The Last Birthday Party

The assassination attempts didn't stop with the disappearance of the first few people; instead, they intensified.

Of course, the assassination operations were always under the watchful eyes of everyone in the Golden Courtyard.

Seeing wave after wave of people coming to their deaths, the group had mixed feelings.

Sakura was furious that everyone was trying to assassinate her sister.

Elysia found herself in a dilemma, caught between the people of the Golden Courtyard and the humanity she wanted to protect.

Elysia sought out Apponia, wondering if the Commandment could be undone.

Apponia shook her head, stating that the Commandment could not be broken.

You explained to everyone that the Herrscher would only awaken within Ling after her death. Elysia eagerly relayed this news to the Flame Chasers.

But the others didn't believe it, dismissing it as an excuse the Golden Courtyard made to protect Ling.

The current state of the Honkai's world-ending threat, coupled with the Golden Courtyard's actions to protect a Herrscher, plunged the lower ranks of the Flame Chasers into despair.

Suspicion and gloom spread throughout the Flame Chasers. Everyone seemed to have lost hope for tomorrow, and the assassination attempts on Ling ceased.

Dr. Mei established the "Project Seed" based on the premise that humanity couldn't defeat the Honkai in the current century. This project aimed to cultivate the next generation of humans in advance to be the seeds that would overcome the Honkai. Embryos of the new era were designed and imprinted with genetic factors and Stigmata capable of fighting the Honkai.

Based on data provided by Chiyou, Vill-V officially completed the Ark for interstellar travel. Cosmo, possessing the ability to devour and evolve, would lead the Fusion Warrior Griseo away from Earth before confronting the Herrscher of the End. After the battle, they would bring back the "seeds" – the new humans prepared for the new era – to Earth.

"Speaking of which, Kevin's birthday is coming up again soon, isn't it?" Su suddenly mentioned to everyone.

"Yeah, it's the last birthday before the End arrives. Elysia, you'll be attending, right?" Yoshikage Kira said.

"Huh? Oh, of course. We have to celebrate Kevin's birthday properly," Elysia replied, momentarily distracted by her thoughts.

Seeing Elysia's reaction, Yoshikage Kira realized what she was thinking.

It was nothing less than sacrificing herself to revitalize the Flame Chasers.

There were two ways to save Elysia.

One was to prevent Apponia from imposing the Commandment on everyone from the start, and then fake Ling's death.

The Flame Chasers would eliminate the Herrscher without any losses, and everyone would be happy.

However, Yoshikage Kira didn't want to do anything superfluous, so he chose the second, more direct and brutal method.

"Elysia, if you intend to sacrifice yourself to save humanity, then I will bring humanity before you and kill them one by one."

"... Yoshikage Kira is joking, right? Haha, that's not funny at all?"

"Indeed, why would I do something so pointless?"

"Right? How could you possibly..."

"There's no point in bringing them before you one by one. Let's just have Ling take a stroll outside."

"..."

"Do you still want to sacrifice yourself?"

"...No."

Yoshikage Kira patted Elysia's shoulder, satisfied with her sensible response.

"I'm leaving. Don't forget to prepare a birthday gift for Kevin."

"...Yoshikage Kira, do you think humanity still has hope?"

"I'm not dead yet, am I?"

"The Honkai is also blocking my path."

"Is that so? Then that's good."

Hearing Yoshikage Kira's words, Elysia regained her usual cheerful demeanor.

"Yoshikage Kira, you always know what I'm thinking."

"No one understands you better than I do."

"Oh, is, is that so... I'm going to prepare for Kevin's birthday now. See you later!"

With that, Elysia fled.

Yoshikage Kira watched Elysia's retreating figure and shook his head, not believing that his casual remark could stir any emotions within her.

After Ling was saved, the remaining three cities of humanity survived.

Humans are highly adaptable. Even though the world was in ruins, some still looked forward to tomorrow.

The Flame Chasers gradually accepted the fact that Ling was a Herrscher and was being protected.

For a while, the Honkai didn't erupt, and everyone chose to believe that you were indeed holding the Herrscher under house arrest.

Elysia was overjoyed by the improving situation.

"Could this have been part of your calculations too, Yoshikage Kira?"

Afterward, Kevin's birthday arrived as scheduled. Everyone gathered at Kevin's birthday party, chatting and laughing, just like in the old days.

Pardo was still stuffing her face, while Vill-V's legendary original personality appeared before everyone.

Yoshikage Kira was surprised by the appearance of the original personality.

"Aren't you very shy? How dare you show yourself to everyone," Yoshikage Kira teased.

"Ah... 'Extreme Evil' pushed me out, and besides, I'm not as scared when I think of you being by my side."

"Is that so."

"Then... cheers?" Vill-V said, raising her wine glass.

Looking at the girl's expectant eyes, Yoshikage Kira really didn't know how to refuse.

"Cheers."

Clink

The glasses met, and Yoshikage Kira drank his fourth glass of wine.