"My body?" Teppei blinked in surprise.
Lumine explained what she'd learned about the Delusion. After listening, Teppei broke into another fit of coughing before letting out a faint, self-mocking laugh.
"So that's what it was… I suppose that makes sense. Power like that was never going to come without a price. My condition really has been getting worse lately. What a shame… I thought I'd finally found a way to truly be of use to everyone. Heh…"
"So in the end… the gods really weren't watching me after all…"
In Inazuma, people often spoke of a Vision as proof of being "seen by the gods."
His words left Lumine and Paimon at a loss. Neither knew what to say.
Then, without warning, a wash of azure light descended from the sky. The surrounding Hydro stirred and shimmered as if in quiet celebration, and a Fontaine-style Vision drifted down, coming to rest before Teppei.
"This is… a Vision?" Teppei stared at the floating gem in disbelief, half convinced he was imagining it.
"Take it."
A gentle voice murmured near his ear.
With trembling effort, Teppei raised his hand and grasped the Vision. Dense Hydro elemental energy flooded into his body.
Like parched earth finally touched by rain, his frail form was restored in an instant. The gray in his hair faded rapidly, dark strands returning to their original color.
"Oh my gosh! It's a Vision! Teppei, you got a Vision!" Paimon cried, staring at the revitalized Teppei in shock and excitement. It was the first time she had ever witnessed a Vision being born.
As if sensing something, Lumine glanced back at Lora standing quietly behind her, a faint smile tugging at her lips, before turning to Teppei again.
"Teppei, congratulations. That Vision is yours."
"But… this doesn't look like Inazuma's usual design, does it? That's strange…" Teppei rose to his feet, frowning slightly as he studied the smooth, warm Vision in his hand.
"The power of the gods truly is remarkable," Yae Miko said softly from Lora's arms, having watched the entire scene unfold. "Now that I think about it, ever since Ei enacted the Vision Hunt Decree, not a single new Electro Vision has appeared in Inazuma."
"The granting of Visions isn't entirely subject to the will of the Seven," Lora replied calmly.
"At its core, a Vision works because the Seven share a portion of their authority, allowing others to wield a corresponding element. While Celestia laid down certain rules regarding how Visions are granted, the Seven still retain the choice of whether to share their power."
Put simply, no new Electro Visions had appeared in Inazuma because Ei had chosen not to grant the authority of thunder through them.
And since this Vision had been granted directly by Lora, it naturally bore the style of Fontaine.
As for elemental affinity, Hydro Visions were often drawn to acts of devotion, sacrifice, and selflessness. Teppei's actions fit those qualities.
Lora acknowledged the dedication he had shown to Watatsumi Island, as well as the risks he had taken opposing the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree.
By the time Teppei had fully recovered, Kokomi and Gorou had arrived. Both were visibly astonished at the sight before them.
"Thank goodness, Teppei…" Kokomi let out a quiet sigh of relief when she saw him safe—and now even in possession of a Vision.
Gorou stepped forward to address everyone.
"I've already ordered all Delusions to be confiscated throughout the army. However, many soldiers have already suffered harm from using them. I plan to set up a dedicated camp for the wounded—to treat them and monitor the Delusions' lingering effects."
"Very well. Let's move forward with that," Kokomi said with a nod. She then turned to Lumine. "I've completed my investigation. Based on multiple soldiers' testimonies, these Delusions were manufactured here in Inazuma by the Fatui—they weren't shipped in from Snezhnaya."
"Manufactured in Inazuma…" Lumine's expression darkened. "Those despicable Fatui… I never thought they'd go this far. Kokomi, do you know where their factory is?"
Kokomi inclined her head. "Our best estimate places it along the coastal cliffs in the southwest of Yashiori Island."
"I'll destroy every last one of those cursed Delusions! We can't let them hurt anyone else!" Lumine declared firmly.
Teppei had already put away his Vision. He stepped up beside Lumine.
"I'm going with you."
"No, Teppei. You're staying here." Lumine shook her head gently. "You used a Delusion and suffered serious harm. With what you've been through, you can help the others who were affected."
"Lumine's right," Gorou said. "The new camp for the wounded needs someone with firsthand experience. It'll help us avoid unnecessary mistakes."
"And besides," Lumine added, "I'll have Lora with me. You don't need to worry."
"Eh? Me? I never said—" Lora blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"Indeed," Kokomi said with a composed smile. "With Miss Lora accompanying her, Lumine will surely be safe."
"I never agreed to that…" Lora tried to cut in, but the others spoke over her one after another, leaving her no chance to object.
Teppei nodded firmly. "I understand. In that case, Miss, please look after Lumine. If the Fatui can create something as terrifying as a Delusion, then they themselves must be even more dangerous. Please be careful."
"Wait—how did this become my responsibility—" Lora began, frowning, only for Kokomi to follow smoothly.
"I'll make the necessary arrangements to send Lumine and Miss Lora to Yashiori Island at once."
"Um… what I was trying to say…" Lora looked at them helplessly and let out a quiet sigh.
Everyone turned toward her.
"Lora, what's wrong?" Lumine asked. "Are you tired from earlier?"
"I didn't even do anything. I'm not tired," Lora replied flatly. She met Lumine's hopeful gaze, hesitated, and finally exhaled in resignation. "Fine. I'll go with you this once. But under normal circumstances, I won't interfere. Don't expect me to carry you through the entire thing."
"Of course not! No matter what, we'll defeat those despicable Fatui with our own strength!" Lumine declared.
Lora nodded in approval and gave her a light, playful round of applause. "That's the spirit. I'm rooting for you."
Lumine set off first, with Lora strolling after her at an unhurried pace. As she passed Kokomi, Lora slowed and spoke quietly.
"Miss Kokomi, that troublesome girl of mine will be in your care. If there's any news about her, inform me immediately."