Honkai Impact: Integrated Strategies Activated
Chapter 279

Elysia: Could little Corruption like me too...? That wouldn't be so bad, would it?

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"Can you still see fate now? If I remember correctly, shouldn't Elysia have already severed the threads of fate?"

"You know a lot..."

As expected, Aponia wasn't surprised by Xia Ling's question. She explained calmly, "But, you should also know..."

"Elysia only severed the threads of fate, but did not erase my ability to see fate."

"Although cocoons can no longer produce such silk threads, can you guarantee that you haven't come into contact with anything similar to a cocoon? Even just contact with such a being will leave you with these silk threads."

Almost instantly, Xia Ling's heart skipped a beat.

Such a being does exist... and she was certain what it was.

The system did indeed say that at its level, the system's existence is equivalent to the power of the cocoon.

In other words, Aponia's words may indeed have considerable truth to them.

However... there are also doubts about this language.

For example... although the system is equivalent to the cocoon in terms of power, its scale is far from sufficient to produce the threads of destiny.

For example, if such threads truly existed, why didn't Aponia warn her before? And what exactly led her to potentially die?

Following this line of thought, Xia Ling continued to ponder.

Finally, she set her sights on one thing.

Limited by her own lack of understanding, she could not answer the first two questions for the time being. However, part of the original plan was to let her briefly enter the cocoon, gain the cocoon's recognition, and obtain a portion of the power of the Finality.

So here's the question: she didn't seem to have considered what to do if the cocoon didn't acknowledge her, or if the system treated her as an "outcast."

This is essentially a gamble, a gamble on whether the cocoon has a higher priority in rejecting foreign objects or in accepting the Origin and Herrscher Authority.

Could this be the reason for my death...? My ability to resurrect is restricted by the cocoon, or perhaps I'm imprisoned in a way similar to a seal?

Xia Ling couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.

Because of her ability to resurrect, she never imagined that she might leave forever, nor did she ever think that she might actually die.

But abandoning this plan now means bearing the uncertainty that will arise in the Finality battle...

"Xia Ling."

At this moment, Aponia slowly spoke.

"Now, can you tell me... are you caught in a dilemma? Is it because of potential flaws in the plan? Or is it because of the real death you might be facing?"

"That's right, Sister Aponia ..."

Subconsciously, Xia Ling answered the question.

Then, the protective and Authority of Binding that Su had left in her body were instantly triggered.

Two forces swept over her body, and after a cool sensation, she suddenly woke up.

Only then did Xia Ling realize that she seemed to have been affected by the precepts.

Just now, Aponia... used the word "please" on her.

Xia Ling's mind suddenly cleared up, and some doubts and parts of her past life's plot were connected in her mind.

"Sister Aponia, you were... lying just now, weren't you?"

"You... you didn't foresee my fate at all, did you?"

Although it was a question, Xia Ling's tone was very certain.

"It seems you've realized it, Xia Ling."

Aponia smiled with satisfaction.

"Much faster than I expected... Your growth has surprised me, being able to break free from the rules and understand the truth in such a short time."

"This is all thanks to Sue and Elysia..."

Xia Ling breathed a sigh of relief after discovering that Aponia was lying to her.

If Aponia wasn't lying to her, and she really was going to die in the near future... then she really wouldn't know what to do.

After all, she is completely different now than when she first transmigrated. She has countless ties to her now, and she probably can't even face real death with equanimity.

"So, now you can tell the truth, right, sister Aponia? Why did you lie to me and say you saw my destiny?"

Xia Ling's lips pursed slightly. Even though she knew that Aponia's actions must have a reason, the feeling of her heart skipping a beat just now was really unpleasant.

"The reason is simple, Xia Ling, there are blind spots in your vision."

"As I said before, I won't interfere with your choices, but... that is, provided you can fully understand the meaning of your choices."

"I'm just using this lie to let you truly see what your choice means."

Aponia clasped her hands to her chest, like a sinner in repentance.

"Because of my special circumstances, I can observe any corner of the Elysian Realm with some preparation... and your trip is one of the key areas I'm focusing on."

"Naturally, I also know all about your and Vill-V's plans..."

"However, neither you nor Vill-V realized a blind spot. Vill-V might be due to limited information, while yours is simply a matter of habit..."

"Xia Ling, aren't you relying on your resurrection too much?"

Seeing Xia Ling deep in thought, Aponia continued her explanation.

"From my lies just now, you should have realized that you cannot guarantee that your resurrection priority is higher than the cocoon's authority priority within the cocoon."

"And are you prepared... to pay the price for this oversight?"

Aponia affectionately ruffled Xia Ling's hair and said softly, "You're too used to giving to others, to the point that you agree without hesitation even if the price is your own death."

"Perhaps the ability to resurrect makes you overlook the weight of life, or perhaps in your heart, the weight of others is far greater than your own... You are often too hasty in deciding your own fate."

"Due to my unique understanding of the Elysian Realm, I have a deeper understanding of your system compared to Vill-V and the others. However, this does not mean that my guess is necessarily correct. Cocoon may not reject the existence of a system."

"But I want you to understand... your own life is just as important, and for many people, your life may even be more important than their own..."

"So..."

Aponia pulled Xia Ling into her arms, leaned close to her ear, and whispered something.

"When making plans, please cherish yourself a little more."

"This time, I didn't use any restrictions." Feeling the girl's slightly stiff body, Aponia's face showed a hint of pity. "What I said just now was simply... an act of kindness from someone who felt a little guilty, making a request of you..."

"I see..."

In the gentle embrace, Xia Ling subconsciously uttered a name that had been lingering in her heart.

"Mom Aponia".

Chapter 59 Elysia: Could it be that Little E likes it too...? That seems pretty good, doesn't it?

"You silly child..."

Xia Ling's unconscious remark about "Mom" made Aponia both amused and exasperated. She gently stroked Xia Ling's soft hair, allowing her to comfortably enjoy her soft embrace.

After a while, Xia Ling finally looked up from the abundant thoughts in Aponia, as if waking from a dream.

Only then did Xia Ling realize what she had just done.

Overwhelmed by shame, Xia Ling's cheeks were flushed red, and the blush seemed to be spreading towards her ears.

"It's okay, you can continue to hug me if you want."

Aponia's smile remained as tolerant as ever.

"No, no need, this is fine..."

Xia Ling shook her head vigorously, as if it were a rattle-drum. The allure of Aponia's gentle embrace was far more potent than she had imagined, even causing her to unconsciously utter the word "mother."

If she had to do it again, she might really bury her head completely in it.

"You're both Originators, and both have the characteristic of unhesitatingly sacrificing for others, but Elysia personalities are truly two extremes..."

Seeing the girl almost blushing from her unconscious act of dependence, Aponia couldn't help but feel a little teasing.

However, she quickly restrained her desire to tease Xia Ling with her amazing willpower.

After all, if he were to tease Xia Ling again at this moment, the child might faint on the spot.

Hmm... Could it be that this child is naturally prone to being bullied?

Aponia couldn't help but have this strange thought.

"However, now that you know the truth about the 'prophecy,' then..."

Aponia casually opened a portal for Xia Ling.

"Your journey to visit Flame-Chasers should still be missing two people, right? I've already found their locations for you."

"In the days to come, please remember today's 'psychological consultation,' and what I said before."

"Don't ignore the wishes of those who see you as irreplaceable."

Aponia waved gently, and a dizzying sensation immediately came from all around Xia Ling.

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself under a lush Bodhi tree.

To her surprise, Su wasn't the only one there.

"You don't seem to be feeling well. Is it because of seasickness-like symptoms caused by Aponia's teleportation?"

Kevin's calm voice came from beside him.

"Hmm... how about I tell you a joke to lighten the mood..."

Once upon a time, there was an ice cream...

"Kevin, when are you going to get rid of this weird sense of humor? Miss Xia Ling seems to be in even worse shape..."

This is Su, looking helpless on the side.

"Since you've been here for so long, come in."

Aponia looked out into the Deepest Place and spoke with a smile.

"I never thought that Elysia would ever eavesdrop by the wall because she was worried about someone..."

"What kind of talk is that, Aponia ~"

Elysia hugged Aponia's hand, pouting, "I'm just a little curious, just a tiny bit, okay?"

"Is it really only a little? Don't forget, I'm a Mental Perception Fusion Warrior."

Instead of continuing to poke at Elysia, Aponia affectionately invited her and Little E to sit down together.

"Aponia is really amazing!"

Elysia made no attempt to hide the smile on her face.

"I tried everything to make Xia Ling realize the importance of cherishing herself, but I didn't expect you, Aponia, to succeed in less than ten minutes?"

"That child always seems to do things that make us very worried..."

"It was just a coincidence. Xia Ling happened to have some anxiety about her plan deep down, which allowed me to take advantage of that and help her figure out the reasons herself."

Aponia picked up her glass, took a small sip, and concealed her expression.

"Not to mention..."

"What else?"

"Elysia asked curiously."

"Moreover, compared to when you Elysia trying to persuade her before, Xia Ling's relationship with you has probably entered a new stage now, right?"

Aponia's smile had a hint of mischief about it.

"Actually, it was only after your relationship entered a stage of deep integration that Xia Ling's mindset began to shift little by little. Perhaps it was because the closeness between your hearts made her vaguely realize her own importance."

"So, if you had made up your mind sooner, Elysia, and taken Xia Ling..."

"Wait, wait a minute!"

Completely taken aback by Aponia's outrageous words, Elysia, who was still sipping her tea, was so startled she almost spat it out.

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