"It's a shame your Gnosis is with La Signora now," Furina sighed. "Now I'll have to steal it back myself."
Venti's usual smile faded, replaced by rare seriousness.
"Furina… you're collecting Gnosis too? Don't tell me you're planning to challenge her—the one above."
Furina shook her head. "I'm not that noble. You both know about Fontaine's prophecy, don't you?"
Zhongli's gaze sharpened. "So you're gathering the Gnosis… to break Celestia's decree?"
Furina nodded.
"The former Hydro Archon, Lady Egeria, used the power of the primordial sea to turn her pure water spirits into humans. I was one of them.
When Celestia found out, it punished Fontaine:
'The people of Fontaine are born in sin. One day, the sea will rise and drown them all, leaving only the Hydro Archon weeping on her throne.'
After Egeria's fall, I inherited the seat of the Hydro Archon. For five hundred years, I've searched for a way to undo the prophecy. The Gnosis… is one of the keys."
Zhongli and Venti exchanged a glance. They had heard of the prophecy—but not its origin.
"By general rational judgment," Zhongli said slowly, "Egeria's act of creating humans… may have crossed a line."
"But doesn't that just prove she was a god who loved her people?" Furina countered.
Zhongli nodded. "Indeed. A god who loved deeply."
Venti suddenly perked up. "Well, I don't have my Gnosis anymore… but the old man still has his, right?"
Furina turned to Zhongli with hopeful eyes. He sighed.
"I'm sorry, old friend. I pledged my Gnosis to the Tsaritsa as part of a contract. I cannot give it to you. But once the contract is fulfilled… I will no longer be bound."
Furina shrugged. "Fine. Once the Fatui get your Gnosis, I'll just grab yours and Venti's in one go."
Zhongli chuckled. "As fellow Archons, we should help one another. Once Liyue's affairs are settled, I'll write to the Tsaritsa on your behalf."
"I'll do the same!" Venti added with a wink.
Furina blinked, then wiped her eyes. "Sorry… I didn't mean to cry. I've been alone for so long… your words just caught me off guard."
Venti leaned back with a sigh. "Furina… you've suffered too much these past five centuries. Just like me. Look at the old man—he spends his days sipping tea and feeding birds. Must be nice."
Zhongli's teacup cracked slightly in his hand. "Venti, if you keep talking, I won't mind sending you flying."
"See, Furina? He's threatening me again!" Venti ducked behind her dramatically.
"Alright, alright. Stop teasing him." Furina said, half-laughing. "Zhongli, calm down."
Zhongli exhaled. "By general rational judgment… you said the Gnosis is one way. What's the other?"
"Yeah, Furina," Venti added. "What's the second method?"
Furina hesitated. She looked up at the sky, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"The other way… is to destroy the seat of the Hydro Archon. To shatter my divinity and return the authority of the Hydro Dragon to Neuvillette. With the full power of the Primordial Dragon, he could absolve Fontaine's sins."
Venti stood up, alarmed. "Furina! Do you know what that means?"
"I'll die. Fontaine will become the second godless nation after Khaenri'ah. The Seven will become Six. Neuvillette will become a complete dragon. And Celestia… may awaken."
"Even knowing that, you'd still destroy your godhood?"
"I can't just stand by and watch my people drown," she said quietly.
Zhongli finally spoke. "How many Gnosis would it take?"
"Four, at least. The more, the better." She turned to him. "Zhongli… may I propose a contract?"
"Speak."
"If Osial rises and threatens Liyue, I'll fight in your place. In return, if I fall during the judgment… you'll help protect Fontaine."
Zhongli nodded solemnly.
"Agreed. The contract is sealed. Those who break it shall suffer the Wrath of the Rock."
"I'm in too." Venti said. "If Fontaine's in danger, I'll come."
Furina looked at them both, a soft smile forming through her tears.
"Thank you… truly."