Creating Happiness with Heart in Honkai

"Thank goodness you haven't gone too far. But, Bronie, my dear audience, why was I the only one who didn't get the drone's descent service when everyone else was blown away?"

At this moment, Vill-V's android was in a terrible state. Perhaps the android in the elevator was never intended for combat in the first place.

So, after experiencing the free fall post-volcanic eruption, the fact that it could still barely move was a testament to Vill-V's craftsmanship.

"Sorry, sorry. After all, there's no challenge in controlling everything from behind the scenes, right? So, a little unexpected obstacle you created yourself makes things more interesting, doesn't it?"

"I see~"

Vill-V tried to pour all the seawater out of the android's head, but unfortunately, while the water came out, it seemed there was still more mud inside.

"The plan has changed. What's next? Eden, Kosma, Aponia, and Griseo—where have you arranged for them to go?"

"Hehe, the kid group naturally doesn't need to be involved in anything too troublesome. Although the volcanic eruption caused a slight loss of control, overall, it's not a big problem. Now let's welcome our Aeon of Elation to tell us about the second half of the event~ Welcome, welcome~"

As Vill-V said this, she took off her magician's top hat and threw it out.

The hat expanded in mid-air and landed on the beach, looking just large enough to hide a person inside.

The hat then suddenly vanished like flash paper, revealing The Elation who was still wearing Jack O' Lantern's face standing before everyone.

"Fellow MANTIS, Bunny, and Bronie~ Are you having fun today?"

"If by fun you mean being stranded on a mysterious island, worrying about water and food, nearly getting our canned food eaten by a tyrant crab, almost drowning underground, nearly becoming food for sea guard tentacles, and almost getting blasted into the air by a volcanic eruption, then apart from these terrible things, Bronie finds this place quite suitable for a vacation."

After a whole morning of such events, Bronie had never felt so exhausted.

Perhaps it was because she was too weak; for other Flamechasers, this amount of activity was just a walk in the park.

Combat, too, was probably easy for them.

"Hahaha! Seeing Bronie so disheveled is quite entertaining! But hey, everyone's okay, and we've made some great memories. Just don't get targeted by Fuli~"

"So you are Aeon of Elation, right? Why do you look so much like...?"

"Bronie designed this look~ How do you like it?"

Well, Mobius had nothing to say.

However, when she looked at Bronie again, her gaze was a bit different.

What was once a research subject had now become a formidable tiger she dared not touch. The Aeon's approach to Bronie spoke volumes about THEIR attitude toward her.

"Let's talk about the second half of the event, the rules, goals, and rewards."

Bronie didn't want to discuss the Aeon's appearance.

The first time they met, the Aeon had the appearance of a colorful being with many masks, making it hard to discern anything. The second time, the appearance was Hapi, and the third time it was Jack O' Lantern.

This androgynous form made Bronie uncomfortable, and especially when she saw Jack O' Lantern's face and body. She felt a constant sense of unease, fearing a wrong move that would lead to lifelong regret if she glanced to eagerly.

No, this is exactly what The Elation expected!

Bronie could sense that playful aura. When Aha winked at her, Bronie immediately got goosebumps.

"There are three keys on this island that unlock the treasure door. They are scattered in various locations, with many obstacles in your way. If you collect all three keys and insert them into the treasure door, you will receive the treasure Aha have prepared! Use your wisdom, employ your strategies, showcase your strength, and open the treasure door~"

With that, the Aeon took out a giant gift box, which exploded into a beautiful firework in the air.

By the time everyone reacted, the Aeon had disappeared, leaving only Vill-V's android behind.

"Mm-hmm, these are the rules for the second half of the event. Though they sound simple, there will be many surprises waiting for you! I'll be busy setting up the venues, so I won't disturb you from enjoying your vacation!" After speaking, Vill-V was ready to slip away.

But would Kalpas, with his fiery temper, let her off so easily?

He charged at Vill-V, wielding his chainsaw sword.

"Tch, nothing..."

"Nothing what?" Sakura didn't understand.

"The key. She's been leading us around for so long, I might as well vent my frustration and look for a spare key."

"If there isn't a spare key, there might be other means to locate it. I support venting your frustration. Considering the limited time and Vill-V's finite number of androids for setup and surveillance, reducing her androids is actually quite beneficial," Bronie praised Kalpas's actions highly.

Within the team, although Mobius was highly educated in biology, her capabilities were limited in this situation.

Bronie, however, had sufficient knowledge reserves.

Whether rebuilding Fire Moth or repairing Schicksal's Sky Islands, Bronie was up to the task.

Technology can change lives, and Bronie's tech could significantly alter their current predicament.

"So, what should we do now?"

Kalpas had attacked Vill-V. Given the current situation, they were in an unplanned circumstance—an unexpected turn of events. With Vill-V losing her android and monitoring capabilities, now was the perfect time to discuss their plan, Fu Hua thought.

"Little mouse, you've grown a lot and becoming so clever. My part of the plan is over, and the rest depends on Bronie's cooperation. As for Vill-V, she's probably trying to draw the Aeon's attention. But honestly, I suggest doing everything openly."

"Why?"

Fu Hua was puzzled.

"Because if everything here, including our bodies, is the work of the Aeon's power, THEY should be omniscient in our perception."

"In other words, our actions might be monitored, and any plans detected, right?"

Bronie pondered this possibility. If the Aeon was truly omnipotent in this realm, it was conceivable.

However...

"Data memory records your cognition, memories, and thinking patterns, but it cannot fully record your genetic code. This time, having real bodies, the information you hold is crucial. Even in the worst-case scenario, it can greatly advance our resurrection research."

"The worst-case scenario? What's the best-case scenario?" Elysia wanted to hear some good news from Bronie.

"The best-case scenario? We all leave this island without any cost or risk, face the Honkai together, and have a happy reunion."

Bronie laughed at her own words. She knew it wouldn't be that simple.

If achieving their goal were easy, what would be the point of their efforts?

Would The Elation would do like something so meaningless and boring?

Despite her broad control over fate, certain choices were inevitable.

"And the worst-case scenario?" Sakura wanted to know Bronie's fallback plan.

"The worst-case scenario is leaving here with your data but losing our way entirely, unable to return. The vast universe would make it difficult for the Aeon to reach the Sea of Quanta, the safest but worst outcome."

Bronie considered that the Aeon might hear her, essentially threatening the Aeon. If she were important enough, hiding in the Sea of Quanta ould be a valid threat.

The power of the paths comes from the Imaginary Tree, and the Sea of Quanta that is opposing it is a good place to hide.

"Is this necessary? What about the orphanage kids? What would Cioara think? What about the unresolved Honkai? Kiana is still waiting for you in Nagazora City,"

Elysia felt that Bronie didn't need to go to such lengths. She believes that sacrificing so much wasn't worth it.

"Bronya doesn't want Sister Bronie to go that far either. Please calm down, Bronie. Our chance of defeating the Aeon is less than one in ten million, and you have other plans, don't you? Remember the line from Homu's Bizarre Adventure? 'Taking a detour is the shortcut.'"

Bronie was momentarily stunned by Bronya's words.

"Taking a detour is the shortcut"—a line from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. In this world, it was Homu's Adventure instead, which still felt familiar to Bronie, who enjoyed it.

"Sorry, I just didn't want to miss the opportunity before me... I'll weigh the pros and cons carefully..."

She realized she had been blinded by the apparent shortcut.

Without Elysia, she might have rushed headlong into becoming the Aeon's plaything. The best way to deal with the trickster is to proceed methodically, ignore them, and deny them any amusement.

Rationality...

When it comes to Elysia, how could she remain rational?

Faced with traps and the Aeon's whims, lacking the power to join someone else's game meant facing such dilemmas.

"That's better. At worst, we create some interesting memories. Doesn't that make the event meaningful?" Elysia was happy that Bronie relented.

Thanks to Bronya, even Bronie might not realize how important Bronie was to her. Otherwise, Bronya's words wouldn't have swayed her.

"Perhaps taking a detour is the shortcut. Mobius, do you have any plans? If so, let's proceed."

"I do have a new plan, but do you have the courage to execute it?" Mobius smirked, like a snake eyeing its prey.

"What plan?"

Bronie decided to listen first.

"Send the kids' bodies to us. I recall you have a child named Seele? She has awakened the most complete stigma. Give me a few hours to research, and I guarantee she'll come out as 'me'~"

"No! Mobius, how could you do that to such a cute girl?"

Elysia crossed her arms in protest before Mobius.

"Move aside, Elysia! I'm talking to Bronie about this!"

"Mobius, you're so mean! When we get back, I'll make you wear the dress I made for you!"

Elysia saw through Mobius.

Despite her words, she respected the individual's consent. Would she trick Seele behind Bronie's back?

Elysia trusted Bronie's protective instincts.

"You..."

Mobius fumed at the mention of the dress but knew this wasn't the time.

Bronie, arms crossed, replied, "Let's put that plan on hold. However, examining Seele's body to investigate her stigma is feasible. Her body is indeed very special."

Bronie had concerns but couldn't entirely forgo understanding Seele's condition.

"Oh? Special? How?"

Mobius's interest was piqued. As the creator of Project Stigma, she hoped for unexpected developments.

"I can't say for sure. Find out yourself. But if something happens to my Seele, I'll strip you bare, put you in a dress, and send photos to your underlings!"

"Bronie, you're really getting bold! Threatening me, huh?"

But was the threat effective?

Yes, it was very effective.

"Fine, I'll conduct a proper examination. The plan continues. Don't worry, I won't do anything bad~"