"So this… is Inazuma City?"
Qiu Nian stepped out onto the street, watching the flow of people and the sakura petals drifting gently in the wind. He took a slow breath, then began walking forward.
The city was vast.
Not quite as grand as Liyue Harbor, but close.
Yet the atmosphere was different.
In Liyue, one would frequently encounter Vision holders along the streets.
Here—
Even after walking for a long time—
He hadn't seen a single one.
The Vision Hunt Decree.
That was likely the reason.
—
After wandering for some time—
He stopped beneath a sakura tree.
Dusk approached.
The sky glowed orange.
The scene was tranquil.
Beautiful.
"…The accumulated popularity."
"…Should be enough to raise my power to seventeen."
He turned, watching children playing in the street.
With a thought—
He converted the gathered energy.
His strength increased by one point.
Then he turned back—
Facing the setting sun.
He liked this kind of peace.
—
Before long—
He walked toward the statue.
By the time he arrived—
Night had fallen.
The moon rose.
Lights filled the city.
Food stalls opened.
—
Standing at a distance—
He looked at the Thousand-Armed, Hundred-Eyed Statue.
Embedded within it—
Were countless Visions.
All confiscated.
Below—
Shogunate soldiers stood guard.
—
Nearby—
A young woman in pink supported a weary man.
"Muzi…"
"Why would the Shogun issue such a decree?"
The man asked, staring at the statue.
"…I don't know…"
"The Sakoku Decree was one thing…"
"But a year ago… the Vision Hunt Decree…"
"Will this really make Inazuma better?"
"What… even is eternity?"
She replied softly.
"I don't know what's wrong with me anymore…"
"Ever since I lost my Vision…"
"I've lost all hope…"
The man's voice trembled.
"I may not have a Vision…"
"But I can feel your pain."
"It will get better."
"I'll stay with you."
Muzi smiled gently.
"Rest for now."
"I'll handle the shop."
The man's eyes filled with tears.
—
At that moment—
Qiu Nian's gaze shifted.
One Vision—
A Hydro Vision—
Glowed faintly.
Bright against the night.
"…Intense emotion."
He murmured.
—
Even the guards noticed.
"Did you see that?"
"One of them lit up."
A soldier asked.
"Relax."
"You must be new."
"I've seen that happen plenty this past month."
Another replied.
—
Just then—
A woman approached.
Pink hair.
Fox ears adorned with jeweled ornaments.
A shrine maiden's attire in red and white.
Graceful.
Elegant.
Dangerous.
—
"This cold statue…"
"Can it truly contain so many burning ambitions?"
She stood beside him, gazing forward.
"Even bound by eternity…"
"Some Visions still flicker."
"Eternity may be long…"
"But it is fragile."
"And in this world…"
"True eternity does not exist."
Qiu Nian replied calmly.
—
She was surprised.
Not many could speak of eternity like that.
She had investigated the Traveler.
And found mention of a young man—
Strikingly handsome.
Unusual.
At first, she thought it exaggerated.
Now—
Seeing him in person—
It wasn't.
His presence alone—
Was extraordinary.
And now—
His words confirmed it.
—
"I am Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine—Yae Miko."
"May I ask your name?"
She turned, smiling.
"My apologies, Guuji."
"My name is Qiu Nian."
"A consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue."
He introduced himself politely.
—
Then—
She froze.
For just a fraction of a moment.
Something—
Had triggered her senses.
Shock flashed deep in her eyes.
Her heartbeat quickened.
But she hid it instantly.
—
"Hehe~"
"No need to be so polite, Mr. Qiu Nian."
"I might need your help someday."
She said with a smile.
—
"…Miss Yae."
"If you have something to say—just say it."
Qiu Nian sighed lightly.
He didn't know how—
But she had noticed something.
—
"…Very well."
"Then please—come with me."
Yae Miko turned—
And led him out of Inazuma City.
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