The line between life and death for humans is but a distant span. Under the gaze of death, people can only raise the torch of life, using its sparks to light the remnants of the night, delivering hope to the heart of the endless sea with the last of their flesh and blood.
That is humanity's final struggle, wrapped in despair.
----- Foreword
...
Before discussing the vast concept of humanity, we must first speak of the individual.
Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is instinct—a law every living being unconsciously follows upon entering this world.
Yet why do words like "sacrifice" and "devotion," which seem tragic yet utterly foolish, exist?
Glory is a hero's delusion; medals are proof of stupidity.
I don't understand, nor do I wish to. I only want to survive in this still-peaceful world.
So, returning to the topic—among all the species on this planet, why is it that only humans have become the rulers of this land, the apex of this world's food chain?
...
Ten days ago, on the fifth day after The Lament reached Fontaine, news finally began to spread.
Nations neighboring Fontaine grew wary, and even those farther away began to feel the tension creeping into their lands.
Before The Lament descended upon other nations, they naively fantasized that the disaster would vanish on its own, leaving only the distribution of benefits in its wake.
But this sudden assault did not halt its march of destruction. As more and more was revealed, countless people came to realize an unbelievable truth:
They were about to witness the fall of a nation.
This would be a tragedy in human history—a portion of humanity's brilliant culture erased forever.
Thus, under the urging of certain gods, the other six nations unanimously issued announcements: all high-ranking officials would convene a meeting at the Jade Chamber.
Regardless of status. Regardless of stance.
This meeting was not merely about demands and the redistribution of interests—it would decide the fate of every soul in Teyvat.
....
"My Lady, we've arrived."
The voice outside the carriage was soft, but Arlecchino heard it clearly. She slowly opened her eyes and stepped out without a word, gazing at the Jade Chamber floating above Liyue Harbor.
The grand structure, a symbol of Ningguang's authority and resolve, faintly reflected the crystallization of human wisdom.
"The meeting begins in an hour, Lord Harbinger. You may rest first."
Though her subordinate's tone was concerned, the visibly weary Arlecchino only tightened her grip on the documents she had prepared and strode toward the arranged room.
Arlecchino could not close her eyes—for the moment she slipped into dreams, the hellish scenes would replay endlessly in her mind, and everything she cherished would be devoured by the roars of Tacet Discords.
The meeting soon commenced. At the head of the table, Ningguang surveyed the representatives from each nation and cleared her throat.
"Everyone, let us hear your stance on this disaster."
No embellishments. No pleasantries. Only a direct and unadorned topic.
"Let us observe for a few more days. We can send supplies as relief for now."
Jean was the first to speak, her suggestion immediately gaining approval from several other representatives.
"No. We must mobilize our forces at once and march to Fontaine!"
Arlecchino stood abruptly, her stern gaze sweeping across the room.
Only those who had truly witnessed the disaster understood—The Lament was not a problem Fontaine could face alone.
"Mind your position, The Knave. You are here representing Snezhnaya."
A representative coldly reminded her, as if warning her not to forget her allegiance.
Arlecchino turned to the speaker and fired back without retreating an inch:
"Precisely because I have experienced this disaster, the Tsaritsa entrusted this matter entirely to me.
Do you think this calamity will stop at Fontaine? Though I am from Fontaine, this is not about allegiance.
From the perspective of all people of Teyvat, we must treat this disaster with the utmost seriousness!"
With that, Arlecchino slammed the documents she had gathered onto the table. Copies were then distributed to each representative.
The blood-soaked words and horrifying images served as a wake-up call to those still nestled in their comfort, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense. No one dared to voice careless opinions anymore.
Seeing the meeting plunge into silence, Ningguang recognized that silence sometimes meant agreement. As the convener, she needed to bring the discussion to a close.
"In Liyue, we have a saying: 'When the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.' Consider this—if even Fontaine's full strength cannot withstand this disaster, then by the time it reaches us, it will already be too late. Thus, I support The Knave's proposal."
"Indeed. After all, who would want those monsters descending upon their own nation?"
Yae Miko spoke with a smile.
With Ningguang and Yae Miko's declarations, many representatives began siding with Arlecchino.
Under this overwhelming shift, those with ulterior motives saw the writing on the wall and shelved their schemes for the time being.
"If there are no objections, let us move to the next topic: the composition of the military force."
....
Zhongli could keenly sense the suppressed emotions of Fontaine's people. A solemn, murderous atmosphere lingered overhead like a dirge of tragedy.
Three days after the disaster erupted, Zhongli arrived in Fontaine. The power emanating from the Tacet Discords bore similarities to Rover's, and He already had an inkling of the truth.
To resolve this disaster, they needed to find Rover, who was currently missing. But upon inquiring in the Court of Fontaine, He learned that Rover and Aether had followed a rescue route to another location and were now out of contact.
Zhongli felt a gaze fixed firmly upon Him. Turning, He saw a familiar figure standing there.
Neuvillette stood tall and unyielding as ever, like an unwavering pine.
Though an instinctive aversion welled up within Him, given the circumstances, He had no intention of clashing with the Hydro Sovereign who had seized authority.
"You've seen it. The situation is dire."
Neuvillette returned to his office, where the map of the Court of Fontaine was densely marked with dizzying annotations. Melusines occasionally rushed in to deliver reports.
Only after handling the flood of tasks did Neuvillette finally find time to speak with Zhongli, who had been silently waiting.
"What do you need from me?"
Neuvillette handed Zhongli a letter.
"I am not one to ask favors. But this, Morax, is my first request—I ask only that you deliver this letter to Aether."
The letter was thin and light, but Zhongli felt its weight as if the hopes of all Fontaine rested upon it.
Even the Hydro Dragon Sovereign had lowered his pride. With a slight nod, Zhongli agreed—no exploitation, no exchange of benefits. The two now shared a single goal:
To save those suffering in despair.
....
Violent waves continued crashing against the shore. Irregular purple prisms rose from the sea, their eerie glow silently mutating the marine life below.
The area centered around Petrichor had become a forbidden zone, where mournful wails could often be heard.
The sea breeze tousled golden strands as the divine stone served as a beacon, guiding Zhongli to this place.
Six hours after crushing the stone, a battered golden dragon descended from the darkened clouds and took human form.
Rover listened silently to Zhongli's calm retelling, then wordlessly watched as Aether received the letter.
After reading it, Aether exchanged a glance with Rover.
"I need to go to the Court of Fontaine."
Rover gave a quiet "Mm," offering an encouraging look.
Two people—two hopes capable of saving Teyvat—now had to part ways. Yet alone, they were but fleeting sparks in the darkness.
Zhongli let out a muffled groan, leaning against the ruined walls with a bitter smile.
"It seems I cannot escort you two personally."
From the Court of Fontaine to the Fortress of Meropide, even the ancient Geo Archon could not traverse such a distance unscathed in so short a time.
But in the next moment, countless ships appeared on the distant horizon, sailing toward them.
Rover's eyes trembled slightly.
Even in the endless night, humanity's strength could coalesce in an instant. Unconcerned with profit or allegiance, they—like Rover—burned with a conviction bright enough to pierce the darkness, driving them forward into the unknown.
....
Later, the survivors would come to understand:
From the Fortress of Meropide to Petrichor—a journey of over a thousand miles—every mile was paved with their flesh and blood, their extinguished lives serving as torches to deliver a fragile hope to the final destination.
If The Lament was the beginning of the nightmare, then this grand, desperate escort was its cruelest chapter.