"…Adepti always distance themselves from mortal affairs, devoting themselves to wondrous creations and great undertakings."
Cloud Retainer gave a dismissive shake of her wings.
"I simply find mortal socializing tedious and complicated. That is why I reside here in peace."
"Unfortunately, that peace has now been disturbed—by you, barging in with the Sigil of Permission."
She flicked her wings impatiently.
"Enough. State your purpose clearly. Do not delay my research further."
Lumine recounted everything: the fall of Rex Lapis, Mountain Shaper's request, the turmoil in Liyue Harbor.
The crane froze.
"Rex Lapis… assassinated?!"
Her voice sharpened, rising with uncontrollable fury.
"How could such lawless audacity exist in this world?!"
The air trembled.
"This matter is absurd beyond belief. I must verify it personally."
A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes.
"No… perhaps it would be simpler to descend upon Liyue Harbor and suppress it outright. Once the Adepti gather—"
"W-Wait!" Paimon shrieked. "Suppress Liyue Harbor?! You don't mean to destroy the entire city, do you?!"
"Merely decisive measures. To prevent further deterioration."
"You are sworn to protect Liyue!" Lumine protested.
"For over three thousand seven hundred years, we have upheld that duty under Rex Lapis's decree. But when evil festers, extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures."
Paimon panicked. "She's serious! Lumine, think of something!"
Lumine steadied herself.
"We followed the ancient contract. We offered tribute and passed your trial."
Paimon nodded vigorously. "We cooked all that food for you! We came to ask you to protect Liyue's people—not punish them!"
"At the very least… shouldn't you consult the other Adepti first?"
Cloud Retainer fell silent.
"…'Contract.' Even the God of Contracts has fallen. The word itself sounds like mockery."
"Mortal Liyue often forgets the spirit of contract. There are many who twist truth and deceive."
She looked at Sigil.
"Still… since you invoke the ancient covenant, I cannot wholly disregard it."
"This talisman was forged by Rex Lapis, imbued with Adepti power to aid mortals in war. Little remains within it now—it is but a symbolic token."
"It does not guarantee your character. I shall verify your account myself."
She turned away.
"Go. I will confer with the others."
Thus, she restrained her fury—for now.
Wangshu Inn bustled with life.
Paimon looked around doubtfully.
"Would an Adeptus really stay somewhere this noisy?"
"They're supposed to live in misty mountains, not busy inns…"
Still, they searched—heading straight for the rooftop terrace.
No one.
Lumine stepped toward the railing.
Below stretched wetlands and distant mountains, bathed in wind and light.
"This view is incredible," she murmured. "When all this is over, we should return as tourists."
Paimon beamed. "The boss, Verr Goldet, wasn't exaggerating at all!"
A cold voice cut through the breeze.
"What mortals see is but surface illusion."
They spun around.
A slender youth stood nearby—golden eyes sharp with distance and warning.
Paimon blurted, "You're the Conqueror of Demons? You're… kind of small."
Silence.
"Show respect to the Adepti," he said coolly.
Xiao's gaze dropped to the Sigil in Lumine's hand.
"…The Sigil of Permission."
His tone softened—barely.
"It may stay in my hand. It will not shield you from other dangers."
"You tread too close to the realm of Adepti and demons."
He looked toward the horizon.
"Human souls are fragile. Your mortal blood cannot endure prolonged exposure to Adepti presence."
The wind shifted.
The true weight of Liyue's ancient guardians now stood before them.