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Chapter 25

The group returned to their temporary base at the inn in Ritou, the ancient tome resting heavily on the table. Neuvillette studied its markings intently, his fingers tracing the intricate symbols that glowed faintly under the dim lamplight.

"This language is ancient," he murmured. "It predates even the archons' reign."

Furina leaned over his shoulder, her curiosity evident. "And? What does it say? Some dramatic prophecy, I hope."

Neuvillette glanced at her, his expression neutral. "Not quite. These are instructions. Rituals meant to bridge the gap between realms."

Yoshika, standing at the edge of the room, tensed. "Bridging realms? You mean opening more rifts?"

Neuvillette nodded. "Yes, but not just to the Abyss. There's mention of a Celestial gate, a portal tied to a power beyond even the Abyss. It's incomplete, but the implications are concerning."

Yoshika's expression darkened, her grip tightening on her spear. "Celestia..." she whispered.

Arlecchino, ever observant, noticed her reaction. "You know something about this."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Yoshika. After a moment, she spoke, her voice low and hesitant.

"I was born in Celestia, but I was cast out and taken in by the Tsaritsa. The power there... it's unlike anything in Teyvat. If someone seeks to open a gate to Celestia, it won't just endanger one nation-it'll threaten all of Teyvat."

Furina stepped closer, her usual bravado softened. "Why didn't you tell us this before?"

Yoshika avoided her gaze. "Because it's not a life I want to remember. Celestia isn't the paradise people believe it to be."

Neuvillette closed the tome and looked at Yoshika. "Your knowledge may be the key to stopping this. If the Abyss is attempting to use these rituals, they must be stopped at all costs."

Arlecchino crossed her arms, her tone firm. "Then we start with finding the next site. The Abyss won't stop, and neither will we."

---

The next morning, the group set out toward Inazuma's northern islands, where Neuvillette believed the next ritual site might be hidden. The journey was quiet, the weight of their mission hanging over them.

Furina walked beside Yoshika, her usual energy subdued. "You know, for someone who claims not to care about the past, you seem pretty determined to stop this."

Yoshika glanced at her, her dark pink eyes thoughtful. "I care about what's in front of me. That's what matters now."

Furina smirked, a hint of her usual flair returning. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to keep you grounded in the present, won't I?"

Yoshika's lips twitched in the faintest of smiles. "You're not exactly subtle."

Ahead of them, Lyney and Lynette scouted the path, their movements synchronized and precise. Lyney's cheerful voice broke the tension. "So, what do you think Celestia's like? Shiny golden palaces? Endless feasts?"

Lynette shot him a look. "It's not a fairy tale, Lyney."

Yoshika's voice was cold. "Celestia is a place where power comes with a price. No one is free there."

Lyney's grin faltered. "Oh... well, that sounds less fun."

---

By nightfall, the group reached a hidden cove where ancient ruins jutted from the rocky cliffs. The air was thick with energy, the faint hum of Abyssal power vibrating through the ground.

"This is it," Neuvillette said, his voice grave. "Prepare yourselves."

The group advanced cautiously, their weapons ready. In the heart of the ruins, another Abyss Herald awaited, surrounded by swirling shadows.

"I see you've followed the trail," the Herald said, its voice a low growl. "But you are too late. The gate will open."

Yoshika stepped forward, her spear at the ready. "Not if we stop you first."

The Herald laughed, a deep, echoing sound. "You cannot stop what has already begun. The gods will fall, and Celestia's light will burn."

As the Herald raised its blade, the group sprang into action, their resolve unshakable.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗒𝖺𝗒𝖺𝗒𝖺𝗒𝖺𝗒 𝗂 𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗌𝖾 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 2 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗀𝗈 𝗅𝗈𝗅