(3RD POV)
[Osial has been defeated... No, Osial has been sealed for good, to be exact. But, the Jade Chamber has been badly damaged, so Ningguang has no choice but to land the Chamber back to the ground. And, All of the survivors were landed on the Liyue's dock after the battle is done and see the damages that had been done.]
Paimon: "Is it... finally over?"
Moon Carver: "The ominous aura of that monster has indeed begun to fade. The effects of the Sigil of Permission last but a short time. It will be some time before the Overlord of the Vortex can make any waves again."
Musashi: "No, Master Moon Carver."
Moon Carver: "Oh?"
[Musashi, the one who has sealed Osial, try to make reasons with Adeptus.]
Musashi: "Osial has been sealed for good. There will be no more catastrophe like this in future."
Moon Carver: "I see... To think a human like you could seal a God like that."
[Musashi just chuckled a bit. Not only her, Ningguang also chuckled as well.]
Ningguang: "We are indebted to you for your assistance. If the adepti hadn't happened to be here, the future of Liyue Harbor would surely have been in great jeopardy..."
Cloud Retainer: "Hmph, save your flattery. We didn't just "happen" to be here... Surely you won't pretend to have forgotten the reason for which we came?"
[As expected, Cloud Retainer will be the hard one to understand Ningguang. Madame Ping decides to intervene before things got tense once again.]
Madame Ping: "Come now, there's no need for such harsh words, Cloud Retainer."
Cloud Retainer: "Oh?"
Madame Ping: "I've heard that when Ningguang began learning to do business, she had already started setting aside part of her then-limited income in preparation for building the Jade Chamber. At first, it was only the size of a small room. But with continued expansion, it has become the palace that lies before you now."
[The three adeptus fall in thought for a moment. The trio are awed by Madame Ping, who can ease the tension between Human and Adeptus. She decides to continue her talk.
Madame Ping: "It is a testament to Ningguang's entire life, both as a businesswoman and as the backbone of the Liyue Qixing. Seeing the Jade Chamber were badly damaged in the defense of Liyue means much to her. To me, such cooperation and sacrifice deserves at least some recognition, don't you agree?"
[Musashi and Lumine knew very well that the Jade Chamber is very precious to Ningguang. As she tried to sacrifice it, she seemed to hesitate. But, luckily that didn't happen.]
Lumine: "Lady Ningguang..."
Ningguang: "Well, I was really hoping you would say that such sacrifice could at least be used as some leverage in our negotiations."
Madame Ping: "Hehe~"
Ningguang: "Thank you all for hearing me out. We know very well why the adepti came here today... But please forgive us, we cannot yield to your wishes."
Moon Carver: "Oh?"
(Opening Song : Again - Yui)
Kono omoi wo keshite shimau niwa Mada jinsei nagai desho?
[As the song starts, the screen shows Lumine is looking at his older brother, Aether, who is smiling and walked away.]
Yarinokoshiteru koto Yarinaoshite mitai kara
[Lumine tries to catch up with him, but it's turned out to be a dream. When Lumine opened her eyes, she sees Musashi is sitting beside her, and Paimon floating near her.]
[And as Musashi stood up and pointed her blade to the sky, the screen shows the title "Genshin Impact : Shattered Void".]
Yume no tsuzuki oikakete ita hazu nano ni
[Lumine walks around the foot of the mountain near Liyue, accompanied by the smiling Paimon. She looks at the white flower near her feet. She crouched down and touch that flower softly and carefully.]
Magarikunetta hosoi michi hito ni tsumazuku
[Aether accompanied by Abyss Mages and Abyss Herald, stand on the cliff of the mountain. Aether found a white flower below him. He looked at that leaf for a moment, then he step on it and crushed that flower to pieces.]
Ano koro mitai ni tte modoritai
[Lumine, Musashi and Paimon finally arrived at Liyue Harbor and being welcomed by the resident of Liyue.]
Wakejanai no nakushite
[But at the same time, Musashi felt a sharp gaze from somewhere.]
Kita sora wo Sagashiteru
[Two unknown female is looking at them from different places. One from Adventurer's Guild and the other from the top of Liyue's tower.]
Wakattekuremasu you ni
[Shenhe who just appeared on Liyue, just take a look at the Travelers and feel their power from afar.]
Gisei ni natta you na Kanashii kao wa
[The screen shows Childe with his cynical smile, and then Zhongli with his arm crossed and he closed his eyes, and...]
Yamete yo
[Zhongli opens his eyes and glowing gold.]
Tsumi no saigo wa namida janai yo
[Out of Liyue Harbor, Keqing slashed one Hilichurl and Ganyu shots the other Hilichurl from the high ground.]
Zutto kurushiku seotteku nda
[Hu Tao herself is playing around with Hilichurls.]
Deguchi mienai kanjou meiru ni
[Beidou, along with his pirate crews are exterminating Hilichurl and Ruin Guard around Liyue, due to Ningguang Request.]
Dare wo matteru no?
[The screen shows La Signora stands in front of Northland Bank leading a small troops of Fatui fighter.]
Shiroi no-to ni tsuzutta you ni
[Near Wangshu Inn, Xiao is surrounded by a bunch of Hilichurl.]
Motto sunao ni hakidashitai yo
[But then, Xinqiu and Chongyun shows up to help Xiao and eradicate those Hilichurls.]
Nani kara Nogaretainda ... Genjitsu tte yatsu?
[And the scenes changes Childe is standing in the center of Golden House, smiling evilly. And then, he use his Foul Legacy Transformation.]
Kanaeru tame ni Ikiterundatte
[Musashi eyes turned green as Childe unleashed his Hydro Whale, Musashi just slashed through the whale and their weapon clashed.]
Wasurechai sou na Yoru no manaa
[Lumine breaks their clashed with her new Geo Attack. Childe using his spears, clashed with Lumine's blade and Musashi's katana.]
Bunan ni nante Yatterarenai kara..
[At Qince Village, Two unknown woman warrior are staring at each other, rain is pouring hard.]
Kaeru basho mo nai no
[As the rain stopped, both of them are dashing towards against each other with their own weapon.]
Yasashisa niwa itsumo kansha shite'ru
[Madame Ping is looking at the sunset, and Yanfei appeared behind her and stands together to watch the sunset.]
Dakara tsuyoku naritai (I'M ON THE WAY)
[Musashi, Lumine, Keqing, Ningguang and two unknown woman warrior are fending off the Fatui as Three Adepti are fighting Osial.]
Natsukashiku naru
[Powered up by Lumine, Ningguang and All Adeptus...]
Konna itami mo kangei jan
[Musashi unleashed the powered up "Ishana Daitenshou" towards Osial, and the screen turned white.]
-------------------- Chapter 20 -------------------
[The situation got tense for a moment again when Ningguang said they couldn't yield to Adeptus's wishes.]
Cloud Retainer: "Could you explain... Why?"
Ningguang: "3700 years... According to our records, the adepti signed a contract with Rex Lapis to protect Liyue 3700 years ago."
Lumine: "3700 years ago?"
Musashi: "Perhaps more than that."
Ningguang: "Even to this very day, Liyue and its lands have stood the test of time, immovable as stone, just as it was thousands of years before. This is truly no small feat. But, that does not mean that Liyue today is the same city as it was all those years ago."
[And, Ningguang has made her point to the Adeptus. It's not the Liyue that build by Morax anymore.]
Ningguang: "Do not merely cast your protective gaze upon the land. Instead, focus your sights on our city and each of the citizens that dwell within it."
Moon Carver: "Are you questioning our means of protecting Liyue?"
Mountain Shaper: "Hmm..."
[But, no matter what the problem between human and Adeptus, Ningguang always try not to hurt the feelings of the Adeptus.]
Ningguang: "I mean no offense. I simply hope that our new adepti forebearers would see Liyue in a new light."
Cloud Retainer: "Hah, "forebearers" you say. One doubts you would be fit to be part of such a lineage..."
Ningguang: "This morning, Rex Lapis appeared to me in a dream."
[And, three Adeptus are shocked a little when Ningguang said Morax appeared inside her dream.]
Cloud Retainer: "What?"
Ningguang: "In the dream, I yearned to tell him that we Qixing, though mortal, are equally bound to the contract. Each passing generation of the Qixing leaves many things of value to be inherited by the next generation. I also thought to tell him how the past generations of Qixing had strove under his rule to survive in our mortal world, establishing a network of contracts which has since come to be known as "trade". But, I dared not speak. I could only gaze at him in silence until the moment I awoke."
Paimon: "Aww~ Ningguang..."
Musashi: "...Hehe~"
[Musashi chuckled at the same time, gaining the attention of all of them.]
Xingcai: "Is there anything funny, Lady Musashi?"
Musashi: "Nah... I just feel... We're all on the same side here..."
Lumine: "I feel the same."
Yuanji: "Oh, is that so?"
Cloud Retainer: "Yet another perspective... What are you trying to say, Outlander?"
Musashi: "You know... When there is discord between the guardians and those they were meant to defend..."
Lumine: "Harmony becomes very difficult to restore."
[Musashi and Lumine seems understand each other. Paimon also nods in agreement with the duo.]
Paimon: "Right, that's something that happened in Mondstadt.. It's a story about the Four Winds and the people of the Anemo Archon. The Anemo Archon sought to quell the strife between the two sides, because he believed that such conflict would only scar the hearts of both and that nothing good would come of it...
Musashi: "And that is what we have learned in the City of Freedom."
[Keqing just smiles. But, for her... every nation has it's own story... it's own dark secret.]
Keqing: "Each of the Seven Nations has its own scars from the past."
Mountain Shaper: "Though your point is the very height of simplicity... As adepti, we've become a laughingstock, to be chastised thus by an outlander who has lent us such succor."
Madame Ping: "Alright, alright. Didn't Ningguang suggest that we should focus on the city and each of its citizens? I know I already have, so why not see for yourselves?"
[And as the Madame Ping said those words, a man with armor and spear comes closer and pay them his respect.]
????: "I apologize for appearing in full armor. I'm afraid I cannot show the proper courtesies."
Moon Carver: "And who are you?"
Fengyan: "I am Fengyan, a sergeant of the Millelith. I have come to extend my thanks to the adepti."
Lumine: "...."
Fengyan: "I thought this battle would perhaps be my last. But thanks to the aid of the adepti, our forces were not as badly battered as I feared we might be. Although, I am a mere mortal soldier, I promise to hold the line and never betray the grace given to us by the illuminated adepti this day."
[Fengyuang just bow his head to the Adeptus and he decides to go back to his duty.]
Moon Carver: "..."
Xiao: "..."
[And after Fengyan left, there's another girl comes over to greet those Adeptus.]
Madame Ping: "Ah! Changchang! What are you doing here?"
Changchang: "Huh? Why does everyone look so down? Didn't we just beat that big monster?"
Madame Ping: "Hahaha! Weren't you frightened, dear? It was quite the predicament..."
[Changchang just shook her head twice as a sign that she didn't scared.]
Changchang: "I wasn't afraid. All the strong Millelith guards were there, and those powerful heroes with their Visions were there... Everyone was there! When danger is near, everyone always protects me. And the rest of the time, they make fun toys, and tasty snacks, and... and loads of things that make the harbor so pretty! Thanks for protecting Liyue Harbor! Please come visit us for the next Lantern Rite!"
[Changchang just jumped again and again happily as she feels happy to meet Adeptus for the first time. But...]
Xiao: "Unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to participate."
Changchang: "Huh?"
Xiao: "Because we are adepti."
Changchang: "Oh, okay... It must be hard being an adeptus."
Musashi/Paimon: "Aww~~"
Lumine: "Cut it out, you two."
[Changchang quite disappointed, but she understand about the life being the Adeptus. Madame Ping laughes at her reaction, but pointing at her fellow Adeptus.]
Madame Ping: "You see, this is what Liyue is like today."
Musashi: "Grandma?"
Madame Ping: "The country of contracts is grateful to the adepti for their protection. But it is no longer necessary for the city to rely on the adepti's power to solve every little niggling matter. Although their blood is weak, there is still strength to be found in those we call mortals..."
Lumine: "...."
Madame Ping: "The time of contracts between gods and Liyue has long since passed. Now is the time of contracts between Liyue and its people."
[All of the Adeptus seems found it's sound reasonable, and they decides not to push it the matters again.]
Mountain Shaper: "Hmm, seeing the port around us now, it is hard not to feel a bit out of place... wouldn't you say so, Cloud Retainer?"
Cloud Retainer: "Your line of inquiry is askew. One did not spearhead this expedition to Liyue Harbor...
Paimon: Hmm... seems like the adepti have had a change of heart."
[And, the trio are glad because this matters is over.]
Paimon: "Hmm... seems like the adepti have had a change of heart".
Lumine: "They've listened to what the people have said."
Musashi: "...And they're trying to understand things from their perspective."
Xiao: "Let us return now."
[Xiao decides to leave first, but for a reason, he cannot go yet.]
Moon Carver: "...Eager to leave, Conqueror of Demons?"
Xiao: "...."
Madame Ping: "Hehehe..."
Mountain Shaper: "Yes, one understands what the Conqueror of Demons means. The city of Liyue has changed much after our long separation. One fears that by the time one finally grasps the new contracts of Liyue, you humans would have once again changed the place beyond recognition. Fair enough. Away we shall, and return whence we came..."
[Mountain Shaper, Xiao and Cloud Retainer seems already agreed with all of this situation. But not for Moon Carver, who still have doubt.]
Moon Carver: "Since we adepti have consensus, then one shall persist no further. But, how will we ensure that the Liyue Qixing will not simply exploit their power once we depart? In my view, that is still a thing to be guarded against..."
Madame Ping: "Alright, Moon Carver. You needn't worry. It seems to me that this right of supervision is best left to the people of Liyue."
[Madame Ping's persuasion seems manages to get Moon Carver to get it's senses. Their agreement caused Ningguang to chuckle at the same time.]
Paimon: "Whew... Looks like the conflict between humans and adepti was avoided. All's well that ends well, huh?"
Musashi: "You can say that again..."
Lumine: "The adepti were quite reasonable in the end..."
[But for the trio, the mystery is not solved yet.]
Paimon: "Oh, right! It's nice that we've got peace and all, but we're forgetting one thing!"
Musashi: "And... That is?"
Paimon: "Childe wanted to unleash the god so he could lure Rex Lapis out! But, we were able to handle the Overlord of the Vortex on our own... So, Rex Lapis never showed up!"
[Musashi and Lumine fall in thought for a minute. And then...]
Musashi: "You could say... the identity of Rex Lapis is still mystery."
Paimon: "Oh, and speaking of that... Don't we still need to get to the bottom of that archon's "death", too? Paimon doesn't get it... But, isn't the strongest lead we have the adepti-less Rite of Parting that we're organizing?"
[And their answer... is only one.]
Lumine: "Master Zhongli."
Paimon: "Yeah! And No idea where Zhongli's gone. Let's ask for him at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Musashi: "Agreed! Let us go and ask him ourselves!"
(A little time later...)
[The trio walk to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to find Zhongli, but unfortunately, when they got there...]
Musashi: "Um... Excuse me?"
Ferrylady: "Is there anything I can do for you two? I'm afraid that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor isn't in the best state to receive guests."
Lumine: "Well... We need to meet Master Zhongli. Could you please tell him we're here?"
Ferrylady: "Unfortunately, Zhongli isn't here at the moment. It seems he went to Northland Bank."
[Both Lumine and Paimon are curious about Zhongli go to the Northland Bank. As for Musashi... Well, she didn't shocked at all.]
Paimon: "Last time we saw Zhongli was before we went to the Golden House... Do you think he doesn't know about the attack on Liyue? Visiting the Fatui at a time like this could only mean more trouble!"
Lumine: "Well... Perhaps, he has his own reason to go there."
Paimon: "We had better go and make sure that everything is okay."
[Musashi agreed with Lumine. And so, the trio went to Northland Bank to find Zhongli.]
(20 minutes later...)
[And after some times later... Lumine, Musashi and Paimon have arrived at Northland Bank, they see three familiar people, who turns out to be...]
Childe: "You call this "cooperation between Harbingers"? Cooperation involves communication, you know..."
Signora: "Hehe~ don't take it to heart, Childe. Besides, weren't you happy that you got to skip the formalities and bring chaos to the land? I'm sure you must've enjoyed that... And, it seems that some of your friends have arrived."
Zhongli: "....."
[And... when the trio got inside...]
Paimon: "Hey, it's Zhongli and Childe! And... you! You're also one of the Harbingers..."
Lumine: "Signora!"
[Lumine is her fight stance while Musashi is still keep on her usual cool. Signora just laughed (but inside... she is angry when she saw Musashi stands in front of her.)]
Signora: "Haha, it's you two. I believe we've met once before... In the City of Bards, was it? I'm glad you still remember my name."
Musashi: "Yup... When i broke your spine and ribs."
[Childe laughes loudly, causing Signora angry at the same time.]
Signora: "Heh! You think that will happen again? I don't think so."
Musashi: "Maybe... But, i hope you still remember the time when i beat you... to pulp."
*WUSH!*
[Musashi's purple aura came out of her body with a bang. Paimon is surprised that, after Musashi used her full power to seal Osial, Musashi can still draw out the rest of her power. Lumine tries to fight Signora back, but...]
Lumine: (Breathe... Just stay calm.)
Paimon: "No, don't let her get to you, Lumine... You've yet to gather the powers of all seven elements, and our last battle at the Golden House was almost more than you could handle..."
Lumine: "Tch..."
Paimon: "So, it might be best to keep things peaceful this time, seeing that two of the Harbingers are here."
[Lumine decides to back off due to Paimon's words. On the other hand, Childe just try to greet the Traveler.]
Childe: "Well, if it isn't (Traveler). This is our first time seeing each other since Liyue was nearly wiped off the map. This is certainly a bit... awkward, wouldn't you say?"
Paimon: "Hmph, Paimon knew that we should never have trusted a Fatui Harbinger."
Childe: "Aw, now don't say that. Sure, I may have misled you, but I never had anything against you personally..."
Lumine: "....."
Musashi: "....."
[Musashi knows that Childe didn't know anything at all. And...]
Childe: "Besides, I thought we were getting along quite well together, didn't you? Except for that little tussle we had at the end... Nothing personal, we just have... different views, that's all. Of course, you may very well hold this against me, but that's up to you..."
Lumine: "What?"
Childe: "Yup... The real deceivers here are Signora and Zhongli... Curse them for leading me on."
[Then, all eyes are turned to Zhongli and La Signora. Both Lumine and Paimon are looking at them with disbelief in their eyes.]
Lumine: "Signora and Zhongli?"
Childe: "So, actually, I think-"
Signora: "Stop wasting time, Childe. There'll be plenty of time to chat once I'm through here."
Musashi: "....."
Signora: "You remember the agreement, Morax. Now, if you would be so kind... The Gnosis, please."
Lumine: "Agreement? Master Zhongli... What is she talking about?"
[Zhongli fell silent for a moment, until he pulled the Archon of Geo's Gnosis, which makes Lumine and Paimon shock.]
Zhongli: "The contract is fulfilled. That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone."
Signora: "How sanctimonious..."
Lumine: "So, Zhongli is actually Rex Lapis!?"
Paimon: "No, wait! That's an exciting twist and all - but why give the Gnosis to the Fatui!?"
Zhongli: "I do not give it for free. I give it as agreed upon in the contract... for it is a matter solely between me..."
[Signora just smiles with satisfaction. But...]
Signora: "Gathering all the forces that had been bubbling behind the scenes, and then stirring them together in a pot that was bound to boil over..."
Zhongli: "And Musashi..."
Signora: "That's what he wanted to- WHAT!?"
[And what was even more surprising to all of them... Zhongli gave his Gnosis not to Signora, but to Musashi.]
Paimon: "WHAT THE!?"
Lumine: "W-What in the world!?"
Musashi: "Nice doing business with you, Sensei."
[Signora was truly furious. On the other hand, Childe is a bit surprised by this situation, but also, laughed a bit at the angry Signora.]
Signora: "What... What is the meaning of this, Morax!?"
Zhongli: "....It's all as our agreement. I have two contract to be contested... But, in the end... It was Musashi who deserved that Gnosis."
Signora: "What!? Do you forget your agreement with Her Highness Tsaritsa!? Do you want to feel the wrath of Her Highness!?"
[Zhongli sighed a little. But then, his eyes is glowing gold.]
Zhongli: "Tsaritsa already knows about this deal. And... She agrees."
Childe: "Hoo boy... Never thought our Lady Tsaritsa would agree with this."
Signora: "What!? But, how can she agree with this!? Your agreement with her happened a long time ago!"
Zhongli: "Indeed, she has... But, Musashi has an offer that intriguing as her's."
(FLASHBACK...)
[It was an one on one conversation between Master and Student.]
Musashi: "A contract... For a contract..."
Zhongli: "I'm listening..."
Musashi: "It must be about stopping Osial, am i right? When this all over, you will give your Gnosis to Fatui, right?"
Zhongli: "You... are not wrong."
Musashi: "That is why... I will make a contract with you! My contract for your Gnosis... IF I CAN SEAL OSIAL BY MYSELF... I WILL TAKE THAT GNOSIS!"
(BACK TO PRESENT...)
[Everyone shocked... No one would expect Musashi would make a crazy contract with Zhongli... With that crazy condition.]
Paimon: "W-Wait a minute! Slime's Lover knows about all of this!? And she knows about you are Rex Lapis all along!?"
Zhongli: "....Yes. Both of the contract requires to Seal Osial. But the difference is just who and how."
Lumine: "Eh?"
Zhongli: "Within Tsaritsa's contract, requires Jade Chamber to be sacrificed to seal Osial. But, as for Musashi... She will use her own power without sacrificing Jade Chamber to seal Osial for good."
[And with just that... everything is clear. Musashi wins the Gnosis due to the requirements. She wins the Gnosis because she used Ishana Daitenshou to seal Osial for good. Both Lumine and Paimon are happy because Musashi wins the bet. But, as for Signora...]
Signora: "No... No! I refuse to believe this! This can't be happening!"
Zhongli: ".....Tsaritsa agrees to the agreement between us three with me as the bridge of this treaty."
Signora: "NO! I WILL NOT ACCEPT BEING HUMILIATED LIKE THIS! NOT ONCE... BUT TWICE!"
Childe: "Hey, Hey... Come on, Signora. We lose the bet... Best to leave it for now."
[Signora just glares at the smiling Childe. Both Lumine and Paimon think that Childe is on their side despite being Fatui Harbringer.]
Signora: "You... You like this happen, huh, Traitor!?"
Childe: "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa... Chill out, Old Lady. Of course, i'm disappointed that we lose the bet... But, where's the fun being in fighting to the limit against the best warrior in the land? And don't you forget that you also trick me in your stupid scheme."
[This time... Signora has been humiliated badly. She has been humiliated by Musashi not only once, but twice.]
Signora: "Musashi Miyamoto... Why you always stands in our way!?"
Musashi: "Why... Simple... Because i know Fatui is always planning something bad. Not only they are bad, but they are also... crazy."
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon are looking at Childe with mocking eyes. Childe just receives it with a smile on his face.]
Childe: "Oh, come on... I'm not crazy... I'm just a Poor 11th Fatui Harbringer that has just being tricked by his own teammates."
Lumine: "But, you are also a part of her plan, too... So, that means... You also at fault here."
Childe: "Hehe~ So mean, Ojou-sama."
[Childe laughes a bit, as he feels satisfied with the results. Even he has been tricked all this time, the results is worth for him. And he feels satisfied, as well.]
Signora: "Then... I will have to use force if i-"
Musashi: "You don't want to do that..."
*BWOSH!!!*
[Musashi's killing aura became more powerful and terrifying. Everyone there, except for Zhongli, swallowed hard with fear.]
Signora: "W-What the!?"
Musashi: "You and your Tsaritsa have lost at your own game. You, who have lost, should have left this place from the start."
Childe: "Hoo boy..."
Musashi: "That is why... I will let you leave this place alive."
[Lumine and Paimon were a little taken aback when Musashi let Signora go, but...]
Musashi: "But, let me clear on one thing for you, La Signora... Stay away... from Monstadt and Liyue. And don't ever... I mean EVER show your face in front of me or Lumine..."
[The words Musashi spoke to Signora were full of threats. Signora was successfully made to swallow hard for the second time.]
Musashi: "And... If you dare to stands in our way again..."
*BZZT~* *BZZT~* *BOOM!!*
Musashi: "I will tear your heart apart."
[The Electro power that came out of Musashi's hands was so powerful. They could all feel the destructive power within. Signora, who was already frightened... Choose to retreat.]
Signora: "Tch! This is not the end, Musashi Miyamoto! I will return to Zapolyarny Palace and seek an audience with Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa to discuss this! Tsaritsa will kill you for this! Come with me now, Childe!"
Childe: "Haha~ I'll meet you there later, old lady. I'm not sharing a boat with the likes of you!"
Signora: "Grr... Do as you wish."
[Signora quickly leaves Northland Bank in fear. At the same time, The Electro power in Musashi's hand is starting to fade away. As for, Childe... Well... He's happy.]
Childe: "Oh boy... Thanks, you three... You three have made my day better."
Lumine: "We didn't do anything."
Paimon: "Hey! Why are you so happy when your friend are being threatened like that?"
[Again, Childe chuckles at Paimon's question.]
Childe: "You seems misunderstand. Signora maybe my Comrade but she is not my friend. Besides, it's so rare to see her being humiliated like that."
Paimon: "Wow..."
Childe: "I will see you all three again someday. But... When that day comes, i hope we can meet again with different circumstances. Bye!"
[And, Childe left Northland Bank, satisfied. Leaving the trio and Zhongli behind.]
Zhongli: "Now then, is there anything else you wish to ask me?"
Musashi: "Well... Not me, but her."
[Yup... There is so many question inside Lumine's head. So, she decides to ask.]
Lumine: "Why did you feign your death?"
Paimon: "Yeah, you don't think you went a little bit too far with that whole fake death thing!? Everyone was preparing the ceremony for you when splat, this big dragon falls out of the sky and all of Liyue goes into an uproar. Talk about a disaster!"
Zhongli: "Perhaps it's best that I explain."
[Zhongli sighed a little before he starts explaining.]
Zhongli: "As you know, I've dwelt upon this world for more than six thousand years. It is now 3,700 years ago that I founded Liyue together with the adepti."
Paimon: "T-Three Thousand and Seven Hundred Years Ago!?"
Zhongli: "Even boulders that can withstand whirlpools will erode with the passing of time. I kept convincing myself that cracks had not begun to form and that the end of my time had not yet come. Until one drizzly day, as I was strolling along the harbor, I heard a merchant tell one of his workers, "You've finished your duties, go ahead and call it a day". I stood motionless among the crowds, asking myself, "Have I already finished my duties?"."
[The trio feels bad for Zhongli. Zhongli decides to continue.]
Zhongli: But, as I began to consider relinquishing my divine role, I soon discovered that many reasons still remained to not hastily depart... Was Liyue, the city I had dwelt in for so long, already prepared to enter its next age? I decided that a test was needed in order to reveal the answer. So, I feigned my own death, and gathered the cast of Childe, the adepti, and the Liyue Qixing to play their roles together on the stage that was Liyue."
Lumine: "So, were you satisfied with the finale?"
Zhongli: "Indeed, I was. The Gnosis I had kept for so many years suddenly seemed to have lost its meaning."
[The explanation from Zhongli has makes the trio understand why Zhongli decides to do that.]
Zhongli: "In the end, the resolution to all that has transpired was even more satisfactory than I could have hoped for. Take the adepti, for instance. Owing to their years of seclusion, they were the least informed. Yet, when faced with a crisis, they, commendably, showed the greatest amount of restraint possible. Not only did they manage to co-operate with the Qixing, but in the end, they even made efforts to understand the hearts of the people."
Musashi: "And... Signora has something to do with this?"
Zhongli: "Credit is also due to Signora, the emissary dispatched by the Cryo Archon to fulfill our contract. At my request, she kept everything she knew in strict confidence - this despite the eavesdropping ears of her colleague, Childe. This meant I could remain as Zhongli, even having the chance to fulfill the age-old traditions of Liyue in this mortal form."
[Well... Even so, everything has ended peacefully. The trio manages to prevent Morax's Gnosis falls into Fatui's hand.]
(Timeskip... 3 days later...)
[After the dust settles, a date is fixed for the Rite of Parting...]
Paimon: "Today's the day of the Rite of Parting."
Lumine: "Yeah... Today is the day where it's all ends."
Musashi: "...There is no reason for us not to go there."
Paimon: "Although the star of the show is fake, we've spent so much time trying to organize it. It would be a real shame not to go there now."
[The trio is heading to Yujing Terrance. On their way, they heard some people having a conversation about the Rite of Parting and the Fatui. And then, they found one of the Millelith Guards who was named Fengyan who was giving a speech about Rex Lapis who was not dead.]
Fengyan: "Hear ye all the Qixing's words..."
Musashi: "....."
Lumine: "....."
Paimon: "....."
Fengyan: "Though a dragon soars ageless as the mountains, it too must return to dust. This is common knowledge. Gods and adepti live glorious lives, but both light and shadow have their season. So, too, must they face divinely-appointed trials. Rumors and hearsay abound on the streets that Rex Lapis was murdered. Now, let the truth be revealed. Having been thwarted in his trial, Rex Lapis's soul has recouped the celestial heights. He beseeches the people of Liyue to grieve not, and to not let their hearts be saddened. Nor are they to believe street-borne rumors or indulge in baseless speculation."
[And Fengyan has done relay Qixing's words to people. And as expected... Paimon feels dizzy all of a sudden.]
Paimon: "Ah... Um, Paimon needs a translation on what the Qixing's announcement said, Lumine."
[Both Lumine and Musashi giggles at same time when they can guess Paimon's reaction and they are right.]
Lumine: "They said that Rex Lapis wasn't murdered."
Musashi: "Or to be exact... Rex Lapis died because of a divine trial."
Paimon: "...So, that's how they're spinning it... But, something feels off. Why would they suddenly give up looking for the murderer? Not to mention how this excuse sounds like something they just made up on the spot."
Musashi: "Maybe they have their own reason?"
Paimon: "Maybe... Could the Qixing already have known that Rex Lapis wasn't dead? But Zhongli said that neither they nor adepti knew anything. Hmm... Did Zhongli tell them in secret after his Gnosis changed hands?"
Lumine: "We'll find out soon, Paimon."
[And... The Rite Of Parting has been started. The trio approach the Rite of Parting area and see three familiar faces.]
Paimon: "Look, it's Ningguang and Keqing. Are they saying something? Are their speeches over?"
Lumine: "Let's hear what they wanted to say."
[And... Ningguang speaks to the public.]
Ningguang: "As said previously, Rex Lapis' soul returning to the heavens is the end of the contract, and it is also the end of an era."
Shitou: "3,700 years of contracts, burnt and reduced to ash..."
Ningguang: "We, the people of Liyue were indeed prosperous. But blinded by our prosperity, we forgot that time can be pitiless."
Ying'er: "The long, unending dream of our archon walking among us..."
Madame Ping: "Mm..."
Ningguang: "Now, that we have awoken from our dream, we must learn to say farewell. Will you stand with us as we reestablish our contracts - as we build a new age of prosperity?"
[Ningguang smiles as she steps back from the stage. And...]
Ganyu: "So concludes the words of her Eminence, the Tianquan. And... Does Her Eminence the Yuheng have anything to add?"
[As for Keqing... She is looking at her people... But, her eyes stopped at...]
Paimon: "Eh? Is she looking this way?"
Keqing: "Traveler."
[Yep... Keqing's eyes are locked at the duo traveler with their Pixie friend. The crowd is talking about both of Musashi and Lumine.]
Crowd: "Are they the traveler who they say defeated the ancient God?"
Crowd: "Wow... Both of them are so young..."
[As the people in the crowd are talking about Lumine and Musashi, Keqing walks closer to them, and...]
Keqing: "The Liyue Qixing always repay their debts. And as you have heard, our eyes see far and our reach is long... You may name your price. You deserve that much."
Paimon: "Whoa..."
[Lumine and Musashi shocked for a bit as they got what they want. But, for Lumine... What she want is just-]
Lumine: "Well... Could you help me put up some missing person posters...?"
[And as expected... People and even Keqing are shocked by Lumine's response.]
Keqing: "That's it...? You don't want anything fancy like Mora or precious things like gold?"
Lumine: "Well... I didn't come here just to seek fame. I just want to find the whereabouts of my missing older brother."
[And, some people around the crowd feel sympathy towards Lumine. Musashi touches Lumine's left shoulder to make sure she is fine. Lumine touches back Musashi's hand and look back at her and shows her smile.]
Musashi: "It will be fine."
Lumine: "...Thanks."
[Keqing understands Lumine's situation and decides to let it be. And...]
Keqing: "Well, how about you, Musashi Miyamoto? You may also name your price."
Musashi: "Huh? Me too?"
Keqing: "Yes. Since you are the one who help us defeat Osial... You deserves the reward."
[Musashi didn't know what to say. She feels bad for gain advantage because of this situation. And then, she decides to...]
Musashi: "Well, i think i'm gonna pa-"
*GROWL~~*
[Suddenly, a growl comes out from her stomach and was heard by all of those people. She blushed in embarassment, and...]
Musashi: "Uh... Can i get a free bowl of Udon, please?"
[And... Musashi's request was answered with the laugh of the people in front of them.]
(Later...)
[After things have been settled down, the group finds Zhongli standing near the balcony as they went up to him for a chat.]
Zhongli: "Haha~ I never heard that loud growl before... You must be very hungry, huh, Musashi?"
Musashi: "S-Shut up, sensei!"
[Musashi was blushed in embarassment because of what just happened due to her stomach. Lumine and Paimon softly giggles at her reaction. And then...]
Paimon: "Everyone in Liyue's caught up in their emotions, thinking they'll never see Rex Lapis again. And here you are, looking all relaxed!"
Zhongli: "Hahaha. Why would I not feel more at ease after laying down the burden I have borne for 3,700 years? Right, if the two of you can spare the time. I should treat you to a meal at the Xinyue Kiosk.
Paimon: "Hah! That sounds like big talk, Zhongli. Paimon might have believed you if you were treating us to some Third-Round Knockout, but you'd have to pay out your nose just to stand inside Xinyue Kiosk. Are you sure you can afford it?"
[Zhongli decides to check his wallet, and as always...]
Zhongli: "You're right, I do lack the Mora."
Musashi: "Figures..."
Lumine: "But why would Morax lack Mora?"
Zhongli: "As the Rex Lapis Morax, I can easily create Mora. But since I have chosen to walk this earth as the mortal Zhongli, I should abide by the same rules that mortals do. When I was journeying with you, though I still had the Gnosis in hand, I knew that I must soon retire from my role as an archon. So I had to... rehearse a little, for my new life."
[The trio understand why Zhongli always lack Mora, but it's not because of his bad habit not to bring Mora.]
Paimon: "Oh, no wonder! Paimon gets it now. You didn't look at the price tags when we were spending because you've never had to. But, since you weren't used to not being able to just make some Mora as and when you wanted to, you had to try becoming a parasite to society who lives off of other peoples' credit..."
Zhongli: Well, we were only spending Fatui money. You don't have to say it like that... In the city of commerce, we do not merely exchange money or goods. We also exchange knowledge, memories, and foresight, as well as positions, roles, and lives. The archon Morax could never experience life as the true mortal Zhongli could, no matter how many times he descended to be with his people."
[Zhongli laughes a little because he feels satisfied with all results or we could say... This journey.]
Zhongli: "Haha~ I must thank you for that, you two. I will treasure the memories that I made as Zhongli, traveling the streets of Liyue with you."
Lumine: "It was a fine journey."
Musashi: "Damn right, it is."
Zhongli: "That is true, but there is no journey that does not end. No meetings without partings."
Paimon: "Mm... Paimon thinks that we should make a move and continue our search for The Seven."
Zhongli: "I fear that continuing your journey may be difficult. The nation that neighbors Liyue by sea, Inazuma, is presently closed."
Lumine: "Closed?"
[For a sudden, Musashi feels something is touching her hand. And, when she peek at her right side, she saw Makoto... In sad state.]
Musashi: (Makoto...)
Makoto: "....I'm fine."
Paimon: "What do you mean "closed"?"
Zhongli: "Yes. The nation has been closed by order of its deity."
Lumine: "Who's the god who rules Inazuma?"
Zhongli: "The Electro Archon, named Baal. And just as the people of Liyue preferred to call me Rex Lapis, she too goes by another name among locals in Inazuma."
[Makoto's grip on Musashi's hand grew tighter. Musashi is even more surprised by Makoto's strange behavior.]
Musashi: (M-Makoto... What is-)
Makoto: "Ei... I'm sorry... It is all my fault..."
[As Zhongli talks, Musashi's focus is only for Makoto. She keeps saying Ei's name.]
Musashi: (Makoto... Is Ei-)
Makoto: "Ei... I shouldn't do that. I shouldn't let you rule Inazuma so sudden."
Paimon: "Um, Paimon thinks we've heard that one before. Uh.. Rai... Raiden?"
Zhongli: "That is the case. And since Raiden is also the Shogun of Inazuma, people call her the Raiden Shogun."
Lumine: "The Inazuma Shogunate..."
Paimon: "That said, though people at the wharf were saying that the situation in Inazuma is very tense, Paimon doesn't remember that always being the case. It wasn't that bad last year..."
[...This conversation is kinda hard, especially for Makoto.]
Paimon: "Zhongli, since you're Rex Lapis, shouldn't you know something about what's happening there? Just how did Inazuma become a closed nation?"
Zhongli: "It's because of Visions."
Paimon: "Visions?"
Zhongli: "When faced with circumstances beyond their control, humans often bemoan their lack of power. But, if a person shows true strength of will at a desperate and fateful moment in their life, the gods will look upon them with favor. That is what Visions are. Magical foci bestowed upon those who have been acknowledged by the gods."
[Paimon nods twice as she agrees. Lumine and Musashi keep listens to Zhongli's explanation about what happened to Inazuma.]
Paimon: "Uh-huh. That's how people in Teyvat see it."
Zhongli: "But, starting from last year, the Raiden Shogun began promulgating something called "Vision Hunt Decree"."
Paimon: "...Vision Hunt Decree?"
Zhongli: "Yes. It was an order to seize all Visions within Inazuma's borders, and to inlay them upon the hands of the Statue of the Omnipresent God."
*CRACK!*
Musashi: "OW!"
[Musashi felt pain in her hand after Makoto squeezed her hand hard. Lumine and Paimon shocked and turns their attention to Musashi.]
Lumine: "M-Musashi? What's wrong?"
Musashi: "I... I..."
Zhongli: "....."
[Musashi doesn't know what to say... Makoto suddenly vanished. It seems she has gone back to Musashi's soul. And... Musashi tries to find reason.]
Musashi: "I-It's nothing! J-Just an ant bite my hand."
Lumine: "Y-You sure?"
Paimon: "Come on, Slime's Lover! You almost gave us a heart attack!"
[Musashi just giggles nervously. As for Makoto, it seems she hides inside Musashi's soul, because she doesn't want to hear it anymore. And the trio decides to continue to listen.]
Paimon: "They want to seize Visions? But why? Aren't Visions blessings from the gods?"
Zhongli: "I should think that in the Raiden Shogun's eyes, it is precisely because they are divine blessings, that they should be under the sole dominion of divinity."
Paimon: "Whoa... That's harsh."
[Zhongli sighed as he agreed with Paimon about stealing Vision is harsh.]
Zhongli: "The Anemo Archon is the God of Freedom, and the Geo Archon is the God of Contracts. For her part, the Raiden Shogun is the God of Eternity. It seems as though she has finally decided to eliminate any unstable elements that could pose a threat to her eternal realm."
Musashi: "....I see."
Zhongli: "The fact that even I, the oldest of The Seven, have now "passed away" will only strengthen her resolve to pursue eternity. Knowing her, she must have again quoted that adage she is most fond of when proclaiming that decree to her people: "Seven ideals for seven gods, and of these, Eternity is nearest unto the Heavenly Principles."
Lumine: "Heaven..."
[And after that conversation... Zhongli says goodbye to the trio, hoping that they will have their way to go to Inazuma. And he also says that he hopes to meet the trio again sooner or later.]
(5 minutes later...)
[Then, the trio decides to take a stroll around Liyue.]
Musashi: "Man... Talking with Sensei about Inazuma is quite heavy."
Paimon: "Yeah! What we know now that Inazuma is hot mess! It will difficult right now to go there."
Lumine: "But, i'm sure we can go there somehow."
Musashi: "Yeah... But, let us rest for now. We still have a lot of time."
[Suddenly, Lumine just stop at her spot, put her hands on her hips and pout.]
Lumine: "Hmph!"
Musashi: "Eh? What's wrong?"
Lumine: "You are lying to us again! How dare you keep the secret about Zhongli's real identity from us!"
Paimon: "Yeah! You already lie to us not once! But twice!"
Musashi: "Oh... About that, huh?"
[Lumine leaned forward slightly (up to Musashi's face) with anger on her face. Musashi just laughed dryly.]
Lumine: "Don't you believe in us that you have to keep everything a secret?"
Musashi: "Oh, come on, Lumine. It's not like that i don't trust you. It's just..."
Lumine: "Just what...?"
Musashi: "It's just... We have someone with her big mouth around us."
[And... Both Lumine and Musashi are looking at the person with her big mouth. And that person is none other than...]
Paimon: "....Ehehe~"
[And Lumine sighed. It all makes sense for her. Since, almost all secret got leaked because of Paimon's miscomunication, Musashi decides to keep the important info to herself.]
Lumine: "I see..."
Musashi: "It's alright. I'm not gonna hide anything from you."
Lumine: "Promise?"
Musashi: "Yup! That's a promise!"
[Lumine smiles widely at her girlfriend. And Paimon is also smiles. And, when they decides to go again...]
????: "Oh, it's you three."
[Their road was stops by a girl. That girl is a Liyue Qixing.]
Paimon: "Ah! It's Keqing!"
Keqing: "It's nice to see you again. I hope i didn't intrude your walks."
Lumine: "It's fine... We are just walking around Liyue."
[Then, Keqing is looking at Musashi with her mocking smile.]
Keqing: "Heh. Why, you... Were you just trying to look cool earlier, or are you really that selfless?"
Musashi: "Oh, come on, Neko-chan. I can't control my hunger. It can comes anytime."
[Lumine, Paimon and Keqing giggles softly at Musashi. At least, Keqing had something to laugh at to cheer herself up a bit. And, speaking of hunger...]
Keqing: "You know... About your prize..."
Musashi: "Eh? What?"
Keqing: "I will make that for you, if you want."
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon fall silent for a moment, until... Musashi smiles widely as she feels happy.]
Musashi: "Wow! To think Neko-chan will treat me for a dinner! Having dinner together with Neko-chan will be great!"
Keqing: "HUH!? T-Together!?"
[Keqing blushed madly as funny thought comes into her head. She thinks that she will eat dinner with Musashi, just both of them in her private room.]
Keqing: (M-M-M-Me and Musashi together!!?? I-I-I-It couldn't be-)
(Inside Keqing's mind...)
[After dinner, Musashi and Keqing is on Keqing's bed, with Musashi lie down on Keqing's body, as Musashi's left hand touches her left breast...]
Keqing: "KYAA!! ❤️"
Musashi: "You know, Neko-chan... I think i know what i want now."
Keqing: "W-What is it?"
Musashi: "....You."
[Musashi undressed Keqing until both of her nipples were exposed. Keqing blushed in intense embarrassment.]
Keqing: "M-Musashi... ❤️"
Musashi: "I'll make you mine. ❤️"
Keqing: "Y-Yes... P-Please make me yours... ❤️"
[Keqing's body is full of sweat. Her breaths seems irregular as Musashi's beautiful face is coming closer to her. And... As their face getting close against each other, both of them are closing their eyes and their lips are also getting closer to each others... 3 centimeters... 2 centimeters... 1 centimeters... And...]
(And... Back to Reality!)
*FLICK* *FLICK!*
Musashi: "Keqing! Oi! Keqing!"
Keqing: "EH!?"
[Musashi flicked her finger at Keqing. And instantly, Keqing's crazy thought just vanished. And, when she back to Reality... she saw Musashi, Lumine and Paimon are looking at her.]
Musashi: "You okay?"
Keqing: "Eh? What? Eh?"
Paimon: "Paimon feels strange. Keqing is just fell quiet for some times."
Lumine: "You almost got us worried. Is there something wrong?"
[Keqing just blushed madly as her face turns red like a boiled crab.]
Musashi: "O-Oi... Neko-chan? Are you having a fever?"
Keqing: "A-AWAWAWA~~"
[Musashi touches Keqing's forehead to check her condition. Keqing's face got even redder than before. And...]
Musashi: "Weird... I don't feel hot from your body. Are you sure you okay, Neko-chan?"
Keqing: "Awawawa~~~"
[And... Keqing's crazy thought comes again into her minds, where she and Musashi are doing something intimate together. Keqing feels flustered, and...]
Musashi: "Neko-"
Keqing: "BAAAKKKKKKAAAAAA!!!!!"
*SLAP!!*
Musashi: "OOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!"
-------------- End Of Chapter 20 -------------
[A/N : That's the end of Chapter 20 of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. In this chapter, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon manages to find out the mystery about the death of Rex Lapis. And turns out, Zhongli is Rex Lapis A.K.A Morax. And before Signora could get her hands on Zhongli's Gnosis... Musashi manages to get it by winning the contract against Signora and Tsaritsa. And, the trio got the info from Zhongli about Inazuma that has become closed nation due to Raiden Shogun's Vision Hunt Decree. What will happen next? How will they go to Inazuma? What has just happened with Makoto? Find out at the next chapter of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. You can vote the story if you like it, and you can ask me anything you want through comment.]
[P.S : Musashi's Current Relationship :
1. Lumine : Crush (Both Sides)
2. Paimon : Best Friend
3. Raiden Makoto : Best Friend
(Monstadt)
4. Venti : Crush (One-Sided Love)
5. Jean : Crush (One-Sided Love)
6. Lisa : Crush (One-Sided Love)
7. Amber : Crush (One-Sided Love)
8. Kaeya : Friend
9. Diluc : Best Friend
10. Eula : Rival & Crush (One-Sided Love)
11. Sucrose : Crush (One-Sided Love)
(Liyue)
12. Keqing : Best Friend
13. Ganyu : Crush (One-Sided Love)
14. Xiangling : Best Friend
15. Xiao : Friend
16. Ningguang : Acquaintance
17. Wang Yuanji : Acquaintance
18. Zhongli : Teacher & Student
19. Xingcai : Acquaintance
20. Qiqi : Friend
21. Baizhu : Acquaintance
(Fatui-Snezhaya)
22. Childe : Distrust
23. La Signora : Arch-Enemy
(That's all, folks! KeysOfVoid out!)