System Space
“Hey, system~”
Inside the system space, Etoma sat comfortably on Aurelios’s shoulder, lazily resting her head against his. Thanks to Aurelios’s towering stature and her small frame, the position was oddly natural.
[Yes, Host?]
“So, what now?”
[What do you mean, Host?]
“I mean—what now? We’ve collected all the points in Mondstadt, right?”
[That is correct, Host. Your performance was incredible. As expected of you.]
Etoma let out a small scoff while pouting. “It’s thanks to the added intelligence that I managed to act properly—even though it was my first time.”
Both she and Aurelios sighed at the same time.
[In the end, the credit is still yours, Host.]
“Yeah, yeah… whatever.” She waved it off. “So? What’s next? Following Lumine’s journey, it’s Liyue, right?”
[Correct.]
“So… how do we collect points there? I mean, I already died. Are you going to revive me or something?”
[No, Host. It does not work that way.]
“Then how?”
[To answer your question, we will insert a new identity for you into their lives.]
Etoma blinked. “Huh? I don’t get it…”
[In simple terms, we will edit their memories and place your new identity within them.]
“Ah… I see…” She paused, frowning slightly. “That sounds… kind of scary.”
[So, Host—have you decided on your new identity?]
“Hm…”
[Also, a reminder: from now on, you will be responsible for collecting points on your own.]
Etoma’s eyes widened. “Ehh? You won’t help anymore?”
[As I said before, I only assist you during the Mondstadt arc. The rest is up to you.]
“…‘Mondstadt arc,’ huh…” She sighed and hopped down from Aurelios’s shoulder. “Fine.”
“But editing memories… how am I supposed to do that?”
[Do not worry. There is a system feature that will assist you. You simply need to focus on it.]
“Hmm…”
Etoma closed her eyes, concentrating.
“…Ah, found it. I see…”
She opened her eyes again.
[So, Host—have you decided on your new identity?]
“I don’t know! And this is going to take time—you never said I’d have to personally take part in editing memories!”
[It is a memory, after all. You cannot simply add something nonexistent. You must be part of it.]
[And do not worry—time in the real world will be halted while you work. Take as long as you need.]
“…Sigh…” Etoma rubbed her forehead. “Fine. Give me some time. I’ll think of something.”
[Rest well, Host. And I wish you the best in your journey through Liyue.]
“Mm…”
Etoma lay down on her bed.
Several hours passed before she suddenly sat upright and began editing the memories.
.
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Mondstadt
At Good Hunter, a blonde traveler and her floating companion sat over breakfast. They ate slowly. Unusually slowly.
“Traveler… why doesn’t Paimon feel like eating today?” Paimon muttered, sluggishly chewing. “Usually, Paimon would finish this in seconds…”
Lumine shook her head gently.
“Paimon… do you want to visit Etoma’s grave after this? We can bring her some food. She liked eating too, didn’t she?”
Paimon’s eyes lit up.
“Mm! That’s right! She was a foodie! But she’ll never beat Paimon when it comes to food—hihihi!”
“Let’s go visit her after this, Traveler.” Her pace of eating suddenly sped up.
“Mm.” Lumine nodded, following suit.
After finishing, they ordered extra food to take away before heading toward the Favonius Cathedral.
Inside, they made their way to Etoma’s resting place. They stayed there for nearly an hour. Then, quietly, they left.
.
At the Knights of Favonius Headquarters—
“Grandmaster Jean!” Paimon greeted brightly.
“Traveler, Paimon. How has your day been?” Jean asked, setting down her teacup.
“We’re good! We just visited Etoma’s grave earlier.”
“…I see. Etoma…” Jean’s expression softened, a trace of sadness crossing her face.
“I-it’s okay!” Paimon quickly added. “We brought her food! You know she loved eating—just like Paimon! She’s probably drooling over it right now!”
Jean chuckled softly. “Yes… she did enjoy food quite a bit. I’m sure she appreciated it.”
“Mm! She definitely did!”
Jean gave a small nod before asking, “So, what brings you here?”
“We’re here to let you know—we’ll be leaving Mondstadt.”
“I see. You’re heading to Liyue?”
“Yes. The Rite of Descension should be starting soon.”
Jean nodded, then pulled out a piece of paper and began writing.
“Take this letter to the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. It should help you during your stay.”
“Woah! Thank you so much, Grandmaster Jean!” Paimon accepted it eagerly.
“It is the least I can do.”
“Hihi, we’re heading out now! Bye-bye, Grandmaster Jean!”
“Mm. Travel safely,” Jean replied.
With that, the two set off. Their next destination—
Liyue.
The land that worships Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon, the God of Contracts.
A thriving harbor in the east of Teyvat.
Towering mountains stood alongside vast stone forests, interwoven with rivers and plains, forming a landscape rich in beauty across all four seasons.
How many gifts from the Geo Archon lay hidden within those ancient peaks?
.
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Liyue
Zhongli descended quietly before stepping into his room.
“Ara~ Welcome back, Morax-chan.”
He froze.
That voice—
Zhongli turned toward its source.
There, seated calmly, was a woman with long, misty blue hair and pale blue eyes. The ends of her hair shimmered faintly, almost translucent in the light.
She wore an elegant, modified Liyue-style hanfu—off-shoulder, with long flowing sleeves and a high-slit skirt that allowed ease of movement while maintaining grace.
She gently set her teacup down and looked at him.
“…Lanxi,” Zhongli said.
.
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