Chapter Text
“Greetings. Might I assume that you are Miss Vill-V?”
Vill-V looked away from The Blue, turning her back to the awe-inspiring view from the Space Station’s Railway Platform in order to meet this so-called Genius face-to-face. “That’s me alright. From what Ke – Caelus told me, you’re Screwllum, right?”
“Correct.” The mechanical gentlemen nodded, approaching her. “Our mutual friend piqued my interest when he mentioned a friend of his that was well-acquainted with the creation of a virtual subspace, akin to the Simulated Universe. Thus, I asked him to introduce us.”
“So that’s why.” She shook her head with a wry smile. “Typical of him, he didn’t even tell me why you wanted to see me. But yeah, he’s right. I helped create the Elysian Realm. It was well-crafted enough that it stood for a bit over fifty thousand years.”
“...That is most certainly impressive. Query: What can you tell me about the Elysian Realm?” Screwllum seemed very intrigued, and it tickled her ego quite a bit. “And for that matter, how have you remained alive for such a long time?”
…Now that was a loaded question. Should she say it, or? Eh, whatever. Kevin would deal with it next time he came around.
“For one, while it was a virtual reality, it was more of a record. A way for the people of the future to learn the mistakes of the past, and avoid repeating them.” Vill-V explained, and her mood turned somber. “And more than that… It was the grand finale of our story. Of her story.”
“I apologize if I brought up unwanted memories.”
She waved him off. “It’s fine, I’m not all that broken up about it. As for the second question… The answer is that I didn’t.”
“Oh?” Screwllum paused, raising a hand to his chin. “May I ask you to elaborate?”
Vill-V grinned. “Ah, I’m not going to give you all the answers. You’re one of these… Geniuses, yeah? You can try and figure it out and then come to me with your conclusions later.”
“I see. Conclusion: I will think carefully about it.” The mechanical gentleman nodded. “Now then. I have discussed it with Herta, Ruan Mei, and Stephen Lloyd, and we have come to a consensus. On Caelus’s recommendation, we would like to invite you to demonstrate your prowess. If we collectively find it sufficient, then we will extend you a formal invitation to join us in working with the Simulated Universe.”
Her eyes widened slightly at Screwllum’s words. “...Wasn’t expecting that.”
“I suppose you would not.” The Genius gave the impression of a smile. “It is not a decision lightly reached. Of course, if you require time to mull over our invitation, we are willing to–”
“Nah, I’m in.” She smirked, offering a hand. “I’ve heard about the Simulated Universe from him, and it sounds pretty damn intriguing. Haven’t really felt like this ever since before I split myself.”
Screwllum accepted the hand, shaking it to seal the deal. “I will be looking forward to seeing what you are capable of, Miss Vill-V.”
Caelus opened his eyes as he entered the Simulated Universe, once again seeing the options before him. And curiously… There seemed to be a new expansion.
“Yeah, that’s what Vill-V made.” Herta suddenly spoke. “It actually got me curious, so go right ahead and dive into it. I want to know what it can help us learn.”
“Alright then.” He reached out, and took a deep breath.
If he did this, there was no way back. He had left the memories behind, had started forging for himself a new life as Caelus… But it seemed his past as Kevin Kaslana was determined to doggedly haunt his every footstep.
He grabbed hold of it, and felt the Universe transporting him to another location, the words depicted burned through his mind.
Era of Honkai
“Hey, Caelus.” Vill-V spoke, in a serious tone. “Sorry about this, but… This story does not deserve to go unheard. Her story does not deserve to go unheard.”
“I know.” He gave a wry smile. “But anyways… Let us begin, shall we?”
“Yes, just start it already.” Herta interrupted.
Caelus reached the end of the first plane, reeling slightly from the Honkai Beasts that served as the enemies within. And then–
It began with the First Eruption. No, even before that, it began in an idyllic countryside, as the first of them was born. She held no desire for destruction, and in fact, held only love for all of humanity within her heart. She was a paragon, a beacon of hope, the heart that united them all. She was–
The words spilled out of Kevin’s mouth before he could even register them.
“The second of the Flame-Chasers–”
Vill-V finished it for him, in a somber tone.
“Elysia.”