Inside the Golden House, Lumine and Paimon had already drawn close to the "Exuvia," examining its condition. Scattered across the hall around them lay several Millelith soldiers who had been knocked to the ground.
Tartaglia appeared behind them and spoke slowly, "As 'Outlanders,' your mission was clearly fulfilled. Why seek out trouble now?"
"Huh? Who's there?"
Startled by the voice, Paimon whirled around in panic.
Tartaglia stepped up the stairs, looking down at Lumine and Paimon.
"If you were members of the 'Fatui,' you might have earned a generous reward from Her Majesty the Tsaritsa. But unfortunately, as you stand now, you are nothing but worthless nuisances."
Lumine drew the Traveler's Handy Sword and stared at Tartaglia warily.
"So it's true. You and La Signora are both after the Gnosis. Not a single member of the Fatui has good intentions!"
Seeing Lumine with her sword drawn, Tartaglia chuckled.
"While your performance thus far has been commendable, don't waste your breath trying to stop me here."
"Huh? Are they fighting? How could—" Paimon watched the situation unfold in a panic, still struggling to fully grasp what was happening.
Just then, a voice rang out from behind Tartaglia.
"She can't stop you. What about me?"
The sudden interruption caught all three of them off guard. Tartaglia turned around, only to see Lora leaning casually against the entrance of the hall, calmly watching the scene unfold.
"It's you!" Tartaglia's surprise deepened. "I never expected the Adeptus of Purifying Water and Judgment to appear here."
Paimon cheered excitedly, "That's great! Lora, this 'Fatui' guy wants to steal the Gnosis inside the Exuvia!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Lora's gaze settled on Tartaglia as she spoke unhurriedly.
"Mr. Tartaglia, won't you explain? We are friends, after all."
"There's nothing to explain." Tartaglia shook his head.
"The kid's right. A Fatui Harbinger has only one goal across the Seven Nations—obtain the Gnosis of the 'Seven Archons' and present it to Tsaritsa!" Lora continued calmly, "You're certain you want to announce your intention to seize Rex Lapis' Gnosis in front of a Liyue Adeptus?"
"Perfect. I've never fought an Adeptus before!"
Without another word, Tartaglia drew his "Polar Star."
Lora let out a soft sigh.
"To be honest, I'm not very good at fighting. But if someone insists on coming over to get beaten up, I can't exactly refuse."
She smiled faintly.
"Mr. Tartaglia, our battle will begin under the witness of ten thousand waters. When you're lying on the ground later, remember to leave me a good review."
As her words fell, mist began to spread throughout the hall. Hydro elemental energy surged forth from the surrounding space, saturating the air.
Tartaglia gripped the "Polar Star," attempting to draw upon Hydro elemental power through his Vision. Almost immediately, he realized something was wrong—his Vision felt sealed, completely unable to command even a trace of Hydro energy.
Worse still, all Hydro elemental power around him radiated hostility, as though he himself had become water's sworn enemy.
"So this is the power of a Liyue Adeptus…" Tartaglia was genuinely taken aback. "To suppress my Vision outright—interesting. Fine. Fighting without a Vision will be even more satisfying!"
With that, he released the power of his Delusion. Violet lightning coursed over his body as he donned his mask.
Even now, Lora still hadn't moved.
Watching Tartaglia unleash the Delusion and become shrouded in crackling lightning, she turned her head slightly toward Lumine and Paimon.
"You two should find somewhere to hide. Wouldn't want you getting hit by accident."
At her words, Lumine and Paimon hurriedly ducked behind the pedestal supporting the "Exuvia," peeking out cautiously as they watched the fight unfold.
Paimon whispered nervously, "Lumine, do you think Lora can beat Tartaglia?"
"Lora is an Adeptus. Of course she can!"
Lumine replied without the slightest hesitation.
Empowered by his Delusion, Tartaglia charged toward Lora, lightning arcing around him. Just as he was about to strike, Lora's body dissolved into countless wisps of water vapor.
In the next instant, she reappeared in the center of the hall—exactly where Tartaglia had been moments before.
"You're too slow," Lora said calmly.
The expression hidden beneath Tartaglia's mask turned solemn. He had charged with all his strength, yet Lora had avoided the attack effortlessly.
Are all Liyue Adepti this strong?
After the initial shock passed, a fierce light ignited in Tartaglia's eyes.
Only by fighting the strong can one become stronger!
Seeing Tartaglia charge again, not retreating but brimming with battle lust, Lora swiftly raised a wall of water before her. In an instant, the lightning in Tartaglia's hand pierced straight through it.
The water wall collapsed—but Lora had already vanished once more.
Before Tartaglia could react, her voice sounded from behind him.
"High fighting spirit is admirable, but a true warrior can't focus solely on offense."
Tartaglia slashed backward in a split second, but Lora seized his shoulder and drove a single punch into him, sending his body flying.
He slammed straight into the "Exuvia."
"Whoa!" Paimon yelped as she and Lumine hurriedly ducked aside.
Under the tremendous impact, the "Exuvia" swayed violently before crashing to the ground.
Tartaglia realized at once that the Gnosis was not inside. He shook his head, pushed himself up, and faced Lora again.
"As expected of a Liyue Adeptus—your strength is astonishing. But what truly surprises me is that the Geo Archon's Gnosis isn't inside the Exuvia. It seems Liyue's situation is far more complicated than I imagined." A grin spread beneath his mask. "All the better. Now I can cast aside everything else and fight you properly!"
On the other hand, Lora seemed lost in thought, replaying the punch she had just thrown.
"Mm. The power was acceptable, though the technique was lacking," she mused. "But since I don't rely on my fists for damage anyway, that'll do."
Tartaglia's Delusion began to emit an even more terrifying aura as he spoke slowly, "Even for an Adeptus, underestimating your opponent comes at a cost, Miss Lora."