Honkai Impact 3rd: The Girl Who Chases the Flame

“I would calculate the gains and losses of everyone, even my friends, their bottom line, to make sure things go the way I want. I used to think that someone like me would definitely stay single forever.”

“But Kevin doesn’t see you that way, but if things continue like this…”

Melutina didn't finish her sentence.

"I'm sorry, this isn't your fault. I apologize for my harsh words and actions just now."

She suddenly realized that she was starting to get a little emotional, so she lowered her head and apologized.

"What you said is all correct, there is no need to apologize."

Mei shook her head.

"Although it's rare, there are times when I don't mind these things. Just consider this a moment of kindness on my part."

"...It's rare to hear you tell the truth."

Melutina said with some surprise.

"I told you so many things before, but you didn't believe me..."

Upon hearing this, Mei couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"You believed that one sentence? What a sensitive brat. Alright, get lost. Eden is probably already waiting for you."

"it is good."

Melutina nodded, and before leaving, she thought for a moment and said something.

“I don’t agree with your choice, but I don’t hate you… and I’ll probably always have respect for you.”

"...I'll just ask for one reason."

"You are not a great person, but for the sake of countless people, you chose to become a great person in their hearts."

Melutina said earnestly.

"It sounds ironic."

Mei remained noncommittal.

"You are the closest to the ideal of humanity, but you are just like Kevin."

Melutina shook her head.

"Although you force yourselves, you cannot make your thoughts and actions consistent."

It's just that no one in this era can be the one to save everything, so you became that person.

I sincerely admire this, but it does not conflict with my future actions.

"No one knows the outcome, but errors belong only to their time."

Mei neither agreed nor got angry.

"The future you envision may be too cruel for this dark age."

"Nobody knows right from wrong, we just have to keep going, right?"

Melutina said earnestly.

“My life has been extended because of the gifts of three people, so I am determined to carry on their will and see the world through their eyes.”

"That's not bad either."

After Melutina left the office, Mei closed her eyes and spoke softly.

"It's a pity that I can't see anything anymore."

.........

"Captain!!! Waaaaaah!!!"

As soon as Melutina opened the conference room door, a golden retriever pounced on her and clung to her.

"...Susana? Let me go, I'm not dead."

Melutina said, both amused and exasperated.

"Your return is more important than anything else."

Salome said earnestly.

"I thought... I was going to lose the captain again."

Li Xue reached out and pulled Su Shana away, saying.

"Captain... there's nothing we can do..."

Lewis clenched his fists, looking guilty.

"...It seems you've all been having a rough time lately, me too."

Melutina looked at everyone's faces, which were noticeably paler than before she left, and their deep dark circles under their eyes.

"People can't live without looking forward; people become stronger because of separation. Indeed, there are many irrationalities in this world, but people's desires will never stop with death."

Those who survive carry on the will of the departed, moving forward. In that way, the bond will not be broken until the last person dies.

Just like before, it's the same old story. Everyone is special, and no one is special. To live is to constantly lose. Whether you seek meaning or deem it meaningless, those left behind can only live on like this.

Chapter Forty-Seven: Vice Captain

"I never expected you to be the vice-captain of the third squad."

Melutina leaned against the railing, watching the woman who was as elegant as ever.

"As a soldier, I really can't say I'm outstanding; you all overestimate me."

Eden smiled slightly, perhaps because he was still on official business, and this time he did not hold a wine glass.

"That's hard to say."

Melutina remained noncommittal.

"Don't you think it's a bit of a waste of your talents... Besides, I didn't think you would want to partner with me."

"How could that be? As a fusion warrior, your resume is far superior to mine. As for me personally, I wouldn't easily dislike a good person because of their personality or thoughts."

Eden smiled.

"Melutina, have you always felt that we don't get along?"

"...To be honest, you and Su are a bit too upright and kind."

In reality, Melutina, who is neither naive nor optimistic, is unable to establish proper communication channels with these two. Her choice of the better path does not mean that she is an optimistic and positive person.

And Sue and Eden...

Clearly, from his heart to his actions to his ideals, everything about him is as pure as gold.

"That's too high a compliment. I'm just an ordinary person."

Eden shook his head with a wry smile.

“You always draw a line between us, but what you’ve been through, Sue and I have also been through… It’s not a question of who’s more miserable. I just feel that, Melutina, there isn’t much of a barrier between us who have had the same experiences.”

"...Because my views have changed now, I respect people like you and Su, but I can't become like them."

Melutina looked at Eden and asked,

"I don't want to abandon my comrades again, but like before, perhaps that choice would only cause even greater casualties. Eden, will you make that choice?"

"No one knows what choice they would make unless they experience it firsthand."

Eden, however, said he did not know.

"Humans are not perfect. It is only when they are pushed to their limits that they will subconsciously choose the path they desire."

I understand your choice. I have no right to judge whether this choice is right or wrong. I respect Adam and your choice.

In my eyes, you are all incredibly brilliant. As for right and wrong, there's really no definitive concept of them.

"It sounds like they're trying to comfort me."

Melutina smiled wryly.

“Every word comes from my heart… Ah, should I call you Captain, or Melutina?”

Eden suddenly became conflicted about what to call him.

"No need for the captain title. I feel too uncomfortable being called captain by Eden."

Melutina said helplessly.

"Then Metti?"

"...Okay, four words are indeed a bit troublesome."

Melutina smiled wryly, recalling that Eden seemed to always call Alicia "Aili," so she didn't refute it.

"Okay, so, next..."

Eden reached out and took Melutina's arm.

Let's go shopping!

"……what?"

“Ellie must have told you, right? Appearance is an important factor in boosting team morale. You look like you just came out of a refugee camp.”

Eden placed his hand on Melutina's head and smelled it.

"There's also a metallic smell... It must be blood splattered there. This won't do. Come to my place and take a shower first."

"No, wait, Eden, I..."

Before Melutina could finish speaking, Eden forcibly dragged her away.

…………

"Hmm... I'll forget about Qian Jie, I won't look for him. Alicia, is there anything you want to say?"

Mei tapped the table and looked at the pink-haired girl on the sofa.

"Huh? (?>?<>)"