After the core of the Eighth Herrscher, the Herrscher of Sentience, was recovered by Fire Moth, the higher-ups began following up on Verity's progress. Verity said she was working with Dr. MEI on the Divine Key Project.
At the same time, Eden fused with the factor of the most dazzlingly beautiful whale-like Honkai Beast, "Vorona," becoming a Fusion Warrior. She gave herself a title: Gold.
Gold represented not only her wealth, but also her heart, which shone with the same sincerity as gold. She genuinely wished for this world to shine like a golden age.
After the tragedy caused by the Eighth Herrscher, the Herrscher of Sentience—especially after Desdemona also died at the Eighth Herrscher's hands—Elysia's mood darkened considerably.
To cheer Elysia up, Eden underwent Artificial Collapse for the first time, transforming into a massive golden-red whale and carrying Elysia soaring through the skies. After Eden's guidance, Elysia became happy again, and their relationship advanced by leaps and bounds. She even often slept with Eden in her room.
After helping Su subdue the Eighth Herrscher, Aponia returned to The Deepest Place, where she used the power of her commandments to counsel the serious criminals inside. Meanwhile, Kalpas had killed too many Honkai Beasts lately, and his state of mind had begun to change.
Worried about Kalpas's mental state, Aponia specifically asked Kevin and Theresa to bring him to The Deepest Place. Kalpas's emotions truly had become increasingly unstable—or rather, he had grown more and more insane.
In the end, he fought Kevin, then Kevin froze him and flew with Theresa to The Deepest Place for a talk with Aponia.
There, the enraged Kalpas broke free of the ice and tried to have a full-blown battle with Kevin. Kevin then brutally froze everything below his head, forcing him to cool down