Seeing the earthy-yellow, exquisitely crafted bracelet in Futsu Mitama's hand, a gentle warmth surged through Aila's heart. She lifted her gaze to her Young Master, gratitude filling her eyes.
He had saved her. She had only been by his side, caring for him, for a mere five years. Yet no matter what benefits he obtained, he always passed them on to her without hesitation. Even if she devoted her entire life to him, she felt it would never be enough to repay that kindness.
She had to work harder. She had to become stronger.
She wanted to stand beside her Young Master—to help him. No matter who the next enemy might be, she needed the strength to face them head-on. She would never allow him to act in her stead.
At this moment, Aila's resolve crystallized, unwavering and firm.
"Mm."
Cloud Retainer observed her quietly, then nodded in satisfaction. Futsu Mitama, in her eyes, had become even more pleasing.
Her state of mind is no longer unsettled—it has become even more steadfast, Shenhe thought as she looked at Aila, a faint trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.
She had not expected her junior sister's mindset to transform so dramatically in just a few short days—from confusion and turbulence to such clarity and determination.
Her gaze shifted toward Futsu Mitama.
This was his doing.
The calming incense lit by Master could only suppress and stabilize one's emotions by force. What truly allowed her junior sister's heart to break through was the bracelet Futsu Mitama had given her.
Was it because the gift was precious?
No.
It was because she now had someone who cherished her so deeply.
Shenhe sighed softly within her heart, watching the scene unfold, a quiet realization dawning upon her. So this was why she herself had never been able to truly integrate into Liyue Harbor.
She lacked someone like Futsu Mitama.
"Here."
Futsu Mitama extended his hand, gently taking Aila's.
A faint blush bloomed across Aila's fair cheeks. She did not resist—nor did she shy away.
"Stop!"
At that moment, Cloud Retainer seemed to recall something and abruptly shattered the atmosphere. Speaking rapidly, she said, "This Adeptus must first retrieve something from the cave dwelling. You two—maintain this posture."
With that, she flapped her wings and flew straight back into the cave.
Meanwhile, Kuki Shinobu silently activated the Chat Group's recording function, capturing the scene. It was her first time seeing Aila blush like this.
It had to be said—Aila, who usually wore an expression of cool detachment and rarely showed emotion, was unexpectedly captivating when shy.
Kuki Shinobu knew very well that she was not a lesbian—she simply appreciated beautiful things.
And right now, Aila truly was beautiful.
For a moment, Kuki Shinobu couldn't decide whether she should envy Aila for having a Young Master like Futsu Mitama, or envy Futsu Mitama for having such a charming and obedient maid.
Soon, Cloud Retainer returned, a Kamera in her grasp. She handed it to Shenhe, her tone carrying unmistakable pride.
"This is a small contraption this Adeptus personally modified, based on Fontaine's Kamera. It can record the present scene. This Adeptus felt that this moment was far too rare to let pass, hence the brief pause."
Once she finished speaking, Shenhe began operating the Kamera. Having used it before, she swiftly raised it and captured the moment Futsu Mitama held Aila's hand, placing the bracelet upon her wrist.
"Master."
The photo emerged from the Kamera. Shenhe glanced at it, then looked up at Cloud Retainer with confusion.
"Why are there pink bubbles and heart-shaped imprints on it? Is this thing malfunctioning?"
Cloud Retainer, however, replied with evident satisfaction. "This Adeptus already explained—it is a specially made Kamera. Naturally, it must be used to capture such moments."
Cloud Retainer was deeply fond of her disciple. She could tell at a glance that this scene was exceedingly rare, and so she preserved it. Had it been anyone else, she would not have spared them a second look—at most sensing the subtle atmosphere before flapping her wings and departing.
But these two juniors before her—despite knowing each other for such a short time—embodied something that even Adeptus, who had lived through countless ages, recognized as genuine.
They loved and hated without reservation. Once they deemed someone worthy, they would give everything they had, without holding back.
—
Kuki Shinobu leaned in to examine the photo in Shenhe's hands and fell briefly silent.
Indeed—the photograph was brimming with girlish charm.
She hadn't expected Cloud Retainer to involve herself in such delicate gadgets. Feeling a faint stir of temptation, she hesitated before asking, "Cloud Retainer, this item—"
She trailed off mid-sentence. After all, this was something personally crafted by an Adeptus. Was it appropriate for her to ask about it? And even if she wanted to buy one with mora—would an Adeptus even care about mora?
"Oh? You're interested in this item?" Cloud Retainer seemed rather pleased. She sized Kuki Shinobu up briefly, then spoke with deliberate restraint.
"Very well. This is merely a small contraption this Adeptus tinkered with in passing. If you want one, this Adeptus shall grant you one. Such a gadget is troublesome for ordinary people to make—but for this Adeptus, it takes but a moment."
Though her words were laced with restraint, it was obvious that Cloud Retainer greatly enjoyed having her inventions appreciated.
In the past, atop Mt. Aocang, Shenhe had been her only companion—and that child cared nothing for such things, her heart devoted solely to training.
While Cloud Retainer was gratified by that dedication, she still, deep down, hoped her disciple might one day inherit her craftsmanship.
As for the other old fellows, they cared even less—only Lord Rex Lapis would occasionally pay her inventions any attention.
"Then many thanks, Adeptus," Kuki Shinobu said sincerely. She was clearly delighted by the prospect of such a charming Kamera.
After receiving it from Shenhe, Futsu Mitama finally placed the bracelet upon Aila's wrist.
The earthy-yellow bracelet initially appeared slightly too large for her slender hand. Yet as a faint golden light shimmered, it resized itself seamlessly, fitting her wrist perfectly.
"This…?"
Surprise flickered in Cloud Retainer's eyes as she looked again at Futsu Mitama. Was his forging skill truly this refined?
No—this went beyond mere craftsmanship. Had special spells been inscribed within this defensive artifact?
Shenhe was likewise taken aback. Though not well-versed in forging herself, having a master fond of conversation meant she possessed some theoretical knowledge. She knew that the elemental weapons she and her junior sister used had been forged by Futsu Mitama.
But she hadn't expected him to also forge elemental defensive artifacts—and of a quality clearly surpassing those weapons.
There truly are many formidable individuals in this world, Shenhe thought.
Though she felt Futsu Mitama might not be able to defeat her in direct combat, in many other areas—craftsmanship, earning wealth, even earning the recognition of gods—he far surpassed her.
There had to be a reason for that. With this realization, Shenhe felt her own training was still lacking. She needed to work harder.
"This…"
Aila herself was startled. The moment she put on the bracelet, she could distinctly sense two different elemental forces emanating from within it.
Electro—and Geo.
The bracelet seamlessly contained both.
Her eyes widened in astonishment. How had her Young Master accomplished this? Even though Geo was a relatively gentle element, allowing two elemental forces to coexist within a single artifact was no simple feat.
[Buzz!]
At that moment, Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Kuki Shinobu all seemed to receive a message.
They looked toward the Chat Group.
[Zhongli: "@Futsu Mitama @Aila @Kuki Shinobu — ah, I nearly forgot to mention it. I embedded several hidden techniques within this bracelet. It can store elemental energy."]
[Zhongli: "Due to the unique properties of the basalt pillar, the elemental energies input will not come into direct contact with one another, thus preventing elemental reactions."]
[Zhongli: "I must say, the basalt pillar the Group Leader acquired is of exceptional quality—truly top-tier."]
[Azhdaha: "Basalt pillar? That stuff's decent. There used to be plenty underground. I had piles of it around me—snacked on it now and then."]
[Raiden Makoto: "That may be true for you. After all, you were in the most concentrated Geo-element region at the time. Nowadays, it's likely quite rare. I wonder how Futsu Mitama managed to obtain it."]
[Albedo: "Basalt pillar? An excellent material. Not only for forging, but also exceedingly valuable in alchemy."]
[Albedo: "Sigh… arriving a few days late has cost me who knows how much. Perhaps I should hurry."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "You're fortunate—you can travel to Liyue and meet Futsu Mitama. We're still in Inazuma and can only follow events through the Chat Group's live streams and messages."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Indeed. I've been constantly occupied—Resistance affairs are piling up, and I'm feeling somewhat overwhelmed."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "At this point, even restoring my energy is difficult. I'm considering whether to consume a condensed resin."]
[Aila: "So that's how it works… I understand now."]
[Futsu Mitama: "You added hidden techniques as well? Thank you, Mr. Zhongli."]
[Zhongli: "It is nothing. Secret arts are meant to be put to use. Since I happen to know techniques that are beneficial to you, it is only natural that I incorporate them."
[Kuki Shinobu: "Mr. Zhongli, your identity feels increasingly… enigmatic. You even know Liyue's secret arts."
[Yae Miko: "Indeed. At times, I even suspect that Mr. Zhongli is an Adeptus of Liyue who emerged after Azhdaha was sealed."
[Zhongli: "No, I am not. I merely… possess a good memory. I tend to remember such matters easily."
[Futsu Mitama: "I'm already making use of it. By the way, I've started the Chat Group live stream. You can come in and observe the test site."
Evidently, the group members were extremely interested in the bracelet forged by Futsu Mitama—despite Zhongli having contributed only a portion of it. What none of them had expected was that Futsu Mitama had quietly prepared this bracelet specifically for Aila.
This alone stirred deep envy in Kamisato Ayaka and Sangonomiya Kokomi.
After all, what woman would not be moved by such devotion?
Kamisato Ayaka, as the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, would only need to express the faintest hint of desire for others to eagerly present her with gifts. In present-day Inazuma, the Kanjou Commission was already showing signs of decline, while the Yashiro Commission had steadily risen to prominence. Though it still fell short of the Tenryou Commission, its influence far surpassed what it once had.
Sangonomiya Kokomi was no different. As the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island and leader of the Resistance, a single word from her would send her subordinates into motion. When she once mentioned sea ganoderma in passing, Gorou had immediately rushed out to gather the freshest specimens.
As for Albedo and Yae Miko, their curiosity lay elsewhere—what exactly was this bracelet, and what effects did it possess?
From the live feed, both of them could tell that the weapons Futsu Mitama forged were of extraordinary quality. Elemental weapons were already rare across Teyvat; for a blacksmith to forge them reliably placed Futsu Mitama among the upper echelon of craftsmen on the continent.
Naturally, this made the bracelet—crafted with such clear intent—even more intriguing.
As for the remaining three—Azhdaha, Raiden Makoto, and Zhongli—they were simply three old beings passing the time, quietly enjoying the spectacle.
Watching the live stream, Aila lowered her gaze to the bracelet on her wrist. A faint, inscrutable light flickered in her eyes, and the Vision adorning her headpiece emitted a soft glow.
She seemed to realize something. Without hesitation, Aila gently infused Hydro elemental energy into the bracelet.
A flash of light followed.
The originally earthy-yellow bracelet transformed into a light-blue one.
"Oh?" Cloud Retainer's voice carried clear surprise. "It shifted from Geo to Hydro?"
She studied the bracelet closely, then turned her gaze toward Futsu Mitama. "So you used a basalt pillar."
"This material was precious even in the past, and now it is rarer still. Yet this Adeptus has never seen anyone draw out its potential so thoroughly. Not bad. Your forging skills exceed my expectations. Should you have the time, you may visit this Adeptus again. We can discuss the crafting of certain trinkets."
It was clear that Cloud Retainer's estimation of Futsu Mitama had risen yet again.
The basalt pillar was not unheard of—but most who obtained it failed to truly utilize it. Geo was the most accommodating of the seven elements, capable of bearing all things. A basalt pillar, formed from highly condensed pure Geo, naturally inherited this trait.
In theory, equipment forged from it could house another elemental power. Three elements were theoretically possible—yet in practice, doing so risked catastrophic instability.
What Cloud Retainer had not expected was that Futsu Mitama had successfully created a defensive catalyst capable of housing three elemental powers.
Aila activated the bracelet. A Hydro-elemental shield formed around her, similar to that of an Abyss Mage.
"Next is the defense test," Futsu Mitama said calmly as he stepped back, turning to Kuki Shinobu. "Shinobu, it's up to you."
Among those present, Kuki Shinobu was the weakest. Shenhe was far too strong and lacked restraint. Futsu Mitama himself would never bring his blade against Aila, and Cloud Retainer would not strike her own disciple.
Only Kuki Shinobu fit the role—skilled, controlled, and capable of delivering a measured blow comparable to Aila's own strike against a Primo Geovishap.
"Alright." Kuki Shinobu nodded, drawing her tachi as Electro energy crackled along its blade. The Delusion at her waist glimmered faintly.
In a flash of lightning, she slashed at the Hydro shield.
Sizzle—!
The sound was sharp and grating, yet the Hydro shield remained unchanged.
"Stronger," Aila said calmly. "That wasn't enough."
"Mhm." Kuki Shinobu formed a seal and produced a talisman.
Shenhe and Cloud Retainer both took a second look—this was unmistakably Liyue talisman art.
"Boom—!"
Purple lightning descended from the heavens, striking the shield head-on. The Hydro barrier flickered, turning translucent—on the verge of collapse.
"Not ideal," Kuki Shinobu said, shaking her head. "I can unleash that attack over ten times."
Meaning the Hydro shield could endure, at most, two such strikes.
Aila nodded. She had injected only a small amount of Hydro energy. For the shield to reach this level of defense was already remarkable.
As the bracelet's light faded to pale silver, Aila switched its state once more.
The Hydro shield vanished.
Earthy-yellow light surged forth.
A Geo shield enveloped her—solid, vast, and deeply reassuring. This shield shimmered with starlight, ancient sigils drifting across its surface. It looked immovable.
"This," Cloud Retainer murmured, eyes narrowing slightly. She recognized something—but chose silence.
"Continue?" Kuki Shinobu asked.
Futsu Mitama nodded. His emotions mirrored Cloud Retainer's. This was unmistakably that shield.
The Jade Shield.
The same one that, in another life, had granted him absolute security. Before he had even learned it himself, Zhongli had already woven it into the bracelet.
In the live stream, the two ancient spectators recognized it instantly.
Raiden Makoto: "Hmm? Isn't that Morax's Jade Shield?"
Azhdaha: "You noticed as well?"
Raiden Makoto: "Of course. His defense was absurd even back then. Ei once shattered it—only for it to reappear moments later."
Raiden Makoto: "Her expression that day… unforgettable."
Azhdaha: "If someone invited Morax to spar now, he'd likely agree."
Azhdaha: "Still, I didn't expect the Jade Shield to appear here. @Futsu Mitama—did you meet Morax?"
Zhongli: "@Azhdaha It is merely a spell I recalled. I did not expect it to be tied to Lord Rex Lapis."
Azhdaha: "Oh? Then perhaps it was inherited from that old lineage…"
Raiden Makoto: "Explain."
Azhdaha: "In the past, Morax and the Adeptus passed on their arts to strengthen the Millelith. Many learned fragments—including the Jade Shield."
Azhdaha: "But the lineage eventually broke. I did not expect Mr. Zhongli to still possess it."
Yae Miko: "As expected of Mr. Zhongli—knowing a little of everything."
Zhongli: "You flatter me."
Back in reality, lightning continued to strike the Jade Shield.
It remained flawless.
Kuki Shinobu staggered back, breathing heavily. Nearly sixty percent of her strength—and not a single crack.
"This thing is absurdly tough—"
Shenhe's gaze sharpened. Even she would need effort to break it.
With this bracelet, Aila's weaknesses were gone. High offense. High defense.
If she mastered talisman arts as well—
Then she could bombard from afar, lure enemies forward, draw her blade, enter the Mind's Eye—and end the battle in a single breath.
"Mhm."
Aila dismissed the test. She could feel it—the Geo energy within the bracelet was still abundant, and unlike Hydro, it regenerated slowly over time.
Finally, she shifted the bracelet again.
Purple light bloomed. Divine pressure, faint yet unmistakable, spread through the air.
"Authority?" Cloud Retainer stared at Futsu Mitama. "You tempered this with divine authority?"
The Electro state granted teleportation. With a flash of lightning, Aila vanished—and reappeared behind Futsu Mitama.
Cloud Retainer nodded slowly. "Defense. Escape. Deterrence."
"This catalyst is comprehensive. Now, all that remains… is for you to grow stronger."
She glanced at Futsu Mitama, a rare trace of helplessness in her gaze.
You've given my disciple something this good—
It seems this Adeptus must not fall behind.
Cloud Retainer turned her thoughts inward, already planning a discussion with Mountain Shaper. If her disciple had received such a gift—
Then her master would respond in kind. He was, after all, half of Aila's master as well. Once he learned of this matter, it was impossible for him to remain unmoved.
This catalyst—no matter how it was examined—could be called flawless. Its sole imperfection lay in the absence of offensive capabilities; it offered only defense and retreat.
Yet that was more than sufficient.
After all, the Jade Shield alone was enough to trap ordinary enemies in a futile struggle for half a day, until they faced the unyielding barrier before them and collapsed from sheer exhaustion.
"It can only be used three times." Aila lowered her gaze to the violet bracelet on her wrist and spoke evenly. "Three teleportations. After that, it must be recharged with elemental power. It seems that, aside from Geo, all elements require replenishment."
Like a meticulous examiner, she calmly summarized the bracelet's limitations after completing the tests.
"Mhm." Futsu Mitama nodded. He placed his hand atop the bracelet, channeling Electro energy into it as he spoke in a measured tone. "The core of this bracelet is the basalt pillar. It naturally restores Geo. For the other elements, corresponding elemental power must be supplied. As for the Chakra Desiderata's teleportation—it should have a maximum range of about fifty meters. That's already quite respectable."
Aila nodded in agreement. In combat, fifty meters was more than enough. Even in retreat, after teleporting that distance, she could rely on the Broken Pocket Watch's extreme burst movement to disengage entirely.
She then proceeded to test the bracelet's remaining functions—its innate defense, and whether multiple elemental powers could be used simultaneously.
The final results were clear.
The bracelet's inherent defense was exceedingly strong. With Zhongli personally tempering the auxiliary materials, its defensive potential had been pushed to the utmost.
As for simultaneous elemental use—such as Geo combined with Electro—it was indeed possible, though the cost increased significantly. Three teleportation charges would drop to two.
Moreover, once dual elements were engaged, the bracelet would cease its gradual absorption of ambient Geo energy, losing its sustained recovery effect.
Visually, the bracelet would split into two hues—half earthy yellow, half violet—a minor, optional detail.
Once the testing concluded, Aila lingered for a moment, reluctance flickering in her eyes as she looked at Futsu Mitama. In the end, however, she still followed Cloud Retainer back into the cave abode to continue her adeptal training.
Time was precious now.
She needed to grow stronger—quickly. Otherwise, in the battles to come, she would at best serve as support. That was not what Aila desired.
As Aila disappeared into the cave, Kuki Shinobu spoke with unconcealed envy, "What an incredible magical artifact. I want one too."
Anyone would be tempted. Even setting aside everything else, its defensive power and teleportation alone were enough to stir desire. And truth be told, Kuki Shinobu thought the bracelet itself was beautifully made. As a woman, she couldn't help but want it.
Futsu Mitama closed the group livestream. Hearing her words, he smiled faintly. "When I get my hands on another basalt pillar, I'll make one for you as well—though without Mr. Zhongli's assistance—"
"The results might fall short, but most of the effects should be similar to Aila's bracelet."
To be honest, he felt a twinge of guilt toward Kuki Shinobu. She had followed him all the way from Inazuma to Liyue, yet gained very little in return.
Aila had received the Talisman of Everlasting Morality from Zhongli, become an adeptus's disciple, and now possessed a priceless catalyst that greatly enhanced her strength.
Futsu Mitama himself had obtained vast materials from the Primo Geovishap, stood to receive one hundred million mora, and learned Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine from Zhongli.
And Kuki Shinobu?
Her gains in Liyue amounted to little more than a special kamera from Cloud Retainer.
Thus, Futsu Mitama promised her that if he acquired another basalt pillar—or something similar—he would forge a magical artifact for her as well.
"Oh?" Kuki Shinobu raised an eyebrow. She wasn't shy about it; she could clearly sense that Futsu Mitama felt she had been shortchanged and wanted to make amends.
She waved a hand, took a seat on a nearby stone chair, and looked at him with a relaxed smile. "No need. Honestly, just experiencing all of this is more than enough for me."
"If not for you, I'd probably still be buried in trivial affairs within the Arataki Gang. That life might suit me, but from a personal standpoint—"
"By your side, my value is amplified endlessly—confirming contracts, deciphering Abyssal language, witnessing Primo Geovishaps, visiting the Jade Chamber, meeting the Adeptus."
As she spoke, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and chuckled softly. "That alone is enough to make the Kamisato Clan's young lady, Watatsumi Island's Divine Priestess, and even that Guuji feel envious."
She didn't mention Albedo.
Ever since leaving Inazuma, he had been "on his way"—yet he still hadn't arrived. Given the distance between Mondstadt and Liyue, such a delay suggested he had been held up by something along the road.
"So they say—" Futsu Mitama gazed into the distance, his expression faintly complicated. Kuki Shinobu had given much and received little. He couldn't help but feel apologetic.
"It's fine." She spoke lightly. "If you really feel bad, then just take me to see more things. Let me learn more, experience more."
She had never cared about guaranteed returns. If effort demanded recompense, why would she have joined the Arataki Gang in the first place?
What mattered was whether her abilities could be put to use. Being unable to do so—that was what truly frustrated her.
Nearby, Shenhe silently ate a sunsettia. As she listened to their conversation, a strange glimmer passed through her eyes.
Time flowed on, and night gradually fell.
When darkness settled in, Cloud Retainer emerged. This was the first time she had left her cave abode of her own accord, without being summoned.
"It is the hour of Chen. We depart now."
Her calm gaze swept over Futsu Mitama and Shenhe. "You two—come. We go to deal with the Primo Geovishap."
As she spoke, a gentle breeze stirred, and three talismans drifted through the air, landing before Kuki Shinobu. Kuki Shinobu blinked in surprise. She had already prepared herself to spend the night alone on Mt. Aocang.
Did Cloud Retainer have another task for her?
She took the talismans in hand.
Cloud Retainer explained evenly, "This adeptus will take Futsu Mitama and Shenhe to hunt the Primo Geovishap. You are to remain vigilant here. Aila must not be disturbed."
"The blue talisman contains a single strike from this adeptus. The yellow one is for your own defense. The white talisman is to notify this adeptus should anything occur on Mt. Aocang."
She paused, pride flickering in her tone. "This adeptus has already laid numerous defensive arrays across the mountain. Ordinary intruders will be detected and expelled. But should someone attempt to force their way in, the lethal arrays will activate. You will sense it. Use the white talisman immediately."
Her caution was evident.
After Aila's earlier communication, the opposing party now knew she was alive—and where she was. As two beings tied across worlds, Aila could sense the other's approach, slow yet relentless.
Cloud Retainer had no doubt that the mastermind behind it all was aware as well. For her disciple's sake, she would not allow even the smallest oversight.
"Understood." Kuki Shinobu nodded, carefully stowing the talismans. She glanced toward the cave abode. "Why can't Aila be disturbed right now?"
Futsu Mitama and Shenhe shared the same question.
"Her state of mind is transforming," Cloud Retainer replied calmly. "Her unique Mind's Eye has reached its threshold. She is breaking through."
"Even with the aid of Tranquil Incense, for such a transformation to occur within mere days exceeds this adeptus's expectations. If she succeeds, then regardless of what she studies henceforth, she will achieve twice the result with half the effort. A rare blessing indeed."
With that, she spread her wings. "Enough. You two, come."
"Once the Geovishap is dealt with, this adeptus has no intention of leaving Mt. Aocang again."
Futsu Mitama and Shenhe nodded and mounted her back. With a single powerful beat of her wings, Cloud Retainer soared skyward, vanishing into the night in moments.
Left behind, Kuki Shinobu withdrew the three talismans once more, a thoughtful light in her eyes as she studied them. Inazuma's Talisman Arts and Liyue's shared the same origin—one the student, the other the master.
Perhaps—there was something here she could learn.
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