Set Into Motion

Shimmer's POV.

"And that's basically what's gonna happen if everything goes according to plan." I finished explaining to the Seven, who seemed speechless at what I just said, "...And you think he's gonna be stupid enough to sign such a contract?" Zonghli questioned, making no attempt to hide his doubt.

In response I simply looked at the ex-Geo Archon with a straight face, meaning more than a thousand words, "Oh dear Paimon, you're serious..." He let out in surprise, "What does Paimon have to do with anything?" I questioned, realizing for the first time I haven't met the white pixie thingy, "No information on that huh?" Venti realized, "She's the creator of Teyvat, surprisingly." He explained.

Hearing that, just made me faint, I couldn't take it and so Gloom took my place in explaining.

Gloom's POV.

Grabbing Shimmer and putting her on my shoulder, I cleared my throat as I started explaining, "The idea is that Jacques will be so full of himself that he'll see no way the deal will go in our way, that's where you come in your Majesty." I pointed to Cirno who raised an eyebrow, "We still have those priosoners from the previous attacks right?" I questioned.

In The Dungeon.

"Hey there." I call out to the prisoners with Shimmer standing beside me having woken up, "How would you feel about being let free?" I asked them, immediately peaking their interest, "A birdie happened to tell us that Jacques happened to blackmail you." She started, reminding why they were in that situation in the first place.

Leaning against the bars, Shimmer continued for me, "We have a plan to take him down, and if you offer the information he blackmailed you, he won't even have the time to cry, and we'll let you go." She said the offer, "What do you say?" She asked.

In Luminaera.

Shimmer's POV.

"Can't you write it?" I asked Gloom annoyedly, but she slapped me in response, "You're the expert in law! So learn to write and read damnit!" She exclaimed angrily, "But I can barily recite the alphabet!" I rebutted.

At this, Gloom looked so disappointed in me, "Dammit Shimmer..." She muttered, "Just ask Seraphim to teach you!" She instructed, confusing me, "It can't do that... Right?" I questioned, "It can project a map of the entire world in your mind." She pointed out making me pause.

"Seraphim! Teach me how to write and read!" I requested the voice in my head and suddenly I felt stuff rush in my mind and all of a sudden- "Holy shit!" I exclaimed in shock as I started writing the contracts, almost burning the paper, "I feel like I understand everything! Is this what i've been missing out my whole life?!" I questioned Gloom who seemed surprised at my outburst.

A minute later I finished the contract and started reading it, "Oh my God!" I exclaimed with a smile, "I've been dyslexic for so long! This is making me feel complete!" I noted as I read over the contract, tears welling in my eyes.

As I finished re-reading the contract, Malavia teleported in the room, "Guys, it's time." She told us and we rushed to get ready.

Bullhead to Atlas.

"I'm sure you guys know that some of the soldier were actually sent by me at this point." Ironwood brought up as Atlas came into view, "I wasn't really expecting to learn that the people that traumatized two squads are teenagers though..." He commented, running a hand throught his hair.

I looked at Ironwood feeling annoyhed, but didn't show it on my face, "Don't worry about it! I realize things like this might happen if I lead a nation!" I reassured, feeling content knowing that I have a plan to deal with the general.

Looking around I realized that the Bullhead landed right in front of the SDC, "So Jacques is actually just gonna meet us?" Gloom questioned the general, "I had to make up some stuff to get him to agree, but yes." He confirmed.

Entering the building, Ironwood led us to a room where Jacques was waiting, "Hello there, I heard you were interested in making a deal?" He said in a sickingly sweet voice, causing me to think all kinds of swears towards the general.

Swallowing my pride I started playing along, "Yes! I even already brought the contract so we can cut right to the chase!" I said with a fake smile, which Gloom was very creeped out by.

Gloom's POV.

"Keep it together Shimmer..." I thought to myself, noting that it looked like she was about to lose, it but luckily Jacques didn't notice and took the contract, signing it without even reading it much to our luck.

The sight made me smile as I brought in the soldiers that were captured from the other attacks and Malavia also showed up, all of which made Jacques look angrier and angrier, "What's going on here?" He questioned, his voice losing it's sweet tone from before, "Oh dear Q-tip! you have no idea what's coming to you!" Malavia mused with a smug smile.

With a nod, Shimmer started reading, "As per stated by this contract, there shall be a partnership between Luminaera and the SDC from Atlas, ONLY if both parties can assure that there will be no foul play, if proven otherwise, the party which has been made a fool off will have the right to execute the other." She finished, the color now completely drained from the CEO's face.

"Can any of you vouch for Jacques being a fair business partner?" Ironwood asked the soldiers, "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!" And other similar responses came from them, further scaring Jacques, "In that case." Shimmer stated, making her intentions clear as she used her Geo Delusion to create a box around his head and shrunk it down, effectively crushing him to death.

"That easy..." I commented, before I noticed Ironwood staring at the contract, "He only signed with his name..." He noted, "OH THE DUMBASS!!!" Shimmer yelled in frustration.

A few hours later.

"It's very nice of you to house them after their houses have been occupied after their supposed death." Ironwood commented, referring to Shimmer taking in both the slaves working in the mines and the captured soldiers, "Oh don't worry! I do need people to live there you know? She pointed out, brushing it off.

As I prepared to leave, Shimmer gave Ironwood a small Geo box, "A little thank you for assisting with this." She told the general, but I had a little suspicion over that, noticing that the energy coursing through the box was green.

After that, Shimmer followed me, "I need to work on a housing plan." She mused, taking out pen and paper.

An Hour Later, Atlas Academy, Ironwood's Office.

Ironwood's POV.

Now back in my office, I opened the box given to me, revealing some kind of green bulbous fruit with a note attached to it, 'If you burn it, it'll let out a pleasant smell that can last for weeks.' I read, prompting me to take out a lighter and try to light the stem.

Winter's POV.

Overvieweing the training of some students, I was shaken by a sudden boom that came from the General's office, "What the-" I let out as I ran over to see what happened.

Getting there I saw that the door was blown off and that the room was destroyed with even a hole in the wall, but most horrifying, the blown apart body of my superior.