Chapter 43: Testing the Waters with Beidou

As Aether stepped aboard the Alcor, the salty sea air hit him with newfound intensity. The ship swayed gently beneath his feet, and the crew moved with purpose and precision, each sailor knowing their role as they prepared for the voyage ahead. Despite the peaceful scene, there was an unmistakable tension in the air—Beidou wasn't one to welcome strangers lightly.

Beidou, the infamous captain of the Crux Fleet, eyed Aether and his companions with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Her long, dark hair fluttered in the wind, and the confident gleam in her eye made it clear she was assessing them, measuring their worth.

"So, this is the Traveler I've heard so much about," Beidou said, folding her arms across her chest. "You're after the fragment in the Sea of Clouds, huh? Not an easy task."

Aether nodded, meeting her gaze without hesitation. "We need it to stop the Abyss Order. I was told you could help us."

Beidou's grin widened. "Help, sure. But I don't hand out favors for free. If you want my assistance, you'll need to prove yourselves first. I don't let just anyone sail with the Crux Fleet."

Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What kind of test are we talking about? Something with action, right?"

Beidou chuckled, a low sound that hinted at the challenge ahead. "You could say that. You see, the Sea of Clouds is treacherous, not just because of the waters, but because of the creatures that call it home. If you want my help, you'll have to show me you can handle yourselves in battle."

Rosaria crossed her arms, unimpressed. "And how do you want us to do that? Fight your crew?"

Beidou's smirk grew. "Not quite. There's a creature that's been causing trouble in these waters—a Hydro Beast. It's fast, deadly, and highly territorial. My crew and I have been tracking it for weeks, but I want to see if you can handle it."

Aether's eyes narrowed. "A test of strength, then."

"Exactly," Beidou replied. "Defeat the beast, and I'll consider helping you with the fragment. Fail, and, well… You won't be the first to underestimate the Sea of Clouds."

Amber pumped her fists, clearly up for the challenge. "We've fought Abyss Heralds! We can handle a sea monster."

Rosaria glanced at Aether, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "What do you think, Traveler? Ready to fight a giant water creature?"

Aether nodded, his resolve firm. "We've faced worse. Let's do this."

Beidou gestured toward the sea. "The Hydro Beast likes to stay near Guyun Stone Forest. Head there and take care of it. My crew will watch from a distance to make sure you're not overwhelmed—but don't expect any help. You're on your own."

Without further delay, Aether, Rosaria, Amber, and Lisa set out on a smaller vessel, heading toward Guyun Stone Forest. The ship glided smoothly over the water, the crew steering it expertly as they navigated through the rocky outcroppings that dotted the sea. Aether stood at the helm, eyes fixed on the distant horizon. His mind raced with thoughts of the coming battle, but he trusted his team. They had proven themselves time and time again, and this would be no different.

As they neared the designated area, the water grew eerily calm, the usual sounds of the ocean fading into silence. The waves that once gently rocked the boat became still, as if the sea itself was holding its breath.

"There it is," Amber whispered, pointing toward a disturbance in the water ahead. Ripples spread across the surface, and a massive shape lurked just beneath the waves.

Aether tensed, feeling the shift in the air. The creature was close, its presence palpable even before it revealed itself. The tension in the group was clear—each member preparing themselves for what was about to emerge.

The Hydro Beast surfaced suddenly, breaking through the water with a spray of mist. It was serpent-like, with glistening blue scales that shimmered in the fading light of the afternoon. Its eyes glowed with a fierce, otherworldly energy, its long body twisting and coiling as it sized up its opponents.

Amber wasted no time, nocking an arrow in her bow and releasing it with practiced precision. "I'll keep it distracted! You guys go for the weak spots!"

Rosaria was already moving, her polearm flashing as she darted across the deck. "Keep it off balance. We don't want to give it room to strike back."

Aether followed close behind, his sword drawn and ready. Calling upon the power of the Anemo Archon, he summoned a gust of wind to bolster his speed and strikes, each blow aimed at the creature's vulnerable underbelly.

Lisa stood back, her focus on keeping the group shielded from the creature's unpredictable movements. As she raised her catalyst, bolts of Electro energy shot from her fingertips, crackling through the air and striking the beast with precision. Each hit caused the Hydro Beast to recoil, its scales shimmering with the energy coursing through it.

The battle was intense, the beast thrashing and snapping at them with terrifying speed. Its tail whipped through the water, sending waves crashing against their small vessel, threatening to capsize it with each strike. But Aether, Rosaria, Amber, and Lisa fought in perfect sync, their movements fluid as they dodged and retaliated.

Amber's arrows found their mark, piercing the creature's softer scales along its sides, while Rosaria's polearm delivered swift, powerful strikes that kept the beast off balance. Aether unleashed a whirlwind of slashes, his Anemo powers creating a vacuum of wind that disrupted the creature's movements.

"Keep pushing!" Aether shouted, dodging a sudden snap of the creature's jaws. "It's weakening!"

Lisa, her voice calm amidst the chaos, added a final surge of Electro, sending a pulse of energy rippling through the water. The Hydro Beast convulsed, its body shuddering as the electricity surged through it. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing into the sea, the water splashing violently as its massive form sank beneath the waves.

Breathing heavily, Aether wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart pounding in his chest. "We did it."

Rosaria, ever composed, gave a small smirk as she sheathed her weapon. "That wasn't so bad."

Amber jumped excitedly, a wide grin on her face. "I can't believe we took down a sea monster! Beidou's gonna be so impressed!"

Lisa, ever calm, smiled softly. "It was a well-fought battle. Let's hope this is enough to convince her."

They made their way back to the Alcor, where Beidou awaited them at the bow of the ship. Her arms were crossed, and a grin of approval played on her lips. "Not bad, Traveler. You handled that beast better than I expected."

Aether met her gaze confidently. "Does this mean you'll help us?"

Beidou chuckled. "You've earned my respect, and that's no easy feat. I'll help you get to the fragment in the Sea of Clouds. But remember—this was just the beginning. The real dangers lie ahead."