Hu Tao narrows her eyes, savoring the warmth of Kael's broad hand as it gently rubs her forehead.
It has been such a long, long time since she was this close to him…
They grew up together, relying on each other for so many years…
Yet even now, Hu Tao still cannot understand why Kael has drifted farther and farther away from her.
When Kael sees the redness on her forehead fade, he withdraws his hand.
"Hu Tao, I came to see you today because I need your help."
Kael takes out the carefully organized stack of intelligence.
"Can you help me hide these? Someone will come looking for them later."
Hu Tao accepts the thick bundle of papers from his hands, confusion written all over her face.
"These are…?"
"Something extremely important to Liyue."
Kael looks straight into Hu Tao's eyes, his expression solemn.
"I'm counting on you. This is very important to me. You're the person I trust most in this world."
For reasons she cannot explain, a sense of unease rises in Hu Tao's heart when she sees his expression.
She looks at Kael and presses him urgently.
"What exactly are these? Who are they for? When do I give them out?"
Kael answers calmly, "You'll know when the time comes."
Again…
Every single time she wants to know what Kael is thinking, every time she wants to understand what he is hiding, she is always met with vague answers.
Hu Tao looks at Kael with sorrow-filled eyes.
"Kael, what do I need to do for you to stop treating me like a child?"
"Please, look at me properly. I've already grown up."
"I've grown into a woman who can help you shoulder everything."
Hearing her words, Kael's eyes widen slightly.
He never imagined that Hu Tao would say something like this.
In his past life simulations and in reality, he had spent time with Hu Tao.
In his memories, Hu Tao was always a playful girl who wandered around whenever she had free time.
Only during funerals, when she personally led the procession through lantern-lit streets after the lights had faded, would she show a solemn, composed side.
In this life simulation, Hu Tao had been exactly as he remembered at the beginning.
But now, she was saying something so earnest and heartfelt to him.
Kael lets out a quiet sigh.
It seems that, to her, this version of him truly matters.
So much so that it changed her, making her more sensitive and emotional.
Unfortunately, this time, he still cannot give Hu Tao the truth she wants.
Kael has already decided to bring this life simulation to an end.
Next, he will head to The Chasm alone.
Kael understands his own strength in this simulation better than anyone.
The Talents granted by the System have nothing to do with combat. With only an Cryo Vision, he has no way to protect Hu Tao.
He would never allow her to follow him into danger.
Unable to face Hu Tao's tear-bright eyes, Kael turns his gaze away.
He does not know what to say to her, and can only mechanically repeat what he said earlier.
"Hu Tao, these things are truly important to Liyue. Right now, you're the only one I can trust. Please…"
"Enough."
Hu Tao interrupts him and takes the papers from his hands.
"I'll do it. I promise."
"But on one condition."
"You have to come back alive."
Unlike what Kael expected, Hu Tao does not continue pressing him.
Smart as she is, she already knows she will not get the answers she wants.
In truth, what the truth is no longer matters that much to her.
What Kael just said sounded like final words.
That fills her heart with fear.
Right now, the only thing she cares about is Kael's safety.
Hu Tao raises her hands and cups Kael's face, forcing him to look into her eyes.
"Kael, come back alive, okay?"
Her eyes are filled with pleading and despair, emotions so intense they nearly overwhelm him.
Faced with that gaze, Kael cannot bring himself to refuse.
Following his heart, he answers softly, "Okay."
The moment the word leaves his mouth, regret hits him.
Tch.
He clearly decided to end this life simulation.
So why did he still agree to her?
Forget it.
He will take it one step at a time.
If he really dies in The Chasm this time, does he not still have the Possession Talent?
He can come back to say goodbye to her then.
With a heart weighed down by tangled emotions, Kael leaves Hu Tao and rushes toward The Chasm at full speed.
The Chasm lies at the border between Sumeru and Liyue.
This version of Kael in the life simulation does not have the items and Talents granted by the System in reality.
He cannot use a Teleport Waypoint like he can in the real world, and can only rely on his own legs to travel.
Since it is just nonstop running, Kael decides he no longer needs Sensory Mode and summons the System.
"System, exit Sensory Mode."
[Received. Switching to Text Mode.]
Kael returns to the real world.
He lets out a long sigh after returning to the room in Mondstadt.
As if doing so could ease the heaviness and melancholy in his heart.
[After entrusting the crucial intelligence to Hu Tao, you can head out to rescue Chenxi and Yelan without any lingering worries.]
[The information you left behind will surely cause a massive upheaval across Teyvat and deal a heavy blow to the Fatui.]
[You sacrificed everything. The goal you pursued with all your strength will be achieved.]
[After rescuing Chenxi and Yelan, even if you die, you will have no regrets.]
[No… there is still regret.]
[Hu Tao's sorrowful face flashes before your eyes.]
[If only you could have stayed by Hu Tao's side as she grew up, and made her your bride.]
[But that is nothing more than your wishful thinking.]
[You continue traveling without rest. Three days later, you arrive at the edge of The Chasm.]