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Chapter 12

The cathedral bells tolled louder as Furina and Yoshika hurried through Mondstadt's winding streets. The once-festive air grew heavy, the vibrant city dimmed by an unseen threat. Furina's usual bravado was replaced by quiet focus, her hand resting on the hilt of her blue sword.

As they approached the cathedral square, they were met by a gathering of concerned citizens. In the center stood Jean, Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master, her stoic face betraying a hint of unease. Beside her, Lisa, the city's librarian, held a glowing tome, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd.

"Jean," Furina called out, her voice steady. "What's going on?"

Jean turned to them, her expression softening slightly. "There's been an attack near the ruins outside the city. Reports of dark energy-unnatural and dangerous."

Yoshika's eyes narrowed. "Neuvillette and Arlecchino are there."

Lisa stepped forward, her voice calm but urgent. "If they encountered the source of this energy, they'll need reinforcements. You two should head there immediately."

Furina nodded, her confidence returning. "We'll handle it." She glanced at Yoshika. "Ready, partner?"

Yoshika simply nodded, her spear already in hand.

---

The ruins loomed ahead, their ancient stones etched with the same ominous symbols found in Fontaine. Neuvillette and Arlecchino were locked in battle with the cloaked figure, whose dark energy swirled like a storm.

"Enough games," Neuvillette declared, raising his hand. Water surged around him, forming a massive serpent that lunged toward the figure.

The cloaked enemy deflected the attack with a wave of their staff, but the effort left them momentarily vulnerable. Arlecchino seized the opportunity, her scythe cutting through the shadows, forcing the figure back.

"You're outnumbered," Arlecchino growled. "Surrender."

The figure laughed, their voice echoing unnaturally. "You think this is my only hand to play?"

Furina and Yoshika arrived just in time to hear the cryptic remark. Without hesitation, Furina unsheathed her sword, its water decorations shimmering. "You talk too much," she said, charging forward.

Yoshika followed, her spear striking with pinpoint accuracy. Together, they coordinated their attacks, forcing the figure to retreat further into the ruins.

The cloaked figure raised their staff, summoning a vortex of shadows. "If you wish to face the truth, then step into the abyss!" they shouted before vanishing into the swirling darkness.

The energy dissipated, leaving the group standing in tense silence.

"They escaped," Yoshika said, her tone flat but her grip on her spear tight.

Neuvillette approached, his calm exterior hiding his frustration. "But they've revealed their hand. This is no ordinary threat."

Furina sheathed her sword, her eyes blazing. "Then we find them. Wherever they run, we'll be there."

Arlecchino nodded. "We'll need allies. Mondstadt's resources, and perhaps Liyue's wisdom."

Neuvillette turned to Jean, who had arrived with a small squad of knights. "We'll coordinate efforts. But time is of the essence."

Jean agreed, her voice resolute. "Mondstadt stands with you. Whatever this threat is, we'll face it together."

Furina glanced at Yoshika, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "This is just the beginning, isn't it?"

Yoshika met her gaze, her voice soft but firm. "And we'll see it through. Together."

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗄 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗅𝗆𝖺𝗈𝗈