"There's no need to worry about that. The sealing device was built by humans. It isn't some divine artifact, so it can't stop us," Ei said calmly, shaking her head.
Lightning flickered around the three of them. Venti patted Tartaglia on the shoulder and grinned.
"Fatui man, stick with me. I'll get you inside."
As soon as he finished speaking, different lights wrapped around each of them. Then the five passed straight through the mechanism sealing the Water from the Primordial Sea and entered the Primordial Sea itself.
A vast world of pink and blue unfolded before them.
In the distance, a massive crystalline whale swam through a medium that seemed neither air nor water.
"So that's the star-devouring whale..." Venti said softly as he watched it glide through the strange world before them. "A creature capable of devouring a planet's life force. It really is something from beyond Teyvat."
Ei drew Musou Isshin while the Shogun raised her naginata. The two shot toward the whale from opposite directions like streaks of lightning, and the battle erupted instantly.
Makoto calmly found a suitable place to stand and observed the fight.
Venti continued, "This whale itself isn't especially powerful. It's just absorbed far too much Water from the Primordial Sea. In Lora's words, its health bar is ridiculously thick, so it won't die easily. That means we'll need your help finding its weak point."
The moment he finished speaking, Venti grabbed Tartaglia by the shoulder with the wind and hurled him directly toward the whale.
"Wait, watch it—!" Tartaglia shouted in alarm when a bolt of lightning suddenly flashed in front of him midair. He had no intention of getting taken out by his own side before even doing anything.
Fortunately, the lightning merely streaked past him.
The Shogun glanced at him and said coolly, "I know what I'm doing, kid."
Tartaglia: "..."
Right. Of course. You're a god. Whatever you say goes.
Once the battle within the Primordial Sea began, Lora immediately sensed the abnormal fluctuations spreading through the Water from the Primordial Sea.
When it came to controlling and perceiving the Primordial Sea, Neuvillette was still far inferior to her.
"They've gone in."
Lora let out a quiet sigh. She stood, walked to the window, and gazed out over the Court of Fontaine.
"Fate has already begun to shift. This final trial is one I personally set into motion."
Chaya looked at Lora's back as she stood by the window.
"Based on your judgment, that whale won't be easy to kill."
"That's right." Lora nodded. "It has absorbed so much power from the Water from the Primordial Sea that it's basically gained planetary-level vitality. It isn't overwhelmingly powerful, but its endurance is absurd. Killing it will take time."
"With those people there, everything should be fine," Chaya said calmly.
"Mm. You're right." Lora nodded, then turned to leave. "I'll get going now. Keep working hard. Later, I'll award you Fontaine honorary citizenship and a special commendation for Outstanding Acting Chief Justice Services."
She patted Chaya on the shoulder before leaving the temporary office.
Over the following days, Lora continuously monitored the water conditions throughout Fontaine.
Because of the battle inside the Primordial Sea, water levels across Fontaine rose to varying degrees.
The water beneath Poisson rose especially quickly, but fortunately the Spina di Rosula had already organized a full evacuation. This time, the rising Primordial Sea caused no casualties.
Lora also learned through the two Oceanid informants, Rhodeia and Idyia, that Arlecchino had already entered the Court of Fontaine.
Once she received that information, Lora immediately began making preparations.
That afternoon, Furina spent the entire day watching opera performances at the Opera Epiclese.
Just as she was preparing to return to the Palais Mermonia, Lora suddenly said, "I have something to deal with tonight, so I won't be going back with you."
"What?" Furina looked at her in surprise. "You're my bodyguard, and you're not coming with me?"
Then she frowned suspiciously.
"Seriously... what exactly have you been doing lately? Why are you acting so mysterious?"
Lora merely smiled and shook her head.
"Don't worry. It's just a small matter. Head back first and be careful on the way. If you run into danger, just call my name. I'll come protect you."
"Call your name?" Furina looked at her strangely. "Aren't you going off somewhere else? If I call you, will you even hear me? Are you one of those adepti from Liyue with ears that hear the wind?"
Lora flicked Furina lightly on the forehead, making her yelp.
Then she smiled and said:
"Just call for me. No matter where you are in Fontaine, I'll hear your voice."
"Really?" Furina still sounded doubtful.
Lora nodded.
"Really."
After watching Furina leave with suspicion still written all over her face, Lora also left the Opera Epiclese.
Furina walked along the road alone beneath the moonlight.
As she looked at her own shadow stretching across the ground—and remembered it was nighttime, outside the city, with no guards around—she could not help growing nervous.
Then she remembered what Lora had told her earlier.
As long as she called her name, Lora would hear her.
For some reason, that thought made Furina feel strangely safe.
After Furina entered the Court of Fontaine, Arlecchino, who had been quietly sitting on a nearby bench, noticed her immediately.
She was genuinely surprised.
She had not expected Furina to be completely alone without a single bodyguard.
But that only made her plan easier.
Arlecchino remained seated, silently waiting as Furina slowly approached.
Soon, Furina's attention was caught by a tiny kitten nearby.
She tiptoed over excitedly and crouched down, smiling at the little cat lying on the ground and staring up at her.
"What an adorable kitten..." she murmured softly. "What's your name?"
The kitten let out a tiny meow.
Then its expression suddenly changed. Frightened, it bolted away.
Furina froze.
By the time she turned around, Arlecchino was already standing directly behind her, her presence cold and oppressive.
Furina's face immediately turned pale. She stumbled backward onto the ground and frantically crawled away.
"W-Who are you?! What do you want?! No... don't kill me...!"
Then she suddenly remembered Lora's instructions.
"Lo—Lora!"
The instant she shouted the name, a water arrow sliced past Arlecchino's cheek.
An icy voice rang out from nearby.
"A Fatui Harbinger attacking Fontaine's god on Fontaine's soil? Don't you think that's a little too disrespectful to the Court of Fontaine?"