Genshin Impact : Shattered Void

Chapter 37 : No Mere Stone!

(3RD POV)
[Two weeks passed since the Lantern Rite Festival were done. All people have back to their own routine, just like the Musashi, Lumine and Paimon. They are walking Go to the Liyue Adventurers's Guild to meet Katheryne to find get commisions.]
Musashi: "Yo!"
Paimon: "Hi Katheryne, it's us! Any new commissions?"
Katheryne: "As a matter of fact, there's one that looks perfect for you three."

[And... As always, they got that commissions.]
Musashi: "Okay! What is it?"
Katheryne: "Uncle Dai is one of the foremen at Huishan Hall over in Liyue Harbor. He's hoping the Adventurers' Guild can spare some manpower."
Paimon: "What is it we have to do exactly?"
Katheryne: "I believe you'll be looking for workers."

[And, this commission is about to finding people, more like lost people.]
Lumine: "Workers?"
Paimon: "Ooh, looking for people? Awesome, we're good at that!"
Katheryne: "I have no reason to doubt your abilities. I'm sure the details can be worked out face to face. If you're willing to accept this commission, head over to the dock and talk to Uncle Dai."
Musashi: "We'll go there at once. Thanks a bunch, Katheryne."

[And... as agreement, they are walking towards the dock to find Uncle Dai... to find out what is this all about.]

(Opening Song : Rain - Sid)

Yatto mitsuketa atarashii asa wa
[The screen shows Musashi, Lumine and Paimon are looking at the city of Monstadt from the high mountain at night, with the title Genshin Impact : Shattered Void appears on the screen.]

Tsukihi ga jama wo suru
[Lumine takes a deep breath, as the camera turn to the bright moon.]

Mukau saki wa tsugi ja nakute
[The screen shows the people they have met such as Amber, Venti, Jean, Lisa, Diluc, Kaeya, Eula, Sucrose, Keqing, Ningguang, Zhongli, Ganyu Xingcai, Wang Yuanji and finally Childe.]

Sugi bakari oikaketa
[The screen turns white as Lumine hugs herself in sadness.]

Nariyamanai yousha nai omoide tachi wa
[The screen shows Tsaritsa sits on her throne with her Eleven Harbringers kneel before her.]

Yurushite kuresou nimonai
[And also Abbys Order's Prince is sitting on his throne, accompanied by Abyss Herald and numerous Abyss Mages around him.]

Sorosoro kana tesaguri tsukareta hoho wo
[Ganyu is standing at the cliff of Mt. Aocang where Shenhe, Cloud Retainer and other Adeptus can see her from behind.]

Kattou ga koboreochiru
[Ganyu's eyes were covered by her hair, and tears suddenly comes out from her eyes.]

Ame wa itsuka yamunodeshouka
[Rain suddenly poured down at the city... Keqing and her people of Liyue looks at the dark sky with a bad feeling.]

Zuibun nagai aida tsumetai
[Hu Tao with her subordinate are performing funeral rites for the deads at Wuwang Hill as the rain still poured down.]

Ame wa doushite boku wo erabuno
[Zhongli crossed his arms as he saw His former ally, Azhdaha breaks the seal and roar in anger... Looking for revenge.]

Tsutsumareta iikana
[The rain also happened at Monstadt. At her room, Jean feels down and break in sadness. Barbara hugs her and she cries on her sister's arms.]

Ame wa yamu koto wo shirazuni
[Lumine tries to catch up with her brother's shadow but to no avail.]

Kyuo mo furitsuzukukeredo
[She falls down to the ground and she cries... But suddenly, the rains stops and the light are shining around her.]

Sotto sashidashita kasa no naka de
[Lumine sees Musashi and Paimon lend their hands for Lumine, and she can see everyone is standing in front of her, smiling at her.]

Nukumori ni yorisoinagara
[In the end, Lumine sleeps on Musashi's right shoulder (with Paimon on the top of Musashi's head) under the massive Oak tree in Windrise.]

-------------------- Chapter 37 -------------------

(Still 3RD POV)
[After receiving commission from Katheryne... The trio are heading towards to the dock. and there... They meet the foreman, Uncle Dai.]
Paimon: "Hey! Are you Uncle Dai?"

Uncle Dai: "I am indeed. Ahh, now then, you must be the adventurers assigned by the Guild."
Paimon: "Huh? How could you tell!?"
Uncle Dai: "By the clothes on your back and the look on your face. Experienced adventurers at that, I'll wager."

[And the trio just nods. They're impressed a bit by how Uncle Dai know about adventurers by just looking.]
Musashi: (Well... Guess Adventurers are quite common in Tevyat.)
Paimon: "Right again! You're pretty perceptive!
Uncle Dai: "Hahaha. In this trade, you need a sharp eye for people, not just rocks. Uncle Dai can see what you're made of from a long way off. Alright, my assistant should be arriving soon so let's just wait here a moment."

[Paimon is confused when Uncle Dai said that there will be another person to help.]
Paimon: "Whoa whoa, that's why we're here! Now there's someone else taking a cut?"
Uncle Dai: "Well, to tell you the truth, this is a very difficult matter. Too much for adventurers alone to handle, I fear..."
Paimon: "Hmph! So there is someone else! Do you think we're not up to the job?"

[Paimon seems offended. Lumine and Musashi could only giggled nervously.]
Lumine: "Um... Steady, Paimon..."
Musashi: "Wow Paimon, you're getting competitive again..."
Paimon: "Hmph!"

[Uncle Dai laughed and try to explain the situation.]
Uncle Dai: "It just occurred to me that you don't have all the facts. The incident in question happened in a mine, and it's a little out of the ordinary, to say the least. Mines are dangerous places, as I'm sure you're aware. As such, I've enlisted an industry expert to cover all contingencies. Last time I checked, adventurers weren't experts in ore appraisal or geological analysis. With a professional by your side, everything should run smoothly. Besides, this guy is the best in his field. No matter the rock, he'll tell you its value to the nearest Mora at a glance. I'd go as far to say that there's not a soul in Teyvat that knows rocks better than him. I'd be a fool to not enlist an expert of his caliber!"

[When the trio hears Uncle's Dai explanation, Paimon suddenly got an idea as she smirks.]
Paimon: "You're a fool if you think you found Teyvat's number one rock expert!"
Uncle Dai: "Oh? And why might that be?"
Paimon: "Because Teyvat's number one rock expert happens to be a friend of ours..."

[When, Paimon said that, both Lumine and Musashi knows who is that person.]
Musashi: "My God... You must be talking about..."

[Paimon nods at Lumine and Musashi with a smile.]
Lumine: (Perfect, I was planning to ask him a few questions.)
Paimon: "Haha~ Didn't expect that, did you! Wait here, we'll go fetch him. Paimon bets Zhongli is listening to the Storyteller. Let's head over!"
Musashi: "Okay! Let's pick Sensei up and hope he will help us!"

[As the trio walks to find Zhongli, both Guizhong and Makoto appears and floats around them. Guizhong's eyes are sparkling while Makoto sighed.]
Guizhong: (Oh my! Morax will be in action! I can't wait!!)
Makoto: (There she goes again... Fangirl mode.)

[And... in just 10 minutes,they found Zhongli Zhongli at Third-Round Knockout, where he is hearing a tale from Iron Tongue Tian.]
Musashi: "Sensei!"
Paimon: "Zhongli! There you are!"

[Zhongli looks them as they approaches him.]

Zhongli: "Oh! Here for a few tales? I didn't know you three were connoisseurs."
Paimon: "Oh, no no! We're here for you! Um... do you have time?"
Zhongli: "Ah... something I'm rarely short of."
Musashi: "Well... We need your help, Sensei."

[Then, the trio tries to explain what happened.]
Lumine: "So... We've accepted a commission. Well... More like special task."
Paimon: "We need someone who understands geology and ore."
Zhongli: "Hmm... someone who understands geology and ore..."

[Hearing that, Paimon swiftly cuts Zhongli's words in annoyance.]
Paimon: "Ugh... Take a look around! Is there anyone in Teyvat more qualified? The requester claims to have enlisted Teyvat's number one rock expert, but Paimon doesn't believe a word of it. Nobody understands rocks better than you!"
Zhongli: "You appear to have taken his claim quite personally on my behalf."
Paimon: "Oh, no no... it's just... Uncle Dai doesn't know what he's talking about! Paimon just wants to... enlighten him..."

[Zhongli softly laughed. And, he seems agreed to help.]
Zhongli: "Hahaha~ Well then, it will be my pleasure to accompany you."
Paimon: "Really!?"
Zhongli: "But I should inform you that despite my expertise... I cannot necessarily claim to be a leading authority. We are at all times adrift in a sea of learning - new knowledge should be welcomed with open arms. Still, I imagine I will be of help to you in this endeavor. If we do encounter an expert, I look forward to broadening my own understandings."

[Both Lumine and Musashi nods at Zhongli's reason. Paimon just sighed.]
Musashi: "Glad to have you on board, Sensei."
Paimon: "Ugh... stop being so modest, Zhongli. Well, we got him! Let's head back to Uncle Dai!"
Lumine: "Okay. Let's go back to the dock and find Uncle Dai."

[The trio and Zhongli decides to go back to the dock to meet Uncle Dai. And after 5 minutes of walking... They found Uncle Dai at his usual spot.]
Paimon: "Uncle Dai! We're back!"
Uncle Dai: "Oh! And this must be the friend you spoke of?"
Paimon: "Yup! Paimon doesn't know who your rock expert is, but he's got nothing on our guy!"

[Zhongli just laughed as he feels grateful of Paimon's support.]
Zhongli: "Haha~ Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Still, I do have a claim to some experience in this field."
Uncle Dai: "Uh-huh, so you say. Wait till my guy gets here, then we'll see. It's no use me singing his praises. You'll have to see for yourselves."
????: "Uh... is this the place?"

[At the same time, Uncle Dai's assistant comes.]
Uncle Dai: "Aha! Speak of the devil! Allow me to introduce my assistant, Kun Jun."

Kun Jun: "Um... Hello."
Uncle Dai: "Young Kun, these are two adventurers assigned to us. And as for this gentleman..."
Kun Jun: "Hm...?"

[Both Kun Jun and Zhongli are staring at each other. It's like they knew each other.]
Zhongli: "..."
Kun Jun: "..."

[Swiftly, Musashi moves to introduce Zhongli to Kun Jun and Uncle Dai.]
Musashi: "This is Zhongli. He is my Mentor and a consultant from the funeral parlor. And if you want to know about History, archeology, or anything related to Liyue..."

*SMACK!*
Zhongli: "Ouch..."
Musashi: "Zhongli-sensei is the best person to ask."

[Musashi patted Zhongli hard on the back. However, it was a form of support from Musashi for Zhongli. And...]
Lumine: "And if you want to know about History, archeology, or anything related to Liyue... While Master Zhongli is not at the place..."

*SMACK!*
Musashi: "Ouch!"
Lumine: "Her pupil, Musashi Miyamoto is the best person to ask!"

[Lumine patted Musashi hard on the back. And she blushed madly after being introduced and teased like that.]
Musashi: "What the heck, Lumine!?"
Lumine: "Hehe~ It's true, right?"
Musashi: "B-But you don't have to do that! I'm not that good!"
Lumine: "Oh~ My (girl)friend is blushing. But, i am right about that, right, Paimon, Zhongli-sensei?"

[Both Paimon and Zhongli nods.]
Paimon: "Agreed!"
Musashi: "Paimon!"
Zhongli: "For this, i must agree with Lumine here."
Musashi: "N-Not you too, sensei!"

[Musashi blushed again. And...]

Lumine: "Ehe~"
Musashi: "Ehe te Nandayo!?"

[Paimon and Zhongli laughed as Lumine grabs Musashi's hand. Musashi blushed like a boiled crab. On the other hand, Uncle Dai widened his eyes after hearing Zhongli's name.]
Uncle Dai: "Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant... Mr. Zhongli! I've heard about you. They say you're a man of great knowledge and many talents. I had no idea I'd be meeting you in person today."
Kun Jun: "I... I'm sure I recognize you... Have we met at the parlor?"

[But then, Kun Jun seems forget about Zhongli. Which makes Musashi seems suspicious.]
Kun Jun: "Wait, I've never been to the parlor..."
Paimon: "Uncle Dai, aren't you going to test them?"
Musashi: "Hee~ So, that's what you were planning."
Uncle Dai: "Huh? I... I wouldn't know where to start..."

[Uncle Dai just act like an idiot. And then...]
Paimon: "Then they can figure out a way to test each other! If Zhongli wins, he's the assistant. If Zhongli loses, uh... N-Never mind, Zhongli won't lose!"

*PLAK!*
[Both Lumine and Musashi just smacked their own forehead, thanks to Paimon's idiotic way to make Zhongli and Kun Jun compete. On the other hand, Kun Jun and Zhongli seems ready.]
Kun Jun: "A contest? Why, it would be my pleasure!"
Zhongli: "I admire your enthusiasm, good sir."
Kun Jun: "Haha! I must say, you certainly have the look of an industry expert about you. It'll be interesting to see which one of us wins."

[Kun Jun just laughed as he seems cannot wait for this contest.]
Kun Jun: "I'm just saying it like I see it, haha... Which is incidentally the only skill I have worth talking about."
Zhongli: "So you're an appraiser, Mr. Kun Jun?"
Kun Jun: "Well, no... actually I've already forgotten what I'm in Liyue Harbor for... I was standing by the side of the road one day when Uncle Dai called me over. He saw me holding a rock and asked me a few questions. He seemed incredibly excited, even followed me for a while. We arranged to meet here."

[Paimon scratches her hair as she confused about Kun Jun. Musashi and Lumine also feels odd about him.]
Paimon: "Huh? How could you forget something like that?"
Uncle Dai: "I saw him on my way over to Liyue Harbor, poring over rocks and muttering to himself. He looked to be very familiar with them. I asked him a few questions out of curiosity. To my surprise, he knew more than me, an old mining foreman! In any case, he didn't have any pressing matters, and agreed to help me."
Paimon: "So... do you have a poor memory?"

[Kun Jun giggled nervously because of that question.]
Kun Jun: "Not exactly... Anyway, if it's rocks you need help with, I can most certainly lend a hand. Mr. Zhongli, what do you make of this rock?"

[Kun Jun gives a rock to Zhongli. He looks at it intently.]
Zhongli: "Hmm... A glossy exterior, with a fissure that could only have been left in the wake of a volcanic eruption. If I'm not mistaken, this is a rough gem from another nation."
Kun Jun: "Ah... a keen eye!"
Zhongli: "It's no ordinary rough gem. Fragile surface layer, black veining... My intuition tells me that there's high-quality crystal ore inside."

[Kun Jun claps his hand as he feels amazed by Zhongli's inspection of that rock.]
Kun Jun: "Remarkable. This rock does indeed hail from the vicinity of a volcano. I came across it in a market and snapped it straight up. The seller thought it was some leftover industrial remnant. They had no inkling of the treasure that lay within."
Lumine: "Huh? Isn't Crystal Ore found everywhere?"
Musashi: "And what makes this one so special?"

[Kun Jun smiles as he tries to explain.]
Kun Jun: "Purity and geological rarity alone aren't enough to make a treasure. Some of the most precious crystals contain deposits of water or sand. In the moment of its formation, the crystal hidden within this stone shell captured a pocket of water. For water to be hidden in its depths, like a moon concealed within a mountain, reflecting shafts of daylight that make it through... Now that's a rare treasure."

[The trio nods as they understand Kun Jun's detailed explanation.]
Paimon: "Such a detailed description, almost like he saw it with his own two eyes... Say... you're not trying to hoodwink us are you? After all, we haven't even seen what's inside yet!"
Zhongli: "Well... Everything he said is true. Most crystals are born in high-temperature environments. Heat and water aren't natural bedfellows of course, which is why crystals with water deposits are so sought-after. Moreover, this particular crystal contains mountain lake water. A rare find indeed."

[Paimon sighed in defeat. Musashi and Lumine just chuckled softly.]
Paimon: "Well... If Zhongli says so, it must be true..."
Kun Jun: "I've yet to encounter anyone with a judgment as shrewd as yours, Mr. Zhongli. How did you know exactly what lay within?"
Zhongli: "I've seen many such stones in my time, I recognized it immediately. I hope you didn't mind me flaunting my experience, Mr. Kun Jun?"

[Kun Jun nods happily.]
Kun Jun: "Of course not! I feel I've met a kindred spirit here today. I hope you will accept my friendship. Uncle Dai, it would be a mistake for Mr. Zhongli not to join us! Trust me when I say that his level of expertise is unrivaled in the trade. You won't come across another of his caliber in your lifetime."

[Uncle Dai just sighed and smile.]
Uncle Dai: "Very well, there is strength in numbers after all! Everyone, follow me to The Chasm. There are men counting on you to find them."
Musashi: "Alright then..."

[And they are ready... to the Chasm!]
Musashi/Lumine/Paimon:
"LET'S DO THIS THING!!!"

(1 hour later...)
[And an hour of walking... They finally arrived at the mining site that Uncle Dai mentioned before.]
Musashi: "So, this is outside Chasm."
Paimon: "Whoa, this mine is huge..."
Uncle Dai: "This is where the incident occurred. Six days ago, a group of us left the site to attend to other matters. When we returned, the four men we'd left behind had vanished. I led a team around the entire mine but found no trace. That's when I decided to enlist help."

[So, the problem is.. the missing miners.]
Zhongli: "So, four miners have disappeared."
Uncle Dai: "Yes. There were ten of us. We lost Long, Bold Cen, Brave Cen, and Mao. I worked with all of them."
Zhongli: "Workers in this trade are usually young men in the prime of their lives. Could it be that the four of them left for another mine?"
Uncle Dai: "Unlikely. There's no other lodging for miles around, and we didn't pass any other mines on the way over."

[Kun Jun is awed by this huge mine field. Even both Musashi and Lumine saw a lot of ore and stones around here.]
Kun Jun: "Huh... such a huge mine. Did you really manage to explore every corner?"
Uncle Dai: "Underground, overground... we left no stone unturned. We tried everything short of digging further into the earth itself. How could four sturdy young men just vanish into the bedrock?"
Zhongli: "We'll need to explore the site ourselves before extracting any conclusions."
Uncle Dai: "Very well, I'll wait here, please proceed wherever you'd like. If you come across any clues, let me know straight away."

[Then, they all spread around to find something while Uncle Dai is waiting. As for the trio...]
Paimon: "So strange... how could the four of them just suddenly disappear...? Did they run away from something? Let's look around first and see if we can find any clues!"
Musashi: "Yes. Let us hope we can find something useful around here."
Lumine: "Agreed... The soon we find something, the better chances we got."

[And... They are spread out to find clues. And not long after that... They found a pile of clothes.]
Paimon: "Over here! What's this? A pile of shirts, some trousers..."
Zhongli: "A few everyday items, they must belong to Uncle Dai and his men."
Musashi: "One, two, three, four..."

[Musashi counts the clothes on the ground. And...]
Lumine: "So... How is it?"
Musashi: "Hmm... Ten shirts, and ten pairs of trousers."
Paimon: "These must be spares, right? Look, Uncle Dai's clothes are identical."
Zhongli: "The four of them have been gone for six days without a change of clothes."

[Paimon saw handkerchiefs and another else.]
Paimon: "There's also a few handkerchiefs and some soap lying around... Oh, and some tool belts."
Zhongli: "Items for washing one's face before the dawn shift... mining equipment..."
Paimon: "So... they didn't take any supplies..."
Zhongli: "Hmm, correct."

[The four of them are thinking about the possibilities that can happen.]
Lumine: "Maybe they didn't need them?"
Musashi: "Or maybe... They just forgot them?"
Zhongli: "Improbable. There are four pickaxes missing. It seems likely they left with the tools of their trade. They had time to take their tools, but not their everyday items? Curious."
Paimon: "Huh... why would someone set off with their tools, but leave their luggage behind?"

[Zhongli... only thinks about two possible scenario that happened.]
Zhongli: "One... They were working close by and didn't need to move their personal effects. But seeing as they've yet to return, this seems an unlikely hypothesis. Or, two... They were forced to leave and had no time to think about their supplies.
Paimon: "Oh...!"
Musashi: "Do you think... someone kidnapped them, sensei?"

[Zhongli nods slowly.]
Zhongli: "It's certainly a possibility. We'll need more clues before any further inference can be made."
Paimon: "If they didn't leave, maybe they were made to leave... Let's make a note and let Uncle Dai know."

[They found that clue to be reported to Uncle Dai. But before that, they all approaches Kun Jun.]
Paimon: "Kun Jun, what do you have there?"
Kun Jun: "Oh, right on time."
Zhongli: "Did you find anything?"

[Then, Kun Jun points his finger to the ore near his feet.]
Kun Jun: "There's a chunk of ore here, perhaps there are clues within."
Paimon: "Ore? What does it have to do with the disappearance?"
Kun Jun: "Let's find out. I'll give it a try. A moment please."

[Kun Jun touches that chunk of ore. At the same time, he sees a vision... He saw four men... following a little girl.]
Zhongli: "..."
Musashi: "How is it, Kun Jun?"
Kun Jun: "I see... four men... following someone out of the mine... it looks like a child."
Paimon: "A child? What's a child doing in a mine!?"

[Kun Jun let go of that chunk of ore and stands up.]
Kun Jun: "I'm not sure..."
Paimon: "Also, how did you "see" anything exactly?"
Kun Jun: "Oh! I don't mean "see" in the traditional sense... I-I would appreciate it if what I'm about to tell you remained a secret. It's a little odd... I've never dared to tell anyone before. I can... perceive the memories of ore."

[Kun Jun's abilities caught everyone shocked.]
Paimon: "Huh-!?"
Zhongli: "Perceive?" So there's no... conjecture at work?"
Paimon: "You mean you can put your hand on a rock and - boom! It just happens?"
Kun Jun: "I've always sensed that ore contains "memories." Sometimes it records events that occur in the surrounding area. All I have to do is touch one and focus my attention, and the memories come to me."

[Paimon is in awe and claps her hands for Kun Jun.]
Paimon: "Amazing! So you can find out everything that ever happened there!"
Kun Jun: "It depends on the ore. Some ores have astounding memories. Others, like Iron Ore and White Iron Ore aren't up to much. Their memories are hazy. Cor Lapis and crystal memories are much stronger. They record more events and in greater detail."

[Zhongli seems interested with Kun Jun's ability as he crossed his arms.]
Zhongli: "Stone-seeing... fascinating. A rare ability indeed. It was prudent of Uncle Dai to recruit you, Mr. Kun Jun."
Kun Jun: "Hahaha~ I'm glad I can be of assistance. Based on what I saw, I believe they followed this path."

[Kun Jun points at the path.]
Zhongli: "This will take us north, away from the mine."
Paimon: "North... another clue for Uncle Dai! Let's make a note of it."

[As Zhongli, Lumine, Paimon and Kun Jun walk to meet Uncle Dai... Musashi seems observing Stone.]
Musashi: (It looks like... some sort of Cor Lapis? It was able to record the information we needed. A curious stone, indeed.)

[Then, they are walking to report to Uncle Dai. But, they saw a miner there. So.. They decides to dig some info from that miner.]
Zhongli: "Excuse me sir, are you one of the workers here?"

Bravo: "Ah! Yes, yes! You must be here about the disappearance. Please find them if you can! I... I don't know what happened. The weather was gloomy that day, the foreman left with a few men. I stayed behind with the other four. After a while I decided to take a break... just to catch my breath! I ended up falling asleep in the shelter inside. When I woke up, there was no sight of them! I'd only just been speaking with them and suddenly... they'd vanished..."

[The miner named Bravo seems afraid that he will be next to disappear. But, the group got the info they need.]
Bravo: "Maybe... maybe I'm next..."
Zhongli: "So... The men that were out working disappeared, with the only one left to tell the tale having been asleep in a shelter. Perhaps an accident occurred on-site."
Paimon: "Oh... What a scary thought... An on-site accident... We should note that down too."
Musashi: "Yeah... Any little detail could help us with this investigation."

[After gathering some clues and info, they all walk back to Uncle Dai and Report the outcome of the investigation.]
Musashi: "We're back, Uncle Dai!"
Uncle Dai: "You're back! How are the investigations going?"

[Zhongli decides step up to tell Uncle Dai about their investigation.]
Zhongli: "We found three clues in the vicinity. First, there are four missing pickaxes, yet everyday items are still in their place. This suggests that your men didn't leave of their own accord, but were forced to."
Uncle Dai: "Forced to!? But... who would kidnap miners?"

[Zhongli and the others can't answer because it still hazy.]
Musashi: "Who, indeed."
Zhongli: "Second, there were five workers at the mine. One of them left the site to take respite. When he awoke, his colleagues had disappeared without a trace. Those who kept working all disappeared. The one who left early emerged safe and sound. It would appear that the incident occurred on-site."
Uncle Dai: "Now that you mention it, I recall Bravo saying that he took a break. Could someone have entered the site and simply walked away with them!?"

[Zhongli sighed a little. And...]
Zhongli: "This leads me to my third point. Mr. Kun Jun here made good use of his... expert techniques... to arrive at a conclusion. It was a child that took your men away."
Uncle Dai: "A child!? But there are no settlements here for miles around! There's no way a child would have made it over to the mine!"
Paimon: "Unlikely as it sounds, that's our conclusion. Your men were following a child."
Uncle Dai: "Where did they go?"

[Zhongli points his finger to the road that lead them to North.]
Zhongli: "We believe that they followed the road north, away from the mine and toward the ruins."
Uncle Dai: "North! Right, I'll rally my men and head in pursuit."
Musashi: "Wait, Do you need help, Uncle Dai?"

[Uncle Dai shakes his head.]
Uncle Dai: "You've been invaluable to the investigation, but leave the legwork to us. If we set off now and make haste, we might be able to catch them."
Zhongli: "Not so fast. The incident occurred six days ago. Even if they set out on foot, they will have covered a lot of ground by now."

[Uncle Dai sighed as he feels what Zhongli said is true.]
Uncle Dai: "...You're right... New plan. I'll lead my search party over to the settlements further out and make some inquiries. There are only a few settlements around here with lodging for the night. We'll go investigate and see if we can come up with anything. In the meantime you could keep looking for clues. If we don't see each other, let's reconvene at Wangshu Inn tomorrow evening."
Zhongli: "Agreed."
Uncle Dai: "Alright, me and my men will get going!"

[Uncle Dai leaves the area as the group stay at that place.]
Paimon: "So... they're gonna talk to the people over at the settlements, while we keep investigating here..."
Zhongli: "Correct."
Paimon: "But... there aren't any more clues at the mine... Shouldn't we go north?"

[But... Something is missing.]
Zhongli: "Wait... I believe we're missing someone."
Paimon: "Huh?"

[And that is...]
Musashi: "Wait... Where is Kun Jun?"
Paimon: "Paimon bets he's still investigating."
Lumine: "In that case... Let's go find him!"

[And they try to find Kun Jun. And five minutes later... They all saw Kun Jun is searching for something.]
Paimon: "Kun Jun! What are you searching for? We're all out of clues! Let's get going!"
Kun Jun: "Ah, apologies, I'm conducting a quick search for my own benefit. I'm looking for a precious stone known as Dragonfall."
Zhongli: "Dragonfall?"
Musashi: "Never heard of it."
Lumine: "Me neither."

[Zhongli has heard that stone before.]
Zhongli: "Dragonfall is often used in forging. What use do you have for it?"
Kun Jun: "I... I don't know. I-I'm sorry, I don't recall why I'm seeking it... I've been feeling very... absent lately. Name and address aside, I'm having trouble remembering things. In fact, I've been feeling extremely... anxious... as if there's something I've forgotten to finish. It's... an unpleasant sensation."

[Again, Kun Jun doesn't even know why he wants that stone. Lumine and Musashi seems suspicious about Kun Jun's behavior.]
Musashi: (This Kun Jun is really strange...)
Lumine: (Maybe he got memory loss?)

[At the same time... Kun Jun sighed.]
Paimon: "Oh, Paimon knows that feeling! When you know you've forgotten something but you can't remember exactly what it is."
Kun Jun: "Ugh... I don't even know where to start with it, I've been... aimlessly wandering. That day at the market, I overheard a conversation while I was buying something. They mentioned Dragonfall. It sounded so familiar to me, as if whatever it was I had to do was linked to that stone... So I decided to look for some. Perhaps if I can retrieve some, I'll remember what it is I have to do."

[Zhongli smiles softly as he really wants to help.]
Zhongli: "I see... If I am able to during our endeavour, I will help you look for this stone."
Kun Jun: "Really? Oh, thank you Mr. Zhongli! You're too kind!"

[Zhongli just nods as Kun Jun shakes his hand in gratitude.]
Zhongli: "Think nothing of it."
Paimon: "Shouldn't we get going?"
Zhongli: "Heading north from The Chasm, we'll reach Lingju Pass. If this is indeed the path they chose, there will be traces."
Paimon: "Great! Let's have a look!"
Musashi: "Hope we can find something there."

(2 hours later...)
[The group finally arrived at Lingju Pass.]

[Lingju Pass (灵矩关) is a subarea located in Lisha, Liyue. The area is mostly made of ruins with many puzzles to solve. When the group finally there...]
Musashi: "Wait a minute..."
Lumine: "Isn't that... Lady Xingcai?"

[They saw Xingcai is looking at something on the ground. And...]
Musashi: "Yo, Xingcai!"

Xingcai: "Oh my... Travelers and Paimon... And Master Zhongli as well."

[Xingcai clenched her fists together and she put her fists in front of her chest, and bowed to give respect to Zhongli and the others.]
Paimon: "By the way, why are you here, Xingcai?"
Xingcai: "Lady Keqing order me to investigate about the disappearing miners. Honestly, this problem is quite cause for concern."
Musashi: "Eh? Neko-chan knows about this too?"
Xingcai: "Too? You mean... You all are also investigating this matter?"

[Musashi nods at her question.]
Lumine: "If Keqing sent Lady Xingcai here to investigate this matter... That means, this problem has become very serious."
Zhongli: "So, did you find anything, Miss Xingcai?"

[Then, she points her finger to that suspicious tracks on the ground.]
Paimon: "Wait, there are tracks here!"
Xingcai: "It seems those miners left those tracks."
Musashi: "Okay! We got a lead!"
Zhongli: "Let us make our way to the end of Lingju Pass. If there are no footprints there, it would suggest that the miners are still within the pass itself. However, if we find new tracks, we can follow them wherever they may lead."
Xingcai: "I'll coming too!"

[They follow the tracks to the end of Lingju Pass. And when they got there... They all found footprints.]
Paimon: "Hey! Footprints!"
Zhongli: "It would appear that they made their way through Lingju Pass and kept moving."
Paimon: "If we follow their footprints, we should be able to find where they went!"
Musashi: "Follow me!"

[They walks further as the following the footprints. But... the trails got end near the mine site.]
Paimon: "Oh no! The footprints end here!"
Zhongli: "We should inquire with anyone nearby. If the miners came through here, they may well have seen them."
Xingcai: "I think the best way is to spread out and find info from those miners."

[And so... the group spread out to find out some info about those miners. And the trio and Zhongli approaches a young woman.]
Paimon: "Hey there, seen any miners?"

[That young woman saw at the pictures of those miners. She nods swiftly.]

Ling: "...It must have been about four or five days ago. There were a few men who came through here carrying baskets and picks... I guess that could have been them?"
Paimon: "Yeah! That's them!"
Zhongli: "Four or five days ago? It appears that they were moving slower than we'd anticipated. Traversing the geography of Lingju Pass must have held them up."

[And that woman seems terrified a bit when she remembers that day where she saw them.]
Ling: "It was so strange! Four big guys with lifeless expressions... It was like they were in some sort of trance! And there was a child staggering in front of them..."
Musashi: "Huh?"
Lumine: "A child?"
Zhongli: "This child... Did you see what they look like?"

[That young woman tries to remember that child's appearence. And...]
Ling: "I caught a glimpse... blue hair, short. I think... I think it was a girl! She wasn't smiling, in fact she looked very serious."
Zhongli: "And they took this road?"
Ling: "Yes, they followed it straight from here."
Paimon: "Let's go after them!"

[Thanks to that woman's info, they all are following the road and keep up the pursuit... But, when they halfway there...]
Paimon: "More footprints..."
????: "HELP!!"

[They all hears a scream. And they all saw...]
Xingcai: "Huh!? Lady Wanyu!?"
????: "Help! Please, save me!"

[That woman being attacked by Two Geovishap Hatchling!]

Geovishap: "ROARRRRRRR!!!!!"
Paimon: "Is that one of the people we're looking for?"
Lumine: "Wait! I thought the ones we searching for is all males."
Xingcai: "Never mind that! Rescue first!"
Musasi: "Ask questions later!"

[Swiftly, Lumine and Musashi steps in while Xingcai stay on the guard.]
Musashi: "...Lumine, be careful."
Lumine: "Slow and steady..."

[Then, those Geovishap curls up into a ball and starts rolling around at high speeds. Then...]
Musashi: "Tch!"
Lumine: "What the-"

[Musashi swiftly grabs Lumine and evades Geovishap's attack by charging themselves.]
Lumine: "Using their body to attack?"
Musashi: "Their body is hard and sharp."

*WUSH!*
[Those Geovishap leaps into the air.]
Musashi: "Tch! They're going to-"

*WUSH!* *WHAM!*
[Before those Geovishap could smashes down, Xingcai throws her shield towards them when they are still in the air. They fall and feels pain.]
Xingcai: "Now!!"

[Swiftly, Lumine and Musashi takes up their weapon, and...]
Musashi/Lumine: "HAAAAAA!!!!!"

*SLASH!* *SLASH!*

Paimon: "Nice!"

[After they defeat two Geovishap, they put back their sword. And then, they do the high five.]
Musashi: "Nice job!"
Lumine: "It all thanks to you!"

[Xingcai also sighed in relief. After fight is over, that scholar walks to them.]
????: "Those monsters were so aggressive - they must have noticed me walking through! Before I knew it they were all over me... Thank you all for saving me."

[That scholar takes a deep breath of relief.]

Wanyu: "My name is Wanyu, I belong to Liyue's Shenglu Hall. I head up our human culture and civilization research."
Paimon: "Huh? You sure you're not... a miner?"
Wanyu: "A miner?"

[As expected, Wanyu is not the miner that they are searching for.]
Musashi: (As i thought...)
Paimon: "Yeah. We're looking for a group of four strong fellas carrying mining equipment."
Wanyu: "I... I think I saw those people."
Paimon: "Really!?"
Wanyu: "Yes. I set off from Nantianmen the day before yesterday heading for Lingju Pass. About halfway there I came across some people - a few men and a child."

[Wanyu gives them the info they need. But, to make sure... They need more specific info.]
Musashi: "Um.. Can you be a bit more specific?"
Wanyu: "I was in a hurry, I didn't get a good look. I'm afraid I'm not even sure what they looked like... My apologies."
Zhongli: "I think that's all we needed to hear. Thank you."

[Wanyu nods and smiles as she feels grateful for them.]
Wanyu: "I hope it's useful to you! I'd better get going, there's a conference I need to attend. Again, thank you all for your help."
Xingcai: "Thank you, Lady Wanyu."

[Wanyu left. Now, they all have the info they need.]
Paimon: "According to this scholar, the miners were heading for Nantianmen."
Kun Jun: "Can we be absolutely sure that it was the men that we're looking for?"
Paimon: "A child with a group of adults! Sounds pretty close to Paimon!"
Lumine: "But... It could easily have been a different group."
Paimon: "Uh... but..."

[Then, Kun Jun looks at the Cor Lapis near their feet.]
Kun Jun: "Hey, perhaps that rock over there can tell us more!"
Musashi: "Oh yeah!"
Paimon: "Aha! Paimon nearly forgot about our secret weapon!"
Kun Jun: "It looks promising, I'll do my best."

[Kun Jun walks over to the rock. When he touched it, he sees a vision of four men walking along the road.]
Kun Jun: "..."
Musashi: "How is it?"
Kun Jun: "It's the same group alright. They followed this road."

[Xingcai seems amazed by Kun Jun's ability to see the vision through rock. Zhongli laughed as he amazed as well.]
Xingcai: (Something tells me... This Kun Jun is no ordinary man.)
Zhongli: "Haha, Mr. Kun Jun, your stone-seeing is something I won't forget in a hurry."
Kun Jun: "I suppose it is an asset, though I rarely find a use for it. But praise from Mr. Zhongli is high praise indeed."

[And, they all in good mood since we have a secret weapon of finding those miners.]
Paimon: "It's a good thing we brought our "Kun Jun compass" along! We would've lost all sense of direction a long time ago."
Kun Jun: "Hahaha, you think so? I guess it's been a worthwhile trip then. It feels like... like we're cracking a criminal case. It's a lot of fun."
Zhongli: "Be that as it may, we would do well to keep our guards high."

[Zhongli tries to recap what the heck is going on now with those miners.]
Zhongli: "Four fully-grown men in a trance-like state... walking ceaselessly day and night... over hills and mountains... led by a child... This is no ordinary incident."
Kun Jun: "Oh! You're quite right, Mr. Zhongli. We should have our wits about us."
Zhongli: "That's not all. Our scholar was attacked by Geovishap Hatchlings, but the level of aggression they exhibited was... unusual. We have encountered many clues along the way. So far they've pointed us in the right direction. The miners headed in the direction of Nantianmen the day before yesterday. From here they would have had to navigate a perilous mountain road. If their destination is indeed Nantianmen, we should be able to catch up with them."

[And now... They finally know the whole truth.]
Xingcai: "In that case... We have no time to lose!"
Zhongli: "I left a mark in the vicinity just now. If Uncle Dai does pass through here, it should guide him to us."
Paimon: "Clever thinking! A classic Zhongli move."
Musashi: "Well, it's sensei that we are talking about!"
Lumine: "Okay! Let's go to Nantianmen and find those miners!"

[As they all walks away from Lingju Pass and on their way to Nantianmen, Musashi stays for a minute as she observe that Cor Lapis.]
Musashi: (This rock is no different from ordinary Cor Lapis... and yet, Kun Jun was able to see a memory through it. It was thanks to this sort of rock that we were able to find some clues.)

(2 hours later...)
[After two hours of walking... They finally made it!]

[Nantianmen (南天门) or "Southern Heavenly Gate") is a subarea located in Minlin, Liyue. This region notably features the Dragon-Queller, a large tree used to seal Azhdaha, whom Jiu worships. The dragon has begun merging with the tree, using its roots to connect to the ley lines and draw power from them.]
Paimon: "Hey! Over here on the ground! Is this one of the missing people?"

[When they arrived, they saw a man lying on the ground. As it's looks like he is passed out.]
Kun Jun: "There's a basket lying here too... This must be one of the miners."
Paimon: "Hey! Hello? Can you hear us?"

[Then, Xingcai kneel to check his pulse. She still can feel the pulse.]
Xingcai: "He's alive... That means he must be passed out just now."
Zhongli: "Judging by his appearance, he must have collapsed from exhaustion."
Paimon: "Should we wake him up?"

[Then, they hear that miner is whispering something, shocking the trio instantly.]
Paimon: "Sounds like he's whispering something..."
Lumine: "He looks like he's struggling..."
Musashi: "And he looks like he's trying to stand up."
Zhongli: "It seems that he thinks he still has work to do. Something's not right. There's a camp nearby. We should take him there and monitor his condition before deciding our next move."
Xingcai: "I'll carry this man."

[Xingcai offers herself to carry that man's body to a nearby camp to rest. Zhongli and Xingcai tries to examine that man.]
Zhongli: "..."
Paimon: "How is he? H-He won't die, right?"

[Zhongli shakes his head.]
Zhongli: "He's worked himself into a stupor. Thankfully, he's not in serious danger."
Musashi: "So... How did he get so exhausted?"
Paimon: "Paimon heard him talking about digging for something. Did he dig himself into this state?"
Zhongli: "It's certainly a possibility."

[They all feel something strange is going on here. Nothing of this makes sense.]
Xingcai: "Strange..."
Lumine: "Wasn't he brought here?"
Kun Jun: "Hm? It looks like there's something in his pocket..."

[Kun Jun saw something from that man's pocket. He took it, and...]
Kun Jun: "Are these... ore fragments?"
Musashi: "What?"

[Kun Jun sees a vision of the man picking up the ore fragments.]
Kun Jun: "I just witnessed the memories within these ore fragments. This person brought these fragments out of the mine. He's one of the four that we're searching for."

[Zhongli feels something is strange about this.]
Zhongli: "How he came to be here is what we need to understand."
Paimon: "So he was kidnapped, and then... abandoned here... But if they didn't need him, why bring him all the way out here?"
Zhongli: "Unless something happened... something that led him to fall behind."

[The mystery become more confusing and annoying (for Paimon).]
Paimon: "Paimon's had enough! This is too mysterious!"
Kun Jun: "Oh! Wait a moment! Seeing these fragments has jogged my memory - I have something for you."

[Kun Jun gives the group a pure crystal to everyone each.]
Paimon: "What is it? Ooh! Is it a present?"
Zhongli: "Something... for us?"
Musashi: "A crystal?"
Lumine: "For us?"
Kun Jun: "As I mentioned, before I met Uncle Dai I was in a daze. After setting out with you on this case, it feels like a fog is lifting. I was so happy when Uncle Dai enlisted you to help. I would never have managed to track down these clues by myself. These are some crystals that I bought from the market. Not any old crystals mind you - this purity is extraordinarily rare! One for each of you. A memory, if you will."

[Paimon feels awed by this crystal purity. Even Xingcai, Lumine and Musashi feels amazed by this crystal.]
Paimon: "It's beautiful... Oh - and the colors change as you turn it! It's like a different crystal from each angle."
Musashi: "Looks expensive..."
Xingcai: "Judging by the quality... it could be the purest one."
Lumine: "Can we really keep this?"
Kun Jun: "But of course, take it."

[Then, Kun Jun also gives one of those crystal to Zhongli.]
Kun Jun: "And this one is for Mr. Zhongli."
Zhongli: "..."

[Zhongli's sudden silence cause Kun Jun's fear. He afraid that Zhongli didn't like that gift.]
Kun Jun: "Huh? I-Is something wrong? Not to your liking?"
Zhongli: "On the contrary... I just hadn't anticipated receiving a gift during the current circumstances. But, thank you. I will take good care of it."

[Zhongli accepts that crystal. Kun Jun sighed in relief.]
Kun Jun: "I'm pleased you like them. It's nice to be able to give a gift that others can appreciate. Oh! I see more rocks over there. You should all get some rest, I'm going to walk awhile - perhaps there are more memories to uncover."
Paimon: "You sure like rocks, huh Kun Jun..."

[Kun Jun laughed softly because of Paimon's comment.]
Kun Jun: "Ores are the crystals of the earth, the sediment of time itself. I feel at peace among them. Get some rest, and call me when you're ready to set off. I won't be far."

[Then, Kun Jun walks away to find more stone around. Leaving them all alone on the tent as they feels worried about him.]
Musashi: "Um.. He'll be okay on his own, right?"
Zhongli: "Rest easy, I surveyed the area. There's no danger here. Oh, however, there is something I wanted to discuss with you."
Paimon: "Huh? What's with the seriousness all of a sudden?"
Zhongli: "Musashi or Lumine... Does Dragonfall mean anything to you?"

[They both shakes her head.]
Musashi: "No."
Paimon: "You mean the ore that Kun Jun's looking for? What's so special about it?"
Zhongli: "Dragonfall is an incredibly rare ore used in forging. The majority of regular crystals are formed in high-temperature environments. Dragonfall, on the other hand, is formed as a product of elemental reactions."
Paimon: "Elemental reactions can produce material objects?"

[Zhongli nods swiftly.]
Zhongli: "Indeed they can. However, only a minority can survive for long periods of time. Dragonfall first emerged in the midst of a great battle, thousands of years ago. Powerful clashes of elemental energy gave birth to elemental crystals. When the fighting ceased, these geological remnants were miraculously preserved."
Paimon: "Cooool..."
Zhongli: "And yet they are crystal creations all the same, few and far between, relatively unknown. A few hundred years ago, they were virtually mined into obscurity. Why is it then, that a citizen of Liyue now wishes to strike upon ore that has long since vanished from the earth?"

[And they realize Kun Jun might be up to something.]
Xingcai: "This Kun Jun... Did he really want to take those Dragonfall?"
Paimon: "Yeah! If he knows of its existence, surely he knows all of it's already been mined? Weird... Paimon doesn't get it..."
Zhongli: "There are those in the mining trade who retain a keen interest in Dragonfall. But for someone like Mr. Kun Jun... whose motivations for seeking it are unclear even unto himself... it's practically unheard-of."

[And, there's only one conclusion right now.]
Lumine: "Perhaps... He has ulterior motives."
Paimon: "Ulterior motives... Is he a villain!?"

*BLETAK!*
Paimon: "ITTE!"
Musashi: "Not that, you little pixie!"
Paimon: "Huee~ Slime's Lover is so mean!"

[They all just laughed after Musashi smacks Paimon's head lightly.
Zhongli: "A conclusion that is presently impossible to reach. We must watch... and wait. Don't forget, rescuing those miners is the primary objective. As for anything else... Sooner or later the tide will reveal the lie of the land. We're drawing closer to our goal. I believe we should continue to follow this road through. Now that we've found one, the others won't be far away."

[The group agreed with Zhongli's suggestion.]
Xingcai: "For now, let us rest a bit. We need extra energy when we find those miners."
Zhongli: "I agree. When you're well-rested, call Mr. Kun Jun over to us. We still have more investigation ahead. We should ensure this miner is settled here at the camp. Once we've brought this matter to a close, we can return and attend to him. I suggest we leave a note for Uncle Dai. If he does find the camp he'll know what to do."
Musashi: "Okay. Let us rest for twenty minutes."

[And after twenty minutes of rest... They feel energized again. And then, they approach Kun Jun.]
Paimon: "Kun Jun! We need to get going!"
Kun Jun: "No problem! I'm done here."
Zhongli: "Any results, Mr. Kun Jun?"

[Kun Jun smiles nervously.]
Kun Jun: "There are many beautiful rocks here, but nothing out of the ordinary. I couldn't find any clues. Then again, the memories of ore can shift with the passage of time and the changing of the environment."
Musashi: "Is there a pattern to it?"

[Kun Jun scratches his hair.]
Kun Jun: "Hmm, difficult to say... I feel that ore memories tend to be from the recent past."
Paimon: "So there's never any ancient memories?"
Kun Jun: "Rocks endure, but as eons pass their memories are erased. Those memories that survive are rooted in powerful emotion or thought."
Paimon: "That makes sense - it is the same for people!"
Kun Jun: "Indeed... Let's keep going."

[Then, they proceed to the ancient tree. There, they tried to investigate about the missing miners near their location.]
Kun Jun: "Wow, such an immense tree!"
Xingcai: "This is the first time i saw this tree."

[As they look at the tree... It seems full with cyrstals.]
Paimon: "And there's so many mysterious-looking crystals up there too... amazing."
Zhongli: "This ancient tree... Let's conduct separate investigations. I'll take that area, perhaps you could survey this section."

[Both Lumine and Musashi nods.]
Lumine: "Sure."
Xingcai: "I'll help you, Master Zhongli. I'm sure Musashi and Lumine will be alright with Paimon and Kun Jun."
Zhongli: "I appreciate your help, Miss Xingcai."

[And... as they agreed, Xingcai will accompany Zhongli while Musashi will be accompanied by Lumine, Paimon and Kun Jun.]
Musashi: "Be careful."
Zhongli: "Alright then."

[Zhongli and Xingcai parts to investigate at other side. As for Musashi and the others...]
Paimon: "Kun Jun, can you see anything worth investigating?"
Kun Jun: "Well... there is this stone tablet here."

[They saw a tablet near the tree. Paimon feels unimpressed.]
Paimon: "Doesn't seem very interesting... Paimon's gonna look over there."
Kun Jun: "Huh? It's worth a try, surely. Let me see..."

[But, when Kun Jun touches the stone tablet... He feels dizzy.]
Kun Jun: (T-This is...)
Musashi: "O-Oi!"
Lumine: "Kun Jun!?"

[Musashi catches Kun Jun's body before he falls.]
Paimon: "Hey! What's wrong?"
Musashi: "You okay?"
Kun Jun: "...Just a bit light-headed... It's passed, nothing to worry about."
Lumine: "Did you see anything?"
Kun Jun: "Not... hmm... not yet..."

[Paimon sighed as she feels afraid.]
Paimon: "W-Whatever, Paimon's going to investigate over there. Why don't you climb the tree and have a look, Lumine?"
Musashi: "Eh?"
Lumine: "You're sure there'll be clues in the tree?"
Paimon: "If you don't try you don't know! Anyway, you'll be able to get a good look at our surroundings from up there!"

[They all sweatdropped on the spot after hearing Paimon's crazy suggestion.]
Kun Jun: "Oh! Uh... you think so?"
Musashi: "You're nuts, Paimon!"
Paimon: "When has Paimon ever come up with a bad idea, hmm?"

[At the same time... Paimon realized that...]
Paimon: "Wait a minute... Paimon can fly!"

[As Musashi, Lumine and Kun Jun smiles nervously at Paimon... She just sighed.]
Paimon: "Alright, Paimon will go, you wait here, Paimon will-"
Xingcai: "All of you, come here."

[As Xingcai calls them, they all runs towards them. And they all saw a cave near the tree.]
Zhongli: "This has been newly dug. It would appear our answer is up ahead."
Paimon: "Is that a voice coming from the tunnel?"

[Paimon got scared and hid behind Lumine.]
Paimon: "Eek! Someone else go first!"
Lumine: "Definetly not me!"
Zhongli: "Compose yourselves. I will lead us in."
Musashi: "Thank you, sensei!"
Zhongli: "There is an unusual presence emanating from inside the tunnel. Prepare yourselves, and tread lightly."

[The missing miners doggedly dig away inside the tunnel, at the end of which an ancient seal starts to come into view. The miners seem to have been somehow seduced into tunneling here...]
Musashi: "What in the world...?"
Lumine: "This is... The missing miners are here! Wh-What are they digging for?"
Zhongli: "I'm afraid that this whole tunnel is the fruit of their strenuous labor."

[Then, they saw... a sealed gate.]
Lumine: "A Gate...?"
Xingcai: "A sealed one."
Paimon: "That gate... Has it been there all along?"
Zhongli: "Digging a tunnel to this ancient seal... Had they not been discovered... They would undoubtedly persevere... Until they opened the gate."
Paimon: "...So behind this seal, there's..."

[The miners rush towards Paimon with pickaxes.]
Paimon: "Aah!!!"

[Zhongli conjures a shield around everyone.]
Paimon: "What do we do? We can't hurt them!"

[Just as thet start to realize something is amiss, the miners and the rumored blue-haired child suddenly attack you. Chaos ensures, the ground begins to blow, and you are all sucked through the sealed door...]
All: "AAAAHHHHHH!!!!"

[On the other side of the door, they are greeted by the daunting sight of an enormous dragon - the cause of all the strange events that have occurred.]
????: "RRROOOOOOAAARRRRR!!!!"

[Having torn away the seal, he now proceeds to vent his fury upon them...]
Xingcai: "What..."
Lumine: "The Hell..."
Musashi: "Is That!?"
Paimon: "What type of monster is this!?"

Azhdaha: "Morax... you arrive at my doorstep of your own volition. Excellent... taking revenge for sealing me away will be all the easier!"
Zhongli: "So.... the little girl is your power incarnate. But if you recall, Azhdaha... this is not how we intended for events to transpire!"
Azhdaha: "Waste not your words! Your life is mine!"

[Then, swiftly Musashi, Xingcai and Lumine stands in front of Zhongli.]
Azhdaha: "Followers of Morax! You all will die as well!"
Musashi: "Tch! Come on, you stupid old ass dragon!!!"

(BGM : Azhdaha Battle Theme)

[Angered, Azhdaha used his claws to attack!]
Azhdaha: "YOOU!!!"

*BOOM!!*
[Swiftly, Zhongli makes a shield around their body.]
Musashi: "Sensei!"
Zhongli: "I will help as well!"
Azhdaha: "MORAX!!!"

[Azhdaha unleashed consecutive shockwaves with his feet!]
Musashi: "Damn it!"
Xingcai: "HAAA!!!"

[Xingcai jumps to the sky and...]
Xingcai: "You're finished!"

*BRUAGH!!*

[Using her shield to knock Azhdaha on the head, Xingcai manages to stun Azhdaha even just a bit.]
Azhdaha: "DAMN YOU ALL!!!"

[Then, Azhdaha spews a lot of stone from his body to attack!]
Musashi: "Lumine!"
Lumine: "Got it!!"

*BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!*
[As those stone lands hard on their location... Lumine and Musashi runs and evade those stone, until...]
Azhdaha: "YOU!!!"

[Azhdaha used his claws to attack Lumine and Musashi. But then, they jumped, and...]
Musashi/Lumine: "HAAAA!!!!"

*SLASH!!*
Azhdaha: "ROOOAARRRR!!!"

[Musashi and Lumine's attack manages to injure Azhdaha's tail. And the attack is not over!]
Musashi: "Sensei!!"

Zhongli: "I will have orders!"

*BOOOMMMM!!!*
[Zhongli used his giant meteor attack and hit Azhdaha. Causing him a lot of pain due to Zhongli's attack.]
Azhdaha: "Argh...! Is once not enough!? You would forsake me again!?"
Zhongli: "If that is what you choose to believe, so be it. He who bears the weight of memory is destined to shoulder the burden of truth. As it ought to be."

[And... They can hears a whirlwind from the air.]
Azhdaha: "WHAT!?"

(BGM : Fairy Tail Battle Theme)

*KHIIINNNGGGGG!!!!*
[Typical whirlwind sound! The sound of a whirlwind coming from the sky. Azhdaha looks at the sky and saw...]
Lumine: "...Alone... We cannot win."
Xingcai: "Alone... We can never achieve peace or victory."
Musashi: "But!"

*KHIIINNNGGGGG!!!!*
[Azhdaha's eyes widened when he saw a giant Anemo Ball on the top of Musashi's palm in the air.]
Musashi: "Together!! We can achieve victory!!!"

[A Giant Ball of Anemo Power from Lumine, Xingcai and Anemo Gnosis was collected at her hand.. And...]

Musashi: "EAT THIS!!!"

*BOOOMMM!!!!*
[The giant ball of Anemo Energy just struck into Azhdaha's body.]
Azhdaha: "OOOOORRGGHH!!!!"

[Azhdaha got pushed back into the center of the cave.]
Musashi: "Sensei!"
Zhongli: "Got it!"

(END OF BGM)

[Swiftly... Zhongli forms eight pillars around Azhdaha... Sealing him once more. At the same time... Azhdaha transformed into a girl and stands inside the center of that seal.]
Jiu: "Morax! A thousand years after you sealed me underground... you return for the second time..."
Zhongli: ...You should call it by its name, Azhdaha... fate."
Jiu: "Fate?"

[Azhdaha (Jiu) laughed evilly.]
Jiu: "Fate!!! Hahahaha! So, here lies the wisdom of the gods? Destroy all deemed redundant, enlist tyrants to ravage the wilderness!"
????: "No. You have forgotten."
Paimon: "...That... that voice..."

[And they all saw Kun Jun is approaching. And a white aura comes out from his body.]
Zhongli: "Azhdaha..."
Paimon: "Huh? Kun Jun!?"
Musashi: "...."
Kun Jun: "Morax. It's been a while."
Jiu: "Y-You're..."

[Then, Kun Jun is looking at Azhdaha. He smiled.]
Kun Jun?: "Azhdaha... the very same."
Zhongli: "During the battle... you embued us with your power..."
Kun Jun?: "Haha... yes. It was all I could manage."

[Then, they all realized... Kun Jun is also Azhdaha.]
Xingcai: "Then... which one is the real Azhdaha?"
Lumine: "You're not Kun Jun?"
Kun Jun?: "Forgive me for concealing the truth, Traveler. There were things that only became clear to me upon reaching this tree. Allow me to elaborate. I am not Azhdaha the whole... but a fragment. Heaven and earth, yin and yang, opposing forces... You can consider the existence of me and the Azhdaha you see there, to be a reflection of such polarities. "We" are a schism of the will... the will of Azhdaha."

[That means... Kun Jun is Azhdaha's light side, while Jiu is Azhdaha's dark side.]
Paimon: "So... so there are two Azhdahas!?"
Jiu: "No! It can't be! That's impossible...!"
Kun Jun: "When the seal loosened, your power manifested in this world as a child. With this new identity, you were able to vent about the forces that suppressed you... but would anyone listen... would they even care? That's when it occurred to you. The loosening of the seal constituted an opportunity to strike back. Kidnapping the miners was all in aid of digging to the entrance to the seal itself. Your plan was to launch an attack on both ends. From outside... and within. Thereby fully destroying the seal."

[Hearing that, Jiu is screaming in anger, causing ire from Kun Jun.]
Jiu: "The audacity! Are you insane!? If you truly are a part of me, how is it you find yourself standing on the side of the betrayer!?"
Kun Jun: "I was another power awakened with the loosening of the seal. Too weak to reincarnate, but strong enough to possess a human body. I was barely conscious... I couldn't remember who I was. Only the past would elicit a reaction from me... But my aim was clear: Find Morax... and aid him in stopping you."
Zhongli: "I had sensed that something was amiss when you mentioned Dragonfall. Had your power been but a little stronger, I would've recognized you."

[Kun Jun just smiles as he waves his hand slowly.]
Kun Jun: "Don't blame yourself, I have changed beyond all recognition. Only when I touched the stone tablet... did I truly remember. It's been so long. A secret beyond all comprehension, of youthful humanity and ancient dragon-kind... Morax, do you want to tell the tale?"
Zhongli: "There would be no harm in it. The decision is yours."

[Kun Jun laughed a bit before he tells the tale.]
Kun Jun: "Haha, you haven't changed. Then allow me. Azhdaha was once a friend and ally of the Geo Archon, Morax, with a lifespan far exceeding that of mankind. However, that which is derived of the earth is no more or less than the earth itself... The memories of rocks do not last long. Those memories that survive are rooted in powerful emotion. But as time passes, so these memories fade into obscurity. Erosion is the world's greatest destroyer of memories.
Musashi: "Erosion...?"

[Kun Jun nods as he talks about the Erosion.]
Kun Jun: "Erosion ground Azhdaha's consciousness into oblivion. Slowly, he forgot the face of his old friend, and his memories of defending Liyue Harbor disintegrated. Azhdaha, now incomplete, became irascible... aggressive."

[Angered, Jiu cuts off Kun Jun's explanation.]
Jiu: "What would you expect!? It was humanity that attacked the Ley Lines that sustained me!"
Kun Jun: "This much is true. Which is why "you" attacked The Chasm... why "you" waged war against Morax. In the beginning, in order to open up new territory and increase production, the citizens of Liyue came to the mountains to mine. Overexploitation caused the Ley Lines to quake, which brought untold suffering to "us.". Erosion made "us" even more savage. No matter how we struggled, we lost the ability to coexist with humanity... we lost all reason. Morax shared with us some of his power, to prevent further erosion. But... it was futile. Everything returns to dust. It is the natural order, an unstoppable force. And so, "we" became "you." And from your will... "I" emerged."

[Jiu fall silent. Kun Jun is going to use his final skills.]
Kun Jun: "I am your final contract. Witness the promise between Azhdaha and Morax. You can hate me... but you cannot deny me."
Jiu: "No... no..."
Kun Jun: "I am the remnants of Azhdaha's benevolence, the echo of a contract set in stone. I harbor a willingness to go further, a willingness to coexist peacefully with mankind."

[Jiu tries to break free as Kun Jun is gaining upper hand with his words.]
Jiu: "No, no! It is I, Azhdaha, forged of elemental crystal, bearer of the weight and memories of the earth, older than the mountains and the oceans that decides! I will not swear allegiance to this insect!"
Kun Jun: :Morax is not an insect."
Jiu: :A lord over insects is nothing but an insect in turn!"
Kun Jun: :You forgot yourself. Nobody held Morax in higher regard than you or I. That which you have forgotten, I hold here in my heart. If you are the memory of the earth... then I am the memory of coexistence... of coexistence with humanity."

[And...]
Kun Jun: All powers under heaven... rise and fall of land and sea..."
Jiu: "...A star appears within the wild... a sun ascends as bright as... jade..."

[Zhongli falls silent as Kun Jun used his final skills. Jiu feels something is off with his body.]
Jiu: "Strange... What... what is this feeling? And all this..."
Kun Jun: "You are spent, and I will soon disappear. Before I do, heed these words. In the wilderness, snow falls on a spring day. In an instant it will melt. Even where it is fleeting and leaves no trace. Even where it will never fall again..."
Jiu: "No, that isn't true! I don't accept this as fate!"
Kun Jun: "Perhaps it isn't. But it remains... an inevitable misfortune."

[Slowly... that girl's body vanished.]
Jiu: "Mor... ax..."

[Until she vanished completely.]
Paimon: "The little girl vanished..."
Lumine: "Sealed away?"
Musashi: "Eroded?"
Zhongli: "Are you satisfied, Azhdaha?"

[Kun Jun... or Light Azhdaha just smiles at Zhongli.]
Kun Jun: "I had to make amends. Satisfaction had no part in it. So, Morax... you call yourself Zhongli these days?"
Zhongli: "I do."
Kun Jun: "Well, I'm afraid old habits die hard. To me, you're Morax."
Zhongli: "As you please."
Kun Jun: "I never did forget your gift of sight."
Zhongli: "I hardly lifted a finger. Think nothing of it."
Kun Jun: And yet you could see. You wouldn't know the yearning of a blind dragon, searching for the sun. A pair of eyes, from Morax to Azhdaha. This... I will remember this.

[Kun Jun falls silent for a moment, until Zhongli decides to talk.]
Zhongli: "Your power is nearly spent."
Kun Jun: "...Perceptive as always, my friend."
Zhongli: "Shall we get going, you and I?"
Kun Jun: "Surely the pressing matter is still that of the miners trapped outside the seal?"
Zhongli: "Indeed. Hence the need to get going, to fix the damage left in your wake."
Kun Jun: "Ha... straight down to business, as always. Let's go."

[As they leave the cave... all of the missing miners are still passed out at the cave. After putting them to rest, the group return to the ancient tree and meet Uncle Dai.]
Musashi: "Uncle Dai!"
Uncle Dai: "So there you are! My men and I found your clues and followed them straight here. We found Mao in a tent at the campsite unconscious! It seems he'll be okay. Sadly, we found no trace of the other three... Huh? Young Kun, wh-what is...?"

[Kun Jun just smiles to Uncle Dai.]
Kun Jun: "Nothing, pay it no mind. Those three miners are over in that cave there."
Uncle Dai: "Cave? What happened!?"
Zhongli: "They're exhausted, but not in danger. Don't worry."
Uncle Dai: "R-Right, well... Thank you, all of you! I better go and see how they're doing."
Kun Jun: "So you're taking them back to Liyue Harbor?"
Uncle Dai: "That's right!"
Kun Jun: Can I come with you?
Uncle Dai: "No problem! You rescued my men. I'll be happy to assist all of you in any way I can. I'll be back soon, I need to assess their condition."

[Uncle Dai head to the cave to make sure the other miner are okay. At the same time...]
Paimon: "Kun Jun... Oh, uh... we should be calling you Azhdaha... You're coming back to Liyue Harbor too, right?"
Kun Jun: "Not I, merely this body."
Xingcai: "What?"
Kun Jun: "Once I'm gone, the true owner will accompany the miners back to Liyue. Kun Jun hails from a family of famous artisans - he too will be famous in time. It would be a shame for someone of his talent to go missing."

[Zhongli just smiles as he happy to see his old friend once again.]
Zhongli: "You always did have a great admiration for blacksmiths."
Kun Jun: "Curious how swords and daggers are blind, yet their creators see so much. Perhaps empathy is mankind's proudest achievement after all?"

[Zhongli smiles sadly as he utters...]
Zhongli: "Azhdaha. I am no longer the Geo Archon."
Kun Jun: "...I can sense it. And i assume your pupil is the new Geo Archon?"

[Kun Jun looks at Musashi. But Zhongli simply nods his head.]
Zhongli: "She is... my successor. Today I am just an ordinary citizen of Liyue."
Kun Jun: "Even you met such a fate... Let's get the difficult part out of the way. I cannot guarantee that I won't be awoken a second time."
Zhongli: "No matter. If that day comes to pass, Liyue must prepare itself to face you."
Kun Jun: "And how will Liyue fare without Rex Lapis?"

[Zhongli chuckled by Kun Jun's question.]
Zhongli: "Even without a god above, this remains a nation of men. I was once their god, I ought to be here to witness their rise and fall."

[And Kun Jun satisfied with Zhongli's answer.]
Kun Jun: "All life is shaped and then ground away by the endless flow of time. You were always the strongest among us, yet it would seem that even you have been eroded... That's unimportant... fate is ordained by heaven. Even if our mission had already concluded, it would be cowardly not to strike out on the road of departure. You may live forever, doomed to a lonely existence... yet even this is temporary. When you reach the end of time, those people, those past and future relationships predetermined by fate... They will be waiting for you."

[Zhongli sighed a little.]
Zhongli: "I do not pretend to match your rhetoric when it comes to the subject of a life long-lived. I fear that the life of an elemental being is longer than any in this world."
Kun Jun: "Were it not so, you would have killed me long ago, and would not be having to face me again now."
Zhongli: "You've brought a smile to my face. When all is said and done, a reunion between old friends is an auspicious occasion."

[Kun Jun keeps smiling despite what happened between Azhdaha and Morax in the past.]
Kun Jun: "That day in The Chasm? Did you hesitate?"
Zhongli: "A heart of stone is a heart nonetheless. But I am the God of Contracts, and was, for a time, a god of the people of Liyue."
Kun Jun: "You chose justice, but did not forsake your kindness. You came to me not as an assassin, and so I was willingly sealed away."
Zhongli: "The movements of the Earth Dragon can tremble the earth and shake the heavens. With your abilities, even at my full strength, I struggled to confront you, let alone seal you away."

[They all know the reason why Morax did that. And no one blame him for his action.]
Kun Jun: "Hence "my" inception. Do not forget that I was there with Liyue's founder. The face may have changed, but the content of the contract remains intact. Old friend, God of Contracts. I hereby honor our agreement."

[Zhongli nods swiftly as he pay respect for his long dead friend.]
Zhongli: "Thank you, Azhdaha."
Kun Jun: "My life is nigh on eternal. I will go on with the infinite flow of time. And you, Morax... You too will live for many a day to come."

[Then, Azhdaha's white aura starts to disappear.]
Zhongli: "You're leaving?"
Kun Jun: "If it is fated, Morax... we will meet again."

[A ray of light flies from Kun Jun's body, and just like that, Azhdaha is gone...]
Paimon: "Huh!?"
Lumine: "So is this..."
Musashi: "...the real Kun Jun?"
Zhongli: "Yes. Don't be alarmed, he's only asleep."

[Paimon slowly checks Kun Jun's body.]
Paimon: "Whoa... that was so weird. It was like he... suddenly became another person."
Zhongli: "In fact... we have yet to meet the real Kun Jun."
Xingcai: "But what about Azhdaha..."
Lumine: "He was a great friend of yours."
Zhongli: "He was. Centuries may have passed since then... but events from a thousand years ago... remain crystal clear in my mind."

[They all listen to the story of how Zhongli - while he yet walked the earth as Morax - discovered the elemental being Azhdaha and gave him eyes. This giant dragon signed a contract with Morax and accompanied him on many campaigns throughout the land, leaving many legends behind.]

Iron Tongue Tian: "In our last tale, Rex Lapis was walking alone in the mountains. He heard a remote voice unlike any other coming from a crack in the earth."
Zhongli: "Most of the ancient Geo life forms that live below Liyue are blind, having not seen the sunlight for an age."
Iron Tongue Tian: "The voice was sometimes sad and songlike, other times it was loud and thunderous. The Lord of Geo searched here and there before finally unearthing a strange stone from the bedrock."
Zhongli: "That's how Azhdaha was. I answered his wish, and took him above ground."
Iron Tongue Tian: "The Lord of Geo took pity on the rock's spirit and carved it into a magnificent work of craftsmanship - a vivid representation of a dragon."
Zhongli: "I bestowed him with a pair of eyes to see the world and came to an agreement with him."
Iron Tongue Tian: "With his fingers, he made two eyes. Quicker than words could tell, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and a living, breathing dragon soared into the clouds!"
Zhongli: "I agreed to let him live among the people above ground, but if the day ever came when he brought ruin to order, he would once again be sealed in the dark."
Iron Tongue Tian: "The dragon accompanied the Lord of Geo, fighting campaigns alongside him in the four corners of the world. We have a saying to eulogize these events:
- "The crash of a spear brought billowing dust"
- "The mountains and waters made way at the sound"
- "The sight of a dragon bestowed with a touch"
- "The promise of rainwater blessing the ground"

[Shortly afterward, Uncle Dai volunteers to take unconscious Kun Jun back to the city along with the miners.]
Xingcai: "Now, my duty here is done. I will help to miners before report this to Lady Keqing."
Musashi: "Oh, you're going back already?"

[Xingcai just smiles as she waves her hand.]
Xingcai: "Thank you for your help. I'm sure Lady Keqing will be pleased."
Lumine: "Thank you, Miss Xingcai."
Paimon: "Let us-"
Zhongli: "Hold it."

[Zhongli turned back and looking at Xingcai.]
Zhongli: "Miss Xingcai... You will not tell them the truth?"
Xingcai: "....What?"
Zhongli: "The real reason... When we met you at Lingju Pass."
Xingcai: "....."
Zhongli: "You are still... on probation, right?"

[The trio were shocked when they knows Xingcai is still on probation.]
Xingcai: "...."
Zhongli: "If i remember... You were punished by Yuheng after your constant fight against Yuanji."
Musashi: "WHAT!?"
Lumine: "NO WAY!"

[Xingcai just nods sadly.]
Xingcai: "It is true. Back then, on Lingju Pass... I was accidentally there. I have no orders from Miss Keqing since i was off duty."
Lumine: "...."
Musashi: "...."
Xingcai: "Now, if you all excuse-"
Zhongli: "Learn to forgive, Xingcai."

[Then, all eyes turns to see Zhongli as he already turned back and saw the tree.]
Musashi: "Sensei...?"
Zhongli: "Believe me... Forgiving is the best medicine."
Xingcai: "..."
Zhongli: "I'm sure... If you and Wang Yuanji forgive each other... Your beloved family in Heaven will be proud of you."
Xingcai: "...Please Excuse me."

[Slowly... Xingcai bows down and walk away without saying anything.
The people left behind seem like they have more to say...]
Musashi: "Sensei..."
Zhongli: "A thousand years ago, Azhdaha attacked The Chasm. I tried to obstruct him, fighting him tooth and nail down the length and breadth of the mine. Finally, I brought him down, and sealed him underground. During that battle, Dragonfall was born. Azhdaha could sense the stone. Subconsciously, he wanted to use it to find me. Despite being the victor, I could not claim to be stronger than he. And in his heart, he still retained an ounce of good will towards me... towards Liyue... towards life above ground. He was willing to be sealed away. But as the erosion set in... he forgot."

[The trio knew that Zhongli has experienced a harsh past.]
Musashi: "The power of erosion is... scary."
Lumine: "Have you also been affected by erosion?"
Zhongli: "Even I cannot avoid it. But there is something I understand better than most: When the door opens, it is time to leave. The greater the power, the greater the danger erosion may bring about. The millennia may come and go, but even a stone may tire."

[Now... The trio also knows the reason why steps down.]
Lumine: "Is that why you chose to leave...?"
Musashi: "Is that why you chose to step down as the Geo Archon, sensei...?
Zhongli: "Personally sealing away an old friend... this is just one form of erosion I have endured. People abandon and surrender the things they love to pursue the right path. Perhaps this is the erosion imposed on me by the Heavenly Principles. But I was a god of mankind. My identity may change, but my eyes will bear witness to the history of humanity."

[They all smiled. They all knew Zhongli is still care despite he is no longer the Geo Archon.]
Paimon: "You still care a lot about Liyue..."
Zhongli: "Call it... part of my duty. I must thank you both.
Paimon: "No worries!"
Musashi: "Glad we could help!"
Lumine: "H-Hold on. I want to ask you something."
Zhongli: "Oh? About what?"
Lumine: "About my brother."

[Musashi closed her eyes as Paimon completely reminded by that.]
Paimon: "Oh yeah! Paimon nearly forgot! So, not long ago we met a guy called Dain. He told us about Khaenri'ah and the punishment of the gods... That's when we realized that those events... were connected to the person we're searching for."
Lumine: "My sibling. This is crucial for me."
Paimon: "Zhongli, you're a god. You've lived through thousands of years of history. Surely you experienced the incident."

[Zhongli falls silent for a bit, and..]
Zhongli: "I cannot say."
Paimon: "Why!?"
Musashi: "..."
Paimon: "You can't even give us a thread of information? This is so important to us!"

[Paimon seems upset that Zhongli didn't give any info about Lumine's brother.]
Zhongli: "I understand, but I must apologize. This is my contract."
Paimon: "You mean, another past grievance? Like the incident with Azhdaha? Too painful to talk about?"
Zhongli: "It was signed before it all began. I have always honored the contract... and kept my silence."
Paimon: "...How can you be like that...!?"

[Zhongli could only smile. Even he wants to help them, he cannot.]
Zhongli: "You two are friends to me. I can assure it brings me no pleasure to disappoint you. But as the God of Contracts, I cannot go back on my word."
Lumine: "I believe you."
Paimon: "Would you be ready to find out?"
Lumine: "Perhaps."

[Zhongli feels relief due to Lumine's understanding the situation.]
Zhongli: "It appears your understanding of this world continues to grow. There are many events of ages past... many secrets that lie hidden... They have been eroded by time, forgotten by the people... abandoned. But you are capable of finding them and bringing them into the light. Those who come to witness... will witness. Those who are born to remember... will remember. If you take the same road as that person, there may be more difficulties ahead. But as long as you firmly believe that you are on the right path... everything has meaning."

[After that conversation, Lumine and Paimon left. Leaving only Musashi and Zhongli behind.]
Musashi: "Sensei..."
Zhongli: "You still here?"
Musashi: "I want... to give this back to you."

[Then, A Geo Gnosis floats around Musashi's palm.]

Zhongli: "...."
Musashi: "This is yours... I'll give it back to you."

[Zhongli looks at his Gnosis and chuckled.]
Zhongli: "I need that no longer. That things has become yours after you defeat Osial in my stead."
Musashi: "But sensei... I just make that contract with you to prevent Signora from taking this Gnosis from you."

[Zhongli chuckled once again.]
Zhongli: "In our contract, you said... If you can seal Osial with your own power... You will take that Gnosis."
Musashi: "Y-Yes! What of it?"
Zhongli: "...You didn't make a contract about giving it back."

[And...]

Musashi: "AAAAAHHHH!!! I forgot to add the words "will give the Gnosis back to you when the situation is under control" in our contract!"

[Then, she rolled on the ground in frustration due to her own carelessness. Zhongli just laughed.]
Zhongli: "Haha~ You don't need to act like that. After all... I don't need that Gnosis anymore."
Musashi: "But sensei~"

[Zhongli looks back at the tree.]
Zhongli: "I'm tired of being the Archon. After all, Liyue no longer needed Morax or the other Adeptus. Because this is the right time for the people of Liyue to guard and protect Liyue in their own way."
Musashi: "...."
Zhongli: "And... If she is still alive and were here... I'm sure she will agree with my decision."

[At the same time, Guizhong appears beside Musashi. She smiles sadly.]
Guizhong: "Yes... I already agree with his decision."
Musashi: (Guizhong...)
Guizhong: "Please, Musashi-chan... Respect his decision, okay?"

[Guizhong hugs Musashi's from behind. Guizhong's arms is circling around Musashi's neck as she looks at the Geo Gnosis on her palm.]
Zhongli: "...."
Guizhong: "...."
Musashi: "...."

[Musashi clenches her fist as the Gnosis become one with her.]
Musashi: "If that what you want, sensei... I can only obey and respect it."
Zhongli: "That means... You are my successor. And it can be also means... You are the next Geo Archon."

[Musashi sighed a bit. But, she smiles.]
Musashi: "Well, i don't even think to become an Archon. But, if i can protect the others... I'm very glad to do that."
Zhongli: "Indeed."
Musashi: "And one more thing, sensei.."

[They both keep standing and facing at each other.]
Musashi: "I know your history. You and Other Adepti are doing the best for the good of Liyue. And for that..."
Zhongli: "....."
Musashi: "I am honored... to become the one and only pupil of Morax."
Zhongli: "And i am honored... to become a mentor of The Greatest Swordwoman of All Time."

(A/N : Imagine They Are Musashi and Zhongli)

[They both bow down their head against each other to pay respect between mentor and pupil.]

-------------- End Of Chapter 37 -------------

[A/N : That's the end of Chapter 37 of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. In this chapter, the trio received a serious commission from Uncle Dai about the missing miners. As they asked Zhongli for help, Uncle Dai asked a man named Kun Jun for help, who has a ability to see the vision by touching a rock. In the middle of their investigation, they met Xingcai and join forces with her to find those miners. And at Nantianmen... They found those miners are digging and making a big hole. Turns out... that hole is a place where Morax sealed Azhdaha for hundred years. In the end... They all manages to defeat Azhdaha and seal him once again, thanks to Zhongli and Kun Jun assistance. What will happen next? 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
4. Guizhong : Best Friend
5. Dainsleif : Acquaintance

(Monstadt)
6. Venti : Crush (Both Sides)
7. Jean : Crush (Both Sides)
8. Lisa : Crush (One-Sided Love)
9. Amber : Crush (One-Sided Love)
10. Kaeya : Friend
11. Diluc : Best Friend
12. Eula : Rival & Crush (Both Sides)
13. Sucrose : Crush (One-Sided Love)
14. Razor : Friend
15. Klee : Big Sister & Little Sister Relationship
16. Noelle : Friend / Role Model
17. Mona : Crush (One-Sided Love)
18. Fischl & Oz : Friend
19. Albedo : Friend
20. Rosaria : Vigilant
21. Barbara : Friend
22. Bennett : Friend

(Liyue)
23. Keqing : Crush (One-Sided Love)
24. Ganyu : Crush (One-Sided Love)
25. Yanfei : Crush (One-Sided Love)
26. Xiangling : Best Friend
27. Xiao : Best Friend
28. Ningguang : Acquaintance
29. Wang Yuanji : Crush (One-Sided Love)
30. Zhongli : Teacher & Student
31. Xingcai : Friend
32. Qiqi : Big Sister and Little Sister Relationship
33. Baizhu : Acquaintance
34. Xingqiu : Friend

(Fatui-Snezhnaya)
35. Childe : Distrust
36. La Signora : Arch-Enemy
37. Arlecchino : Fre-enemy (?)

(That's all, folks! KeysOfVoid out!)