Ch 10 : The Echoes of Change

Snezhnaya

"Your Majesty, this happened," Knave said, explained everything that had happened two days ago.

"Heavens, what are you up to again?" Tsaritsa asked, looking up at the sky with concern.

"Forgive Fontaine? Do you expect me to believe this, given your cruelty? Don't think I've forgotten what happened that day."

"However, even if you forgive the sins of Fontaine, don't think that my rebellion will stop here," she added resolutely.

"Go back, and if something like this happens again, report it to me immediately," she commanded, looking down at Knave.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The Knave bowed and left.

---

Liyue

Mt. Hulao

"And this happened," Morax said, explaining to the adepti what had transpired over the past two days.

"A new Heavenly Principle? Are you sure, Rex Lapis?" Moon Carver asked in disbelief.

"I agree with Moon Carver. What if it's an imposter?" Mountain Shaper added.

"I am sure. The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles was also there, and there was no trace of the Abyss in her body. It's clear that he has the power to purify the Abyss," Morax explained, though the others were reluctant to listen.

"Do not doubt the words of Rex Lapis," Cloud Retainer spoke. Although she voiced support, she herself still harbored some doubts.

"Yes, ma'am," both Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver said. They didn't want to provoke Cloud Retainer, remembering the last time they did and suffered for a week.

"Rex Lapis, where should we build the gate then?" Moon Carver asked.

"Here, where mortals do not come, although the Qixing will, so it can be protected," Morax responded. This place was the most suitable, as the adepti could observe the gate and act if necessary.

After discussing, the adepti reached an agreement.

"We agree, but under one condition: the Qixing are not allowed here after we finish. They can only come as long as we explore that world," Moon Carver stipulated. They needed peace and space to live.

"Of course. Let's begin now; I want to finish as soon as possible. I have an old friend waiting for me," Morax responded with a soft smile.

---

Sumeru

The Sanctuary of Surasthana

A little green-haired elf girl slept in a strange bed with a barrier around it. Suddenly, a crack appeared in the room, and two people emerged from it.

"So this is where Buer is locked," Michael said, looking around.

"So this is the new Dendro Archon, but it seems she hasn't fully inherited the throne," Asmodeus observed, looking at Buer. Normally, an Archon grows stronger with age, though there is wear and tear. That's why the belief system was created, for these Archons who reached their growth limits.

"Yeah, and I know why. The World Tree doesn't consider Rukkhadevata completely dead, as it is connected to the World Tree's consciousness. Let's go into Irminsul," Michael responded. With a wave of his hand, both of them disappeared.

---

Mondstadt

Headquarters of the Knights of Favonius

A woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes sat at a desk, writing non-stop. Her pen moved swiftly across the parchment, detailing reports, strategies, and orders. This woman was Jean Gunnhildr, the Dandelion Knight and Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.

Suddenly, a breeze of wind gusted into the room, throwing open the windows with a gentle yet insistent force. A figure appeared, seemingly carried by the very wind that had burst into the room.

"Hello, Master Jean," the figure spoke with a warm, melodic tone.

"Eh, Lord Barbatos," Jean said, surprised, as she hurriedly rose from her desk and stood before Barbatos, the Anemo Archon.

"Please, there's no need for such formality. Just Venti will do," he said with a playful smile. "But I'm afraid this isn't a casual visit. I bring news of great importance."

Jean's expression turned serious. "What is it? Is Mondstadt in danger?"

Venti shook his head slightly. "No, but something important is going to happen that will shake the entirety of Teyvat itself."

Venti then began to explain everything that had happened to Jean.

Jean sat down, thinking over what she had heard, murmuring, "Upgrade the world, going to another world, a new Heavenly Principle."

Seeing her state, Venti let her process everything.

Ten minutes later, Jean, looking a bit pale, asked, "And what do I need to do?"

Although she understood why Lord Barbatos had shared this information with her, as she was the acting grand head master for the sake of Mondstadt, but she still didn't know what to do.

"Don't worry. Right now, I want you to inform Grand Master Varka to come back. We need everyone in the Knights. Although only the strongest vision holders will be able to go to another world, it would be better if there were more people," Venti reassured her with a smile, though he himself was extremely worried. There was nothing more he could do.

"I understand. I'll write a letter to Grand Master Varka, informing him to return as soon as possible," Jean said, walking to her desk and beginning to write the letter.

Five minutes later, Jean finished writing and handed the letter to Venti. "Finished. Can you take a look at it?" she asked.

Venti took the letter and read it, nodding as he reviewed the content.

_________________________________________________________________

Dear Grand Master Varka,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. As the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, I write to you with the utmost urgency and importance.

Lord Barbatos himself has visited Mondstadt with news that will shake the entirety of Teyvat. Due to the gravity of the situation, I must request your immediate return to Mondstadt. The Anemo Archon has something critical to convey to you, and it is imperative that you bring everyone back as well.

Please return as swiftly as possible. The safety and future of Mondstadt depend on it.

May the winds guide you safely home.

Sincerely,

Jean Gunnhildr

Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius

____________________________________________________________

After reading the letter, Venti nodded. "It's perfect, Master Jean. I will ensure this reaches Grand Master Varka as soon as possible."

A gust of gentle wind emanated from Venti, carrying the letter away in the direction it needed to go.

Fontain

The Docks

Three children—a girl and two boys—stood together. One of the boys, who looked like the girl, seemed to be her twin, while the other boy appeared shy.

They seemed to be waiting for someone.

An hour later, a boat arrived, and a woman stepped out.

"Father!" the three children exclaimed. The woman who disembarked from the boat was Arlecchino, the Fourth of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, also known as The Knave.

Looking at the three children, Arlecchino responded, "Hmm, it's nice to be back."

Turning her gaze to Lyney, Arlecchino asked without any affection in her voice, "Lyney, did anything happen two days ago?"

"No, Father, nothing special happened after that," Lyney quickly responded

Three children—a girl and two boys—stood together. One of the boys, who looked like the girl, seemed to be her twin, while the other boy appeared shy.

They seemed to be waiting for someone.

An hour later, a boat arrived, and a woman stepped out.

"Father!" the three children exclaimed. The woman who disembarked from the boat was Arlecchino, the Fourth of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, also known as The Knave.

Looking at the three children, Arlecchino responded, "Hmm, it's nice to be back."

Turning her gaze to Lyney, Arlecchino asked without any affection in her voice, "Lyney, did anything happen two days ago?"

"No, Father, nothing special happened after that," Lyney quickly responded,

Arlecchino's expression remained stern. "Good. Keep it that way. We cannot afford any mistakes now. Understood?"

The three children nodded in unison, their eyes fixed on her.

"Now let's go. I have a meeting with our Archon later on," Arlecchino said, walking ahead of the children.

"Yes, Father," Lynette replied.

Fontain

court of fontain.

Two women who looked alike stood beside a man.

"Focalors, you deceptive woman," Neuvillette said, narrowing his eyes at one of the women after hearing her plan.

And why did you reveal yourself?" Neuvillette asked, confused. Since her plan was to deceive the Heavenly Principles, why had she exposed everything?

Responding to Neuvillette, Focalors said, "Because there is no need to hide anymore. My goal has been reached. Didn't you see what happened two days ago? The new Heavenly Principles have forgiven the original sin."

"Wait a second, a new Heavenly Principle? Explain, Focalors," Neuvillette said, surprised.

Giggling at his shocked and confused expression, Focalors began to explain. "There's not much I can say, as I am not allowed to and was even warned by him. But I think I can say this: the old Heavenly Principles died, the one you know as the First Usurper. Someone has inherited his power and has a grand plan that will change the world and break free from this prison known as the fake sky."

Neuvillette's eyes widened as he processed the information. For a moment, he was silent, contemplating the implications. "So the Usurper is truly gone," he murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "But this new entity... can they be trusted?"

Focalors smiled, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mystery and confidence. "Only time will tell, Neuvillette. But for now, we must watch and wait. The future of Teyvat hangs in the balance."

Neuvillette nodded, determination flickering in his gaze. "Indeed. I will continue to seek justice, but I will also remain vigilant."

Sumeru

The world Tree Irminsul

Looking at the Irminsul, Michael was amazed by its appearance. "So, this is the core of Teyvat," he said.

"Yes, this is Phanes' masterpiece," Asmodeus replied, gazing at the World Tree. "His proudest work after the conquest of the dragon world." 

"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, I know you are here," Michael said, looking at the World Tree.

"I meet the heavenly reason," a girl who resembled Nahida replied.

"Hello, Great Lord Rukkhadevata. You should know why we are here, right?" Michael said, glancing at Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

"To eliminate me, right? Because I am contaminated with Abyss power," Lord Rukkhadevata calmly replied, aware of her fate. She was not scared, as she was merely a fragment; the real Rukkhadevata had died five hundred years ago.

Looking at her, accepting death so easily, Michael began to explain everything. "Yes and no. Yes, I am going to eliminate the Abyss power in you, but I still need you for my plan. After that, I am going to reward you. You can be reincarnated as a new god and teach the new God of Wisdom, as she is inexperienced."

Asmodeus and Lord Rukkhadevata were both shocked. Asmodeus hurriedly said, "the world won't be able to support a reincarnation with our resources, Master."

Looking at their expressions, Michael laughed. "Yes, with our current resources, it would be difficult. But after the first world, a reincarnation will be no problem. Besides, it will take some time before he or she comes to Sumeru."

"Understood, Heavenly Reason," Rukkhadevata said, still confused but agreeing.

"Okay, but it will still be painful, as the Abyss power has tainted your very soul," Michael said seriously. "Let's begin then. Excuse me," he added, placing his hand on her head.

"System, eliminate the Abyss power in her soul," Michael commanded.

The system began its work immediately. A soft, ethereal glow enveloped Rukkhadevata, penetrating her very essence. The Abyss power, dark and corrupting, started to surface, writhing and resisting the purifying light. Gradually, the dark tendrils of the Abyss were drawn out, dissolving into nothingness as the system's cleansing energy intensified. Rukkhadevata winced in pain, but she remained still, enduring the agony. Slowly, the light grew brighter, eradicating the last traces of corruption until her soul was completely purified.

"How do you feel?" Michael asked, looking at her.

Rukkhadevata sensed her soul, now purified, and felt a profound relief as the evil voices that had tempted her to fall into the Abyss were gone. The reason she had been able to resist the temptation was because she was the World Tree, and the World Tree was her.

"Until we give the order, you are not allowed to take action. Understand?" Michael said, his tone firm.

Hearing his words, she nodded. "Understand," she replied.

Looking at Asmodeus, she nodded and opened a crack.

"Then until later, Great Lord Rukkhadevata," Michael said as he entered the crack without looking back.

liyue

Nantianmen

Someone approached the cave where the dragon known as Azhdaha was sealed.

"Old friend, I never thought the day would come," Morax said, standing before the barrier.

With a wave of his hand, the rocky barrier crumbled, revealing the slumbering form of Azhdaha. The giant dragon, bound by centuries of enchantment, began to stir as the seal was lifted.

In the dark cave, two gigantic eyes suddenly opened.

"Morax, why did you lift the seal?" Azhdaha's deep voice rumbled through the cave. He started to speak, then paused, surprised that he could think clearly without his mind going berserk.

"Morax, what did you do?" Azhdaha asked, confused. "Why can't I feel my wear and tear?"

"Old friend, a lot has happened in the last 2,000 years," Morax replied, beginning to explain everything that had happened.

coninue....