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Chapter 515 - MGSFV?! Chapter 515. “The Scripture” Will Live On; Could Miss Fairy Actually Be a Genius?

MGSFV?! Chapter 515. "The Scripture" Will Live On; Could Miss Fairy Actually Be a Genius?

How to put it...

Mei had indeed been continuously changing.

But honestly, ever since Starlit Astrologos, all the way to the Elysian Realm and Everlasting Paradise—

Even though Mei appeared frequently in the main story and even bore relatively important "duties"...

Like assisting in the Authority Theater and supporting Kalosthen, becoming the foundation for calling back Elysia in Everlasting Paradise... etc.

But...

Undeniably, in those stories, Mei was not the protagonist—or rather, not the core.

Thus, while players progressed through those arcs, their attention didn't really fall heavily on Mei. Hmm... maybe saying they had no opportunity to focus on Mei is more accurate.

So, the fact that they now felt this sense of "sudden realization" wasn't that strange.

[Suddenly reminded of Otto—no, Father Otto's famous quote: A person experiences three stages of growth.

The first is understanding right from wrong.

The second is understanding that not everything has a clear right or wrong.

The third is: even after understanding some things have no right or wrong, still choosing to do what you believe in—and taking responsibility for it.]

[""The Scripture" Will Live On"]

[That "Scripture" from Chapter 11... now it's Chapter 34 and it still applies. Honkai Impact 3rd's core themes have never wavered...]

"The yearning for beautiful things, of course, won't fade with time."

"Hmm?"

"Actually, it's like..."

"You don't need a metaphor. I already get it. Just like you can't let go of your weird metaphors, Honkai Impact 3rd's writers also never gave up writing a story that lets everyone feel something beautiful."

"?"

...

Viewers chatting briefly while watching the cutscene.

Back to the story.

In the plot.

Since Mei was now so resolute, whether the Herrscher of Thunder's persona had been convinced actually no longer mattered.

Couldn't win in a fight, couldn't win an argument—so even if she wasn't convinced, what difference did it make? (lol)

The two of them quickly realized this almost simultaneously.

The Herrscher of Thunder fell silent, no longer questioning Mei's decision.

As for Mei, after clearly expressing her feelings, she brought up something else just before they parted.

"But no matter what, this could be considered me returning to my origin... If I think positively, maybe this was a preview of something else."

She was fairly optimistic.

Elysia: That's exactly how it should be. Compared to sitting there worried and giving up without even trying—doing something first is clearly more proactive.

The Herrscher of Thunder, however, wasted no time questioning her again.

"What, that matter? You still haven't given up?"

Though her tone had unknowingly softened quite a bit—not nearly as angry as before.

[That "matter"? Probably refers to exploring Origin, right?]

[She means finding Elysia!!]

[But then again, exploring Origin and finding Elysia might be two different things. Finding Origin doesn't necessarily mean finding Elysia.]

[Ahh... no way miHoYo would play word games like that, right?]

Of course, Mei wasn't going to wander off into baseless speculation like the players.

When she heard the Herrscher of Thunder ask if she still wanted to "explore Origin," she gave a very certain response.

"Of course not."

Then added:

"Beautiful things don't disappear completely—that's my belief now."

This line from Mei was something they could deeply empathize with.

Because...

Just now, weren't they themselves also firmly believing that "no matter when or where, Elysia will respond to your hope"?

As for in the plot.

Herrscher of Thunder: "..."

She gave no comment in response to Mei's declaration.

However, after hearing everything Mei had to say, and realizing what she needed to know had been said—

This reunion probably needed to end.

Of course, before ending it, she had one last reminder for her "other self," although Mei had likely already realized it.

"Those dreams... to be precise, weren't meant to belittle you."

Those dreamscapes being shaped the way they were did have to do with her memories.

But the power that constructed those dreams came from the Stigmata Project.

And the power of the Stigmata Project... was something she naturally couldn't control.

As for who made the Stigmata Project's power align with her thoughts to form those dreams...

It wasn't hard to guess, was it?

"Of course." Mei was unsurprised: "The truly arrogant one, who never really understood humanity... is someone else, right?"

She said this while silently tightening her grip on her sword, readying herself for battle.

The thunder of conquest would strike down all enemies.

"Hahahaha..."

The Herrscher of Thunder laughed aloud: "Good... very good."

"Since you've grown up..."

She instead was the first to draw the blade from her waist, and raised the long sword crackling with crimson lightning high.

[Wait—they're fighting again?]

Of course not.

The Herrscher of Thunder slashed—but not at Mei. She cleaved open this pure white space.

A crimson rift appeared, and through it, everyone could faintly glimpse the outside world.

"...Go and strike down that bastard."

Even at the end, Big Sis Thunder's tone remained unchanged—still brimming with power.

"Don't disgrace the name 'Raiden Mei.'"

"Hmph. Goodbye."

[Why the "hmph" at the end? Big Sis Thunder really does give off secret tsundere vibes (not really)]

[That closing tone... had soul]

[So, who's the next fight against?]

Some players were still more concerned with plot.

[Probably that villain who already raised a death flag—Gray Serpent, or maybe Gold Serpent?]

...

Flags raised usually get triggered.

So unsurprisingly, after Mei exited the pure white space via the rift cut by the Herrscher of Thunder—

She soon saw Gold Serpent standing opposite her.

"You sure have the time to spare. Aren't you afraid your revered leader will come after you?"

"I owe no debt," Gold Serpent replied without emotion.

[No offense, but Raven was right—this Gray Serpent really talks like a robot.]

[If it were the "Poet Serpent" here, he'd already be quoting classics left and right...]

Some players in chat began mocking Gold Serpent and nostalgically missing the old poetic speech of Gray Serpent.

Then... a player actually imitated him with a line:

[Cattle fell, offering flesh and blood. Wheat fell, offering seeds. Trees fell, offering firewood and fruit... Countless destructions give rise to one life. The price is immense. But my birth—was of nothingness.]

[You there—are you Gray Serpent himself?]

[If Gold Serpent spoke like that, I might even feel sympathy. 23333]

[Language artistry is important sometimes.]

[Now that you mention it, maybe the "Poet Serpent" used that speech style to boost persuasive power. Just like how Serpent mimicked Elysia.]

[Creation reflects its creator—isn't that perfectly normal? (dog head emoji)]

Indeed.

If Gold Serpent had responded in "Poet Serpent" style, Mei might've had a different reaction.

But unfortunately, Gold Serpent's words were just a cold, emotionless statement.

So Mei also replied with an equally cold and indifferent tone.

"The technology you're testing... Kevin probably doesn't know, does he?"

But...

Her line carried unusual weight.

What "technology under test"? And "Kevin might not know"?

Was Gold Serpent secretly doing something major again?

Also—how did Mei know?

Logically, with their god's-eye perspective, they'd seen everything Mei had.

So why did Mei seem to "realize" something while they were still confused?

[...]*N

[Probably still related to that earlier confrontation with the Herrscher of Thunder.]

As they pondered, the plot moved on.

In-game.

Faced with Mei's question, Gold Serpent responded stiffly as usual: "You are a rare experimental subject."

"That woman named Seele has already separated from her Stigma's will—while you remain in chaos."

"As for Schicksal's two S-rank Valkyries... their awakening process was too unique to be valid comparisons."

[Huh? I think I'm starting to get what Gold Serpent wants. Is he trying to...]

[Trying to what? Say it, already!]

[Give me a moment (serious.jpg)]

[...?]

Fine. Let Mei reveal it.

Then...

In-game Mei frowned slightly, speaking bluntly:

"Don't tell me... you want all awakened Stigmata to form their own wills—and replace their original consciousness?"

Now it was clear.

[???]

[So you use humans to complete the Stigmata Project, then kick them out? Really, Gold Serpent?]

[Like a startup booting its founder post-IPO.]

Not only did Gold Serpent think this—he also said it shamelessly:

"This way, the world after the Stigmata Project's completion will prosper more quickly."

[To Gold Serpent, what is humanity?]

[Instant answer: Nothing (utterly ruthless)]

"As for the Sovereign—he doesn't care. That means, he won't object."

[To Kevin...]

[The Stigmata Project is top priority. It's the unshakable fallback plan.]

"However, it seems this experiment has failed... A shame."

"Humanity isn't as easy to control as you imagine."

Mei spoke coldly, clearly ready to act.

But...

For certain reasons, she held herself back.

Then asked: "So... where's Raven?"

Even now, she made a point to confirm Raven's safety.

Mei truly...

"She will soon be hunted by World Serpent... after I eliminate you."

That was Gold Serpent's reply.

Mei: "..."

She fell silent, not expecting Gold Serpent to be this merciless.

After all, Raven had worked hard for World Serpent for so long.

Even if not rewarded—she at least deserved some recognition.

What's more, Raven could be considered a meritorious member of World Serpent.

And yet... Gold Serpent's decision—completely lacked any humanity.

"Very well."

Now, Mei could attack without reservation.

"...Oh?" Gold Serpent responded quietly.

"You must've heard what I said to myself earlier."

"Indeed. She told you to 'strike down that bastard.' Though... perhaps she hasn't realized—she herself is the waste produced in the mining process."

[Gold Serpent's "jokes" and metaphors aren't just unfunny—they're infuriating.]

[Yeah, whenever Miss Fairy uses bizarre metaphors it brings laughter. But Gold Serpent? Not even a little.]

[Hmm... Could it be that Miss Fairy is actually a metaphor genius?]

"Exactly, exactly. Miss Fairy is indeed a metaphor genius. Seems everyone's got sharp eyes."

Blatantly quoting out of context.

Naturally, it stirred up another wave of playful responses:

[Quoting out of context—excerpt from Do Not Quote Out of Context]

The chat vibe shifted once again.

Somehow, equally strange lines—yet Miss Fairy brought joy, while Gold Serpent did not.

From this angle, Elysia was on an entirely different level from Gold Serpent.

Learn properly.jpg

Even your creator, Gray Serpent, wants to master that "advanced" technique.

...

Back to the plot.

After hearing what Gold Serpent said about the Herrscher of Thunder, Mei narrowed her eyes.

"Weren't you planning to use her to replace me?"

"Indeed. But as I said—the experiment has failed. In that case... I won't waste further thought on sunk costs."

"No wonder Kevin chose you as a safeguard in the Stigmata Project. Even among the Gray Serpents—you must be one of the most devoid of humanity."

[Harsh but accurate.]

[Mei's burn was on point. Gold Serpent is utterly inhuman.]

But even after such a sharp jab, Gold Serpent replied without shame:

"Thank you for the compliment."

Was Mei praising you?

Such humility... from a teapot full of nonsense...

[Compliment??? Gold Serpent's making people really mad now.]

[Hmm... could the writer be deliberately making Gold Serpent the target of all the hate?]

[And what would that achieve?]

[Well... maybe now you don't dislike the other Gray Serpents as much. Which means—if they show up later, you might accept them more easily.]

[Wait... are you saying the other Gray Serpents will play a big role later?]

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