Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players-Chapter 196: The Past’s Elysian Realm, Ana’s Farewell

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available Chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.

Additionally, there are also free extra Chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

In the Honkai World, amidst the World Serpent...

Raiden Mei was taken aback by Kevin's sudden departure but still managed to verify the situation on the other side in her own way before returning to the Elysian Realm.

In fact, she gained even more detailed insights during this time.

As she prepared to return to the Elysian Realm, Gray Serpent appeared before her, sharing some information. Naturally, Raiden Mei needed to confirm its veracity herself.

This information included, among other things, details about Ana's existence. According to Gray Serpent, Ana was merely an illusion, suggesting that further answers could likely be found within the Elysian Realm itself.

Indeed, what Gray Serpent implied - or perhaps what Ana intended - was for Raiden Mei to perceive her current state akin to Ellie's condition.

Elysia indeed passed away, but her death was unique; her influence on this world persisted. In a sense, this made her return more challenging yet allowed successors like Ana and Raiden Mei to continue benefiting from her legacy.

Upon learning these revelations, Raiden Mei showed no immediate reaction. After all, it was her habit to verify information through her own means.

Once again, everything pointed towards the Elysian Realm.

In the shadows, Bai Zhi silently observed Raiden Mei's departure, her eyes flickering with thoughts unfathomable, while Gray Serpent respectfully stood beside her.

In the original storyline, Gray Serpent dispatched Raven to obstruct Raiden Mei. However, now, he naturally refrained from doing so.

For them, the secrets of the Elysian Realm were no longer mysteries or significant matters. Moreover, in the current Lord's plan, Raiden Mei played a crucial role.

Thus, Gray Serpent had no intention of opposing her.

But...

"My lord, regarding the Herrscher of Corruption..." Gray Serpent cautiously inquired.

With utmost respect and caution, Gray Serpent asked, "Originally, I wouldn't have cared for my own life, but now, there exists someone truly worth my loyalty." He no longer wished to perish so easily.

"Don't worry," Bai Zhi replied calmly. "When the time comes, we'll simply sacrifice a few bodies and put on a performance."

Initially, she had taken the Herrscher of Corruption seriously, even leaving countermeasures within the Elysian Realm. But now... it's merely another act that needs completion.

The actors are already in place; there is no need to withdraw them. Moreover, this performance benefits both her and Him significantly.

Ana's true potential has not yet been fully revealed, and perhaps it isn't detrimental if it remains unknown forever. On the other hand, the stories of the Heroic Spirits should be known and felt by Captains from another world.

Additionally, the final plot twist in the Elysian Realm narrative is genuinely... mind-blowing.

"Yes, Lord," Gray Serpent responded respectfully, his eyes gleaming with fervor. Hearing these words directly from the Lord assured him of his safety, indicating that he held significance in the Lord's regard.

For some reason, perhaps influenced by the divine light, Gray Serpent's mindset has taken a peculiar turn.

Of course, it's possible that this was always inherent within him.

After enduring countless experiments over a lengthy span of time, as an artificial life form, his psyche became distorted - which is quite understandable.

In such circumstances, encountering a God worthy of his unwavering devotion inevitably led to predictable outcomes.

Ana, too, had a rough understanding of Gray Serpent's sentiments but didn't take them seriously.

Throughout their association, Gray Serpent never sought a prominent role; to those above him, he was merely a useful tool. However, if Gray Serpent truly desired something, Ana would have allowed it.

Naturally, for someone like Gray Serpent, such aspirations were impossible.

His pursuit...he abandoned long ago. He appeared akin to a philosopher, claiming insight into the world, yet in reality, he remained deeply entrenched, paradoxically content amidst chaos.

As Raiden Mei returned to the Elysian Realm, she found Ana coincidentally present in the Paradise lobby. Unaware of events unfolding outside the Garden, this memory fragment remained oblivious.

In a sense, she had become somewhat expendable yet still a valuable asset due to her capabilities.

The chessboard dynamics varied; while abandoned on the higher stakes board, she remained a trump card on the lower one.

Raiden Mei noticed Ana immediately, naturally because...

"Ana-sensei."

"Hmm, you're back?" Ana lifted her head, glanced at Raiden Mei, and nodded slightly.

"Ana-sensei, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you." Without wasting any time, Raiden Mei got straight to the point.

"Yes?"

Ana cast a mildly surprised look at Raiden Mei but didn't say anything, simply nodding again. In her perception, this student always approached matters directly, leaving little room for comment.

However, why hadn't Mei asked these questions before now? Could it be that...

In that instant, other thoughts surfaced in Ana's mind. Despite inheriting Ana's memories, the present Ana no longer relied on them. For her within this Elysian Realm, those memories... were not as crucial anymore.

After all, everything outside had changed significantly, just like Raiden Mei's unexpected question now. Ana genuinely couldn't have anticipated it, nor was it possible for her to do so.

"As the teacher's memory fragment, how well do you understand and know her?" Raiden Mei asked slowly.

"Your question... seems somewhat problematic." Ana's eyes flickered momentarily. After all, she is composed of Ana's memories, which means she possesses Ana's experiences. But then, how deeply should she be expected to comprehend Ana herself?

Logically, one might say completely, but these are memories from the past. Can someone's past truly represent their present?

Clearly, the answer is no.

"It depends on your understanding of her."

Ana picked up the wineglass from the table and took a sip. This beverage was one of Eden's treasured reserves; previously, she never had the time or inclination to indulge in such luxuries. But now, everything was different, as they were indeed in the Elysian Realm.

Savoring the wine, in a sense, also meant relishing Eden's memories.

"Hmm, then does Ana-sensei truly believe she will die?" Raiden Mei nodded thoughtfully before continuing.

"If dying allows her to achieve some goal, then yes, she would choose death," Ana replied matter-of-factly.

Death? To Ana, it no longer held much significance. As a reincarnator, her initial purpose was merely to alter the fate of the original Ana.

If sacrificing herself could completely change Ana's circumstances, she would undoubtedly do so. That was her original intent, a persistent concern that shaped her actions throughout. The present Ana's demeanor is simply a result of adapting to prevailing circumstances.

Regardless, this outcome aligns with Ana's original intent. However, neither she nor anyone else anticipated this particular path and result.

"I see."

Raiden Mei nodded, now having a clearer understanding.

Updat𝓮d from frёewebnoѵēl.com.

If this is indeed the case, then Ana-sensei... it truly seems possible... This certainly fits her style, but for some reason, Raiden Mei feels a strange unease within her.

This hesitation makes her question whether she should reveal the truth to Ana standing before her.

However, Ana gazes at Raiden Mei, a cold glint flickering in her eyes. Yes, the Herrscher of Corruption has already emerged, and currently, it resides within Raiden Mei herself.

As a Herrscher, assessing the strength of the Herrscher of Corruption is challenging; its potential ranges from extremely high to surprisingly low, much like the Herrscher of Reason. Unlike the Herrscher of Reason, though, the Herrscher of Corruption possesses a terrifyingly rapid development rate, coupled with its ability to suppress data.

Without exaggeration, for the Heroic Spirits of the Elysian Realm, the Herrscher of Corruption represents their most formidable adversary.

Furthermore, against the Herrscher of Corruption, many plans cannot be executed prematurely. If swallowed by it, their strategies would immediately be exposed.

Of course, the Herrscher of Corruption isn't entirely invulnerable; otherwise, Ellie and her allies wouldn't have defeated it before.

However, the Herrscher within Raiden Mei can only be considered an inactive backup, leaving Ana unable to preemptively strike it down now.

All she could do was seize this opportunity...

"Mei..."

"Hm?"

"Soon, you'll encounter the true Elysian Realm and uncover its genuine secrets. At that point, my experiences will no longer be of much use to you."

As Ana spoke, she blinked thoughtfully.

"My experiences belong to me alone, not providing answers for your journey. What you must do is seek out your own path and truths. Do you understand?"

"You mean...you're planning to temporarily disappear?"

As expected of Raiden Mei, the top student quickly grasped Ana's true intentions.

Yes, Ana planned to temporarily vanish from sight.

In the Elysian Realm, she was considered an outsider. Once the Herrscher of Destruction outside is eliminated, the Herrscher of Corruption within would awaken and inevitably begin consuming the Garden's data, seizing the initiative.

By going missing now, Ana could position herself covertly ahead of time. As she temporarily disappears, her presence in the memories of the Heroic Spirits will significantly diminish.

At that point, Ana could truly become a hidden pawn, unseen by most. Only Raiden Mei, another outsider, would remember her existence, serving as Ana's eyes for observation and action. When Raiden Mei departs, it will be the agreed-upon moment for their counterattack.

This was Ana's plan, meticulously devised from the beginning, with the process and strategy endorsed by the Heroic Spirits.

"I understand."

Raiden Mei nodded. Although she sensed there might be some hidden secret, she had no right to question it further.

Besides, this arrangement posed no harm to her either.

"Thank you for your guidance and companionship along the way, Teacher."

With these words, Raiden Mei solemnly bowed, acknowledging Ana's invaluable mentorship. While deserving of such respect, Ana felt slightly uncomfortable receiving it.

"There's no need for that; guiding others is simply my duty here," Ana replied with a gentle smile. "Continue on your journey. You will find the answers you seek."

After bidding farewell, Ana gracefully turned away, her figure fading as if she never appeared at all.

Watching Ana depart, Raiden Mei finally sighed deeply. For some inexplicable reason, she had a feeling they wouldn't meet again for a very long time, which somehow felt...

Meanwhile, in the Eternal Paradise, Ana quietly materialized alongside Elysia, who was elegantly dressed.

"You must have sensed it by now," Ana remarked lightly.

"Yes, this era's Herrscher of Corruption is indeed quite a troublesome little one." Elysia furrowed her brow, but despite her concern, her tone remained somewhat casual and nonchalant.

Indeed, from the beginning, Elysia never feared the Herrscher of Corruption. As the Herrscher of Origin, she held no significant apprehension towards any Herrschers except for the Herrscher of Finality.

Moreover, the weakness of the Herrscher of Corruption was glaringly obvious.

Unfortunately, once the Herrscher of Corruption entered the Elysian Realm, they were like a fish entering the vast ocean—though not intimidated, eliminating them became exceedingly difficult.

It should be noted that here, Elysia exists only as a memory fragment, not the true Herrscher of Origin.

In other words, from the outset, Elysia had prepared for a mutual destruction between the Elysian Realm and the Herrscher of Corruption. There simply were no other viable options or alternatives.

As for Aponia's prophecy, it was undoubtedly true; no one ever doubted her visions.

Although Ellie's existence had severed the original timeline, this is the Elysian Realm—a realm of memories and consciousness, essentially still part of the previous era in some sense.

Yes, Aponia foresaw long ago that Ana's arrival would bring about a turning point. That's why she consistently supported their endeavors.

"Indeed, she is quite troublesome, posing just as significant a threat to the Garden as the Herrscher of Corruption from the previous civilization."

"But fear not!"

"As long as I exist here, as the means she entrusted to this place, I will ensure your safety!"

"This may be the vast ocean of the Herrscher of Corruption, but simultaneously, it serves as a fishing net against it!"

"When the fish has grown mature, it will be time to reel in the catch."

"At that moment, I shall usher in a new future for the Elysian Realm, bestowing upon it a renewed purpose!"