New chapter in.

...I'm tempted to give Dottere an extremely painful, slow death.

His clones won't save him as they will all suffer the same fate.

Why I say this?

...I won't spoil but Scaramouche story quest will explain my newfound hate of the Doctor.

Anyways!

A couple more chapters will have (M/N) revealing a certain truth about himself.

For now, let's go see our favorite Adepti.

All Art found on Pinterest, and videos from YouTube, and Gif from Google.

Enjoy!

After Aether outburst/mental breakdown incident, the four managed to escape thanks to (M/N) covering the whole area with a thick misty haze.

Eventually they got to the ground, and far away from Yujing Terrace and the Millelith. Stopping to catch their breath.

*Panting*

"Paimon's exhausted!"

The floating fairy gasped as she caught her breath.

"Really?" Aether sarcastically said. "Just how much muscle is needed to fly, I wonder?"

"Hey! Flying is a lot harder than I make it look pal!"

Paimon shouted, not realizing that for once she did not speak in third person.

"And also...wait."

This time Paimon turned to their new friend.

"Who are you anyways?"

Giggling, the woman simply said.

"Just call me Childe."

'...Really?' (M/N) thought to himself. 'That's the best the Fatui could come up with?'

"Childe?" Paimon looked at her as if she had grown two heads. "What, are we suppose to dote on you or something?"

...Whack!

"Ow!"

Paimon yelped as she rubs on the area that (M/N) had hit.

"Only an idiot would call their kid 'Childe' Paimon." (M/N) scolded her. "Then again, I shouldn't be surprised considering your affiliation."

"...You've got to be kidding me."

Aether deadpanned.

It didn't take a genius to figure out what (M/N) meant...it also didn't take a genius to realize that Childe is not your average person.

And who do we know that has not so average people?

"It's an alias of sorts, you could say."

Childe quietly laughed at the scene before her.

"You've already met Signora in Mondstadt no?"

She laid out the rhetorical question for them. She didn't need the answer, the Snezhnayan diplomats had learned who was responsible for the imprisonment of the Fatui stationed there along with Signora.

'Serves the arrogant bitch right.'

Childe thought to herself.

Don't get her wrong, Signora could be a nice lady to be around with and gossip with. But her attitude at times really makes one want to smack her.

Though, how she will react to her first failure in probably a long is anyone guess.

"Signora?" Paimon blinked, that was a name she wasn't expecting. "...Wait."

"You're a Fatui Harbinger!"

"Ding-ding-ding!" Childe spoke like a game show person. "You got it!"

"And what does the Fatui want with us?"

(M/N) tensed as he coolly glared at her.

"Surely not a fight that will end in their deaths?"

"Ehe"

Childe simply said.

As much as she like a good fight, she was not willing to test the waters -so to speak- with a being that spared Fandango boy out of mercy. And took down Signora despite her immortality with no effort.

Plus, she needed them to get the Geo Archon Gnosis now that Rex Lapis has died. They were her best shot at getting the Gnosis from the Exuvia.

"Relax." She waved them off. "I'm not here to pick a fight (...right), no I'm actually here to help you."

...

"...Say what now?"

Aether gave her a confused look.

"Help!" Childe repeated. "Look, I'm not a bad guy."

Shink!

"Well, not a completely bad guy." Childe amended, seeing Aether draw his sword. "I am bad, but I'm not here to cause trouble for you right now."

"So, would it be too much to ask that you keep your sword sheathed?"

...

Click!

Aether sheathed the weapon back.

"Thank you." Childe gratefully said. "To be honest, I had my eyes on you guys ever since word of your deeds reached the Fatui. So, I know you couldn't have been the ones to kill Rex Lapis."

'Especially since Rex Lapis suddenly stopped and crushed the (H/C) over there with his thick body.'

Childe sweatdropped.

She actually fell down in shock and hit the ground after that weird experience.

Like what the hell?

"Unfortunately, as I am a Fatui envoy from Snezhnaya there's no way I would be able to ease the suspicions placed on you guys."

She said, regrettably.

"The Liyue Qixing has always been suspicious of us, even more so once news of Signora insult to Mondstadt God reached all of the Teyvat."

And wasn't the Tsaritsa furious about that.

Not only did Signora fail to obtain the Anemo Archon Gnosis, but now the Fatui reputation was dragged even further into the mud thanks to not only that. But also, the fact that the Fatui records seized in the arrest revealed damning information about them.

Her plan that she had spent so long on crafting was already going down in flames by that one failure.

'Her Majesty actually broke her stoic persona for once.'

Childe thought to herself.

'...Is what I would say if I hadn't found her (creepy as hell) shrine of Mr. Handsome over here.

*Shudder*

That was something the loyal Harbinger did not need to see.

How the hell she was even able to get pictures of the man was something she did not need to know.

'If she can get pictures, then why is she unable to get the real thing?'

Was something Childe did not understand.

...Then again, the Tsaritsa obsession with (M/N) borderlines into disturbing new levels of insanity that she was better off not knowing.

'Maybe she wants to get laid, and our good friend here is the one she wants?'

Of course, she kept that thought to herself.

She likes living thank you very much!

"Be grateful that all they're doing is keeping an eye on you."

(M/N) scoffed, glaring at her.

"Signora really did give you guys a bad impression huh?" Childe sighed. "That woman...can't say I'm a fan of hers either when she gets all uppity."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Aether frowned.

"We might work together under our great leader, The Tsaritsa." Childe began. "But that doesn't necessarily mean we all get along well together."

"Hell, most of us outright loathe each other. Even if we do understand what our parts are."

She chuckled, before turning serious.

"Now's not the time to talk about such important matters, after all "The walls have ears."

-Timeskip to Northland Bank-

"So, this is the Northland Bank own by the Fatui."

Paimon looked around.

Diabolical plans forming in her mind.

"Yep!" Childe happily said. "This bank was opened here in Liyue by Sneznhaya. Liyue might be face of economic power, Sneznhaya is not short of change either."

"Too bad it means nothing to somebody who doesn't' give a damn."

(M/N) deadpanned.

"If it did, the Fatui would not be short staffed."

"Ehe."

Childe sweatdrop at that.

"You say you can help us." Aether spoke up, wanting to get this over with. "How?"

"Here."

Childe gave him something.

"What's this?"

Aether stared.

"It's a – "

"Sigil of Permission."

(M/N) eyes harden.

"How did you get this? They barely exist anymore."

"Money can buy things other than status."

Was all Childe said.

(Though she was secretly impressed by the older male deduction)

"(M/N)?"

Aether and Paimon stared at the taller male.

"Get your bags packed, you two." (M/N) smirked. "We're going on a field trip to see the Adepti."

"The Adepti?"

Aether blinked.

"They're the guardians of Liyue who protect the city and its people under Rex Lapis."

Paimon explained.

"Correct." Childe said. "And they're your best bet to clearing your name."

"...Why are you helping us?"

Aether stared at the woman intently (while trying to ignore how 'bouncy' she is).

"I would think the Fatui would be putting a hit on us for messing with their plans in Mondstadt."

"Eh!" Childe waved him off. "That was Signora screw up, not mine. Besides, there is something I do not understand about the Qixing actions."

Here she put a finger to her chin.

"How could a mortal possibly possess the power to kill the Lord of Geo, who has slaughtered countless armies and could give the First Three Harbingers a run for their money? Doesn't make sense."

"True..." (M/N) begrudgingly admitted.

"It does seem over the top for them."

"Could it be that they might know and are trying to hide the true perpetrator?"

Paimon asked.

"Who knows." Childe sighed. "What we do know, is that you guys need to get to the Adepti first before Qixing messengers do. They are the only ones who can help you now."

"Go to Jueyun Karst."

She directed.

"It's the closes and the, metaphorically speaking, leader of the Adepti under Rex Lapis slumbers there."

"Even the Northland Bank can't hope to hold off the Millelith for long."

'Out of the fire, and into the frying pan.'

(M/N) sighed as he turned on his heels and headed out the door.

"Let's go."

"Right." "Coming!"

Paimon and Aether quickly hurried after him.

-Timeskip to the Borders of Jueyun Karst-

"Here we are."

(M/N) sighed.

"So much fun."

He grumbled.

"Well..." Aether spoke up. "Let's get this over with."

With that said, he stepped into the forest of Jueyun Karst.

'Shouldn't take that long.'

Aether thought to himself, sensing a presence stirred at his own presence.

"And who might we be?" A deep, wise voice spoke out. "Those that dare to enter Jueyun Karst?"

'Moon Carver.'

(M/N) sighed.

Out came a majestic stag, who gaze at the intruders with curiosity.

"It has been a long since one had visitors willing to step foot in Jueyun Karst."

He gazed at them, his focus eventually going to (M/N).

"...Have we met?"

Moon Carver asked, confused on why this person felt familiar.

"Maybe we have." (M/N) waved his hand in front of him. "Maybe we haven't."

"Aether."

"Right!"

Aether spoke as he showed the Adepti the Sigil.

"A Sigil of Permission..." Moon Carver interest piqued even more at his now guests trinket. "Many a season has passed since this one was in the presence of one."

"Very well then," Moon Carver spoke. "You stand in the presence of the Mighty and Illuminated Adeptus Moon Carver. Speak travelers."

"What business brings to me?"

"Well..."

Paimon was about to speak.

"There they are!"

She was interrupted.

"The assassins dared to flee to Jueyun Karst!"

The Millelith Sergeant yelled.

"Sir!"

A Millelith soldier yelled.

"We've already ventured to far into Jueyun Karst ourselves..."

The soldier was fearful of the wrath of the Adepti.

"We...argh! We have no choice, apprehending the assassins are our top priority. We must press on!"

"Freaking hell!" Paimon shouted. "Can't we just have one day where nothing goes wrong!?"

"...Disturbing our boarders."

Moon Carver gave the mortals an unimpressed gaze.

If it wasn't for the contract he had with Rex Lapis, he would have given them an ass whooping of the century for their impudence!

"See them gone. One will not have interruption."

"Fine."

(M/N) coolly withdraw his weapon.

"To DUST!"

Only for Aether to jump and slam his fist into the ground.

Unleashing his elemental burst and sending the soldiers flying.

'Someone's not happy.'

(M/N), Moon Carver, and Paimon thought to themselves at the one sided fight.

"Take this!"

Aether shouted as he slammed his palm onto the ground.

POKE!

"AHHHHHHH!!!!"

The Millelith Sergeant screamed in pain as he held his ass.

Flying into the air and somewhere far away because of the result of a stone shape two finger attack on his ass.

(O_O)

OoO

0o0

O_O;

"...RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIIIFFFEEEEE!"

A soldier screamed as they all flee back to Liyue.

...

...

"...Well." (M/N) simply said. "That was something."

"We digress." Moon Carver spoke up, wanting to get back to the point. "State your purpose, travelers."

"Rex Lapis is dead."

(M/N) said, as he began explaining.

After explaining, while omitting the part where he got bodyslammed by Morax big fat butt, Moon Carver was less than amused.

"Preposterous...PREPOSTEROUS!!!"

Moon Carver roared in disbelief at what he was just told.

"The Liyue Qixing...utterly disappointing." He growled.

And Rex Lapis had high hopes for them!

"Rex Lapis being assassinated at the Rite of Descension is a foolish notion. And then to place suspicions upon the attendees!?"

...

Moon Carver was silent as the three stared at him.

It was amazing that despite not having a human like face, that they could read his emotions.

"Traveler, of the unjust accusations placed on you, one has become aware."

"Eh, happens all the time."

Aether shrugged.

This wasn't his and Lumine first rodeo of being accused for something they didn't do.

"Still..." Moon Carver continues. "The mind knows its answer. Though one must consult with one's fellows, lest one becomes misguided in the pursuit of justice."

"Take the Sigil of Permission and seek out my fellow Adeptis. Bring forth this message for them."

"Who do we seek?"

Aether asked.

"There are three you must find."

Moon Carver said.

"Two live here in Jueyun Karst: Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper. Whether or not you can find them is all up to fate."

"The third resides in Wangshu Inn. He is known as the Conqueror of Demons, a Guardian Yaksha."

"Go and may fortune bless you on your journey."

With that said, Moon Carver departed as the three continued their journey.

"So...where to now?"

Aether asked.

"Paimon suggests we look for Mountain Shaper first."

Paimon suggested.

"Good idea."

(M/N) nodded.

-Mt. Hulao-

Li Ding: "Have mercy, O mighty adeptus! I beg you...show mercy upon me and my brother...spare our lives!"

Was the sorry sight that awaited them at the center.

"What's going on here?"

Aether groaned, getting the man attention.

"Huh?" Li Ding said. "Travelers? Were you able to get here with no problems? ...Gasp! You must be adepti messengers!"

"...What?"

Aether got a deadpanned look on his face.

This guy could not be serious!

"Oh, have mercy mighty messengers of the illuminated adepti!"

...Yeah, he was serious.

"My brother and I, we only came here because our family is poor, and we heard tell of treasures hidden in the amber of Mt. Hulao."

Oh god! NO!

"It was stupid of us...but all we wanted-"

"STOP!"

(M/N) shouted, startling the man.

He was not going to go through a goddamn backstory when they had better things to do!

"We are not Adepti messengers!"

...There was a little irony in that, since they were delivering a message from Moon Carver to the other Adepti.

"Just tell us what happened, and we'll help you!"

'If only so you can go away!'

(M/N) thought to himself.

Shook, the man answered.

"My brother is trapped in amber!" He said. "Please help me find him!"

"All right, all right."

Aether waved him off.

"Just stop panicking and wait here."

"Oh, thank you!"

"Whatever."

Paimon grumbled, as the trio went back down the steps again.

"Paimon can't believe we have to put this on hold to help a bunch of idiots."

The angry emergency food muttered to herself.

Crash!

Aether blasted a large amber to pieces.

"Not there."

Smash!

(M/N) destroyed another large amber.

Slash!

And killed the boar trapped in it.

"Fresh meat, yum"

This continued on, until they finally found the guy.

Li Dang: "Cough!"

The man said, as he was finally freed from his prison.

"Wha-what happened?"

"You got trapped in amber."

Aether deadpanned, crossing his arms.

"You're welcome by the way."

"OH, thank you very much!"

The man gratefully said.

"You're welcome." (M/N) sighed. "Now get to the top, your brother been extremely worried for your safety."

"Li Ding!" Li Dang shouted. "He's safe. That's good."

The man breathed a sigh of relief as he ran to the top.

The trio walking at their own leisure.

When they finally reached the top, the brothers were having a tearful reunion.

"Thank Rex Lapis your safe brother!"

Li Ding shouted happily.

"That's my line, brother."

Li Dang smiled.

Before turning to them.

"Thank you for your help."

"Aw! It was no problem!"

Paimon smiled.

"Now, Paimon suggest you two make like a banana and split!"

"Good idea!"

The brothers said as they departed the mountain.

"Glad that's done and over with!"

Paimon said, as soon as they were gone.

"Seems like we need to be careful with the Adeptus that lives here, it sounds like he has a temper problem."

"Who dare trespass on my mountain!?"

A new voice shouted out in anger.

Startling Aether and Paimon, but only resulting in (M/N) letting out a loud sigh.

"Mountain Shaper."

He simply said, not caring about the Adeptus childlike tantrum.

(Seriously, I did not like his haughty attitude and was about ready to cook him for dinner.)

"Who is it that frees the thief from his incarceration."

"Who do you think, dumbass?"

(M/N) scoffed, glaring at the walking dinner.

Further angering the Adeptus at the lack of respect he was getting from the 'human.'

"Impertinence!" He yelled. "Foolish mortals, come forth and receive your punishment at once!"

"OHHHH!" Aether mockingly said. "How scary!"

He felt more fear at unintentionally invoking (M/N) wrath than the overgrown turkey.

Whistle!

The Adeptus looked like he was about to explode.

Reading them the riot act once they got close.

"...You intrude upon the sanctity of Mt. Hulao, destroyed my mountain ambers, and freed a thieve whose freedom is not yours to give!"

"Not only that, but you dare to blatantly disrespect me and the Adepti with your disrespectful tone!"

"The thieves' ignorance was an affront to the adepti...but your actions are an abomination of the highest order!"

"And...!"

Bubble!

Whatever Mountain Shaper was going to say, was silenced as his head was suddenly encased in a large bubble of water.

"Finally! Someone shut him up!"

Paimon shouted, as Mountain Shaper tried to break free.

Only to his shock, that he couldn't!

'What power does this mortal possess to be resistant to an Adepti power!?'

Mountain Shaper thought to himself.

"Your feebleness is staggering."

(M/N) shook his head.

"Aether if you please."

"Here."

Aether brought out the Sigil of Permission, gaining the Adeptus attention.

Once they were sure he was calm enough, (M/N) released him from his water prison.

"A Sigil of Permission?" Mountain Shaper stared intrigued. "One was unaware that such things still exist in the mortal realm."

The sight of the Sigil seemed to have erased the memories of the events that just happened, as his mind was now focusing on the implications these travelers were bringing.

"In the beginning," He began. "Rex Lapis cast them for the mortals with his own hand. Few were made then, and thousands of years later, few still remain..."

He mournfully said.

"Very well, speak." Mountain Shaper commanded, his undivided attention on them. "One shall listen to your story, and then one shall verify the truth thereof."

"One should be wise to tell the truth."

This time, Aether spoke of the tales surrounding the Rite of Descension.

Mountain Shaper reaction:

"Rex Lapis...assassinated?" Mountain Shaper muttered to himself. "At the Rite of Descension!?"

His voice shook the entire mountain at that horrifying revelation.

"What mortal, nay could conspire to commit such foul treason? Or perhaps the better question would be: what power in this world could aspire to achieve it?"

Aether and Paimon shot a glance at (M/N), who glared at them.

'They're getting to sassy for their own good.'

The male thought to himself.

Sigh!

"Rex Lapis charged the adepti with protecting Liyue, and we have always honored this duty." Mountain Shaper sighed. "As the people have prospered, we had gradually withdrawn into the mountains. Indeed, this was a gesture of goodwill towards humanity."

"...But now, alas!" Mountain Shaper continued. "With Rex Lapis, seemingly no more..."

"Travelers, of the matter you have relayed, one has become aware. One now knows why Moon Carver has sent for us."

"But firse, one has matters to attend to here."

"The amber."

(M/N) simply stated.

"Yes."

Mountain Shaper looked at the male in curiosity.

'Now that I'm taking a closer look.' He thought to himself. 'Whoever this being is, he's not human or the very least not normal.'

"What is with the amber, anyways?"

Aether puts his hands on his waist.

"Don't think I've ever seen anything like that before."

"It's actually a flower called Karst Crawler that this one planted a long time ago."

Mountain Shaper explained.

"Although the majority of the plant is hidden underground, if someone were to stop on where it was planted."

"Amber would shoot up and trap them!"

Paimon shouted.

"Correct." Mountain Shaper said. "They were planted to ensure that this one could enjoy the peace and sanctity of Mt. Hulao."

"Of course, that also leaves me with the task of ensuring that innocents do not suffer just because they wandered into a trap."

"A double edge sword, huh?"

Indeed." Mountain Shaper said, as he began to take flight.

"One will depart as soon as one has attended to this matter. One trusts that the manner of your departure will be swifter in nature."

"Well, we still have two to go anyways."

Paimon said.

"Let's go to the last one in Jueyun Karst."

(M/N) crossed his arms.

"To Cloud Retainer abode."

-One day later: Mt. Aocang-

"Phew!"

Paimon shouted.

"We finally made it to Cloud Retainer abode!"

The trio walked, fly in Paimon case, to the small lake in the middle where a stone table could be seen.

"Hey!" Paimon floated to the table. "Who put this table here? It even has a wine jug and everything that you would have to eat."

"...Here sits Retainer."

(M/N) emotionlessly said.

"...Here sits Guizhong."

Forgotten memories began to slowly creep back up, but he shook them away.

Now was not the time to be revisiting the past.

"Here sits (the idiot) Rex..."

"Rex?" Aether blinked. "I'm guessing they're referring to Rex Lapis."

"But who is Guizhong?"

Paimon asked, having never heard of that name.

"She was the former Goddess of Dust and Morax trusted companion."

(M/N) shortly explained, ignoring the presence seemingly glaring at him for using Morax instead of Rex Lapis.

"As to why she's 'former' right now...Archon War."

"...Right."

The two simply took it as it is.

"Retainer." Paimon hummed. "Oh! Paimon knows this one. It must be short for Cloud Retainer!"

"So, how do we get her attention?"

Aether asked.

"We have a table." (M/N) began. "We just need the main course."

"FOOD!" Paimon shouted. "But, Paimon doesn't know where we should start. You think Cloud Retainer might like Sticky Honey Roast?"

...

...

"...Let's stick to Liyuean cuisine for now." (M/N) shook his head. "Might be our best bet at not getting killed."

"Good idea." Aether agreed. "I remember seeing some campfires nearby. Probably other people have come here to pay their respects and give their offerings."

"Then let's go!"

Paimon shouted as they did just that.

-Timeskip to making the offerings-

"Place them on the table."

(M/N) instructed as they all did so.

Hum

"One senses the presence of a Sigil of Permission..."

A female voice spoke out.

"One knows not why thou has come, though the sincerity of your offering is clear...hence, you shall be granted the audience thou have seek."

Whir

The sounds of a 'door' opening could be heard.

"Conquer the trials of one's domain, and there you will receive the audience with the adeptus whom you seek."

"Cloud Retainer." (M/N) sighed. "Well, let's get going."

"Right." "Okay!"

After entering the domain.

"Whoa!" Paimon shouted. "It's huge!"

Groan!

"Let's get this over with."

Aether grumbled.

Freaking Adepti and their challenges! At least Moon Carver wasn't even one, it was just idiots stalking them and interrupting their conversation!

After finally completing the trial

"One is most impressed." Cloud Retainer praised the three. "Only those of extraordinary abilities could ever hope to surpass one trial."

"The one before you is the adeptus known, Cloud Retainer. Now, speak of the matter that brings you here."

French Narrator: "One sad story later."

"Rex Lapis...assassinated?"

Cloud Retainer repeated, shocked at the grave news she had received.

And the stone face expressions on her visitors doing nothing to say it's all a prank.

"...HOW CAN THIS BE!?"

CR shouted as her domain shook from her screams.

"How can this be possible!? There are only a few in the mortal realm that could hope to kill him!"

"The notion is so preposterous that it is unbelievable...one shall have to verify the truth of the matter independently."

"Perhaps one shall quash Liyue first, then convene with the other adepti-"

"EX-FUCKING-CUSE ME!?"

Aether startled shout interrupted her.

"Quash LIyue!? Have you lost your fucking mind!?"

"Yeah!" Paimon agreed. "Aren't the Adepti sworn to protect Liyue at all costs!?"

"If quashing Liyue will nip the problem at the bud, one has no problem in doing so."

CR said.

"For if it is true that someone has indeed killed Rex Lapis, then they must not be allowed the chance to escape."

"This goes against the contract you made with Morax."

(M/N) coldly glared at her, who glared back at his use of Rex Lapis original name.

"You are sworn to protect Liyue and her people. To destroy Liyue regardless of Morax death is tantamount to going back on the contract."

"AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE THAT RENEGEDE ON THEIR CONTRACTS."

His words seemed to have calm her down, as she begrudgingly stated.

"Hmph! To use the word 'Contract' when the God of Contracts himself is dead, such a cruel irony."

"The people of Liyue seem quite content to dispense with their contracts. They are quite adept at taking that which is composed of black and white, and turning it gray..."

...

They weren't sure if that was a compliment or not.

"Nevertheless..." She continued "Since you have come here bearing the name of contracts and a Sigil of Permission, one must not forget her own responsibilities."

Sigh,

"The Sigils..." CR sighed. "Rex Lapis infused these sigils with adeptal power when he first cast them. That power once aided humans in battle. Though now, they are little more than a keepsake."

"Regardless, even you have shown up with a Sigil, that alone cannot verify the truth of your words. No doubt that is why Moon Carver has sent for you to deliver this message to the rest of the Adepti."

Flying into the air, she left these final words:

"Your audience with the adeptus before you is now concluded. Leave at once, and disturb me no further."

"Fine with me."

(M/N) groaned.

"Just one more to go."

He started heading out.

"Wangshu Inn, right?"

Paimon asked.

"Yep." (M/N) sighed. "To the Last Yaksha, aka Xiao (the emo)"

?

Was it just Aether or did he hear subtitles right now?

Shaking his head, they left to their final destination.

-Wangshu Inn-

"Well..." Paimon stated. "Here we are!"

"Wangshu Inn..."

Aether muttered.

"Weird place for an Adeptus to live in, but what do I know?"

"Now we just gotta find the reclusive shrimp."

(M/N) crossed his arms as he headed in.

'...Reclusive shrimp?'

Aether and Paimon thought to themselves before shrugging and following the other male.

After looking around.

"AGH! Where is this guy!?"

Paimon shouted, stomping her feet on air.

"We searched about everywhere for him!"

"Only place left is the balcony."

Aether hummed.

'I hope he is there, don't want to know if he has left or is doing an errand.'

(M/N): "..."

The trio walked onto the balcony, staring at the mountains in the distance.

All seemed quiet, and peaceful.

...?

Until Aether sensed a presence behind him.

"To the blind, everything may not be as it appears..."

Suddenly, a young teal haired man appeared from behind.

(Xiao)

"Wah!"

Paimon screamed.

"The Last Yaksha."

Aether said, remembering what (M/N) had told them along the way.

'Still as reclusive as ever.'

(M/N) sighed.

Aether moved his arm and showed the Sigil to Xiao.

"A Sigil of Permission? You came prepared."

Xiao said, slightly impressed at the work they put into speaking with an Adeptus.

"Though this only prevents me from hurting you myself. Doesn't stop you from getting hurt in other ways."

???

Aether and Paimon did not know what to make of that.

"...Meaning?"

Paimon asked.

"Too much contact with our world is breaking the rules." Xiao explained. "Mortal souls are not as robust as those of Adepti, nor can your blood carry this level of adeptal energy."

"...Isn't that being a little bit arrogant?"

Aether deadpanned, looking at the Adeptus with an unimpressed look.

"It's for your own good." Xiao said, ignoring Aether annoyed expression. "Leave. Now."

With that said, Xiao attempted to leave.

GRAB!

Only for (M/N) to angrily grab his shoulder.

"Listen here, you little shit."

(M/N) towered over him.

"We did not come all this way just to hear you whine like the emo baby you are. We will talk and you WILL listen."

"Release me at once, mortal."

Xiao warned him.

'Even he can't pierce my disguise.'

(M/N) shook his head, Venti it seems was the only one who knew who he was.

"NO."

(M/N) coldly said.

Growling, Xiao tried to stab him.

BAM!

Only for (M/N) to violently slam him into the ground.

(Not going to lie, that felt oddly satisfying. Probably because I had to waste my time feeding him just to get him to listen to the damn story.)

"Do not test me, boy."

He growled.

"It is of the utmost importance that you listen!"

Xiao growled as he glared at the man. Angered and slightly terrified at the mortal power as he kept the Yaksha in place with no effort.

"What is going on here!?"

The boss of Wangshu Inn, Verr Goldet ran in.

Seeing Xiao pressed to the floor, she spoke.

"Sir! Please release our guest this instant!"

"No."

(M/N) coldly denied.

"Sir" Verr Goldet calmly spoke. "If you don't, I'm afraid I'll have to ask my husband to escort you off the premises."

(According to the dialogue, her husband has some martial arts skills? Can't remember but he can fight)

"Hah!"

(M/N) laughed.

"What a good joke! Your husband, escorting ME off?"

"He's too weak to do anything against ME."

(M/N) voice took on a menacing tone, terrifying the woman.

"Now, MIND your own business and let us get back to ours."

He coldly commanded.

"The only reason it's come to this is because he refuses to listen to our reasons. Instead, running away like a little bitch as always."

"What would Morax say to that? ...Oh wait, there is nothing he could say due to being, I don't know, DEAD?"

THAT got their attention.

Rex Lapis...dead

"Leave us."

Xiao said as he stopped struggling.

Having gotten his attention, (M/N) got off him as the Yaksha stood up.

Although wanting to know more herself, she respected the Adeptus wish and left.

Turning to the trio, he glared at them.

"Explain."

Was all he said.

As the trio repeated, for what was hopefully the last time, their story.

Sometime later.

"Rex Lapis..." Xiao muttered in shock at the news. "How could this be?"

Quietly, he walked to the balcony rails as he stared at the moon.

"I knew that with the passage of time, things would change."

"...But the passing of Rex Lapis? A Liyue without him? That's a reality I never entertained."

"The ruling Qixing...what is their part in this? ...Now I understand what must be done. I will seek out Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, and Mountain Shaper. It is time we must decide."

"Will the Adepti take over Rex Lapis role in Liyue?"

Paimon asked.

"Adepti do not turn on their responsibilities."

Xiao simply stated.

'Though I'm confused on why you address him as Morax, and not Rex Lapis.'

Xiao thought to himself, as he subtly glanced at (M/N).

He was not normal if he could restrain the Yaksha with no effort.

'He seems familiar and yet I've never seen him before.'

Shaking his head, he continued:

"I have my own reasons for keeping away from the mortal realm, but I will not ignore my responsibilities."

"Like the ghost scaring the chef?"

(M/N) smirked, having seen that little episode earlier.

"Ghosts!?" Paimon shrieked. "This place has ghosts?!"

"She died a long time ago, but is not ready to cross over."

Xiao simply said.

"I've asked the innkeeper and the boss if they could keep here for a time."

"...Though I'll have to ask her not to scare the chef anymore."

With that said, he teleported away without interference.

"Well...I guess it's back to Liyue and to Childe."

Aether sighed.

"Let's go."

(M/N) calmly said as they headed back to Liyue Harbor.

-Liyue Harbor-

"Hey!" Childe greeted them outside of the Northland Bank. "Your back. How did it go?"

The trio explained what happened on their journey.

"Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and the Conqueror of Demons..."

Childe hummed.

"Even with the Fatui intel, we never came across these names." She admitted. "Anyways, I have some news to share with you."

"...We're listening."

"The Liyue Qixing has announced that since the true killer has yet to be found, they're not allowing anyone to pay their respects to the Exuvia."

"...Exu-what now?"

Aether deadpanned.

"It is well known in Liyue that Rex Lapis, God of Contratcts, is an adeptus as well." Childe explained. "He is the Exuvia, Prime of the Adepti."

"The Qixing initially tried to keep the information about Rex Lapis death a secret, but it happened at an extremely important event of the year. Possibly the most important one, how could they ever hope to keep it a secret?"

"Perhaps, they were hoping it was all a lucid hallucination?"

(M/N) offered, not really caring for the answer.

"That explains the Adepti reactions." Aether realized. "If they felt that the Qixing was lacking on this matter."

"Then they might end up having to take over their responsibilities."

Childe agreed.

"After all, the Geo Archon is no more. So why is it that the Qixing persist on hiding his vessel. Doesn't make sense."

"But..." Paimon started to worry. "If the Exuvia sealed away...that means Aether quest to find the Seven is over!"

"Oh?" Childe raised an eyebrow at that. "You're trying to find the Seven? May I ask why?"

Crossing his arms, Aether said:

"None of your business, you big, boobed succubus."

'I raised that boy well!'

(M/N) thought proudly to himself.

While Childe,

'Big, boobed succubus?'

Sweatdropped at the Outlander response.

...Though a little bit flattered that he looked at her boobs.

'Wait...WHAT!?'

Childe mentally screamed.

She liked the fact he was staring at her boobs!?

'...Well, I mean he is cute.' Childe thought to herself, staring at Aether.

Before she verbally said.

"Nice answer." She said as though she wasn't stunned at his response. "A knight that gets easily duped by the Fatui would really be no knight at all."

(Maybe it's a good thing we are an Honorary Knight instead)

"Still though..." Childe trailed off. "It does put a wrench into the plans with the Exuvia squirreled away."

"But...I think I know someone that could help."

"Really?" Paimon asked. "Who?"

"Give me some time."

Childe said.

"I think I know someone who should be able to help."

With that said, she began walking.

But not without leaving this statement.

"Truly fascinating. The harder they try to keep it quiet, the greater the chaos. Heh, if you wish to see the insanity that is about to happen, try to stay alive, no?"

'Though with the Tsaritsa future boyfriend with you, I have no doubts you will survive.'

Childe thought humorously to himself.

Twitch!

Several people suddenly felt annoyed and wanting to stab someone.

"So, what now?"

Aether asked, staring at (M/N).

"...Wait until morning."

(M/N) shrugged.

"Good idea."

Paimon agreed, as the three went off to rest somewhere.

-Timeskip to morning. Northland Bank-

"Welcome friends of Childe." Ekaterina, the bank's receptionist greeted them. "And congratulations on the first day of your illustrious career with the Fatui."

...What?

"None of us have any intentions of joining the Fatui."

(M/N) deadpanned.

Unfazed, Ekaterina giggled as she continued.

"You sound remarkable sure of yourself..." She said. "Remember, we are mere mortals"

(M/N) and Aether snorted at that.

Ignoring them, she continued: "Our ideas are fluid like water. Only the Tsaritsa truly has a will as solid as the permafrost."

"And yet." (M/N) crossed his arms. "She still cannot win me over to her side, as I slaughter her minions that she keeps sending after me."

"After...?" The receptionist blinked before she recognized his appearance. "Your-!"

"She is a fool." (M/N) cold voice caught the rest of the Fatui and Sneznayans attention. "She is no doubt playing into the hands of beings far more powerful than her."

"I know part of her plan after forcing it out of the Balladeer, and to me it is the height of foolishness. If Celestia is truly unaware, then good for her. But I don't believe for one second, they aren't and have probably anticipated something like this happening."

"Not to mention her little misfit group of psychos."

"Why should I trust her with the neophytes she keeps in her ranks?

Ekaterina shivered; his voice was colder than the winters of Snezhnaya.

...Though she was confused on what he was talking about.

'What does he know about the Tsaritsa plan?'

She thought to herself.

After all, most of the Fatui only had a basic outline of her plans, with the Harbingers being privy to her full plan.

"Anyways." (M/N) calmly spoke. "Where's Childe?"

"She is waiting for you three at Liuli Pavilion."

Ekaterina quickly said.

"She says she has upheld her end of the bargain."

"Her end of the...OH!" Paimon realized. "She said she was going to find someone to help us!"

"Yes." Ekaterina nodded her head. "She said she was going to find help to break this stalement and Harbingers are not the type of people to break their promises."

(...After completing Scaramouche quest, I'm having some doubts about that)

"Alright then."

Aether spoke up.

"To Liuli Pavilion."

With that, the trio headed to the fancy restaurant.

"Aha!" Childe smiled. "You made it."

She happily said as she noticed their arrival.

"As promise, I found someone who can help us."

"So come inside and take a seat."

She cheerfully said.

Nodding their heads, they started walking in.

Only for (M/N) to suddenly stop, as he sensed a familiar presence.

'...You have got to be joking me.'

He mentally deadpanned.

'REALLY!?'

"(M/N)?"

Aether looked back at the not moving male.

"Is something wrong?"

Sigh!

"No, nothing."

(M/N) replied.

Aether didn't believe him, but let it go.

Once inside, Childe led them to a table.

Where a certain familiar person was sitting at.

Who turned their head as they made their way into the room.

'Mo...rax?'

(M/N) blinked.

'What the?'

Was all he could think as he stared at the Geo Archon Incognito.

...In more ways than one.

(Female Zhongli. Surprise?)

"Allow me to introduce Ms. Zhongli." Childe started. "Consultant to an organization known as Wangsheng...and a trusted associate of the Fatui."

"Greetings Travelers from afar."

Zhongli welcomed them.

"...Hi."

Aether stared uneasy at the female.

'Trusted associate of the Fatui?'

Was all that was running through his head.

While Paimon was more impressed at the assortment of dishes on the table.

(M/N) brain slowly rebooting as he realized that.

One: This was indeed Morax, obviously alive though he was the only one to know this.

Two: He ended up getting a booty call in a different sense of the word.

Three: Morax decided to genderbend as a female, again.

Four: ...Morax was female again.

Five: Morax decided to be a Geo Milf again, instead of being a Geo Dilf.

Six: Something was rising, and it was not the Shield Hero.

(Robotnik: Pingas!)

(Me: Oh, God damn it!)

(M/N) mind:

https://youtu.be/3CFLFbvtb4M

'...MOTHERFU-!'

Done!

Well, that was an annoyingly long one but I didn't want to split it into two.

So, we got the Adepti attention, Rex Lapis has decided to become a woman again. The Tsaritsa wants (M/N) for more than just the Fatui and is slowly bordering from obsession to yandere.

(M/N) hates everybody except Aether and Paimon, because nobody seems to realize who he is.

And to top it off, Rex Lapis is alive and is playing everyone for fools and (M/N) needs a vacation.

Next chapter will have (M/N) getting Aether a new sword because Aether Dull Blade is too powerful for the weak.

While Aether plays errand boy to getting the damn supplies needed for the Rite of Parting.

And then meeting with a certain important lady.

Will Aether and (M/N) find the answers they seek?

Will (M/N) finally snap and kill every last one of them?

Is Dainsleif related to Dimitri of FE3H?

Why am I asking you these questions?!

Have a good day/night!