"I... lost."
"You were amazing too!"
"Traveler, is that what everyone calls you?" Chasca sheathed her weapon. "Will you be visiting Natlan?"
Lumine: "Yes, but before heading there, I need to make a stop in Fontaine first."
Chasca: "I'm from the Flower-Feather Clan. If you ever come to Natlan, you can find me."
"I definitely will."
-
"Amazing, Lumine, amazing!"
The viewing platform was abuzz with cheers, but Paimon's voice cut through the din, reaching Lumine's ears with perfect clarity.
Lumine smiled and waved back at Paimon.
Beside Paimon, Amber and the others were celebrating Lumine's victory as well.
-
On another part of the viewing platform:
"Sister, are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"
"I'm fine."
Chasca watched her sister meticulously examine her for injuries, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "The Traveler fought with remarkable precision. There's no need to worry so much—I'm really fine."
Chuychu remained unconvinced, continuing her thorough check until she was certain there were no injuries. Only then did she relax.
"The Traveler's strength is truly remarkable!"
"Someone who is going to journey through all Seven Nations wouldn't be weak, of course."
-
After Lumine and Chasca's battle concluded, the final match of the top six to top three tournament began.
Mu Qingxu versus Angie...
It was essentially a battle between sisters, though Qingxu remained unaware of their true connection.
In the viewing stands, Qingxu's parents clenched their fists, watching the arena below with worry and nervous anticipation.
Zhongli set aside his teacup, his gaze fixed on the two figures in the center of the arena.
On the arena floor:
Qingxu took a deep breath, gripping her azure spear tightly.
She had grown nearly as tall as her sister now, and her form-fitting battle attire accentuated her slender, athletic figure.
"I knew your sister," Angie said. "Though our interactions weren't particularly pleasant, I deeply admire her actions."
Hearing Angie mention her sister, Qingxu's expression darkened slightly.
"You..."
Few people knew about Angie's disruptive actions in Liyue back then. Qingxu hadn't even been aware of her sister's injuries at the time.
Now, Angie's claim of knowing her sister—and having a strained relationship—sparked a surge of suspicion in Qingxu's mind.
"Come, show me your strength."
Seeing Angie draw her longsword, Qingxu exhaled sharply, pushing aside her doubts for the moment.
She knew she stood little chance against her opponent, but she resolved to fight with all her might to defend her sister's honor.
She couldn't let anyone say that the Kaiyang's sister was weak!
They could criticize her all they wanted, but when it came to her sister, she would not tolerate it!
-
Qingxu's inherent strength was already considerable, further honed by her extended training with the Adepti, making her a formidable opponent.
Yet, being young, Tartaglia could have defeated her if he hadn't held back.
Against Angie, however, Qingxu stood no chance.
Slash—
Qingxu thrust her spear at Angie's abdomen, who effortlessly sidestepped the attack.
Angie didn't counter immediately. Instead, she waited for Qingxu to regain her footing before retaliating with moves far less aggressive than in their earlier clashes.
She was guiding Qingxu through the fight...
To the untrained eye, like Qingxu's parents, it appeared as a fierce battle. They thrilled at their daughter's prowess while also worrying for her safety.
But those with experience saw clearly that the duel, though intense, was carefully controlled.
On the arena floor, Qingxu soon realized Angie was guiding her. Initially annoyed, she secretly intensified her attacks, but when even that proved ineffective against Angie, her irritation dissolved into calm acceptance.
Angie is truly an excellent opponent!
Following Angie's rhythm, Qingxu threw herself into the fight.
Sparks flew as sword clashed against spear, ice and water collided, instantly solidifying into solid ice.
Angie increased the pressure, forcing Qingxu to retreat step by step.
Instead of crushing Qingxu outright, Angie deliberately left a small opening.
Clang—
Qingxu thrust her spear to push Angie back, gripping the weapon with both hands. "Thousand Tides..."
The Ethereal Blue Phantom reappeared behind Qingxu, and Angie's lips curled into a knowing smile at the sight.
Qingxu's technique was incredibly powerful, capable of turning the tide of battle almost every time she used it. However, its weakness was equally apparent: she couldn't execute it at will, only resorting to it when pushed to her absolute limit.
Reality wasn't a game; there was no need to wait for an energy gauge to fill. Since Qingxu hadn't yet mastered the technique, Angie decided to help her improve her proficiency.
As Qingxu unleashed her technique, the Phantom Spear and her Tidesong Jade Splinter clashed for a fleeting moment. A towering wave surged toward Angie, while two spears—one real, one illusory—attacked her at lightning speed.
Angie nodded inwardly, impressed. This technique is truly remarkable!
Her gaze fixed on the phantom Qingge, the extreme cold she emanated froze the onrushing wave solid. With a deft maneuver, her longsword slipped past the spears and tapped Qingge's phantom between the brows.
The phantom Qingge vanished instantly. Angie's sword spun fluidly, its tip now pressed against Qingxu's throat. Concerned that Qingxu might be unable to stop her momentum, Angie took several steps back.
Huff... huff...
Qingxu stared in horror at the ice-cold, razor-sharp sword pressed against her throat, gasping for breath.
"That's enough. You haven't disappointed me after all."
Angie withdrew her sword and turned to leave the arena without another word.
The spear in Qingxu's hand drooped limply. I... I'm still not strong enough after all...
-
On the viewing platform, Xianyun left her seat to check on her little disciple and offer some encouragement.
Qingxu is still young; she can't let this setback crush her spirit!
Qingxu's parents also rose from their seats.
Meanwhile, the Three Gods remained firmly rooted in their seats, watching with detached amusement.
-
"Little Sister, you've gotten even stronger!"
Tartaglia's eyes burned with envy. No matter how many miraculous encounters he experienced, he could never keep pace with his sister's progress.
Could it be that Master trained me too lightly?
Slap!
Tartaglia abruptly slapped himself. What am I thinking?!
Just recalling Master's training methods sent shivers down his spine. That intensity had to be more than enough!
Still... if only Master could train me just one more time...
Lost in thought, Tartaglia suddenly sensed a... uh, that gaze... It definitely wasn't the look one would give a beloved brother. It was more like the kind of look...
"Cough, cough... Just swatting mosquitoes," Tartaglia explained weakly.
Angie rolled her eyes and strode toward Ailina.
-
After three rounds of matches, the top three contenders were determined:
Cyno, Angie, and Lumine.
Their matches would take place in the afternoon, also randomly paired. The one left unpaired would advance directly to the finals.
Impressed by Vanyeliya's outstanding performance, Angie sought to recruit her into her team. She inquired about Vanyeliya's direct superior.
Hmm, Scaramouche?
Come here, you!
"From now on, you'll work for me. The conditions here are better, and the risks are lower."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Even behind her mask, Vanyeliya couldn't hide her excitement. Lady Angie might be just an adjutant, but she was the adjutant of Lord Capitano himself!
Vanyeliya had a sister serving under Lord Capitano himself, and she'd long wished to join them.
Joining Lady Angie's ranks was essentially joining Lord Capitano's. Among all the Harbingers, he was the one she admired most!
"Good. Keep up the good work!"
Angie patted Vanyeliya's shoulder, adopting the classic pose of a boss making grand promises.
Ailina, visibly displeased, glared at Vanyeliya, leaving the latter thoroughly bewildered.
I don't think I've ever wronged this girl before, have I?