Chapter 11. Arrived in Liyue
At the bow of the Alcor, Futsu Mitama and Aila stood side by side, facing the vast sea. The full moon hung quietly above the horizon, its light scattered across the water, while the cool sea breeze brushed past them, carrying away the lingering scent of wine.
The wind dispersed some of the alcohol in Futsu Mitama's body, clearing his mind slightly. Even so, after drinking so much, a faint sense of intoxication still remained.
"After leaving Inazuma, can you feel her presence?" he asked.
Aila understood immediately who he meant.
Back in Inazuma, there had been a day when she suddenly could no longer clearly sense Black Aila. At best, she could vaguely tell that the other was still alive—but that something was wrong.
Distance, interference, or something else entirely—there had been no way to confirm.
Now that they had left Inazuma, Futsu Mitama hoped the situation might have changed.
Aila remained silent for a moment, then shook her head.
She still could not feel her.
Futsu Mitama let out a quiet sigh. "This is getting troublesome."
The connection between Aila and Black Aila was unlike anything ordinary. They were fundamentally one existence. No matter where they were—even within the Abyss—they should have been able to sense each other.
That was why Black Aila had once said that escape was meaningless. No matter how far they went, they would eventually merge.
And yet now—
That connection had become blurred.
Aside from knowing that the other was still alive, there was nothing else. It was as if she had disappeared into another world.
Aila said nothing. She simply looked out at the sea, her expression calm. If anything, she hoped the delay would last a little longer. Because she knew very clearly—
She was not yet a match for that other self.
Even now, despite also possessing fragmented authority, there was a fundamental difference. For Aila, it was newly acquired power, still unfamiliar. For Black Aila, it was something she had long since mastered.
Their starting points had never been the same.
Aila's days had been spent beside Futsu Mitama, her life peaceful, training only part of it. Black Aila, on the other hand, had fought constantly—against Fatui elites, against Harbingers, against the Abyss itself.
Her experience had already reached a limit.
And now, Aila could feel that same limit approaching.
Since reaching the adeptus level, her growth had slowed. Her strength still increased, but far more gradually, as if she had reached the end of a path.
At that moment, she finally understood.
Why Black Aila had waited.
Once both sides reached this stage, the only way forward was to become complete.
"Forget it," Futsu Mitama said after a moment, stretching slightly. "It's late. Let's rest."
There was no point lingering on the matter tonight. Once they reached Liyue, he would find Tartaglia and get answers. If even the Fatui did not know—then he would turn to other methods.
The adeptus of Liyue were not only powerful, but also possessed abilities like foresight.
"Okay, Young Master," Aila replied softly.
The two returned to their rooms.
Elsewhere, Kuki Shinobu, Shenhe, and Sangonomiya Kokomi also prepared to rest. Though they could easily go days without sleep, there was no need to do so.
The night passed quietly.
—
By the time morning came, it was already close to noon.
Beidou woke up and immediately realized what had happened.
She had lost again.
Without hesitation, she declared that she would continue training her alcohol tolerance.
Next time—she would definitely win.
Futsu Mitama only smiled and agreed.
Beidou, however, had gained more than just experience. After drinking so much Narukami sake, her physique and elemental control had improved noticeably. Wasting such momentum would be a shame.
She picked up her greatsword and turned toward Aila. "Come, let's spar."
Aila did not refuse.
She needed it.
Facing Shenhe was too difficult. Facing her Young Master was even more so. As for Kuki Shinobu, the gap was too large in the opposite direction.
Only Beidou—was just quite right.
The two stepped onto the open sea and began their battle.
Futsu Mitama and the others watched from the deck as the crew cheered loudly.
The fight was intense.
Aila used everything at her disposal—Mirrors Reflection of Tranquility, fragmented authority, various techniques.
None of it broke Beidou's defense. Every attack was either blocked or redirected even parried.
Only then did Aila realize—her earlier thoughts had been naive. Back when she first left Inazuma, she had thought that if even someone like Beidou was this strong, then the outside world must be terrifying.
Now she understood.
Beidou was not ordinary. Even within Liyue, she would stand among the strongest. If one excluded the adeptus—she would undoubtedly rank near the very top.
Only someone like Shenhe could surpass her.
By the time the battle ended, neither side had gained a decisive advantage.
It was a draw.
Returning to the deck, Beidou laughed heartily. "You've really grown."
There was genuine emotion in her voice. The girl she had once guided had now become someone capable of standing on equal footing.
Aila nodded slightly, her respect unchanged. This was not something that could be repaid with words.
Beidou waved it off. "Come again next time."
"I'll trouble you again," Aila replied.
Soon, it was time for lunch. The meal that day came from an unfortunate sea beast that had wandered too close during their battle.
It had met its end very quickly.
Over the next few days, the journey continued peacefully. Aila and Beidou sparred repeatedly, both making steady progress under the constant pressure.
By the fourth day, the voyage was nearing its end.
Beidou looked toward the familiar coastline in the distance and sighed. "Not as fast this time."
"Four days is already fast," Futsu Mitama replied.
Beidou laughed. "Faster is always better."
Then she raised her hand, pointing ahead. In the distance, the outlines of buildings gradually came into view.
"Everyone," she said with a grin, "welcome back to Liyue Harbor."
Turning to Sangonomiya Kokomi, she added, "First time here? Want me to get you a guide?"
Kokomi shook her head gently, a soft smile on her face. "No need. I'll just follow Futsu Mitama. Wherever he goes, I'll go."
Following Futsu Mitama, Sangonomiya Kokomi was certain she would witness many interesting things.
Albedo had once thought the same, yet his trip to Liyue had been interrupted by Klee, causing him to miss much of the excitement. Kokomi had no intention of repeating that mistake. Before returning to Inazuma, she would stay by Futsu Mitama's side and see everything for herself.
"Oh~"
Beidou cast him a meaningful glance, the corners of her lips curling upward as she teased, "Honestly, Mitama no Anchan, being so fickle isn't a good thing. You should exercise some restraint."
"… "
Futsu Mitama said nothing, only giving her a sidelong glance.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop." Beidou laughed lightly, then turned her gaze toward the bustling harbor ahead. "The Qixing are already waiting for you. Compared to your last visit—sneaking in without a word—this time the reception is completely different."
The Alcor was already close enough that everyone could clearly see the scene at Liyue Harbor. Rows of Millelith stood stationed at the port, maintaining order, while three familiar figures waited at the forefront.
Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu.
Two members of the Liyue Qixing, and the secretary who stood closest to them—such a reception was already more than enough to show the importance of this visit.
The difference from last time was obvious.
When Futsu Mitama first arrived in Liyue, his identity had only been suspected—that of a retainer of the Raiden Shogun. It was only after his direct confrontation with a Primo Geovishap that Liyue truly confirmed it.
Now, however, everything had changed.
With the Sakoku Decree lifted and the announcements from the Three Commissions, his identity had shifted completely—from a mere retainer to the acknowledged successor of the next Raiden Shogun.
Naturally, his status had risen accordingly.
Thus, upon learning of his arrival, Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu had personally come to receive him.
Looking at the familiar harbor drawing closer, Futsu Mitama let out a quiet sigh.
"Liyue Harbor…I'm back."
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