Previously, Otto—who had hidden behind the scenes during the Herrscher of Sentience incident—had invaded a puppet and had been secretly observing the protagonists' battle against the Herrscher of Dominance.
In fact, Hokuto had slipped a few strange lines into Thousand Laws' meetings...
Lines that made people wonder if that puppet had been possessed.
But maybe because it flashed by so quickly, players didn't really notice.
It'll probably be something they only realize when they revisit the main story later—that the writers had left foreshadowing all along.
As for why Otto, who clearly wanted to grab the Herrscher Core, ended up silently watching the entire incident play out...
Maybe he believed the protagonist team could defeat the Herrscher of Dominance?
After all, Otto was someone who always believed in "love"—believed in the power of emotion, believed that humanity could surpass itself.
This is actually part of what was covered in Interlude to Chapter 25. The Blade That Would Not Burn Out.
Of course, the content of that interlude is incredibly dense.
It laid extensive groundwork for Otto's "Tree Rushing" plan and contained a massive amount of information.
And with Dusk of the Fool approaching, Hokuto also had his own ideas about how Honkai Impact 3rd should proceed next.
For instance, he directly added the content of the manga Legacy into the game as a side story—
Because that manga's plot connects to both Elysian Realm and Dusk of the Fool, and it's quite important.
Definitely has nothing to do with the emotional stabs in this story arc. Nope.
——
One week before the start of the online concert.
Elysia:
Today I'm heading to miHoYo—anyone willing to cover my stream~?
Kalpas:
1111
I won't be the last one this time.
He still remembered how last time, because he was slow to react, he got forcibly conscripted by Elysia.
But... Elysia hadn't even said anything this time yet.
Elysia:
Oh~ Kalpas is willing to help? That's wonderful. Then I'll leave it to you!
Kalpas:
...?
Mobius:
Kalpas, Kalpas. Do your best. No slacking.
Hahahahahaha.
Kalpas:
Get lost!
The atmosphere between Mobius and Kalpas was as lively as ever.
Elysia:
But I might not have time to check in on the stream today, honestly...
I'm a little worried leaving it to Kalpas alone.
Elysia:
Anyone else willing to co-host the stream? Help keep the mood balanced?
A chill ran down Mobius' back.
She had a bad feeling Elysia was going to stir things up and pair her with Kalpas for the stream—just for the laughs.
Before Elysia could say anything more, Mobius quickly typed out her refusal.
Mobius:
I've got other things today. I need to discuss Version 15 with Mei... Anyway, I'm very busy. No time.
Elysia:
Aww~ Mobius, you seem a little nervous? (smile)
Mobius:
...
Elysia:
Must be my imagination~
She didn't continue teasing Mobius.
Elysia:
@Pardofelis, Felis, you should be free today, right?
Pardofelis:
Huh? Me and Big Bro Kalpas? Please don't, Elysia! I've never streamed before, and...
How is she supposed to keep Kalpas in check?!
That's just bullying the kitty!
Elysia:
Don't forget—all donations from today's stream will go to you and Kalpas~~
Pardofelis:
Then it's my duty! Leave it to me, Elysia! (Confident kitty thumping chest.jpg)
Elysia's stream is huge right now—definitely a top streamer across pilipili and the entire platform.
Even if most people are there just for Elysia, as long as some stay...
Kitty did a quick count on her paws, and her eyes practically turned into gold coins.
And if Hokuto found out Pardofelis was streaming, he'd probably show a pleased smile too.
The better her relationship is with everyone, the better.
——
About ten minutes later.
Elysia's stream quietly went live.
After a brief pause, viewers in the stream started typing in the chat.
[This simple and straightforward vibe... Is that you, Big Bro Kalpas?!]
[Miss Pink Elf skipping stream duty again today? Hang in there, Kalpas.]
['Miss Pink Elf's Number One Fan' sent a BIG cheer ×233]
[Miss Pink Elf's Number One Fan: All hail Big Bro Kalpas!!]
"It's me."
Kalpas replied to the viewers in his usual tone:
"You're all still here, huh. Seems you haven't been mentally destroyed by Honkai Impact 3rd's recent stabs. Not bad. Solid fortitude."
"Kalpas, isn't that a bit stiff?" Pardofelis gently reminded.
"Then you do it." Kalpas' voice remained stiff.
"Alright, leave it to me."
Pardofelis cleared her throat:
"Hello hello~ Dear friends from near and far~ I'm today's stand-in streamer: your one and only Felis..."
"Meow~~"
A sudden meow rang out in the stream.
"Ah! Canned Food, don't jump on the computer! Get down!"
Pardofelis' voice immediately distorted.
"Meow~~"
"Shh~~ Canned Food, be serious! We're livestreaming right now!"
Kalpas: "..."
Elysia asking Felis to handle the stream atmosphere...
In some ways, a very successful move.
"Ahem~"
Pardofelis finally managed to get Canned Food under control and gave a light cough.
"Since you've all honored us with your presence in Elysia's stream—even if she's not here—I still can't let you down."
"Of course, if you're enjoying yourselves, please support us! If you've got cash, toss some cash; if not, cheer us on with your presence!"
She was getting into the mood—and staying true to her priorities (money, obviously).
"Enough chatter, let's get to the main event! Today, I, Felis, will bring you a relaxing, joyful..."
Pardofelis lowered her voice:
"Kalpas, what exactly are we streaming? Elysia didn't tell me anything earlier."
"...Just keep doing what you're doing now. That's good enough."
"Keep doing this? Huh? I don't have that much to talk about, you know? What, am I supposed to share my survival tips with everyone?"
Felis protested:
"And even if I do, it's not useful to you guys—everything I do relies on Canned Food helping out."
"Like sneaking supplies from Vill-V's place, checking out Hokuto's garden, peeking into Kalpas' wardrobe—without Canned Food's help, I can't do any of that..."
"Ahem ahem, Kalpas, you didn't hear me say anything weird just now, right?"
Kalpas: "..."
[Miss Felis is truly a character.]
[True. Miss Pink Elf always attracts uniquely charming people.]
[A study of Miss Pink Elf's wonderfully weird social circle. (doge emoji)]
[Thank you, Miss Felis, for bringing me this smile. I'll always remember this beautiful feeling.]