, hasn't Flame-Chasers ever gotten angry about it?"
Having raised this question, Mei was certain that she wasn't the only victim; the Flame-Chasers must have suffered far more than she had. Yet Pardofelis continued to pursue it with unwavering enthusiasm. Wasn't she angry about it?
Although Pardofelis does indeed have a lot of adorable qualities.
"To be more precise... many times they don't even realize they've lost something. A large part of the treasures Pardofelis likes are junk that others have thrown away in corners. It might actually be a good thing that she picks these things up and displays them in stores as if they were precious treasures. Cherish the ordinary everyday things around us... It's because of Pardofelis that we haven't completely lost this feeling."
Elysia was quite tolerant of Pardofelis's behavior because she herself often shopped at Pardofelis's shop. The very useful megaphone was bought from Pardofelis. If it weren't for her, how could she have spread the embarrassing things that happened to Mobius so widely?
Chapter 162 A Long Journey
The two continued onward, Elysia seemed to be preparing to take Mei on her previous journey in the Elysian Realm. Mei already had a guess about where they were headed this time. Looking at the bizarre and enormous painting in front of them, there was no doubt that this was the place where Griseo and her guardian, Kosma, often stayed.
"I rarely come to this area because I can't bear to disturb this huge painting."
Looking at the huge oil painting in front of her, the brilliant colors filled Mei's vision. Shen Gonglin was also good at painting, so Mei respected these people who were serious about painting. In addition, given Griseo's tendency to be influenced by other people's colors, Mei really didn't want to disturb her if she could.
After all, if Griseo were to become the kind of person who... Submit to me paintbrush, Mei would feel ashamed.
"It was in this painting that Mei met that quiet, reserved boy with a lot on his mind... Kosma may not be good with words, but he's probably the gentlest among us. He never refuses to help us."
Elysia's eyes crinkled with laughter. For someone with her personality, teasing Kosma was a lot of fun. Just thinking about it made her churn with thoughts she couldn't quite articulate.