Making Honkai Impact lll In A World Where Kallen Exists [Continuation]

Undoubtedly, that arrow completely erased Kosma's data. But just as the Herrscher of Corruption was about to leave this space—

A roar echoed. The grotesque monster's figure reappeared in the space, as if it had crawled back from the depths. Its sharp claws glowed blue as they swept toward the Herrscher of Corruption's position.

But the Herrscher of Corruption easily dodged it.

Initially, she glanced at the monster's position with some surprise, unable to grasp the situation.

Then, as if realizing something, she looked toward a certain point in the sky, a faint, indescribable smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

"Oh? So that's how it is… The data has indeed disappeared, but not necessarily because it was erased?"

This time, she did not hesitate.

Since she could erase Kosma once, she could do it a second or third time. For her, it was almost instinctual. Suppressing this instinct might be the harder task.

So this time, she effortlessly erased Kosma again.

Some actions become easier after the first attempt.

Then, she drew her bowstring toward the sky. An arrow, like a violet crystal, exploded mid-air, transforming into a dazzling barrier of light.

Its target seemed random, almost as if it reflected a sense of resignation.

Yet the Herrscher of Corruption was unconcerned, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"All right, come out now—I never agreed to be your model, Griseo."

At the point where the arrow landed, like a spark igniting paper, her vision tore apart a corner of the world, as she had imagined.

Kosma's behavior, nearly demanding a fight from the start... His ability to reappear after his data was gone and continue tangling with her...

"So, Kosma... He already become one of your paintings. Isn't that right, Griseo~?"

She sighed, gazing at the figure of Griseo that had appeared in the sky with a complex expression, her feelings somewhat heavy, perhaps due to imitating Elysia too much.

Turning into a painting...she fully understood the cost.

—Death.

Even if it wasn't by her hand, it was because of her that he came into being.

------------

"Become…one of my paintings?"

Big Griseo was momentarily confused, her gaze shifting blankly toward Kosma.

Kosma nodded slightly, understanding from the context and voiceover what choice he was likely to make.

Just like during that conversation, he had ultimately rejected Vill-V's suggestion.

He didn't want to split his consciousness and remain forever frozen in a moment. Even if his data was erased, it could still be traced back, avoiding the side effects of collapsing thought processes.

It wasn't about bearing everything, like Kevin's heroic struggle to the end.

As long as he believed the choice was worthwhile, there was no such thing as choosing the lesser evil.

"So...Kosma, will I…end up killing you myself?"

Little Griseo looked up blankly and softly uttered the question.

"Perhaps. But it will definitely be when you believe it's the best choice."

Kosma replied calmly.

There was no deception or concealment. After seeing the future Griseo, he had gradually let go of a certain burden. It felt liberating... Previously, he had thought that sending Griseo to the lonely stars was his form of evasion.

The outcome he couldn't accept, he had left for Griseo to bear.

"…Sigh. In the face of crisis, the actions you've all taken are beyond what I could have anticipated."

Elysia looked at the screen, which now displayed a flashback. The scene showed Kosma, Hua, and Griseo. At this moment, Kosma was asking Hua to use the Eighth Divine Key to deceive someone…

Even the power of a Divine Key couldn't deceive the Herrscher of Corruption.

At that moment, Hua was taken aback and refuted in surprise, expressing that such a method seemed unlikely.

But Kosma shook his head, and the name he uttered made Hua's pupils dilate in astonishment.

The one he was asking to deceive... was Griseo.

He wanted the other party to use his data to complete a painting. By affecting Griseo's perception, he could transform into a memory that the Herrscher of Corruption would not recognize immediately, delaying the time before being erased.

Moreover, there was another reason, Kosma wanted Griseo to create a version of him that could fully embrace overloading hyper-evolution while still retaining the heart of a hero.

He hoped to create a more mature, grounded, fearless, and selfless hero.

Yet, he still couldn't face that version of himself.

The one he couldn't reconcile with was, coincidentally, his past self.

"..."

Little Griseo blinked, looking at herself painting Kosma in the vision.

Her eyes didn't show much sadness, just a hint of confusion and hesitation. She pursed her lips slightly.

"But... I think Kosma is already a hero. Whether it's when fighting against the Honkai, staying behind for the Ark Project, or even the quiet moments when he acts cool..."

"I don't think Kosma isn't a hero."

"Just like... what I said in the game: staying behind to face death with the world is heroic, and searching for hope is also heroic."

Griseo spoke seriously.

"... (Let's not mention the last part of that list.)"

Kosma fell silent.

He didn't disagree; he just couldn't accept that version of himself.

"Yeah, Kosma, who would've thought you had so many thoughts inside your head? You never really talk to us about them."

Pardofelis chimed in cheerfully, teasing Kosma.

Nobody expected him to so eloquently narrate an ordinary yet enduring story of a young boy while discussing his depiction in the painting.

It was clear to anyone that the boy in the story had always been a reflection of himself.

"Who knew, Kosma? Is that really how you've always felt? The Ark Project... it's like the Fire Seed Plan, but perhaps even more challenging."

Fu Hua sighed. "At least... it would never make you a deserter."

She had thought Kosma's purpose was simply to ensure Griseo's survival. That was indeed part of it, but she hadn't anticipated the intertwined hero complex.

"Oh no, Kosma, you're in trouble now! The old timer is about to start lecturing you again."

The Herrscher of Sentience, grinning mischievously, covered her ears and glanced mockingly in Kosma's direction.

"Uh..."

The immortal's words were cut off, effectively silenced by the Herrscher of Sentience. She shot her a mildly annoyed glare.

"...Let's not dwell on me any longer. Griseo doesn't seem to have been deceived by the Key of Sentience."

Kosma couldn't help but interject, fearing the discussion would turn into a full-blown critique of him.

Though his intention was clear, no one pursued the issue further. However, Mobius let out a sigh.

Every plan's execution depended on its unique elements. She was curious to see how Kosma might evolve over time, but if Griseo were involved, she wouldn't mind too much.

-----------------

In the memory bordered by pale yellow hues, the painting was eventually completed.

Despite Hua's hesitation and confession, Griseo wasn't bothered. She, too, had lied to Kosma.

Kosma had hoped the painting would alter his appearance, bringing him closer to the hero he envisioned. However, Griseo didn't do that. She completed the painting using Kosma's original data and colors.

Because she felt... those words already suited Kosma perfectly.

That was who Kosma truly was.

The awakening he claimed never to have understood had, in truth, already been engraved deeply within his heart.

"So, even though it seems odd, the Kosma just now... is his true self."

"And yet, he says he's not a hypocrite?~"

The Herrscher of Corruption, intrigued, struck up a conversation with Griseo, who was holding a painting. Her fingers lightly grazed her bowstring, as if impatient—she shouldn't waste time here.

"So, Griseo, why are you here?"

"Aren't you worried about betraying his intentions? Kosma... he stayed behind so you wouldn't have to sacrifice yourself."

She tilted her head, puzzled.

Kosma had willingly become part of a painting to stop her, but Griseo didn't need to do the same, did she?

She didn't want to hurt anyone else, for any reason.

"Because... I can't leave."

Griseo replied calmly. There was no fear or panic in her voice, just honesty.

"Heh—"

The Herrscher of Corruption's eyes showed a mix of surprise and helplessness.

She couldn't understand why someone as young as Griseo would stand in her way when it wasn't necessary.

But it was impossible for her to stop.

More dangerous enemies were already moving in unknown places.

For survival... yes, for survival—what was wrong with that?

---------------

"Mm... Huh... Sigh..."

Big Griseo furrowed her delicate brows, continuing her actions, but it became increasingly difficult to sustain.

As expected, she had manipulated the Herrscher of Corruption to attack, but the targets were now Little Griseo, Kosma, and the figures Griseo had once painted within the barrier.

Purple crystalline explosions blossomed where the arrows landed, swiftly depleting health bars. Griseo's erosion gauge beside them signaled her impending demise.

She continued to attack herself.

Looking at the familiar faces around her, hesitation flickered in her eyes. Was this really the right thing to do? Maybe... she should target someone else?

Elysia: "..."

Mobius: "..."

They all fell silent, glancing at Luo Mo with a strange expression. He had come up with such an absurd idea—having Griseo fight Griseo.

What was this supposed to be?

Hitting you hurts me in my heart?

"How mean, coming up with such a terrible idea to bully me. Boss, I... I'm not talking to you anymore."

Little Griseo pouted, crossing her arms and turning her head to the side. Her short blue hair swayed slightly, and she looked genuinely upset.

And so... everyone turned their eyes to Pardofelis who was close to Influence Griseo. Realizing the attention, Pardo jumped back, putting some distance between herself and Griseo. Awkwardly, she rubbed her hands together, laughing nervously.

She had only been curious about Griseo's painting, that was all.

There had been rumors online about how much paintings by Master Huishi could sell for, sparking heated debates. Initially, she hadn't paid attention, but as the numbers grew increasingly exaggerated... she just wanted to confirm Griseo's talent, nothing more! She absolutely had no ulterior motives!

"Although Griseo's way of speaking is often influenced by others... it usually reflects her true thoughts."

Elysia commented thoughtfully, her straightforward observation making Luo Mo sweat nervously.

"I absolutely deny that claim! For example... when Griseo says, 'Take these paints and use them well,' doesn't she rarely give her paints away?"

Luo Mo wiped his sweat, immediately retorting with logic and reason, which made Elysia puff out her cheeks indignantly.

"…Mobius... Sister, Elysia, aren't you ashamed of making me watch myself fight myself? There's only a little bit left now."

Big Griseo lamented with a sorrowful tone. She couldn't bear to see herself being beaten, but she had no choice, it was a matter of survival.

If she couldn't win, the story couldn't move forward.

"It's okay, my grown-up self. I don't mind," Little Griseo said gently. "It's just a game, and... that's just a drawing I painted."

"Sigh... Fine, if you say so."

With that, Big Griseo fired the final shot. Her heart raced as she watched the ending on the screen unfold. To Luo Mo's mind, it wasn't much better than the gun duel between Kiana and Kallen under the moonlight.

--------------

The last strike successfully tore apart all of Griseo's defenses.

The earlier attacks had already left this space riddled with holes, fragile and on the verge of collapse.

Now, Griseo was completely exposed before the Herrscher of Corruption.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't accept the reality before her.

She had never imagined that Griseo could be so innocent, to such an extreme. The earlier reason she gave for not being able to leave... turned out to be this.

"You... painted yourself into the painting?"

Her voice trembled in disbelief.

She had thought Griseo wanted to emulate heroic deeds, voluntarily staying to buy Mei more time. But the truth was far simpler—she truly couldn't leave.

She had placed herself inside the painting. All the colors and data had been frozen within it.

"In the end... someone else made the choice for him. That's what Kosma said, right?"

Griseo quietly asked and answered herself, her gaze calm as she looked at the Herrscher of Corruption. Her face displayed a mix of shifting colors, unpredictable and complex.

"So, naturally, this painting should include another person..."

"Since everyone says I'm a blank canvas... then I'll use myself as the canvas. Kosma wouldn't mind, would he?"

Her innocent words revealed her true thoughts.

So, she had wagered her life so naively?

The Herrscher of Corruption couldn't accept this reality. She was visibly furious, glaring directly at Griseo.

She had wasted so much time eroding a painting.

She hadn't obtained any data from the Flame-Chasers' memory systems, and even the power contained within the painting had been entirely worn out in the previous battle.

"So... Griseo, this is your decision? Just to stop me from pursuing further, you would sacrifice your life for nothing?"

The Herrscher suppressed her anger, forcing a smile as she asked.

"Pursue... I don't understand," Griseo replied with a puzzled shake of her head. Kosma had always said that those were matters for adults, so she had always been a good child and never eavesdropped.

A pure smile appeared on her lips, and her eyes sparkled with light.

"Kosma doesn't say it, but he's most afraid of being alone..."

"I just didn't want... him to be lonely in the painting."

Wouldn't that make Kosma less afraid and less lonely?

Rip—

A sharp tearing sound shattered the painting that had been holding on for so long.

At that moment, the anger the Herrscher had been suppressing finally erupted, nearly shattering her Elysia-shaped vessel.

With a violent motion, she completely obliterated Griseo's already-fading form and the painting's colors in their entirety.

Before this, the reasons behind others' sacrifices had already seemed absurd to her.

Now, the most absurd and incomprehensible sacrifice was laid bare before her.

She had gained no memories.

Instead, she was left with the most intense feelings of rage.

Upon leaving, she didn't immediately search for Mei. Instead, she stood dazed, looking up at the sky, letting out a sigh of both exhaustion and helplessness.

(TL/C: Herrscher Corruption thoughts: "why!? Why are they sacrificing themselves!? I don't like it! I should be the one who sacrifice them! Yes, I love them. I don't want them to kill themselves. I want to be the one who kill them.")

"Hua, that painting… what does it look like? Can I see it too?"

Staring at the distant sky, which had turned a corrupted pinkish-purple, the gray-haired girl facing Hua with clenched fists asked cautiously.

----------------

In the Golden Courtyard,

"Griseo... was it really just so Kosma wouldn't be lonely?"

After watching the story unfold, Kiana blinked blankly, feeling a sense of confusion.

Griseo, who didn't even understand the concept of pursuit, had so casually sacrificed her life. She wasn't a girl bound by typical reasoning, yet she had made the "right" choice.

It left Kiana feeling heartache and sadness because it wasn't a decision Griseo should have had to make.

"…"

Kosma closed his eyes, deep in thought.

To outsiders—and even to himself—he had always played the role of a big brother, taking care of Griseo. And it was true.

But at critical moments, Griseo's bravery had often surpassed his own, her actions even more admirable.

"...Kosma doesn't need to become someone else. The person you aspire to be is already who you are now."

"Griseo's words are so touching, so inspiring~"

Elysia praised without reservation, looking at Little Griseo's face with a gleam of adoration. She suddenly had the urge to pinch her cheeks and hold her tightly in her arms.

Griseo had truly grown up.

"It surprised even me. In the Elysian Realm, I thought I had remained stagnant. But clearly, you've already become a version of me that I could never have been."

Big Griseo put down the controller and smiled at the smaller version of herself.

No matter the reason, the choice she made was astonishing.

"Mm... please take care of it, another... me?" Big Griseo said to her version with a smile.

Luo Mo raised an eyebrow, surprised by the phrasing.

Seele covered her face with her hands, unable to face everyone. "S-Stop talking about it! My other self is going to come out!"

Her shy reaction drew chuckles from several people.

[I'll make sure to kill all of you who laugh at Seele someday! And those who call her that name!] In her consciousness, another Seele stomped angrily.

"I don't really understand what you all mean."

Big Griseo shook her head with a smile. "Watching another version of myself in the game feels strange... though I think it'd be better if we weren't enemies."

"But... if there's going to be a tradition like this, the next one should be Sister Hua, right?"

She flashed a mischievous grin, waving the controller in her hand.

"Oh?" The Herrscher of Sentience's eyes lit up. "I'm in!"

Without hesitation, she snatched the controller from Griseo's hands, though she didn't forget to politely thank her.

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