Chapter 19: The end of Vision Hunt Decree
After the duel, the group slowly walked out of Tenshukaku
"The Raiden Shogun isn't gonna let us off just like that, right? The air feels suffocating... it must be the Raiden Shogun's almightiness..." Paimon said
Signora... is slain.
"One strike from the Shogun, and now Signora's gone... She got what she deserved, but Paimon still can't help but feel upset. Why are they doing it... Why are the Harbingers collecting all the gnosis?"
"We will never know." Boboiboy said
Lumine suddenly felt a headache, holding her head in pain as the screen turned hazy
The two noticed her
"Hmm? Lumine, you got a headache? Chin up... let's get out of this place, Paimon feels... unsettled."
She shook her head and they continued walking
The Musou no Hitotachi...
"Also... when the Shogun executed Signora with the ... it was unbelievably powerful... It seems impossible to defend against... and if so, we've got no hope whatsoever of defeating her in combat..."
Yae Miko's plan...
"So to recap, wants us to go back inside the Plane of Euthymia by the Statue of the Omnipresent God...But... we'll be like lambs to the slaughter, won't we? M—Maybe we could put this plan on hold for a while...There's the sound of zapping in the air... Paimon can barely breathe..."
Lumine suddenly got a headache again and held her in pain.
"Lumine, are you okay? You're so silent..."
"Lumine, here. Put your arm over my shoulder." Boboiboy offered her. Lumine put her arm over his shoulder and they continued walking
It's so... noisy outside...
"It sounds like there's a lot of noise coming from outside Tenshukaku... Has a fight broken out or something? The guards seem really nervous... Let's go see what the situation is, shall we?"
The group finally walked out and they met the Resistance Army with Gorou and Kazuha. Gorou looked relieved. But suddenly Raiden Shogun appeared behind them, unleashing her Musou no Hitotachi. They looked in shock
The Masterless Vision Kazuha carries crackles to life and gains Electro color and symbol
"There will always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow" his friend's voice echoed in Kazuha's head
Kazuha dashes forward and blocks her sword. The group looks surprised. Kazuha's sword is covered with Anemo and Electro
Kazuha pushes her back which surprised her. Raiden Shogun quickly strikes him but Kazuha blocks it. It pushes him back to the Resistance Army
The Masterless Vision lands on the ground still crackling, and its color fades away
There was silence for a brief moment before a member of the resistance yelled, "Charge!"
"Attack!" Gorou quickly followed up as they all ran up the stairs. Unknown to everyone, the visions in the statue of the omnipresent god started lighting up
"What do we do!? They're no match for her!" Paimon panicked as Lumine, with a determined look, ran up and attacked Raiden Shogun with her sword. She grew her dull-blade with Electro
Raiden Shogun closed her eyes as the world around them faded and Lumine landed on the ground before Ei, who came down from her meditating position
"So, we meet again." she greeted
Lumine and Ei are standing and looking at each other. Lumine takes a look around and sees a bunch of Thunder Blade and Thunder Spear laying on the ground. She can tell Thunderstorm just had a battle with Ei
Ei then spoke up
"Indulge my curiosity. What is the reason that I find you standing here before me once again? Do you hope your foolhardiness will shelter those people? Or... was it simply a means of seeking an audience with me?"
"The Vision Hunt Decree should never have existed. The Fatui have deceived the Raiden Shogun." Lumine stated
"Oh? Surely you didn't rouse me from my state of eternal meditation only to tell me this? If so, then you underestimate me. I am quite well-informed about the Vision Hunt Decree."
"You know everything that's going on outside?" Lumine asked in shock
"Not so. Only everything that pertains to eternity. The Vision Hunt Decree has my tacit approval. The Fatui's actions thus far do not constitute a threat to eternity, otherwise... they would have been purged long ago." Ei answered
"But the Vision Hunt Decree is damaging." Lumine said
"Individual ambition is inherently incompatible with eternity. What you might not realize is that all too often... people have far more to lose by chasing their dreams. Consider this — no one will lose their life on account of having their Vision taken away... Rather, those who have lost their lives are the ones who insisted on pursuing their own aspirations, are they not?" Ei explained
"Teppei..." Lumine mumbled
"Traveler, your existence is unique in my eyes. There seems to be limitless uncertainty in you. To put it another way, you are the furthest thing from eternity. So I won't insist that you comprehend the meaning of my actions. What matters is that I tread the path of eternity on my people's behalf." Ei told her
"This is your Plane of Euthymia... It is created by your consciousness, yes?" Lumine asked
"That's right. I'm surprised you understand it so well...Anyway. You're looking for a chance to shake my will... aren't you?"
Lumine slightly smiled "I'm not here to debate your ideas. I'm here to demolish them."
"... So be it. Well then, you who would defy eternity... Time for you to enlighten me." with that, the two began fighting
"Do you wish to become the enemy of Eternity, Traveler? Your arrival has brought a deafening static. Remember, excessive yearning leads to inevitable destruction." Ei said as she summoned the Eye of Stormy Judgment from behind
Lumine chooses the first move which is dashing toward her
Both blocked their weapons. Lumine/Thunderstorm and Ei/Raiden Shogun are clashing with each other
Lumine backs away and sends out three swift thunder shadows "Lightning Slash!"
Ei knocks them away and dashes toward her
"I will mold you into the foundations of eternity." Ei did a combo attack but Lumine blocked each of them. Ei then sent an Electro Slash
Lumine quickly blocks it and knocks it away
"Strike Dead!" Ei spun her polearm and summoned lightning in a large area around her. Lumine quickly dodged but failed. She got knocked back
"Take this!" Lumine sent more swift thunder shadows towards Ei. Ei dodged and spun her polearm before dashing at Lumine and performing 4 consecutive strikes
Lumine luckily dodged them
"Lightning falls on the land of eternity!" Ei summoned three Magatsu Electroculi around the area.
"Bellowing Thunder!" Lumine called upon the protection of lightning around her to protect
Three Magatsu Electroculi then explode violently, which breaks her shield and knocks her further
Lumine gets back up and runs up to her at high speed. Lumine jumps up and slams her sword at Ei but Ei blocks it with her polearm
Ei's eyes glow and she releases the Electro at her which pushes her back
Lumine is still standing and breathes heavily. Suddenly, she notices something glowing in her pocket. She takes it out and sees Grand Narukami Shrine Omamori they received from Yae Miko is sparkling
Suddenly, Yae Miko appears
"Dear me," Yae Miko said "Aren't you cutting it rather close?"
Ei looked surprised "Miko, this was your doing...?"
"*giggle* Now, now, don't forget who taught you. How to place your consciousness in objects." Yae Miko laughed as she turned to Lumine.
"Surely you don't think. Your ambition alone. Is enough to shake Ei's will? Do you? Though you alone are here. They too have ambitions. Which they long since entrusted to you. Now then close your eyes." Yae Miko ordered which Lumine obeyed
Lumine closes her eyes and starts focusing. The voices are talking in her head
As the people's ambitions begin to shine through into the Plane of Euthymia and illuminates the realm. She stands up
Teppei, in a flash, appears briefly in the position of Lumine
Lumine is imbued with a golden aura as she takes on the ambitions of the people
Abolish the Vision Hunt Decree
Lumine notices Thunderstorm's sword (not a dual one) so she picks it up. She then channels her Electro to it and the sword changes to purple. Thunderstorm, in a flash, appears beside her
Ei looked surprised before smiling slightly. Ei then decided to go full-power
Lumine decides to dash forward. Ei does the same. Their weapons are colliding with each other. Their Electro is leaking out from their sword
They jump back as Lumine sends three swift thunder shadows at her. They are bigger than normal
Ei sends an Electro Slash to knock them away.
"Inferior." Ei teleported right in front of and then did 3 swings. Lumine luckily blocked them
Lumine jumps back away and then "Thunder Clap!"
She called upon the protection of lightning. So she ran towards her
Both start clashing with each other. They attack, they block, and they teleport at different spots
A few minutes later, they stop a little as they start releasing full-power
Lumine powers up and suddenly the red lighting from the sword she picked up is mixing up with purple lighting. Lumine gathers energy at Thunderstorm Blade and Ei gathers them at her polearm
They then run at a high speed to slash. They cause a big explosion
Once the smoke is down, Lumine is still standing and Ei is on her knees
Lumine has won
"You've lost, Ei." Yae Miko announced proudly
Ei stayed silent, in shock, before nodding in agreement. "...Yes, I have."
"Why can you not trust your people, and in the power of their ambitions? These ambitions have transcended space and time. They are something that no one can snuff out." Yae Miko told her
"When people move forward with all their might... They can surpass the gods' expectations. And even take over the work of the gods." Lumine added
"Is this the lesson you learned from your journey in Liyue?" Yae Miko asked
"Yes." Lumine nodded
"There are nations where humans cast their god aside and stride forward...? So, are we to just abandon the notion of progress... for the sake of wishful thinking?" Yae Miko said
"...You and I have both witnessed the great loss that progress can bring." Ei said grimly. "Eternity... eternity is the only way..."
"Before that, can you bring the other Traveler in?" Yae Miko asked
"Yes, looks like he has won the duel." Ei said, which confused Lumine
"Wait, a duel?" Lumine asked
Meanwhile with Boboiboy and Paimon before Lumine's battle start
Quake blocks the Electro Slash from Raiden Shogun with a big rock because she almost took out the Resistance Army
"Don't fight her! It's too dangerous!" Quake told them and the two turned back to her
The two let a small sweat because Raiden Shogun took Lumine. Now, she is looking at them with a serious look. She turns to Quake
Raiden Shogun charges up to him with her sword. She quickly swings it at him but
Quake manages to catch her sword with Earth Gloves
"Boboiboy!" Paimon yelled in worry
Quake tries his best to push it back. Raiden Shogun wastes no time. She uses the Eye of Stormy Judgment and brings him with her
"Woah!" Quake got teleported with her
-Inside Tenshukaku-
They got back inside. It was the same place where they took a duel
"Huh? I'm back here?" Quake looked around and noticed Raiden Shogun, holding the sword and waiting for something
"Welcome."
"Why did you bring me here?" Quake asked
"I bring you here to duel." Raiden Shogun answered
"Huh? A duel?" Quake wondered
"Yes, since my creator is fighting your friend. So she put me in charge to fight you. After your first meeting with her, she has a lot of thoughts about you and your powers. She wants to see If you are worthy of Voltra Element along with others. So I come up with a thing. If you win the duel, you can keep them. If you lose, then return them." Raiden Shogun explained
'A duel. Ei didn't trust me and my words after our first meeting. Right now, she wants me to prove her wrong.' Quake thought and then decided "Ok, I challenge you a duel."
"Proceed." Raiden Shogun nodded as they started into a fighting stance "Before that, I remind you that my strength is as same as hers."
"Thanks." Quake said and then started changing
"Elemental Power! Boboiboy Thunderstorm!" Quake transformed to Thunderstorm and then immediately blocked her sword.
Each of them is clashing with each other. Lumine/Thunderstorm and Ei/Raiden Shogun are clashing with each other
Both jump back away and then dash forward to attack
They keep clashing at each place
Raiden Shogun immediately sends two Electro Slashes at him. Thunderstorm dodges them and
"Thunderstorm Spear Throw!" Thunderstorm summoned the spear and threw it at her. Raiden Shogun knocked it away
Raiden Shogun dashes through him at high speed but Thunderstorm dashes away from her strike
"Thunder Balls!" Thunderstorm threw two Thunderballs at her. Raiden Shogun cut them
"Strike Dead!" Raiden Shogun then slashed her sword creating some lightning strike around her. Thunderstorm jumped away from her
Suddenly, someone came in. It was Paimon
"Boboiboy!"
"Paimon!?" Thunderstorm looked surprised
Raiden Shogun suddenly in front of him with her sword rising up to strike him
Thunderstorm immediately blocks it with his sword
Both are clashing with each other again
Two people come in. It is Kazuha and Gorou
"Boboiboy!" They were about to help
"Don't! This is a duel! Don't interrupt us!" Thunderstorm shouted as he looked back at Raiden Shogun
"Lightning falls on the land of Eternity!" Raiden Shogun pushes him back away and then summons three Magatsu Electroculi around the area.
"Thunder Shield!" Thunderstorm punched the ground to form a shield of lightning to protect
Raiden Shogun releases the explosion on him but it doesn't affect him because the shield
Thunderstorm powers himself up more and "Thunderstorm Strike: Maximum Speed!" Thunderstorm 'teleports' many spots at high speed to strike her
Raiden Shogun notices and then runs up at high speed
Both of them are clashing with each other until they land down and look at each other
Thunderstorm suddenly turns back to Boboiboy which surprises the group
"Boboiboy? What are you doing?" Gorou asked why he had changed back
"Hold on. Are you?" Paimon realized why
"Boboiboy Dual Split!" The yellow circle appeared with two logos (Quake and Thunderstorm). Both are ready to fight
"Oh, here they come!" Paimon said excitedly
"Huh? Is something wrong?" Kazuha asked
"Just watch! We are winning now!" Paimon said confidently
"Come. Do your thing." Raiden Shogun told them
"Ready, Thunderstorm?" Quake asked
"Ready." Thunderstorm nodded
Both are powering up and then touching the wrist "Elemental Fusion!"
Many rocks and lightning covered them up
Then he comes out in new form. He does the spin and lands on the ground safely. He has a hammer over his shoulder
"ALRIGHT!"
The two are shocked at this
"What!? They can combine!?" Gorou said in surprised
"The smell. I don't know If he has the same from the two or just a new one." Kazuha couldn't tell
"How can he have these kinds of power?" Gorou asked Paimon
"Uh well. It's kinda complicated." Paimon said nervously
Back to the fight
"So what do you call yourself in this form?" Raiden Shogun asked
"I'm a merged Element. The combination of Quake(Gempa) and Thunderstorm(Halilintar). I guess that makes me Rumble(Gentar)!" Rumble introduced himself with his thumb pointed at himself and he swung his hammer to do a style too
"Well now, Raiden Shogun. It's time for me to wake you up from these Vision Hunt Decree." Rumble put his hammer over his shoulder and then put his hand to do the sign 'come closer'
"Hmph." Raiden Shogun didn't say anything so she chose dashing toward him. She then strikes her sword at him but
"Heh! Too slow." Rumble smirked after he dodged
"My turn. Rumble Hammer Slam!" Rumble strikes his hammer at her. Raiden Shogun quickly blocked it
The group looks in awe because something is going to happen
Krik… Krik… Krik…
Second later, nothing happened
Raiden Shogun doesn't feel a flinch after he swings his hammer. She could tell how weak the impact is
"Uhhh? Is something wrong?" Paimon asked
"Heh. Maybe this hammer's broken." Rumble threw his hammer away and was ready for another attack
"You're going down this time! Rumble Earth Slam!" Rumble punched on the ground but it only made a noise. Everyone looked at him with deadpan looks
"B-Boboiboy. What are you doing?" Gorou sweatdropped at his behavior
"Hmm. Look like I don't have any powers." Rumble said while dodging her attacks. That made the group shocked
"What?! No powers?" Paimon shouted in shock
"Then bring out different fusion! Like Frostfire, Glacier, or Supra! Anything!" Paimon told him but
"Heh, no need! The hero always loses the first time!" Rumble said as if it was nothing
The group looked deadpanned
"*Sigh* There goes our hope." Paimon shrugged
"We should help him out." Gorou was about to interfere but got stopped by Kazuha
"Wait. Do not interfere." Kazuha said
"But he is going to get killed." Gorou said in a worried tone
"Paimon agree. If he dies, Lumine is going to be soooo mad!" Paimon added
"Just. Put trust in him. There must be a hidden power inside him." Kazuha said
The two look worried and turn to the battle
Rumble picked up his hammer and put it over his shoulder "Heh. I may not have power but I am the strongest one. I will defeat you."
Raiden Shogun looks a bit annoyed because of his behavior "You want to defeat me? Be more serious. And unleash your potential."
"Don't worry. I won't disappoint you. Because you are about to see something cool." Rumble smirked. Raiden Shogun slowly felt annoyed
"Stop this childish nonsense." Raiden Shogun dashed forward and struck him
But Rumble quickly blocked her sword with a hammer
"And be more serious!" Raiden Shogun said
"Eennnggghhh!" Rumble is struggling because he is weak
Unknown to them, the lightning from her sword is in contact with his hammer and his hands. The red lightning comes out of his hands, The hammer is powering up
The two notice the happening. Rumble feels more power so he pushes her back
Rumble looks at his hands. They are leaking out red lightning "This is…"
The group notice his hands and his hammer
"He has a power." Gorou said
"It looks like he can absorb Electro and store them inside him." Kazuha described
"I guess he wasn't a failed fusion after all." Paimon commented
"HAHAHA! Of course, I have powers! I'm Rumble after all!" Rumble said confidently which made the group sweat-dropped
"*Sigh* This guy. Take this seriously, will you?!" Paimon said angrily
"Heh. Alright, Raiden Shogun. Let's continue." Rumble put his hammer over his shoulder
"Gladly." Raiden Shogun said and sent two Electro Slashes at him
Rumble pointed his hammer toward and blocked two slashes. The hammer started absorbing more Electro
"My turn! Take this!" Rumble threw his hammer at her but she dodged aside
"Rumble Lightning Speed!" Rumble suddenly teleported from behind and grabbed the hammer
"Rumble Hammer Slam!" Rumble slammed at her but she dodged it and it ended up on the ground causing a shockwave from the impact. That pushes her back
Raiden Shogun runs from behind him at high speed and she is ready for the strongest attack
The two recognize the move
"Watch out! She is going to perform Musou no Hitotachi!" Gorou shouted
Rumble quickly put his arm from behind the hammer. The hammer starts merging his arm and creates a gauntlet
Raiden Shogun performs Musou no Hitotachi at him. It creates a strong explosion
The group cover their eyes because of the smoke. Once it calms down, the group looks worried but they see something shocking
Rumble caught her blade with his gauntlet. Raiden Shogun looked surprised that he managed to block her strongest attack. The Electro from her sword is giving him more energy
"Heh. That was something. Take this!" Rumble let go and then
"Rumble Punch!" Rumble punched her but she blocked it with her sword. That pushed her back farther
The group looked in awe
"HAHAHA! You're going down!" Rumble said confidently
Raiden Shogun chooses to go at high speed to strike him
"Heh, you wanna play catch huh?" Rumble did the same
Both are clashing with each other. They keep teleporting in different places while clashing
Until
"Rumble Electro Punch!" Rumble punched her but she blocked it again. She got knocked back
Raiden Shogun got back up and looked at him with a serious look
"Come on! Make me break a sweat, at least." Rumble smirked
"Well then, I shall go full power." Raiden Shogun closed her eyes to focus and then started going full-power. The purple bolts of lightning came out from her. She raised her sword up to charge up
"Heh. Bring it on." Rumble said and then noticed the meter from his gauntlet. It was getting low
"Oh no. I am out of energy."
"Look like you are out of energy. I understand how your power works. I will not let my Electro hit on your gauntlet." Raiden Shogun said as she was ready to strike
The group saw something was wrong with Rumble. They noticed his gauntlet was getting weaker
"Hey, there is something with him." Paimon pointed at Rumble
"Look like he is getting weaker. He has used up all the energies he got." Kazuha told them
"We need to charge him up." Gorou said
Kazuha tries to find a way and then he realizes. Kazuha goes through his inventory. He has 2 Electro Crystals with him. He was planning to sell them anyway
"Boboiboy! Catch!" Kazuha threw them at him
Rumble recognizes crystals and catches them. So he crushes them and transfers Electro to his gauntlet
"YOSHAAA!" Rumble powered up
"I'll show you my full power!" Rumble fist-pumped as the gauntlet was split apart. He started merging himself with parts. It caused some smoke
Once it cooled down, everyone saw something surprising. Rumble inside the robotic golem
"Behold! Rumble Golem!" Rumble stayed in a fighting stance
"Show me." Raiden Shogun said as she went at a very high speed
Rumble also went a high speed but not at the same speed as her.
Both are fighting and blocking. Rumble keeps punching her but she keeps blocking it. Raiden Shogun sends many slashes at him. Rumble's Golem is more defensive so he is ok but that doesn't mean it will be invincible.
Both keep fighting until
"This is the end! Giant Lightning Punch!" Rumble gathered every energy on his punch and then punched her very hard. Luckily, she blocked it but she got pushed back and crashed into the wall. Raiden Shogun lay on the ground tiredly. She couldn't fight anymore
Rumble got on the ground as the Golem fell apart. Rumble got back to Boboiboy
The group went to him to celebrate
"You did it, Boboiboy!" Paimon said excitedly
"You won the duel! Vision Hunt Decree has finally ended!" Gorou said
"Thank you for stopping them." Kazuha nodded
"Hehehe." Boboiboy chuckled and he noticed Raiden Shogun "You guys wait here. Let me talk to her."
Raiden Shogun looks up and sees Boboiboy holding a hand out to help her up. She accepts it
"You have won the duel. She has seen everything during our match." Raiden Shogun said which surprised Boboiboy
"Wait. She saw the whole thing?" Boboiboy asked. Raiden Shogun nodded
"Yes, she saw everything while she was fighting your friend. Looks like your friend won." Raiden Shogun said as she turned to him
"I will send you there to have a talk with her." Raiden Shogun said as she opened the Eye of Stormy Judgment. She brought him in the Plane of Euthymia
Back in Plane of Euthymia
Boboiboy got inside, looked around, and saw three people
"Boboiboy." Lumine was surprised
"Lumine. And Miko? Why are you here?" Boboiboy asked
"*giggle* It's simple but I explain it later." Yae Miko said as she turned to Ei "So can we continue what we left off?"
Ei nodded and told a story
When lightning flashes, it casts a shadow
My name means shadow
With my blade, I purged all obstacles to progress
And yet... something was lost
With each step forward
In the end, I even lost her
The tales are still retold
In the shade of every Thunder Sakura
But the wounds left on our nation by that terrible loss
Still ache
"Never stop searching, even if only for a brief flash of light"
"If nothing else, we have the present moment"
She said that once
But I've seen a nation stride forward
And lose everything to the Heavenly Principles
Perhaps only if time stands still
Will the lightning's glow never fade
The present moment is a fragile illusion
Only Eternity can bring us closer to the Heavenly Principles
I am no longer the shadow
"Mine is the most supreme and noble form"
"Let power over the realm be vested in me"
"In this form shall I honor my subjects' dream"
"For a land of Eternity, unchanging forevermore"
After the story
"The Heavenly Principles... Irrelevant nonsense as far as I am concerned. When all's said and done, all you really want is to protect your beloved Inazuma, forever and ever. Isn't that right?" Yae Miko asked
"That would be something of an oversimplification." Ei replied
"But is this nation worth existing for eternity? Stripped of ambitions, stripped of the potential for change, it does nothing more than simply... exist. It is a hollow shell of a nation. Huh. I wonder what loss would it really be to anyone if such a nation were destroyed?" Yae Miko said which offended her
"Miko, retract your words. Never-changing eternity is the promise I made to my people."
"But what your people need from you is not your promises. They want your attention... your divine gaze." Yae Miko told her
"...You mean Visions? Humans have a lifespan of barely a hundred years. They cannot afford to bear any extra losses. But I have experienced it all. That is why I have chosen to guide them along the correct path toward eternity."
"*Sigh* But eternity is far too cruel a fate for you, Ei." Yae Miko reminded her
Ei looked confused. "For me?"
"Not only have you stopped paying attention to the world, but you have stopped paying attention to yourself. It must have been terribly lonely here, all alone, for centuries on end." Yae Miko told her
"But it is necessary..." Ei replied
"You will miss much by refusing progress... You seek to prevent loss, but have you considered all you are losing by remaining here in stasis for all eternity?
You are obviously lonely, and yet for the sake of eternity you choose to stretch your loneliness out to infinity...
Tell me this. Why is the sky here that was once so dark glowing again? Why now? This is your Plane of Euthymia. It's your inner world.
So it can only mean... that you are happy to see me again. You have found the loneliness here unbearable for a long time now, haven't you?"
Yae Miko asked her many questions but Ei couldn't answer
"I... have nothing to say to that." Ei looked down
"Hehehe, oh, but I have so much to say to you. Let me tell you all that has happened over the last few centuries." Yae Miko said while putting her hand on her waist
"How long will that take?" Ei asked
"As a fox envoy, I have an excellent memory. I recall every detail of the last few centuries with perfect clarity. So it will probably take me another few centuries to relay it to you." Yae Miko said
"Heh... hehe... Miko, I never thought I would have the chance to meet with you like this again." Ei finally smiled. "*sigh* Seeing you again is a change to eternity... and a very nice surprise."
"Hehe, since you are willing to admit that, I suppose that means we can still be friends?" Yae Miko said
"What a childish conversation this is." Ei commented and then turned to Lumine
"Anyway. Now that I have been defeated by you and your plan, I will honor your wish to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree. But with regards to eternity and the question of whether this nation should move forward, I need time to give it some thought."
"Hehe, you are the one who's been acting like a child from the very beginning." Yae Miko laughed
"By a way, Ei. I think you own him an apology." Yae Miko reminded
"Apology?" Lumine asked
"..." Ei looked down as she sighed and turned to Boboiboy "Boboiboy."
"I want to say. I am sorry for not hearing your explanation first and going on violently. I let my emotions get to me. It was just... I missed Satriantar. It has been five hundred years. I-I..." Ei got stopped by Boboiboy holding his hand out
"It's alright, Ei. It's alright. I understand how much you suffered. I understand how much hatred you have for the evil being that they mentioned. I forgive you, Ei." Boboiboy gave her a warm smile which surprised her. The image of Satriantar giving a warm smile appeared beside him
The tears are dropping from her eyes. Ei decides to wipe tears and smile
After that, Boboiboy decides to tell them a story about what happened 500 years ago (100 years ago)
-Timeskip brought to you by Chibi Brawler Blonde asks Chibi MechaBot to make up nice her Bumblebee. Chibi MechBot tells her it is MECHANIZE-
The next day
Yae Miko started narrating
The scene shows Raiden Shogun in her Tenshukaku
Yae Miko: As promised, the Raiden Shogun abolished the Vision Hunt Decree
Raiden Shogun looks at the door while the soldier bows down and shows her the scroll
Yae Miko: Finally, her people's wishes penetrated her locked heart
Raiden Shogun tells him to dismiss and looks back at the door
Yae Miko: Beyond the Plane of Euthymia, she saw what eternity means in the eyes of the world
The next scene shows many people in Inazuma doing their activities peaceful
Yae Miko: When one's fervent ambition burns brightly
Yae Miko: The gods will cast their gaze upon you
At Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko walks slowly toward the Sacred Sakura Tree and then looks at the sun
Yae Miko: Some ambitions
At someone's house, two old men and one soldier are having a tea
Yae Miko: Have the power to heal wounds
At Sangonomiya Shrine, Gorou and a few Resistance Soldiers are walking towards the shrine while greeting a few soldiers
Yae Miko: To bring victory
Yae Miko: To inspire hope
At Teahouse, Thoma locks the door and is ready to leave but he meets Ayaka, Sayu, and a shrine maiden
Yae Miko: But some ambitions
Somewhere, Kazuha walks toward his friend's grave to pray
Yae Miko: Outlive their masters, long after the soul ascends
At Teppei's house, Kokomi is looking at the house and she starts praying
Yae Miko: They remain as they were in the beginning
Yae Miko: Burning bright and true
Back Kazuha, he starts standing up and leaves after praying
Yae Miko: For all eternity
Kazuha's friend's Vision suddenly glows and stops
-Timeskip brought to you by Chibi young girl with a red cap shows her drawing to Chibi Amato and asks him to mechanize just like her drawing-
The next day
At Grand Narukami Shrine
The three are here to meet Yae Miko
"So what did you guys do in the Raiden Shogun's Plane of Euthymia anyway? Is the Vision Hunt Decree abolished?" Paimon is curious
"It was all thanks to Yae Miko. We conveyed the wishes of the people." Lumine said
"Oh, gotcha... Paimon was super worried, y'know." Paimon sighed in relief
"So what happened outside after I got sent to Plane of Euthymia?" Lumine said
"Ehh. It's a long story so we cut a short. The puppet challenged him to a duel." Paimon answered
"Is it true?" Lumine turned to Boboiboy
"Yeah, it's all true. Ei didn't trust me with Elemental Powers so she planned this to prove to her if I was worthy of the powers. And I won a duel so nothing is worry." Boboiboy told her
"Yeah. Oh, what the most awesome part is the new fusion!" Paimon said excitedly
"Oh, what elements did you combine?" Lumine asked
"Well, I used Quake and Thunderstorm. Combined into Rumble. The power is... Well, at first I don't have power from the start." Boboiboy scratched under his hat
"Wait what? Your new fusion doesn't have a power?" Lumine confused
"At first but I discovered how the power works during the duel. I can absorb Electro and store them inside me. It is like a battery." Boboiboy said as the image appeared on their head. It was Rumble wearing a battery. Lumine doesn't know what Rumble looks like so she images Boboiboy wearing a battery
The two held their laughing
"Okay, so maybe the reason Yae Miko is looking for us now is 'cause she wants to thank us? Let's go find her." Paimon said excitedly as they went to find Miko
She is standing next to the Sacred Sakura Trê
"Why hello... if it isn't the triumphant Travelers. And why might you be visiting the Shrine? A sign of piety, perhaps?" Yae Miko asked
Paimon huffed "You literally told us to come meet you here!"
"Haha... I was just joking. I've been waiting for you." Yae Miko laughed
"Seems like someone's in a pretty good mood." Paimon commented
"Mm-hmm. Catching up with an old friend I hadn't seen in years was truly delightful." Yae Miko said as she turned to Boboiboy
"By the way... I heard that you had a duel before the throne, with a Fatui Harbinger no less. Courageous and astute — I must say, I am most impressed." Yae Miko compliment
"I don't know what came over me."Boboiboy said
"Defeating Signora head-on in a duel means that your strength exceeds my expectations. Still, you did end up victorious. I gather congratulations are in order." Yae Miko congratulated him
"Hehehe." Boboiboy laughed nervously
"Ah, it sure feels good to finally thwart a plan for once. They caused plenty of trouble along the way, but at the very least, they didn't get their hands on another gnosis!" Paimon said
"Wait a second... did you say "Gnosis"? As in, the little thing that looks something like a chess piece?" Yae Miko described
"Yep, that's the one! You've seen one, too? Gnoses belong to the seven — they're what keep them connected to Celestia!" Paimon said
"Oh..."
"What's wrong?" Lumine asked
"I handed that over." Yae Miko answered which shocked them
"Hmm?" Lumine asked
"Can you... say that again?" Boboiboy added
"...You did what now?" Paimon said
"Well... how else was I supposed to save your skin from the balladeer, exactly?" Yae Miko told Lumine. They don't know what to say about this
"... The Gnosis is long gone, then." Lumine sighed.
"The Balladeer is No. 6 of the Fatui Harbingers. In terms of strength, he is superior to Signora. I'm not the kind of person who risks life and limb for any old reason." Yae Miko explained
"*stammers* For once, Paimon just does not know what to say." Paimon has lost the word
"But why was the Gnosis in your hands? Shouldn't it be in Archon's hands only?" Boboiboy(Solar) asked in curious
"After Ei created her puppet vessel, she no longer had anywhere to put it. As her erstwhile closest friend... Ei handed it over to me, and I've kept it in the Grand Narukami Shrine ever since.
She no longer needs the power of the Gnosis, and in any case, she tells me she has severed ties with Celestia.
Thus, the Gnosis became not only useless, but also a potential source of conflict. Is that not a good bargain, exchanging it for the one at the core of the plan? Judging by the results, at least, I daresay I struck a good deal. Hehehe."
(*Sigh*) The Elemental Brothers sighed in disappointment but at least it saved Lumine's life
"When you put it like that, Paimon has to agree... Lumine is worth more than a Gnosis..." Paimon agreed
"Never knew I could fetch such a high price." Lumine teased
"*Sigh* Well, what's done is done, and Paimon hardly thinks we'll be getting it back now. Let's leave the past in the past." Paimon said as she turned to Yae Miko
"Um, so anyway, you still haven't told us why you called us here today." Paimon reminded her
"Hehehe. It's to thank you."
"Really!?" Paimon asked
"You intend to travel all over Teyvat, and the time has come for the Inazuma leg of your trip to come to an end, has it not? As a mark of my gratitude, I will answer any questions you may have about the road ahead or the events of the past."
"What would you like to know about?" Yae Miko said
Lumine: About the Shogun puppet...
Yae Miko: That puppet was built with technology that has been lost to time. Perhaps she, as a god, is the only one privy to the knowledge of its origins...
Yae Miko: Still... there is one other thing on this topic that I suspect you may be curious to know.
Yae Miko: Before Ei began modifying her own godly form, she took it upon herself to create a prototype puppet...
Paimon: So... you mean there are three Raiden Shoguns!?
Yae Miko: No, the prototype was merely a proof of concept. Its appearance and intellect were not based on Ei. It was a test.
Yae Miko: The original plan was for Ei to simply discard it. But perhaps Ei thought this to be too cruel, because in the end she chose only to seal the power within it.
Yae Miko: Later, this puppet wandered Inazuma as an ordinary human male with his own consciousness, until... the Fatui took an interest in him.
Paimon: Ugh, not the Fatui!
Yae Miko: Some eccentric geniuses in the ranks of the Fatui made adjustments to the prototype, not only unsealing his power, but very likely rendering him even more formidable than his original specifications.
Lumine: you don't mean...
Yae Miko: Mm-hmm. The object of divine creation is the one who has now taken possession of the Gnosis... and the prototype puppet is now known as "The Balladeer."
The group was shocked at this information
Paimon: What in the... What a crazy story!
Yae Miko: It is, isn't it? Who can say whether it's coincidence or destiny.
Lumine: About the former Raiden Shogun...
Yae Miko: I'm surprised an outlander like you is aware that there was once a change of Electro Archon... Few citizens of Inazuma are aware of this.
Paimon: Morax told us. He said that the Electro Archon, Baal, has passed away...
Yae Miko: Yes. The truth of the matter is that there were two twin gods, Baal and Beelzebul.
The three: Twin gods?
Yae Miko: They won the Archon War together, and when Baal established the Shogunate, Beelzebul became her kagemusha, or "shadow warrior." In other words, she acted as Baal's body double.
Yae Miko: Beelzebul is Ei, with whom we are now both acquainted. Baal's name was "Makoto."
Yae Miko: As far as the world was aware, there were not two, but one. They complemented each other, and they ruled Inazuma jointly. So there was no need for the public to know the truth.
Yae Miko: In fact, the name "Baal" and the title of Raiden Shogun was understood to refer to both of them, right up until—
Paimon: Until what?
Yae Miko: Makoto died several hundred years ago in a war that I was not personally involved in. Since then, Ei has assumed the Shogunate.
Paimon: Losing her sister must have been super hard on Ei...
Lumine: Several hundred years ago...
Lumine: Khaenri'ah...
Yae Miko: That was when Ei began to change. Makoto was her greatest loss.
Paimon: Paimon feels like she understands Ei a lot better now after finding that out... So, what kind of god was Makoto?
Yae Miko: I didn't spend a great deal of time with her, but my impression was... she was a gentle god, who in each moment cherished the beauty of what was before her.
Paimon: Wow...
Lumine: About my brother ...
Yae Miko: Sorry, I haven't a clue. I am also unfamiliar with the god you describe.
Yae Miko: But if you still have doubts about Ei, I would say they are misplaced.
Yae Miko: Not only does she not fit your description, but she voluntarily gave up her Gnosis long ago, severing her ties with Celestia in the process.
Lumine: Having met her, I don't believe she was the one.
Yae Miko: That's good to hear. Otherwise, given that I am her familiar, it could have made our relationship rather awkward, don't you think?
Paimon: Don't worry, we aren't looking to pick a fight with you!
Yae Miko: Hehehe... I wish you the best of luck. May you soon discover the truth behind it all.
Yae Miko: As for your brother's whereabouts, I will use all the resources at my disposal to investigate it, and I will also borrow some of Ayato's people from the Shuumatsuban.
Yae Miko: I'll let you know if I find out anything. Consider it part of my means of thanking you.
Lumine: About the next stop on my journey...
Yae Miko: After leaving Inazuma, hmm... I think it would be easiest for you to go to Sumeru.
Paimon: Ooh, ooh, Sumeru! We've run into loads of scholars from there on our journey so far.
Boboiboy: Sumeru nation belongs to Dendro Archon, right? I heard someone talk about it
Yae Miko: Yes, well, Sumeru is the land of the God of Wisdom, where the quest for wisdom and knowledge is never-ending.
Yae Miko: But their obsession gives rise to some truly inexplicable things. For example...
Yae Miko: In Sumeru, knowledge is holistically managed as a resource.
Boboiboy(Solar): Knowledge is a resource?
Yae Miko: Yes. I don't know whether it was the sages or Lesser Lord Kusanali who came up with the idea.
Paimon: Lesser Lord Kusanali? That's a cute name.
(Lesser Lord Kunsanali. Why is the word "Lesser" in God's title?) Solar felt something off about the name
Yae Miko: Oh, you haven't heard? "Lesser Lord Kusanali" is the deity in whom the people of Sumeru place their faith. It's their chosen term of endearment for her.
Yae Miko: I'm sure you must have some things to discuss with her, too. I wish you all the best.
(Oh, I can't wait to meet Sumeru's Archon.) Thorn felt excited
Lumine: I have no more questions.
"Are you sure? Okay then. Oh, Lumine, do you still have the omamori I gave you?"
"Of course. I'll keep it in a safe place."
"Keep it safe? Is that all you intend to do with it? There was me thinking that you might hang it around your neck to show off to the world, telling everyone who inquired that it was given to you by none other than Yae Miko, the wise and beautiful." Yae Miko teased them
"Who in their right mind would do that!?" Paimon exclaimed
"Hehehe... Okay, I'll stop. Now, a question for you. Lumine, what is your ambition?"
"To be reunited with my brother, I guess?"
"I see... But that is merely a small goal, based on what preoccupies you here and now. Your ambition should be something that transcends the world below and the starry sky above. Something that shines in unison with fate itself. Perhaps the reason you do not possess a Vision is that such an ambition has yet to be engendered within you... It's a possibility. Continue on your journey and maybe that moment will come to pass."
"...Did that all get a little heavy for you? I think you prefer me when I'm just teasing you, don't you? Hehe..." Yae Miko laughed. They looked at her with a blank look
"And Boboiboy, what is your ambition?" Yae Miko
"... My ambition is to help many people as much as possible. Right now, Lumine is in a tight spot. I decided to help her to be reunited with her brother no matter what." Boboiboy said which made Lumine smile
"Such a strong goal. You have a strong will. Those powers are in the safe hands. Use them for the right thing. And take good care of them." Yae Miko smiled
"Understand." Boboiboy nodded
"Oh and take good care of Satriantar's element. Because I wanted to know more about him." Yae Miko gave him a warm smile
Boboiboy tilted head in confusion so he just nodded. As for Thunderstorm, he was jumping in fear
So the group left. Yae Miko turned to Sarced Sakura Tree and said
"Maktoto. Satriantar. I hope you two are resting well." Yae Miko held the pedant. The picture showed Makoto, Ei, Yae Miko(in the fox form), and Satriantar(wearing Kimono) hanging out
-500 years ago-
Somewhere near sakura trees
"Ei, keep it up. If you wanna go at the same speed as me." Satriantar said with a strict tone
"Please, Satriantar. I can't any further." Ei breathed heavily and felt tired "Makoto, please help me."
"Sorry, Ei. I can't help you." The girl looked like Ei named Makoto holding the Wagasa
"Not good enough. Disappointing! Do 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, 10 kilometers running every day, and no dango snacks for you!" Satriantar told Ei, which shocked her
"Makoto, help me!" Ei cried out for help. Makoto chuckled
Martinthegamer: Hi guys, sorry for not updating. I didn't have any free time to do due to my college. I hope you are understanding. Remember to subscribe and support Monsta and Hoyoverse. Like and share my story. Follow me on Wattpad and Youtube