End of Act 1:
Little One dressed as Azhdaha enters stage left alongside the actor portraying Morax, stopping upon a hill overlooking the ocean. The violins pick up their combined theme, and stage effects and staging show the passage of time. Liyue Harbor slowly emerges around them with all its wonders, but Azhdaha can be seen struggling during this. The stage light highlights Azhdaha as Morax descends to converse with the people. His theme takes on a minor key as the world of Liyue goes dark.
"Every day, his kingdom grows. His dream bears fruit.
"Liyue, this seed we've sown, has spread its roots.
"In this world of god and men, the Archon Wars are past.
"And yet, Morax, my friend, this peace cannot last.
"Every day, a little more of me dies.
"Every day, I become less wise.
"This Kingdom of Liyue feels far away like a long-lost dream.
"And with every road, my soul erodes, I lose my lustrous gleam.
"Morax, I love what we've made.
"But every day, my mind fades.
"I forget your face, Rex Lapis, my world is in a haze, so this is…
"How I fall. I can't recall my name any longer. Time won't stall. My erosion grows stronger.
"The cup of my soul runs dry,
"And every day, a little more of me dies."
Morax's theme plays as the second spotlight highlights Rex Lapis amongst the people of Liyue. He is jubilant.
"Every day, our kingdom grows. Our dream bears fruit.
"Liyue, this seed we've sown, will spread its mighty roots.
"In this world of gods and men, where Archon Wars are past.
"You and I, my friend, have built a peace that shall last.
"Every day, this nation thrives.
"Every day, we share our lives.
"This Nation built on stone will lift up her peoples' dreams.
"And with every road, this great abode grows a brighter gleam.
"My friends, we built from the dirt,
"A truly wondrous work.
"For those who have gone, Bosacius, we carry on, and won't waste this…
"Peace that we've seized. To all those who fell, to All the deceased, you may rest well.
"We do more than just survive.
"And every day, this nation thrives."
Morax and Azhdaha's parts join in a magnificent duet, contrasting their lyrics. Gradually, the people join in Morax's part. Finally, they all harmonize in a final chorus:
"Time marches onwards, to what who can say?"
"But we are all changing every day!"
Azhdaha sings: "Please just let me live another day…"
Lights out. Curtains fall.
Intermission.
Every attendee applauded on their feet. Little One's stirring performance touched their hearts: tragic and heroically noble. None wished to see Azhdaha lose himself but knew it was inevitable. Still, they prayed he could resist the erosion long enough to say farewell to Morax and the others.
The audience spoke in hushed whispers, gushing over the music and the performances. Hu Tao leaned over to her plus-one and said, "Well, you were skeptical if it would be good. What do you think now?"
The grown man blew his nose into his handkerchief. Hu Tao patted his shoulder.
"There, there," she said. "Feeling better?"
"It's beautiful," said Zhongli in a choked voice. "As if watching history itself."
He didn't cry, though his eyes brimmed with tears. A melancholic smile spread on his lips. Yun Jin's last play, about Pervases, had indeed stirred his heart. However, this opera touched him deeper than anything else had in millennia. Much of that came from the actor portraying Azhdaha. It almost felt like the Lord of the Vishaps had returned to life.
"What a talented actor," said Zhongli. "May his star shine bright forevermore."