I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era

Elysia?

Ryan blinked; his brain stuttered for a moment. Instinctively, he narrowed his eyes, slowly scanning the girl on the bench.

Her slender legs were encased in black knee-high stockings, complementing her short skirt. Her skin was smooth and fair; above her slender waist, her curves were pronounced, a deep cleft visible above her ample bosom.

This was the most captivating feature, a perfect blend of strength and beauty.

Delicate collarbones, rosy cheeks, a small, pretty mouth, a high-bridged nose, jewel-like violet eyes, and long pink hair.

She was beautiful, full of youthful vitality, laced with mischief and playfulness, like a fully bloomed flower, overshadowing the spring blossoms.

Elysia.

Ryan's grey eyes widened. He hadn't expected to meet her here—the goddess of countless Captains. He remembered a time when greetings often involved "Love".

Her enthusiasm, her kindness, added a touch of sunlight to this bleak world.

"You're staring at me so intently; I'm getting a little embarrassed," Elysia said, scratching her cheek, her curiosity growing. "I thought you were a cold guy, but…"

"But I'm just an ordinary man? Appreciating beauty is human nature." Ryan inhaled gently, bowing slightly, a gentlemanly gesture. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elysia."

He'd completely recovered, knowing the girl meant no harm, yet remaining cautious. It had become second nature after years of living in this world.

Ryan's politeness made Elysia smile even brighter. Shouldn't a flower be admired in its most beautiful form?

"Haha, you're so polite. And call me Ely; it feels more intimate."

Elysia truly possessed a certain charm; she felt approachable without seeming affected.

Ryan paused, sensing the girl's genuine and natural demeanor. But it was their first meeting, and he wasn't comfortable with such enthusiastic individuals.

"So, Elysia, why did you seek me out?"

"The name is fine, but your 'mask' is still on." Elysia stood, hands clasped behind her back, her steps light as she circled Ryan. "Nothing really. I wanted to be friends."

Friends? Just like that?

Ryan felt utterly perplexed. This was an inexplicable reason. Knowing Elysia was harmless and had no ulterior motives only made him more confused about how to respond.

"Why aren't you talking? Are you shy?" The girl scratched her head. Becoming friends should be a joyous occasion.

"You traveled all the way to Nagazora City just to be friends with me?"

"Is that impossible?" Elysia stopped before him, leaning forward.

Ryan tried to avoid her gaze, clearing his throat. "Um… it's just… illogical."

"Logic? Ah, that's unnecessary. I was on vacation and happened to be in Nagazora City; naturally, I had to see the hero who fought the Honkai."

"Hero?"

"Yes, you killed powerful Honkai Beasts, saving many soldiers and civilians. You're a hero, of course." Elysia said, smiling, without any attempt to flatter or lessen the distance. "And…"

She suddenly moved closer, causing Ryan to instinctively take a half-step back, watching his reflection in those violet eyes.

"Can you elaborate a bit? Don't spoil a girl's fun."

Ryan wasn't slow; he was simply unprepared for this sudden enthusiasm, struggling to keep up with her agile thinking.

I can usually make Kevin explode with three words. Shy? Possibly.

Ryan calmed himself, looking at the face inches from his. He could see the fine details of her eyelashes, the fiery passion in her jewel-like violet eyes, and the accentuated cleavage caused by gravity.

"Elysia, excessive enthusiasm can be overwhelming, especially when you appear so suddenly."

"Oh? I didn't give you time to prepare, did I? True, to be friends, we must understand each other. Come with me."

"To where?"

"Lunch, of course. It's almost time. Rose, are you joining us?"

The distant lieutenant froze, shaking her head stiffly. She'd expected Elysia to have something important to discuss with Ryan, perhaps even a confrontation, frantically preparing to intervene.

This?

It was their first meeting, yet they were going on a date? Was Miss Elysia planning to use beauty to extract information?

The poor lieutenant's brain short-circuited, unable to keep up with this elf-like girl.

"Ah, too bad. I should have let you eat less lunch. Ryan, let's go. Keeping a girl waiting is very impolite." Elysia stood before the flower wall, watching Ryan, who was still processing information.

Experience told him the world wasn't that simple or straightforward, yet he couldn't help but believe Elysia's invitation was sincere.

After a moment's hesitation, he trusted his instincts and took a step.

...

So, what am I doing here?

In the corner of the café, Ryan, holding his coffee, looked at the empty plate, listening to the girl's animated voice, questioning his life choices.

Elysia had chosen a trendy café and ordered a large assortment of sweets, eating while describing her journey: Mu Continent coffee, Sankha fruit desserts, and praising Nagazora's cheesecake, despite its modest origins.

She ate quickly, her manners far from refined, yet utterly genuine. Unconsciously, Ryan started to chat.

He'd traveled extensively to learn various combat techniques; his knowledge far surpassed his age.

"Are the Shenzhou Xinmen baozi that good? You take a bite, and the oil just spills out?"

"And Sichuan food. It's not just spicy; there are so many chili sauces."

Elysia propped her chin, her eyes shining, her appetite barely concealed.

"It's about mixing chili powder and spices, heating the oil and pouring it over. Let it cool, then you can mix it with noodles." Ryan gestured, casually explaining. "The oil temperature is key. If it's too hot, it'll stick and taste bitter."

"Ah, you know how to cook?"

"Learned a bit on my travels. Focusing solely on becoming stronger can be monotonous; it's easy to become obsessed."

"Your interests are diverse." Elysia sipped her bubble tea, her eyes sparkling. "What's an obsessed person? It sounds sad."

"Someone burdened by a heavy fate, who sees their goals as their sole reason for living. That's not really living."

Slap!

A soft clap. Ryan looked up, surprised. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Perfectly right. To witness the world's evils, yet not forget its beauty. To remember both good and evil—that's how you remain true to yourself." Elysia was even more cheerful, her eyes crescent moons. "Like you now, showing your true self to me."

Damn it, I fell for it.

Ryan's mouth twitched. He'd intended to maintain a serious demeanor, yet Elysia had effortlessly stripped away his mask. He offered a wry smile.

"Elysia, your interpersonal skills are terrifying. You effortlessly disarm people."

"Right? Many say that. Aren't you grateful? No, you must be grateful." Elysia tilted her head, seemingly pondering intensely, then clapped her hands again. "Ah… I really want that soup, and the spring lamb."

This was blatant manipulation. Ryan wasn't an idiot; his first thought was 'Why am I doing this?', followed by a realization that he didn't mind.

"That requires ingredients and a proper kitchen."

"We don't need to do it today. Save the anticipation for later; every day will be more joyful." Elysia wasn't pushy; she seemed to possess a perfect sense of 'measure,' sitting up straight. "Okay, I've done all the asking. Your turn."

Fair enough.

Ryan chuckled, seriously observing the girl. She was leisurely sipping her bubble tea, her eyes shining with curiosity, as if participating in a puzzle game, ready to meet his challenge.

So, what should I ask?

Ryan was equally unsure; he didn't know where to begin.

Should he ask her opinion on the internal struggles within the organization? Ask when Honkai would surpass control? Or… should he ask why she, as a Herrscher, sided with humanity?

Countless questions flooded his mind. His gaze swept across her stunning face, her ample bosom, the empty plates, finally erupting into laughter.

"You ate so many cheesecakes; aren't you worried about gaining weight?"

Huh???

The pink-haired girl froze. She wasn't stupid; she'd braced herself for cunning questions. This one clearly surprised her.

But the surprise lasted only a moment. She slowly pursed her lips, wagging her slender finger.

"You can't ask a girl that. But I don't mind a little friendly banter. Ryan—" Elysia placed her hands on the table, cupping her face. Her bright violet eyes, accentuated by the setting sun, shone with warmth.

"Can we be friends?"

Looking at the girl, radiant as a flower, Ryan was speechless; the moment felt like a painting come to life. She'd only been there for a short time, yet it felt like they'd known each other for years.

He hesitated, then gently nodded.

"Consider it so."