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Chapter 23

The stillness after sealing the rift was short-lived. As the group gathered back at the inn to recover, the air buzzed with a lingering unease. Furina sat by the window, her fingers drumming against the table as she stared at the moonlit streets of Liyue Harbor.

"It's too quiet," she muttered. "Too calm after everything that's happened."

Yoshika sat nearby, her spear leaning against her chair. "The Abyss won't stay silent for long. We've only delayed them."

Neuvillette, ever composed, stood by the doorway, arms crossed. "We need information. The rift may be closed, but the Abyss Heralds' plans remain shrouded. If we're to prevent another catastrophe, we must uncover their next move."

Arlecchino nodded, her scythe resting against the wall. "Agreed. And I know where we might find answers."

All eyes turned to her.

"The Abyss has roots in Inazuma," she continued. "There are rumors of ancient ruins hidden deep in the forests of Yashiori Island. If we're lucky, we might find clues there."

---

The journey to Inazuma was swift, thanks to Beidou's assistance. The captain's ship cut through the waves with ease, her crew working tirelessly under the starlit sky.

Yoshika stood at the ship's bow, her hair billowing in the salty breeze. Furina approached, her usual confidence returning as they neared their destination.

"Thinking about the fight ahead?" Furina asked, leaning on the railing.

"Always," Yoshika replied, her voice quiet.

Furina smirked. "Don't worry. With me around, you'll have all the dramatic flair and support you'll ever need."

Yoshika glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll hold you to that."

---

Upon reaching Inazuma, the group wasted no time. They made their way through the dense forests of Yashiori Island, guided by ancient markings etched into stone. The air grew heavier with each step, the oppressive energy of the Abyss becoming more palpable.

At the entrance to the ruins, Lyney and Lynette scouted ahead, their movements silent and precise.

"It's clear," Lyney whispered, motioning for the others to follow.

The ruins were a labyrinth of crumbling walls and overgrown vines, illuminated by faint blue light emanating from Abyssal crystals embedded in the stone.

As they ventured deeper, the group stumbled upon a large chamber. At its center stood a pedestal, atop which rested a weathered tome bound in dark leather.

"This must be it," Neuvillette said, stepping forward cautiously.

Before he could reach the tome, the air shifted. Shadows coalesced, and a deep voice echoed through the chamber.

"You dare trespass in the domain of the Abyss?"

From the darkness emerged an Abyss Herald, its form towering and cloaked in swirling energy. Its blade gleamed with malevolent light as it stepped forward, ready to strike.

"Get ready!" Arlecchino shouted, raising her scythe.

Furina drew her sword, the water decorations glinting as she took her stance. "Looks like we're back in the spotlight!"

Yoshika's grip tightened on her spear as she moved to Furina's side. "Let's finish this."

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖸𝖺𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖻𝖺𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾, 𝗂𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗂𝖼 𝗂 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝖲𝖾𝗂𝗋𝖺𝗂 𝗂𝗌𝗅𝖺𝗇𝖽. 𝖨𝗍 𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌 𝖻𝖾𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗂𝖿𝗎𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝗒🔥 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗂𝗆 𝗀𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖺 𝗌𝗅𝖾𝖾𝗉 𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝗅𝗈𝗅 𝗂𝗍𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 1 𝖺𝗆 𝗀𝗇 𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗅