The abnormally bright Electro Vision dimmed once more, as if nothing had happened at all.
Rover turned to Kaedehara Kazuha and asked him once again about his decision.
Yet Kazuha still insisted on handing this Vision over to Rover.
"Over all these years, you are the first person who could make it shine again—even if it was only for a fleeting moment."
After speaking, Kazuha pressed his lips together and stared at the Vision with a somber expression.
"Can you tell me the story behind this Vision?"
Rover recalled that moment when Kazuha had rushed onto the dueling platform—how sorrowful and furious he had been.
Kazuha looked at the two of them, their curiosity evident, and finally nodded. In a calm voice, he recounted the special history of this Vision.
"He was once my closest friend. That day, he asked me if I had ever heard of the Musou no Hitotachi. I said of course—that blade could only be witnessed during divine punishment. It was the Raiden Shogun's pinnacle of martial prowess, the ultimate symbol of strength. But he said... that blade might not be unattainable..."
"...While I was wandering, I suddenly heard that he had challenged the enforcer of the Vision Hunt Decree to a duel before the throne. The victor would gain a chance at reprieve, while the loser would face divine punishment..."
"...By the time I arrived, the duel had already ended. The divine retribution above still raged, and the broken blade reflected the floating Vision. I don't know what expression he wore in that moment—I could only rush forward to seize the Vision as it dimmed..."
"...All I knew was that I couldn't let his blazing ambition be sealed away within a cold, lifeless statue."
A flash of reminiscence passed through Kazuha's crimson eyes before he turned his gaze back to the two of them.
"So, your friend either lost the duel before the throne... or deliberately faced divine punishment, and the Raiden Shogun drew the Musou no Hitotachi to end his life. And this Vision... you took it from the duel?"
Paimon condensed Kazuha's words into a simpler summary. Kazuha nodded again, then looked at the Vision in Rover's hand.
"Since you could make this cold Vision shine again, it means the Vision believes you can fulfill its wish—to face, or even surpass, the Musou no Hitotachi."
Kazuha voiced his speculation. It was only then that Rover remembered the battle within the Vision against that unfamiliar woman.
So, she was the Electro Archon... though her power within the Vision didn't seem complete.
With a trace of doubt, Rover thought of someone and turned to Kazuha with a question.
"The Crux Fleet sets sail tomorrow, right?"
"Yes. You can rest today. The captain will send a sailor to notify you when it's time."
Hearing this answer, Rover made up his mind. After exchanging a glance with Aether, he bid Kazuha farewell.
...
"Just send the bill to the Northland Bank."
As soon as the words left his lips, Zhongli poured himself another cup of tea and resumed appreciating the performance on stage.
"Zhongli! We're here to see you!"
Paimon's voice was as loud and clear as ever. Zhongli set down his teacup and instructed the waiter to bring two more cups.
"It's been a while, my young friends. You must be here because you need something."
Rover sat across from Zhongli, took the Vision from his waist, and briefly recounted what had just happened.
Zhongli's brows furrowed slightly. He picked up the Vision, examined it for a moment, then uttered a single word:
"The Abyss."
At the mention of the Abyss, everyone was shocked. Sensing that this was not the place for such a discussion, Zhongli quickly stood and led them to a private room.
"Are you saying Kazuha's friend was involved with the Abyss?"
Zhongli shook his head and returned the Vision to Rover before continuing:
"To be precise, there are traces of the Abyss Order in Inazuma. I believe Kazuha and his friend, while wandering, accidentally came into contact with traces of its influence."
After speaking, Zhongli unfolded a map of Teyvat on the table and pointed to Inazuma.
"Inazuma—a land scarred by the Archon War, and later one of the seven nations most devastated by Khaenri'ah's assault."
"Rover, the battle you experienced within the Vision was likely a memory recorded by the ley lines."
Rover was puzzled. "A memory?"
Zhongli nodded and continued:
"Human life is fleeting, but the everflowing ley lines remember everything—whether nightmares or dreams. They endlessly replay the past, like a mother trying to salvage all that was lost."
"From the Vision, I can deduce that the Abyss Order intends to tamper with Inazuma's ley lines. Kazuha's friend, by chance, came into contact with traces of the Abyss, carrying fragments of the ley lines' energy into this Vision, thus recreating that moment."
"And the Electro Archon in the memory sought to strike you down... perhaps because your existence contradicts Her ideal of Eternity."
After finishing his explanation, Zhongli looked gravely at the two and handed Rover a small stone emitting a faint golden light.
"Your journey to Inazuma will undoubtedly be perilous. If the Abyss Order truly manages to recreate the Archon War—or the catastrophic beast tides recorded in history—the Electro Archon alone may not be enough to handle it."
"Thus, I must ask one more favor of you both. If the situation spirals beyond control, crush this stone. I will come to your aid."
Paimon gasped, covering her mouth.
"But... wouldn't that be inappropriate? If the Raiden Shogun learns of your interference, wouldn't it be seen as Liyue declaring war on Inazuma?"
Zhongli shook his head and calmly rolled up the map.
"I will account for my actions to Her. And it may not be just me—other gods may intervene as well. If the ley lines are compromised, all of Teyvat will suffer the consequences."
Seeing the mood grow heavy, Zhongli offered a few words of comfort.
"What I described is merely the worst-case scenario. With the two of you there, I doubt the Abyss Order will be able to cause much trouble."
While Rover was still deep in thought, Zhongli opened the door and returned upstairs to enjoy the opera.
"Hmm... The expenses from the past few days were all billed to the Northland Bank. This one, I'll send to the Qixing instead."
After leisurely making his decision, Zhongli ordered a few more dishes and invited the two to eat while the food was still warm.
(These chapters are all setting the stage for the climax. Also, as a side note, the guest character in Inazuma is Changli!)