LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 404: Kiana and Elysia
It was a suffocating era. Even through Fu Hua's memories, Kiana felt the crushing weight of humanity's fragility against the Honkai.
Homes lost, hope extinguished. The cities built from the ashes were mere cages.
"Honkai..." Kiana's fingers trembled against the window, the scorched earth below filling her with dread.
The Honkai was a constant threat. If this were her era's fate, could she find the strength to carry on?
"Hua, don't look anymore."
Sensing Kiana's distress, Elysia gently pulled down the window shade. "We can't change the past. All we can do is keep fighting."
Elysia's voice was gentle, yet firm. What kind of person could remain optimistic in such a world?
Kiana felt a surge of curiosity towards this enigmatic girl. She looked at Elysia, her perpetual smile like an everlasting spring blossom.
This was Fu Hua's memory space. Kiana had expected to simply relive her past, but now she realized this was more than just memories. It was a glimpse into an entire era.
"Elysia..." She spoke the name, not from Fu Hua's memory, but from her own will.
"Hmm?" Elysia tilted her head, a questioning look in her eyes.
"In this depressing world, how can you still smile?"
Elysia paused, then smiled even brighter. "Someone once told me that a smile is the best way to spread positivity. But everyone is so tired now, they can't even force a smile."
Her pink hair fluttered in the helicopter's downdraft, like clouds at dawn. Sunlight glinted in her light blue eyes.
"Because everyone lacks smiles, I have to smile even more. In this cruel world, someone needs to inspire others. And that's my role."
Her words were lighthearted, but Kiana, having experienced similar despair, saw the hidden pain beneath the smile.
If… if Ren hadn't been there for me, could I still smile?
Kiana didn't know.
The human spirit was fragile, easily broken by suffering. Yet it was also resilient, clinging to the smallest sliver of hope even in the depths of despair.
Ren was Kiana's lifeline. But who was Elysia's?
"You remind me of a friend."
"Oh? I didn't know Hua had friends." Though a bit rude, Kiana couldn't imagine the stoic Fu Hua having many friends.
Somehow, within Fu Hua's memories, Kiana was acting on her own accord, both as Hua and herself.
"His name is Ren. He's like you, always putting on a brave face, even when he's hurting."
"Oh my, he sounds like a strong person. I'd love to meet him someday. But Elysia isn't hurting. She's a perfectly lovely girl."
"..." Kiana couldn't help but smile at Elysia's playful tone. The gloom in her heart lifted slightly.
Elysia was right. Smiles were contagious.
"But meeting him is impossible. We're separated by time."
For Elysia, it was the present. But Kiana knew this was just a memory. Even in this fantastical space, she couldn't bridge the gap of 50,000 years and introduce Ren to someone likely long dead.
"You never know. A cute girl can do anything."
Elysia sounded confident, but Kiana just smiled, unconvinced.
Sunlight pierced the clouds, briefly illuminating the desolate landscape.
The helicopter sped across the wasteland, kicking up dust. No one noticed the faint blue streak trailing behind it, following Kiana's movements.
…
In the real world, Ren frowned. The Gem of Haste he'd given Kiana had been activated.
Sensing further, he realized Kiana herself had triggered it. He didn't understand why, but since it was her choice, he wouldn't interfere.
Within the memory space, empowered by the Gem of Haste, Kiana's autonomy increased. She was no longer just playing a role, but actively experiencing this bygone era.
Alongside Elysia, Kiana fought against the Honkai. These battles were different. Even the weakest Chariot-class Honkai beast was comparable to a current-era Emperor-class.
The Honkai grew stronger alongside civilization. These powerful beasts hinted at the Previous Era's advancements.
Yet, even that civilization had fallen.
Gradually, Kiana found the answers she sought—Fu Hua's origins.
She was a MANTIS soldier from 50,000 years ago, one of the last warriors of that era. Kiana had entered this memory at the time of the Herrscher of Corruption's emergence.
As Hua, she participated in the battles against the Herrscher.
She fought alongside other warriors, eliminating the Honkai beasts. She'd hoped to change the past, but ultimately, she witnessed the destruction of humanity's last three cities.
"Sorry, Hua. It seems I won't be able to keep my promise about that dress."
Elysia found Kiana just as the Fenghuang Down's energy was depleted.
"Now's not the time for clothes."
"I see." Elysia's usual cheerfulness was gone, her voice soft and hoarse. She tried to smile, but couldn't.
Fate was cruel, breaking the strongest spirits, silencing the brightest smiles.
Sadness consumed Kiana as the memory faded.
"Ren, do you think we can truly defeat the Honkai?"