After checking on Yuna, Ei approached Yae Miko, and the two moved to a secluded spot.
"Ei, the little one is dead," Yae Miko said.
"I know," Ei replied.
"Her remains were hacked into six pieces and used as a sacrificial offering. I... can't even imagine the torment she endured before her death."
Ei remained silent.
Yae Miko blinked rapidly, trying to hold back her tears, but they eventually streamed down her face uncontrollably.
After a long moment, Yae Miko wiped away her tears. "Ei, what do you plan to do?"
"The Abyss's goal is clear: they have no intention of sparing Teyvat. If that's the case, then we'll fight—while we still have the strength to do so."
Yae Miko looked at Ei in surprise. "I thought you would return to the Plane of Euthymia..."
Ei shook her head and exhaled deeply.
"With enemies surrounding us on all sides, I'm not one to misjudge the situation."
-
Paimon was the first to notice Chu Xi's disappearance.
Recalling Chu Xi's previous unannounced departure, Paimon immediately informed Lumine.
Lumine searched the area thoroughly but found no sign of Chu Xi.
Chu Xi had seemed off lately. Consumed by grief over Yuna's death, Lumine had completely overlooked her friend.
"Lumine, I found this," Paimon said, approaching with a note in her hand.
Written in Liyue script, which Lumine could read, the note began with Chu Xi's apology for leaving without warning, followed by the reason for her departure:
Lumine, I know you tried to stop me from investigating that Vision, and I understand it was for my own good. But I can't. I have to uncover the truth.
The Doctor asked me to help him with an experiment. If it succeeds, I'll gain immense power. I know he's dangerous, but I believe he's being honest about this. Like her, he's supremely confident—or rather, arrogant—in his domain.
The Abyss killed my best friend. They must pay in blood! I swore I'd make them pay!
Only with overwhelming power can I take revenge on the Abyss. Lumine, don't come looking for me. This is the path I've chosen, and even if it leads to a cliff, I'll jump without hesitation!
If I succeed, I promise I'll be there for you when you need me.
Your companion, Chu Xi.
-
Lumine and Paimon read the letter together. Paimon's little mouth curled into a pout. "Chu Xi... she..."
At first, Lumine was furious—absolutely furious.
Yuna had just left, and now Chu Xi was leaving too, even making some kind of deal with the Doctor. Could that man be trusted?!
She wanted to chase after Chu Xi, to bring her back!
But after seeing Yuna's remains, Lumine wrestled with herself for a long time and ultimately decided not to go after her.
Chu Xi was right. Without power, she couldn't protect anything, let alone seek revenge.
This was the path Chu Xi had chosen herself. Lumine was just an outsider; what right did she have to dictate Chu Xi's future?
Lumine carefully folded the letter and stored it in her spatial inventory.
Gazing into the distance, she sniffled.
Since you've chosen this path, you damn well better succeed, you idiot! Don't you dare die so easily!
And if the Doctor has deceived you, I swear I'll kill him with my own hands!
-
Yuna was eventually brought home, and news of her death spread rapidly through Inazuma City. Countless mourners came to pay their respects.
Yuna's family kept vigil over her remains, refusing to eat.
It was only through Mizuki's gentle coaxing that they finally agreed to eat. Mizuki herself was so exhausted that she collapsed onto Yae Miko's back and was carried away to rest.
-
Tsurumi Island.
On its highest peak, the fog that had once dissipated now returned, shrouding the summit.
At the foot of the mountain, in a secluded corner, Yuna's transparent form stood facing the wall.
Her soul had been claimed by the Abyss, and a portion of her emotions discarded. This fragment should never have existed independently, yet for some unknown reason, it had manifested on Tsurumi Island in this form.
Moreover, this manifested soul lacked the clear consciousness it once possessed.
"Sister, Boss, Dad, Mom... It hurts so much..."
The voice of this "Yuna" was soft, endlessly repeating these words. Her mind was almost entirely gone, and her form flickered in and out of existence.
The highest peak of Tsurumi Island was precisely where the Altar for Yuna's body stood...
-
Enkanomiya.
"Your Highness, your servants have brought back the two rampaging Vishaps."
A Cryo Abyss Mage pointed its staff at the two massive Vishap behind it, surrounded by six Abyss Heralds.
Aether turned and approached the Vishap.
The two Vishap were battered and barely breathing, their bodies marked with black sigils representing Abyss Energy.
Aether pressed his right hand against one of the sigils, his dark purple Abyss Energy flowing into the Vishap.
Despite both being Abyss Energy, they were incompatible, and Aether's energy was repelled.
"This is..."
Aether frowned, trying again to infuse the Vishap with Abyss Energy.
The same result.
The Chaos Order had been tracking the "Abyss" for a long time, and Aether had only found this place by leveraging their shared Abyss origins. But...
(Spy- Reminder that Aether changed the orders name)
Apart from confirming the Abyss had corrupted and captured the two Vishap, he had gained nothing.
"Your Highness."
An Electro Abyss Herald stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
Noticing Aether's gaze, the Herald explained, "A woman collapsed on Yashiori Island, suffering grievous injuries. As she is a close friend of your blood relatives, I took the liberty of bringing her back."
"Hm?"
The Electro Abyss Herald quickly brought the woman forward and gently laid her on the ground before Aether.
The person lying on the ground was Chu Xi. Her hair had turned completely white, and fine wrinkles now lined her face.
Though Aether hadn't appeared before Lumine recently, he had been closely monitoring her activities. He was, of course, familiar with Chu Xi.
Aether knelt down and checked her breathing. She was still alive.
Chu Xi's hand was clenched tightly. Aether gently pried it open, revealing a particularly unique Delusion.
He gripped the Delusion tightly, deep in thought.
The Cryo Abyss Mage who had reported earlier continued, "Your Highness, the Abyss's stronghold in Inazuma was destroyed by the Electro Archon..."
Before the mage could finish, Aether's icy gaze cut through him.
The Cryo Abyss Mage immediately choked on its words, quickly correcting itself.
"No, I mean the Order. Our Abyss Order's stronghold in Inazuma was destroyed by the Electro Archon."
Aether stared at the Abyss Mage for a long moment before coldly declaring, "I don't want to hear anyone associate us with the Abyss again. Remember, we are the Chaos Order from now on!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Cold sweat poured down the Cryo Abyss Mage's face. Fortunately, Aether didn't dwell on the matter and soon withdrew his gaze.
The Abyss Mage let out a massive sigh of relief, then lowered its head, wondering if it should change its name.
Aether turned his attention to Chu Xi on the ground and instructed the Electro Abyss Herald, "Take her with you. Ensure her safety."
"Yes, Your Highness"