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Chapter 16

The group returned to Liyue Harbor under the cover of twilight, their weary faces illuminated by the city's vibrant lanterns. The bustling streets felt surreal after the intense battle in Jueyun Karst, but the sense of urgency remained.

Furina, despite her fatigue, strode ahead with her usual flair, waving dramatically to startled merchants as she declared, "The former Fontaine's biggest celebrity has graced Liyue with her presence once again!"

Yoshika trailed behind, her spear strapped to her back. She remained quiet, her gaze scanning the crowd. Though the battle had ended, the tension lingered.

Neuvillette stopped at a tea house, gesturing for the group to gather. "We need to consolidate our findings and prepare for the next step."

---

Inside the tea house, Zhongli awaited them, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to their exhaustion. He poured tea as they settled around the table.

"The seal has been broken," Neuvillette reported. "The cloaked figure's power is growing, and their connection to the serpent was clear. But their ultimate goal remains a mystery."

Zhongli set his cup down, his amber eyes thoughtful. "Liyue's history is steeped in contracts, binding agreements that shape our world. If this figure seeks to unravel such bonds, their target may not be a nation but the Archons themselves."

Furina leaned forward, her confidence dimmed for a moment. "You're saying they're coming for the Gods?"

"Possibly," Zhongli replied. "The symbols and energies you described suggest a force ancient and disruptive, one that seeks to undo the balance the Archons maintain."

Yoshika broke her silence, her voice icy. "If they come for the Tsaritsa, they'll regret it."

Arlecchino nodded in agreement, her expression steely. "The Tsaritsa's strength is unmatched. But we must ensure she's prepared."

---

Later that night, as the group rested, Furina found herself wandering the harbor. The cool breeze carried the scent of salt and spices, and the glow of lanterns reflected on the water's surface.

She stopped at the edge of the pier, gazing out at the sea. Despite her bravado, doubts lingered in her mind. The cloaked figure's words echoed: "This is only the beginning."

"You're thinking too loudly," Yoshika's voice cut through the quiet.

Furina turned, startled to see Yoshika standing a few steps away, her pink hair catching the soft light. "Couldn't sleep?" Furina asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Yoshika shrugged. "Could ask you the same."

The two stood in silence for a moment, the sound of waves filling the void.

"You're worried," Yoshika finally said, her tone unreadable.

Furina sighed, her confidence slipping. "I'm not used to being powerless. I've always been the one in control, even if it was just an act."

Yoshika stepped closer, her dark pink eyes softening. "You're not powerless. You're just... human now. And that's not a weakness."

Furina looked at her, surprised by the rare moment of warmth. "Coming from you, that almost sounds like a compliment."

Yoshika smiled faintly. "Don't get used to it."

---

The next morning, the group regrouped at the harbor, ready to depart for their next destination. Zhongli had provided them with a map marking several potential sites of dark energy across Teyvat.

"Where to next?" Furina asked, her confidence returning.

Neuvillette studied the map. "Inazuma. If the cloaked figure is targeting the Archons, the Electro Archon may be next."

"Another nation, another storm," Yoshika said, her spear in hand.

Furina grinned. "Good. I thrive in storms."

With their path set, the group boarded their airship, the horizon ahead filled with both danger and hope.

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗂 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗅𝖾 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗇𝗀𝗅