Enkanomiya.
A forgotten realm, buried deep in Teyvat's shadows.
The once-radiant Dainichi Mikoshi now stood dark and silent. The dragon-lizards that dwelled here—creatures born of the Realm of Light—had long been forced to endure the lingering influence of the Abyss.
Lora moved through the fractured paths of Enkanomiya, acutely aware of the unstable currents of energy drifting through the air.
Several water dragon lizards approached her along the way, but as they drew closer, they seemed to sense the oppressive authority in her presence and withdrew without incident.
To the creatures of this place, her aura was no different from that of a true Hydro Dragon Sovereign. Instinctively, they yielded.
Enkanomiya held countless secrets—secrets stretching back to the very beginning. Lora already knew many of them from the game, and she had no interest in digging any deeper.
She ascended the Dainichi Mikoshi and rekindled its light. Radiance spilled outward, sweeping away the suffocating darkness and unveiling a stark world of silver and pale stone.
"I clearly sensed Rhodeia's presence near the entrance… yet I've searched the entire way and found nothing. Something's wrong."
Frowning, she stood atop the Mikoshi and surveyed the ruins below. At her command, Hydro gathered and took shape—one Hydro Mimic after another—dispersing throughout Enkanomiya. They would alert her at the first sign of anything unusual.
Time passed.
Still, there was no trace of Rhodeia.
"Who… are you?"
A voice spoke from behind her.
Lora turned sharply to see a shrine maiden standing there, a strange mask concealing part of her face.
"I'm Lora. And you?"
She studied the shrine maiden carefully. There was something faintly familiar about her, though the name escaped her.
"I am Aji."
The shrine maiden tilted her head slightly as she regarded Lora.
"There's something familiar about your aura. It's very similar to the girl who came here before. But you… are stronger. And purer."
"The girl who came before?"
Lora immediately caught the implication.
"Rhodeia? You've seen her?"
Aji gave a small nod.
"She is no longer here."
"Where did she go?" Lora pressed.
At the question, Aji fell silent, as if weighing whether she should answer at all.
Sensing her hesitation, Lora stepped closer. "Please. Tell me."
"It would be dangerous for you to know," Aji said slowly, her gaze steady.
Lora shook her head.
"That doesn't matter. I'm not afraid of danger. I need to know where she went."
"…She was taken."
Aji held her gaze for a moment before finally continuing.
Hearing that, Lora's expression darkened.
"Taken by whom?"
"I never approached them," Aji replied. "Their power was overwhelming. But when Rhodeia confronted their leader, I heard someone address him as 'Your Highness… the Prince.'"
"The Prince…"
Lora went still.
That title belonged to only one faction.
The Abyss Order.
Which meant the one who had taken Rhodeia was likely Aether.
But why? Rhodeia was only an Oceanid. What possible use could the Abyss have for her?
"The Abyss… again."
Lora's voice turned noticeably colder.
At once, the scattered Hydro Mimics converged toward the Dainichi Mikoshi, dissolving back into formless currents of water. She drew in a slow breath, forcing down the surge of anger and steadying herself.
Aji, sensing the pressure that had flared from her in that brief instant, instinctively took a few steps back.
Across Enkanomiya, the dragon lizards lowered themselves to the ground, remaining perfectly still, as though fearing even the slightest movement.
"Where did they come from? And where did they go? Do you know?"
Lora turned to Aji again.
Aji shook her head.
"I'm sorry. Their power was overwhelming. I… didn't dare approach them. To be honest, when Rhodeia came here, she helped me greatly. And yet I couldn't save her from them. I am ashamed."
Seeing the guilt on her face, Lora let out a quiet sigh.
"Don't blame yourself. The Abyss Order isn't something ordinary people can stand against. You may have certain unique abilities, but compared to them… you're still outmatched."
She produced another crystal and placed it in Aji's hands.
"If you see them again," she said, "use this to contact me. I'll come at once."
"I understand. I'll remain vigilant," Aji replied, carefully storing the crystal.
With no further trace of Rhodeia to be found, Lora saw no reason to remain. After cleansing what remnants of Abyssal corruption she could, she left Enkanomiya behind.
Watatsumi Island was much as she had left it.
After her recent display of power, the rebels had noticeably restrained themselves. Under Kokomi's guidance, decisions were handled with care, and negotiations with the Shogunate were progressing steadily.
When Lora entered, Kokomi looked up in surprise.
"Miss Lora, you've returned already? Did things go smoothly in Enkanomiya? And Rhodeia…?"
Lora had never concealed the purpose of her trip. At the question, she gave a small sigh and shook her head.
"I didn't find her. She was taken by the Abyss Order."
"The Abyss Order?"
Kokomi's expression shifted.
"After a brief pause, she added thoughtfully, "Now that you mention it, Abyss Mages have been appearing on Watatsumi Island recently. They've stationed themselves in various areas and attack anyone they encounter."
Lora's gaze sharpened slightly.
"The Abyss seeks to overturn this world. Anyone aligned with it must be dealt with immediately."
Kokomi nodded without hesitation.
"I understand, Miss Lora. Also… while you were away, I prepared something for you. Please, come with me."