"The Abyss is far more complex than we imagined. From Mondstadt to Natlan, the Traveler has uncovered truths we were unaware of."
"In the seven nations..."
Angie relayed everything Lumine had told her to The Captain, including the Abyss's formidable strength and Lumine's plan.
After hearing her out, The Captain fell into a long silence.
He was well aware of the major events that had transpired in Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, and Fontaine. He had never underestimated the Abyss's combat prowess, but now he realized he had been far too complacent.
If the master of that eye that appeared in Inazuma were to descend upon Teyvat—a being even the Ruler of Death would temporarily retreat from—his current plan might prove utterly futile!
Yet... this was the best strategy he could devise. With the Abyss's current rate of encroachment on Natlan, the chances of Mavuika gathering all Six Heroes in time were slim.
If only one Hero remained to be found, he might have risked waiting. But with two still missing...
Angie: "Lord Capitano, I believe the Traveler's plan is worth trying. We stand on the same battlefield, sharing the same goal."
Beneath the Captain's mask, his brow furrowed deeply, his sharp eyes flashing with an unprecedented solemnity.
His towering frame seemed to grow even more imposing under the weight of immense pressure, the surrounding air freezing as if held captive by his silence.
After an eternity, his deep, resonant voice finally broke the stillness, each word measured with the weight of a thousand mountains:
"So that's the gist of it... I think I understand your reasoning now..."
He slowly raised his head, his gaze piercing through the cave walls as if staring into the heart of Natlan, toward the ominous crimson-tinged sky.
"I had believed our current plan was the 'optimal solution,' drawing upon every available resource. Remodeling Natlan's Ley Lines using the ancient Dragon Race's Source Mechanism would come at a great cost, but if successful, it would at least buy Natlan enough time..."
His tone held no self-satisfaction, only a cold, objective assessment—an assessment now being overturned.
"But if the Abyss's 'essence' far exceeds this world's comprehension, then accumulating my 'quantity' would be like trying to stop a tsunami with a sand dam—utterly meaningless, and potentially triggering an earlier, more catastrophic disaster by rashly disturbing deeper entities."
The Captain's mind was exceptionally clear and pragmatic.
He pursued "results" and "effectiveness," not the imposition of his personal will.
When a path proved to lead to a sheer cliff, he wouldn't hesitate to turn back.
"Personal plans and pride pale in comparison to survival," he declared solemnly, as if making a final decision. "The hope of gathering the Six Heroes is dwindling, while the looming threat is imminent. Time... no longer permits me to pursue any further solitary experiments with unknown risks."
His gaze shifted to Angie, yet seemed to pierce through her, focusing on the Pyro Archon and the Traveler, who were currently battling somewhere.
"You shared all this with me, hoping I would make the right choice. Then, as you wish."
"My 'plan' ends here."
The Captain straightened his posture, his previously restrained, overwhelming aura surging forth once more. This time, however, it was no longer the lone wolf's absolute resolve, but a force with a clear purpose.
"Mavuika is one of the Seven Archons of this world. Though our ideals clash, she remains Natlan's rightful ruler and strongest champion. In the face of this calamity, her strength and will are paramount..."
He paused, his voice ringing with unwavering resolve:
"I will personally meet with Mavuika. I will deliver all the information I possess about the Abyss, as well as any elements of my original plan that might prove useful to her. My soldiers and resources will be placed entirely at her disposal."
"Cooperation is now the only viable path forward. Though the road ahead remains arduous, combining our strengths is far better than fighting separately, or worse, hindering each other."
His decisiveness was absolute; once he made up his mind, he wasted no time.
"Angie, thank you for bringing this information. You've prevented a potentially catastrophic error."
With those words, The Captain strode out of the tent, his silhouette pausing briefly in the doorway before leaving a final remark:
"I'll go see Mavuika. It's time to end this inefficient, fragmented warfare."
His figure vanished into Natlan's scorching, oppressive wind, carrying with him a pure resolve that had cast aside all hope of luck and stubbornness.
"Uh..."
Angie stood frozen, her mouth slightly agape, barely able to process what had just happened.
...Just like that?
Resolved?
The Captain—a figure who had seemed so imposing, stubborn, and driven by his own unwavering beliefs and plans—had, after weighing the pros and cons, accepted the situation so easily?
So simple, so direct, without a trace of hesitation, regret, or resistance to abandoning his own plans. It was as if they were merely ordinary, proven-to-be-unworkable strategies, discarded without a second thought.
This kind of hyper-rational decision-making... truly befitting the Captain, isn't it?
Angie quickly caught up with the Captain, reminding the Fatui soldiers guarding the cave to safeguard the Source Mechanism as they left.
Though the Captain had abandoned Plan A, the Source Mechanism remained of paramount importance.
-
Speaker's Chamber.
After several days of rest, Ishkab had nearly fully recovered. Most of the scars on her body had faded thanks to the medicinal ointment she had prepared herself.
During this time, the Abyss had been launching small-scale attacks against Natlan, with all six Tribes experiencing varying degrees of assault.
Warriors with minor injuries were treated by their respective Tribe's healers, but those with severe wounds were brought to the Arena for care.
Chuychu, the Arena's resident healer, was a constant presence there, and Ishkab had come to assist once she had recovered enough.
While tending to the injured, Ishkab learned that Lumine had arrived at the Speaker's Chamber. She informed Chuychu and immediately made her way there.
Having heard about Lumine's plan from her younger brother, Ishkab sought to learn more details.
Mavuika, Lumine, Iansan, and the others were discussing the war situation across the Tribes. Since the Abyss's attacks remained small-scale, the situation was still under control.
Mavuika noticed Ishkab and asked, "Ishkab, how are the wounded?"
"Recovering well," Ishkab replied. "No need to worry."
After greeting everyone present, Ishkab stood to the side, listening to their discussion about the Fatui's recent movements.
Before long, a figure stumbled through the entrance.
"Pyro Archon, it's the Fatui!"
The announcement stunned everyone present. Not again?