Elysian Realm/Episodes/Sakura
Last updated 2026-05-19
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.- Last updated: May 18, 2023 (Signets and Sakura's Memory 1-3)
Signets
Granting Signets 1
When she appears, it's like a sakura falling upon your shoulder.
She is there already. There's no denying it. But when you lift your head, you can't find her anywhere.
Sakura
Welcome to the trial, Successor.
欢迎踏入试炼之中，后继者。
Sakura
My name is Sakura, and I'm here to pass on the skills of Setsuna.
我的名字是樱，为将「刹那」的技艺传予后人而存在于此。
Mei
Hi, I'm Raiden Mei.
Sakura
You don't have to introduce yourself. A Herrscher coming to the Elysian Realm... every Flame-Chaser was immediately informed.
不必自我介绍了，一位律者踏入了往世乐土……这是每位英桀都必须立刻知道的消息。
Mei
I suppose there's no reason to be nervous.
Sakura
For us maybe, but not for you.
对我们来说或许如此，但对你来说可就未必了。
Sakura
...Never mind, I may have spoken too much to a first-time visitor.
……算了，对于初次见面的来访者，我说的或许太多了。
Sakura
Take this Signet. With you, there's no reason to take things slow.
先收下这份刻印吧，对于你，我不会采用循序渐进的方法。
Sakura
Your Herrscher reflexes will allow you to handle this gift while others may struggle to do so.
你既然拥有律者级别的反应神经，应该不至于像常人那样，反倒因为这份礼物而变得狼狈不堪。
Mei
Thanks, but what you said makes me hesitant to accept.
Sakura
And that's the first lesson. As long as you're here, do not drop your guard at any moment.
——这正是我要告诉你的第一件事。只要还身处于这片「往世」，此时的防备之心，你最好一刻也不要放下。
Granting Signets 2
Sakura
Target enemy weaknesses and don't ever let your guard down. Fail and you die.
看清敌人的破绽，不要有丝毫的懈怠。机会，稍纵即逝。
Granting Signets 3
Sakura
I'll show you how to break through, but the true blade rests only in your own heart.
我会为你演示破局的技法。但真正的利刃，永远只存在于你心间。
Granting Signets 4
Sakura
Make your decision and move on. Don't look back, for a moment of hesitation will cost you everything.
做出你的选择，然后前进吧。不要回头，哪怕只是一瞬的犹豫，都会让一切前功尽弃。
Granting Signets 5
Sakura
This Signet contains my battle skills and realizations. I hope my memories can be useful to you.
这「刹那」之铭，凝聚了我在战场上磨练出的技巧与感悟。希望这曾经的记忆，能对你有所帮助。
Granting Signets 6
Sakura
Whoever shows mercy to an enemy denies it to themselves. However... you must know who your true enemy is.
对待敌人无需怜悯，那是对自己的残忍。但……你必须要认清，谁才是真正的敌人。
Granting Signets 7
Sakura
Even with a blade fast as Setsuna, it's hard to cut through your inner confusion. You've done a much better job than me on this.
即使快至「刹那」之境，也难以斩断内心的迷惘。在这一点上，你做的比我好得多。
Granting Signets 8
Sakura
The so-called Setsuna is a miracle that only happens between life and death.
所谓「刹那」，不过是唯有在生死的一瞬，才能得以展露的奇迹。
Granting Signets 9
Sakura
When you walk in the shadow, beware of the menace lurking within. It's an even tougher enemy than time.
即使身处阴影之中，你也仍要小心那些潜藏于阴影之中的恶意。它们，是比时间更难斩断的东西。
Granting Signets 10
Sakura
Remove all your distractions and let your heart and your blade become one. Right, the only thing you need to do is slash.
摒弃所有的杂念，让你的心与手中的利刃融为一体。没错，你所要做的，就只有斩断而已。
Granting Signets 11
Sakura
The Herrscher that fights for humanity... continue with your journey. I look forward to the day of your blossoming.
为人类而战的律者……继续前进吧。我期待着，你真正破茧成蝶的那一天。
Granting Signets 12
Sakura
Sorry, I seem to be seeing double images of you... I hope this won't affect your progress.
抱歉，我似乎把你的身影和太多东西重合在了一起……希望这没有影响到你前进的脚步。
Granting Signets 13
Sakura
We use similar weapons. I can teach you more fighting skills if you like.
我们使用的武器非常相似。如果你想的话，我可以多教你一些战斗的技巧。
Sakura's Memory 1
Sakura
I don't know how you fared, but at least you're still in one piece.
不知道你的旅途是否顺利，但你至少看上去并无大碍。
Mei
Yes, I'm fine. The Elysian Realm is riddled with unknown enemies, but it turned out to be a valuable experience.
Mei
And... if I'm not mistaken, you've faced all of them before, right?
Sakura
Only some of them.
有些是，有些不是。
Sakura
You're not the first to come here, and everyone who came before left unique marks.
你并不是第一个来到这里的人，而每一个曾抵达过这里的人，都会在乐土中留下一些独属于他的印记。
Sakura
The Elysian Realm changed them, and in return they changed the realm... including the enemies.
乐土影响了他们，而他们，同时也影响了乐土中的环境……当然也包括乐土中的敌人。
Mei
...
Sakura
Sorry, that's the best answer I can give you right now. If you run into Su, he might give you a better explanation.
很抱歉，我只能给你这样模糊的回答。如果你能遇见苏的话，我想他应该能给你一个更为准确的解释。
Mei
I think I understand.
Sakura
No, you don't know nearly enough. Don't jump to conclusions.
不，现在你对乐土的了解还远远不够，不要过早地做出判断。
Sakura
When fighting enemies in the Elysian Realm, you can even sense the fear and... inner darkness we once experienced.
在与乐土中的敌人战斗时，你甚至可能会观察到我们曾经的恐惧……和内心的阴翳。
Sakura
That's something far more terrifying than your enemies. You must guard against it.
那是远比敌人本身更为可怕的东西，你一定要多加小心。
Mei
What does that mean?
Sakura
...
……
Sakura
In your eyes, which is more difficult: to kill a Honkai Beast, or a human villain?
芽衣小姐，在你看来，斩杀一只崩坏兽，与斩杀一名普通的恶徒，哪个更难？
Mei
A Honkai Beast.
Sakura
No, killing a villain is more difficult.
不，是斩杀一名恶徒更难。
Mei
Why?
Sakura
Even with a blade as fast as Setsuna, you can't kill the evil in the heart of a villain.
因为即使快至「刹那」之境，你也还是无法斩断那恶徒心中的恶意。
Sakura
It's like a stain that never washes off.
如蛆附骨，藕断丝连。
Sakura's Memory 2
Mei
Signet of Setsuna...
Mei
Somehow it's hard for me to grasp its meaning.
Sakura
Hard? On the contrary, it's much more obvious than the others, in my mind.
困难？比起其他刻印，它反而要浅薄很多吧。
Mei
For me, it embodies much more meaning than the obvious, only I've not yet fully understood.
Sakura
No, I think that's a misunderstanding, Miss Raiden.
不，我想是你误会了，芽衣小姐。
Sakura
It was Elysia who decided the meaning of the Signet, but it's never meant to be complicated. As I said, Setsuna is a technique of razor-sharp focus.
虽然刻印的寓意最终是由爱莉希雅决定，但它并没有那么复杂。我曾说过「刹那」是一种技艺，而它所蕴含的所有，也只有「一刀」这么简单。
Sakura
I once explored a myriad of martial arts, but in the end, the only thing that left was Itto, the single blade swing.
为了求生，我曾钻研诸武，但到最后，我仅有、却也最实用的，不过只此「一刀」。
Mei
I understand. Pursuing the extreme is a lot harder than trying everything.
Sakura
Yeah, that's probably why the Signet of Setsuna never found its worthy successor. It takes prolonged training rather than sudden enlightenment.
是啊，或许这就是为什么「刹那」之铭从未真正找到过它的后继者。比起顿悟，也许它更需要漫长的磨砺。
Sakura
Ah... right, maybe it's not a universal truth, but it speaks for my discovery in kenjutsu training.
啊……对了。也许这不是能够通用的真理，但至少在剑术上，算是我的一点心得——
Sakura
To achieve unmatched speed is to stretch a moment as long as you can.
所谓的轻捷神速，在本人看来，其实只是让一个瞬间在自己眼中变得越来越漫长而已。也就是说……
Mei
...So, the essence of "fast" is "slow"?
Sakura
Yes, you're a fast learner. I myself cannot articulate the theory very well. I'm better at practice.
没错，你的悟性很高。或许这也是「物极必反」的其中一面吧，我自己也是一知半解，只是能够「做到」罢了。
Mei
That's very impressive already.
Sakura
Is it so? Well... I hope you can also improve before leaving this place.
是吗？那……希望你也能在离开之前有所进展吧。
Sakura
If you can do that, maybe... I'll try to show you the blade move that I never used before. It may help you.
如果能够做到的话，或许……我会试着把自己从未有机会使出的那一剑交予你，它会对你有所帮助的。
Sakura's Memory 3
Sakura
Long time no see.
别来无恙。
Mei
We meet again, Sakura. I rarely see you here.
Sakura
Mmm, I'm not exactly a sociable person.
嗯。我和其他英桀确实没有多么亲近，而且我也习惯了独来独往。
Sakura
And... for us Flame-Chasers, communication has lost its point.
更何况……对于现在的我们来说，交流已经没有任何意义了。
Sakura
We're not able to change anything now. The dust has long settled.
存在于此的我们，早已无法像你一样再去改变些什么。一切已成定局。
Mei
Maybe you don't have to be so pessimistic.
Mei
To me, the Elysian Realm symbolizes change itself... for you Flame-Chasers and for us visitors.
Mei
And... I feel like you can learn something from that comrade of yours.
Sakura
You mean Kalpas?
你是说千劫吗？
Mei
Yeah, I believe he's in the Elysian Realm right now, slaughtering enemies.
Sakura
I figured as much.
嗯，我想也是。
Sakura
Thank you, Miss Raiden.
谢谢你，芽衣小姐。
Sakura
You look cold and distant, but actually have a gentle heart.
怎么说呢……我没想到看起来如此严肃的你，竟然也会是一个如此温柔的女孩。
Mei
...You know, I wouldn't mind if you left out the first half of that sentence.
Sakura
Uh, sorry.
呃，抱歉。
Sakura
Ah, I almost forgot. I came with a gift for you, gentle girl.
啊，差点忘记了。我今天来，是准备了一份礼物给你。请收下它吧，温柔的女孩。
Mei
A flower?
Sakura
Yes, it's a Forget-Me-Not.
嗯，它的名字是「勿忘我」。
Sakura
Before, at the end of each mission, I'd leave a few of these before I went back.
以前每次任务结束的时候，在返程之前，我都会在附近留下几朵这样的小花。
Sakura
Just a small ceremony... to bring the mission to a close.
或许只是一种仪式感吧……但那时的我总觉得，自己应该在任务结束的时候做点什么。
Sakura
More like a funeral... for the people I killed... and the part of me that died with them.
就像是一场葬礼……给那些被我斩杀的人……给我自己。
Sakura's Memory 4
Sakura
You still look very calm, and that's rare among all the successors.
Mei
Maybe it's because I have a different goal. Calmness shouldn't be a rare quality.
Sakura
Indeed... you came to explore, and they came to demand. They didn't wear that on the faceface though.
Sakura
They all tried to obtain something here, and to achieve this they left no stone unturned. That's why they're much more vulnerable than you.
Mei
... From your words, they don't seem vulnerable. And I can't say it's impossible for them to go further than me.
Sakura
I can tell if someone has something to protect, and that sets you apart from the others.
Sakura
I've always held the belief that what truly empowers someone is the weakness they'd never give up.
Sakura
Those who never hesitate to sacrifice anything... they're like ships without an anchor.
Mei
Yeah? I beg to differ on this. In my eyes, weaknesses put you in a disadvantageous position.
Sakura
It's alright. I'm not trying to convince you.
Mei
......
Mei
But, Sakura, there'll be times when we can't avoidavoid. If one day, we fail to protect our weaknesses, what happens then?
Sakura
It... shouldn't matter anymore.
Sakura
At least when you're trying to protect it, you'd give anything you have.
Sakura's Memory 5
Mei
Sakura, you told me you were a loner, but out of all Flame-Chasers, you don't strike me as the most psychologically detached.
Mei
Even someone as difficult as Kalpas has a lot of shared memories with you.
Sakura
Maybe it's justjust people of the same type are naturally drawn towards each other. And memories are not necessarily pleasant.
Mei
But still, it's a remarkable feat that I can never hope to achieve.
Sakura
Oh... nothing. If you were on the team of three back then, you'd see how insignificant this feat was.
Mei
What do you mean?
Sakura
For us, defeating Herrschers was not the sole aim. Reducing our loss in the process was also important, but it couldn't be done alone.
Sakura
So, long before Elysia gathered us, some MANTIS warriors had already worked in groups.
Mei
So that everyone can focus on the part they do best?
Sakura
Yes, to determine the best form of teamwork, we experimented a lot. Even I had to mingle with the others despite my lack of interest.
Sakura
And for many Flame-Chasers, cooperation only took place during that period.
Mei
So... what happened then? Seems teamwork didn't last.
Sakura
... The Tragedy of Binding put an end to it. Teamwork lost its meaning ever since.
Sakura
Every disaster took everything we had to defeat, and in the end, we couldn't even afford to put everything at stake.
Sakura's Memory 6
Sakura
I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to ask, but...
Mei
I'll know if it is after I hear the question.
Sakura
...Alright, you don't have to answer if you find it offensive.
Sakura
How do people today view Herrschers?
Mei
...
Mei
It's complicated. In the eyes of most, Herrschers are humanity's worst enemies.
Mei
But I don't agree with the argument that Herrschers are natural enemies of humanity.
Sakura
Huh?
Mei
Becoming a Herrscher wasn't a choice for me, but I can decide how to use this power.
Sakura
Did anyone else manage to control their powers like that?
Mei
...Yes, but it's not easy. To fight against the willwill of Honkai, they did everything they could and paid a steep price.
Sakura
That's really impressive.
Sakura
Actually, it has also occurred to me that Herrschers are not necessarily enemies.
Mei
...
Mei
You don't seem to have a unified opinion on Herrschers among yourselves.
Mei
I once brought it up to Kevin, but he...
Sakura
Before my sim was created, he had participated in the neutralization of at least five Herrschers.
Mei
That explains it.
Mei
Without a firm conviction, even he couldn't have done that.
Mei
(To defeat Honkai, all Herrschers must be killed - that's the belief held by almost everyone here.)
Mei
(Then why would they choose to help me, a Herrscher?)
Sakura's Memory 7
Sakura
Miss Raiden, in your time, do you still have flowers like this?
In Sakura's handhand Mei saw a withering sakura blossom spotted with scarlet splashes.
Mei
Hmm, it looks slightly different, but I think that's a sakura in your hand.
Mei
We used to have a large sakura tree in our yard.
Mei
When it bloomed, my father and I would sit together in the yard, drinking tea and looking at the blossoms.
Mei
Later... Father went away and no one took care of it. The tree slowly died.
Sakura
Really? I'm sorry...
Sakura
In fact, it's been a long time since I last saw a sakura. It was on the way to a mission together with Kalpas.
Sakura
We had just defeated the Herrscher of Binding at that time, but it was a bitter victory, and I was not in the mood to enjoy it.
Sakura
To tell you the truth, even this one was given to me by Eden.
Mei
A blood-stained sakura... not Eden's style.
Sakura
Maybe she learned about my old habit from somewhere.
Sakura
Eden told me the blood stains meant a lot to me, but she wouldn't explain.
Mei
Your old habit... of leaving Forget-Me-Nots?
Sakura
Yes... I rarely considered that my symbol from then on, but I still kept the same old habits.
Mei
...
Mei
Sakura, was your job in Cocoon— no, in the MOTHs— what I think it was?
Sakura
...
Sakura
I didn't have a choice.
Sakura
It was a deal I made with the MOTHs, with Dr. MEI. The only way for me to protect the one I cared about.
Sakura's Memory 8
Sakura
Miss Raiden, what brought you here?
Mei
Why ask this all of a sudden?
Sakura
It's just... I saw a familiar look on your face.
Sakura
Can you imagine humanity before the doomsday? Out of my duty, I dealt with a lot of individuals.
Sakura
Hunting murderers, purging illegal organizations... I experienced it all. In fact, they constituted the majority of my work.
Sakura
Until it became completely pointless, the MOTHs had kept trying to maintain order, at least for the appearancethe appearance.
Mei
So... what familiar look did you see on my face?
Sakura
Please answer this question for me first, Miss Raiden: how do you reckon the common people in the ending word? Are they desperate? Helpless?
Mei
My common sense tells me yes.
Sakura
But it's far from the truth. According to what I saw, humanity... was a lot tougher than we thought.
Sakura
No matter how weak an individual is, with their back against wallwall, they'd still put up a fight.
Sakura
Hard to picture, right? Determined, but also desperate.
Mei
......
Sakura
I still remember seeing this look for the first time when I was looking into an organization that secretly conducted Honkai resistance experiments on orphans.
Sakura
When I was surveying their hideout in the shadow, the tough-looking kid took over food handed to him with this look on his face.
Sakura
He knew it was a dangerous placeplace yet he still decided to stay so that he wouldn't die of hunger... He did everything to survive.
Mei
What happened then?
Sakura
Nothing. His life ended that night... on the operating table.
Mei
... The story seems to deviate from what you just said.
Sakura
Because that's my message to you, Miss Raiden.
Sakura
The last-stand spirit is honorable, but also dangerous. I don't know who you're dealing with, but since you have that look... please be careful.
Mei
... I'll keep it in mind.
Sakura's Memory 9
Mei
Sakura, judging from the number of missions you take, you're the hardest worker in the Flame-Chasers.
Sakura
These missions are little more than errands. Anyone could have done them easily.
Mei
Clearly... you're just being modest.
Mei
When you were invited into the MOTHs, the attitude of the legendary Dr. MEI was enough to explain what was going on.
Sakura
I joined too early, Miss Raiden.
Sakura
Back then... no one had a clue we would end up where we are today. Facing Honkai wasn't even my primary mission.
Mei
So... Dr. MEI only invited you because of being "human"?
Sakura
...
Sakura
You can be honest with me. Even without my obligations as a Flame-Chaser, I'd still tell you out of our friendship.
Mei
... I'm sorry.
Mei
If I remember correctly, you crossed paths with the MOTHs when you were on a mission to assassinate Dr. MEI.
Sakura
Yes. I wasn't holding out on it — you should be able to tell I'm no good at figuring out internal power struggles.
Sakura
Neither was Dr. MEI. She was awake to the tragic coming of Honkai, but she was a scientist.
Mei
So... she wanted to pay them back in the same way with your help?
Sakura
No, Dr. MEI was certainly an unmatched genius... She's never fought that kind of battle, yet she was thinking far ahead of others.
Sakura
Her goal was to use me to expand her internal influence.
Mei
I know this is usually done by force, but if she's all alone...
Sakura
She had more helpers, of course. My first mission was to rebuild the covert forces. She wanted the darkest power of the MOTHs for her own.
Sakura
... To rebuild through destruction. I was officially invited after completing this mission.
Sakura's Memory 10
Sakura
Miss Raiden, do you save the pictures of people who are dear to you, such as family and close friends?
Mei
... I had many in my old room. Unfortunately, members of World Serpent don't really have belongings.
Sakura
Then... Miss Raiden, you might find this pendant useful.
As Sakura spoke, she took out a necklace shaped like a cherry blossom. A device similar to a chip was embedded at its center, emitting a soft, flickering light.
Sakura
In our era, this was a common accessory. It can project the visual data stored in it anytime, anywhere.
Sakura
It was mostly used by lovers far apart. MeMe, on the other hand... used it to keep my memories with my little sister alive.
Sakura
Miss Raiden, you know the kind of life I led. I couldn't contact her when out on a mission.
Sakura
So whenever my objective got extremely dangerous, I'd take it out. It made me feel strong.
Mei
The actions you took... seem even more dangerous than your objectives.
Sakura
Really? Whenever I did that, the mission went smoothly.
Sakura
Ah, I went off on a tangent. Please take this, Miss Raiden.
Mei
Take it? But... Sakura, you probably need this more than I do. I mean, after all...
She did not utter another word.
Sakura
No, Miss Raiden, you misunderstood. For me, the purpose of this pendant has never been to "remember others",", but to remind myself that every step forward would make her life a little safer.
Sakura
But unlike you, I don't have this chance anymore. I want to give it to someone who will put it to good use.
Mei
I understand... thank you.
Sakura
It's nothing. Can I ask what kind of pictures you will save in it?
Mei
I... will give it some thought.
Chapter 1
About Elysian Realm 1
Sakura
You're something special. A Herrscher fighting for humanity.
Mei
So?
Sakura
Nothing, just look out for yourself.
Mei
...Sakura, just say what you wish to say.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Maybe I'm overthinking this... What's been worrying me has never happened. Not even once.
Sakura
But whenever a special visitor comes, I'd remind them like this.
Mei
...Please go on.
Sakura
I've finished.
Mei
Hmm, everyone is talking in riddles here. I'm getting used to that.
Mei
Special visitor? Could you give me an example?
Sakura
I once saw a cyborg coming here who by no means could awaken a stigma.
Sakura
In a way, he was even more special than you.
Mei
...Why do the special ones have to be extra careful?
Sakura
You probably don't know about the MOTHs or the plans they came up with to defeat Honkai.
Sakura
Otherwise you'd have realized that the reason for the Elysian Realm's existence couldn't be that simple.
Sakura
Dr. MEI... from what I've heard about her, there's no way she would deem this program viable.
Mei
So you believe the Elysian Realm exists for other purposes, don't you?
Sakura
To a certain extent, every MOTHs program served some ulterior motives.
Sakura
But few people know what they are.
Sakura
So, reminding you to be extra careful is the best I can do.
Mei
...What should I watch out for?
Sakura
A shadow.
Mei
A shadow?
Sakura
That's right.
Sakura
The Flame-Chasers chase the flames, and the flames cast a giant shadow behind the Flame-Chasers.
Sakura
Watch out for the shadow of the MOTHs. She's here.
Sakura
And I can feel it... she has her eye on you.
About Elysian Realm 2
Sakura
So you came here after Kevin gave you his approval?
Mei
That's right. He said I was qualified to seek the answers.
Sakura
Did he say anything else?
Mei
No.
Sakura
Typical Kevin. Does he see you as a partner?
Mei
Your blade... do you see it as a tool or a partner?
Mei
Your answer is also Kevin's answer.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Well, at least one thing is for sure - Kevin never lies, even to his enemies. He said this for good reason.
Sakura
It's just... I don't know of anything worthy of finding here, except for the Signets of the Flame-Chasers.
Sakura
The Elysian Realm... a beautiful name for a grave.
Mei
The grave of the past... that's why I'm here.
About Cocoon 1
Mei
Can you tell me anything more about the MOTHs?
Sakura
No. Of all the Flame-Chasers, I probably know the least about the organization.
Sakura
Before becoming a MANTIS, I was with a special force codenamed Cocoon, and everything was on a need-to-know basis.
Mei
Cocoon... never heard this name before.
Sakura
Really? I thought Kalpas had told you about it.
Mei
Was he also a member of the special force?
Sakura
Yes, but we rarely went on missions together.
Mei
Why?
Sakura
Because we worked better when we worked alone.
Sakura
You'd understand as soon as you saw him in action.
Sakura
When he's in the zone, friends or foes... it makes no difference to him.
Sakura
That's why no one volunteered to team up with him.
Mei
...I can imagine. What about you, Sakura?
Sakura
Me? I was the opposite. I didn't want someone else to tag along.
Mei
Because few can match your speed?
Sakura
That's one of the reasons.
Sakura
More importantly... I didn't want anyone else to find out who I had killed.
Sakura
Just like they say - for some things, the fewer people that know, the better.
About Cocoon 2
Mei
Sakura, can you tell me more about Cocoon?
Mei
Kalpas told me about it a few times, but every time I asked for more, he told me to ask you instead.
Sakura
...He was just trying to protect you from the dark shadows.
Mei
He did say something along those lines.
Mei
But I came for answers... and maybe those answers can only be found in the shadows.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Cocoon... to me, it's a place to atone for your sins... by committing even more serious sins.
Mei
...
Mei
Sakura, do you people from the Previous Era all speak in such an abstract way?
Sakura
...
Mei
I want to know something more concrete... such as exactly what this squad handles.
Sakura
...
Sakura
You probably know that the MOTHs were founded to combat Honkai.
Sakura
But Cocoon didn't exist for the same purpose.
Mei
It wasn't founded to fight Honkai?
Sakura
Yes, of course it was...in part.
Sakura
But we were also facing other enemies than Honkai. Humans.
Sakura
Better put, fighting humans was the reason for Cocoon's existence.
About Mobius 1
Mei
I can tell you Flame-Chasers don't necessarily see eye to eye with each other.
Mei
And I believe you know better than me what untrustworthy comrades can mean.
Sakura
I don't know what your world is like or what battles you've gone through.
Sakura
But trust... it was just a vulnerability in my time. It claimed more lives than Honkai.
Sakura
Especially for someone like me... trusting that someone else had my back was not an option.
Mei
You were afraid of betrayal.
Sakura
No, betrayal didn't frighten me... it was the norm in those days.
Sakura
If I have to name something I fear, I guess I would say fear itself.
Mei
I don't get it.
Sakura
People are afraid of things unknown, especially when they contradict their common sense.
Sakura
When the whole world was on the brink, fear could easily crush a person... or a group of people.
Sakura
Trusting someone who might submit to fear... that's no different from putting a blade to your own neck.
Sakura
After all, people who find excitement in the unknownunknown such as Dr. MobiusMobius are few and far between.
Mei
Dr. Mobius... I didn't think you two had any connection.
Sakura
That's the way it should be... I never expected her to join Cocoon voluntarily.
Sakura
For a time, I always saw Su trying to talk her into quitting - I didn't know Su back then, not even his name.
Sakura
Of course he failed, and she stayed... as a special advisor. She also took on certain command responsibilities.
Mei
Sounds like the right job for a scholar.
Sakura
No, how do I put it...
Sakura
Knowledge-wise, she was the onethe one of the smartest minds of our time.
Sakura
But at a command post, she wasn't all that impressive.
Sakura
More importantly, joining Cocoon at the expense of suspending her research... it was an exceedingly odd decision.
Sakura
She must have had other plans... but in the end, I never figured out what they were.
About Mobius 2
Sakura
...
Mobius
Huh?
Mobius
Sakura, why are you staring at me? Do you need something?
Sakura
What are you doing here?
Mobius
Just taking a walk.
Mobius
We're sims, but even sims can get bored sometimes.
Sakura
It never ends well when you go for a walk. I remember.
Mobius
So what? It has no impact on you.
Mobius
Or... you have regrets about what happened? I can fix that now.
Sakura
There's no need.
Mobius
Since when do you treat me this way? Is it really necessary?
Sakura
...You know what you did.
Mobius
What did I do? I did nothing.
Mobius
I liked the kid... besides, what could I do with you and Dr. MEI around?
Mobius
And don't you think Dr. MEI was putting the kid at greater risk?
Sakura
...Don't test my limits, Mobius.
Mobius
Alright, I won't tease you any more.
Sakura
...
Mobius
Relax, Sakura, your sister isn't here, and I can't do anything to her now.
About Myself 1
Mei
You always look like you're waiting for something. Has anyone ever told you that?
Sakura
Waiting... for us, what good is it anyway?
Sakura
Time is frozen here. Everything is decided.
Mei
...
Mei
You all like to keep secrets, don't you? Or should I say I shouldn't trust my judgment..
Sakura
No, Miss Raiden, you were right, but the expectant look on my face is just a habit that dies hard.
Sakura
Waiting used to be the most important survival skill for me, but not anymore.
About Myself 2
Mei
Did you also have this type of weapon in the Previous Era, or was it once part of the Legacy?
Sakura
You mean the Frozen Naraka?
Mei
Both of your blades.
Sakura
...
Mei & Sakura
Where I come from...
...
Mei & Sakura
It used to be...
...
Mei & Sakura
You go first.
Mei & Sakura
When I was young, I used to practice with my father...
Mei
...
Sakura
...
Mei
Alright, I know how it is now.
Mei
Frozen Naraka... a nice name. What about the other one? It looks familiar and fits a legend I've heard.
Mei
Can I see its blade? I wish to confirm something.
Sakura
Sorry, it can't be unsheathed without good reason.
Sakura
For me, it's part of the Discipline.
About The MOTHs 1
Kevin
I still want to apologize to you for that incident.
Kevin
At that distance, I couldn't tell why you drew your blade at MeiMei. I didn't have a choice.
Kevin
If not for the Meta-Morph surgery, my mistake could have ruined you.
Sakura
No need. It's history now.
Kevin
...
Kevin
For you it's something that hasn't happened yet, and my apology changes nothing.
About MANTIS 1
Mei
I heard something about the serial numbers of the MANTIS soldiers from Elysia.
Mei
They don't necessarily match the ranking order. You rank 8th, but your serial number is quite close to Elysia's, right?
Sakura
...
Sakura
CM-004, that's my number. You should know what it means.
Mei
...You were the 4th one to become a MANTIS soldier.
Sakura
Yes. Back then the tech wasn't as advanced as later on, and it caused various side effects.
Sakura
The chill around Kevin, Elysia's elven ears... and such.
Sakura
As for me, I guess it's obvious. It's how you must have guessed my serial number.
Mei
...I didn't want to bring it up. You seemed a bit upset about it.
Sakura
However upset I am, what was done to me can't be undone.
Sakura
Fortunately the tech was improved laterlater and there werewere no MANTIS soldiers like us since.
Mei
You said your number was CM-004, right?
Sakura
Yes.
Mei
001 is Kevin. 002 is Elysia. Then who is 003?
Sakura
...
Sakura
Dr. Mobius... the one who made me a MANTIS.
About MANTIS 2
Mei
I think even among the MANTIS soldiers you're someone special, right?
Sakura
How so?
Mei directed her attention to the pair of long ears on Sakura's head.
Mei
Those couldn't just be hair accessories, could they?
Sakura
...
Mei
Apart from you, I've only seen something similar on Elysia.
Mei
Maybe you two received different surgeries than the others? Or... you two became MANTIS soldiers earlier than the rest?
Sakura didn't say anything. Instead, she looked at Mei's crimson horns.
Sakura
...I thought you'd be less curious about this than the other visitors.
Mei
Be it Herrscher or MANTIS... power is never attained without a cost. I know that very well.
Sakura
Then you should be accustomed to the strange looks people give you.
Sakura
Surprise, suspicion... and very soon, hatred.
Mei
Hatred... I am well acquainted with it, but I don't quite understand. MANTIS soldiers are essentially different from Herrschers.
Mei
You fought for humanity tiltil the end. Why would people treat you so unkindly?
Sakura
The fear of people that are not like you... it's in everyone's veins. Humanity's curse.
Sakura
But we didn't realize that when we abandoned our human form.
Mei
At least they should have known the reason that the MANTIS soldiers took the leap of faith.
Sakura
Miss Raiden, forgive me, but maybe you've put yourself at a high position for too long.
Sakura
Some of our actions, even if they were accidental...it's only natural that they would inspire hatred among those who were in the ruins, begging for their lives.
Sakura
That's why I avoided being seen in missions - you save people, but the way they look at you as you are leaving is hard to bear.
Sakura
Even now, I still can't quite understand it.
About Cooking 1
Sakura
You've been here for a long time, but I never saw you eat. Is everything alright?
Mei
I'm a Herrscher.
Sakura
Oh, right.
Sakura
I once taught some successors how to make some simple food. You can come to me if you need.
Mei
Never took you for a chef.
Sakura
Not exactly. I had family to care for, and cooking is an essential skill.
Mei
So... you are going to teach me how to cook.
Sakura
Uh, is there a problem?
Mei
No, just some old memories coming up.
Sakura
I know food is unnecessary for Herrschers, but in case you have the same needs as Eden, you can always come to me.
Mei
Eden?
Sakura
Yeah, you've seen Eden drinking wine, right..
Sakura
For her, it's just an old habit from before.
Sakura
According to her, the ability to cure hunger is the least interesting thing about food here.
About Flame-Chasers 1
Mei
Was it always this intense between the members of Flame-Chasers?
Sakura
Hmm?
Mei
I never see you all together.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Too much has happened.
Sakura
In the first days of the Flame-Chasers, we rarely got the chance to get together.
Mei
I don't quite understand.
Sakura
We were the only thirteen MANTIS soldiers left after the Tragedy of Binding.
Sakura
The Flame-Chasers were founded immediately after that.
Sakura
But at that time, things were grimgrim and there were a lot of situations that only we could handle.
Mei
So most of the time you were spread out on different missions?
Sakura
Exactly. The Flame-Chasers were founded as a kind of...insurance policy.
Sakura
It ensured we could pool our strength together when the occasion arose.
Mei
And did the occasion arise?
Sakura
...Sorry, I don't know.
Sakura
I was made into a sim earlier than the others, but up to that time, it hadn't happened. And...
Mei
And if there was something that required all thirteen MANTIS soldiers to handle...
Mei
It wouldn't make much of a difference even if you united, right?
Sakura
...
About Kalpas 1
Mei
You seem to get along with Kalpas better than the others do.
Sakura
We served in the same squad after all.
Sakura
We didn't go out on a lot of missions together, but we did talk.
Mei
To me, that's already something.
Sakura
Maybe because I'm one of his very few friends.
Mei
Friends... never thought Kalpas had friends.
Mei
Sometimes, I feel he is even more of a loner than you.
Sakura
Hmm, I think it's because we understand the word "friend" differently.
Sakura
For most people, a friend is someone with a shimmering glow that attracts you to walk close.
Sakura
But Kalpas and I met each other in the shadows, and we stayed there.
Sakura
What made us friends was exactly the intent to kill in the darkness.
About Kalpas 2
Mei
How many enemies has Kalpas defeated so far?
Mei
I would ask him myself, but you know he doesn't give normal answers.
Sakura
No one is able to confirm, but...
Sakura
He has probably scored the most kills among all thirteen of us.
Mei
Including Kevin?
Sakura
Yeah, but that's just my guess. Those two have very different definitions of "victory".
Sakura
Of course, Kalpas has a number in his mind, but we can never tell if it's accurate or not.
About Divine Keys 1
Eden
Sakura, who told you this?
Sakura
It's not important.
Eden
...
Eden
Yes, just like you said, the Elysian Realm contains the data for every Divine Key, that's why they can be found here.
Sakura
Just like us.
Eden
Just like us.
Eden
But the Divine Key you mentioned, Jizo Mitama...
Eden
Sorry, I've never heard this name before.
Sakura
Really?
Sakura
What about the Seven Thunders of Retribution? I might need to use it.
Eden
The Seven Thunders of Retribution...
Eden
It should be in the hands of the real Kevin...
Eden
And the false one in the realm...
Eden
It shattered into a million pieces.
Sakura
Shattered? How did that happen?
Eden
Why are you surprised, Sakura?
Eden
Ellie didn't tell you about this?
About Divine Keys 2
Kalpas
Sakura, where did Pardo go?
Sakura
I don't know.
Kalpas
You do know.
Sakura
...
Kalpas
She is looking for fragments of the Seven Thunders of Retribution for you, right?
Sakura
Who told you that?
Kalpas
Hmph, so you admit it.
Sakura
Was it Elysia? Mobius?
Kalpas
Haha, Sakura, are you really gonna draw your blade over this?
Kalpas
It's been too long since you've cut something, right? And now you're itching for a fight?
Sakura
You were never this talkative before, Kalpas.
Sakura
Why are you here?
Kalpas
To cooperate with you.
Sakura
Cooperate?
Kalpas
Yeah, just like old times.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Never thought you'd come to me for help.
Kalpas
Haha... I guess you were surprised by my clear-headed decision.
Sakura
So who's the target this time?
Kalpas
Don't you have your sights set on her yourself? Why ask?
Sakura
...
Sakura
I thought you'd never wish to see her again.
Kalpas
Indeed. I don't want to return to that place.
Sakura
So from the very beginning, I never considered asking you for help.
Kalpas
But you shouldn't turn to Pardo either... Pardo would become a broken toy in her hands.
Sakura
No one is better at finding things than Pardo.
Sakura
All I have to do is break "Discipline" before Pardo gets caught.
About Eden 1
Mei
Sakura, have you ever heard Eden sing?
Sakura
Hmm, Elysia gave me a record of hers, and I listened to some of it.
Sakura
It's a totally different style from what's popular in my hometown, but I can appreciate the unique beauty in her music.
Mei
I heard Eden no longer sings now.
Sakura
Hmm, that's understandable...
Sakura
After leaving my hometown, I stopped making sakura wine.
Sakura
Because no matter how hard I tried, the sakura and the wine wouldn't taste the same.
Mei
I think I understand too.
About the Tragedy of the Binding 1
Kevin
Don't say that, Sakura.
Kevin
You rushed to join the battlebattle knowing full well what the Herrscher of Binding was capable of...
Kevin
That's not your usual style.
Sakura
Honkai didn't give us many choices.
Sakura
We had our backs against the wall, you know that as well as I do.
Kevin
...
Sakura
Anyway, I was too late.
Sakura
I thought I had an edge over the Herrscher of Binding, but I underestimated her after all.
Kevin
It wasn't your fault, Sakura.
Sakura
...You know what, Kevin? Every time I think of that day, I wish I was there earlier.
Sakura
That way I could die right there instead of having to witness that living hell.
Chapter 2
About Mobius 3
Sakura
... That's true. As a doctor, you joined the MOTHs at a perfect time. It was a lot safer than when I joined.
Sakura
Back then, there were a lot of different voices within the MOTHs. But at least they agreed on avoiding certain methods.
Su
But things changed. Not only Honkai, butbut the MOTHs themselves.
Su
Your leader back then, in the end you captured him, right? Why did he want to assassinate Dr. MEI?
Sakura
No, as soon as Dr. MEI proposed the terms of the deal, he fled the base. I was only able to subdue his accomplice.
Sakura
Even today, we don't know who leaked the information.
Su
What happened next?
Sakura
The indications are that he safely returned to where he came from. Until he took drastic measures to disrupt Mobius's experiments.
Sakura
I don't think I need to explain further. You witnessed the incident yourself.
Sakura
So maybe his original motive for killing Dr. MEI was something similar.
Sakura
If the only way to counter Honkai was to transform humans into something inhuman, he would prefer humanity to go extinct.
Su
I've heard similar things. If Dr. MEI hadn't stood her ground, maybe the MANTISes would no longer exist.
Sakura
But after he died, the MOTHs never faced serious internal opposition again.
Su
... He didn't survive in the end?
Sakura
Yes, it was strange. He definitely valued his life, but he volunteered for an experiment.
Sakura
It was an extremely dangerous experiment. Besides Hua, none of the test subjects survived.
Sakura
And the lead researcher... was Mobius, coincidentally.
Su
Was it really voluntary...voluntary...
About Myself 3
Elysia
Sakura, that headset... I've never seen you put it on.
Elysia
Does it really work? Or... is it just an ornament? Hmm... and when you wear them, which ears do you use?
Sakura
Elysia, you and I are different. I don't take anything with me that isn't functional.
Elysia
Well, I'll confirm it myself.
Elysia approached Sakura and leaned over so that her elven ears were close to Sakura's collarbone.
Sakura
Elysia, you...
Elysia
I can hear it. These headphones really work! Huh?
Elysia didn't answer right away. She did hear something from the headset. She closed her eyes, apparently enjoying the music.
But it took less than five seconds before she suddenly straightened her body and took a few steps back.
Elysia
...
Elysia
That's the music you like? No wonder you don't talk much to Eden.
Sakura
Anything wrong?
Elysia
Uh... of course not... just a matter of personal taste...
About Myself 4
Sakura
Miss Raiden, Miss Cioara.
Raven
Hi, Sakura. We came to see you again.
Mei
Don't talk as if we're sightseeing.
Raven
Hmm? You might have some business to take care of, Mei, but I've finished my mission.
Mei
Then you can leave soon, right?
Raven
I don't want to. As long as I'm here, I'm technically still on a mission.
Raven
Paid vacation, know what I mean?
Mei
...
Sakura
Heheh!
Raven
See, Sakura gets it.
Mei
She was just being polite.
Sakura
I'm sorry, both of you. It's just... been a long time since II heard such lighthearted banter.
Sakura
Ever since I joined Cocoon, my life has been focused around combat. There's rarely time for leisure, and you can't show your feelings.
Sakura
Seeing you two chatting reminds me of the old days with my sister. Those were tough times, but also some of the happiest moments of my life.
Sakura
Although our generation was eventually destroyed, at least my sister lived a happy and healthy life before that. That's my greatest consolation.
Sakura
If the real me hadn't died in battle, I would know more about what happened to her.
Sakura
As the end was approaching, I wonder if there was someone by her side. I hope that she was at peace in the final moments.
Raven
...
Mei
...
Sakura
Sorry, I get a little carried away when talking about my sister. Didn't mean to disturb you guys.
Raven
It's fine. Although I wasn't there, I believe your sister had a good life.
Mei
Yeah, I think so too.
Sakura
Thank you.
About the Deep End 1
Mei
Elysia told me you brought Kalpas into the MOTHs.
Sakura
Yes, but that wasn't my intention.
Mei
Huh?
Sakura
I met him in the middle of a mission, and we had a kind of... conflict.
Mei
Back then, he wasn't a MANTIS yet.
Sakura
Yeah, but he was still strong enough to fight me, a MANTIS, head-to-head.
Sakura
That's why the higher-ups ordered me to take him back to the MOTHsMOTHs base and keep him detained in the deep enddeep end.
Mei
The deep enddeep end... Elysia mentioned that place too. What's it like?
Sakura
...
Sakura
Sorry, Miss Raiden. I've never been therethere and I can't answer this question.
Mei
I thought you'd be more familiar with it as a member of Cocoon.
Sakura
No, you misunderstood. The deep enddeep end had no connection to Cocoon. I've only heard about it.
Sakura
But I'm sure it's part of the shadow side of the MOTHs, maybe even the darkest corner.
Mei
...
Sakura
So I suggest you drop your investigation. Stepping into the deep enddeep end doesn't do you any good.
Sakura
But if you insist... you may ask the Flame-Chasers who were once detained there. I believe they'll be better equipped to answer your questions.
Mei
Like Kalpas?
Sakura
And Mobius, Aponia too...
Mei
Aponia?
Sakura
Ah, I guess you haven't met her yet.
Sakura
Might be a good thing for you. After all... not many people can understand her.
About Elysia 1
Sakura
Looks like you're...unscathed.
Mei
It seems your tone has changed.
Sakura
You made it back from Elysia's shadow. That's different from the other trials.
Sakura
You're not to be taken as a normal Herrscher anymore.
Mei
I doubt it. Elysia clearly held herself back.
Mei
But I did hear some rumors about her.
💬
Elysia's ability.
💬
Traitor.
< Choosing any option results in extra dialogue. >
< If [Elysia's ability.] was chosen: >
Mei
Kalpas... he couldn't even touch Elysia when fighting her.
Mei
To be honest, that contradicts my impressions of those two.
Sakura
It's nothing. It's the same as anyone. We all have our things happen to us, whether we like it or not.
Mei
That said, what happened to Elysia was quite positive. Even the side effects of the surgery seemed like a blessing.
Sakura
...
Mei
...
Sakura
...Ah, that's what we call reality.
Mei
...Alright.
Sakura
But it's hard to tell if something is a blessing or curse, and that also goes for Kalpas and Elysia.
< End of the extra dialogue. >
< If [Traitor.] was chosen: >
Mei
"Traitor" sounds like a difficult label for anyone to bear.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Who do you mean?
Mei
Elysia. I heard someone calling her this.
Sakura
...Maybe you asked the wrong person. Elysia has a colorful personality, but that's no reason to doubt or blame her.
Mei
(Huh?)
Sakura
She never bragged about her feats, but we all saw what she did for the MOTHs and for humanity.
Sakura
In her eyes, the world is a paper boat riding the tide. Elysia would never let it sink. That's her passion and duty.
Mei
(Looks like everyone trusted her before a certain point in time...)
About an Incident 1
Mei
Sakura, you once mentioned the enemies you faced... included humans.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Only for a time. Why... have you suddenly taken interest in it?
Mei
... Sorry, I'm not implying anything, I'm just curious about the rumors about you.
Sakura
Are they about Forget-Me-Nots?
Mei
Forget-Me-Nots? No, I'm curious about... Do those humans include Flame-Chasers?
Sakura
Flame-Chasers? Of course not... What gave you this idea?
Sakura
We may have taken different sides, but ever since we took on this title... we've done nothing that's gone against the definition of heroism.
Mei
Hero... This is mostly a subjective word. I'll try to use my own judgment.
Mei
I came to you because many people brought up an incident...
Mei
It occurred at the First Institute, and you were there.
Mei
I learned the course of events from Su, but even he doesn't know how it ended.
Sakura
I wasn't really there. I just happened to be there.
Sakura
Any other MANTIS could've ended that incident - because Su had succeeded in stopping Mobius.
Mei
But... according to him, Mobius still had strength left when he fell.
Sakura
...
Sakura
He wasn't wrong, but that strength only kept her going for a few more seconds.
Sakura
By the time I got there, a gigantic serpentine monster had almost taken up my field of view.
Sakura
Logically speaking, it's near impossible for Honkai Beasts to appear in places such as the First Institute, but I didn't have the time to think.
Sakura
I've never seen something like that before, but somehow it evoked a sense of danger that could be described as legendary.
Mei
... That's a strange way to put it.
Sakura
It's the most accurate description I can think of. It's less of a fear caused by a beast, but more of a fear inside you that was suddenly awakened.
Sakura
The nightmares haunting you came true, the ghosts you believed in as a kid appeared... Something like that.
Sakura
So, though I didn't know what she wanted to do to that peacock, I drew my blade and tested her anyway.
Sakura
It was a light slash that allowed me latitude. I was surprised that it actually worked.
Mei
She was at the end of her rope.
Sakura
Yes.
Sakura
It took a long time for me to realize she was Mobius.
Mei
I see. Thank you, Sakura...
Mei
...
Mei
Wait, did you mention a... peacock?
Sakura
Uh... Did I? It... was just a slip of the tongue.
Sakura
...
Sakura
(Su... probably doesn't want that form of his to be known.)
Chapter 3
About the Deep End 2
Mei
Sakura, can you tell me more about the Deep End?
Sakura
But Miss Raiden, haven't you already visited that place?
Mei
... I haven't told you about it, have I? How did you find out?
Sakura
Your ki has changed.
Mei
Ki?
Sakura
Those who make contact with Aponia all gain a unique ki. Now I sense that ki on you.
Sakura
Since you've met Aponia, I assume you've reached the Deep End as well, Miss Raiden.
Mei
......
Sakura
... I'm sorry, I don't mean you smell funny. Ki... it's more of a feeling...
Mei
You're overthinking it, Sakura. I know what ki is.
Mei
Only your words reminded me of something. I'm recalling my meeting with Aponia...
Mei
...?
Sakura
What's wrong, Miss Raiden?
Mei
(Not again... My consciousness... is beginning to...)
......
......
About Sundown Alley 1
Sakura
Mei, what's wrong?
Mei
I heard something about Sundown Alley...
Sakura
Mei, are you... accusing me of something?
Mei
... accuseaccuse?
Sakura
It was an order... but I can't help feeling responsible for what happened.
Mei
So the shelter on Sundown Alley... was where you first met Kalpas.
Sakura
Yes. Kalpas was... the mission's greatest variable... or should I say... accident.
Sakura
...
Sakura
Or rather... that that mission was full of accidents... like Kalpas.
Mei
Sounds like there's a lot of details I don't know.
Sakura
The same could be said for those of us that witnessed it. Even I don't know the whole story.
Sakura
At first I received orders to... track down defectors from MOTHs, to keep secrets from leaking.
Sakura
But when I got to Sundown Alley, I realized... things were more complicated than I had thought.
Mei
... Honkai, right?
Sakura
Correct. There were so many infected. And... all so well hidden.
Sakura
Also, it seemed like there was some mysterious figure on the street known as the "boss"...
Sakura
He seemsseems to have been involved in everything that went on around Sundown Alley, but... no one knows who he isknows who he is.
Mei
(Boss... that sounds familiarfamiliar)
Sakura
The only other thing I could find was... an inexplicable tune.
Sakura
After all, Sundown Alley's rejection of outsiders, especially... soldiers like me, hashas reached unfathomable levels.
Sakura
And so the MOTHs gave me all sorts of equipment, so I'd be prepared for anything.
Sakura
But when I faced Kalpas... I only had a single blade left.
Mei
A war of attrition with the locals... sounds like it got pretty serious...
Sakura
Well... no, actually... the equipment was inexplicably stolen before the mission officially began.
Mei
......
Sakura
So to find the stolen gear, I expanded my search... leading me to an anomaly at the shelter.
Sakura
All those accidents during the mission... it was too much of a coincidence, as though... somesome were pulling the strings.
Sakura
If I never had to track down the defectors, I wouldn't have ended up at Sundown Alley.
Sakura
If it weren't for Sundown Alley's difficulties, I wouldn't have needed all that gear.
Sakura
And if the gear wasn't stolen, I wouldn't have found the infected at... the shelter on Sundown Alley.
Mei
......
Sakura
We all know what happened after that, Mei.
Sakura
Kalpas' unexpected appearance. It nearly shook the entire MOTHsMOTHs upper ranks. A lot has... changed as a result.
Sakura
Seemingly by chance, the two I brought back with me... they became Flame-Chasers.
Mei
......
Mei
It's just too much of a coincidence...
Mei
And if this series of events was thought up by a human... it'd be impossible to take every factor into account...
Mei
Wait, Sakura, you just said... you came back from Sundown Alley with two people?
Sakura
Correct, Aponia being one of them.
Sakura
At the time, the MOTHs thought she was to blame for the outbreak of Honkai disease, so I was ordered to take her in.
Sakura
If I hadn't... perhaps she'd have never met the MOTHs.
Mei
There sure is a lot of talent... coming out of Sundown Alley.
Mei
Of the Flame-ChaserOf the Flame-Chaser... three are related to these events.
Sakura
Perhaps this is an accident, also.
About Discipline 1
Mei
Sakura, you said one of your weapons can't be unsheathed without good reason.
Mei
"It's part of the Discipline."
Sakura
Yes.
Mei
But what exactly does that represent? Discipline... can't exist as a concrete object, can it?
Sakura
...
Sakura
That's why it's only part of it.
Sakura
Miss Raiden, the two swords you see have different purposes. One points at Honkai, while the other points at humanity.
Sakura
It's a necessity for me. It has reminded me of my position in many situations.
Mei
Is the one you can't unsheathe without good reason the one pointed at humanity?
Sakura
Yes. I was in the Cocoon... so I'm bound to have done things that cannot be justified by compulsion or consequence.
Sakura
However, I cannot describe them to you due to the Discipline. They've been sealed away.
Sakura
Every time I unsheathe this sword, the memory of them resurfaceresurface a little.
Mei
The intent is quite obvious.
Sakura
Yes, if I point it at a human, I'll face not only a choice, but also double the pressure.
Mei
Sounds like... you don't resist it as much as others do.
Sakura
I don't know what others went through, and I'm not qualified to speak for them. Honestly, I don't find Discipline very frightening.
Sakura
Through binding me, it's protected me.
Mei
What about the other Flame-Chasers? Have they had similar experiences?
Sakura
Very few, but one managed to escape from it on their own.
Mei
Escaped from it... was it Elysia? No, Su told me she's never received a Discipline.
Sakura
It was Vill-V. She hid the part of her mind that had received a Discipline forever... She paid a hefty price, but it was the only way.
Sakura
No conventional measure can achieve the same.
Sakura
Miss Raiden, if you wish to confirm anything else...
She did not finish her sentence. Her gaze fell upon Mei's weapon.
Sakura
You can only ask her about it.