Player World.
Players who had followed the storyline this far were growing increasingly frustrated. Those who had triggered Yuna's hidden quest were somewhat appeased, as the time spent with her had softened their irritation.
But for those who had stuck to the main storyline, the experience was different.
From the moment they set foot in Inazuma, it felt like they were constantly being manipulated. Players with lower character levels had even been stuck at the letter delivery quest for ages.
Already simmering with discontent, they were now being forcibly dragged onto the ship.
In Guojia's live stream, the chat erupted with frustration:
[We're willing to help, but why this constant scheming?]
[I want to make a big splash, but being forced like this just rubs me the wrong way.]
[Go, girl! You finally learned to say no!]
[Paimon better not even think about docking our meal money!]
[Paimon's loaded now—haven't you noticed she's gotten rounder? She's definitely been sneaking snacks without us!]
-
Kamisato Estate.
After Lumine stormed off in anger, Ayaka realized she had indeed acted inappropriately. She first apologized, then pleaded with Lumine to meet three individuals.
Lumine hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
It's just a meeting, she thought. I can decide whether to help them later.
The first was Mr. Tejima, the second a samurai named Kurosawa, and the third a swordsmanship master named Domon.
It was to resolve Domon's problem that Lumine and Paimon had come to Narukami Grand Shrine.
After resolving the issue, the miko who had escorted them to the Shrine stopped them, saying Lady Guuji wished to speak with them.
"Indeed, I was not mistaken. The wind from another land will bring new vitality to this sea..."
"Our meeting is somewhat premature. But the timing of your arrival on this island is precisely right."
Yae Miko chuckled softly.
"...Strive to live up to my expectations, little one."
Lumine remained silent.
Only after Yae Miko had left did Paimon finally speak:
"Lady Yae seems very interested in you. What a mysterious person! What could the deeper meaning behind her words be?"
Lumine remained speechless.
"Let's talk about this later. For now, we should hurry back and report to Miss Kamisato."
As Paimon was speaking, she noticed a change in Lumine's expression. "What's wrong, Lumine?"
Suddenly, a pair of ice-cold hands covered Paimon's eyes from behind.
"Guess who?"
Paimon, initially startled, immediately relaxed upon hearing the familiar voice. She played along, giggling, "Hehe, it's Yuna!"
Yuna removed her hands, looking at Paimon. "How boring! You guessed it right away. Next time, I'll definitely use a deeper voice."
Paimon chuckled, scratching her head, thinking, Next time, I'll guess you again!
Seeing they were done playing around, Lumine asked, "Yuna, what are you doing here?"
"My Big Sister is a miko here, so I came to visit her. Plus, Lady Guuji Yae has been inviting me for ages, so I thought I'd help them cook while I'm here."
"Cooking?!" Paimon exclaimed excitedly, but Lumine quickly pulled her into a hug.
"Paimon, we still have things to do."
Lumine was tempted too, but since they were at the Shrine and Yuna was cooking for everyone, she felt too embarrassed to accept another meal after already enjoying one for free.
"I overheard you mentioning going to see Miss Kamisato. You're going to see Ayaka, right?"
"Yuna, you know Miss Kamisato too?"
Yuna explained, "Ayaka and I are good friends! She helped me freeze the ice cream I was selling earlier. Is Ayaka looking for you for something?"
"Miss Kamisato asked us to help these people. The last one was Domon, the guy we just finished helping. Now that we've finished, we're heading back to report to her."
Yuna nodded.
Lumine didn't tell Yuna about Ayaka's plan to resist the Vision Hunt Decree.
"Yuna, you go ahead and get busy. We'll come find you once we're done here."
"Okay!"
Seeing Paimon's reluctance to leave, Yuna promised to treat her to something delicious next time. Only then did Paimon wave goodbye cheerfully.
Nearby, Big Sister Kuki Miyuki, who had observed the entire exchange, smiled with satisfaction.
For our Little Sister to speak so warmly to someone she's only just met... she must truly consider that Traveler and her little... companion as friends.
Only after Lumine and Paimon had disappeared from sight did Yuna return to the Shrine's kitchen.
I didn't realize the Shrine even had a kitchen. Lady Guuji Yae must have been planning to ask me to help with the cooking all along. Still, there's no way I'm becoming a miko.
Back at the Kamisato Estate.
"Ayaka, we're back!" Lumine called out.
Lumine and Paimon didn't spot Ayaka immediately. Just as they were about to approach the screen further, Thoma appeared and gently tapped Lumine's shoulder.
At that moment, Ayaka emerged from behind the screen, her face partially concealed by a fan. With a graceful snap, she closed the fan and tapped it against her palm, a gesture befitting her Young Miss status.
"This is the first time we've met like this, Traveler and Paimon. Heh heh."
"I've heard about your assistance to those... friends. You must be exhausted."
-
The live stream chat erupted into a frenzy the moment Ayaka appeared.
[Ayaka, she's so beautiful! I didn't think she'd look even better in the actual game!]
[Mihoyo's artists deserve a raise!]
[Actually, helping her might not be such a bad idea...]
[Isn't she the girl from the "Travail" PV? The characters in that PV don't seem to harbor any malice towards us, so I believe this girl is innocent too.]
[Even though... but... sigh... I suddenly don't feel so angry anymore.]
In the gaming world, many netizens' morals follow their eyes.
Ayaka's in-game model lacked the original "steel" bangs and was meticulously crafted.
While some players remained disgruntled, a significant portion had already defected to her side due to her beauty.
After all, many players focus on the story while gaming, but they lack the critical thinking to realize they're being manipulated.
-
Kamisato Estate.
After exchanging pleasantries, Ayaka returned to the main topic:
"Traveler, having witnessed the suffering of those who lost their Visions, what are your thoughts?"
Lumine: "Perhaps there are things worse than death. I hope they can find relief."
"In the eyes of the Shogun, who is a God, mortals may seem like mere 'lives'... Thunder, fleeting light, raging winds, torrential rain... Their arrival never considers the feelings of mortals."
Ayaka looked earnestly at Lumine as she spoke:
"But if it were you, you would surely understand, wouldn't you?"
Lumine fell silent, recalling the faces of those who had lost their Visions, the hopeful gaze of the young woman before her, and the little girl who cooked such delicious food...
Ayaka revealed her purpose: "It seems you understand how I feel. If so, would you consider..."
Lumine: "I'm willing to help you fight against the Vision Hunt Decree!"