Player world.
Players who had been following the story up to this point were also a bit displeased. Those who triggered Yunling's hidden quest were fine; the time spent with Yunling diluted many of their emotions.
Players who followed the main storyline were different.
From the moment they set foot in Inazuma, it felt like they were constantly being manipulated. Some players with lower combat power even got stuck at the 'delivering a letter' quest for a long time.
They were already unhappy, and now they were being forcibly pulled onto a ship.
In Guojia's live stream, the bullet comments also expressed dissatisfaction.
: "We can help, but why must it be through such manipulation?"
: "Although I want to do something big, being forced like this is a bit annoying."
: "Go, Lumine, beautiful! I finally know how to refuse."
: "If Paimon agrees, I'll deduct your food money!"
: "Paimon is rich now! Haven't you noticed she's gotten a size bigger? She must be secretly eating things without us!"
---
Kamisato Estate.
After Lumine angrily prepared to leave, Ayaka realized that she had indeed been in the wrong earlier. She first apologized, then still requested Lumine to meet three people.
Lumine pondered for a while and agreed.
After all, it was just meeting three people; whether to help or not would still be her decision.
The first was Mr. Teshima, the second was a samurai named Kurosawa, and the third was a sword master named Domon.
It was for the third person that Lumine and Paimon came to the Grand Narukami Shrine to solve his problem.
After the matter was resolved, the Miko who had brought them to the Shrine called out to Lumine and Paimon, saying that the Guuji had something to say.
"Indeed, I was not mistaken. The wind from a foreign land will bring new vitality to this sea region..."
"Our meeting is a bit too early. But the timing of your arrival on this island is just right."
Yae Miko chuckled:
"...Strive not to disappoint my expectations, little one."
Lumine: "..."
After Yae Miko left, Paimon said:
"That Lady Yae seems very interested in you. She's truly a mysterious and unpredictable person. What deep meaning do her words hold?"
Lumine was speechless.
"Let's talk about it next time. For now, let's hurry back and report to Miss Kamisato."
As Paimon was speaking, she noticed Lumine's expression change: "What's wrong, Lumine?"
Suddenly, a pair of cold little hands covered Paimon's eyes from behind.
"Guess who I am?"
Paimon was initially a bit flustered, but upon hearing the familiar voice, she immediately relaxed. She cooperatively said,
"Hehe, it's Yunling, right!"
Yunling took her hands away and looked at Paimon: "How boring, Paimon guessed it right away. Next time I'll definitely use a deeper voice."
Paimon rubbed her head and laughed, thinking to herself, 'I'll still guess you next time!'
Seeing that the two had played enough, Lumine asked: "Yunling, why are you here?"
"My elder sister is a Miko here, so I came to see her. Also, Guuji Yae has been inviting me for a long time, so I came here to help them cook."
"Cook?!"
Paimon was very excited, but Lumine hugged her tightly.
"Paimon, we still have things to do."
In truth, Lumine was also tempted, but since they were at the Shrine and Yunling was cooking for everyone there, she had already eaten one free meal and felt too embarrassed to continue.
"I just heard you two were going to see Miss Kamisato. Are you going to see Ayaka?"
"Yunling, you know Miss Kamisato too?"
Yunling explained: "Ayaka and I are good friends. When I used to sell ice cream, she even helped me freeze it. Is there something Ayaka needs your help with?"
"Miss Kamisato asked us to help these few people. The last one was Domon, just now. So, we finished and wanted to go back and tell her."
Yunling nodded.
Lumine did not tell Yunling about Ayaka's wish for them to help resist the Vision Hunt Decree.
"Yunling, you go ahead and be busy. Once we're done with our matters, we'll come find you."
"Mhm-mhm."
Seeing Paimon's reluctant eyes, Yunling promised to treat her to delicious food next time. Only then did Paimon happily wave goodbye to Yunling.
Beside them, the elder sister, Kuki Miyuki, who had watched the entire process, was also relieved.
With her younger sister's personality, to speak so gently to someone she had only recently met, it seemed she truly considered the Traveler and the little one beside her as friends.
Only after Lumine and Paimon were out of sight did Yunling return to the kitchen in the Shrine.
She hadn't expected the Shrine to have a kitchen. It seemed Guuji Yae had long intended for her to help with cooking, but it was impossible for her to become a Miko...
---
Back at the Kamisato Estate.
"Ayaka, we're back!"
Lumine and Paimon didn't see Ayaka. Just as they were about to approach the screen, Thoma appeared and patted Lumine's shoulder.
Ayaka also emerged from behind the screen at this moment, her fan covering her face. She then closed it and tapped it against her hand, a gesture befitting her status as a Miss.
"Meeting like this is a first, Traveler and Paimon, hehe."
"I've already heard about your help for those 'friends'. You've truly worked hard."
---
In the live stream, the bullet comments had already reached a climax due to Ayaka's appearance.
: "Ayaka, such a beautiful Ayaka! I didn't expect her to look even better in-game!"
: "Mihoyo's artists deserve a raise."
: "Actually, I don't think helping is out of the question."
: "Isn't this the girl from the 'Footprints' PV? The characters in that PV shouldn't have any ill will towards us. I believe this girl is also innocent."
: "Although... but... sigh, I suddenly don't feel so angry anymore."
In the gaming world, many netizens' values often follow their aesthetics.
Ayaka's model wasn't the original 'steel bangs'; the modeling was done very carefully.
While some were still quite unhappy, a significant portion had already 'defected' due to her beauty.
After all, many players, though they follow the story, don't have much foresight and it's normal for them not to realize they're constantly being led by the nose...
---
Kamisato Estate.
After some discussion, Ayaka returned to the main topic:
"Traveler, after seeing the suffering of those who lost their Visions, what are your thoughts?"
Lumine: "Perhaps there are things sadder than death. I hope they can find liberation."
"In the eyes of the Shogun, as a god, all living beings might just be individual 'lives'... Thunder, eerie light, raging winds, sudden downpours... their arrival will never consider the feelings of mortals."
Ayaka said this, looking earnestly at Lumine:
"But if it's you, you must be able to understand, right?"
Lumine was silent, recalling the appearances of those who had lost their Visions, as well as the girl before her looking at her with expectation, and that little girl who cooked so well...
Ayaka revealed her purpose: "It seems you can understand my feelings. Since that's the case, I wonder if you would consider..."
Lumine: "I am willing to help you, to fight against the Vision Hunt Decree!"
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