"…As mortal governance flourished, we withdrew to the mountains in accordance with Rex Lapis's will, granting humanity space to grow."
"But now… Rex Lapis… he…"
The Adeptus's words dissolved into a long sigh.
He looked back at Lumine, composure restored.
"Traveler, I understand everything you have said. I also comprehend Mountain Shaper's intent in summoning us."
"Once I settle matters here, I shall depart at once for the Jade Chamber to confer with the other Adepti."
Relief washed over Lumine—but a question lingered.
"Th-Those ambers… were they actually—"
"I know!" Paimon cut in excitedly. "They must be this Adeptus's divine technique! Just like in the legends!"
"Like feathers turning into forests, or breath forming waterfalls—those ambers must be formed from immortal power!"
Lumine tilted her head. "That sounds more like… certain marine life."
The Adeptus made a sound halfway between amusement and exasperation.
"The amber is not my divine art. It comes from a plant I cultivate here—called Mountain-Bearing Wasabi."
"It grows mostly underground. Should an intruder step upon its range, it secretes resin that rapidly solidifies into amber, imprisoning the trespasser."
"I planted them to preserve tranquility. Though… admittedly, some innocents have been caught as well."
Paimon blinked. "So not a majestic immortal spell?"
"Adepti affairs are not so easily understood by mortals."
"…They're alive?" Paimon shuddered.
"Indeed. If I leave without tending to them, more innocents may suffer."
"Once I conclude my arrangements, I shall depart. You may go."
With that, the Adeptus vanished like mist.
Moved by his quiet vigilance, Lumine and Paimon set out toward Mt. Aocang.
Mt. Aocang was wreathed in mist and jagged peaks.
Soon, they discovered a grand stone table set with exquisite utensils.
"Look! A giant stone table—with wine vessels!"
"And the chairs have inscriptions!"
Paimon read aloud:
"Here sits Cloud Retainer."
"Here sits Guizhong."
"Here sits Rex Lapis."
Lumine murmured, "Rex Lapis is clear. But… Guizhong?"
"Cloud Retainer!" Paimon gasped. "This must be her gathering place!"
Her eyes sparkled.
"If this is where Adepti feast, maybe we can cook what they like as an offering!"
They searched and found three recipes: Matsutake Meat Rolls, Jewelry Soup, and Mora Meat.
After carefully preparing the dishes and placing them upon the table—
A hidden seal on a nearby cave glowed and slowly unraveled.
"It worked!"
Inside, a solemn voice echoed:
"…The aura of the Sigil of Permission."
"Though I do not know your purpose, I shall grant you a chance in recognition of your sincerity."
"To meet me, you must pass the mechanisms of my design."
The cavern was filled with intricate devices—ingenious and perilous.
With courage and wit, Lumine and Paimon solved each trial.
At last, they reached the deepest chamber.
There stood an elegant crane, poised upon a mechanism hub.
"You possess some skill," the crane admitted.
"I am Cloud Retainer. Speak—why have you come?"
Lumine glanced around. "Did you build all of this yourself?"
"Of course!" Pride rang clear in her voice.
"My mastery of mechanisms surpasses all. Even Guizhong and Rex Lapis praised my creations."
Paimon looked around at the vast, intricate abode.
"You live here alone? With so many mechanisms… Did you isolate yourself to focus on your craft? Like the stories say…"
Cloud Retainer lifted her head slightly, feathers shimmering in the light—
As ancient memories stirred quietly in the mountain air.