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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
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???Cloud Retainer???: When do you realize?
Shenhe: From the moment we saw you after returning, it was clear that something was off. While you may look and speak like Master, your words seem empty.
Ganyu: Um. We've been under the Cloud Retainer's care for years, and every time we're with her, we can feel her genuine love, care, affection, and concern for us… However, we can't feel them when we are with you.
Shenhe: Moreover, whenever we rescued someone or chose to take a break, we could sense your hungry gaze fixed on the people and us, as if we were simply food for you.
Ganyu: That gaze of yours completely matches the Man-Eaters we have been killing.
Shenhe: Not only that. Do you really think we didn't notice how you were pretending to fight those creatures and also how those creatures hesitated after looking at you?
Ganyu: Based on the information Ningguang gathered and shared, it's clear that the Man-Eaters possess an ability to distinguish and sense their own kind. This reinforces our understanding that they recognize you as one of them.
Shenhe: And you seem to be someone of a higher rank, since not only do other Man-Eaters hesitate, but they also seem somewhat fearful. As if afraid to offend you.
Ganyu: That's why we devised a plan to attack you when you least expected it. We decided to use that doll called "Jumpy Dumpty 5-layer Failure ver." to do so.
Shenhe: While you took the gift we will present to you, we were aware that you must still be somewhat wary of it.
Ganyu: Yes. The instant the doll began to radiate heat and glow for the first time, your guard was up, fully prepared for the possibility of it being a bomb. To be double sure, you tried again. Then, again and again. Finally, for the fifth time, you ultimately lowered your guard and thought it was really a doll. That was a mistake.
Shenhe: To be honest, we were also somewhat anxious inwardly, wondering whether our plan would work or not. It was a gamble. And looks like we are the winner in the end.
???Cloud Retainer???: Indeed. You girls really caught me off guard with it.
The Fake Retainer spoke and slowly raised her body from the crater. Seeing this, both Ganyu and Shenhe held their weapons tightly and pointed at her.
Not minding their actions, the Fake Retainer let out a chuckle and spoke.
???Cloud Retainer???: As a token of appreciation for uncovering my identity, I'd like to share a little something from my side.
Shenhe: We are not interested.
???Cloud Retainer???: Oh, you would be.
She then looked at the two girls and smirked.
???Cloud Retainer???: You see, all those people we rescued. I left a special something on them. Because of that, my people found them before they could reach the shelter.
Ganyu: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shenhe: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Half-Adeptus and Adeptus-Disciple stood frozen, their eyes widening in disbelief as the harsh truth washed over them. Since their return to Liyue Harbor, they had dedicated themselves to combating the relentless tide of Man-Eaters, tirelessly working to rescue as many innocent souls as they could. Each face they saved lingered in their memories—faces filled with gratitude, brimming with the joy of another day alive. Though the weight of their responsibility pressed heavily upon their shoulders, they took solace in the belief that their efforts had meaning and purpose.
But now, a chilling revelation pierced through their optimism like a dagger: all their noble acts had been in vain. The very individuals they had rescued, whose smiles had once lit up their hearts, had met grim fates just moments after being saved. A sense of despair clawed at their chests, tightening around their hearts like a vice. They began to grapple with the tormenting thought that perhaps, if they had allowed those people to remain hidden in the shadows just a little longer, they might have extended their lives by a day or two. Instead, their hurried actions had cruelly reduced those lives to mere minutes.
The weight of responsibility settled heavily upon them. They could vividly imagine the resentment burning in the eyes of those they had saved as they faced their final moments—curses and accusations directed squarely at the girls who had, in their desperate bid to save, unwittingly ushered them toward doom. The moral burden distorted their victory into something harrowing, leaving a bitter taste of guilt in the air around them.
???Cloud Retainer???: Hahahahaha. Yes, that's exactly the look I want to see on both of your faces. It suits you compared to that confident expression you were showing a few moments ago.Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
SWOOSH!!
All of a sudden, Shenhe charged toward the Fake Retainer with her eyes filled with rage. She swung her spear with the clear intention of severing the imposter's head.
SWISH!!
???Cloud Retainer???: Oh my, how fierce.
However, the Fake Retainer ducked and dodged it. But, in the next moment, she saw a kick making her way towards her face. This made the crane narrow her eyes as she brought her wings in front to block it.
BAM!!
The force behind the kick raised the body of the Fake Retainer and threw her away.
FWOOSH!!
FWOSSH!!
FWOOSH!!
...
…
However, halfway through, the crane could see the arrows right in front of her face. In a split second, she pivoted swiftly, her body twisting like a dancer as she narrowly avoided the oncoming barrage of arrows. With a graceful leap, she landed on a pile of debris a few paces away, her heart racing. From her new vantage point, she spotted Ganyu, poised like a sentinel, her bow taut and aimed directly at her. For the first time, the usually serene and gentle Half-Adeptus radiated an intensity of anger that sent a chill coursing through the air, transforming the atmosphere entirely.
???Cloud Retainer???: I must say I am impressed. You see, after I ate Cloud Retainer's brain and absorbed all of her memories, I became aware of both of your strengths. But now, after witnessing your strength, agility, and battle awareness firsthand, I realise that you have both become stronger compared to before.
Shenhe & Ganyu: What did you say!!!!!!!!?
???Cloud Retainer??: Why are you shouting? I am praising you.
Shenhe: I don't care about your opinion about me! What did you say at the beginning!?
???Cloud Retainer???: Beginning? I said I am impresse---
Ganyu: After that!
???Cloud Retainer???: After that, I said when I ate Cloud Retainer's brain… Oh my. Hehe. What a sip of tongue.
Shenhe: What do you mean by that? What have done to Master!
A desperate look was etched on Shenhe's face. An anxious frown creased Ganyu's angry features. Observing their turmoil, Fake Retainer couldn't suppress a mocking sneer that curled her lips. She could sense the heavy atmosphere hanging around the two girls, thick with unspoken fears and ominous premonitions that they were struggling to conceal. The tension was palpable, as their attempts to mask their dread only seemed to amplify the weight of it in the air.
???Cloud Retainer???: Ah… I thought I would reveal it later. But now you both have 'found' about it on your 'own'. I suppose I'll tell you the truth. The Truth is… Cloud Retainer, that Adeptus is Dead.
BOOM!!
The words hit Ganyu and Shenhe with a force akin to a thunderbolt, reverberating deep within their hearts. A shiver ran through their bodies, causing them to tremble uncontrollably, as their eyes grew wide with disbelief. For a fleeting moment, they were frozen in shock, unable to comprehend what they had just heard. It felt as if reality itself had warped, leaving them to wonder if their ears were betraying them with some twisted illusion.
The fake retainer ignored their reaction and continued.
???Cloud Retainer???: You see, we have three targets. The first was you, the Disciple of Adeptus, Shenhe.
Shenhe: …
???Cloud Retainer???: The Second was you, the Half-Adeptus, Ganyu.
Ganyu: …
???Cloud Retainer???: The last target was the Adeptus, Cloud Retainer.
Shenhe: …
Ganyu: …
???Cloud Retainer???: We planned to kill and eat you all in order before going for Cloud Retainer. After all, we were more than aware that taking down an Adeptus was an arduous task. Hence, if we had hunted and eaten both of you, our strength would have risen, which would have increased our chances against that Crane.
Here, she stopped, closed her eyes, and let out a self-deprecating sigh before wiping away the fake tears.
???Cloud Retainer??: But we never expected that before our plan could come to fruition, you both would 'escape'. So, we have no choice but to turn our attention to the last target. Even when we knew that our chances of success were low, we decided to go all out.
At this time, the Fake Retainer looked at the girls and sneered before saying the exact words they said to her before.
???Cloud Retainer???: It was a gamble. We paid a heavy price for it, and that was the cost of tens of thousands of our kind, as well as most of the Council Members. However, in the end, we emerged victorious.
Suddenly, an ominous, pulsating power began to seep from the Fake Retainer, casting an unsettling presence in the air. A sinister smile crept onto her lips, transforming her demeanor into something chilling and malevolent. The atmosphere shifted dramatically; the warm light that surrounded them faded, replaced by an oppressive darkness that wrapped around the scene like a thick fog.
All sounds fell silent as if the world itself held its breath in anticipation. Within moments, the sinister energy expanded outward, enveloping not only the Fake Retainer but also a wide radius around her, forming a stark dome of shadow that pulsated with foreboding.
Ganyu and Shenhe stood at the edge of this dark sphere, feeling the weighted pressure that swelled and intensified with each heartbeat, causing their skin to crawl uncomfortably. An electric tension filled the air, making their hearts race. After a brief, dreadful silence, the voice of the Fake Retainer cut through the stillness—a cold, echoing sound that reverberated ominously within the confines of the dome. The eerie tone sent shivers racing down the girls' spines, leaving them acutely aware of the grave danger that was about to unfold.
???Cloud Retainer???: In the end, only three of the Council Members survived. And I am one of them… Finally, the time came to distribute our reward. That time, I made a proposal. I said I would only take 20% of her power, but in return, I wanted her brain, bones, and skin.
CRACK!!
SHATTER!!
The Dome finally shattered, and the silhouette of something could be seen in the dust.
???Cloud Retainer???: By eating her brain, I gained all of her memories. As for her bones and skin… You see, when I first saw Cloud Retainer, I was fascinated by her elegance, beauty, aura, and temperament. As if a God looking down on the Mortal World. After seeing her, a thought occurred to me. That is… I want to destroy it… I want to twist it into something ugly, sinister, and cruel. I want to change the hope she represents into despair… So, I absorbed her bones and skin. That's what I became.
The dust and smoke settled down. Ganyu and Shenhe widened their eyes at the thing that appeared.
It was a monstrous, otherworldly creature with a dark and menacing form. The creature appeared to be made of a chaotic mix of shadowy and molten-like red energy, giving it a demonic or eldritch appearance. Its elongated body and limbs stretch unnaturally, with jagged, claw-like extensions.
The head of the beast is sharp and angular, resembling a dragon or a nightmarish predator, with rows of jagged teeth. Its presence exudes a sense of destruction and malevolence. Ghostly figures or shadows seem to swirl around, giving the impression of a battlefield or a realm of nightmares.
The Creature's very presence conveyed a sense of dread, power, and chaos, as if it was an embodiment of destruction itself.
???Cloud Retainer???: Since this is my new form, I should also give myself a new name. Let me think. Hm… Oh, I know. I am Death Retainer.
.
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Pic: Death Retainer.
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The overwhelming pressure radiating from Death Retainer was so intense that even the Vision-Holder would be compelled to kneel before her might, a mere mortal stood no chance against such an oppressive force. Yet, amidst this terrifying aura, Ganyu and Shenhe remained steadfast, refusing to bow or show any sign of submission. Their heads were lowered, obscuring their expressions, but the way they gripped their weapons told a different story. Their knuckles whitened as they clutched the hilts fiercely, the signs of their suppressed rage evident. It was clear that beneath their composed exteriors, a tempest of fury was brewing, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.
Shenhe: First, you invade Liyue Harbor. Second, you killed innocents. Third, you impersonate yourself like us and make us eat our own people. Fourth, you ravaged War against us and turned the once prosperous city of Liyue into ruins. Fifth, you killed my Master. Now, you even have the audacity to not only take her form but also twist it to your own desire, insulting her even after her death… HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!!
BANG!!
The ground beneath Shenhe cracked as she rushed toward the Death Retainer with murderous intention. Her speed was several times faster than what she had demonstrated earlier. Yet, the creature remained still, opting to block her attack with its claw.
CLANG!!
Death Retainer: Shenhe. Shenhe. Shenhe… Where's that red rope the Adepti gave you? It was supposed to help you chill out. But look at you now—you're, like, way more aggressive. Tch. Tch. Tch… Cloud Retainer would be so disappointed if she saw you like this. Good thing she's no more. Otherwise, it would have broken her heart.
Shenhe: Shut up! Don't you dare call Master name with your filthy mouth!!!
The creature's words hit Shenhe's nerves, and she used even more strength to overwhelm the Death Retainer. Too bad, it was to no avail.
Death Retainer: Now it's my turn.
Saying she slowly but deliberately extended her claw, pushing away the spear. Shenhe's feet dug into the ground, and she was pushed back slowly by slowly while leaving a trail on the ground.
SOU!
SOU!
…
The sound of air splitting was heard as the arrows found their way to Death Retainer, who just grunted and used her second claw to generate a heavy gust of wind that destroyed those arrows.
Shenhe seized this opportunity to pull back her spear, moving her body to the side before thrusting it forward, aiming for the throat.
Death Retainer: Too slow.
However, Death Retainer was faster. Before Shenhe's attack could land, the creature's claw moved and thrust into her shoulder.
THUCH!!
SPLURT!!
Blood gushed out, and a painful expression appeared on Shenhe's face. Still, she didn't let it distract her and changed the direction of her spear at the last second.
SWISH!
DANG!!
Because of her last moment change, she was able to block the second claw that was coming for her head. She then twisted her body slightly to free herself from the claw on her shoulder before using the force of the second blow to jump back and maintain some distance.
THUD!
She landed in front of Ganyu. Blood was leaking non-stop from her injured shoulder. The wound was so deep that Ganyu could even see Shenhe's bones.
CRACKLE!!!
The Adeptus-Disciple also knew about it, so she hastily used her cryo to freeze it, preventing further blood loss.
Shenhe: No need to heal me unless it's life-threatening. If possible, we should focus our reserves for the offensive.
Ganyu: …Ok.
Next, with a practiced ease, Shenhe took out a shimmering talisman, its surface etched with intricate symbols that seemed to pulse with latent energy. In a steady voice, she summoned the Tailsman Spirit, a manifestation of her will and connection to the ethereal realms.
If the situation had been different, she might have chosen to deploy her cryo avatar, hoping to catch her opponent off guard with the element of surprise. However, facing the Death Retainer presented a unique challenge; she knew that this formidable adversary carried all the memories of Cloud Retainer. With that knowledge, Shenhe realized that her opponent would likely be aware of her ice-wielding abilities. Therefore, she opted for a more cautious approach.
She then held the handle of her polearm tightly and charged again, this time along with her Tailsman spirit.
SWOOSH!!
Death Retainer didn't seem surprised by this; she had expected it. However, that didn't mean she let her guard down. Throughout their confrontation, she confirmed that Shenhe and Ganyu had become stronger than what she had learned from Cloud Retainer's memories. This was surprising because Shenhe had studied under Cloud Retainer for years before becoming one of the strongest humans. Yet, in the short year since she left, her strength had increased drastically.
'Death Retainer: How did she become this strong in such a short span of time?'
FWOOSH!!
Death Retainer: ...
Before Shene could even reach the Death Retainer, she created an ice spear and threw it at her. The Creature used her claw and smashed it.
BAM!!
CRACK!!
The spear shattered. Though a layer of frost formed on that claw. It was also the moment that Shenhe appeared in front and thrust her polearm forward, again aiming for the head.
Death Retainer was thinking of creating another claw using her malevolent power, but before she could do so, the Tailsman Spirit stopped and burst.
BOOM!!
Once it did so, the entire area was covered in ice. More layers of ice appeared on Death Retainer's body, slowing her movements for a bit. That was enough of Shenhe Spear to reach her target.
SING!!
Too bad it didn't work because at the last moment, the Creature tilted its head to the side and dodged it. Just as it dodged it, the Death Retainer raised her leg and kicked at Shenhe's abdomen.
The girl, on the other hand, hurriedly brought her left arm forward to block it.
BAM!!
While the attack was blocked, Shenhe couldn't help but grunt inwardly as she could tell that her bones had fractured. Still, she gritted her teeth to suppress the pain and created an ice dagger using that hand and stabbed it into the creature's leg.
PUCHI!!
While she succeeded in inflicting the damage, she didn't get the chance to celebrate before Death Retainer moved another leg and hit her squarely in the face.
BAM!!
Shenhe: Auh!!
The assault came with a speed that left the girl unable to react. With a violent thrust, she was launched through the air, tumbling helplessly as she crashed into remnants of fallen structures, shards of concrete and debris scattered around, with each impact sending her flying further away.
Before Death Retainer could rejoice, a single arrow was in front of her chest. That arrow was different than the one she had destroyed before because at its tip, she could feel a highly condensed cryo element.
THUCH!!
BOOOM!!!
A colossal cryo explosion erupted, unleashing a wave of freezing energy that blanketed over half of Liyue Harbor in a shimmering coat of ice. The broken streets, stalls and fallen buildings were now transformed into a frozen wasteland, with each structure encased in a thick layer of glistening frost. The air turned biting cold, resembling the aftermath of an unforgiving ice blizzard that had swept through the harbor. This was an astonishing display of the raw power of Ganyu, the Half-Adeptus, whose abilities had left a chilling mark on the landscape.
Still, even though Ganyu was certain that her arrow had struck its target with precision, she remained vigilant, refusing to lower her guard. Instead, with a determined focus, she nocked another arrow onto her bowstring. The air around her was tense and electric, for she understood that while her shot was powerful, it wouldn't be sufficient to take down a formidable opponent like the Death Retainer that easily. Hence, she readied herself, keenly anticipating her adversary's next move.
BANG!!
From the side, the debris shifted, and Shenhe emerged. That kick really did some numbers on her as blood was leaking out of her head, covering one side of her face. This made that side of her vision red. Still, as before, she froze the injury and stood up. While doing so, her gaze, like Ganyu 's, never left the spot where the Death Retainer was.
Death Retainer: I must say that was something.
Suddenly, a chilling voice echoed in the air, the unmistakable tone of the Death Retainer. Ganyu's eyes widened in shock as she turned, the realization hitting her like a cold wave. Right behind her, cloaked in an aura of darkness, stood the very figure she and Shenhe had been anticipating.
The Death Retainer loomed ominously, an ethereal presence that Ganyu had been completely oblivious to until this moment. And before the Half-Adeptus could make a move, Death Retainer hit her right in the middle of her chest.
BAM!!
Ganyu: Gah!!
The girl spit out the saliva as the sound of bones cracking was heard before the kick shot her in the sky like artillery.
SWOOSH!!
As she was propelled into the air, her heart raced, and she quickly summoned her inner strength, expertly executing a series of agile flips to counter the overwhelming force that had launched her upward. Finally, she managed to regain control, stabilizing herself mid-air.
Shenhe: Above you!
As Shenhe's urgent warning echoed in her ears, Ganyu lifted her gaze and found the looming figure of the Death Retainer hovering menacingly above her. The intimidating presence of the adversary sent a shiver down her spine, yet the half-adeptus felt the weight of her own weariness. She needed just a moment to collect her thoughts and steady her breath, but in that crucial instant, she was rendered utterly powerless to act.
FWOOSH!!!
Clearly aware of Ganyu's predicament, Shenhe made a new ice spear and threw it at the creature, hoping to give the Half-Adeptus the time to recover. Too bad Death Retainer didn't dodge it as she wanted. On the contrary, she opened her mouth full of jagged teeth and bit the ice spear, shattering it into pieces.
SHATTER!!
Next, the Death Retainer moved her foot and stepped on Ganyu's head and exerted the force downward. The girl, on the other hand, could do nothing but take it.
WHISTLE!!
A whistling sound resonated in the atmosphere before Ganyu was slammed to the ground headfirst.
BANG!!!!!!!!!
The entire expanse of Liyue Harbor shook violently as the earth trembled beneath it, sending shockwaves through the already ravaged city. Cracked pavement and shattered structures were further devastated. Fortunately, no souls roamed the city at that moment, sparing them from being swept away by the tumultuous forces unleashed upon the land. Yet, despite their absence, the devastation only deepened, leaving the city in a state of despair and destruction, its beauty irrevocably marred.
With urgency fueling her movements, Shenhe leaped deftly from one piece of jagged debris to another, navigating the treacherous landscape with an agility born of instinct. Each bound took her from one massive boulder to the remnants of a shattered structure, her feet finding footing on the crumbling rubble beneath her.
Finally, she arrived at her destination, a vast crater yawning open before her, a gaping wound in the earth where ice had once blanketed the ground. The chilling white expanse had been swept away in an instant, revealing the dark, raw soil beneath, a stark contrast to the frozen landscape that had surrounded it just moments before.
Still, Shenhe ignored her surroundings, her attention fixed on the two figures in the middle of the crater. She thought Ganyu would be in trouble, but the result surprised her.
Ganyu was on one knee, breathing heavily with just some superficial injuries on her body. Death Retainer, on the other hand, had it worse. A quarter of her lower body was frozen, with one of her legs broken into shards of ice. It was a reversal that neither Shenhe nor Death Retainer had expected.
Making her way to Ganyu's side, Shenhe observed Death Retainer and saw a frozen, broken petal of a flower.
'Shenhe: Trail of the Qilin. Huh.'
Yes. Though Ganyu found herself helpless in the air, she was gathering her elemental energy within. Hence, before Death Retainer could bring her crashing down to the ground, she seized the last fleeting moment of opportunity and activated her "Trail of Qilin," breaking free from Death Retainer's iron grip while leaving behind a condensed Ice Lotus in her place.
As a result, the moment Death Retainer destroyed that Ice Lotus, the lotus burst into an ice explosion. And since the whole area was already covered in a blanket of ice, it further reduced Death Retainer's cryo-resistance. If not for her quick thinking and use of her sinister power to protect herself at the last second, she would have frozen entirely rather than partially.
Death Retainer: …I truly underestimated you.
She spoke slowly. However, Shenhe and Ganyu could sense the hidden irritation and anger in her voice.
Letting out a sigh, Shenhe spoke.
Shenhe: Underestimate us? No. The truth is, it's you who overestimated yourself.
Death Retainer: What…
Ganyu: Indeed.
Finally catching her breath, the Half-Adeptus spoke.
Ganyu: Um. While you may have stolen Cloud Retainer's power, body, and memories, you ultimately lack her talent, experience, willpower, and instinct. Furthermore, even after obtaining her power, you didn't take the time to acclimate to it before jumping into the fight. As a result, even though you are trying hard to conceal it, we can sense the power leaking from you uncontrollably, revealing your inability to manage it.
Shenhe: In the end, you are not the Master and cannot reach her level, no matter how hard you try. After all, you are merely the Master's pitiful imposter.
Death Retainer: HOW DARE YOU!!!
The words of the two girls pierced the Creature's heart like razor-sharp blades. She loathed the label 'Fake' that they had thrust upon her, as if she were nothing more than a hollow imitation, lacking an identity of her own and merely a thief of others' essence. In a sudden, explosive surge of fury, a wave of malevolence burst forth from within her, shattering the ice that had encased her lower body. In that moment, she cast aside any pretense of restraint; she was done playing games and dragging out this confrontation any further. The air crackled with her newfound resolve, signaling that it was the time to end this.
However, this time, Shenhe and Ganyu remained unfazed. Holding her polearm tightly, Shenhe slowly walked towards the creature.
Shenhe: Ganyu, let me handle this… please.
Ganyu: … Ok.
Answering, the Half-Adeptus slowly stepped back.
With unyielding determination, Shenhe pressed forward towards Death Retainer. As she advanced, an oppressive force began to envelop her, weighing heavily on her frame. Each step felt like trudging through thick mud, her feet leaving deep cracks in the ground beneath her.
Her movements slowed as if time itself conspired to hinder her approach. The air grew denser, making it increasingly difficult to draw breath. With every heartbeat, she sensed a bone-deep ache coursing through her body, as if the very essence of her being was protesting against the overwhelming force pressing down upon her.
Yet, despite the excruciating pain and the ominous sense of dread that accompanied her, Shenhe refused to yield. She planted her feet firmly in place, a statue of unwavering resolve, and came to a halt just before Death Retainer. There was no hint of retreat in her demeanor; her stance spoke volumes of her courage and refusal to back down in the face of such daunting power.
Seeing this, the Creature snorted coldly.
Death Retainer: Should I praise you for your bravery or your foolishness? Do you really think my heart will melt seeing this, and I will spare you?... You will die here. And after killing you, I will tear open your body and feast on your blood, meat, and organs, enjoying every single piece.
She couldn't shake the thrill bubbling inside her as she anticipated the exquisite feast. Her mouth began to water at the mere thought of the delectable dishes of Adeptus-Disciple and Half-Adeptus that awaited her, stirring a delightful anticipation that sent excitement down her spine.
Remaining indifferent to the gaze Death Retainer was throwing at her, the girl spoke.
Shenhe: Is that so? Then let me show you how strong I have become since I left Liyue Harbour.
As Shenhe finished her words, an extraordinary energy began to emanate from her, swirling around like a dark mist. This power was unlike anything she had displayed before; it was cold to the point of chilling the very air around her, suffused with an eerie intensity that sent shivers down the spine of anyone nearby. It felt as if the essence of life itself had been inverted, transforming into a force that radiated despair and devastation.
Slowly, this ominous energy enveloped Shenhe, wrapping her in an impenetrable shroud as if she were the harbinger of an overwhelming storm. The world seemed to dim around her, caught in the grasp of this unsettling transformation.
Death Retainer, lost in a daydream of her next meal, was abruptly jolted back to reality. For the first time, she felt an unsettling shift; her own ominous and malevolent powers were overshadowed by an overwhelming force emanating from Shenhe. A chill raced down her spine, causing every hair on her body to stand on end. In a frantic attempt to understand this unfamiliar energy, she delved into Cloud Retainer's memories, seeking answers. As the truth began to unfold, a cold wave of dread washed over her, tightening its grip around her heart.
Cloud Retainer: YOU!
Without hesitation, the creature thrust her jagged claw forward. But then a palm emerged from the mist and intercepted it.
BOOOM!!
A deafening explosion shattered the stillness, rippling outward and obliterating everything within hundreds of meters. The immense shockwave slammed into the already devastated city of Liyue Harbor, transforming its remnants into even greater ruins. Debris flew through the air, and the ground quaked violently, adding to the chaos as the once-proud structures crumbled further under the relentless force. Smoke and dust billowed up into the sky as the echoes of destruction lingered in the air.
In this encounter, it was the Death Retainer who ultimately found herself on the losing side of the confrontation. Overpowered by the girl, she thought of nothing but prey and was sent hurtling through the air, crashing into various damaged structures along his path. Each impact echoed like thunder as debris flew around her until she finally came to a halt, a disheveled figure amidst the ruins.
???: Hehe…
Before the Death Retainer could steady herself, a chilling laughter echoed through the air, sending shivers down her spine. With a sudden jolt, she lifted her gaze, her eyes narrowing at the dark mist swirling in the distance. As the fog began to dissipate, a figure emerged from its depths—a silhouette that sent her heart racing and her breath quickening. Panic surged through her as an unshakable fear took hold, gripping her tightly like a vice.
Shenhe stood transformed, entirely different from before. Her once-vibrant silver-white hair and brown clothes had turned dark. The Red Rope, which the Death Retainer had mentioned earlier, appeared out of nowhere, glowing ominously red and swirling around her. Red, energy-like veins spread across her body, and her once-iridescent eyes with white pupils now shone bright red. A cold, menacing smile plastered her face. In contrast to her usual appearance, this form was far more fearsome and corrupted, resembling that of a Demon.
.
.
Pic: Demon_Shenhe
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Death Retainer: Curse of Calamity… How could this be…
Indeed. The vibrant red rope gifted to Shenhe by Cloud Retainer was originally intended to restrain the ominous "Curse of Calamity," a dark force that once fueled her murderous instincts. Now, this malevolent curse was evident in all its terrifying glory, yet remarkably, Shenhe appeared to wield complete mastery over it.
This development was perplexing, as even the revered Adepti had struggled to manage and eradicate such a potent affliction. Yet here was Shenhe, seemingly conquering the curse with an ease that seemed almost miraculous.
As the Death Retainer was trying to piece everything together, she turned her head and looked toward the direction of the Jade Chamber in the distance, and the appearance of a person appeared in her mind.
But at each passing moment, that figure was becoming increasingly blurry. And then in less a second, she could no longer recall it.
Demon_Shenhe: You think you are worthy to look at My Lord.
A voice brushed against Death Retainer's ears without warning, causing her to flinch in surprise. She hadn't sensed the presence of Shenhe, who had silently appeared at her side, catching her completely off guard. The suddenness of it all sent a ripple of shock through her as she struggled to comprehend how this human could approach her without noticing.
The Creature hurriedly struck with her claw with the full intention of severing Shenhe's head off. And this time, she was no longer holding back.
DANG!!
However, the next thing made her shiver as she saw how Shenhe moved her spear and casually blocked her full-powered claw without even flinching. As she was still dazed, the girl twisted her polearm and used its back side to hit the jaw of the Death Retainer.
BAM!!
Death Retainer: Guh!
The move was faster than she could react, and a few drops of blood spurted from her mouth. Clearly indicates how much damage that simple move had caused.
SWISH!!
SWISH!!
…
Using minor movements, Shenhe dodged all the upcoming attacks from claws, talons, and wings before jumping over the Creature.
Landing precisely behind her, yet instead of attacking, Shenhe bent backward.
FWOOSH!!
FWOOSH!!
…
At that moment, countless spikes shot out of Death Retainer's back. If the girl were even a second late, she would have become a porcupine by now. Still, her battle instinct, which had sharpened even more by now, had saved her.
While doing so, she also moved her body and reached the Imposter side before swinging her spear at it.
SWISH!!
Death Retainer leaped back just in the nick of time, skillfully evading the imminent attack. As she soared through the air, she summoned her power, unleashing a torrent of wind that surged towards Shenhe like a roaring storm.
Rather than retreating, Shenhe boldly stepped forward, positioning herself into the swirling gust. With agility and focus, she harnessed the wind's force, her body twisting and flowing gracefully within its embrace. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she propelled herself out of the whirlwind, closing the distance to the Creature in a stunning display of speed and precision. The unexpected maneuver left the Creature thoroughly astonished and caught off guard, causing her to pause for a moment. And that was her biggest mistake.
Twisting her body, Shenhe appeared right behind the Death Retainer, and her polearm moved.
SHING!!
THUCH!!
THUCH!!
SPLURT!!!
....
….
Death Retainer: Argh!!!!
The Creature let out a painful scream as her wings got severed. Blood gushed out like a fountain from those injuries, and she fell from the sky.
Not feeling satisfied with it, Shenhe moved her leg and kicked at the back of Death Retainer's head using her full power.
As Death Retainer felt the imminent threat, a surge of urgency coursed through her. She summoned her power, desperately trying to form a protective barrier behind her head. However, because of her late response, and the energy she conjured was inadequate, barely a flicker of defense. In that fleeting moment, Shenehe's kick effortlessly shattered the weak and incomplete shield that Death Retainer had managed to conjure at the last second, and her attack landed.
BAM!!
FWOOSH!!!
BANG!!!
The powerful kick launched Death Retainer from the sky, hurtling it toward the earth with explosive force. As it struck the ground, a tremor reverberated through the landscape, and spiderweb-like cracks began to fan out in all directions across the desolate city. Weathered structures, their integrity compromised, crumbled and collapsed into the tumultuous embrace of the ocean, swallowed by its relentless waves. In the wake of the impact, a vast crater formed, its jagged edges gaping with raw power. From deep within the fissures, glimmers of water began to emerge, slowly trickling out like tears from the wounds of the earth.
As the dust and cloud settled down, the sorry figure of Death Retainer could be seen in the middle of the crater. Because of that kick, her mind went into a momentary daze for a few seconds, and a persistent buzzing filled her ears. As a result, she failed to do anything to protect herself and smashed hard on the ground, taking the full damage.
Still, she didn't care about it as she was looking at Shenhe, who was floating in the sky with boundless hatred.
With a cold sneer etched on her lips, the girl resolved to bring this battle to a decisive close. She had managed to seize control over her "Curse of Calamity," a formidable feat that few could achieve. Yet, beneath her confident facade lay a critical limitation: her body and soul had yet to attain the strength necessary to sustain such immense power for an extended period.
Even the most formidable Adepti, revered for their unparalleled prowess, struggled to contain and wield the chaotic energy of calamity. What chance did someone still tethered to the mortal realm have against such overwhelming forces?
Each second she lingered in this heightened state threatened to inflict further damage upon her. The raw, tumultuous energy crackled around her, a dangerous reminder that the very power she sought to harness could just as easily consume her. As the battlefield swirled with chaos, she understood that the longer she fought, the more perilous her position became. Time was not just an ally; it was also a creeping adversary.
Finally coming to a decision, Shenhe exhaled slowly, a stream of frost escaping her lips like mist in the dead of winter. Her crimson, demonic eyes glowed brighter than ever — twin stars of rage in the sky. A heartbeat later, the curse sealed deep within her erupted from every pore, manifesting as a swirling reddish-black mist, thick with dread. It poured from her body like smoke from a dying world, then spread outward — blanketing the entire city beneath in a still, unnatural cold.
Far below, in the center of a massive crater, the Death Retainer narrowed her eyes. She understood instantly what Shenhe was attempting. A grim expression crossed her face — not of fear, but of final resolve. If this would end here, then she too would answer with her most devastating attack. Her own malevolent aura, rich in twisted hatred and darkness, exploded outward — crashing against Shenhe's spreading curse like two tides of destruction colliding.
Above, in the sky, Shenhe's Calamity Power had already swallowed the heavens in that swirling crimson-black fog. She raised her spear slowly, deliberately — and as she did, every thread of that cursed power moved with her, coiling and spiraling toward the weapon. Her glowing eyes showed no mercy. Only silence. Only malice.
Then, the red ropes that bound her arms came to life, writhing like living serpents, orbiting the spear as if guiding the storm itself. They spun tighter and faster, directing the cursed energy into a singular point — into the Spear of Calamity, now radiating with impossible power.
On the ground, the Death Retainer's power had reached critical mass. It surged through the earth, darkening the land and pulling the city's soul into her gaping, monstrous maw. Her energy became visible — an enormous swirling force of reddish-purple malevolence, forming a beam that pulsed with raw hatred and hunger.
Above and below — two apocalyptic forces prepared to strike. The Power of Calamity in the sky, and the Power of Malevolence on the ground. Their very presence bent the air, warped the light, and twisted the fabric of space around them. These were not attacks. These were truths of oblivion — anti-life made manifest.
Even those far from the battlefield — citizens hidden in shelters, tucked away behind mountain ranges or deep within cavernous sanctuaries — felt it. A chill ran through their bones. Their breath caught. Children wept silently. Elders prayed to forgotten gods. They clung to each other, hoping that the warmth of shared fear could hold back the end just a little longer.
Back in the ruined city, the standoff hung frozen in time — until it didn't.
Without a word, without a cry, both beings released everything.
Shenhe threw her spear — now a condensed spearhead of pure calamity, glowing with the death of countless fates. The Death Retainer unleashed her beam, a monstrous torrent of malevolence howling from her maw, aimed directly at the sky.
The moment they collided — the world exploded.
KA-BOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An ear-splitting, reality-tearing blast erupted. The impact engulfed the entire city, vaporizing stone, steel, and soul alike. Mountains shattered like glass. The ocean nearby was pulled upward, twisted into a screaming cyclone of fire and water before vanishing into nothingness. Shockwaves rippled across the land for miles — hundreds of miles — shaking the very bones of the earth.
The sky turned red.
The land turned black.
And all was devoured in light.
But this was not a light of salvation.
Not of hope.
This was the light of utter annihilation.
.
.
.
Standing on the precipice of the magnificent Jade Chamber, suspended high above the world like a celestial fortress, Primis observed the unfolding events below with a cool, detached demeanor. His expression remained impassive, betraying no hint of the internal knowledge he held. From the very outset, he was acutely aware that Cloud Retainer, the revered Adeptus, was dead. The figure he had encountered previously was nothing but an elaborate imposter, a master of deception. Yet, Primis chose not to disclose this truth; he refrained from intervening, allowing the events to take their course.
His decision stemmed from two primary reasons. Firstly, he had resolutely declared his stance concerning the ongoing Planar War—he would not interfere. His past actions served as a testament to this conviction. Though he provided guidance to those around him, aiding them in their quest for strength, such enhancements did not guarantee victory in the war. Instead, his efforts had only contributed to saving more lives than would have otherwise been spared, creating a rippling effect of hope amidst the chaos.
Secondly, Primis had confidence that Shenhe and Ganyu would eventually uncover the truth on their own. Their close relationship with Cloud Retainer had forged strong bonds, and they had spent countless years under her care. Primis knew that their deep ties would lead them to unravel the enigma of the fake Adeptus, even in the absence of his intervention.
As for the other Adepti, their failure to see through the disguise of the false Cloud Retainer was multi-faceted. Since assuming this identity, the imposter had remained deliberately distant, minimizing her interactions with the other Adepti. She frequently claimed to be preoccupied with the urgent task of dealing with Man-Eaters, insisting that her efforts were aimed at safeguarding as many lives as possible. This tactical withdrawal rendered her behavior suspiciously unobtrusive in the eyes of her peers. Meanwhile, the other Adepti, engrossed in their own battles against the Man-Eaters, were too distracted to notice the subtle discrepancies surrounding her identity. They were unaware that if they had taken a moment to observe more closely, they too might have discerned the truth lurking behind the false facade.
He briefly turned his attention to the brilliant explosion that erupted from the fierce clash between Shenhe and the Death Retainer, its flashes of light illuminating the surrounding area. However, his focus quickly shifted to the other two battlefields, where fierce combat had recently ceased just moments before. In fact, Shenhe's confrontation proved to be the final skirmish to conclude.
.
.
Second Battlefield.
Jueyun Karst, a once-vibrant and otherworldly realm steeped in spirituality and myth, lay in ruins after the devastating conflict. Towering stone peaks, which had long pierced the heavens, now stood grim and silent, their majestic forms marred by the scars of battle. Floating rocks and suspended plateaus, previously defying gravity in a display of nature's magic, had been dislodged, some tumbling into the abyss below, while others hung precariously, teetering on the brink of collapse.
Crystal-clear waterfalls, once cascading gracefully through deep ravines, now roared angrily, their waters muddied and tumultuous, reflecting the chaos that had transpired. Vast, mystic cloud seas, which had rolled serenely between the mountains, were now fractured and turbulent, swirling with remnants of the cataclysmic forces that had ravaged the land. Secluded temples, once sanctuaries of peace and learning, lay crumbled, their ancient stones now mere memories of the wisdom they once housed. Some structures had been entirely obliterated, leaving behind no trace of their existence.
The very ground itself had fractured in a display of nature's fury, with fissures snaking across the landscape, deep and treacherous. The magical essence that once flowed through Jueyun Karst seemed to be tainted, and the land, which had thrived in harmony, appeared to be turned upside down, a chaotic reflection of the battle that had occurred. Only a small patch of earth remained unmarred—a desolate oasis amid the devastation—but it was here that the three Adepti, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Madam Ping, could be found, seeking refuge.
Exhausted and wounded, they occupied this last remnant of their once-sacred homeland, utilizing the land to recuperate. As they rested, the raw, gaping wounds on their bodies served as stark reminders of the battle's toll, their essence visibly leaking, a poignant symbol of their struggle against the monstrous threat they had faced. Despite their victory in vanquishing that creature, the task had come at an immense cost, pushing them to their limits and testing their strength and resolve.
In this moment of quiet amidst the ruins, the haunting echoes of the Adepti War, a conflict from thousands of years past, resonated within their memories. Yet, even that ancient struggle paled in comparison to the destruction witnessed this time, leaving them to ponder the catastrophic changes wrought upon their sacred land and the future that lay ahead.
.
.
Third Battlefield.
The once-vibrant mountains of Liyue, where animals once roamed in peace and the flora bloomed in colors that rivaled the stars, had become a broken shadow of their former selves. Verdant meadows that once danced with the wind had been torn asunder, scorched and muddied by the chaos of battle. Trees, ancient and proud, had been felled in splinters, their roots clawing helplessly at the ravaged earth. The air, once filled with birdsong and the rustling of leaves, was now eerily silent, heavy with the scent of smoke and blood.
But none of it—not the ruined landscape nor the ghostly silence—held as much weight as the battlefield itself. Here, sorrow hung thick in the air like a shroud, suffocating and absolute. Though the Adepti had emerged victorious with no casualties, this patch of land bore witness to a far grimmer story.
Amid the carnage lay Keqing. The thunder of her blade had once echoed with unshakable resolve, yet now she was motionless on the torn ground. Her lavender eyes, once filled with determination, stared blankly at the pale sky above. From the waist down, her body was gone—severed cleanly, leaving only a grotesque trail of blood and ruined fabric. Yet, faintly, her chest still rose and fell with the fragile rhythm of life clinging to the edge.
Nearby, propped against the remains of a shattered tree, was Ningguang. Regal even in ruin, her once-elegant figure was reduced to a bloodied wreck. Only her left arm remained—her right and both legs lost to the inferno of battle. Her golden eyes were dull, staring listlessly to the side, unfocused. Her once-pristine qipao was in tatters, soaked through with blood and dirt. She did not move, save for the barest flicker of breath—barely enough to betray the fragile spark still within her broken form.
Under the crushing weight of a fallen boulder lay Yelan. Only her head was visible, resting against the dirt. Her face was obscured, pressed against the scorched earth, her indigo hair tangled and matted with soil and blood. Her limbs were lost beneath the massive stone, and from the unnatural angle of her neck, she might have appeared lifeless—were it not for the faintest, trembling exhale that stirred the dust near her lips.
And then there was Hu Tao. She leaned against a jagged stone, her body slumped, her head bowed so low that her wide-brimmed hat shadowed her face. But no hat could hide the horrific wound in her chest: a gaping hole, clean through, as if a cannonball had torn straight through her body. The edges of the wound were scorched, still faintly smoldering. Her hands hung limply by her sides, her polearm nowhere to be seen. She was still, deathly so—yet from her slightly parted lips came a faint rasp of air. Breathing. Barely.
The four women lay amidst the shattered remnants of nature and war, their bodies broken beyond recognition, but their spirits not yet extinguished. They were caught in that cruel space between life and death—where every breath was a miracle and every second a battle. Anyone who laid eyes on them in this moment would have thought them dead. And perhaps, in a way, they already were.
Because no one leaves a battlefield like this whole—not in body, and never in soul.
Yet, in the midst of the devastation—amid the charred earth, shattered stone, and blood-streaked grass—one figure still stood.
Xiao.
Upright. Silent. Unmoving.
His back was straight, shoulders squared with pride even as the wind howled around him like a mourning song. Under his feet lay the mangled corpse of the enemy he had vanquished—a monstrosity, now reduced to a lifeless husk, its corruption already beginning to fade into dust. It had taken everything to bring it down.
And it had taken him, too.
Xiao's body bore countless wounds, each one more grievous than the last. Deep gashes ran across his chest and sides, exposing torn flesh and shattered bone. Ethereal green essence—the energy of the Adepti—leaked from those wounds like drifting mist, fading into the air. The once-glowing tattoos on his arms flickered dimly, their light fading. His breathing had long since stopped.
His spear, a trusted extension of his will, was broken—its shaft splintered, the blade dulled and cracked. Pieces of it lay scattered at his feet, like remnants of a warrior's story carved in silence. His Yaksha mask, once fearsome and radiant in battle, was shattered as well. Its broken half rested beside him, like the last piece of a fractured soul.
But nothing—no weapon, no wound—spoke louder than the expression on his face.
His eyes were closed, peacefully so. And on his bloodied lips rested a faint, gentle smile—not of triumph, but of quiet, profound relief. As if, after centuries of burden, the karma that weighed upon his soul had finally been lifted. As if he had made peace with his fate.
As if he had finally found rest.
He had known this battle would be his last. That to slay a being of such darkness would demand more than strength—it would require sacrifice. But Xiao had not hesitated. Not when his home was at stake. Not when Liyue needed him. He had chosen his end, and he had chosen it with honor.
He had stood tall to the final breath, refusing to fall to his knees. Not out of pride—but because he didn't want the others, if they lived, to remember him broken. He wanted them to remember the protector who stood strong until the very end. The Vigilant Yaksha. The Guardian of Liyue.
And now, slowly—almost gently—his body began to dissolve.
First, his fingers, drifting into tiny particles of golden light. Then his arms, his legs, the wounds fading as if washed away by the wind. His form shimmered in the dying light of dusk, glowing like a star ready to return to the heavens.
The wind picked up, catching the final fragments of him, scattering them across the battlefield like a silent prayer.
And as his body vanished completely, only that faint smile remained, echoing in the hearts of those he saved.
Xiao was gone.
But in his death, he had given Liyue one last gift.
Hope.
.
Now, only one remained.
Amidst the stillness of the battlefield, where even the wind seemed to hold its breath, a single figure sat among the wreckage and ruin. Xiangling.
Her normally vibrant eyes, so often filled with warmth and excitement, were red and swollen from crying. Her twin buns were half-undone, hair matted with dirt and blood. Her clothes—once bright and adorned with cheerful patterns—were torn, soaked through with crimson. Cuts laced her arms and legs, bruises blossomed across her skin like wilted flowers. And yet, she didn't seem to notice. She didn't even flinch.
Because none of it mattered.
Not the pain.
Not the blood.
Not the chaos that surrounded her.
All that mattered now was the small, trembling figure in her arms.
Guoba.
Her dear companion, her partner through kitchens and battlefields alike, lay cradled against her chest, wrapped in her arms with a tenderness only found between the truest of friends. The little bear's once-round body was faded and weak, his eyes dim, the glow of life within him flickering like a dying flame.
Xiangling's tears fell freely, tracing clean paths down her soot-covered cheeks. She rocked back and forth slightly, holding him tighter, as if sheer will could keep him with her. Her voice was broken, barely a whisper.
Xiangling: Guoba... no... you promised we'd make spicy tofu after this…
He had saved her.
At the final moment, when the creature's claws had arced toward her, Guoba had thrown himself between them. She could still hear the sound of the impact, still feel the heat of his flame shielding her as the world erupted. And now...
Now his body was beginning to glow.
Soft motes of light, golden and warm, began to rise from his form, slowly lifting into the air like fireflies bidding farewell to the night. His edges blurred, fading away. It was happening—just like Xiao. He was returning to the light from whence he came.
But even now, as his body disintegrated into stardust, Guoba smiled.
That same goofy, gentle smile he always wore when Xiangling cooked a new dish or laughed at one of his silly antics. And with the last ounce of his strength, he lifted a trembling paw and reached toward her face—just barely brushing her cheek.
A clumsy, fragile motion.
He tried to wipe away her tears.
Xiangling sobbed harder at the touch, clinging to him, trying to stop the inevitable.
Xiangling: No, no, please… don't go.
But it was no use.
His little paw fell limp, and his body broke apart into a swirl of shimmering particles. They slipped through her fingers like sand through a sieve, vanishing into the wind one by one. Xiangling desperately reached out, hands trembling as she tried to catch the lights—to pull him back, to hold him one more time.
But there was nothing left to catch.
Nothing left to hold.
The final wisp of light vanished into the sky.
She sat frozen for a moment, arms still curled protectively around the space where he'd been, as if refusing to accept he was gone. Her eyes were wide, empty. Her mouth parted, but no sound came out.
Then the silence crashed over her like a wave.
And she broke.
Her cries tore through the battlefield like a dagger through still water—raw, hoarse, heart-wrenching. She screamed, sobbed, clutched at her chest as if the pain could be ripped out by force. It wasn't just sorrow—it was devastation. The sound of a heart shattering in real time.
All around her, the battlefield was silent. The trees stood still. The winds mourned with her.
And in that moment, Xiangling was no longer a chef, or a warrior.
She was just a girl, grieving her best friend in a world that had fallen apart.
.
.
With this, Phase I of the Planar War in Liyue Harbor reached a harrowing conclusion. The toll was devastating—an unimaginable loss of countless lives, including valiant heroes and revered Adepti, all of whom fought bravely to protect their homeland. The once-thriving harbor, teeming with life and culture, now lay in ruins, a shadow of its former glory. The scars left on the hearts of the survivors run deep, etched into their memories and souls. It is a pain that will linger for years, perhaps for generations, as they grapple with the grief and trauma of their collective experience. The echoes of their sacrifice will resonate in the tales told by the fire, a somber reminder of what has been lost, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of Liyue Harbor.
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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