Standing before the Statue of The Seven, Jean let out a long sigh.
"The Statues of The Seven are meant to bring comfort to the people… They even carry the power of purification and restoration."
"They are also a symbol of each nation."
"And yet now, it has become like this…"
Jean's voice carried a trace of worry, as though she did not know how to explain this to the people of Mondstadt.
"This isn't your failing, Jean," Lisa consoled gently.
"The disappearances of the Statues of The Seven began even before the Grand Master left…"
"Then why has no one come to investigate before now?" Diluc scoffed coldly.
"In the end, it only proves how corrupt and useless the Knights have become!"
"Regardless, now isn't the time to argue about that," Lisa said, waving her hand dismissively.
"The real question is—how should we destroy this thing?"
At her words, everyone turned their gaze toward Ryen.
Caught off guard, Ryen froze for a moment, then spoke helplessly:
"Don't look at me every time something happens! I don't know the ins and outs of Teyvat's situation."
"You don't actually expect me to punch and shatter Venti's statue, do you?"
Zhongli gave a slight nod.
"By all reason, that would indeed be the most effective method."
Venti nearly broke down in tears.
"Come on, old man, isn't this a bit petty? That's still my statue we're talking about!"
Zhongli shot him a glance, silently taking offense at Venti calling him petty.
"This Statue of The Seven has been tainted by an unnatural Abyssal energy. Who knows what changes it has undergone? If we try to transport it back, it may bring unpredictable harm."
"Of course, that is only my advice. This statue is yours—how it is dealt with is ultimately your decision."
Venti was struck by Zhongli's words. He frowned, gazing at the statue with hesitation.
Though he didn't care much for his title as Anemo Archon…
The Statues of The Seven were monuments to his existence, and their meaning was extraordinary.
For a moment, even Venti wavered, turning his eyes to Jean.
After pressing her lips together, Jean spoke softly:
"Could we destroy only the corrupted energy core, then seal the statue itself and bring it back with us? No matter what, recovering a lost statue and returning it to Mondstadt would be a great encouragement to our people."
Zhongli was silent for a while, then sighed.
"…I will try."
He stepped forward, golden divine power blooming in his hands. The brilliance lit the entire space.
Threads of golden light stretched out, encircling the corrupted core.
Slowly, carefully, they seeped inside, breaking it apart from within.
Progress was slow—but everyone could feel the oppressive, unsettling aura gradually fading away.
"It's working!"
Faces brightened, and the group collectively exhaled in relief.
But the next moment, a sharp, piercing howl erupted, surging straight toward Zhongli.
Venti instantly summoned a fierce gale, blasting away the pillar of ice.
"Rex Lapis!"
Xiao and the others were shocked. They rushed back from afar and gathered protectively around Zhongli. Their eyes burned with fury as they stared into the darkness.
"It's been a long time… Morax, and Barbatos…"
A cold, youthful voice drifted out of the shadows.
Then, a figure stepped forward.
Golden hair, a suit of radiant platinum armor, with a dazzling white gemstone set in the chest. His height was nearly the same as Lumine's. His face, too, bore a striking resemblance to hers.
Anyone who saw him would immediately recognize the relation.
"Brother!"
Lumine gasped.
Aether's eyes flickered, his expression unmoved, though his gaze visibly softened.
"Lumine…"
Behind Aether stood two towering Abyss Lectors. Yet the three of them appeared somewhat spectral, as if they weren't physically present.
Xiao bent slightly, every muscle tense, ready to strike first and talk later.
After all, this person had just attacked Zhongli. Clearly, he wasn't here to negotiate.
But Zhongli pressed a hand on Xiao's shoulder and said calmly:
"He isn't truly here. There's no need to waste the effort."
Across from them, Aether inclined his head slightly.
"You should understand—I have no wish to fight you now."
"Your actions just now hardly seemed like a gesture of negotiation," Zhongli replied coolly.
Aether shook his head.
"Those were just small measures I left behind—to keep petty rats from meddling with my plan. Obviously, you are not among them."
Zhongli fell silent for a moment before asking quietly:
"The Treasure Hoarders… was it you who killed them?"
"If you mean the first one, then yes—you could say it ties back to me. The other two? Merely consumed by greed, and destroyed themselves."
"Still, to take part in this plan, to offer their lives as witness—that, too, is a kind of honor."
Lumine stared at Aether in disbelief.
She couldn't understand how her once-gentle brother had become so cold-blooded.
"Aether! What are you doing?!"
She glared at him in anger.
"They've already told you, haven't they, Lumine? I am the leader of the Abyss Order—the one destined to overthrow the Seven Archons and bring ruin to the Seven Nations."
At those words, Ningguang and the others grew visibly darker in expression.
"Such arrogance. Just with you lot?"
Diluc gave a sharp snort. Aether only cast him a glance, replying softly:
"With us—what then? I know you've gained your share of fortunes. But that does not mean you can belittle the Abyss Order."
"Of course, if you insist on opposing us, you might first consult that foster brother of yours—the one who has forgotten his true roots."
"The… last scion of the Khaenri'ah clan that founded the Abyss Order."
Diluc's pupils contracted.
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