"Are you... healing me?"
Fu Hua looked down at her body in surprise.
Even though during the Second Eruption, she didn't burn her memories using Fenghuang Down to activate Taixuan Eminence like in the original timeline—avoiding further damage and power loss—
She had already been severely injured five hundred years ago.
For over five centuries, this [Vicissitude] Flame-Chaser had been running around in a near-death state.
But it made sense if you thought about it.
If Fu Hua weren't nerfed heavily, modern civilization wouldn't have a chance to fight the Honkai. Even if the Honkai matched the strength of the Previous Era and even if none of the Herrschers had betrayed humanity—before the 6th Herrscher of Fire appeared...
Fu Hua could've soloed most of them.
And even after the 6th, until the Herrscher of Binding arrived, she probably could've taken them down one by one.
Combat-type Flame-Chasers were just broken like that.
Herrschers were like vegetables waiting to be chopped.
"Haaah~ Sorry, looks like my medical skills aren't that great."
After a while, Elias sighed.
As expected, it was too much.
Until now, he had been able to heal nearly any injury using the power of the Herrscher of Death—so long as the person wasn't already beyond saving. He had even started to believe there was no wound he couldn't cure.
But Fu Hua's condition was far from ordinary.
First off, her greatest loss was her memories, which belonged to the spiritual domain—the one thing the Herrscher of Death couldn't touch.
Second, as a fusion warrior, her body was vastly different from a normal human's.
Elias understood the structure of the latter well—but had no clue about the former. Even if he could alter Fu Hua's cells, he didn't know how to change them in a way that constituted true healing.
It was also far more difficult than healing Bronya's legs or brain—hundreds of times harder, in fact.
Unless he could master the full Herrscher of Death authority, Elias knew it was better not to push it.
Still, he could at least take care of the countless minor injuries. While not a full recovery, it would make life a little more comfortable for the Shenzhou tablet.
Fu Hua clenched and unclenched her fists in surprise.
"Thank you. I feel much better than before."
She looked at Elias with sincere gratitude. This might be the most relaxed she had felt in five hundred years.
"But Elias, how exactly did you do it? That power... could it be..."
"Ahem. Not gonna lie, I have a Stigmata."
"...I see."
Fu Hua paused, then nodded in understanding.
She had suspected he was the Herrscher of Death, but it turned out to be a Stigmata—that made sense.
As a fusion warrior from the Previous Era, Fu Hua was well aware of the many mysterious powers produced by Dr. Mei's Stigmata Project.
For instance, a Stigmata formed from the memories of a former Herrscher of Death could allow the user to do things similar to that Herrscher—like manipulating biological cells to a certain extent.
Fu Hua ran a mental comparison—
And concluded Elias was most likely an awakened bearer of that particular Stigmata. The cell manipulation ability, while similar to the Herrscher of Death's, was clearly much weaker.
After all, the current era's Herrscher of Death was also the Herrscher of the Void—and one of his five cores, the Gem of Serenity, was still in Schicksal's hands—under Otto's control.
Fu Hua: (I must be getting old. I can't believe I doubted someone who was healing me. For a second, I really thought he was the Herrscher of Death. That was unfair.)
Elias: (Looks like I managed to bluff my way through.)
Originally, Elias hadn't planned to heal Fu Hua. But when this Shenzhou tablet appeared in front of him, he couldn't help but recall everything she had endured.
She was an ordinary person, swept forward by fate—yet also an extraordinary one who had endured five thousand years of hardship, bearing countless scars, yet still held firm to her promises.
By the time his mind caught up, Elias realized he had already begun channeling the Herrscher of Death's power, trying to heal her.
"As thanks for the treatment, if you ever need help, feel free to come to me for anything, Elias."
Fu Hua said this sincerely.
"Really? That's great. Because, honestly, I was hoping to cash in that favor."
"...Huh?"
"Could I ask you to teach me some of your martial arts techniques? You know, the ones you used just now during our spar. Like I said, I'm no good at actual combat skills."
Elias smiled bitterly. It was his weak point—he'd been a long-range mage-like Herrscher, and as a mercenary, brute force usually sufficed.
So he never really trained in technique.
Fu Hua was momentarily surprised, but didn't hesitate.
"Of course. Classmates should help each other. Even if you hadn't healed me, I'd still agree to teach you martial arts."
"Thanks, Fu Hua. You're really kind. How about dinner at our dorm tonight? I'll cook."
"Eh? That's... not necessary."
"It's fine. Just another pair of chopsticks. Settled, then."
"...Alright."
Fu Hua couldn't help feeling a strange sense of nostalgia from Elias' assertive friendliness. It reminded her of an old comrade from the Previous Era.
Though that person had been far more socially anxious—a true hermit of human interaction.
Fu Hua sighed inwardly. Maybe she really was weak against this type of person.
She didn't refuse Elias' invitation.
Though not great with words, she wasn't antisocial. It was just a meal with a new classmate.
Besides, it was a good chance to blend into Elias' circle and keep a closer eye on K423.
"..."
That thought left Fu Hua feeling slightly guilty.
"Ahem. Then Elias, I'll teach you some basic techniques from the Ki style. Your physical condition and instinct for timing are already strong. With some proper training, I believe you could surpass even A-rank Valkyries."
"Correction—I'm a guy."
Elias shrugged. To beat monsters, you have to become one too.
"Ah, sorry. My mistake."
"Don't worry about it. Let's get started, Class monitor—no, Master Fu Hua."
"No need to call me 'master,' really."
Fu Hua chuckled helplessly.
She was reminded of the only other person who called her that: Schicksal's strongest A-rank Valkyrie—Cheng Lixue.
During the Second Eruption, Otto had used Cheng as a hostage to force Fu Hua to abandon her confrontation with the Herrscher of the Void. But unlike the original timeline, Cheng survived in this version.
"Alright, watch closely. First, the stance—pay special attention to your feet."
"Like this?"
"Hmm, your hand position is off. Let me correct it."
Fu Hua never saw herself as a good teacher. But if someone was willing to call her one, she would give her all. Thus, she began personally instructing Elias in the fundamentals of her Ki martial arts.
"...Um, are they already flirting?"
"They got close that fast? Elias is really something else."
Theresa and Himeko were dumbfounded.
Even though Elias and Fu Hua were clearly just training, from any angle they looked like two hardworking students earnestly practicing together.
But still—the bond between them had formed way too quickly!
Fu Hua was famous at St. Freya Academy for being stoic—and Elias had already gotten that close?
Theresa and Himeko both glanced over at the purple-haired girl nearby. With a guy like this, Mei, aren't you panicking?
Mei: "..."
Of course she was panicking! Elias, get back here! I can teach you the Raiden family's Hokushin Itto Ryu Kenjutsu too!
But unfortunately, Elias had zero interest in katanas—too thin, too light. He preferred broadswords and scythes—massive, violent weapons that could cleave through crowds in one strike.
After spending the whole afternoon training—
Elias was starting to feel the soreness in his body.
Fu Hua's lessons were extremely valuable. As expected of a Flame-Chaser who had been fighting since the Previous Era, her combat experience was a treasure trove.
"Elias, your talent is excellent. You picked things up very quickly. I suggest you rest well—otherwise, tomorrow..."
"It's fine. My body doesn't really get tired."
"I see. That's quite a convenient ability."
Fu Hua nodded in realization. With such recovery and that absurd physical potential, Elias was already comparable to some of the high-tier fusion warriors of the Previous Era.
Elias' muscles, sore from overexertion, instantly returned to peak condition under the Herrscher of Death's power. In fact, he even came out stronger than before.
It was basically the foundational cheat code of Durandal's Palatinus Equinox form—unlimited improvement as long as you kept training.
"That's all for today, then. See you tonight."
"Yep, see you tonight."
After waving goodbye to Fu Hua, Elias noticed the others staring at him with strange expressions.
"Uh... why are you all looking at me like that?"
"...Nothing, just thinking you're amazing."
"I'm sorry, Elias. It's my fault for not being enough for you."
"???"
Elias stared at the girls, confused. Did he do something wrong? Mei looked like she'd just been betrayed. But all he'd done was train, right?
Okay, maybe Mei really couldn't keep up with him in some areas...
"Alright, don't overthink it. I'm not bothered."
"Elias..."
"Mmm, according to doujin logic, next comes the part where Mei, unable to satisfy Elias, gets her love stolen by a third party. Don't worry, I'll be here to comfort you when that happens!"
"Kiana, I swear, I'll put computer parts in your dinner tonight."
Elias rolled his eyes.
What went on in this silly cat-girl's head anyway? Could she ever be serious? Then again... if she stopped being like this, he'd probably miss it. Better to let her stay just as she was.
Though it might be a little late to say this, Elias always spoiled the people he cared about. He was the type to hold them close and shield them from all harm.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have stopped Bronya from picking up her gun again, even when she'd chosen to fight to protect someone dear.
He admired their ideals, praised their deeds, was in awe of the miracles they created. But if he could, he would do everything in his power to make sure they never had to fight again.
"Alright, school's out. You girls head back to the dorm—I've got something to do."
"Hm? Need any help, Elias?"
"Nope, just going to chat with an old friend."
Waving dismissively, Elias turned and walked off without looking back, leaving Kiana, Mei, and the others stunned.
An old friend? Chat? Here at St. Freya?
Mei: "Ugh... how did it come to this? Who is it this time? Which girl did Elias get involved with while I wasn't looking? I was first..."
Theresa: "We have someone like that in our school? Which Valkyrie is it? That guy really does have beautiful confidants everywhere!"
"Bronya believes this calls for information gathering. Anyone want to come with me?"
"No, we can't, Bronya-sis! We can't spy on Elias Papa like that!"
Dark Seele: (Tch! Damn it, this school is full of threats. More than the House of the Hearth! Maybe I should just make a move tonight...)
If Elias knew what they were thinking, he'd definitely scream in protest—he really didn't know any other Valkyries at St. Freya. The person he was going to talk to wasn't even a girl.
...
Inside the teaching building of St. Freya Academy—
"Finally off work. Not a bad day at all. Still hard to believe the Herrscher of Thunder has transferred into our school. Truly surprising."
Welt Yang held his teaching materials and walked toward his office.
Being the leader of Anti-Entropy was overrated. What he really wanted was a peaceful life—teaching, drawing manga, playing with figures. Ah, so relaxing~
"But it's good news. The Herrscher of Thunder, like me and the former Herrscher of the Void, stands with humanity. Nothing like those apocalyptic Honkai Apostles from the Previous Era."
So far, every Herrscher of this era had sided with humanity. That alone exceeded all expectations.
If anyone from the Previous Era were alive to see this, they'd be sobbing in envy.
(Kevin/Fu Hua: "We're not crying, but yes—we're extremely jealous. Elysia's amazing. We love her!")
Given how things were going, would future Herrschers also stand with humanity? Welt couldn't help but dream.
If that really happened, it would be amazing.
(Too bad about the Herrscher of the Void. Such a good kid... ruined by Otto's schemes. What a shame.)
Welt sighed and shook his head.
But as he reached his office, preparing to pack up and head home, he suddenly sensed someone inside.
(Hm? Who is it? Principal Theresa? No, that doesn't feel right. Could it be Otto...?)
"Stop guessing and just come in already, Herrscher of Reason."
"That voice... Elias?"
Welt walked in, stunned. Elias was sitting with his legs crossed in his chair—Welt's chair—idly playing with one of his Alahato figures.
The way he acted like an old friend caught Welt off guard. Their bond wasn't strong enough to override the system's memory restrictions.
"...Who exactly are you?"
Welt asked cautiously, one hand secretly gripping Star of Eden behind his back.
Elias smiled as he saw Welt's wariness. It was almost funny.
"Haven't figured it out yet? It's me—the Herrscher of the Void."
"What?!"
"How about this, then?"
Elias activated his five incomplete Herrscher powers. Flames floated around him, green winds howled, deathly mist swirled, lightning crackled—and most distinct of all, the portal of space shimmered nearby.
Welt's glasses almost fell off in shock.
There was no mistaking it. At that moment, the image of the Herrscher of the Void overlapped perfectly with Elias in his mind. The system's memory block on Welt shattered instantly.
He never imagined that the young Herrscher he had been mourning just moments ago... was now standing right in front of him.
Welt gasped. He had an overwhelming urge to summon a Shenzhou-style peachwood sword with his Herrscher powers.
Was he seriously seeing ghosts in broad daylight?!
"Herrscher of the Void... You're alive?!"
"Of course I am. I'm doing just fine. I mean, come on—I only died once. No big deal. And if anyone's not allowed to be shocked here, it's you, Welt Yang."
Elias crossed his arms and huffed.
Of all people, Welt Yang had no right to be shocked. How many times had he come back from the dead? His very existence was a slap in the face to the concept of staying in a coffin.
"But you died, didn't you?"
Welt adjusted his trembling glasses.
"Sure did. But I promised those girls we'd meet again. And a real man keeps his promises."
Elias said this with absolute sincerity. After all, he had promised Sirin and the others that they'd meet again. There was no way he could just die and not follow through.
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