Transcluded Script

This section contains story script that was transcluded from the game with the help of OCR tools to avoid human-made mistakes as much as possible. Generally speaking, it shouldn't be altered unless the in-game equivalent has been changed. Any typos or other errors that are also present in the game are to be retained on the wiki but can be marked via {{sic}}.

Chinese and Japanese romanizations and translations, if present, are unofficial.

Signets

Wrath of the Mad King - Origin

The raging fire was consuming and devouring everything.

Kalpas

Hmm?

Kalpas

A Herrscher?

Mei

Hi, I'm Raiden Mei.

Kalpas

Your name isn't important, Herrscher.

Kalpas

And I'm not in the habit of remembering dead people's names.

Wrath of the Mad King - Victory

Mei

Enough of your tricks. Come and get me.

Kalpas

Get you? Hahaha...

Kalpas

If I wished to do so, do you really think you could stand here talking to me?

Mei

...

Kalpas

The name is Kalpas. I'm a MANTIS and the bearer of the Signets of Decimation. I forgot my rank. It's not important.

Mei

Herrscher of Thunder, Raiden Mei.

Kalpas

Ha, a Herrscher... when did the Honkai start to excavate civilizations it laid to waste?

Mei

I'm not like any Herrscher you know.

Kalpas

But you're still a Herrscher.

Mei

...

Kalpas

A Herrscher coveting the power of man... Laughable.

Mei

I'm not here for power.

Kalpas

Then why are you here? And what does it have to do with me?

Kalpas

You pass my trial and I'll give you a chance - simple as that.

Mei

That trick you pulled before... was it a trial?

Kalpas

Hahaha, are you trying to irritate me, Herrscher?

Kalpas

I hate anything complicated. The purest trial is the most effective.

Kalpas

You lose and you die. It can't be simpler.

Kalpas

...Herrscher, do you know how many have fallen here?

Mei

I know I'm not joining them.

Kalpas

Try your best to stay alive in the Elysian Realm, Herrscher. We'll meet again.

Kalpas

Next time, show me your true wrath and maybe I'll be interested in testing your strength myself.

Kalpas

All have been cremated.

Kalpas

This body will soon follow.

Kalpas

Life. Death.

Kalpas

Only the fire of [Decimation]

Kalpas

will burn on!

Wrath of the Mad King - Defeat

Mei

Who are you exactly?

Kalpas

Someone who saved your pathetic life.

Mei

Seems like you're keener to take my life.

Kalpas

You almost died in someone else's hunting ground and you blame the game for being too fierce? Laughable.

Mei

...

Kalpas

I'll be honest with you, Herrscher. You're far from ready to inherit my power or to withstand my wrath.

Kalpas

I'm not gonna waste any more time on you, Herrscher.

Kalpas

If you wish to take something from me, follow up and show me your wrath. Demonstrate that you've got what it takes.

Mei

...I will.

Kalpas

Ha, take the power of Decimation and move on, Herrscher. We'll meet again.

Mei

Decimation...

Kalpas

Kalpas, bearer of the Signets of Decimation.

Kalpas

All have been cremated.

Kalpas

This body will soon follow.

Kalpas

Life. Death.

Kalpas

Only the fire of [Decimation]

Kalpas

will burn on!

Granting Signets 1

Kalpas

Rage, hatred, struggle, and extermination. If you accept these, it will bring an end to your pain.

Granting Signets 2

Kalpas

Fight everything. Kill everything. Remember everything. Sound the horn of doom.

Granting Signets 3

Kalpas

Kill your enemies. Kill those in your way. Kill potential threats. Kill everything that is not your kind!

Granting Signets 4

Kalpas

You don't have to be a moth - you're a fire that will consume everything.

Granting Signets 5

Kalpas

For a long time, they forbade me to carry a weapon. Now I've become a weapon myself— the most lethal kind.

Granting Signets 6

Kalpas

Come! This bloodbath is for you! Hack and slash and tear them apart! Christen the ground with blood and fire!

Granting Signets 7

Kalpas

Come, let me see your resolve and your rage! Burn everything down!

Granting Signets 8

Kalpas

I'm about to witness something great! Kill everything in your sight!

Granting Signets 9

Kalpas

You have your own monument. Just today we engraved it with more feats. Enemies will taste a deeper sort of fear.

Granting Signets 10

Kalpas

That's right. Keep killing and keep fighting! The wailing of enemies is the only proof we're alive!

Granting Signets 11

Kalpas

"Take one step back and my blade will claim your life swiftly." That's right, say that to me, now.

Granting Signets 12

Kalpas

Come, unleash your power! Let's dance in blood with this arrogant world!

Granting Signets 13

Kalpas

Grasp your weapon and summon your wrath! Everything shall perish before you!

Granting Signets 14

Kalpas

Don't seek me in battle. I'm smoke on the field. I'm war itself.

Granting Signets 15

Kalpas

Elysia, time for you to keep your word! Keep them coming and I'll make them cry and turn them into ashes!

Granting Signets 16

Kalpas

I'm also a musician, Eden. I play a broken instrument but the music never dies. Listen, the cries of monsters! Beautiful!

Granting Signets 17

Kalpas

I don't need anyone to fight alongside me. I just need enemies. They should flood my sight and then... burn in my rage.

Mad King's Memory 1

Kalpas

You're too late, Successor.

Mei

I never thought I was the first of this era to come here.

Kalpas

But you're the first to accept my Signets.

Kalpas

Haha, such irony. My Successor is a Herrscher who took everything from me.

Kalpas

If I could, I would forget my situation and kill you right here and now.

Mei

I'm not here to make enemies.

Kalpas

That's not up to you, Herrscher.

Mei

But I don't mind making a few more enemies.

Kalpas

Ha, be my guest.

Mad King's Memory 2

Mei

Hello.

Kalpas

Don't talk to Kalpas. Has no one reminded you of this, Herrscher?

Mei

Now you have.

Kalpas

Ha.

Mei

Is everyone else in the MOTHs also like you?

Kalpas

Heheh. How could that be?

Kalpas

I walked out of the fire and never thought of going back in.

Kalpas

The MOTHs. Don't associate my name with it.

Mei

But still, you're here, as one of the Flame-Chasers.

Kalpas

Because they gave me what I wanted.

Kalpas

A never-ending war.

Mad King's Memory 3

Mei

Your mask... I've never seen you take it off.

Kalpas

And you should be glad, Herrscher.

Mei

Sounds like you're going to say "Everyone who's seen my face is dead."

Kalpas

No, there's one... the only one.

Mei

...I think I know who that is.

Kalpas

Of course you know. He sent you here. A Herrscher.

Mei

...Seems like you're ready to take it off, Kalpas.

Kalpas

Haha, what makes you think that, Herrscher?

Kalpas

You don't have what it takes for me to take it off now.

Mad King's Memory 4

Kalpas

You've got some nerves, Herrscher.

Kalpas

Again and again. What? You're dying to find yourself another opponent?

Mei

Your hostility never changes, Kalpas.

Mei

Another opponent. That's how you hurt your once partners?

Kalpas

Hahaha...

Kalpas

You've been snooping around, huh? It won't do you any good.

Kalpas

Partners? Listen, I never had any partners, and I never will.

Kalpas

Just disturbing noises...

Mei

Oh, from the look of things... it's gonna be hard for you to have any partners, but it's not important.

Mei

Looks like you've stopped trying to cover up the past.

Kalpas

Cover up? Haha...

Kalpas

Of course... of course! The sooner you learn the better... who I really am.

Kalpas

Then... you'll stop circling around me.

Mad King's Memory 5

Kalpas

Yes, "Asura"... someone did once call me this.

Kalpas

There's no special meaning, it was just the name of the Honkai Beast I integrated with.

Mei

What kind of Honkai Beast was that?

Kalpas

...

Mei

...I thought you hunted it down yourself.

Kalpas

If I did, there wouldn't be anything left for that lunatic to integrate with me.

Mei

Lunatic... that's the first time I heard you call someone that.

Kalpas

What? You think I'm a lunatic myself and I'm in no position to call someone else that?

Mei

No, you're not crazy. You're just full of rage.

Mei

Your rage never seems to run out.

Kalpas

Hahaha...

Kalpas

That's right. Until everything is decimated, my burning rage will not cease.

Kalpas

Battle has lost its meaning, and the rage is all I have left. Losing it would be betrayal.

Mad King's Memory 6

Kalpas

Haha... hahahaha...

Mei

You seem to be in a good mood.

Mei

If you're open to suggestions, you can try to smile more. This helps with your interpersonal relations.

Kalpas

I tried, but the most typical reaction was shivers.

Mei

I meant smiles in a more friendly way. Just like... Ellie...

Mei

......

Mei

Uh, or Mobi...

Mei

Never mind.

Mei

So... is there really something that can cheer you up beside fighting?

Kalpas

You haven't seen it yourself yet, Herrscher. You're different.

Kalpas

Change... is something I haven't seen for a long time, but I saw it on you.

Kalpas

Come on! Challenge me! Let me see what sets you and the other feeble Herrschers apart.

Mei

......

Mei

Feeble? That's a fresh comment on Herrschers.

Mei

They say fearlessness comes from ignorance. Kalpas, how many Herrschers have you faced up against?

Kalpas

You can try...

Kalpas started to count with his fingers...

He ran out of ten fingers very soon.

Kalpas lowered his head and laid his eyes on his shoes.

Mei

......

Mei

Alright, no need to be exact. I was just... asking.

Mad King's Memory 7

Mei

... Now it seems to be Flame-Chasers are more than just soldiers.

Mei

You're a rare type among them.

Kalpas

What? You meant to say I was the only one who could accomplish nothing but fighting?

Mei

You can say so if you wish, but it's not exactly easy to be a master fighter.

Mei

In my time, I've never seen anyone so obsessed with ravaging as you.

Mei

They fight to stop fighting, but you, on the opposite, fight to keep on fighting.

Kalpas

Your time is boring as hell. Oh... maybe it's because you're all too weak.

Mei

That's exactly what puzzles me, Kalpas. Your power is... out of proportion.

Mei

Where did it come from?

Kalpas

Friendship, hard work, and victory.

Mei

None of these seem to be connected with you.

Kalpas

You're right. It has nothing to do with you either.

Mei

No, power is never my target, but it can serve as a good means to avoid tragedies.

Kalpas

Oh, then you should receive the surgery too. There's someone interested in turning a Herrscher into a MANTIS, and you know who.

Mei

You know that's not the answer I'm looking for - you were already incredibly strong before the surgery.

Kalpas

And your point being?

Kalpas

Save your breath, Herrscher. You're not gonna see anyone else like me. Oh... unless you live long enough... tens of thousands of years, perhaps.

Kalpas

Can you do that, Herrscher?

Mad King's Memory 8

Mei

Though someone warned me of it...

Mei

I still want to ask you about the second time.

Kalpas

What, you finally found a reason to die for?

Mei

I often find key information in forgotten historic records. I don't want to miss anything.

Mei

Not to mention you're the most special in the Flame-Chasers in a sense.

Kalpas

I don't care what you think! Who warned you not to say that to me? What a big mouth... Was it Elysia again?

Mei

Right. Should I heed her advice?

Kalpas

You're asking me?

Kalpas

You like regretting doing the wrong thing, don't you?

Kalpas

Yes... when she saw me, everything was taken from me twice.

Kalpas

So what? To the day... more than twice! Why must we care about her rhetoric?

Mei

More than twice? I guessed wrongly, then.

Mei

Given your disgust at turning into a monster, I thought you underwent two surgeries.

Kalpas

As if they'll stop seeing me as a monster if I don't!

Kalpas

Herrscher, you want the truth? This is the truth! Everything I saw among humans only taught me one thing.

Kalpas

Anything lost cannot be brought back! I will not squander when I can exact revenge... on everything!

Kalpas

At least you still have time to settle old scores. Don't you forget it if you want my power.

Mei

(He's talking to himself again...)

Mad King's Memory 9

Mei

......

Kalpas

Herrscher, what have you heard?

Mei

Nothing. I accidentally learned that after the Cocoon disbanded, a prisoner associated to it was released.

Mei

About the prisoner... I have some guesses.

Kalpas

You like guessing.

Mei

I saw a boy... or a teenager, he felt like a typical Cocoon agent, like you and Sakura.

Kalpas

Him? Hmph, he had what it takes to be a Cocoon. Too bad he set his bars too high.

Kalpas

The type of heroes that kid wants to be can only exist as corpses.

Mei

You have a lot of opinions on him.

Kalpas

That boy is likable, heh heh heh heh...

Mei

Are you serious?

Kalpas

The instinct he got is quite amusing. His impulse to devour helped me kill time. He doesn't even know this was the case.

Kalpas

I couldn't care less. After that boy cascaded to Honkai... I cancanSic; Expected: could finally take him seriously.

Mei

(I guess... for Kalpas to like you, you have to be odd in some way.)

Mei

But... devour you? I thought Kosma could only absorb Honkai Beasts. Kalpas, you're...

Kalpas

What the hell? You think I'm a mutant that can't take a hit? Hmph, how would I know something that couldn't be done?

Kalpas

Think about it, he became that pawn for a reason. Ya get it, Herrscher?

Mad King's Memory 10

Kalpas

Stop.

Mei

Huh?

Kalpas

Where did you get that?

Mei

What are you talking about?

Kalpas

......

Following his gaze, Mei noticed the weapon she acquired in her exploration.

It was a standard-issue dagger that exuded grimness in a space fabricated by consciousness.

Mei

It has something to do with you?

Everything that can be seen in this space is inextricably linked to the Flame-Chasers, but these two have nothing in common.

Kalpas

You answer me first, Herrscher.

Mei

I came across it in the realm, much the same as everything else. I put it away because I suspect it has something to do with Flame-Chasers. And no, it's not from the real world.

Kalpas

Hmph... that'd be more interesting.

Kalpas

Save it, it suits you. It can bring you useless luck the next time you challenge me.

Mei

In other words, it did belong to you. It was your weapon?

Kalpas

My weapons don't last. They're too fragile compared to me. Capiche?

Kalpas

It's my adjutant's. He assassinated me many times with that dagger.

Mei

... Assassinate?

She looked at that dagger again doubtfully.

Kalpas

What? This toy can't hurt me, so he came up with other ways.

Kalpas

How Emile tried to kill me... was entertaining.

Mei

It's him... but is this really why you appointed him your adjutant? I thought it was just an excuse.

Kalpas

Do I look like I need excuses?

Kalpas

Besides, if there were other reasons, why would I tell you?

Chapter 1

About the Tragedy of the Binding 1

Kalpas

Herrscher, did you find the power you came for?

Mei

I came to look for answers.

Kalpas

Power is the only answer.

Kalpas

Kevin sent you here. Didn't he explain?

Mei

He rarely explains anything to me.

Kalpas

Haha, did he forget? No, even I haven't forgotten. How could he?!

Kalpas

The tragedy of the Herrscher of Binding. How could he forget?!

Mei

The Herrscher of Binding?

Kalpas

Herrscher, let me give you a piece of free advice.

Kalpas

Without power, you can go no further... no, you can't even survive.

Mei

(He seems reluctant to bring up the Herrscher of Binding.)

About the MOTHs 1

Mei

What did the special forces in the MOTHs handle?

Kalpas

Go ask Sakura, or better yet, forget this.

Kalpas

Stepping into the shadow doesn't help you in any way.

Mei

What if I'm already in the shadow?

Kalpas

Then get out of it.

Mei

But the answers I seek might be there.

Mei

I need to know the MOTHs better, be it their light side or their dark side.

Kalpas

Dark side? Haha...

Kalpas

Herrscher, in the MOTHs, what you understand as the dark side is still part of the light.

Kalpas

The true dark side... is there, somewhere out there.

Kalpas

But never try to find it, Herrscher. That's my advice.

Mei

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

Kalpas

But in case you walk into the place by mistake... I hope you'll come back alive and finish your journey.

About the Tragedy of the Binding 2

Kalpas

After I fell, you took me to Mobius.

Kalpas

And now you're asking me why I've turned out this way.

Hua

I meant to keep you away from the battle. You'd only die in vain fighting the Herrscher of Binding.

Kalpas

So did your plan work? Did it?

Hua

Judging from the result, you were right. I admit that.

Hua

If you didn't arrive on time, Fenghuang Down's first power wouldn't have been effective and I would have died.

Kalpas

So you know.

Hua

What I don't understand is, you never believed Mobius but you let her operate on you. At first, I thought Mobius forced you.

Hua

Later I was told you did give your consent. How did she convince you?

Kalpas

It's none of your business.

About Myself 1

Kalpas

Get lost.

Mei

...

Elysia

Come on, don't be like that, Kalpas.

Elysia

Are you OK, Mei? Did he frighten you?

Elysia

Don't worry, he just talks tough, but he never hurts his partners.

Elysia

Uh, there were a few accidents, but I guess that's unlikely.

Mei

It's alright. I don't mind.

Elysia

Anyway, Mei is our guest. Just try to be nice to her, OK?

Kalpas

...

Kalpas

Get lost, please.

About Myself 2

Hot steam was in the air - someone had just returned from the battleground and his boiling blood had yet to cool off.

That's Kalpas. He was always looking for the next target, but now he had gone quiet.

Mei

(...Looks like he needs rest after all.)

💬

About the mask...

💬

About Sakura...

💬

About Elysia...

< Choosing any option results in the same dialogue. >

Kalpas

Stay clear. I'm not in the mood.

About Myself 3

Kalpas

Do you have to hang around annoying me like this?

Kalpas

If you have questions, go ask Sakura. I don't know any more than she does.

Mei

She likes obscure metaphors... which makes understanding her a bit challenging.

Kalpas

And do I look more approachable than her?

Mei

At least you're straightforward.

Kalpas

...Weirdo.

Kalpas

So you think I'm straightforward. Fine.

Kalpas

I'm annoyed right now and I don't want to see anyone, including you. Leave me alone.

About Myself 4

Kalpas

Huh?

💬

About the mask...

💬

About Sakura...

💬

About Elysia...

< Choosing any option results in the same dialogue. >

Kalpas

Stay away. You don't think you're qualified to throw questions at me, do you?

💬

About the mask...

💬

About Sakura...

💬

About Elysia...

< Choosing any option results in the same dialogue. >

Kalpas

You deaf or something?

Elysia

Come on, don't be so harsh to the lovely lady.

Elysia

Mei, feel free to ask away. I'm also interested in many things about him.

Mei

(Her again...)

💬

About the mask...

💬

About Sakura...

💬

About Elysia...

< Choosing any option results in an extra dialogue. >

< If [About the mask...] was chosen: >

Elysia

A great question. He never brought it up, even to us.

Elysia

To be specific, he never told us why he wears it. The mask itself is plain. Perhaps Kalpas was adopting Eden's style back then.

Kalpas

Don't mention that name.

Elysia

No problem. How about you tell us why you put it on?

Kalpas

Just a habit.

Elysia

Ah...must have been a habit left over from childhood. I see.

< The episode will then end there. >

< If [About Sakura...] was chosen: >

Kalpas

...

Elysia

Uh, Mei, you sure know how to ask difficult questions.

Elysia

I feel sorry for her. She's an outstanding warrior, and I can relate to her decision at the final moment.

Kalpas

What do you mean you can relate? You can relate to her identity?

Elysia

See? Kalpas is upset already. He hates generalizing about someone, and that's why I said your question was difficult.

Mei

...

Kalpas

If I were there, things would have turned out a lot better.

Elysia

Right, if you were there, Sakura probably would have lived, but I can't say the same for everyone else...including you.

< The episode will then end there. >

< If [About Elysia...] was chosen: >

Elysia

What? You can simply ask me.

Elysia

Ah, I thought you understood me better than anyone else here.

About the Past 1

Elysia

Kalpas... you went to fight Kevin again?

Kalpas

...

Elysia

I know what's on your mind, but try to take a break from it.

Elysia

Anyway, you have to admit our world ended long ago.

Kalpas

That's your opinion, Elysia. I'll know once my fight ends.

Elysia

Come on, don't be such a blockhead. NotNotSic; Expected: It's not good for your health.

Kalpas

Haha, I'd love to talk about your demise... and see if you're still this calm after you learn the truth.

Elysia

You don't think I know nothing about it, do you?

Kalpas

...

Elysia

Everyone here except for Sakura knows how it ended.

Elysia

But I'm still smiling, right?

About the Past 2

Mei

I have to say you're an unusually tough opponent.

Mei

But I've also heard it's the good swimmers that are more likely to drown.

Mei

Have you ever been cornered in a fight? Has anyone ever beaten you?

Kalpas

... Yes. It's happened...two and a half times.

Mei

Two... and a half?

Kalpas

Kevin, Elysia...

Kalpas

And Sakura. It was a draw, so she only counted as a half.

About the Past 3

Elysia

Haha... I just can't help smiling.

Kalpas

...Shut up, I don't want to hear it again.

Elysia

That won't do. You were told this after becoming a sim, which has always bothered me.

Elysia

Not long after you left the base, I was sitting there watching them talk about you.

Elysia

There were tons of rumors, and most of them were not true.

Elysia

Like that you fought Sakura with a single hand and didn't lose... or that the girl who looked like Mobius was your daughter...

Elysia

It was all nonsense, but some actually believed the rumors.

Elysia

Just as they were enjoying the gossip, someone suddenly said "Kalpas is back!"

Kalpas

And it silenced everyone, right? You've told me this story too many times. It's pointless.

Elysia

It would be pointless if it stopped there. Your reputation was enough to mute them.

Elysia

But somehow, the phrase "Kalpas is back" became popular.

Elysia

Whenever someone shouts "Kalpas is back", everyone shuts their mouth immediately. Like magic.

Elysia

Did you not find it unusually quiet when you returned to base? That's why.

Kalpas

I couldn't care less.

Elysia

Really? I wonder what you would have done if you had known it at that time. What would you have said to them?

Kalpas

...

Kalpas

"Kalpas is back."

Kalpas

Quit telling me the same old story. Waste of time.

Kalpas

And the rumors you heard... some were true.

Elysia

Wait, if you're telling the truth...

Elysia

What do you mean by "some were true"?

About Rankings 1

Mei

Almost everyone here talks about how tough you are.

Kalpas

...Even Kevin?

Mei

I said "almost".

Kalpas

...

Mei

Anyway, I was surprised to learn you rank 6th.

Kalpas

That's news to me too. Never mind, I don't give a damn.

About Elysian Realm 1

Mei

Did you infuriate anyone who came before me?

Mei

You'd like to see that, wouldn't you.

Kalpas

Have you been to the depths of this place? At one time I could only be found down there.

Kalpas

I was the final trial and I tested countless Successors.

Mei

What happened then?

Kalpas

Hmph, they thought it was wrong to make the final trial a death trap from which no one could walk out alive.

Mei

Alive? I know it's just a simulation facility. I've fallen many times myself but I rarely felt that I was at risk of dying.

Kalpas

I don't know what it's like for them to be defeated by me. I can't say why they lose the will to live.

Kalpas

You want to try?

Mei

Sure, if you can do that.

About Kevin 1

Mei

There's one thing I'm wondering about Kevin.

Kalpas

Ha, did he send you here to learn more about him?

Kalpas

He can't tell you himself? Has he become a mute?

Mei

He does keep his silence on certain things.

Kalpas

Oh?

Mei

Judgment of Shamash. It wasn't in Kevin's hands when I first learned of its existence.

Mei

But obviously it carries a lot of meaning for Kevin.

Kalpas

Ha, meaning... He got the Herrscher Core by himself. That meaning enough for you?

Mei

...

Kalpas

I don't know anything more. You can ask Hua. No way she could forget this.

About Su 1

Sakura

...Kalpas, I don't want to recall it.

Sakura

Theoretically, it's better for you to fight alongside a psychic MANTIS than me.

Sakura

But judging from past results, allowing you to work alone is clearly best.

Kalpas

Psychic? Who do you mean? Aponia?

Sakura

I'm talking about Su.

Kalpas

Oh, the blind one.

Sakura

...Right.

Kalpas

I know which mission you are talking about now. What's the problem? It went well.

Kalpas

Oh... you did it on your own.

Sakura

That's the problem, Kalpas.

Sakura

That's the first time we went on a mission as a team of three, but when the target showed up...

Sakura

One of my teammates was lecturing the other while the other was cursing him out.

Kalpas

...

Kalpas

He had it coming.

About Mei 1

Kalpas

That's it? Looks like there's no need for me to get involved.

Elysia

Not enough for you? She's the first Herrscher to come here. I thought you'd be thrilled.

Elysia

Among all the successors I fought, she's definitely one of the best.

Elysia

Even if you were stronger back then, you couldn't have ended the fight easily.

Kalpas

...Elysia, you know about that?

Elysia

Strictly speaking, I can't possibly know, but I can always find ways to get info about Mobius's investigation.

Elysia

It's been so long and she almost reached the truth. I have to say I'm impressed.

About Mobius 1

Kalpas

Ha, Mobius, who will your next test subject be?

Kalpas

Oh, I almost forgot. Now you're just like us. Not the odd one out anymore.

Mobius

Don't be ridiculous. You've always been the odd one out, little rat. I'll find out who you really are.

Kalpas

Too late. Oh, you happy with the new girl? Haven't started your research on her yet?

Mobius

I can start with you, Kalpas, and find out how a sim can forget so many things.

Mobius

I ditched the program long ago.

Kalpas

No you didn't. It's not in your nature to give up. We saw it, every one of us.

About Cocoon 1

Mei

Sakura has a very high opinion of you.

Kalpas

Hmph... if your blade went through someone's heart and they survived, you'd be impressed too.

Mei

Oh, I didn't know about that.

Mei

But you seem to get along just fine.

Kalpas

She repaid her debt. The wound she sustained... opened the path to the battlefield for me that day.

Mei

Hmm, I've seen similar relationships to yours before.

Mei

Someone once planted something in my heart to restrain me and it was very effective. I wonder how you survived your wounds.

A sharp glance shot from Kalpas' eyes and tension began to build in the air.

Mei

...Alright, maybe I'll ask on another day.

Kalpas

Maybe never.

About Elysia 1

Mei

Even you seem to be on good terms with Elysia.

Kalpas

The MOTHs are a bigger threat than Honkai. If not for her, why do you think I'd be here?

Kalpas

If the MOTHs failed, Honkai would wipe out humanity, but if they succeeded, they would be humanity's downfall instead.

Mei

Would you prefer the former scenario?

Kalpas

Doesn't matter... I don't really care. I won't side with either of them.

About Eden 1

Kalpas

That noise again. It's Eden.

Mei

I've seen her. A very elegant lady.

Kalpas

Elegant? Not after her throat was slit.

Kalpas

I'll return to the battleground. Eden and her music make me sick.

Mei

I have a very good impression of her, but you...

Kalpas

Good impression? Yeah, she is good, and she did something I couldn't.

Kalpas

But I don't tolerate jumping ship. If not for her special position in the Gold CourtCourtSic; Expected: Courtyard, I'd never allow her to be here.

Chapter 2

About Myself 5

Kalpas

...Right, of course it was me who told her.

Kalpas

Otherwise it would take Mobius ten thousand years to find it.

Kalpas

But it never occurred to me that she'd send you there instead. What? She feared she'd freeze to death there?

Sakura

Calm down, Kalpas. We didn't extract any valuable intel from the investigation.

Kalpas

Ha, "we"? Since when were you this close with Mobius, Sakura?

Kalpas

Ah, wait, I got it... she sent you here this time too, right?

Kalpas

Hey, Mobius! Come out now! Let's talk!

Sakura

Save your breath, Kalpas. She's not here. I came here on my own.

Kalpas

...Oh, right, I almost forgot.

Kalpas

You love prying into people's past, just like her.

Sakura

...

Kalpas

But at least you're not as annoying as her.

Kalpas

Just throw your questions at me. Of course, I might not answer any of them.

Sakura

...

Sakura

The altar-like place... what does it mean to you?

Kalpas

...

Kalpas

It was my home, my cage, my battlefield, and the origin of all my suffering.

Kalpas

But it was nothing to me after I left.

About the Past 4

Kalpas

That broken sword... is the Key of Domination? How did you get it?

Mei

(The broken blade Hua gave me?)

Mei

Hua gave it to me. What about it?

Kalpas

There are others here wielding Keys of Domination... Hua... MEI... another lie...

Mei

...

Mei

You're still bothered by the past.

Kalpas

You speak as if you understand my past.

Mei

No, but at least I know what you used the Keys of Domination to do.

Mei

The MOTHs had forbidden you to touch them long ago, right?

Kalpas

Haha... why do you even have to ask this?

Mei

Just to see if the rumor is true. After all... it couldn't be easy destroying hundreds of Keys of Domination.

Kalpas

...Hmph. My only regret is that I didn't destroy the one I intended to.

Mei

(He did that on purpose?)

Kalpas

To die in that sea as a Herrscher was the most humiliating end for Emile.

Kalpas

He was the only one who wanted to kill me, so I had to finish him myself.

Kalpas

He shouldn't have been made into a Divine Key... no one was qualified to control him but me.

Mei

But judging from what happened later, it seemed that...

Kalpas

Just coincidences... like everything else in the world. I don't believe it was fate that turned you this way, Herrscher.

Mei

...

Kalpas

But that's still acceptable. At least I gave Emile a clean ending after I became a MANTIS.

Kalpas

It wasn't the best for him, but it was grand enough.

Kalpas

And the broken blade on your back... it witnessed all of this.

Kalpas

My ICHOR turned him into something that could inspire fear even in MEI, and that wasn't bad for him at all.

About the Deep End 1

Mei

If I'm not mistaken... the deep enddeep endSic; Expected: Deep End is somehow connected to the dark side of the MOTHs, right?

Mei

Or, is it the dark side itself?

Kalpas

What, Herrscher? Mobius claimed your little brain?

Kalpas

I have warned you. Do not try to seek it out. Ever.

Mei

You might find it hard to believe, but it came to me on its own.

Kalpas

Is that so?

Mei

It's Elysia. She told me something about you... and the deep enddeep endSic; Expected: Deep End.

Kalpas

Elysia... her again...

Kalpas

What did she tell you?

Mei

She said she got you out of the deep enddeep endSic; Expected: Deep End, and you two reached some kind of agreement, or a deal as I understand.

Kalpas

Ha... a deal. Can't say you're wrong.

Kalpas

Elysia, Mobius, MEI... the MOTHs is full of deal makers.

Kalpas

Take something and exchange it for something else. They are all expert negotiators.

Mei

So, what did Elysia do in exchange for your freedom?

Kalpas

Ha, freedom? You thought I'd be trapped there forever if not for her?

Kalpas

It's more like I lost my freedom after leaving that place.

Mei

Huh?

Kalpas

Elysia... she gave me an endless war and... shackles borrowed from another woman.

Mei

So you're saying... Elysia only wanted your power? No, no... that doesn't sound like her.

Kalpas

Ha, who knows what she really wants.

Kalpas

The only thing I know is she never asked me to keep my end of the bargain.

Mei

Your end of the bargain?

Kalpas

When taking me out of the deep enddeep endSic; Expected: Deep End, she said she wanted me to become a "ko threat" in her game one day.

Kalpas

But she died before that day ever came.

About Rumors 1

Elysia

Kalpas, there's something I've wanted to ask you for a long time.

Kalpas

What is it?

Elysia

It's the rumor I've heard... that Mobius is actually your daughter.

Kalpas

...

Elysia

Hey, I never said I believed it. After all, she's almost old enough to be your mother... Wait, Mobius isn't nearby, is she?

Kalpas

Ah, maybe she's right in front of you. You just didn't see her because she's too short.

Elysia

I know you love to joke around, Kalpas. But what's the truth about that rumor?

Elysia

It seems obviously absurd. So why do so many people believe it? There must be some reason...

Elysia

So what actually happened between you and Mobius?

Kalpas

...

Elysia

Even if you glare at me like that, I'm not gonna back down.

Elysia

You've got to tell me today, otherwise I'm not letting you go anywhere. Tell me, tell me!

Kalpas

... Sigh.

Kalpas

That woman has visited me before.

Elysia

Oh! What did she want from you?

Kalpas

It was about her "immortality" research. What else could it be?

Elysia

Ah, now that you mention it, she's visited me for the same reason. What did you say to her?

Kalpas

I told her to get out.

Elysia

Yeah, that sounds like your style! And then what happened? I don't think Mobius would give up that easily?

Kalpas

Of course not. She hung around and said some extremely...

Kalpas

...

Elysia

What did she say?

Kalpas

I don't want to be reminded of it.

Elysia

Oh, OkayOkaySic; Expected: okay. What then?

Kalpas

And then I took action.

Elysia

Hmm!?

Elysia

What do you mean... you took action?

Kalpas

If she wasn't a MANTIS, she would have been reduced to dust.

Elysia

... Ah, I think I get it. You're really cruel to your colleagues, Kalpas.

Elysia

So, when someone swore that they saw a girl who looked like Mobius happily coming out of your room, that was...

Kalpas

Just what you're thinking.

Elysia

Wow, these are some disturbing truths.

Kalpas

This was the reason that woman came to visit me.

Kalpas

She wanted to know to what extent she could shed her old skin... and she was pleased by the result.

About Betrayal 1

Kalpas

Oh... Herrscher, you're still alive.

Mei

...Maybe you should consider changing the way you say hello.

Kalpas

...How long do you plan to keep breathing?

Mei

...

Mei

Alright, at least you tried.

Mei

Can we talk?

Kalpas

Will you get out of my sight if I say no? If not, just say what you gotta say.

Mei

...

Mei

I want to talk with you about the "traitor".

Mei

Since you two were both in Cocoon, I think you might know more about her than the others.

Kalpas

...Don't call her a traitor in front of me, Herrscher. You don't have that right.

Mei

Sakura? No, I meant...

Kalpas

I don't know how you people see me, but those who were present that day... were they more human than me?

Mei

Kalpas, I wanted to say...

Kalpas

They killed an innocent girl, blamed it on fear, and called it a rare victory.

Kalpas

They even held a party to celebrate... scum... they deserved to die.

Mei

Kalpas, calm down. I just want to know...

Kalpas

What more do you want to know, Herrscher?

Mei

...

Mei

Never mind, at least I tried.

About the 10th Herrscher 1

Kalpas

That's amazing, Herrscher. Somehow you're still alive.

Mei

Alright... Coming from you, I consider that a friendly greeting.

Kalpas

Maybe you should feel lucky... lucky to be alive to hear my compliments.

Mei

... Compliments? When did you compliment me?

Kalpas

You held your own against Mobius in that form. Looks like I underestimated how quickly you'd progress.

Kalpas

Looks like you might be ready to take on the full force of my wrath. Want to try?

Mei

No need. I don't want to engage in unnecessary combat with Flame-Chasers.

Kalpas

Then what is it you want? To hang around here and annoy people with your questions?

Mei

... Why don't you put it in a nicer way, Kalpas.

Kalpas

What's the point? I think you understand me perfectly well.

Mei

...

Kalpas

Alright, Herrscher. There's no need for you to keep beating around the bush. It's annoying.

Kalpas

I'm losing my patience. What is it that you want to know?

Mei

...

Mei

Su told me some things about Klein. I'm talking about Mobius's former assistant, the human Klein.

Kalpas

...

Mei

I heard that she was a manifestation of the 10th Herrscher. She attacked Mobius, but ended up being killed.

Mei

It seems like there's a lot more to that incident... For various reasons, Su isn't willing to tell me the full story.

Kalpas

I don't have any inside information.

Mei

... Then it seems that Su has been successful in concealing the truth.

Mei

But Mobius has her own opinion about this. She thinks that Su and the others are concealing the truth from her because...

Mei

theytheySic; Expected: They fear if she finds out the truth, she'll retaliate like Kalpas.

Kalpas

......

Mei

I've seen something about this in the archives. During the incident of the 10th Herrscher, you and Mobius had a friend in common... who became a Herrscher.

Mei

If I remember correctly, his name was Emile, right?

Kalpas

... Don't say that name in front of me, Herrscher!

Kalpas

You don't have that right... None of you have that right!

Mei

...

Kalpas

Get out of here, Herrscher... My patience has run out.

Kalpas

Unless you want to let me kill you right now, get out!

About Mei 1

Kalpas

Ha, you show up here really often, how strange.

Kalpas

I thought you were growing together with that tree. Or maybe that tree is really you? Looks much more reliable at least.

Su

Kalpas. You probably already know that Mobius is planning something in secret. Who knows what kind of crazy thing she's up to.

Kalpas

Hahaha... What does any of that have to do with me?

Kalpas

You feel uncomfortable with nothing to do, is that it?

Su

If we do nothing and let things continue to develop, it will soon be too late.

Kalpas

That's the reason you keep showing up here and giving advice to the Herrscher?

Kalpas

Since you're so worried about Mobius, wouldn't it be better to go destroy her sim entirely? No need to conceal your powers, right?

Su

... I can't do that. You know that, Kalpas.

Kalpas

Ah, as usual, you say that "you can't".

Kalpas

So you just sit back and watch, and make the Herrscher do your work for you?

Su

I told her to stay away from Mobius, but she wouldn't listen. She'd rather face danger than avoid it.

Su

She's very talented, and very stubborn. With a little help, she'll discover the truth. I believe she won't yield to Mobius.

Kalpas

Getting her to do the dirty work... you make it sound nice.

Kalpas

And I don't know why you would blindly trust a Herrscher like that. Oh, I forgot, you are blind.

Su

She's not just a Herrscher.

Su

She has a courageous heart and an unbreakable will— the hope of a new era.

Chapter 3

About Aponia 1

Kalpas

Hahaha...

Mei

What is it? You're not the type to start a conversation with laughter.

Kalpas

Come here, Herrscher.

Mei

I already told you my name is Raiden Mei.

Kalpas

Too complicated. Won't bother.

Mei

(... He's in a different mood today, almost... happy.)

Kalpas

Your name don't matter if you know you're being called. So come here because I need to talk to you, Raiden... Herrscher.

Mei

... It's Raiden Mei. What is it?

Kalpas

Didn't you want to see the dark side of the MOTHs? You're in luck...

Mei

If I remember correctly, you didn't want to bring that place up. How come...

Kalpas

Haha... That darkness is worthless, but at least... I have a friend there.

Kalpas

Now she's left there. Just the thought of seeing her again makes my every nerve tingle, Herrscher.

Kalpas

You've got a friend like that, eh?

Mei

... You have a friend? I find that hard to believe.

Kalpas

Hmph, you think I'm a freak... a beast? Aponia doesn't mind, she's my kind. No, she's more insane and twisted than I am.

Kalpas

If I'm a freak, then she's an alien. If not, why would she make her home in the Deep End?

Mei

Aponia... I've heard about her. She's a powerful psychic MANTIS, right?

Kalpas

Yes, a disgusting psychic. Which is why I had to wait so long. It's also the only matter... to warrant my patience.

Kalpas

The day will come when I rip her to shreds... I'll throw the hands admired by all into her own blood and watch them dye a filthy red.

Mei

... But you said she's your friend?

Kalpas

Yeah. What?

Mei

......

Mei

Kalpas, I've been here for some time, but you've never seen me as a friend, have you?

Kalpas

Maybe in your dreams, other than that...

Mei

Never mind, just asking. And... I'm glad you think that way.

Mei

......

Mei

(Aponia, and... the Deep End.)

About Sundown Alley 1

Kalpas

... whatwhatSic; Expected: What now, Herrscher.

Mei

Nothing. It's just, when I saw you I realized you never told me what life was like before joining the MOTHs.

Mei

About... Sundown Alley.

Kalpas

Quiet. Talking about it... gets people dead.

Mei

And if I already know a lot?

Mei

I'm not trying to pry... just curious about the other Flame-Chaser there.

Kalpas

The cat? Hmph...

Mei

Not Pardo. Aponia.

Kalpas

Oh? You want to take her on? Like Mobius?

Mei

To be precise, she reached out to me... and sent out some dangerous signals.

Kalpas

Hahaha...

Kalpas

So tell me, Herrscher, have you been disciplined?

Mei

I don't totally understand disciplines, but from what I've seen, it doesn't seem like it.

Kalpas

Hahaha... absolutely fantastic. Ask your questions, before I change my mind!

Kalpas

If you knock her face into the dirt and break those hands of hers... I'll help anyway I can.

Mei

There's no need for that yet. I just want to know who she is.

Kalpas

Self-righteous, moralizing, deserving of death...

Mei

......

Mei

Maybe some visual cues? Y'know, like... "a porter?"

Kalpas

What good is that? Shelter staff, that's pretty annoying...

Kalpas

Had she not taken in those infected, I wouldn't... I wouldn't have...

Mei

... calmcalmSic; Expected: Calm down.

Kalpas

Break my discipline! I will rip Aponia to shreds personally and show her... just how foolish she's become!

Mei

(... It's impossible to talk to him normally now.)

Mei

(But according to what Sakura said... Aponia was the one that took in the infected?)