Chat Group: Starting by Swapping Bodies with Elysia?

The special crystal flower created by Origin and Truth—Jiang Qiao called this replica of the Attribute Jade the "True Self Crystal."

As long as there was sufficient Honkai energy, this enormous crystal flower would grow, producing True Self Crystals to serve as the core for the "Twin Tails Battlesuit Replica" MEI had developed.

MEI casually plucked a crystal from the Flower of True Self and placed it into the chest of the battlesuit.

Thanks to Jiang Qiao's user-friendly design, these crystals naturally synced with the battlesuit's energy system. Even future modifications wouldn't be a problem—the True Self Crystals were extremely adaptable.

The moment the crystal was inserted, the sci-fi battlesuit seemed to gain a soul.

After perfecting the battlesuit, MEI checked the readings on the screen. She nodded in satisfaction before turning to Elysia, who had just emerged from the corner.

She spoke earnestly. "Would you like to try out this battlesuit?"

Undoubtedly, [Elysia] was an exceptionally unique test subject. Since she was the creator of the True Self Crystal, she was the most suitable candidate to test the battlesuit's capabilities—at least, that's what MEI believed.

However, [Elysia] shook her head. "I advise against that."

The foundation of the True Self Crystal was the [Authority of Truth] and the [Authority of Origin].

Although [Elysia] possessed both Authorities, giving her high compatibility with the battlesuit, using her for testing would be inappropriate.

Yes, she could unleash its full potential, but the battlesuit wasn't designed for her. Its purpose was to enhance the basic combat strength of the Fire Moth, allowing the organization to keep pace with the escalating Honkai threat.

If they used [Elysia] or Elysia as the benchmark, they wouldn't get realistic combat data.

"Indeed," MEI agreed, nodding thoughtfully as she processed Jiang Qiao's reasoning.

Because of [Elysia] suggestion, Elysia lost her chance for a "first-hand experience." She glared at [Elysia], as if he'd just snatched away a cool new toy before she could play with it.

Bad Jiang Qiao! You did that on purpose!

Hmph, I don't even want something like that anyway!

Still, even if she wanted to, Elysia wasn't a suitable test subject either. Though not as potent as [Elysia], her body housed the complete Authority of Origin, and her combat prowess far exceeded that of ordinary Fire Moth Soldier.

How could they obtain accurate data under such circumstances?

"It seems we need a suitable test subject," MEI remarked.

As for who that suitable person might be…

"...More testing?"

The summoned, green-haired, officially designated "lab rat," Kosma, had a worried look on his face.

For some simple reason, ever since MEI had pulled him in for a previous test, Mobius and Vill-V had also taken an interest in him—frequently summoning him.

His colleagues often teased him, saying he had become a big shot with the higher-ups.

Only Kosma suffered in silence.

Being targeted by either Mobius or Vill-V was definitely not a cause for celebration.

Still apprehensive, but also somewhat excited, Kosma's gaze fell upon the Twin Tails Battlesuit Replica floating within the cultivation tank.

The feminine design bothered him a little.

But after his last experience, if it was for the sake of looking cool, he could make a small compromise.

Of course, what bothered him even more…

…was that he wasn't the only one summoned this time.

A golden-haired girl bounced over, full of energy.

"Hey! Is this the 'secret weapon' Kosma was talking about?" She grinned. "It looks pretty awesome! But… it seems to be designed for girls?"

This boisterous personality belonged to none other than the second-biggest social disaster within the Fire Moth, right behind Elysia—

Dystopia.

Figuring that testing one was the same as testing two, MEI decided to bring them both along.

This way, they could also account for gender differences in the testing.

In short...

Testing time!

...

"Can't this one transform like the last one?"

Despite feeling a little embarrassed by Dystopia's presence, Kosma's eyes couldn't hide his longing for a transforming battlesuit.

However, he couldn't help but wonder about the armor-type 'Twin Tails Battlesuit Replica'—which had now been renamed the 'True Self Battlesuit', following the True Self Crystal's naming convention.

"It's an experimental prototype," MEI explained. "It's not equipped with that feature yet, but it will be added later."

Most transformations relied on 'Spatial (Quantum) transfer', similar to the Valkyrie battlesuits of later eras, which used imaginary space deployment.

However, that technology hadn't been developed in the Previous Era—at least, not yet.

With future technology provided by World Serpent, adding that function wouldn't be a problem. But for now, MEI's main concern was:

Could it be achieved? And how effective would it be?

"Well, leave that to me," [Elysia] said, noticing Kosma's puzzled look.

he didn't mind handling this minor issue.

Creating a containment bracelet for transformation?

A trivial task.

With just a fraction of his Authority of Truth, it was easily achievable.

A touch of Truth, a dash of the Void...

"Done!"

"Wow, so pretty~"

Dystopia's eyes sparkled as she admired the dainty bracelet [Elysia] placed on the table.

Its exquisite design was pure eye candy for any girl.

Even Elysia, who had been pouting in the corner, couldn't help but gulp.

Such a pretty bracelet.

Ugh, even angrier now!

Such a pretty bracelet... and bad Jiang Qiao didn't make one for me!

I'm so mad!

It is a well-known fact that people often do irrational things when angry.

Take Elysia, for example—

She got really angry!

"...This bracelet is a little hard to put on," Dystopia muttered, struggling as she tried to fasten it around her wrist.

"Hmm... there might be a slight issue. I'll help you put it on," [Elysia] said after examining the bracelet.

He had crafted it using Elysia's measurements, but it seemed slightly incompatible with Dystopia.

Of course, this wasn't a real problem.

All he needed to do was tweak the bracelet's shape from "Elysia-spec" to "Dystopia-spec."

"Okay, okay~"

Dystopia, always straightforward, happily stretched out her wrist.

Under the watchful eyes of Kosma, who was also trying on a bracelet, and Elysia, who was still pouting, [Elysia] carefully placed the bracelet on Dystopia's outstretched wrist.

At that moment, Kosma felt an odd heaviness in his head.

Weird feeling, but nothing to worry about.

He glanced over at Jiang Qiao and Dystopia, then went back to fiddling with his own bracelet.

Transforming battlesuit, transforming battlesuit... A transforming battlesuit's soul lies in the armor it transforms into!

I can't wait to experience the new battlesuit!

The man called Jiang Qiao had mentioned some modifications and hidden "surprises" in this new version compared to the previous bracelet.

Given Kosma's love for tokusatsu, these "surprises" naturally piqued his interest—he was practically drooling with anticipation. He even imagined this improved transformation bracelet correcting the turns-you-into-a-girl side effect, instead leaning into a more technological aesthetic, just like in tokusatsu shows.

Dark Night☆Hero Kosma, coming soon!

...The air feels a little hot. Strange, did someone forget to turn off the AC?

While Kosma pondered the source of the inexplicable heat, Elysia, who had just witnessed [Elysia] personally put a bracelet—originally designed for her—onto another girl's wrist, was experiencing an internal explosion!

Ahhhhh!!! Bad Jiang Qiao!!!

Not only did you not give me a pretty bracelet, but you also put such a pretty bracelet on another woman's wrist!!!

What made it worse was that, because it was for a legitimate reason, she couldn't stop him. She could only watch as it happened, feeling that strange heaviness in her head.

After all, if she protested, wouldn't she become a jealous bad girl?

Elysia would never be like that, so she absolutely couldn't interfere...

So angry, so angry, so angry!!!

Damn it!!! This jerk is doing this on purpose!!!

Furious, Elysia pinned the cause of her rage on Jiang Qiao.

Now I have a target!

Smiling sweetly—so as to maintain her beautiful appearance—she chose to express her anger through silence.

Of course, that didn't stop her from quietly sidling up to [Elysia], grabbing [Elysia] arm, and hugging it tightly.

Feel my wrath!

She tried to convey her displeasure through force, but [Elysia] didn't seem to notice. Completely focused on the "testing," just like MEI.

As for the force... it was meh.

It seemed like some sort of "cushion" was softening the impact. The one feeling more discomfort was Elysia herself, as she dug her side into [Elysia] arm.

Darn it! This jerk's arm is so hard, it hurts!

Maintaining her smile, Elysia winced and eased up a bit.

However, when she sensed him about to pull away, she puffed out her cheeks and tugged him back.

Not so fast!

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Recalling a bit of trivia from her childhood travels, Elysia decided to increase the force!

If I'm in pain, bad Jiang Qiao will be in even more pain!

Hmph! Take this! Isn't this just mutual destruction?!

Meanwhile, [Elysia] remained calm and focused, constantly observing the two test subjects. His gaze stayed fixed straight ahead, showing no reaction to Elysia's "revenge."

At his blatant disregard, Elysia grew even angrier!

However, she couldn't keep increasing the force. If she continued pressing against his arm like this, her ribs might break first.

She adjusted her position, using her "cushion" for the "attack" instead.

Hmm... this is still a little uncomfortable, but at least it doesn't dig into my ribs so much.

Elysia nodded in satisfaction.

...Eh? This feeling...

Unconsciously, it seemed she had discovered a new frontier.

Oblivious to his arm's unexpected role in this "exploration," [Elysia] remained focused, watching intently.

"Transform!"

The somewhat childish voices of Kosma and Dystopia echoed through the testing area.

The next moment, the 'True Self Crystal' at the center of their bracelets glowed.

Hearing the unusual sound effects, MEI glanced at Jiang Qiao questioningly.

"Is this the surprise you were talking about?"

She was certain she hadn't installed any such feature in the battlesuits.

"Well... it's more of an Easter egg?"

"As for the real surprise..."

[Elysia]'s gaze fell upon the transformed Kosma.

He felt something strangely firm against his arm and shifted slightly—completely oblivious to the soft gasps beside him.

The transformed Kosma was a sight to behold.

A stunning figure adorned with extravagant embellishments. Incredibly handsome. Sporting a pair of dragon horns reminiscent of his future self.

But, of course, the most noteworthy feature—

His beautiful, feminine form.

A green-haired dragon girl with a tail and horns!!!

"Eh—?"

"Pfft... Kosma, are you really Kosma?!"

Dystopia, who had also transformed—albeit with a more technological design and notably pointed ears—burst out laughing at the sight before her.

"You... um, you're very cute!"

The golden-haired girl circled Cosma, appraising him from head to toe with a mix of amusement and satisfaction.

Cosma blushed crimson red. 

Transforming into a girl was incredibly embarrassing, so even when Dystopia had pressed him for details about the previous experiment, he had dodged her questions with excuses like "secret experiment" and "confidentiality agreement."

And now—

 ̶H̶e̶~~She had been caught red-handed.

Damn it, they said it was improved! Why does it still have this terrible "losing-my-manhood" side effect?!

"Well... I did say there were some unavoidable… 'minor flaws'," [Elysia] said, shrugging helplessly with a what can you do? expression.

The green-haired girl's mortified glare intensified.

"Mmm..."

"Hm?"

Hearing a soft moan, [Elysia] glanced curiously at Elysia.

She was still clinging to her arm, her head lowered.

Through the cascade of pink hair, he caught a glimpse of her crimson earlobes.

...Huh?

He didn't think much of it, though—after all, she could just be excited, right?

It was a dragon girl with horns, after all.

Although different from Elysia's usual style, wasn't variety a good thing?

"Although there are some small 'flaws'... overall, you're satisfied, right?" [Elysia] asked, resting her chin on her hand, a playful smile forming.

Unlike the Attribute Jade, the original Twin Tails battlesuit transformed men into girls due to its unique foundation.

Theoretically, this replica and the new battlesuit utilizing the True Self Crystal shouldn't have the rather stringent "sacrifice your manhood" requirement.

However...

There was no helping it.

Because Elysia (SIM Elysia Memory) liked it so much, she had snuck in some of her own "personal touches" while [Elysia] wasn't looking…

And this was the result.

Well, it was inevitable.

After all, this battlesuit was created using Elysia's power as the primary source—linked to the Origin space to a certain extent.

If anyone was to blame… it was Elysia.

"..."

Cosma remained silent.

She glanced at her reflection in a nearby mirror.

Despite the lingering discomfort of still being a girl—especially with Dystopia present—

This outfit is so cool!

Gazing at her reflection, she saw a dashing, heroic, green-haired dragon girl in a futuristic battlesuit.

She was practically drooling with admiration.

Oh, it's me. Never mind then.

This battlesuit was undoubtedly Cosma's dream self—except for the "minor accident" with her gender.

As for Dystopia, she was quite pleased with her own battlesuit.

It resembled [Moon Shadow] in design, but with a primary color of bright yellow and subtle white accents. Simpler than Kosma's, this was undoubtedly the image Dystopia had in mind for herself.

MEI glanced at [Elysia], who confirmed her thoughts with a smile.

The original battlesuit certainly wouldn't have looked like this. As a test unit, she had created it purely as a "data collection template." While its appearance wasn't bad, it wouldn't have been anything like what the two were currently wearing.

The core reason for this difference?

The Herrscher power [Elysia] had infused into the True Self Crystals.

—Transforming battlesuit based on desire.

The 'Twin Tails Battlesuit Replica' now possessed this ability, allowing it to adjust its appearance based on the user's desires, transforming into their ideal form.

Of course, this wasn't difficult to achieve. Soulium was essentially composed of mobile nanomachines capable of shifting into different shapes.

Jiang Qiao had simply tweaked this existing functionality.

In short, everyone present was satisfied with the battlesuit.

MEI was satisfied—it saved her a lot of work.

Jiang Qiao was satisfied—designing it had been fun, and it gave him a sense of accomplishment.

Kosma was slightly dissatisfied—but Dystopia was very satisfied.

Elysia... Elysia was also very satisfied. She was feeling so good, she felt like she'd entered a state of perfect tranquility.

These external embellishments weren't the most important aspect, however.

MEI's primary focus was on the specific data of the 'Twin Tails Battlesuit Replica,' tentatively named the 'True Self Battlesuit.'

This time, Jiang Qiao didn't need to act as an opponent for testing.

Instead, they had two test subjects: Dystopia and Cosma. The two could spar against each other.

Both were newcomers. While Cosma might be slightly stronger than Dystopia, it was important to note that Dystopia had a unique background. She was one of the initial eight members of the MANTIS project. Her talent was undeniable.

Perhaps because her opponent was Dystopia, "Miss" Cosma seemed hesitant. She quickly triggered the "defeat CG."

MEI, however, paid no attention to this. She was fully focused on the data collected by the testing equipment and observation instruments.

Dystopia's displayed combat power was impressive. It was equivalent to, or even surpassed, that of a Honkai Beast Emperor (for Example Imperator). At least on paper, she was capable of confronting a Honkai Emperor empowered by a large-scale Honkai eruption.

It was worth noting that, despite being a MANTIS, Dystopia specialized in mental perception, not direct combat.

Evaluation: Shows potential for future development. Further observation required.

As for Cosma, the data showed that while she was somewhat weaker than Dystopia, she could still contend with a Honkai Beast Emperor.

Evaluation: See Dystopia.

MEI recorded her observations and then turned her attention to the assessment of the 'True Self Battlesuit' on her tablet. She nodded slightly.

The cost would be significantly higher than that of the MANTIS project. After all, crudely put, the MANTIS project only required lives.

The reagents, while expensive, were relatively simple to acquire.

The main issue was the extreme variance in results. And Mobius would never compromise on "cost-effectiveness."

—Don't talk to me about cost. I will not allow anyone to die on my operating table because of something so absurd.

To Mobius, even lab rats held precious value. Life should never be so cheap.

Because of her unwavering stance, she had driven up the cost of MANTIS technology to the point where it became a headache for the Fire Moth higher-ups.

Despite the disproportionate investment and returns, some even condemned her for squandering resources. Accusations of throwing precious resources into the trash were common, and budget cuts for Mobius's lab became an ongoing issue.

As for the True Self Battlesuit… well, based on MEI's assessment, the production cost would still be incredibly high if calculated at normal rates.

One suit was roughly equivalent to dozens of Titan Mechs, and a single Titan mech cost hundreds of millions. There was no avoiding it—Soulium was extremely costly.

The two large Divine Keys created by Vill-V had already strained the Fire Moth organization's finances to the breaking point.

Fortunately, there was a glimmer of hope. The data from SIM Mobius and Vill-V in the Elysian Realm seemed to contain technology that could improve Soulium production. This might help reduce the cost of the project to some extent.

In addition—

MEI's gaze slowly shifted towards [Elysia], almost as if she were looking at some highly sought-after creature—one known for its hard work and excellent cost-performance.