"So this is the Herrscher of Corruption of the current civilization?" Everyone gathered around a small television, their gazes unanimously fixed on that tiny figure on the screen.
Being stared at by so many Herrschers, the Herrscher of Corruption instantly grew so nervous that it practically started sweating.
The lineup standing before it could only be described as the "full Herrscher family combo",
The Herrscher of Human · Elysia, the Herrscher of Truth · Bronya, the Herrscher of the Void · Kiana, the Herrscher of Thunder · Mei (Mei☆), the Herrscher of Ice · Ana, Fu Shi · Herrscher of Sentience, the Herrscher of Flame · Himeko, the Herrscher of Binding · Theresa, and the Herrscher of Finality · Kiana☆.
Not to mention Fu Lin, having the power to replicate all things.
And the non-Herrscher lineup was no less intimidating, Kevin, Durandal, Rita, the Fu Hua, returned to her peak, as well as S-rank Valkyries Cecilia and Li Sushang.
Fu Shi raised an eyebrow and spoke first, "So, what do you say, should we just get rid of it right away?"
"Oh my, don't be so fierce~" Elysia chuckled softly, waving her slender hand as she gracefully stepped forward. Her presence, reflected in Herrscher of Corruption's panicked eyes, was like a dazzling light capable of dispelling all cold.
"It's only just been born, a little one. Let's give it a chance, hmm~?" Theresa crossed her arms, her expression serious,
"That depends on its own choice. Will it join the Herrscher class of St. Freya… or, " Kevin was far less accommodating, his voice cold, "Submit, or be destroyed. You have no other choice."
In an instant, an invisible pressure crashed down upon the Herrscher of Corruption, the surrounding air seeming to warp.
The screen of the Herrscher of Corruption suddenly filled with blinding static. The sizzling electric noise grew rapid, like the desperate chirping of a dying cicada.
The next second, With a loud "plop," it decisively looked at Elysia, then e=e=(っ?□`)っ* hid behind Elysia's feet.
"Herrschers, we're all Herrschers, born of the same root! Why must we torment each other so? Spare my life!" Its electronic voice carried a sobbing tone, hurried and panicked, while a pitiful expression (?????) popped up on the small screen.
"I want to join you all so badly, I really do!! I dream about it! I, I want it so much! If I join you, I'll be the first one charging ahead on the path of fighting the Honkai!!!"
The entire room fell silent for a second.
Then Elysia couldn't help but laugh softly. That gentle laugh was like a pebble dropped into a still lake, instantly loosening the atmosphere throughout the room.
Fu Lin lightly tapped his arm with his fingers, a faint smile appearing at his lips as he said calmly, "You really know how to read the situation. Fast enough at begging for mercy."
Mei☆ lowered her gaze to look at the Herrscher of Corruption hiding behind Elysia. Compared to the one she had faced in the Elysian Realm, this one was worlds apart, and an extremely faint smile tugged at her lips.
Fu Shi clicked her tongue, crossed her arms, and pouted in disdain, "Tch, spineless. You've completely disgraced us Herrschers."
A burst of crackling electric gibberish flashed across Corruption's screen.
[Herrscher of Corruption, Listen to that, does that even sound human? Right at the start I get cornered at the 'spawn point' by a bunch of big shots plus a group of traitors. Who could stay tough in that situation? And you blame me for lacking backbone!]
Theresa cleared her throat. The stern look on her face faltered into a trace of helplessness, "Since you've already begged for mercy… we'll spare you for now. I hope you'll keep your word."
Elysia bent down and scooped the small TV-shaped Corruption into her arms, her eyes curving like crescent moons as she smiled brightly, "Then, welcome to the team, Little Shi~"
"If it's called Little Shi, then what am I supposed to be called?!"
Fu Shi instantly bristled, hands on her hips as she shouted, "How can there be two 'Shi'! In my opinion, we should still just wipe it out!"
As soon as those words fell, Corruption's body trembled even harder, the static on its screen jumping wildly.
It hurriedly shrank deeper into Elysia's warm embrace, its sobbing electronic voice breaking intermittently···=???....,
"Senior, please don't kill me!"
Holding the trembling little TV, Elysia gently tapped the flickering static on its screen, smiling with curved brows and eyes, "Alright, alright, calm down."
Beside them, Fu Hua pressed a hand to her forehead and spoke softly in persuasion, "Fu Shi, stop it. Since it's already decided to join St. Freya Academy, it'll be our companion from now on."
Fu Shi was left speechless for a moment, then snorted unhappily, crossing her arms and turning her head away.
Corruption's shaking visibly eased, and a timid expression (?w?) slowly appeared on the screen.
Kiana stepped forward and gently patted the casing of the small TV, "Hehe, life at St. Freya is way more fun than you imagine."
Kevin shot a cold glance at the Corruption nestled in Elysia's arms, then turned and left. The chill in the air instantly dissipated quite a bit.
Theresa cleared her throat and announced solemnly, "From today onward, you are a member of St. Freya Academy's Herrscher class. I'll have Rita prepare your dormitory, "
Rita bowed elegantly, her smile gentle and composed, "Please rest assured. I'll take care of everything."
Elysia looked down at the little TV in her arms, now finally settled, "So, how is it? Don't you think joining us was an amazing decision?"
The screen of the little TV lit up and slowly scrolled out a crooked line of text, 'Thank you, Elysia?'
Mei☆ pressed her forehead, falling silent for a moment, "Just who exactly is the Herrscher of Corruption here? How did it get infected by Elysia in such a short time?!"
...
Rita's efficiency was, as always, astonishing. In less than half a day, a dorm room was fully prepared. It wasn't spacious, but every detail showed thoughtfulness and care.
And on the walls, the desk, even the shelves, the Herrscher of Corruption had plastered them all with Elysia posters and all kinds of Elysia merchandise.
The pink, fluffy color scheme nearly dyed the entire room in sweetness.
The little TV's screen flashed brightly for a moment, as if momentarily dazzled by the sea of pink, then began flickering rapidly as lines of crooked text bounced across the screen,
So much Elysia! → On the walls too → On the desk too → Even the wind chime charms!
At the end, the screen paused briefly before a cheering smiley face appeared, followed by another line full of excitement,
'Elysia~ I like you so much~'
Just then, Elysia leisurely walked in. She took a turn around the walls covered in posters, the corners of her eyes curving into a beautiful arc, and gently poked the little TV's screen with her finger, "Oh my, so Little Shi likes me this much? That really makes me so happy~"