To leave behind sorrowful pasts, to seize the truth of the present, and to embrace a brand-new future… these were the beliefs Renjiro hoped to convey through this Lantern Rite Festival.
Of course, a celebration should not be entirely filled with sadness.
Thus, with the cooperation of Zhongli and Ningguang, many small events were set up with stalls in the central plaza.
Guessing lantern riddles, dragon dances, lion dances…
And…
"Hot, fresh, coming through~"
A lively, energetic girl entered with a group of hopping, tray-bearing dolls.
Thanks to more than half a month of summoning pulls, Renjiro now had several additional Genshin characters at his disposal.
Among them, Xiangling, the Liyue culinary prodigy, was one of them.
With her help, using magical energy to assist the God of Stove in creating duplicates to fill in manpower, the preparations could be completed in time, ensuring the festival ran smoothly.
Why did Renjiro go to so much trouble?
Perhaps, deep down, he simply wanted to see more smiles.
Much like the song Moon Halo, its melody was melancholic, and its lyrics evoked memories of past pain—but its theme… remained the hopeful, positive energy.
No longer avoiding, facing the past, rising from the lows, and moving forward…
Perhaps next time, it would be you guiding others with your own light.
And to prevent irreparable losses, one must cherish every moment and enrich oneself.
At least, leaving no regrets.
"Humans cannot exist eternally like gods."
"Therefore, 'inheritance' and 'unity' are crucial factors that complement 'progress.'"
This was the supreme philosophy instilled in him by the profound history of his homeland.
The people of Liyue in Teyvat also understood the meaning behind it.
Renjiro believed the Traveler's existence was not just to experience the exotic and novel,
But also to bring about some beautiful changes in the lands they traversed.
Only then could it be considered a perfect story.
Thus…
Tonight, beneath the night sky, under a full moon, as lanterns rose to the heavens, the labyrinth city of Orario was about to welcome a new beginning.
Surely, more terrifying trials and challenges would await humanity in the future.
But…
Isn't that what adventurers yearn for—the pursuit of great deeds?
The current heroes exist so that the future world may one day be so beautiful that it no longer needs heroes.
And until the calamities are completely eradicated…
"After many years, with another 'ancient monster' defeated, the era of the 'Heroic Race' officially begins."
Here, deep within the Guild Headquarters, at the altar long inhabited by the old god Ouranos,
A sage, surviving hundreds of years in skeletal form, stood below the altar, hollow eyes fixed on the deity who had long prayed to pacify the dungeon's fury.
"Undoubtedly, whether by reputation or strength… the ones currently leading are the [Twin Stars]."
The mage, calling himself the Fool, spoke calmly, "Though their title spread a little early, he and she are indeed the most likely to become the 'Heroes of Salvation.'"
Hearing this evaluation…
"If it's a 'Heroic Race,' then the track cannot have only one contender."
Ouranos responded in a deep voice, "Artificial heroes of the Loki familia, god-forged heroes scattered across the world, hidden former heroes, descendants of ancient heroes… even every person in this world."
A millennium after the gods descended to the mortal realm, the long-vanished Age of Heroes quietly returned.
This was the ultimate unknown the gods hoped for, a supreme legend to be written by the mortals themselves.
Who would ultimately take the lead?
Including Ouranos, both the contestants and the audience had taken their positions.
=======
On the eastern outskirts of Orario, atop the city walls…
"This time, we've been out too long."
"But it was worth it."
A man and a woman, cloaked in hoods and black robes, watched the festivities in the central plaza. Both smiled with quiet satisfaction.
They had also heard that moving song.
Even from afar…
"Yes. It was worth it."
The affirmation of the strongest predecessors.
From now on, they will continue to remain in the shadows, paving the way for the next generation.
"By the way…"
Maxim (former captain of Zeus' familia) looked at the elf woman beside him.
"Mettria's child… is fifteen this year, right?"
"Strictly speaking, fourteen," Rivira (former captain of Hera's familia) replied casually, "Not yet fifteen."
"Still not so young."
Maxim tilted his head. "Do you think he could…"
"…become a hero?"
Rivira instinctively completed the thought, then chuckled, shaking her head in a mix of fondness and helplessness:
"He? No, he couldn't."
"Especially in the same era as such powerful rivals."
Hearing her judgment…
"The old fool (Zeus) certainly valued him highly."
Maxim raised his remaining arm, resting his chin thoughtfully. "Though I don't know why he's so confident… maybe he can still hope a little."
"Even if he is the 'weakest' or 'incompetent' child?"
"Yes, even so."
Maxim grinned widely. "Don't forget—the one who changed you and me was once a tiny, fragile newborn."
"Remember how stubborn and reckless you used to be… now, compare it to yourself now…"
"Where have you gotten better?"
…
The former strongest remained silent.
After a long pause…
"Hearing you say that, I suppose I'll hope a little too."
Rivira spoke first, breaking the silence, "After all, it's our own child."
"Right."
Maxim smiled. "He deserves to be hoped for."
======
In a small, poor village on the outskirts of the Rakia Kingdom…
Weeks ago, the village had been devastated by an attack from a fragment of Antares.
Today…
"Uncle, from now on, you can live in my house."
"Bell, are you sure that's okay?"
"Yes. I won't need it anymore."
The boy, called Bell, smiled like a little angel. "I'll come back to visit whenever I have time."
…
This boy, far from physically strong, had spent the past days helping villagers rebuild their homes.
Now, his final task here was complete.
And so…
"Grandfather, I've decided."
The boy looked at his worn house, fists clenched, eyes shining. "I will become an adventurer!"
This day…
A boy who had dreamed of being a hero had quietly stepped onto his own starting line.
The Heroic Race had gained a new participant.
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100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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