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Chapter 22

The Eternal Rift loomed before them, its dark energy pulsating like a wounded beast clinging to life. Each pulse sent waves of oppressive energy rippling through the battlefield. The group stood in a loose circle, their exhaustion apparent, but the determination in their eyes unwavering.

Neuvillette stepped closer to the rift, studying its chaotic currents with a practiced gaze. "This tear in the fabric of Teyvat cannot be left unchecked. It will destabilize the balance between the elements if we do nothing."

Furina tightened her grip on her sword, her confidence flickering beneath the weight of their task. "So, what do we do? Just poke it with some elemental energy and hope it shuts up?"

Neuvillette shook his head. "Not quite. To seal it, we must channel elemental power in perfect harmony. Hydro will form the core, but we'll need Pyro, Electro, and other elements to stabilize the rift completely."

"I'll lead with Hydro," Furina said, her voice steady despite her usual dramatic flair being absent.

"I'll follow," Yoshika added, stepping forward with her spear. The floral engravings on its shaft began to emit a soft, golden-pink glow, signaling her readiness.

Neuvillette turned to the others. "Clorinde, your Electro will provide the necessary spark to bridge the rift. Arlecchino, your Pyro energy will anchor the balance."

Arlecchino twirled her scythe lazily, her crimson eyes gleaming. "Let's end this mess."

---

As the group took their positions around the rift, Lyney and Lynette stayed back, ready to fend off any shadowy remnants that might emerge.

Neuvillette raised his hand, summoning a concentrated orb of Hydro energy. "On my signal, channel your power together."

The group synchronized their efforts, pouring their elemental energies into the rift. Furina's majestic blue sword glowed brightly, releasing cascading waves of water. Yoshika's spear radiated Celestial energy, merging seamlessly with the Hydro currents.

Clorinde's purple sword sparked with lightning, sending arcs of Electro that crackled as they fused into the swirling mix. Arlecchino's scythe erupted in flames, stabilizing the rift with a steady blaze of Pyro.

The rift thrashed violently, resisting their efforts. Dark tendrils lashed out, forcing Lyney and Lynette to leap into action.

"Keep going!" Lyney shouted, loosing fiery arrows that disintegrated the tendrils before they could reach the group.

Lynette darted through the shadows, her blade slicing with quiet precision. "We've got your backs."

---

The rift began to shrink, its pulsating energy slowing as the combined elemental forces overpowered it.

"It's working!" Furina exclaimed, though sweat beaded on her brow. "Just a little more!"

Yoshika's eyes narrowed, her focus unwavering. "Hold steady."

With a final surge of elemental energy, the rift let out a deafening crack. The swirling darkness collapsed in on itself, leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the air.

The storm above them dissipated, the once-violent sky now eerily calm.

The group stood in silence, their breaths heavy as they took in the sight of the sealed rift.

"We did it," Furina said, dropping to one knee, her sword clattering beside her. "We actually did it."

Neuvillette approached her, offering a hand to help her up. "The immediate threat is gone, but we've merely bought time. The Abyss remains a danger."

Yoshika propped her spear against her shoulder, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "This isn't over. We'll need to prepare for what's next."

Arlecchino leaned her scythe against the wall of the ruined inn. "Let's regroup. We've got a lot to discuss."

Lyney grinned, despite the exhaustion evident on his face. "I'm just glad we didn't end up as rift bait."

Lynette gave a small nod, her quiet demeanor comforting in its consistency.

Furina glanced at Yoshika, her blue eyes meeting Yoshika's dark pink ones. "You're not bad to have around in a crisis."

Yoshika allowed a faint smile. "Neither are you."

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝗎𝗒𝗌 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝗌𝗄 𝗐𝗁𝗒 𝖽𝗈𝖾𝗌𝗇𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗈𝖼 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗏𝗂𝗌𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗐𝖾𝗅𝗅 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝖼𝗍𝗎𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗀𝗈𝗍 𝗒𝖾𝗍! 𝗂𝗍𝗌 𝗉𝗒𝗋𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝗈