"In that case, let's head straight back to Liyue Harbor."
Seeing that everyone had agreed, Kiana snapped her fingers and opened an Imaginary Gate leading to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor (Genshin Impact).
Staring at the oddly familiar yet not-quite-identical void, Lumine narrowed her eyes at Kiana.
"..."
"...Hmm?"
Feeling that subtle gaze, Kiana curved a small smile at her and gave a quick wink with her left eye.
Then the Kianas stepped through the portal back to Liyue Harbor, leaving the Traveler duo—Bianca and Xiao—behind.
Xiao watched Workhorse Na's departing figure, his expression dimming slightly.
The Rex Lapis had met misfortune; the princess had lost her power and her memories. Where were they to go now... "They're all gone—let's get moving too!"
Paimon floated beside Lumine, brimming with energy.
"Paimon, we haven't eaten a single thing the whole way..."
"Eh... hehe..."
Paimon froze, then rubbed her little tummy and scratched her head in embarrassment.
"Now that you mention it, I really am hungry."
"If we keep going, I might actually have to use Paimon as emergency rations."
Lumine folded her arms, eyes narrowing in playful warning.
"I'm your best guide and partner! How could you!"
At the tease, Paimon puffed her cheeks, tiny fists clenched, kicking her stubby legs in the air in a huff.
"Just kidding."
"Don't joke like that again, geez..."
Paimon crossed her arms, half-lidded eyes saying she gave up.
Lumine smiled at her, then turned to the silent Xiao.
Xiao understood they wanted a short rest; he shook his head and said calmly:
"No matter. I'll wait..."
With that, Xiao vanished on the spot.
Yet Lumine could still faintly sense his presence nearby.
The two then stepped into Wangshu Inn to grab a bite and recover their strength... Meanwhile, back at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor (Genshin Impact), the returning group found Hu Tao and Zhongli seated opposite each other in discussion.
"Yo, welcome back! Looks like you had fun?"
Hu Tao greeted them with a light wave and a cheerful lilt.
"Sigh... so-so," Workhorse Na murmured.
They'd only strolled around and had a single meal at Wangshu Inn—no real sightseeing.
Though Workhorse Na usually acted boisterous in the chat.
as the host this time, she felt she'd failed her sisters.
Yet it wasn't entirely her fault—who could've predicted the sudden tragedy that befell the Rex Lapis?
"Liyue is vast and bountiful; though turmoil has arisen, many sights remain to be seen,"
Zhongli remarked, stroking his chin in thought.
"True. If we're not staying long and the weather's fine, why not visit the beach just above Liyue Harbor?"
Hu Tao chimed in with the suggestion.
Workhorse Na considered it—definitely doable!
And imagining the Kianas in assorted swimsuits... what a feast for the eyes!
"But none of us brought swimsuits..."
Gojo Na spread her hands helplessly.
Great idea, but you can't dive in wearing only your underwear, right?
Underwear is underwear; swimsuits are swimsuits—totally different! (serious face)
"Right, and with the shops closed, there's nowhere to buy any."
Void Hunter Na cupped her chest and nodded, troubled. A size like hers usually needed custom orders...
Originally staring at Zhongli in thought, Kiana glanced around as the others lamented the lack of swimsuits.
"If everyone wants to hit the beach, I can handle the swimsuits."
Kiana said slowly.
"Don't tell me you're running back to buy some?"
Kevin gave her a puzzled look.
It was the only solution she could think of; she had no idea what else Kiana might do.
Seeing Kevin's confusion, Kiana folded her arms and smirked.
"You know nothing of Honkai, Kevin."
With that, she used the Authority of Truth to materialize all kinds of swimsuits, letting them drift through the parlor's hall.
At the word "Honkai," Mei's eyes sharpened; her mind left the swimsuits entirely.
She recalled Doctor Mobius once mentioning that term... It seemed this "Group Owner" whom Kevin knew came from the same system as they did. Though she had yet to touch the true face of the world, Mei pieced together a rough picture from just a few keywords.
"These are swimsuits—amazing, Big Sis Group Owner!"
Sake Kiana poked her cheek, eyes sparkling as she picked one out.
Though Mitakihara had oceans, she rarely went with family.
Now she could enjoy the sea with her new friends.
"Wow, there are even styles for Uma Musume..."
Little Moonlight gaped at swimsuits with holes in the back.
They fit her perfectly!
'She must've learned my size when we swapped bodies...' Little Moonlight mused.
"There are plenty that suit me too..."
Void Hunter Na nodded, cheeks faintly red as she eyed the notably larger pieces.
She shot Kiana a sidelong glance.
'Terrifying—she nailed my size at a glance...'
Instinctively she folded an arm across her chest, feeling as though she stood naked before Kiana.
Creation from nothing—Zhongli couldn't help but be impressed.
Yet his surprise faded as he turned to Hu Tao.
"Sir, why not take this chance to rest? The Rite of Parting needn't be rushed."
"Hmm..."
Hu Tao pondered, then nodded.
"Sounds good."
"Then let's go!"
Kiana looked around at the silver-haired girls, Mei, and Hu Tao, shouting excitedly.
Today promised quite the eyeful!
Soon everyone changed into swimsuits and stepped through Kiana's portal onto a quiet, mountain-backed beach.
Kiana casually conjured a small villa for them to rest in.
"Days like this... so relaxing... hehehe..."
Standing on the second-floor balcony, Kiana gazed at the fair, delicate bodies along the shore, letting out a silly laugh.
Out on the sand, Bianca—ball in arms—noticed that stare and her face twitched.
That shameless gaze made her swimsuit feel pointless. She couldn't take it anymore!
Bianca focused, spun, and with all her might hurled the ball straight at Kiana.
"So pretty... so white... so long... eh-heh... wait, what's that huge—"
Still lost in the view, Kiana snapped back too late.
Thud—!
Splat—
"Big sis fights dirty... using her ball to ram me..."
Kiana toppled, the ball spinning furiously against her face.
Night fell, and along Liyue's shoreline many Fatui skulked about, talismans in hand...
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