Note: This chapter doesn't have any fighting parts because I am lazy
Chapter 20: Requiem of the Echoing Depths
At Liyue Harbor
After the end of Vision Hunt Decree, the group went back to Liyue and decided to visit
So right now the group goes to meet Katheryne for some commissions
"Ah, Travelers. Right on cue, hehe." Katheryne greeted them the moment they approached her
"Hey Katheryne! Got any new commissions for us today? Also... how come you look so happy to see us? What have you done!?" Paimon immediately became wary
"I went to the shrine to draw a fortune slip earlier. The shrine maiden told me that "it is the season for an unexpected reunion."" Katheryne told them
"Katheryne? Drawing fortune slips at the shrine? ...Is it just Paimon, or is that the most unusual thing ever!? Wait, no, that's not the unusual part — we're in Liyue! You went to Inazuma and back in a single day!?" Paimon said
"Hehe, even I have a private life, you know." Katheryne giggled
"Okay, so when you say "unexpected reunion," you mean running into us, right?" Boboiboy(Lightning) said while Lumine and Light finding out the meaning of the words
"Who can say? But the anticipation of knowing that an unexpected reunion is due is making me happy to see everyone I cross paths with today." Katheryne said
"Fair enough, even though we see each other pretty much every day... Whatever makes you happy." Paimon said
Lumine murmured to herself, "An unexpected reunion...Perhaps..."
"Wait, are you saying... Ohh, Paimon gets it, Lumine. Well, let's just hope the shrine maiden was right... Fingers crossed we find him." Paimon sạd
"I'm sorry... Did I say something I shouldn't have? You both seem a little down." Katheryne asked with a bit worried
"Oh, it's nothing. Anyway, back to business. Do you have a new commission you want to give to us?" Boboiboy asked
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. This one is from a miner. It seems to be related to investigating the chasm." Katheryne told them
"Really? Does this mean The Chasm's not sealed off anymore?" Paimon asked
"I will leave the requester to fill you in on all the relevant details. His name is Yuehui, and he should be at The Chasm right now." Katheryne said
"Alright then, thanks Katheryne! We'll head there right away." Paimon thanked her as they said goodbye to her
"Very well. Ad astra... abyssosque. Hmm, this time you are truly bound for the abyss. Good luck to you three."
-Timeskip brought to you by Chibi Boboiboy got chased by many Elemental Users(like him using 7 elements) from different dimensions along with Genshin dimension-
At The Chasm
So they went to the assigned location and looked awed at the place. They went to find Yuehui
"Hi there! You must be "Yuehui," right? We've been sent by the Adventurers' Guild." Paimon greeted
"Ah, great, good to meet you. Yes, I was the one who posted that commission. Wait a second... You look kind of familiar. Are you a famous adventurer, or something?" Yuehui looked at their appearance
"Never mind that. Let's focus on the task at hand." Lumine said
"Oh, uh, alright then. I'll start by introducing myself. I'm Yuehui, a miner, and I received a Mining Permit for The Chasm just recently. I have a handful of other guys in my crew." Yuehui said
"Seriously? They actually give permits out for The Chasm?" Paimon asked
"Yes, the folks over at Yujing Terrace finally came to their senses and are now allowing a limited amount of ore mining near the surface. We were among the first to gain approval. But some things have happened recently that put all the miners on edge."
"Really? What happened? We haven't heard anything." Paimon told him
"So... it's hard to say exactly how big of an issue it is. Could be something, could be nothing. The main thing is that it's just very... strange.
While one of the miners was on a break, he suddenly noticed a few hilichurls walking his way. They seemed like they were in a daze or something.
They walked right by him without giving him a single glance. They just made a beeline for the depths of The Chasm. After that, the miner started observing his surroundings more closely, and noticed the same thing happening time and time again."
Yuehui told them which surprised them and they were confused at hilichurls' behavior
'Hilichurls is ignoring them? Is something happening in The Chasm?' Solar felt something strange
"Hmm... are the hilichurls just curious? Maybe they just wanna take a peek inside..." Paimon said
"Not likely. The strange part is that in all the time this miner has been watching the hilichurls... he's never seen any of them come back out. It seems to be a one-way trip. Once the hilichurls go in, they never emerge again.
And it seems to be happening more and more frequently as of late. "What are these hilichurls up to?" "What happens to them after they go inside?" "Is there a disaster brewing?" These are the kinds of thoughts going through the guys' heads now. Everyone's driving themselves crazy worrying about it."
Yuehui said making them more surprised and the two felt fear
"Hmm. This is really strange. We have never seen kind of like this." Boboiboy held his chin to thought
"Uhhh! Paimon's not surprised... Paimon feels spooked just hearing about it." Paimon shook in fear
""Strange" is definitely the right word..." Lumine nodded in agreement
"Exactly. The deepest fear is the fear of the unknown, you know? So we have to get to the bottom of it before everyone can put their minds at rest." Yuehui told them
"Do we... do we really wanna take this commission? Um, thanks Mr. Miner, Sir, we need to consider it first—" Paimon was about to leave
Lumine grabbed her and said "We'll take it."
"Hey! You could at least pretend to consider Paimon's opinion first!" Paimon did not want to take a part in
"When strange things like this happen... I'm inclined to think the Abyss Order is involved." Lumine explained, her eyes shining a little with hope
"Oh, so that's where you're coming from. Hmm, well okay then, maybe we will find some clues about your twin. You'll really regret it if you don't go, huh?" Paimon asked
"Nope." Lumine said
"I will go there with you. We need to know what is inside." Boboiboy added
"So, what's your verdict? Will you take the commission? No pressure, but I gotta say... I'm not loving the prospect of my Mining Permit going to waste." Yuehui said as they nodded
"Yup, we'll take it. We're kinda curious ourselves now, too." Paimon said
"Great. You're doing me an enormous service here. Now, let me give you the rough location that the hilichurls keep heading to..." Yuehui then started marking locations to find the way to enter
-One quest later-
After completing "Surreptitious Seven-Star Seal Sundering", it was exhausting to get all keys to unlock
Right now, they are helping the Adventure girl to do some investigations before they continue their own investigation
-A few days later brought to you by Chibi Arlecchino tries to make Chibi Ice become one of her children-
At Stone Halls
"Is this where that miner guy wanted us to investigate?" Paimon said as she turned to them
"Just look at this place, Lumine... Doesn't it remind you of something? Wait, what was it again..." Paimon tried to rememeber
""The Defiled Statue."" Lumine reminded, thinking back to the statue of the seven that was hung upside down
"Yes, that's it! It's just like that. Just as strange, just as upside-down, and just as spooky. In which case... Maybe whatever's going on in The Chasm really is connected to the Abyss Order. Oh, we gotta get to the bottom of this..."
Suddenly, a portal appeared beside them which startled them
They started on guard
"...Oh..." Paimon lightly squeaked in shock
The person came out of the portal. It was Dainsleif
"..." Dainsleif stayed silent, obviously also surprised to see them.
"Dainsleif?!" Lumine blinked "I was not expecting that."
"The feeling is mutual. I certainly hadn't expected to meet you here, either." he finally replied. It was an awkward between them
"Dain. What are you doing here?" Boboiboy asked
"Wait, but how did you suddenly end up here in The Chasm?" Paimon added
"The Chasm? So, we're in the depths of The Chasm, are we. Interesting... This is one place where I have never set foot before." Dainsleif looked around his surrounding
"I have a lot of questions for you." Lumine bluntly said
"I understand how you must feel. Last time, we met suddenly and parted hastily." Dain nodded as if he already expected it. Knowing him, he probably did already, Lumine was sure of it. "Now our paths cross again... Fate, it seems, owes you an explanation."
"First, tell me what you're doing here." Lumine demanded
"That much should be self-explanatory. I came upon the trail of another Abyss Herald recently, and began pursuing it. Unfortunately, I got as far as cornering him before he resorted to the same trick that they all do... I was hot on his heels when I followed him through the portal, but as usual, it was to no avail. It took me to the wrong place."
Dainsleif explained
"So you didn't actually catch up with my brother last time?" Lumine asked
"Correct. Based on my recent experiences, I can only conclude that the Abyss's portals are not simply pathways from point A to point B, but gateways to an entire network. Where they emerge on the other side is their choice. It can be anywhere within the network."
Dainsleif told them
"Sounds kinda similar to how Teleport Waypoints work..." Paimon said
Dainsleif ignored her words as he continued "In short, though I was right behind your twin last time when I entered that portal, the next moment that I realized where I was...I was all alone, back in the ruins known as Stormterror's Lair."
"Oh yeah, about that — whatever happened to the eye of the first Field Tiller?" Paimon asked
"It's in a safe place. You can be sure that I will learn the truth of the "Loom of Fate" operation sooner than it could ever fall into the Abyss Order's hands." Dainsleif answered
"I have a question. Who are you exactly? And why did they call you "Twilight Sword"?" Boboiboy asked
Dainsleif looked a little amused
"Hah. So that title stuck in your memory. I by no means went out of my way to conceal it from you. It once stood for the glory of Khaenri'ah, but now...
It is but a cruel joke. My curse to bear. Twilight Sword was my title as captain of the Royal Guards when I witnessed the destruction of my entire homeland firsthand. I believe my reluctance to raise it in conversation is quite justified."
"Sounds like your brother was right..." Paimon whispered to Lumine who inwardly agreed
"What is the history between you and my brother? What happened between you?" Lumine asked
Dain looked a little sad "We were travel partners. We both partook in a painful journey of searching for our fate, but regrettably... we did not make it to the journey's end together."
"The journey's end..." Lumine muttered
"Before you continue questioning me, I ought to warn you... If my suspicions regarding the portal network are correct, then the fact that there is a portal leading here tells us that the Abyss Order has their eyes on this location." Dainsleif said
"You mean the Abyss Order is plotting something here? Actually, Paimon, Lumine, and Boboiboy suspected that, too." Paimon told him
"I mean that it's highly likely that even as we speak, the Abyss Order is watching our every move." Dainsleif advised
"Uhh, don't say that! You're giving Paimon goosebumps!" Paimon shook in him
"Well, we need to go and investigate what is there." Boboiboy told them
Lumine looked at Dainsleif with a serious look "I'll trust you. For now."
"Huh, a wise choice. There appears to be light from a fire coming from near that rocky wall. Let's take a look." Dainsleif pointed at where the direction is
So they nodded and approached the place with wariness. Once they got there, they only found a box and few barrels. It looked like a small hilichurl's camp
"There are signs of hilichurl activity here. Could these be the hilichurls the requester was talking about?" Paimon said
Dain looked confused for a moment "Requester? ...In fact, hold on. You still haven't told me what you're doing here. I doubt that most travelers would have any reason to venture down this way."
"We took a commission from the Adventurers' Guild to investigate The Chasm. Apparently, a whole load of hilichurls have been gathering here, and the requester wants to know why. And now, it looks like we've finally found our first clue..." Paimon replied
"Do you want the answer?" Dainsleif said
"Huh? You know something about this, Dain?" Boboiboy said
"As it happens, I do." Dainsleif nodded
"Does this have anything to do with the upside-down city?" Lumine asked
"It's understandable that you did not perceive anything unusual. What makes this place so strange is that the environment here weakens the effect of the curse." Dainsleif answered
"The curse? Oh! Paimon remembers, last time you guys were saying that Khaenri'ah's people were cursed to immortality or something..." Paimon said
"For centuries, I have suffered daily from the curse that was laid upon me. But here... I suddenly feel a small amount of relief from this suffering. And right here, right now, I can feel my body sending a strong message to me... It is telling me, "stay.""
Dainsleif told them
"So this place weakens the curse? That's pretty incredible, but how?" Paimon asked
"That I shall need to investigate. But to the best of my knowledge, the Abyss Order does not have the technology to achieve this." Dainsleif said
"So you're saying... The hilichurls that come here are also from..." Lumine trailed off
"Indeed. Do you know why hilichurls wear masks?" Dainsleif asked
"No, I don't understand this part." Boboiboy answered
"I think so?" Lumine had a guess but wasn't completely sure
"It's to hide their appearance, lest they catch sight of their reflection in a body of water... Compared to how they remember themselves, it is a terrible sight to behold, one that causes them great despair." Dainsleif told them which they started feeling uneasy
"So these hilichurls really are from..." Lumine said as Dainsleif answered
"The curse of "immortality" denies death to those afflicted with it... and yet, it does not truly mean that they will never die."
"So you mean, there's a way to undo it?" Paimon asked. Dainsleif shook his head and said
"No. I mean that the body and soul will continue to be eroded until they are virtually nonexistent, even if "death" is not the form that this erosion takes. When the hilichurls realize that the end is nigh for them, it seems their instinct is to seek out a calm and dark corner of the world in which to finally say goodbye to the centuries of suffering they have endured. And of all the places they could lay down to rest, one that can ease the effects of their curse would surely be their first choice."
"Wow... That's so..." Paimon didn't know what to said
"Conversation's over, brace yourselves!" Dain interrupted as they started into a fighting stance
"Wh—What is it!?" Paimon looked confused but felt tensed.
"We're under attack." Dainsleif said as they found two knights with a black color
-A few minutes later-
Once it was done, Lumine put her weapon away and Ice changed back to Boboiboy
"What were those? And why did they attack us all of a sudden?" Paimon said with a worried look
"Black Serpent Knights. They once belonged to the Royal Guard of Khaenri'ah." Dainsleif answered
"Wait a second! Royal Guard? So... they used to be your troops!?" Paimon asked
Dain continued "Yes, they were. But now, the curse engulfs them, and they fight with none of the honor they once had..."
"Because they've become pawns of the Abyss now?" Paimon asked
"...Let's continue on." Dainsleif didn't answer and chose to investigate. The group was about to leave but they found one knight
"Wait, Dain..." Paimon pointed
"Hmm?" Dainsleif looked confused and saw where Paimon pointed at
A Black Serpent Knight is looking intently at Dainsleif
?:...
Dain frowned "Seems we missed one..."
?:...
The knight stayed silent so Lumine moved to kill it but was stopped by Dain
"Wait, stand down. There's something different about this one..."
Suddenly the knight vanished without a word
"...It's disappeared."
"What the heck? What was going on with that one? Was it trying to say something?" Paimon asked
'How is this possible... How could he have retained self-awareness for 500 years without... it? But more importantly, why did he seem so familiar...' Dainsleif lost in thought
"Maybe he recognized you." Lumine said
"That would be a miraculous outcome indeed for a cataclysm that brought total doom and destruction... Or perhaps it was just a coincidence. We should press onward, to the city."
Dainsleif told them as they continued investigating
-Timeskip brought to you by Chibi Ice does a magic trick by pulling his finger in front of Chibi Lyney, Chibi Lynette, and Chibi Freminet. In the end, it was horrible-
The group arrived at the entrance of the ruins. It is covered with dark magic
"Looks like there's a strange energy surrounding the city. We can't go any further." Paimon said and turned to the two "Guess there should be a mechanism or something around here, right? Guys, looks like it's time to get into ruin-exploring mode!"
"Puzzle time." Boboiboy(Solar) said
"I'll take a look around and see what I can find." Lumine turned away and was about to leave but
"Don't waste your time." Dainsleif said as he quickly cleared the way
"Huh...!?" Paimon exclaimed in shock
"Khaenri'ah's technology, Abyssal power... Two things I couldn't be more familiar with. They're just cheap tricks to me." Dainsleif answered
'Okay! So the Abyss Order really is trying to hide something here, right? Hmm... Dain seems like he really understands what's going on here. No wonder the Abyss Order doesn't want him around." Paimon said
"Was this upside-down city built by the Abyss Order?" Lumine asked warily
Dainsleif shook his head "Not necessarily. The closer we draw, the more I am inclined to conclude that these ruins belong to a more ancient civilization still. The Abyss Order simply got to them before anyone else."
"Even older than Khaenri'ah? Whoa, Paimon can't even imagine back that far..." Paimon said
"That said, the architecture here does somewhat resemble that of Khaenri'ah... At least, it would if it were the other way up. Let's head toward the light over there. Mind your footing on the way ahead. It's a long way down." Dainsleif said
As they kept going and walked toward the light
They found two Black Serpent Knights waiting in the lit room.
"Aah, Black Serpent Knights! Is this where they're based? Or wait, are they guarding something here?" Paimon is curious
"We are likely drawing near to whatever the Abyss Order is trying to hide. Let's take them out first." Dainsleif told them as they started fighting
-A few minutes later-
Once it was over, Lumine put her sword away and Quake changed back to Boboiboy
"Hey look, vines. You should be able to climb up, right?" Paimon pointed out after the fight
The group climbed up the vine and found more
"Oh no, more Black Serpent Knights!" Paimon cried out
Black Serpent Knight of Old: !
"Huh, they're not coming after us. Are they just trying to scare us off? These knights seem like they're hiding something behind them..." Paimon pointed out behind them. It looked like Hilichurls was resting
"Hold on, I think they..." Dainsleif was interrupted when the knights attacked them
Black Serpent Knight of Old: !
"Aah, they're coming! Quick, get them!" Paimon shouted
-A few minutes later-
After the fight
"Whew, that was the last of them! Now, let's see what it was they were trying to hide." Paimon said as they approached Hilichurls, who was not noticing the group
There is something off about them
"Huh!? What's this?" Paimon noticed the dark aura around them
Dainsleif sighed "...So the Black Serpent Knights have nothing to do with the Abyss Order's secret. Huh, I should have guessed."
"What is going on with them?" Boboiboy asked in worry
"As I said, for these hilichurls, the end is nigh." Dainsleif
"The hilichurls are preparing to meet their... "End"..." Lumine mumbled with sadness, remembering their true nature
"They have grown old and fearful of the light, even become one with the darkness. And yet the curse continues to corrode them." Dainsleif continued
"But why would the Black Serpent Knights wanna stay here and guard them?" Paimon asked
But suddenly, more knights appeared, immediately cautious the moment they saw the group as they slowly approached
Black Serpent Knight of Old: !
"Aah! More of them are closing in!" Paimon pointed
"Fighting them is meaningless." Lumine said
Suddenly the unknown knight is appeared on the top
?: !
"...It's him! The guy that came out of nowhere and disappeared again!" Paimon said
The group looked at the knight from a while ago who ignored them as he silently signaled the rest of the knights to retreat
"And now they're retreating... Did he just order them to do that?" Paimon was confused
Dainsleif stared at the lone knight before heartbreakingly whispering a name "...Halfdan?"
?:...
The knight stayed silent as Paimon looked shocked, "Whoa, whoa, what? You recognize him?"
"...Could it be... If it's as I suspect, then this is a truly tragic state of affairs."
"Dain?" Paimon asked
Dainsleif answered
"You want to know why they were gathered here guarding the hilichurls, don't you? It's because as far as the Black Serpent Knights are concerned, they are simply doing their duty. The one who ordered them to retreat just now... I suddenly recognized him. I knew him as a young man, an elite in the Royal Guard of old... His name is "Halfdan.""
"So he's from 500 years ago, too..." Paimon said
"To this day, I still remember the final orders I, the Twilight Sword, gave to Halfdan on the day of disaster in Khaenri'ah, before I made haste back to the palace... "Inform all Black Serpent Knights to protect the people of Khaenri'ah at all costs."
Because we, of course, were royal guards. But this would mean nothing in the events that followed... Royals, gentry, common folk, these identities made no difference. Against the might of the gods, the only identity that mattered was being from Khaenri'ah."
Lumine: ...
"These Black Serpent Knights have lost their intellect. But perhaps, in whatever remains of their minds, they are still protecting the people of Khaenri'ah. If you see these ruins as Khaenri'ah in the throes of disaster, and these hilichurls as the people crying for help... then suddenly, I can make sense of what I'm hearing. Their growls are less of a threat and more of a warning."
"Then... what are they saying?" Paimon asked
"Though it is barely discernible, I can just about make it out. They keep repeating a word from the old language of Khaenri'ah... "Run."" Dainsleif told them
"So they're telling the hilichurls behind them to escape..." Lumine mumbled
"Even I have to admit, the fact their will is strong enough to survive 500 years of erosion... It is nothing short of a miracle born from hopelessness." Dainsleif said
"Oh... So Paimon had them all wrong..."
"It doesn't matter. Even I took them for enemies for a moment. Let's keep heading toward the light at the top. I believe the Black Serpent Knights will no longer try to stop us." Dainsleif told them as they were ready to leave but Lumine and Boboiboy took one last look at Hilichurls and then left
"Sure enough, we aren't seeing any more Black Serpent Knights. Guess that Halfdan guy really did recognize Captain Dain, huh?" Paimon wondered as they walked around the place
Until they reached a room with a desk and tablets.
"Dain... Why so quiet?" Paimon decided to ask
Dain swiftly replied "I'm just thinking, nothing more. If you're trying to console me, I can assure you there is no need."
"Hmph! Fine..." Paimon pouted as they continued looking around
They found more hilichurls
"All these hilichurls want is to quietly fade away in peace... Paimon hopes they can get their final wish."
They kept walking until they found the next room
"Hey look, there's no door sealing this room off. Looks like we can finally head to the room in the center. C'mon, let's go!" Paimon said as they entered t the chamber at the center of the ruins' summit
"Look, up there! A water pool! Even the water pool is upside-down. Wow! This is a pretty amazing place. Dain, do you have any idea at all how it works?" Paimon asked in curious
"The pool must be part of the entire city structure, a relic of this ancient civilization. And more importantly... it is the very thing that is weakening the curse. Here, my whole body feels more at peace than it has in a long time. The effect is stronger here than it was before, and I think it's because that water pool has something akin to a cleansing effect."
Dainsleif explained
"Cleansing? So that means... the water in that pool can wash away the curse for good?" Paimon asked
"No. That would be impossible." Dainsleif shook his head
"How are you so sure?" Paimon said as Dainsleif explained more while walking down. The three followed
"I have lived with this curse for 500 years, and I have been fully conscious the entire time... Suffice to say, no one understands the curse like I do. It is a way of branding us at the level of the fate of the world itself. When a god applies a curse, it takes effect at a higher level of reality than the person themselves.
Even now, I can feel the curse slowly permeating my entire being, becoming part of me, slowly but surely replacing me. Perhaps it may be possible to suppress the corrosive effect of the curse for a time, but cleansing it entirely... Consider it tantamount to burning away an integral part of your body. It is not a process that one could ever hope to survive."
"Huh!? Cleansing the curse costs you your life? Whoa... An irreversible curse, Paimon can't even imagine..." Paimon said
"In any case, I can feel that the water's cleansing effect is not nearly potent enough. At most, it might suppress the curse but a little." Dainsleif said as the three looked around a bit and Boboiboy noticed something on the table
"Hmm? What's that contraption there?" Boboiboy pointed at the table
"Perhaps it's the Abyss Order's secret." Lumine suggested.
"Frankly, I have never seen a device of this design before either. It is not unreasonable to suspect that it could belong to the Abyss Order. But what could they be planning to do here..." Dainsleif felt something off
Suddenly, some sounds were heard and a gate was raised.
"Yikes! That gave Paimon a fright... So all the doors are open now?" Paimon said
*Boop*
Halfdan, who appeared right in front of them, said nothing but managed to surprise Paimon
Halfdan: ...
"Wah, Halfdan's back again..." Paimon was startled
"Halfdan. Do you have something to say to me?" Dainsleif asked
Halfdan:...
Halfdan turns and leaves.
"He ran off... but he didn't disappear like last time!" Paimon said
"He's indicating that we should follow him. Are you coming?" Dainsleif asked them as they nodded
"This could be a useful lead." Lumine agreed
"He doesn't seem to hold any malice toward us." Boboiboy added
"True... So, uh... We going, then?" Paimon said
They nodded and followed, approaching a ledge outside of the chamber
"Halfdan jumped down over there. Let's follow him." Paimon said as they jumped down and they found nothing
"Looks like Halfdan disappeared at the far end of this path..." Paimon said
"Perhaps whatever lies ahead is what he wants us to see. Let's keep going." Dainsleif said as they continued walking until they saw crates, a bonfire, and a hilichurl totem
"There are more signs of hilichurl activity here." Paimon said as they continued and saw the entrance
"Is that the way into the hilichurl camp? Let's go see." Paimon said
After that, they saw a hilichurl camp. Hilichurls looked tired and rest
"It's a humble hilichurl camp... Oh, these hilichurls look like they're in pretty bad shape, too. Some of them look like they've already... taken their final breath...Is this what Halfdan wanted to show us?" Paimon said
"Whether it is or not, everything here is worth investigating in detail. Inspect the area. Leave no stone unturned." Dainsielf ordered. They started investigating
First is the bonfire
"There's even a bonfire here, like what hilichurls build in the wild. Wait, but wasn't Dain saying that hilichurls get scared of the light when they reach the very end of their lives...?Hmm, maybe in the very, very end, they still want to feel some light and warmth? Uh... just thinking aloud here, could also be another reason!"
Next is the crates
"Hilichurls usually store food in crates like these, right? But... these seem pretty much empty. Is it because they're so near to the end that they don't need to eat anymore? Hmm... Even if they don't need to eat anymore, Paimon bets they still miss food for the flavor."
Final is Hilichurls
"Seems like... these hilichurls have no life left in them at all. Before long, they'll become one with the darkness. The hilichurls we meet in the wild are always so rowdy... Paimon never would have imagined that this is how they spend their final days. We may not have a whole lot of happy memories dealing with hilichurls, but still, Paimon hopes they're at peace in their last moments."
"We hope they rest ok." Boboiboy said
Lumine slightly bowed her head for respect before leaving, only to notice a flower lying innocently on the ground "Huh..."
Paimon looked at it in confusion "How did that flower get this far underground? Did someone bring it in memory of the deceased hilichurls?"
Dainsleif walked back to the group and noticed the flower
"I've seen this kind of flower before..." Lumine mumbled
"Hey, now that you mention it, Paimon thinks it looks kinda familiar, too..."
"What kind of flower is this? I am not familiar with it." Boboiboy asked as Dainsleif explained
"It is the national flower of Khaenri'ah: the "inteyvat." It once bloomed all over the nation. It would only last two weeks before wilting. But if you were to pluck one and take it out of Khaenri'ah, the petals would stop growing and turn hard. Only when it finally returned to its home soil would the petals grow soft once more, and finally turn to dust...So the Inteyvat is a symbol for a wanderer far from home, signifying the tenderness of the homeland."
'That's the flower I've been wearing in my hair since I woke up. ' Lumine stared at the flower with slightly shaking eyes, knowing that it was the flower she'd been wearing since she woke up. Boboiboy noticed her expression
He could tell she was sad
Paimon gasped "*gasp* So for this flower to get here, it must have been brought from..."
Lumine tuned her out, reaching out to hold the flower when visions attacked her
"Your Highness... so the proposal finally has your blessing?" Abyss Herald asked
"In focusing single-mindedly on confronting the Heavenly Principles, we neglected our original mission: the revival of the homeland. I should not have been so indecisive." Aether told him
"The device is almost ready. We await your command." Abyss Herald said
"What are the chances of succeeding?" Aether asked
Abyss Herald looked slightly nervous, "Theoretically speaking... approximately—"
"Forget it. Even a one-percent chance is enough..." Aether waved him off "For too long have we dwelt in the Abyss. Surely, they would rather return to the natural cycle of life and death as soon as possible than continue to exist as they are, without a shred of dignity. They cannot be made to continue paying the price... for those so-called sins."
"The Order is most fortunate to be graced with your decision." Abyss Herald bowed before leaving as Aether walked towards Lumine but disappeared the moment Lumine tried touching him
"Aether..." Lumine whispered as the vision ended. Boboiboy put his hand on her shoulder to wake her up
"Lumine, what's wrong?"
Paimon and Dain looked at her in confusion.
"You saw something, didn't you? Can you tell me what it was?" Dainsleif immediately asked as Lumine regained her clarity.
"Yeah, you zoned out for quite a while there." Paimon said
Lumine thought for a moment before telling them what she saw, seeing no harm
"Huh. Well, people do say that twins have a special connection... It sounds as if they are attempting to make use of certain equipment to cleanse the curse. It could well be the device we saw earlier. And... you say he mentioned the "revival of the homeland," correct?"
Dainsleif asked
"Yes, he said it was his mission." Lumine answered
"No surprise there. Stubborn as ever." he sounded annoyed
"It appears as if the Abyss Order plans to use this location to cleanse the hilichurls of their curse and restore them to the way they once were... Then, they will serve as the foundation for reviving the nation of Khaenri'ah. After all, there can be no nation without a people."
"What do you think? Do they have a chance?" Lumine asked
"Hmph, it is the height of foolishness. They have no chance of success. Not even a one-percent chance. I told you already that no one knows this curse better than I, having lived with it for 500 years... There is no redemption. There is no undoing the curse. Trying to remove it by force will achieve nothing but to inflict further suffering.
So make sure you are clear in your mind. You have to tell yourself: They are no longer human. If you cling to false hope and allow yourself to become too emotionally invested, the only way is down... You will end up just like them, mired in hypocrisy. Save your strength for something worth saving."
"Why should I believe you?" Lumine frowned. She knew he was trustworthy but she had a vision about her brother so her trust was wavering.
"Oh? Haha... But of course. I am merely someone you hired for a task, while he is your brother. It is only natural for you to side with him. But whatever decision you make cannot deter me from mine. My chosen path is to stop the Abyss. If we have reached an impasse, then perhaps this is where we should say—"
"I choose to believe you." Lumine interrupted "But that doesn't mean I completely trust you. It just means that I don't approve of my brother's methods."
"I see." Dainsleif nodded
"A 1% chance of redemption... ...versus a 99% chance of suffering and death. Nobody has the right... ...to make that choice on another living being's behalf. Especially not when these hilichurls... ...have already chosen the end that they desire." Lumine told him
"It seems that the three questions I put to you on our first meeting were worthwhile. You have developed your own individual views on this world. Very well. Since you have volunteered your true thoughts on this matter, I shall not hide mine from you.
Right now, I have a more immediate agenda than stopping the Abyss...That is to say, the Abyss's actions here directly dishonor the final wishes of Halfdan and my other compatriots. I cannot allow this to proceed."
"Then let's stick together for this one." Lumine said
"The Abyss may appear at any moment. Be on your guard at all times as we proceed." Dainsleif advised as they nodded
So they left the camp
"We can see the upside-down city from here, too." Paimon said in awe
"Wait... Watch out!" Dainsleif called out
The sudden bright light pierces your eyes.
Yeah, that blinded their eyes
"Aaaah! Wh—What's going on!? Is that light coming from the room in the center? Ow, it's too bright!" Paimon said while covering her eyes
"What was that?" Boboiboy asked
"The mutation is continuing... Has the Abyss made its move already?" Dainsleif said and suddenly, the familiar voice called them. It was Abyss Herald
"Dainsleif... I see your incessant meddling continues, and that you have once again joined forces with Our Highness's kin... Regrettably, I was not in time to control your exit from the network... and it sent you here, of all places. This was a catastrophic error."
"Hmph! I am surprised that you dare to face me. You ran like a coward last time." Dainsleif said
"Our Highness's will must be done. All interferences must be removed... whatever the price to pay. This time... the curse that torments our people must be undone, once and for all." Abyss Herald told him
"You are the only ones who torment them. There is nothing else left of those hilichurls. Nothing besides the curse itself."
"Say what you wish. I am going nowhere, Dainsleif."
"Then you will give your life just to delay the inevitable? How absurd. But since you wish to persist, then so be it!" Dainsleif said as they took out their weapons
"Boboiboy Ice!" Boboiboy changed into Ice
With that, the battle began
"You really think you can use that device beneath the pool to cleanse this curse?"
"Do not underestimate the ways of the Abyss. That device can amplify the cleansing effects of the water not tenfold, but a hundredfold..."
"Then I overestimated you. This plan is even cruder than I thought." Dain scoffed
After a few minutes, they managed to defeat the Abyss Herald.
"Whew! You've been hunting this Abyss Herald for aaages — now you finally got him!" Paimon sighed in relief
"There's no time to celebrate. The Abyss Order's device is activating, but there's still time to destroy it." Dainsleif reminded them
"Alright! Let's go!" Paimon nodded as the group hurriedly ran to their destination
-Timeskip brought to you by Chibi Young Mechamato along with four girls(Red, White, Black, Yellow) are fighting a huge robot that the bowler hat guy using-
"Look, the amplification device!" Dainsleif pointed out the moment they arrived, all of them looking at the herald doing something to the device. Suddenly, the device shot a stream of light upwards as a large explosion of light covered the entire place, causing the three to cover their eyes.
Outside, many hilichurls and knights are holding their heads in pain as some let out screams
"Dain!" Paimon shouted in worry as Lumine tensed, shooting the hunching Dainsleif worried glances.
Dain had his eyes closed while murmuring words, "Am I too late? They're in agony..."
Dain tried opening his eyes, "This is no way for them to meet their end. Find a way to stop that thing!"
Lumine took out her sword and Boboiboy was about to change but
Suddenly, in Dainsleif's shaking vision, he saw a knight slowly and painfully walking towards the device, grunting and panting ever so often.
"Halfdan! Don't do it..." Dainsleif's eyes widened and realized what he was planning
Dain couldn't completely move so he could only watch helplessly as Halfdan ran and reached out to embrace the object
Flashback, a hand grabbing an inteyvat and Dain and a man clasping hands together with smiles on their faces
Soon, Halfdan managed to hold the object on for a few seconds before turning limp as the light faded away
"I thought he would've been turned to ashes in an instant... Halfdan's soul is extraordinarily resilient." Dainsleif finally managed to stand up straight
"Meddling fool! Encumber us no more..." Abyss Lector growled as it showed itself in anger.
"Don't you have a greater encumbrance to worry about? Come on, this is your grand opportunity to get rid of me." Dainsleif mocked
"...Dainsleif!" he shouted as he prepared to launch his attacks
"Take him out, and deactivate the device!" Dainsleif ordered
Lumine took out her sword
"Elemental Power! Boboiboy Cyclone!" Boboiboy changed to Cyclone
-A few minutes later-
They have been fighting Abyss Lector for a while. Abyss Lector is feeling tired from the fight
Cyclone notices and makes a final move
"Cyclone Hoverboard Smash!" Cyclone flew high up and grabbed his hoverboard to whack Abyss Lector. Lumine also jumped up and was ready to swing her sword at it
"YAAAAHHHHHH!" Cyclone/Lumine both screamed and struck at Abyss Lector. Cyclone got its face and Lumine got its chest
After defeating the Abyss Lector, the device is still working
"What do we do now? The Abyss Lector's gone, but the device won't stop... And Halfdan..." Paimon said in a worried
"Let me take his place," Lumine decided "The cleansing won't have any effect on me."
"No! As long as the device is active, the cursed are rendered powerless. Only you can take on the Abyss. If you value his sacrifice, then do not waste any more time here. See all these rays of light and portals? They must have installed several of these energy devices in various locations. Find them! Quickly!" Dainsleif then ran off, followed by Lumine
"So we have to... go through these Abyss portals? ...Hey, wait for Paimon!"
"Boboiboy Hepta Split!" Boboiboy jumped out seven of himself
"Ok, you guys know the drill. Split up and destroy devices. I go after them!" Quake said as he followed them
"Understood!" The six were divided into three groups and went inside each portals
After that, they went back to the central chamber
"So that's it, right? The device is fully shut down now?" Paimon asked as the group stared at Halfdan's body.
"The burning sensation has indeed stopped..." Dainsleid finally replied as he turned to them.
"So we managed to stop the Abyss Order's plan?" Paimon
"But... Halfdan... He seems to have breathed his last." Lumine said with a frown
Dain let out a pained sigh "Let me check."
"Dain must be really upset...Of all the ways to be reunited with one of his former comrades after so long... This is rough..." Paimon said
"... ...Let's go." Dainsleif told them as he approached them with a slouched form
Suddenly, a light appeared behind him which surprised Dainsleif
Dainsleif turned back, only to, with wide eyes, see the same man from a while ago standing beside Halfdan's body. The man opened his eyes and placed a fist in his chest with a slight bow
Dain let out a small startled gasp as the man started speaking and looked at Dain with pained eyes.
"Apologies, Captain Dainsleif, Twilight Sword. Back then... I failed you, and failed to protect our people."
"No, for five hundred years, you have faithfully done your duty." Dain said with clenched fist, copying Halfdan's action with a smile on his face. "To this day, I am proud of you all."
The man looked at him in shock, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment as he looked down before speaking in a hopeful voice as he looked at Dain. "Khaenri'ah... didn't fall, did it? Since you're still here..."
Mixed emotions filled Dain's face for a moment before a smile appeared again, "Correct."
After hearing it, Halfdan smiled as his soul slowly disappeared
"So... no need to revive the homeland." Dainsleif murmurs softly the moment Halfdan's soul disappeared
"That was Halfdan's soul..." Paimon said after a few moments of silence
"More than one kind of strange power exists here. Souls are no strange sight under the circumstances. Still, if you intend to venture deeper in and continue your investigation, you ought to be careful. *cough*..." Dainsleid slightly coughed at the end
Paimon ignored it to preserve Dain's dignity "You bet, we'll be super careful. Oh, but... Dain, does this mean you're not coming with us?"
"That device took a severe toll on me. It will take me some time to recover." Dainsleif said
"Oh, right... Well, actually, Paimon already knew that. You've clearly been pushing through the pain this whole time! You've earned a good rest, Dain... Ooh, you should take a vacation!"
Dain looked slightly amused ""Vacation"? Huh, the very notion. This word has no business being in my vocabulary. There are more important things that demand my attention. The "Loom of Fate" operation is still underway. And I suspect that these amplification devices are connected to that plan."
"I will be on the lookout." Lumine said, understanding that the man needed some rest.
"We will talk more next time. After you've recovered." Boboiboy added
"Thank you for understanding. I only hope that next time we meet, you know whose side you're on." Dainsleif said as he left
So Paimon started talking
"Sheesh! He sure knows how to hold a grudge, saving that snide remark right till the end. Well, shame that we didn't get to see your brother again, but at least we learned some useful info, huh? As long as you keep pressing on with your journey, you guys will definitely meet again, and everything will be back to normal, right?
Oh, Paimon almost forgot — the real reason we came here was to investigate what was going on with the hilichurls, wasn't it? We've probably seen enough to report back to the miner now. But, uh... how are we going to explain it to him? This is all way too complicated for regular people to understand! Meh, we'll figure it out — just don't forget about the commission when we're done here."
They started walking to meet Yuehui after 3 days in The Chasm
-Timeskip outside The Chasm brought to you by Chibi Sopan having a 'talk' with Balladeer-
Paimon: Mr. Miner, we're back and ready to report!
Yuehui: Ah! Am I glad to see you again! I was getting nervous... At first, I figured I'm paying a fair price, and these are professionals. But then I thought... Goodness, I'd hate to send someone off on a strange commission and then for something bad to happen to them...
Yuehui: I'd never be able to forgive myself if you came to any harm!
Paimon: Don't you worry, mister, it was nothing we couldn't handle! Anyway, we're back, aren't we? And the good news is, we got to the bottom of what's been going on!
Yuehui: Excellent, excellent! So then, what's the situation down there?
Paimon: Uh... Heh, well... Ummm...
Lumine Hilichurl utopia. Hili-topia, if you will.
Yuehui: Sorry, hili-topia...?
Boboiboy: The hilichurls down there don't wanna fight anymore. We already checked and saw it for ourselves. Just leave them in peace, and they won't cause you any trouble.
Lumine: What Boboiboy said. You have nothing to worry about.
Yuehui: Well, we certainly wouldn't be going out of our way to provoke them, you can count on that. The last thing any of us miners are looking for is to stir up trouble... All we're looking for is, well, all that glitters.
Paimon: Now there's a philosophy that Paimon can get behind.
Yuehui: ...I gotta be honest, I didn't really understand the situation you were describing, but having your assurance that everything's okay is the main thing. It means we can get back to work straight away.
Yuehui: I'm very grateful to you both! You came a long way for this. Please take these as compensation.
After that, now they are preparing for their next journey. It's Sumeru
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Somewhere unknown place
The place is just full of grass and a big house like a mansion. It looks peaceful
Inside, it is Unknown God, who's reading while drinking tea.
PortalBot comes with a cake and more tea
"I brought you a cake and more tea." PortalBot said as he placed it on the table
"Thank you, PortalBot. Just put it there." Unknown God said as he left
Unknown God then stops reading and stands up to walk to the Library
She places the book on the bookshelf. She tries to search for a book. She then found one
Unknown God pulls the book. Suddenly, the bookshelf moves away and reveals the basement
So she walks down as the bookshelf closes the entrance. Unknown God keeps walking until she reaches the room
She keeps walking as she walks past seven small glass pods. She then walks past the table with some papers on it. She walks toward the big glass pod
It is hard to see what it is inside. But we can see a hand. It looks like someone is inside
Unknown God places her hand on the pod and then starts leaving
Martinthegamer: Hi guys, have you watched the new Boboiboy Galaxy Windara? What do you think? Is it great or disappointing?
Martinthegamer: Ok, so leave a like. Support Monsta and Hoyoverse. Leave a comment. Follow me on Wattpad and Youtube. That's all