Cloud Retainer's voice was unusually grave, stripped of its usual leisurely cadence, as though she had encountered something urgent and deeply troubling.
The moment those words echoed from within the abode, Futsu Mitama's expression tightened, unmistakable worry flashing across his face. Shenhe, by contrast, showed no hesitation. Without a word, she turned and walked straight toward the Adeptus abode.
Futsu Mitama followed immediately.
The two entered the cave dwelling in quick succession.
Left outside, Keqing stood rooted in place, momentarily at a loss. She did not understand what had happened—but she understood enough. Since the day she had met Futsu Mitama, she had never once seen him show concern so plainly.
Primo Geovishaps, the possibility of Azhdaha's seal weakening, the Abyss Order's schemes, even the pressure exerted by the Fatui—none of these had ever shaken his composure. He had always appeared calm, assured, as though every problem lay within his ability to resolve. Yet now, that calm had cracked.
Only one explanation fit. Something had happened to the person he cared about most.
"It's Aila."
Kuki Shinobu spoke quietly, glancing at Keqing.
"She became Cloud Retainer's disciple and has been studying Adeptus arts these past few days. However, the technique she is currently cultivating is not from any orthodox lineage—it's a secret method she created herself."
She paused, choosing her words carefully.
"Aila named it Mirrors Reflection of Tranquility. In simple terms, it is a state where essence, spirit, and vitality are brought to absolute stillness—like an unbroken water surface. Within that state, her entire strength is compressed to its extreme."
Kuki Shinobu's gaze darkened slightly.
"Every strike becomes a killing blow. But the cost is severe. After at most three moves, she will be completely exhausted."
She continued, her voice steady.
"The technique is too extreme, so she has been attempting to refine it. That refinement led to a breakthrough in her Mind's Eye."
"According to the Adeptus, if her Mind's Eye stabilizes successfully, then everything she learns afterward—including Mirrors Reflection of Tranquility—will advance at twice the normal rate."
She fell silent, eyes fixed on the cave dwelling.
Aila's talent was undeniable.
In Inazuma, Yae Miko had taken notice of her early on. Kujou Sara had privately remarked more than once on the extraordinary potential of both Futsu Mitama and Aila.
Even within the Chat Group, Raiden Makoto, Azhdaha, and Zhongli had given her the same evaluation:
An Adeptus's bearing within a human body.
Given time, her strength might one day rival Cloud Retainer herself. And yet—
Hadn't Cloud Retainer said it was impossible for anything to go wrong? With such talent, such willpower, what inner demon could possibly bar her path?
"Did something happen?" Keqing asked softly.
She, too, looked toward the cave dwelling, concern evident in her eyes. She had only met Aila twice, yet the impression left behind was deep. She remembered the girl's quiet smile when she stood beside Futsu Mitama in Liyue Harbor.
An Adeptus Disciple. A future protector of Liyue.
For both personal and public reasons, Keqing sincerely hoped she was safe.
The interior of Cloud Retainer's abode was not labyrinthine. According to Shenhe, the danger lay not in its layout but in the myriad experimental mechanisms her master had installed—most harmless, some…less so.
The Guizhong Ballista, the most dangerous of them all, lay sealed at the summit of Mt. Aocang. Without Adeptus power to activate it, it posed no threat.
Guided by Shenhe, Futsu Mitama soon reached Aila's secluded training chamber.
Cloud Retainer was already there.
A faint golden radiance emanated from her form, flowing steadily into Aila. Gentle currents of golden wind encircled the girl, stabilizing her body.
Aila had changed.
Her features appeared younger, her previously full figure subtly diminished. Her snow-white hair had turned half black, as though stained by shadow.
"This—"
Futsu Mitama recalled Cloud Retainer's earlier words.
After treatment, her appearance and temperament may change slightly.
But this—was far beyond what he had imagined.
Worry clenched his chest.
Cloud Retainer was actively channeling Adeptus power—clear proof that this development had not been anticipated even by her.
"It is that "one"," Cloud Retainer said swiftly. "She and Aila were once one and the same. Even across an unknown distance, she can still interfere."
She did not pause.
"She has already invaded Aila's Mind's Eye and begun to disrupt it. This is an Archon-level method." Her voice turned colder. "This Adeptus does not know why "she" possesses such power. But having lived as long as I have, I too wield methods passed down from the gods."
She turned to them sharply.
"Shenhe. Futsu Mitama. I will forcibly send you both into Aila's Mind's Eye. You must find the real Aila and fight alongside her. Do not face that individual alone. A battle within the Mind's Eye is exceedingly complex. I have never experienced one myself—only heard Lord Rex Lapis speak of it in passing."
"Be careful."
Shenhe responded without hesitation. "I understand."
Futsu Mitama nodded solemnly. "Please wait. I need a moment."
At once, he activated the Chat Group.
[Futsu Mitama]: "@Azhdaha @Raiden Makoto @Yae Miko @Zhongli Help! Something happened to Aila!"
[Azhdaha]: "What happened?!"
[Raiden Makoto]: "What?! Something happened to my Inazuman citizen?!"
[Yae Miko]: "Something happened to the next Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine?"
[Zhongli]: "A failed Mind's Eye breakthrough?"
[Azhdaha]: "Watch your words. She's an Adeptus Disciple of Liyue."
[Raiden Makoto]: "She has household registration in Inazuma."
[Yae Miko]: "And wore shrine maiden attire. Sounds convincing to me."
[Azhdaha]: "You're going too far."
Futsu Mitama ignored the argument and explained the situation.
[Futsu Mitama]: "Another consciousness intruded during her Mind's Eye breakthrough. Cloud Retainer says it's an Archon's method."
[Futsu Mitama]: "We're being sent into her Mind's Eye. What should we watch out for?"
This time, the replies were serious.
[Raiden Makoto]: "The Mind's Eye resembles a personal consciousness domain. A battle there reshapes the self. Two consciousnesses, born of the same origin, can overwrite one another."
[Futsu Mitama]: "That explains the physical changes."
[Zhongli]: "You may proceed without fear."
[Azhdaha]: "Cloud Retainer will not let harm befall her disciple."
Reassured, Futsu Mitama exhaled slowly. He straightened.
"I'm ready."
Cloud Retainer nodded in approval. She produced two talismans.
"Affix these to your foreheads."
As golden light surged, the talismans ignited.
In the next instant, Futsu Mitama's vision went black. His consciousness was pulled away.
———
In the Plane of Euthymia, Raiden Ei opened her eyes.
She felt it.
Without hesitation, she vanished in a bolt of lightning.
———
In Liyue, Zhongli gazed toward Mt. Aocang.
Then, with a deep rumble, the golden dragon rose into the sky.
Across the land, Adeptus stirred—until Morax's voice rang out.
"I will act."
Silence followed.
———
Within the cave, Cloud Retainer's breath trembled slightly.
She had not expected the Lord of Geo himself to intervene.
But—she was grateful.
This sight made Cloud Retainer turn her gaze toward Aila, unable to suppress a soft sigh. Though her fate had been stolen away, she still carried an air of immense fortune and innate nobility—unchanged, unbroken.
A strand of golden radiance descended from the heavens, piercing through the layers of formations Cloud Retainer had meticulously laid down, and surged directly into Aila's body.
—
Within Aila's consciousness, night reigned.
Snow fell heavily from an ink-dark sky, blanketing the land in silence. The surrounding structures bore unmistakable Inazuman architecture—rooftops and corridors half-buried beneath frost, frozen in a timeless stillness.
"Clang—!!"
Aila braced herself, gripping her Hydro-infused tachi with one hand as she intercepted the oncoming strike. The impact sent a tremor through her arm, her expression darkening.
She was at her limit.
Less than ten minutes had passed. Even with the Mirrors Reflection of Tranquility fully activated, defeat loomed unmistakably close. The opponent before her was overwhelming—vastly, terrifyingly stronger.
"Why do you resist?"
The woman standing opposite her spoke without emotion. Scarlet eyes reflected Aila's strained form as she continued coldly, "We were one to begin with. I am stronger than you. Therefore, you should submit."
She was Black Aila. She possessed Aila's childhood memories, her stolen fate, and an appearance nearly indistinguishable from her own. If any difference existed, it was this—
Aila's hair flowed long and pale as falling snow, while the other's black hair cascaded freely down her back.
Aila's figure was full and developed, while the other's was flat and unremarkable, austere as a shrine maiden—almost saintly, reminiscent of Hu Tao.
Two identical origins. Two divergent paths.
"…"
Aila remained silent.
She could already feel it—her Master had noticed the abnormality. If nothing unforeseen occurred, the Young Master and Shenhe would soon enter this space as well. If the three of them joined forces, victory might still be possible.
"Whoosh—!!"
Before the thought could fully settle, a black shadow burst forth from behind "herself", moving like an octopus's tentacle.
It's here.
Aila's heart clenched. After more than ten minutes of combat, she understood all too well how terrifying her opponent truly was.
In direct confrontation, the exchange between herself and herclone had been evenly matched. Aila had crossed blades with Harbingers such as Signora and Tartaglia. She had even sparred with the Raiden Shogun within Raiden Style · Martial Arts.
Her raw strength might have been slightly inferior, but her combat instinct was anything but lacking.
Yet she had still been driven to defeat.
The reason was simple—her opponent's methods were abnormal.
This sudden, writhing black shadow was one such method.
"Flash · Slash!"
Aila swung her tachi with full force. Hydro energy surged violently from the blade, erupting like a wash of flowing ink, severing the shadow cleanly.
In the next instant, Aila pressed the shattered pocket watch at her waist. Her figure vanished. Reappearing mid-charge, tachi in hand, she lunged toward her clone, intent on killing her outright. But even with that instantaneous displacement—
She was blocked.
More black shadows surged forth, tentacle-like limbs wrapping around Aila's arms and legs, restraining her completely.
Scarlet eyes fixed upon Aila's defiant face as her clone spoke calmly, "Useless. You and I are one. You are me, and I am you. This is our world."
"I don't know why you survived—but that is a good thing. I am incomplete. You are incomplete. As long as we become one, we will wield far greater power."
"Do not refuse. Do not resist. My power will belong to you—and everything you are—I will accept it all."
"Including that Young Master."
When she spoke of him, a faint smile surfaced upon her lips. During her invasion of Aila's consciousness, she had learned everything—every memory since the loss of her past.
Warmth.
A warmth she herself had never possessed.
Yet she felt no jealousy.
Because once they merged, that warmth would be hers as well.
She was Aila. She had every right to experience everything her other half had lived through.
"Come," she said softly. "Let us become one."
She stepped closer.
As the distance closed, the Inazuman structures dissolved, replaced by a vast snowfield beneath endless snowfall.
Success was within reach.
The warmth she sought. The missing fragment. The emptiness that had haunted her heart—
All of it was about to be filled.
Aila struggled desperately.
It was futile.
Her bracelet and weapon were absent in this space—had they been present, she could have broken free instantly.
"Boom—!!!"
Thunder roared. A colossal Electro eye unfurled across the sky of the mental world.
"Hm?"
Black Aila looked upward, scarlet gaze reflecting the storm. "The Young Master is arriving."
"He's my Young Master!" Aila snarled, fury blazing in her eyes. "He has nothing to do with you!"
"He is yours—and he is mine," Black Aila replied serenely. Our bond surpasses that of mere twins."
She tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. "But why do you reject me so deeply?"
"Do you know how happy I was when I learned you lived? We are both flawed. Our hearts are both missing something."
"I am different from you." Aila's voice was unwavering. "My heart is not empty."
Her existence had a singular purpose.
To serve Futsu Mitama.
For the Young Master, she would do anything.
"Your heart may not be empty," Black Aila said quietly. "But that emotion will become mine."
She moved. Her pale hand stretched forward, turning pitch black in an instant as scarlet light flared from her pupils.
Aila resisted with everything she had.
It was meaningless.
"Now—annihilation."
A male voice cut through the void.
A blade of violet lightning cleaved downward from the heavens, severing Black Aila arm and obliterating the shadowy restraints in a single strike.
Aila tore herself free and retreated, relief flooding her chest. She had been saved—just in time.
Futsu Mitama descended from above, Musou Isshin dim in his grasp.
Guided by Yae Miko's hint, he had invoked the Authority of the Electro Archon, forcing his way into the mental world.
Shenhe would follow shortly—less than half a minute away.
This sensation—
It was identical to being dragged into the Plane of Euthymia.
Raiden Makoto's hypothesis had been correct. Aila's mental world was a low-grade consciousness space. Through Cloud Retainer's adeptal arts and the Archon's authority, Futsu Mitama had arrived ahead of the others.
This was no game of pursuit.
Aila had been pushed to the brink of defeat.
Fortunately—he had arrived.
"Young Master."
Aila gazed at his back, gratitude filling her heart. Whenever danger arose, he always appeared first.
"Hm. I'm here." Futsu Mitama nodded slightly.
Before him stood a black-haired, flat-chested version of Aila. Strangely enough—both were wearing maid outfits.
"Young Master." Black Aila bowed politely. "Would you mind stepping aside? I have no intention of harming you. But if I cannot merge with her, then I cannot serve you."
Her words were so natural that, for a fleeting moment, Futsu Mitama almost mistook her for Aila herself.
No wonder Cloud Retainer had warned him—to strike first and observe.
"Sorry," Futsu Mitama replied evenly. "I can't allow that."
He needed time.
So did Aila.
Aila lacked the bracelet and the forged tachi—only her Vision, pocket watch, and maid uniform had manifested here. Not everything could be brought into the mental world. This realization etched itself into Futsu Mitama's thoughts.
"Is that so?" She offered no argument. "In your eyes, she matters more than me—even though we are the same. Otherwise, I wouldn't have entered her mental world from such a distance."
"Forgive me," she said calmly. "But now—I must offend."
Black shadows erupted from her back, surging toward Futsu Mitama.
Time was short. This was not her domain—she relied on sheer will and power to dominate it.
Her objective was singular.
Consume the Merge with Aila.
Become whole. Not an empty shell wandering Teyvat.
"As expected."
Seeing her attack, Futsu Mitama abandoned all delay. Purple lightning flared as he forcibly condensed Musou Isshin.
"Crack!"
The blade shattered instantly. The black shadows surged on unabated. Futsu Mitama retreated instinctively, attempting to activate Chakra Desiderata—
It failed.
Space itself seemed nonexistent. Even within the Plane of Euthymia, it had never failed him.
Now—
He was bound. Only then did he fully understand Cloud Retainer's warning. This place was terrifying.
"I've seen her memories," Black Aila said, approaching slowly. "You occupy ninety percent of them. She knows your strength. Your movements."
"Outside, you'd be difficult to handle. But here—one mistake is enough."
She turned her gaze to Aila. Aila showed no fear. She knew—he would not be harmed.
"Next," Black Ailasaid softly, "is you."
Her calm words fell short.
"Whoosh—!!"
A talisman flew.
"Bang!"
Ice exploded outward, freezing the black shadows binding Futsu Mitama. He tore himself free as the restraints shattered.
"Shenhe. Adeptus Disciple." Black Aila regarded them both calmly. "You are very strong."
"Demon God Remnants—"
Shenhe fixed her gaze upon the dark mass looming behind Black Aila, her brows knitting slightly.
"No…it doesn't quite match. There's something else mixed within it."
She studied the distorted aura carefully, her expression growing solemn. "What is this power? It's strange—unnatural. It doesn't feel like something that belongs to this world."
As an Adeptus Disciple, Shenhe's breadth of knowledge far surpassed that of both Futsu Mitama and Aila.
She could sense it clearly. The power radiating from Black Aila resembled Demon God Remnants—but only in part. Interwoven within it was another presence, obscure and alien. Something akin to the Abyss.
What was happening?
Unable to make sense of it, Shenhe tightened her grip on the calamity queller. Unlike the others, she had brought her weapon into this space.
"It is power from this world," Black Aila replied calmly, turning her gaze toward Shenhe. "You simply do not recognize it."
"If it were not a power system native to this world," she continued evenly, "those people would never have experimented on me."
The moment her words ended, her figure vanished. In the next instant, she reappeared behind Shenhe.
Her voice remained placid as she asked, "So—can you step aside?"
The question was gentle. The attack was not.
Dark shadow tentacles lashed out violently, tearing through the air toward Shenhe.
Fast—far too fast.
Futsu Mitama's eyes narrowed sharply. This time, the shadows were different. Within their writhing forms flowed faint, distorted symbols—characters that were obscure, incomprehensible, and utterly alien. And the power they carried—
It was on an entirely different level from the attacks she had used against him or Aila.
Evidently, Black Aila was furious. She could tolerate Aila—after all, the other was her other half. Striking Aila was no different from striking herself.
She could tolerate Futsu Mitama—he was the one who filled the emptiness within her counterpart. Through stolen memories, she had felt warmth. Once she became Aila completely, she intended to serve him for life.
But Shenhe? Who was she to interfere?
Driven by such emotion, Black Aila unleashed her power without restraint.
Shenhe sensed the hostility immediately. At such close range, fear never crossed her face. Instead, she calmly drew out a talisman. An ice puppet manifested before her, extending its arms to intercept the incoming shadows.
"Bang!"
To everyone's astonishment, the ice puppet shattered completely.
Futsu Mitama's pupils shrank.
Even a Primo Geovishap tainted by Demon God Remnants had only managed to slightly disperse the puppet's body with a full-force stomp. Yet this—
It had been blown apart outright. How terrifying was this power?
Even Shenhe herself had not anticipated the talisman spirit's destruction. But in the next moment, she understood. It was not that Black Aila was overwhelmingly strong—
It was that she wielded too much authority within this space. Here, the power Shenhe and the others could exert was inherently inferior. They were at a fundamental disadvantage. Within this realm, although Black Aila was not a god—
She wielded power comparable to one.
This realization was troubling. God-level combat strength was not something easily confronted. Even her own master had only ever said she might contend with certain weaker gods.
But now?
Even a weaker god was beyond what the three of them could manage. Unless—
Archon level himself descended.
Trouble.
The thought crossed Shenhe's mind, but her grip on the calamity queller only tightened. There was no retreat. The distance was too close—there was no time to draw another talisman. She could only rely on her physical body to withstand the blow.
"Immovable!"
A voice rang out. Futsu Mitama thrust both hands forward.
An earthen-yellow stone pillar erupted before Shenhe, and a Geo shield inscribed with ancient sigils enveloped her—solid, unyielding.
"Bang—!!!"
The pillar shattered. Shenhe was forced back several steps, but she remained unharmed, the Jade Shield absorbing the impact entirely. Without hesitation, Shenhe surged forward, calamity queller in hand, thrusting fiercely toward Black Aila in a sudden counterattack, hoping to seize the fleeting opening.
The strike missed.
Black Aila had vanished once more. She reappeared atop a nearby Inazuman eave, crimson eyes reflecting Futsu Mitama's figure below.
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