With two fresh Yakshas joining the fray, the pressure on Bosacius eased considerably.
Against the now-exhausted Osial, the Great Marshal finally got to experience the thrill of beating down a god. Even if the cost had been steep.
Still, in the end, both of his little sisters had to join the fight anyway. Perhaps it was a sign that they still had room to grow.
But there was no time to dwell on that. As long as they kept the battle stable and avoided mistakes and surprises, victory was within reach.
The dramatic twist from the movies never came. With one final shot from the fully charged Guizhong Ballistas, the serpent god, freed by the Fatui Harbinger, fell once more in defeat.
As Osial collapsed, the already turbulent sea erupted into massive waves.
The idle merchant and fishing vessels bore the brunt of the damage, many of them sinking beneath the waves—a heavy loss. Still, the sturdier ships managed to survive.
The darkened sky began to clear. Sunlight returned to Liyue Harbor, and the relentless rain slowly faded.
The Fatui who had come to destroy the Guizhong Ballistas retreated, leaving behind only their dead.
The grueling battle was finally won. Both adepti and mortals breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Even without Rex Lapis's protection, they had managed to fight such a foe.
But winning the battle was one thing. Returning Osial to his seal was another.
Even the best story needs a proper ending.
The three adepti descended from the Guizhong Ballistas. They glanced down at the sea below, then leaped into the air.
They walked across the sky, flying straight toward where Osial had fallen.
Once they reached the exact spot, the three adepti positioned themselves in a triangle formation.
In the next moment, they shifted into human form, chanting incantations and forming hand seals.
Suddenly, a massive, box-like object appeared in the center of their formation. It was beautiful, covered in strange, intricate patterns.
This was the "Banji Box," a creation Cloud Retainer had designed centuries ago, inspired by Rex Lapis himself.
No one had expected to use it again. It was a rare occasion.
Using it to seal a full-powered god was out of the question, but against the current Osial, it would just barely suffice.
Soon, the Banji Box emitted a blinding golden light, shining down upon the sea like a sacred relic passing judgment.
Bonanus noted that this was something she had never seen in the game. Another butterfly effect.
Looking at the intact Jade Chamber, then at the bodies, severed limbs, and wounded soldiers scattered across the platform, she frowned.
This was the real world. miHoYo's game would never show such a gruesome scene.
Still, she wasn't too bothered. Casualties were inevitable in battle. No victory came without bloodshed.
And this wasn't her concern. How the Qixing handled it was their problem.
Bonanus didn't flinch at the sight of the bodies. She had seen plenty of monsters bleed before, even if monsters and humans were different.
She shook her head and walked over to Bosacius. She steadied the swaying giant, her voice filled with concern.
"Big Brother Bosacius, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Nothing serious. Just exhausted." Bosacius shook his head tiredly. Compared to him, Menogias and Alatus had it worse.
He looked at his little sister supporting him. He felt a warmth in his chest.
But then again, maybe it was because she was so short that her support barely made a difference.
Not that it mattered. At least his little sister cared.
With Bonanus's help, Bosacius made his way back to the harbor. The moment they arrived, Indarias, who had been waiting, called out to him.
"Hey, Bosacius, I'm not listening to you next time. We should have fought together. But no, you had to keep us on the Jade Chamber. Now Menogias and Alatus are hurt."
Hearing that, Bosacius's brow furrowed. "How bad is it?"
Indarias's expression dimmed. "Alatus's condition isn't good. I don't even know how he survived, but he's stable now."
"Menogias is suffering from backlash. He's been treated. He should recover in a few days."
Guilt washed over Bosacius. He really was a terrible big brother.
The atmosphere grew heavy and oppressive. Seeing that, Bonanus quickly spoke up.
"At least we're all still here. With proper care and rest, they'll recover. And there's still so much we need to do."
Hearing that, Indarias and Bosacius both sighed. She was right. At least things hadn't taken the worst turn.
"I need to sit down..." Bosacius rubbed his dizzy head and sat on the ground, catching his breath.
"Your energy's been unstable for a while. You're always forcing yourself." Indarias crossed her arms, still clearly annoyed.
Bosacius didn't respond. He knew that if he did, Indarias would only get angrier. Sometimes silence was the wisest choice.
"Big Brother Bosacius, do you want to move somewhere else? This isn't a good spot." Bonanus tilted her head, looking at him sitting on the wet ground.
Why not go to the Jade Chamber's medical ward? She wanted to check on Alatus too. The system's medicine should keep him stable, but she was still worried.
"Bonanus, leave him alone. Ganyu is already checking on Alatus and Menogias. We're the only ones left who can move right now. Let's go handle things with the Qixing first, then check on them."
With that, Indarias grabbed Bonanus's hand and pulled her away.
...
After sealing Osial back with the Banji Box, the three adepti returned to Liyue Harbor and began a second round of negotiations with the Qixing.
Bonanus and Indarias joined them, standing quietly and listening.
"Hmph. If not for us adepti, Liyue would have been destroyed by your hands." Cloud Retainer said coldly.
"That wouldn't have happened. The Jade Chamber is Liyue's final line of defense. If needed, I would have dropped it on Osial." Ningguang replied calmly.
"Stubborn. That Jade Chamber cost you a fortune. Are you sure you'd be willing to sacrifice it?" Cloud Retainer pressed.
"Material wealth is nothing. If it protects Liyue, so be it. I built one Jade Chamber; I can build another."
"Don't underestimate its power." Ningguang responded without hesitation.
Just as the two sides reached an impasse, Bonanus stepped forward.
"Everyone, may I say something?"
All eyes turned to her. No one spoke. It was clear that both the Qixing and the adepti needed someone to break the deadlock.
Whether this led to new conflict or ushered in the age of humanity would all depend on what Bonanus said next.