Crimson maple leaves, tiled rooftops, and a quiet fishing village—soft petals drifted down with the breeze, painting a tranquil yet lonely scene.
In the distance, one could see Inazuman locals and merchants walking along the roads.
But compared to Liyue Harbor, the number of people here was noticeably sparse.
—
A cutscene began on Xuehua's screen.
Gentle music played as the scenery of Ritou unfolded.
"So beautiful… is this Inazuma?"
"It really has that vibe."
Xuehua stared, completely captivated.
[Hometown music vibes]
[The scenery is insane]
[But compared to Mondstadt and Liyue, this place feels… tense]
[Yeah, those places feel comfortable—this one feels oppressive]
[The sakura are blooming]
—
As Qiu Nian and the others stepped off the Alcor—
A blond man with green eyes stood nearby, casually flipping a Mora coin.
When he spotted them, he jogged over with a bright smile.
"Finally arrived, huh? The famous captain from Liyue—kept me waiting."
"And these three…"
"Stowaways—ah, I mean, honored guests."
"Shhh!"
Lumine and Paimon hurriedly tried to hush him.
Qiu Nian, however, paid it no mind, calmly admiring the scenery.
"That's because of your Shogun."
"The storms outside Inazuma have gotten even worse lately."
"My fleet did what it could, but we still lost some time."
Beidou crossed her arms and complained.
—
"Paimon…"
"Qiu Nian said he couldn't fly to Inazuma right now…"
"Do you think it's because of the storm?"
Lumine whispered.
"…That actually makes sense."
"What if he got struck by lightning mid-air and fell into the sea…"
Paimon nodded seriously.
Qiu Nian heard every word.
He almost laughed.
—
"Hahahaha!"
"So that's why he said he couldn't fly here? Because of the storm?!"
Xuehua burst out laughing.
[I can't—😂]
[Rex Lapis got struck by lightning, now Guixu too??]
[You guys are ridiculous]
—
"Oh right, introductions."
"This is Thoma."
"A business partner I've gotten familiar with recently."
Beidou turned and introduced him.
"Hey, I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Thoma greeted them warmly.
"Thoma, these people are—"
Beidou began, but he waved it off.
"No need."
"The Traveler's fame spreads farther than the storms."
"I've heard plenty."
"Too kind."
Lumine smiled modestly.
"…But this gentleman?"
Thoma turned his gaze to Qiu Nian.
From the moment he arrived, Thoma had been observing him.
There was something different about him.
A calm, gentle presence—
Like a spring breeze.
Relaxing, yet… unfathomable.
"Qiu Nian."
He introduced himself simply.
"Mr. Qiu Nian, got it."
Thoma nodded.
"Don't be fooled by his scholarly appearance."
"When he fights, he's no weaker than a Vision holder."
Beidou added.
Thoma blinked in surprise and looked him over again.
—
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance.
They both recalled—
That battle.
The clash with the Obstruction Demon God.
Even from afar, the shockwaves alone made Lumine's heart pound.
After Osial… and that battle…
They finally understood—
What true divine power meant.
—
["Not weaker than a Vision holder" 😂]
[Childe: You don't understand that finger…]
[Azhdaha fragment: I exploded instantly]
[Demon God: suffocation-level pressure]
[Guixu: I'm injured btw 🙂]
—
"Traveler, Mr. Qiu Nian."
"Thoma's been around Ritou for a long time."
"You could say he runs this place."
Beidou explained.
"If you run into trouble, find him."
"But if he causes any trouble…"
"I'll deal with him next time I come."
She added with a glance.
"Haha, don't worry."
"I have a feeling we'll get along just fine."
Thoma laughed.
"Alright, I should get going."
"There's still a wanted man on my ship—can't stay long."
Beidou said.
"Kazuha, right?"
Paimon immediately guessed.
"Until next time, Traveler. Mr. Qiu Nian."
"No matter what storms you face in Inazuma…"
"Push through them."
Beidou grinned.
"I've got full confidence!"
Lumine placed her hands on her hips proudly.
After all—
No matter the danger—
Qiu Nian was here.
"Safe travels, Miss Beidou."
Qiu Nian nodded.
Beidou returned the nod—
Then boarded the Alcor.
—
Not long after she left—
Qiu Nian turned.
Looking out toward a distant point in the sea.
"…Hmm."
He rested his chin on his hand.
A hint of surprise appeared in his eyes—
As if he had sensed something.
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