Chapter 171: It's So Wonderful!.jpg
In truth, MEI had been arguing with the Fifth Research Division since shortly after the end of the Third Honkai Eruption. Unfortunately, her influence was minimal back then. Not only was the European faction skeptical, but even the upper echelons of her own Mu Continent faction weren't too keen on this suddenly prominent newcomer.
It wasn't until after the Fourth Honkai Eruption, through the efforts of Vill-V and Mobius, that MEI's standing within the Mu Continent faction significantly improved.
But no matter how quickly things changed, the European faction was a world away. Even if MEI wanted to take action against them, her reach was limited.
Especially now, as the leader of the Mu Continent faction and the de facto commander of Fire Moth, she had to deal with numerous matters across the Asia-Pacific region, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the developing North American region.
On top of that, she was still a researcher. Even after becoming Fire Moth's official spokesperson, she couldn't simply abandon her scientific pursuits.
All these factors combined meant that the current MEI was like a spinning top, constantly in motion, with piles of unfinished work. How could she have the time or energy to deal with those people in the European faction?
"The 'Global Link' project was partly conceived to address the issues with the European faction." MEI took a sip of tea and sighed.
Before 'Global Link', her attitude towards Europe had been simple: deal with Mu Continent and the Asia-Pacific region first, then turn her attention to them.
But once the project came about, her interest in Europe diminished even further.
In the parallel world of the Second Eruption, the publicly stated purpose of the AVALON system was to integrate computing power and combat the Honkai more efficiently.
However, its true intent was far more sinister. Designed by Dr. MEI, weary of humanity's endless conflicts, the system served as an "ultimate device of autocracy." Its purpose? To manipulate human thought and eliminate all discordant voices.
Though their version of 'Global Link'—shaped by Jiang Qiao's influence and other considerations—wasn't as forceful as the AVALON system, a question lingered.
Would the absolutely rational MEI, obsessed with maximum efficiency, extend humanitarian concern to troublesome dissidents the same way she did to ordinary citizens?
Even MEI wouldn't believe that.
She was simply biding her time, waiting to deal with those dissidents in one decisive stroke. Why waste time on annoyances when they could be eliminated all at once?
"So… we're just putting this aside for now?" [Elysia] raised an eyebrow, her uncertainty clear.
Jiang Qiao was eager to mass-produce the [Transformation Bracelet] and turn Fire Moth into a "twin-tailed magical girl training organization." Yet, she refrained from disrupting MEI's plans.
After all, Jiang Qiao had left most internal affairs to MEI and the others, only stepping in occasionally.
"No, I'm afraid I need you to go to the Fifth Research Division," MEI said, her tone serious.
From [Elysia]'s perspective, the [Transformation Bracelet] might seem like a fun, inconsequential toy. But for the current Fire Moth, it was far from trivial.
"With the increasing global scale of Honkai outbreaks, Fire Moth must enhance the combat effectiveness of our rank-and-file warriors to resist the Honkai more effectively."
Initially, the 'Divine Key Project' and the 'MANTIS Warrior Project' were designed to fill this critical gap.
But now, with both projects shelved—and to some extent, rejected—the hole in Fire Moth's plans remained unaddressed.
MEI had pivoted toward using modified, simplified Stigmata in a new genetic engineering initiative, distinct from the 'MANTIS Warrior' program. However, the [Transformation Bracelet] that Jiang Qiao introduced added an unexpected twist.
The twin-tailed warriors created by the [Transformation Bracelet] boasted a high baseline and exceptional flexibility. With minor modifications, the technology from future could be easily adapted and implemented.
As for high-end combat power? That wasn't a concern. After all, who wouldn't recognize what metaphysical creation could achieve?
It could be said that, apart from one somewhat "significant" side effect, the [Transformation Bracelet] was a near-perfect solution.
Compared to the high stakes of the life-or-death MANTIS Warrior project—what's the big deal about becoming a magical girl? Besides, with some optimization, perhaps they could even keep… you know... down there.
Now, the only real problem was figuring out how to manufacture it.
And the key to that lay in the core of the Herrscher of Reason.
Taking it from Bronya in the present was one option, but—
"Do you remember our previous trip to Dusk Street?" MEI asked.
"Yes, what about it?" [Elysia] raised an eyebrow at the sudden mention of the place.
Dusk Street was in Eastern Europe, somewhat distant from the Fifth Research Division in Western Europe but still within reach.
On that trip, MEI had already interacted with the European faction. The sanatorium in Dusk Street, after all, was largely supported by the Fifth Research Division.
"I was planning to send Sakura to investigate," MEI continued calmly, "but I put it on hold to avoid alerting them."
She paused, meeting [Elysia]'s gaze. "Since we need the core of the Herrscher of Reason, you can help by investigating the situation there. Don't worry—you just need to distract them. I'll have Sakura act covertly."
'Elysia, Hero of Fire Moth' was a name that carried considerable weight. If she went to the Fifth Research Division, they would certainly make a show of accommodating her.
And while they scrambled, Sakura would take advantage of the distraction to gather the information they needed.
Although MEI's original plan had been to settle accounts with them later, the situation now demanded flexibility. Adjustments had to be made.
Besides, it wasn't like she was doing the heavy lifting!
Even so, MEI couldn't help but feel a flicker of resentment at having to send [Elysia] in her place.
I have so much work to do, all because of you! I open my eyes, and it's overtime, overtime, and more overtime. And now you're adding this [Transformation Bracelet] project on top of everything else.
Alright, I admit—it's a good project.
But isn't it a bit much to keep coming up with new projects that just pile on everyone's workload?
Fire Moth leadership, we share weal and woe!
Seeing the bloodshot eyes MEI directed at her, the girl smiled brightly and nodded.
"No problem, but—I want to bring someone with me."
…
Pardofelis had been living the high life lately.
Ever since coming to Fire Moth with [Elysia], Pardofelis had enjoyed a lifestyle that suited her low-energy approach to life. Out of respect for individual choices—and not knowing much about Pardofelis as a person—MEI had placed her in the logistics department.
Her reasoning? Pardofelis's close ties to [Elysia].
Of course, MEI didn't force her into a position like Head of Logistics. Even MEI wouldn't be that bold.
Pardofelis's academic qualifications, after all, left much to be desired. To put it kindly, the fact that she was literate at all was a testament to her hard work.
Given her abysmal academic background, even if MEI had wanted to grant Pardofelis some organizational authority, it simply wasn't feasible.
Doing so would have been like shooting herself in the foot—and besides, Pardofelis wouldn't have wanted such a position in the first place.
In her own words:
With my limited abilities, how could I possibly take on a leadership role? If I really did that, I'd just hold everyone back. Hehe, Sister MEI, if you really want to take care of me… could you, for Sister Elysia's sake, give me a nice, easy, safe logistics job? Don't worry! Even if the pay is a little less, even if I don't get paid at all, as long as I have three meals a day and a good nap, I'll be happy!
This girl from Dust Street was easy to satisfy. As long as she didn't aim too high, wasn't it simple to find contentment?
Contentment = happiness.
In other words, this was her happiness.
And so, Pardofelis became a warehouse manager—or simply, a warehouse worker.
Every day, her job was straightforward: hand over resources to the relevant personnel, fill out some basic reports, and that was it.
The work was easy, the pay was good, and Pardofelis wouldn't have dared to dream of such a life back in her Dust Street days.
It's just too wonderful! (Qingque face).jpg
That said, some old "bad habits" never quite disappeared, even now that she was living the good life.
For example, she still had a habit of… 'acquiring' things.
Ever since Pardofelis joined the organization, things would occasionally go missing around the base.
However, no one noticed because…
Pardofelis's "acquisition" targets were usually worthless trinkets abandoned in forgotten corners—the kind of stuff even the owners had probably forgotten existed.
And now, her latest target was—
"Hehe, this is Sister Elysia's room, right~?"
Slipping through the window with practiced ease, Pardofelis looked around the clean and tidy, pink-themed room with an excited glint in her eye.
"As expected of Elysia! Her room is so well-organized!"
She didn't touch the drawers. Even Pardofelis had standards—rummaging through someone's personal things without permission? That would be rude.
Instead, she tiptoed to the bed and crouched down. These little nooks and crannies were often treasure troves of lost items and her primary "inventory" source.
Of course, not everything she found was pleasant. Some Fire Moth members weren't exactly tidy, and she'd occasionally stumbled upon socks that had been fermenting under beds for who knows how long.
"Ugh, thankfully I grew up in Dusk Street. My tolerance for bad smells is unmatched!"
Still, the memory of one particularly horrifying discovery made her shudder.
But she wasn't too worried about that happening in [Elysia]'s room.
After all, Sister Elysia was clearly the tidy type. There's no way she'd leave clothes lying around under her bed.
Rather than worry about that, Pardofelis had a different concern: what if Sister Elysia was too clean?
What if she'd already cleaned under her bed? Then I'd have come all this way for nothing!
Luckily for Pardofelis, it seemed the Elysian Gate (Church) was smiling upon her today.
Because [Elysia] was always busy outside, she rarely had time for a deep clean of her room. While the visible areas were neat and spotless, under the bed was an entirely different story—a veritable dust bunny disaster zone.
"What's this?"
From an inconspicuous corner beneath the bed, Pardofelis pulled out a clear, sparkling glass bottle. Dust clung to its surface, but inside was what looked like plain water.
Tilting her head, she tried to make sense of it.
She twisted the cap, sniffed it, and even dipped her pinky in for a taste.
No smell. No taste.
"What the heck, it's just plain water."
Slightly disappointed, Pardofelis closed the bottle with a soft click. She'd been hoping for something magical—maybe one of Sister Elysia's crystal flowers, or some mysterious potion. But no. Just water.
Still…
"This bottle looks pretty nice."
Her disappointment faded as she turned the bottle over in her hands, her eyes sparkling at its elegant design.
Although the material was clearly just ordinary glass, Pardofelis couldn't help but feel drawn to it. She had a fondness for items like this—shiny but not too valuable.
If the bottle had been made of crystal, she wouldn't have dared take it.
"Hehe, look at all this dust. Elysia probably doesn't use this anymore~"
Thinking this, Pardofelis wiped the dust off the bottle with her sleeve and then rubbed it against her cheek, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
Even though the water inside was plain and unremarkable, she didn't plan to pour it out. It was something 'acquired' from Sister Elysia, and that alone made it special. She decided she'd treasure it.
Suddenly, her ears twitched.
Growing up on Dusk Street had sharpened her senses, and her keen hearing caught the faint sound of approaching footsteps.
Someone was coming!
"Oh no, is it Sister Elysia?!"
Pardofelis's heart raced as panic set in. She was still crouched by the bed, too far from the window to make a quick escape.
Judging by the sound, the person was almost at the door. There wasn't enough time to climb out!
In an instant, she made her decision.
Scrambling back under the bed, she pressed herself flat against the floor, clutching the bottle close.
Click.
The door opened.
From her low vantage point, Pardofelis's wide eyes took in the sight of Flame-Chaser uniform heels stepping into the room.
Above them were long, shapely legs wrapped in sleek black stockings.
Then, that signature sweet voice rang out, tinged with confusion:
"Aiya—why is the window open?"
Under the bed, Pardofelis's eyes narrowed like a startled cat, her pupils shrinking into vertical slits.
Panicked, she clasped both hands over her mouth, holding her breath. She couldn't risk making the slightest noise that might alert [Elysia].
"…Maybe we forgot to close it when we left, Reliable Me?"
"Is that so?"
The uncertainty in [Elysia]'s tone lingered for a moment before melting into indifference.
Suddenly, [Elysia]'s voice came again, this time more curious.
"Is it just me, or does the bed feel softer than usual?"
Pardofelis's face froze, her thoughts spiraling into panic.
Oh no, don't tell me—
Of course. [Elysia]'s bed wasn't the hard wooden type—it was a soft mattress supported by a frame. And now, as [Elysia] settled onto the bed, a solid 55 kilograms of weight was pressing through the mattress directly onto her back.
Pardofelis wasn't crushed, thankfully—her slim frame spared her from suffocation. But her current position was far from dignified.
Rear end up, arms pinned awkwardly under her chest, and the weight of [Elysia] pressing down from above…
Pardofelis could only grimace, covering her mouth tighter to avoid even the tiniest noise.
This made things even worse for Pardofelis. The bed shook as the two wrestled, and she, trapped underneath, was being used as an unwilling support beam. Every jostle sent waves of discomfort and strange sensations through her, causing her face to flush bright red and her expression to contort.
Sister Elysia, Sister Elysia! Please, have mercy! Just go already! she silently begged.
As if hearing her inner cries, the chaos on the bed finally stopped. Fairy Elysia and [Elysia] got off the bed.
"No more playing around. Alright, let's go find Pardofelis?"
Oh god, hearing her name sent a jolt of panic through Pardofelis, her heart threatening to leap out of her chest as she braced for discovery.
Thankfully, the next few moments brought her some relief.
With a click, the two of them—one big, one small—quickly left the room.
Pardofelis remained frozen for a moment, just to be sure. When she was certain they were gone, she carefully crawled out from under the bed, peeking around the room. Everything seemed unchanged.
A breath she hadn't realized she was holding finally escaped her.
"Whew… that scared me to death. I thought I'd been found out."
"Sister Elysia's room is dangerous… I better not come here again."
Still rubbing her sore backside, Pardofelis's heart continued to pound in her chest.
"But… why was Sister Elysia looking for me?"
Confused, she let out a sigh and walked toward the window, which had already been closed. "Forget it… I need to hurry back to the warehouse, or Sister Elysia will worry if she can't find me."
Just as she was about to open the window and slip out the way she came, a sweet voice rang out behind her:
"Mhm~ Pardofelis, what are you doing?"
Pardofelis froze, her heart stopping in an instant.
She turned her head slowly and found herself face-to-face with the kind, beautiful smile of the girl she had just been hiding from.
Seeing that knowing smile, Pardofelis knew—she'd been caught red-handed.
With a grimace that resembled a smile, the scantily-clad girl instantly dropped to her knees and kowtowed.
"S-S-Sister Elysia, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have snuck into your room to steal things!"
"I-I-I just… lost my mind for a moment! …Sister Elysia, look, the thing I stole is right here! I'll return it to you now."
"Aiya——"
[Elysia] raised an eyebrow, glancing at the glass bottle Pardofelis was holding up. It was the 'Maiden's Spring' that she'd left forgotten under her bed for so long.
After obtaining the [Transformation Bracelet], it had become redundant, so Jiang Qiao had simply left it there, neglected.
Had it not been for Pardofelis, it might have never seen the light of day again—even after the Honkai was defeated.
"Didn't anyone tell you you should show your chest when apologizing?!" the pink-haired girl said, feigning annoyance.
Hearing this, both Fairy Elysia and the kneeling Pardofelis froze.
The latter's mind raced. Wait… show my chest?
Is Sister Elysia serious?
…Well, if it's Sister Elysia, maybe…
"Um… Sister Elysia… could we do this somewhere else?"
As a girl, Pardofelis still had some sense of modesty. Although Jiang Qiao's request was outrageous, she couldn't refuse—at least not with Sister Elysia.
She quietly pleaded.
Thankfully, Fairy Elysia snapped out of her daze and rushed forward, shielding Pardofelis. Pouting, she puffed out her cheeks and said indignantly, "Huh?! Absolutely not! This kind of lewd behavior is not allowed!"
In that moment, Fairy Elysia's cheeks puffed up, triggering her 'universal Elysia skill'—a mixture of indignation and determination (though it didn't work on Jiang Qiao).
Fairy Elysia, tasked with 'supervising' the mischievous Jiang Qiao on behalf of the Elysian Realm, began her duty.
Don't think I don't know, Reliable Me—you're a boy inside!
You can do whatever you want to me, Fairy Elysia, but you're not getting your hands on Pardofelis!
"Uh…"
Pardofelis didn't understand why the other, smaller Sister Elysia was reacting so strongly. Her face flushed slightly, and she muttered, "Actually, if it's Sister Elysia, I…"
"Hmph, don't even think about tempting Reliable Me with your flat chest!"
Fairy Elysia turned her head with a pout, her sharp words landing like daggers.
This made Pardofelis's face drain of color.
...The flat chest comment was fine. She wasn't particularly sensitive about her figure. After all, she had grown up as a Unnamed Street in Dusk Street, often going without meals. How could I have had the luxury of focusing on unnecessary lumps of fat?
Plus, she was still young. If I get proper nutrition later, maybe my future will still hold some promise, right?
There's no way I'll stay this size forever, is there?
But… tempting? Where did that come from?
I don't understand. I just don't understand!
Pardofelis's eyes spun as if her CPU had been overloaded, trying to make sense of the conflicting words and feelings bombarding her.