Chapter 44: Moment of Cultivation 

Shortly after, Siegfried returned, covered in numerous injuries. However, he forced a smile, concealing his exhaustion and pain from Bronie, bringing back plenty of pizza and cola.

"Kiana! Bronie, guess what I brought back?"

"Pizza! And cola!"

Kiana was ecstatic, but the observant girl also noticed Siegfried's injuries. Turning back to the game, they were nearing its end, with the signal tower that seemed to lead to the universe right before them.

Then, Kiana fetched the medical kit from home, taking out alcohol and bandages.

"Dad, you hurt yourself again!"

"What happened? How did you get so injured?"

Bronie also expressed concern appropriately.

"Sorry, sorry, the road was a bit slippery, and I accidentally fell. Then I rolled down the hill."

He could endure gritting his teeth, but when the alcohol touched the wound, Siegfried's reaction was significant.

"Let me help too."

Bronie approached Siegfried, picking up the bandages and alcohol nearby to tend to his wounds.

Siegfried had quite a few wounds, some of which appeared to be burns.

However, frostbite and burns looked quite similar on the surface. If left unattended for too long, blisters would indeed form.

"Why are you so skilled at this?"

He absolutely couldn't show pain in front of his daughter, but Siegfried also noticed something peculiar. Bronie was not only adept at treating wounds but also seemed to have undergone specialized training.

"I grew up in a gang. Fighting was a common occurrence there, but I'm not one to give up easily, so I got used to taking care of myself."

"Hmm, I thought you were from some rich family..."

"Do I look like a rich lady?"

"No, it's just that you could if you dressed up. If you dressed up carefully, you'd look even more like one."

Bronie displeased hearing that, applied some alcohol to the wound and watch him twitch slightly due to the pain. She glanced at Siegfried again.

"Appearance may be important for girls, but talent is even more critical for me, so please spare me the dressing up."

"Aha, seems like you're shy. But it's getting late now. Let's have dinner at home! I bought pizza from the city specifically, just heat it up, and it'll be ready to eat."

After experiencing the harsh weather outside, the pizza had frozen solid like an iron disk.

But Siegfried had already considered this situation, so he tossed the pizza into the oven to heat it up.

As for the cola and such, they were placed next to the stove, awaiting liquefaction.

"Alright, but speaking of which, I might have to leave town temporarily in the near future."

"Oh? Is it because you're disappointed not to see Kiana?"

"More or less, mainly because of game development. I need Eden's help. Game music is a crucial aspect, capable of effectively stirring players' emotions and increasing immersion. And this time, making a masterpiece, I definitely can't just settle for anything."

Bronie naturally reached the composition stage of game development. However, most compositions required it to be accurate to the lore settings. After all, only when you know what the composition is for can you make it properly.

Of course, there was also a hint of taking more Signets in the Elysian Realm.

"It's really hard work, huh?"

"But you'll be able to see me at Eden's place later."

This sentence from Bronie completely dispelled Siegfried's doubts.

Yes, Siegfried was still very sensitive, always suspicious.

He always felt something was wrong with Bronie's presence, with Raven's existence, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

Was it because Bronie could invite a group of unidentified but powerful teachers?

Or is it because someone so young could create such powerful games?

Or perhaps it's due to personal bias, thinking that Bronie is somehow connected to Schicksal Entertainment, maintaining his suspicion all along?

But none of these can be solid evidence.

After all, Bronie has always been open about these matters, never hiding anything. In fact, whenever Bronie even slightly conceals something, Siegfried tends to categorize her as a member of Schicksal Entertainment.

But what makes Bronie so calm?

"Well then, sister, have a safe journey~"

Though Kiana was focused on the pizza earlier, she still listened to Bronie's words.

"And Siegfried."

"Hmm?"

"Kiana has already completed this game, look there."

On the computer screen, the character was under a signal tower.

"Is that the top?"

"If you climb up, you'll completely finish the game. And the final part is actually quite simple; the higher you go, the less gravity there is."

If Kiana could complete it, could he do it too?

But the thought of falling every time, accompanied by that mocking tune, sent his blood pressure soaring. Honestly, Siegfried wasn't too keen on facing that game.

"Dad, you're so clumsy~"

"It's not that! I'll show you how to complete it!"

Hopefully, Siegfried's mindset wouldn't collapse too quickly. Seeing Siegfried so confident, Bronie just smiled. After dinner, bidding farewell to Natasha, Bronie left the cold Siberia.

This time, Bronie didn't mention this matter to Elysia beforehand. After all, Bronie knew her own capabilities. How could she act so openly after sending the game? It was best to quietly go to the Elysian Realm and try not to attract the attention of the Flame Chasers.

After all, Bronie had learned a bit about recent changes in the Elysian Realm from Kiana. The game that raised blood pressure had stirred up a storm in the Elysian Realm.

Arriving at the familiar elevator, Bronie began to hack in. Although Klein had given her access to the Elysian Realm, this time Bronie planned to come quietly, trying not to attract any attention from the Flame Chasers. Otherwise, if each FC put a mark on her, would she not end up being overwhelmed?

Who knows!

"Uh..."

Klein noticed Bronie.

"Shh, shh!!"

Bronie quickly reminded Klein to keep quiet.

Klein was startled.

"Besides you, who else knows that I'm here?"

"Probably no one... Why not use your own permissions instead of sneaking in?"

"Because I feel like the Elysian Realm hasn't been peaceful recently..."

"Do you know why? Or is the culprit..."

"It's not me!"

Okay, Klein knew who it was.

Damn it, the guy who made her work overtime.

Would she cooperate with Bronie? No, she'd turn her in immediately!

"Okay, you go in first. I still have a lot of work to do here. The mess from the battle between Aponia and Kalpas is too much, and I still haven't cleaned it up. Guess who's to blame?"

"Who knows..."

If Klein said more, she'd probably explode.

Bronie hurried deeper into the Elysian Realm and arrived at the familiar hall. In the lounge, Eden was elegantly sitting on the sofa, enjoying wine while staring intently at the computer in front of her.

"Hey, Eden, missed me?"

Noticing someone greeting her, Eden looked over.

"You really made a good game."

Was this really the first thing she said when they met?!

Bronie suddenly felt a bit guilty.

"But for the sake of Civilization, I forgive you."

"That's good..."

"It seems you came secretly. You also know that you hurt everyone with that game, so you're too guilty to show up in front of everyone?"

"Ahaha, this game was originally meant to promote the next game, so I used a slightly more aggressive strategy."

"The Erdtree, right?"

"Yes, the next game is called Elden Ring. Because we collaborated with a major company and got a new game engine, we decided to make a masterpiece."

"I can see that you're quite satisfied with that game engine."

Otherwise, Bronie wouldn't have made herself the protagonist based on it.

"But for a masterpiece, a lot of work is needed in terms of music, so can you help me? I've prepared some tunes, but I'm still unsure about many details and scene-specific music."

"That's interesting."

Eden also became interested.

Then Bronie took out a USB flash drive and plugged it into the computer.

There were a massive number of setting collections, from art to scenes, and various stories behind each character. Although they seemed scattered, they were essential settings that supported the entire game.

"Can you do it?"

Bronie asked cautiously.

If Eden really had almost the same creative power as before, it wouldn't be a problem to consider the current memory of Eden as the living Eden.

But Eden frowned.

"Sorry, Bronie, if you just rely on music theory knowledge to create a qualified piece, there's no problem. But to reach the level of my past, it will take a long time."

Can she do it?!

Bronie's eyes lit up.

"It's okay. Just having your answer is enough. If you find it troublesome, I can handle the important scenes and character music by myself. You can do as much as you can."

"But what if it doesn't meet your requirements?"

Eden didn't understand why Bronie was so happy, but if it was just helping with this small task, it should be fine. However, resources for computational power within the Elysian Realm were limited. The major resources were allocated to Vill-V and Mobius, and she didn't have much control over computational power.

"You won't know until you try. And if you need anything, I'll definitely help."

As long as she could do it, Bronie knew that the possibility of the Flame Chasers leaving the Elysian Realm in the future would be higher.

"But are you coming to the Elysian Realm just for this? If it's really just this matter, you could have told me online."

Eden felt that Bronie's personal visit here was definitely not just for this matter.

Actually, avoiding everyone was just a psychological comfort.

"The town I stayed in had a Honkai Outbreak again. Although it's just a minor one, I have a bad feeling about it."

"I see, do you want to improve your strength?"

"More or less, during your creation period, I will try to improve myself as much as possible and then adapt to more signets."

Wanting to take away all the Signets?

Eden didn't really recommend doing so. But Bronie's hometown had collapsed, which made Bronie a bit uneasy.

That was understandable.

After all, Kiana, despite being a docile Herrscher, no one could guarantee that living with a Herrscher was completely safe. Plus, Bronie was a child who didn't easily feel secure.

So Eden didn't stop Bronie but said, "Be mindful of your capabilities. I think everyone in the Elysian Realm won't make things difficult for you, but early exposure to strong power often comes with a price. Please consider the pros and cons carefully."

From Bronie's works, Eden could see Bronie's mature psyche, rather than the judgment of a child with little experience. So Eden just kindly reminded her, hoping Bronie could think through this.

"This time, I'll only get a Helix Signet, or maybe a Deliverance Signet. Not too many."

"Do you need me to open the way to Vill-V's workshop for you?"

"Then I'll trouble you with that."

Bronie couldn't be happier.

Eden pointed to a staircase not far away.

"Go up there. Push open the door, and you'll reach the Helix Workshop. That's where all of Vill-V's inventions are born."

"Okay!"

Seeing Bronie leaving in a hurry, Eden was a little surprised.

"My dear Eden~"

A familiar voice came from beside her.

It was Elysia, just as Bronie had left.

"Ely, what's wrong?"

"My beauty radar suddenly moved. Do you have any clues? Could it be that another cute successor has arrived?"

Didn't expect Bronie to really reach this level.

Elysia could only vaguely sense that someone had arrived?

"It's Bronie who's here."

"Oh! How could that be! Is she avoiding me?"

"Being too clingy can also make others dislike you, my dear Ellie. You know Bronie is as sensitive as a real rabbit, so overly intimate behavior can also make Bronie feel uneasy, right? And I think she's a bit guilty, too?"

Guilty? That game did bring a lot of harm to herself, but it wasn't that serious.

But Eden said she was too enthusiastic. How could she resist such a cute girl like Ellie!

"Okay, okay, I'll pay more attention to social distance, my lovely bunny. You absolutely can't escape from my palm!"