"Guixu! Long time no see—you're still as handsome as ever!"
Xuehua lit up the moment Qiu Nian appeared on screen.
A whole month without seeing him—only she knew how she survived that.
"Long time no see, you two."
Qiu Nian looked at Lumine and Paimon, a faint smile on his face.
"Our fleet's preparations are nearly complete."
"We're doing a final headcount."
"The captain said we set sail as soon as you arrive."
Hailong explained with his arms crossed.
"Beidou really is someone who keeps her word."
Paimon smiled.
"Of course."
"The captain has plenty of qualities that make people follow her wholeheartedly."
"You'll see once we're out at sea."
Hailong laughed.
"Are you leaving already?"
Katheryne stood behind the counter, smiling gently.
"Whether the road ahead leads to stars… or the abyss…"
"Taking the next step forward is always worth celebrating."
"Farewell—for now. Safe travels."
She placed a hand over her chest in blessing.
"…Miss Katheryne."
"We'll miss you."
Lumine nodded softly.
"Yeah… we see you every day."
Paimon added.
"Hehe… in that case, come find me in Inazuma soon."
"I'll be waiting on Narukami Island."
Katheryne said playfully.
"I knew it…"
Lumine gave a knowing look.
"So there's a Katheryne in Inazuma too?!"
"Then why make it sound like a big farewell!"
Paimon stomped.
Xuehua blinked.
"Wait… so what is Katheryne exactly?"
[Robot theory? She has a keyhole on her back]
[She sometimes glitches when talking]
[There's one in every nation]
[Qiu Nian definitely knows already]
Qiu Nian simply chuckled.
—
"Alright, say your goodbyes properly."
"The ship is waiting near Guyun."
Hailong waved and left.
—
Soon after—
The three boarded the Crux flagship once more.
"The people are here, captain."
Hailong reported before heading off.
A notification appeared:
Archon Quest — Chapter II, Act I: "The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia"
"Finally! The third nation!"
"Inazuma—I'm coming!"
Xuehua was hyped.
—
On deck—
"Yo, you finally made it."
Beidou greeted them.
"Even storms couldn't delay us before."
"This time, I've given you special treatment."
She smirked.
"Honored!"
Lumine grinned.
"Haha, just joking."
Beidou waved it off.
"Long time no see, Miss Beidou."
Qiu Nian nodded.
"Perfect timing."
"Everything's ready."
She turned, raising her hand.
"Men!"
"Set sail—for the eternal nation surrounded by thunder and storm!"
—
The Crux began its journey.
Sails unfurled.
Crew rushed into motion.
The massive ship cut through the sea toward Inazuma.
—
Lumine and Paimon ran ahead excitedly.
Qiu Nian stood quietly at the edge of the ship.
The ocean stretched endlessly before him.
Sunlight shimmered across the waves.
Seabirds cried in the distance.
The sea breeze felt… peaceful.
"Mr. Qiu Nian."
"If you're tired, you can rest in the cabin."
"There's fruit prepared inside."
A gentle voice spoke.
Qiu Nian turned—
Kazuha.
"Understood. Thank you."
—
Screen fades to black.
"A few days later…"
—
Dark clouds.
Thunder roared.
Rain poured violently.
Massive waves slammed into the ship.
Crew struggled to stand.
"Captain!"
"Inazuma's outer storm!"
A sailor shouted.
"Full speed ahead!"
"Break through it!"
Beidou commanded.
The ship surged forward—
Cutting through thunder and chaos.
—
Inside the cabin—
Qiu Nian, Lumine, Paimon, and Kazuha waited.
—
Fade to black again.
"After breaking through the storm, the Crux finally reached port…"
—
The sky cleared.
Sunlight returned.
A serene melody played.
"Wow…"
Lumine and Paimon rushed to the deck.
"…Inazuma."
Qiu Nian stepped beside them, murmuring softly.
Red maple trees lined the island.
Ships rested quietly at the harbor.
Golden dusk bathed the land.
For the first time—
The nation of eternity stood before them.
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