Extra: Goodbye, Elysia

In the Previous Civilization, after the Herrscher of Corruption was sealed within the box, before the arrival of the Finality.

In stark contrast to the apocalyptic scene outside, where only over thirty thousand people remained, everything in the Imaginary Tree remained unchanged, still a true paradise.

Elysia looked at the special visitor before her, but instead of speaking any of the many opening lines she had prepared, she walked straight over to her side.

"Mm... mm?"

Faced with her intimate physical contact, the visitor appeared very calm. From her gaze, it seemed as if everything was within her expectations.

"Mm-hmm, any discoveries?"

Looking at the visitor's heartfelt smile, Elysia instead wore a puzzled expression:

"Strange, you... got fat? I remember you clearly told me that the side effects of the fusion surgery messed up our bodies' metabolism—no matter how much we eat, we don't gain weight, and even without exercise, we keep graceful curves... Could it be that you've already overcome the side effects of the Mutation Surgery? A beautiful maiden's heart, truly capable of anything, right?"

Hearing Elysia's conclusion, the visitor raised a hand to her forehead: "Sigh, it's one thing if Mobius says that, but even I say it myself... I guess she really does care about me?"

Although the other's tone was still as light and lively as ever, her entire face was filled with tension and unease. For Elysia, seeing the person before her wearing such an expression was truly a rare sight.

"As someone who shares the same experiences as you, the same personality, and could even be called the one who understands you best, I simply cannot imagine what you must have gone through to become so tense, so... anxious. The True Self?"

Standing before Elysia's memory at this moment was Elysia herself—identical in every way except for having some memories removed.

"Is that so? As expected of another me, you saw through it at once."

The true Elysia sat down beside her own memory and slowly began: "Before I reveal the answer, I want someone to accompany me from the very beginning, to recall this life of mine—perhaps not long, yet rich and colorful. After thinking it over, the one closest to me, another me, is the most suitable. You... will definitely be willing to help me, right?"

Seeing her expression, Elysia's memory let out a light laugh:

"Of course, no matter when or where, Elysia will always answer your expectations, let alone when it's the real me. I'm curious—what exactly are the memories you're about to sync to me? I never thought before that 'my' face could wear such an expression."

[In the beginning, the world was chaos. There was no light, nor darkness. In this void, [I] was born.]

[This was [my] very first starting point.]

As Elysia's memory thought this, she suddenly realized something.

"Recalling the past at a time like this... is it because your own end is approaching?"

With mixed feelings, she continued reminiscing together with the true self.

From Mom Cyllia's orphanage to the ruins of the church, from the desolate snowfields to the bustling concert hall, from the town of Vostok to the base of Flame-Chasing Moth; Eden's singing, Pardofelis's surprised voice, Vill-V's shouts, Kevin's scolding, Cosmos's muttering... countless different scenes, countless different sounds, together formed Elysia's [True Self].

"Mm, indeed, chatting with oneself can help sort out quite a few things. Right now, I'm like an inexperienced actor—even after rehearsing many times offstage, when it's almost time to go on, I still get very nervous, even thinking of backing out. But in the end, I still have to take the stage and perform."

Having finished reminiscing, Elysia stood up as if she had made up her mind: "Klein, I'll trouble you to sync my memories over."

The Flawless Person nodded, and with a smooth series of operations, quickly synced her memories over.

After the sync was complete, she returned to the Imaginary Tree and smiled at her own memory.

"How do you feel?"

"Mm... wearing a dress specially tailored by Eden, dressing up carefully to attend a magnificent ball—I can't even imagine how beautiful it will be. To think of such a romantic way, as expected of the real me?" Elysia's memory showed a slightly envious expression.

"Hmm... I think Aponia will probably come, after all, she has that special ability. According to the original plan, she should sync her memories over in the end. In this Data Space, you can enjoy it over and over."

"And my dear Eden—she definitely won't refuse my invitation. After all, before, when I was drunk and made such unreasonable demands of her, she was willing to activate Artificial Collapse to satisfy me. She will definitely come to my ball."

"Vill-V should be like Mei—able to guess quite a bit with her clever mind. As for the others... I really can't be sure. Maybe Mobius, maybe Kevin. Anyway, once I leave here, the ball is about to begin."

Elysia's memory took a deep breath and stepped forward slowly. Of course, she understood what the true self was thinking at this moment.

The two Elysias embraced tightly, making their final farewell.

"My story ends here. As for the future—how the story belonging to [Elysia] continues to be written, how to let future generations appreciate the brilliance of this era and understand the meaning of our fight—I leave that to you, my other self." Elysia still wore a smile, but her expression was unusually serious.

Her memory nodded slightly. She knew that this was precisely the meaning behind the creation of this Imaginary Tree, of herself. She now finally understood what it meant that even the same person, facing the same matter, would feel differently depending on their position and perspective.

I have to say, seeing myself off is truly a peculiar feeling.

"Ah, chatting with myself for so long. It's already this late—if I don't leave now, I won't make it in time for the performance. It's my own ball, after all—the leading lady can't be late."

Elysia smiled from the bottom of her heart, and with firm, cheerful steps, she left the Imaginary Tree, walking briskly toward her final stage.

[And now, the time of Finality draws near.]

[And now, the time to depart has come.]

[Farewell, beautiful world.]

[Hereafter, stars will shine, because I once walked here.]

[Hereafter, flowers will bloom, because I have never truly left.]

Watching the true self's retreating figure, Elysia's memory silently waved her hand:

"Goodbye, Elysia."