"A secret domain?"
"That's right. A secret domain that had been sealed for a long time—recently, it seems to have reappeared for some reason."
Kamuna Harunosuke, together with Asase Hibiki, lived during the same era. Along with Asase Hibiki and Mikoshi Nagamasa, he studied under the tengu of Mount Yougou, and the three of them were collectively known as the 'The Yougou Three.'
Five hundred years ago, when the dark calamity descended and Lady Saiguu perished, Kamuna Harunosuke—who had admired her deeply as both a friend and more—was struck by unbearable grief.
Unable to accept his own powerlessness, Kamuna left Inazuma in anger and traveled to Liyue to study adeptal arts. When he returned, he created a secret domain called the Mystic Onmyou Chamber and gathered warriors to train within it, hoping to help them better combat monsters.
The enchanted talismans used by the modern Kairagi trace their origins back to his creations from that era.
Unfortunately, human strength has its limits. Although the Mystic Onmyou Chamber improved the skills of many samurai, by the time they had honed their techniques, the Raiden Shogun had already led others to eliminate the remaining calamities across Inazuma.
The warriors lost their purpose for training, and Kamuna Harunosuke's life's work lost its meaning. The Mystic Onmyou Chamber was sealed and never reopened.
Araumi, Kamuna, secret domain… What Yae Miko mentioned could only refer to Labyrinth Warriors Event.
Victor Wang hesitated. A secret domain meant for martial training—going inside to temper himself sounded great, but…
"Hm?" Noticing his hesitation, Yae Miko tilted her head. "I thought you'd be quite interested."
But the Fatui had been tailing him lately—it was hard not to suspect he'd caught their attention. Worse, Childe himself might appear at Mystic Onmyou Chamber while pursuing the Balladeer. If they ran into each other… that would be very bad. If only I had three elements already…
"If you're not going," Yae Miko sighed, "then I'll have to find someone else. That domain's already spewing out monsters endlessly."
Victor's heart stirred. "How long has it been since it appeared?"
"It showed up just this morning. The Tenryou Commission hasn't even arrived yet. For now, Hanachirusato is handling the situation. But this domain…" She paused. "To restore it to normal will take days. Hanachirusato has shrine duties to fulfill—she can't be delayed by this."
"…And what about you?"
"Me? I'm the editor-in-chief of the Yae Publishing House."
Her answer was so matter-of-fact, it was clear she hadn't even considered handling it herself—and seemed intent on pushing all of the Grand Narukami Shrine's responsibilities onto others. Don't tell me… you're taking out your resentment on Hanachirusato because you're stuck with the High Priestess duties Lady Saiguu left behind?
Victor's suspicious thought was immediately caught by Yae Miko's sharp eyes. "Are you trying to speak up for Hanachirusato?"
"I'm not…"
"Then tell me—if Hanachirusato and I both needed help at the same time, who would you help first?"
Her alluring face suddenly leaned close. Victor's heart sank. This is a death question.
If he said Yae Miko, she'd definitely tell Hanachirusato.
If he said Hanachirusato, he'd never live to see tomorrow.
"That would… depend on the situation. Yae Miko, you're stronger than Hanachirusato—"
"It has nothing to do with strength."
"We're all friends… Why must I choose sides? Can't I help both?" Victor slapped his own forehead dramatically, feigning panic. "I see! It's all my fault! I'm too weak to assist both of you at once. I'm deeply sorry. I'll train harder!"
"I just said it's not about strength."
"Do you really have to press the question…?"
"If you don't answer soon, I'll take your hesitation as my answer."
Heavens, earth, oceans—lend me your strength! Connecting to all Hilichurl minds globally—guys, help me crack this ultimate question!!
"Well… actually, I think since Hanachirusato already has experience as a High Priestess, it's only fitting that she continue her duties. And since she's powerful and devoted to protecting Inazuma, she's the most suitable person to handle those monsters. You, Yae Miko, are wise and discerning, and Hanachirusato is brave and dutiful…"
"You sure know how to talk."
"Then if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave!"
Before Yae Miko could reply, Victor leapt straight off the Grand Narukami Shrine.
To avoid raising her suspicions, he waited until he safely landed before circling around toward Araumi.
The strange domain gate stood quietly in the distance. Since Kamuna Harunosuke had studied adeptal arts in Liyue before creating Mystic Onmyou Chamber, the domain must've been built using a method similar to Sub-Space Creation, like the Serenitea Pot.
It clearly hadn't been in the world long—no Tenryou Commission guards yet. Only Hanachirusato was stationed at the entrance. No sign of Lumine, Xinyan, or Childe. A perfect chance to enter first and test it out.
"Do you intend to enter the domain?" Hanachirusato asked worriedly. "I'm not sure how dangerous it is inside, and someone has to stay here on guard… I can't accompany you."
"That's fine."
"Then please, take this. Since this domain was crafted by Kamuna, this paper shikigami might assist you within." She handed him a paper doll—it was the Shiki Taishou, who now managed Mystic Onmyou Chamber, though long trapped in slumber.
Hours later, the domain's reconfiguration mechanism suddenly activated.
A whirl of distortion—woosh!—and Victor Wang and Shiki Taishou were thrown out, unable to re-enter for the time being.
"Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine… but this shikigami still hasn't awakened."
"What was inside?"
"Many rooms, many monsters—seemingly endless."
The monsters inside could all be defeated through martial skill alone, as they were originally imprints of creatures once vanquished by warriors. The domain had been designed for such training. Perfect for Victor Wang's goals—his Favonius Bladework was just enough to handle them. One man and one sword, facing countless foes—the exhilarating combat could go on forever.
He decided he'd stay inside this domain longer next time. After all, places with an unlimited monster supply were rare treasures.
...
"Lord Childe, you've finally returned!"
"Kashiyama Ken? What now?"
"This time it's serious, my lord! May I ask if you discovered any traces of the Balladeer during your two days on Seirai Island?"
Tartaglia sighed impatiently. "Spit it out. No riddles."
"Yes, sir! Based on the latest intelligence, a nameless secret domain suddenly appeared in Araumi—the northernmost part of Narukami Island!"
"After the Balladeer's disappearance?"
"Exactly! Just within the last two days! That domain is releasing monsters into the wild, so the Tenryou Commission has already stationed guards there. I detected it right away!"
"A suddenly manifested secret domain… Kashiyama Ken, it seems you've finally proven useful."
"Does that mean…?"
"There's no trace of the Balladeer on Seirai Island, but I did encounter a rather pesky monster—kept flying around."
"Phew… useful at last, useful at last." Kashiyama Ken wiped sweat from his brow. If he hadn't been of any use again, he might not have lived to report next time.