Standing before the "Clear Pool and Mountain Cavern" domain, I reflect on the slightly boring journey after that one night at Qingce Village.
This bit mainly started with us paying one of the villagers Mora to take us across and to the border between the Chenyu Vale and Minlin regions of Liyue.
During the boat ride, we chatted. I mentioned some fun facts—like how, out of the four Shades, only one really did her job while the other three kind of ran off doing their own thing at this point. Then I mentioned how, technically, the domain trees are a part of Irminsul just as much as the teleport waypoints are, considering their connection to the Ley Lines.
Then the conversation moved on to what places we could visit in Minlin before arriving at the harbor. I was a bit disappointed we didn't visit the inn. I.e., I didn't get to test Xiao's patience before he tried to kill me.
Then we got off the boat at the shore, and it was more or less a hike for three days—but no—apparently my mom and I have quite the aptitude for adeptal energy, as we were able to use those floating fish orb thingies that were in the game even here, in, well… our current reality.
The feeling of it, though, can only be positively described as niche—but it did save a lot of time not having to cross the mountainous region on foot. It also allowed us to arrive right across from the domain in about half a day—or, well, by sunset—as getting the boat ride and waiting for it took a while.
Now here we are, one hour since taking down camp, standing in front of the domain… honestly, it feels slightly intimidating. Up close and in reality, the stone doors—about three to four meters tall—are very "welcoming."
Attempting to push the door, the resistance is surprisingly nonexistent. The seemingly ton-or-two doors fly open at the slightest push.
A wave of stale, moist, cool air brushes past my face. It is reminiscent of entering a cave system.
The doors open into a stairwell that goes down seemingly endlessly, with barely any light coming from glowing moss on the stairs and walls.
As we descend, there are several minor traps that show up, but they are dealt with easily—like, none of them even used poison—
After about five or so minutes of descending stairs, we finally step onto a bridge-like platform that overlooks a chasm with some kind of silvery flow deep below.
I'm almost tempted to jump down until I remember my goal and continue moving forward.
On the first encounter, to my surprise, we spot Treasure Hoarders. They appear to have been stuck here for a few days.
I tried to chat and help them out, but no—they just tried to take our supplies, so I decided to have Cifera remove them to Dragonspine.
I mean… there is still treasure there, right? Should be no issue then.
Now, walking further, I find why the Treasure Hoarders got stuck. I mean, sure, their group wasn't too small, but here we have some kind of mass aggregation of hilichurls. Unfortunately, only Mitachurls with rock shields out of the stronger types were here, so I couldn't really enjoy the fight.
I pretty much just spawned in behind one group, kicked them into the void below, and moved on to the others… they didn't even have supplies here—how odd.
Lastly, while walking, I see two Ruin Guards standing side by side, asleep—and behind them, my goal: the petrified tree. Artifact tree. You know?
Smiling, I have my mom stand back and keep her bow out just in case so she can shoot their eye/back weak spots.
Meanwhile, the floating camera seems to fly around, just checking the surroundings… not even recording, but uh… sure.
Cifera just sits on my mom's head watching, one eye open.
Me? Oh, me dumbass is about to whoop some machine ass—or get my ass whooped by machine hands.
I yell, "You can't catch these hands!" and charge. The two Field Tillers have awakened by now. One is charging, preparing to throw hands, while the second is sitting back like a damn wuss and prepares to send rockets at me—and his buddy.
The first guard's arm sweeps at my feet. I jump. Airborne, I take out a grappling hook I bought from my inventory and catch the Field Tiller's shoulder, making it miss with its other arm that tried to pancake me.
Thankfully, at that moment, the wuss's rocket bullets also pass by and straight into the void.
Now on the damn thing's back, I jam my blade into the eye and shut it down for good.
I leap off it as it starts tilting—and thank god, because I'd be down in the silver with it otherwise.
The second one now charges at me, and to avoid being slammed, I dodge to the right—but get caught by one of its arms, almost sending me off the edge!
I thankfully manage to drive Lost Companion into the ground, slowing me down just enough to not tip over into that alluring silver glow.
Now I'm a bit pissed, so what do I do? Well, of course, I take out a bazooka and hit it straight in the eye and win, right…
No. I get my ass beat by this second Ruin Guard for about half a damn hour until I finally manage to slice through the damn thing's torso, turning the f'er off for good.
I dust my hands off, all proud—until I hear my mom slightly snicker, along with Cifera…
Who is in human form… wait, huh??????
WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!?!?!?!?
"CIFERA!"
She runs up to me and hugs me from behind. "Yes?" A playful answer that questions what I want…
Damn it, must she press into my back so hard?!
"I thought you were stuck in cat form."
"Wait—you knew I wasn't just a cat?"
"Just a cat? How big of a fool do you think I am?" My voice is so deadpan that even the previously howling wind seems to stop in its tracks.
"Uh… a big one!"
I facepalm—but smile. If she isn't stuck in her cat form, then it means she is finally comfortable enough to be back in her original form.
"So… do tell—how was mapping out the sewers in Mondstadt? How'd you do that without any smell?"
A pause follows. Then I feel a deadpan stare that quickly becomes a sigh—and a soft giggle.
"That's the first thing you asked?"
"Well, yes. I do want to know how you avoided your punishment."
"…Hmph. If you must know, I got the cats in Cat's Tail to do the work for me."
"Oh… no wonder Angel's Share got a lot more crowded all of a sudden."
Soon she pulls away with a small huff. I turn around to look at her, only to find her pouting…
Interestingly enough, she's in her signature HSR outfit—the tight black one-piece that amplifies her curves, the golden boots and stockings… I think. The hood rests over her head, framing those beautiful light-and-dark blue gemstone eyes.
This look most certainly gives me a nosebleed.
Yet I am not weak, so I do not faint… instead, I give a thumbs up.
Her eyebrow twitches. Her mouth twitches. She steps toward me, slightly swaying her shapely hips—and soon I am kissing the ground.
I didn't even say anything ):
"Well, the ground certainly doesn't taste good. Anyway, I'ma go do what I came here for."
I walk up to the petrified tree, Cifera behind me, glaring… I have no regrets.
Before reaching it, I pause, slightly hesitant to step on the magic floor barrier thing… getting up from down below ain't looking fun…
"Ouch!"
I stumble forward, hands going to my behind, turning my head only to find Cifera with her foot out—obviously the one that kicked me…
Thankfully, I am no Looney Tunes character, and so I do not fall when I notice I'm not standing on anything seemingly solid.
…I am so tempted to threaten to—ahem—beat her ass—ahem—to punish Cifera…
Like, I'm the master. I should be in control! Why am I the bullied one?!
Shaking my head, I clear my thoughts. Oddly enough, the tree seems pretty ordinary at first glance, and when I touch it, nothing happens at first.
Closing my eyes, I focus on myself. The wind quiets down, Arye eating chips fades away, Cifera's snickering feels infinitely distant.
I feel energy flow through me—from the outside and into the tree. Slowly, the tree starts feeling warm, and soon my eyes open as—even through my eyelids—it starts shining.
I quickly pull my hand off, only to find several artifacts at my feet…
Problem… there is no "Genshin UI." I don't know if they're good or not.
Thankfully though… unlike in-game… this single time allowed me to get roughly ten artifacts in total—one being a full Bloodstained Knight set, and the other the Noblesse set. Nice.
But why am I feelin real damn dizz-
*black*
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N/A: It is 3am as I finish writing, so hope my delirium is legible.
Please give me power stones to promote fic and uh comments/reviews are appreciated!