The endless blue sea stretched out beneath a cloudless sky.
A grand ship cut through the waves, its white sails billowing proudly in the wind.
On deck, Beidou let out a hearty laugh as she glanced at the shimmering light screen before her.
"You've picked up quite the habit of teasing people in the group, haven't you, kid?"
Sitting at the bow, Kaedehara Kazuha smiled softly.
"The atmosphere in the group is rather lively—it's hard not to be influenced."
"And? How are you finding it?" Beidou chuckled.
"Naturally, it's been wonderful," Kazuha replied, though a hint of melancholy crossed his eyes.
"It's just… a pity. This Vision might never find a new owner."
He shook his head with a quiet sigh.
In the video, Gu Chen's trio had already joined the Crux Fleet and entered the martial tournament—
its grand prize: an ownerless Vision.
And now Kazuha's true intent was revealed—he wanted to see if that dull, lifeless Vision could be reignited.
As the viewers realized this, their chat shifted naturally to the topic of Visions.
[Paimon]: I remember Zhongli said that when people face situations beyond their control, they sigh over their own powerlessness.
But if, in a moment of life's turning point, their desire burns strong enough—it draws the gaze of the gods, granting them a Vision!
[Lumine]: I also remember Venti said that every Vision bearer has the potential to become a god.
That's why they're called "Genshin"—those qualified to ascend to Celestia.
[Venti]: Mhm, I did say that… though this particular Vision in the video… might be a bit too far gone.
Ah, the wisdom of experience—
Venti always left himself room to back out, in case he ended up being proven wrong later.
[Furina]: So, the Vision Hunt Decree of Inazuma—
can we see it as the Raiden Shogun robbing people of their desires… and of their hope to one day become gods? (Nahida·pointing pose)
[Neuvillette]: …
[Venti]: Well, maybe she believes that visions are divine blessings, so the gods have the right to reclaim them at will.
That's what the old man said, right?
[Zhongli]: Indeed, that was my statement. (nods)
[Paimon]: So, wait—wasn't it the Raiden Shogun herself who gave out the visions?
[Yae Miko]: Who knows~ (shrugs)
[Raiden Ei]: I don't know. (shakes head)
[Venti]: Then that's even worse!
If you give something away and then take it back, isn't that just petty?
Honestly, your Electro Archon's outlook is far too small! (Hu Tao·grin)
[Kujou Sara]: The Shogun must have her reasons! (firm)
[Azhdaha]: Like how Morax faked his death—because he was out of his damn mind?
[Zhongli]: …
Can you people go one conversation without taking shots at me?!
[Raiden Ei]: …
[Venti]: I'll bet a bottle of apple cider that the Raiden Shogun's watching this chat right now, absolutely furious, wanting to smite us all! (nodding confidently)
[Raiden Ei]: The Shogun… She's actually quite nice. I doubt she'd get angry. (serious)
[Yae Miko]: Mhm~ She won't mind it at all.
But someone might—
Maybe she'll seem fine at first, but later that night she'll wake up suddenly, crying in frustration,
rolling around and begging her dear Guuji-sama for comfort~ (Yae Miko·smirk)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: (Ayaka·stunned)
[Kirara]: Who's the "Guuji-sama"? (curious)
[Yae Miko]: Oh, just a certain country bumpkin who's completely out of touch with the times. (mysterious)
[Zhongli]: Hahaha.
[Venti]: Savage!
[Raiden Ei]: Instead of speculating about that, we should consider whether Gu Chen and the others will be wanted criminals once they reach Inazuma.
Ah, so the upright Raiden Ei had learned the fine art of awkward topic-shifting.
Also… when did she change her profile picture?!
If it weren't for the unchangeable username, no one might've recognized her!
At Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko was laughing so hard her sides hurt.
After a long while, she finally calmed down, her violet eyes narrowing as she turned back to the video—
expression suddenly unreadable.
On-screen, the Alcor (Death Star) sailed through the thunderstorm and finally reached the port.
A chain of beautiful islands stretched into the horizon.
As soon as Gu Chen's group disembarked, a young man—clearly waiting for them—hurried over with a bright smile.
[Paimon]: Wow, Thoma's so enthusiastic!
[Thoma]: Hehe, well, when you're meeting the guy who beat a god senseless, you have to make a good impression! (Paimon·hmmph)
[Lumine]: You're a little too honest!
[Kujou Sara]: @[Kaedehara Kazuha] I advise you to surrender yourself to the Tenryou Commission immediately.
[Kazuha]: Uh… but I haven't even reached Ritou yet. (shrugs)
[Arataki Itto]: Hahaha! Yo, Tengu chick, are you mad?!
@[Kazuha] Bro, you'd better run—don't let her catch you!
[Kazuha]: Don't worry, I rarely go back home.
[Kuki Shinobu]: Boss, tone it down a bit—remember, the Shogun herself is in this chat…
[Arataki Itto]: And what if she is?! This Arataki Itto ain't afraid of no Shogun!
[Kaeya]: …Has this Itto fellow always been this brave? (curious)
[Kuki Shinobu]: Embarrassingly, yes. It's… difficult to describe.
[Kamisato Ayato]: Hahaha, Itto's quite the character.
[Arataki Itto]: See? Even Ayato-bro thinks I'm great! (Paimon·hmmph)
[Furina]: Wait a minute—wasn't Inazuma supposed to be closed off from the world?
Why are they treating outsiders so warmly?
[Kamisato Ayaka]: Eh?
[Kokomi]: Why do you say that?
[Furina]: Isn't it obvious? The Raiden Shogun herself came out to greet Gu Chen!
[Raiden Ei]: Huh?!
[Kamisato Ayaka]: !!!
In the video—
Just as Gu Chen's group finished the entry procedures on Ritou and prepared to leave,
the clear, sunny sky darkened without warning.
A suffocating pressure filled the air.
"Gulp… This doesn't look good…" Thoma swallowed hard, turning to the others.
"Something's about to happen—run while you can!"
"She's already here."
Gu Chen's eyes lifted toward the end of the street.
There—
a figure in deep violet slowly approached,
a sword of lightning flashing ominously in her hand.
With every step she took, her aura surged higher—
the air itself trembling beneath it.
"Oh no—it's the Raiden Shogun!" Thoma cried out in horror.
"W-whoa… she feels way scarier than Vortex God the vortex god… and she's coming straight for us! "
Paimon squeaked, hiding behind Gu Chen.
"I'll hold her off. You two, go."
A silver-white spear materialized in Gu Chen's hand.
His white cloak fluttered as he stepped forward, planting himself between his companions and the approaching storm.
"Don't just stand there—and don't say something stupid like 'we'll stay and fight together.'
While you still can, go!"
"Alright—be careful!" Lumine cast one last worried glance his way, then met Thoma's eyes.
The two turned and ran.
Gu Chen and the Raiden Shogun locked eyes—
and the very air froze between them.
"The variable to eternity…" Raiden Ei murmured coldly, raising her glowing blade to point straight at Gu Chen.
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