Returning to where the cat collar had fallen, Themis looked around.
"You'll never find it like that."
Vita's feathers drifted lazily over, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"Come on, stop standing there like an idiot."
"Let's ask the locals~"
The feather that had somehow gotten ahead of them now floated in mid-air.
"You're right," Themis nodded, pinching the feather between her fingers. "But weren't you supposed to be unable to leave a one-meter radius? You seemed to find your way here quite easily."
"So, were you lying to me?"
"Uh..." Under Themis's piercing gaze, Vita gave an awkward chuckle, then stuck out her tongue playfully. "Tee hee~"
Alas, Themis remained cold and unyielding - a married woman with no room for such games!
Vita's current form as a single feather made it impossible to discern her true appearance.
"I'm just a little feather now. Even if I lied, what harm could I possibly do?"
"I'd say you're full of mischief," Themis retorted.
Rolling her eyes inwardly, Themis refused to engage further.
Vita's chatter was incessant, her words buzzing in Themis's ears like a persistent headache.
Does she talk this much even when facing Sa? Themis wondered.
Ignoring Vita's one-sided monologue, Themis approached residents to inquire about any unusual sightings or new developments.
The residents looked perplexed, clearly not understanding what Themis was asking.
"No new developments here," one said.
"But we did hear some strange noises today," another chimed in.
At this, Themis pressed for details.
"Strange noises?" Themis asked. "Could you describe them?"
"Of course." The resident stroked his chin, deep in thought. "I was tossing and turning last night, so I heard it clearly."
"It was around midnight. There was a rumbling sound, followed by something heavy crashing to the ground."
"The weight of it made me think something had fallen over."
Themis studied him. "Where exactly did you hear it? Could you point it out? If it's from old, unmaintained equipment, we don't want anyone getting hurt."
"Somewhere around there..." the resident pointed.
Themis thanked the resident politely and began investigating in that direction.
"Oh, are you really that curious?" Vita asked.
"It's just an injured cat. You could've left it alone."
As Themis listened to Vita's words, she gained a deeper understanding of the woman. Vita's true nature ran far deeper than her cold exterior.
"Hmm... I don't like surprises," Themis said, examining a feather. "That cat was wary. You could tell whatever injured it meant harm."
"Letting it continue unchecked might bring more trouble later."
"Better to eliminate the source now and save time."
Most importantly, Themis feared she might be enjoying her hotpot and singing when suddenly turned into cannon fodder.
Genshin Impact might not be this dangerous, but this was Honkai!
"Hey, slow down! I can't keep up."
Vita's small feathers drifted behind Themis, swaying unsteadily as she followed.
-
After entering the main storyline, Miss Macaca spotted Themis—the very same character CatCatEatsNoMedicine had been incessantly discussing in the group chat for days.
As someone who'd played Genshin Impact before, she'd naturally seen Themis before.
"Ah, you're right. In Honkai Impact 3, she really does look more and more like the Herrscher of the Void."
"The face is similar to Kiana's, but softer. Even when she's cold, she still looks quite imposing."
Here, Macaca couldn't help but bring up Kiana.
"They're clearly the same person with the same face, but Kiana looks so goofy."
"The queen died early. If she were still alive, I wonder if seeing Themis would make her feel like she'd met her doppelganger."
[We don't know what the queen would think, but Kiana would definitely be stunned.]
[Should we guess how Elder Fu Hua would react?]
"You're right. Phosphorus City is Elder Fu Hua's domain."
"Facing Themis, who looks almost identical to Kiana, I wonder what her reaction would be."
[Themis: Today someone came and punched me without a word. Close call—I almost got killed.]
[Hahaha— did Fu Hua resurrect Themis as the Herrscher of the Void?]
[Old Yang: Hey, there's something dirty here! Luocha: ???]
[Once Honkai breaks out, we'll be able to judge someone's character just by looking at their face—and their screen time.]
[After all, she's a famous actor from Mihoyo.]
Macaca watched Little Vitas, who looked almost identical to Vita, make her debut, followed by Themis.
[Holy shit—! Bro, Themis can actually be controlled!]
Her eyes wide, Miss Macaca manipulated Themis to follow Red Vita as they began patrolling Phosphorus City.
CatCatEatsNoMedicine, secretly observing from the shadows, slapped her thigh and lamented inwardly, "Genshin Impact... I've truly misjudged you!"
She swiftly downloaded the latest update for Honkai 3rd in the background. In this lifetime, every person must have at least one experience of controlling Themis!
[The true legacy of Genshin lies in Honkai 3rd. Catcat, say something!]
[Watching your wife being toyed with and manipulated by your best friend—wow, streamer! Otto just gifted you a hat!]
"Hahaha, I wouldn't have thought of that if you hadn't mentioned it."
"You're truly a genius. I wonder what the streamer is thinking right now?"
"What am I thinking?"
"Obviously nothing. I'm not envious at all."
"Really, not even a little!"
"I'm so jealous I could gnaw my teeth to dust!"
"Mihoyo, you're dead to me!"
The CatCatEatsNoMedicine, who was watching the screen, furiously slapped her thigh. She was absolutely livid that Mihoyo hadn't implemented Themis in Genshin Impact!
[She's panicking! The streamer's panicking!]
[Streamers, don't panic yet! Let me panic first!]
As CatCatEatsNoMedicine watched Macaca controlling Themis, she couldn't resist commenting on the goddess's new dress and figure. She smoothed her own hair, satisfied with her jet-black locks.
"My wife's so beautiful. What's wrong with having more admirers?"
"They're all women anyway. How can that count as jealousy?"
Her words were as stubborn as Mobius's, but the sour vinegar smell emanating from her was so thick even viewers through the screen could smell it.
Themis's time-limited control experience was undoubtedly thrilling for players, but it was too brief, leaving them craving more.
After completing her patrol, Miss Macaca's controlled character automatically switched to Righteous Vita.
Observing her enthusiastic and lively expressions, along with her varied new movements,
"Mihoyo has introduced many new moves this time. It seems their technical progress has been substantial."
"Speaking of which, I'm reminded of Genshin's Tears again, ha ha ha..."
[It's evident that Genshin is quite satisfied with her Tears.]
[Furina cries right in our faces when filming, as if afraid we might miss it.]
[But HI3's new moves are truly impressive. These multiple sets of animations show considerable effort.]
While controlling Red to search for cats, they encountered Themis again during the search.
The enigmatic Themis led Righteous Vita to find the cats.
After locating the felines, Macaca sighed in relief. It felt reminiscent of Genshin helping Margaret search for the Little Prince.
True to its Genshin character integration, even the plot carried that distinct Genshin flavor.
When Themis revealed her healing magic, Miss Macaca's eyes lit up.
Then she remembered this was Honkai Impact 3rd, not Genshin Impact.
"I recalled the last collaboration between Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd, where only Little Amy stayed behind."
"KeQing didn't stay last time either. Could it be that Themis can't join the ship either?"
While the Cute Magic healing CG was undeniably beautiful, Themis increasingly carried herself with the gentle, maternal charm of a white-haired Big Sister - a mature young girl type. But there was a very real chance she couldn't be obtained through gacha!
Miss Macaca's heart sank instantly.
With a long sigh, she continued clicking through the screen to watch the cutscene.
After Righteous Vita left, a feather appeared beside Themis.
When Miss Macaca saw the familiar blue-green peacock feather, her pupils contracted.
"Holy shit - it's you, you bad woman!"
Big Vita's feather drew a wave of surprised comments from the viewers. Then they watched as Themis, expressionless, followed the feather into the depths of the alley.
"No! Don't trust that bad woman Vita! My dear Themis, you can't defeat her! Don't let yourself be tricked by that wicked woman!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine watched Themis's figure disappear into the alley, holding her breath. Her heart seemed to suspend itself in mid-air.
Though she hadn't personally played through the new Salt Snow Holy City scenario in Honkai Impact 3, CatCatEatsNoMedicine had already been filled in on the latest developments!
That wicked woman Vita, with her endless schemes!
Her supposedly gentle and pure wife, Themis!
At that moment, Macaca sat before her computer, mentally comparing the combat power of Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3.
In the CG scene, Themis followed behind Vita's feathered form through a silent alley, her brow furrowed in caution.
"What...?!"
From Macaca's perspective as the captain, she saw Themis staring in disbelief at the alley's end.
With Themis' startled cry, accompanied by the shattering of mirrors, the screen darkened momentarily. When it lit up again, the scene revealed only chaos—Themis had vanished without a trace.
She loved the captains' catchphrase: "Ah?"
[????]
[Opening salvo—!]
[No—! My Themis! She just came back to life! Dead again?!]
Macaca & CatCatEatsNoMedicine: "Holy shit, what happened—?!"
"I knew it was called Honkai, but I never expected someone to die right at the beginning!"
Clutching her mouse, Miss Macaca stared in utter confusion.
What the hell just happened?!
How could Themis suddenly meet such misfortune?!
[The sound of shattering glass. Mihoyo, you bastard! Playing this trick now, are you?!
[AHAHA, she's already dead ha ha ha ha ha!]
[Shut up! You Herrscher of Domination!]
[Host, I have to tell you... Themis! She's dead again ah ha ha ha ha ha—!]
[These Herrscher of Domination won't stop, will they?!]
[So focused on watching Themis, I forgot to roast you all!]
The plot continued unfolding. Miss Macaca took two deep breaths. "Everyone, don't panic!"
"Based on my intuition, even if Themis is dead, she'll definitely reappear later!"
"Even as a ghost, the developers wouldn't pass up the chance to cut us, right?"
"Don't be afraid! Don't panic! We can keep going!"
"So what if it might break? We've already survived many trials. Nothing can cut us now!"
Miss Macaca spoke with confidence about her years of being cut experience, while CatCatEatsNoMedicine stared in bewilderment.
I never realized your second game experience was so rich and varied! You've even developed strategies for being cut!
For Miss Macaca, CatCatEatsNoMedicine felt profound respect.
Then, within seconds, a smile crept across her face. The more experienced Macaca became, the more she wanted to see her defenses shattered!
CacklesYar-roar-roar-roar-roar-roar! Must be delicious!
Rua—! Suddenly, she understood why the Herrschers of Domination in the live stream loved being a shipper so much—it was absolutely fucking hilarious!
-
The space before Themis was pitch-black. She furrowed her brow, staring into the lightless void.
The sudden attack had left her feeling utterly vulnerable.
There was no choice. In Teyvat, her identity as the Shard of Celestia might have made her invincible across all of Fontaine.
But now she was in Honkai 3rd, where her power meant nothing against the world's elite combatants.
This inferiority in strength forced Themis to move with extreme caution, every action constrained by her limitations.
"Is anyone there?"
She had to ask, even if it sounded foolish to speak in this dark void. Even if someone answered, they'd probably be one of her attackers.
"Greetings, traveler."
Strands of light coalesced before her, forming a jade-green Bodhi leaf.
A gentle, rational male voice spoke, but Themis's attention was instinctively drawn to his address.
Traveler? That's me now!
Before, it was Lumine who was the traveler. Who knew the roles would switch so quickly!
"Due to various circumstances, please forgive my rudeness."
"Though you might not believe me, please accept my sincere apology. I hope you can trust that I harbor no ill intent toward you."
Crossing her arms, Themis gazed at the Bodhi Leaf. In that instant, she realized who he was. However, she never expected Su to appear in Phosphorus City.
After all, Su had gone to play chess with a high-dimensional entity. Everyone had tacitly assumed he was dead.
To think he was still alive—and apparently had even won the game.
Nevertheless, out of caution, Themis remained wary. Though Su had once been a compassionate doctor, he had suddenly attacked her and brought her here. His true motives remained unknown to her.
Pretending to see him for the first time, Themis carefully considered her words before asking, "What is your relationship with Miss Feather?"
"She uses feathers, you use leaves. It's hard not to imagine a connection between the two of you."
"Could it be... you also have some twisted, complicated relationship with Sa?"
In response to Themis' question, Su's voice remained calm and measured. He patiently replied, "I do have a connection with that Creator God, though it's merely a past encounter."
"However, given the reason for my presence here, we should be considered adversaries."
Themis asked tentatively, "So, I'm also your enemy now?"
Su's voice emerged from the leaves. "No, I merely used certain methods to observe a traveler who had lost her way."
"You and Phosphorus City should have no connection, but fate is so wondrous that it brought two worlds that shouldn't have interacted into premature contact."
"As someone from another world, my interactions with you can be less constrained, avoiding excessive karmic entanglements."
"The true reason for my appearance before you is that the current state of Phosphorus City poses excessive danger to you."
"My presence here now is to offer assistance at this critical juncture before events unfold."
As Themis listened to Su's words, her tense heart relaxed slightly.
"If I ask you, will you tell me about Phosphorus City's crisis?"
"Of course. The true source of the crisis is Phosphorus City's Creator God, Sa."
"Oh, I see."
Nodding, Su had indeed mentioned earlier that he was an enemy of Sa, which explained his presence here.
To resolve Phosphorus City's crisis, it would likely require confronting Sa directly.
Given this situation, she truly needed Su's assistance.
"So, how will you help me?"
"If I'm not mistaken, you're currently under considerable constraints and can't act directly."
Themis' expression remained calm as Su nodded in agreement. "That's correct. Your guess is accurate."
"However, please don't worry. I have my ways."
"You're currently manifesting here as a spiritual entity. Sa hasn't granted you a physical form."
"Coincidentally, I've made some progress in the realm of spirit."
"This means my assistance can be 100% effective."
Themis raised an eyebrow, somewhat confused by Su's words. "Your assistance... for example?"
"As an Observer, I can transfer your spiritual entity - your very soul - back to the world you originally came from."
Su's tone remained calm and gentle, but to Themis, it felt like thunder striking out of clear skies, sending ripples through her heart.
"Send me back to my original world..." Themis murmured, her expression complex yet tinged with indescribable joy.
"Yes, this is the greatest assistance I can offer you at present."
His response was firm and certain. Su never made empty promises; if he said it, he would certainly deliver.
However, Su couldn't perceive Themis's thoughts. Seeing her silence, he assumed she was hesitating to stay - perhaps reluctant to part with the people of Phosphorus City.
"Please don't worry. I've found someone who can help Phosphorus City through this crisis."
"From my observations, while she may not be the perfect candidate, she is trustworthy."
"Moreover, there are other potential candidates besides her."
"Rest assured. Though I can't directly observe the outcome due to certain limitations, my calculations indicate Phosphorus City will be safe."
Themis nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere.
"So, what's your answer?" Su gazed steadily at Themis, awaiting her response.
Yet her prolonged silence exceeded his expectations.
"Is it concern for those children?"
Su had observed Themis's days in Phosphorus City - her interactions with the residents and her bond with the Little Vitas were plain to see. But insisting on staying here would put Themis in particular danger.
"No! That's not what I'm thinking about." Themis shook her head, her voice ringing with conviction.
Su was puzzled. If not about the children and residents, then what could she be contemplating?
Could it be whether his words were trustworthy?
That made sense. He had suddenly brought her to this pitch-black space and unilaterally exposed her status as an outsider.
It was natural for her to be cautious, questioning whether she should trust his words.
If Themis knew Su's thoughts, she would undoubtedly tell him he was overthinking.
Her true concerns had nothing to do with Phosphorus City. Themis was thinking about how she'd enjoyed a brief retirement-like vacation in Phosphorus City, and now Su was sending her back to Teyvat.
How much work had accumulated at the Palais Mermonia?
Now that Focalors and Furina could openly assist her, how much work time could they save her each day?
With this freed-up time, how many times could she stroll around Fontaine with Furina and Focalors?
"Your help has been invaluable..." Themis's eyes sparkled, her face carrying a faint smile of gratitude.
Su: "So, what's your choice?"
"Can we depart immediately? To be honest, I've been longing to return for quite some time!"
Themis's eyes sparkled as she answered with unwavering conviction, leaving Su momentarily speechless.
"May I ask you a question?"
"Of course, please go ahead."
"Aren't you worried about the children and residents here?"
Themis responded instinctively, "I am concerned, but as you've said, this place is dangerous for me. Besides, I can't defeat Sa. Since that's the case, shouldn't we hurry back? Leaving this dangerous place makes sense."
"I have two lovers waiting for me at home. I don't want them to become young widows."
"Now that you've found someone who can save Phosphorus City, my presence here becomes irrelevant."
"You..." Su choked on his words. "You trust my words so completely? What if I'm lying?"
"There's no point in arguing. If you decide to attack me, I can't defend myself. Even if you're lying, I can't change that. The gap in our strength isn't something a few words can bridge."
With one hand on her hip, Themis gazed at the emerald Bodhi Leaf in silence, waiting for Su's response.
"Ha~ I see." Su sighed deeply, finding no reason to reproach her. "With people waiting for you at home, there's no need to risk your life here through impulsive actions."
"This is indeed a wise choice."
Su didn't comment further on Themis's reasoning. In truth, both emotionally and logically, this was the best personal decision.
It wouldn't make much difference anyway. Staying here would still be dangerous, so it's better to leave early and save yourself the trouble.
Besides, it's not like there's no one else who can save Phosphorus City. There are multiple candidates capable of doing so. Since that's the case, there's no need for her to play the hero and say she'd rather die than retreat.
Themis is already a married woman with a lover. She can't afford to take the same reckless risks as young people.
If her first stop had been Phosphorus City, she would have definitely tried to save it.
But unfortunately, her first stop was Fontaine, where she lived for five hundred years and developed her own lover. That's why she decided to sacrifice herself there.
But Phosphorus City has only been part of her life for a few days. Asking her to sacrifice herself here is simply too much.
Moreover, this sacrifice would only be self-indulgent, producing absolutely no help whatsoever.
"Now that you've made your decision, I'll send you back to your world."
"A long time ago, others besides me also observed your world."
"Using that beacon, I can return you to your world."
"However, this journey might be somewhat bumpy."
Su explained to Themis, telling her about the possible situations that might occur during the process. These were all expected things, so there was no need to be afraid.
Themis nodded. Of course she believed Su. If she couldn't trust Buddha, then who could she trust?
She could trust Kiana, but Kiana was currently on the moon, unable to leave that small piece of land!
Themis didn't have the ability or strength to contact the God of Earth under Sa's watchful eye.
Su moved quickly. Themis only felt a blur before her eyes.
The emerald Bodhi Leaf emitted a strong light, illuminating this pitch-black space. The blinding brightness made Themis instinctively cover her eyes.
A familiar dizziness washed over her. This sensation of discomfort was similar to when the Creator God Sa had forcibly taken her away before.
The light from the Bodhi Leaf enveloped Themis. At the same time, she felt the connection with the beacon left in Teyvat growing stronger.
"Please rest assured and sleep. It will be just like when you came here. There's no need to worry."
Themis closed her eyes, her mind filled with uncontainable doubts.
How could she not worry?!
She had originally thought she would die anyway, wandering through unknown space until her final breath!
When Sa grabbed her, her entire soul nearly fled in terror.
Terrified, she had been bundled up like a rag doll and tossed onto Phosphorus City, just like a sandbag.
She could already imagine how bumpy this express train home would be!
To think it could even compare to the journey here!
Reality proved Su's description of the turbulence was true, and Themis's concerns weren't unfounded.
The discomfort was making her want to throw up!
As a purely spiritual entity, she was struggling to endure the rapid spatial traversal. The strain showed on my face as Themis began to waver.
"Let me sleep through this!"
When in doubt, sleep it off! - a time-tested strategy!
A childlike slumber allowed Themis to ignore the spatial distortions around her. Su carefully controlled his power, guiding her through the journey.
The Su now was no longer the same as before.
Those days of being chased across the Quantum Sea by Sa were long gone.
After his dimensional upgrade, Su's mental energy had grown immensely. Moreover, Themis's status as an outsider meant she had minimal connection to this world, giving Su the freedom to act without restraint.
Moreover, though Sa had grown significantly stronger than before, her spiritual patterns had begun to solidify into fixed routines.
Once these patterns were discerned, evading her became effortless.
The System watched silently as its host was carried away, flying through the air. It quietly cleaned up the residual traces left behind.
Ah, you just want to go back, don't you?
In a few more upgrades, it could take its host back and forth between worlds too!
There was no help for it; after all, Themis had initially wished to see Furina and Focalors, not return to Fontaine.
Much later, when Themis learned of this, she would cry out: "Why couldn't you have combined the wishes? Let me return to Fontaine and see Furina and Focalors at the same time!"
Secretly taken away by Su and brought back to Teyvat, Themis slept like a baby, anticipating that upon waking she would be back in Teyvat with Furina and Focalors.
-
Completely unaware that in the real world, the forums had already exploded with outrage.
[Waaah, waaah, waaah, ahahah—!]
[Waaah! You're such a bastard! Truly unrepentant!]
[Mihoyo, accept your death! I thought you'd changed, bringing Themis back from the dead in HI3, but this is all you deliver?!]
[Three minutes into her debut, and she's already dead?!]
[Let me tell you something—Elysia's death was just as sudden.]
[Coincidence? My wife still doesn't know if she's alive or dead!]
[Damn—will we have to wait several more versions to see Themis again?!]
[What the hell did you link up with this time, Mihoyo?!]
[I've been anticipating this for so long, and this is all you offer?!]
CatCatEatsNoMedicine and Macaca also left their invaluable comments in the HI3 comment section!
[Macaca: Here's a joke—this mysterious character from another world will embark on a thrilling adventure with all Captains in the main storyline of HI3!]
[CatCatEatsNoMedicine replies to Macaca: Thrilling, huh? Themis lasted less than three minutes before meeting her demise. Now that's what I call thrilling!]
[Mihoyo messed up this time—such a sudden death with no foreshadowing.]
[We barely got to know her—less than three minutes before she's suspected dead. No proper buildup at all!]
"Hmph, that's all?"
"It really wasn't good enough."
CatCatEatsNoMedicine sat before her computer, nodding calmly as she spoke.
"When I played Genshin Impact, I spent the entire journey with Themis. Not to mention she even gifted me two ten-pull gacha chances!"
"When Themis died in Genshin, every Traveler would be devastated, overwhelmed with grief."
"Mihoyo, hmph, that's all!"
CatCatEatsNoMedicine was no longer the same CatCatEatsNoMedicine!
She had now fully developed a thick wall around her heart!
Little did she know, Mihoyo's blade technique remained unchanged from years past. It once again proved to players how sharp, swift, and precise its blade still was.
What awaited the captains next was Phosphorus City's version of Paradise 2.0!
The game of Werewolf began as seven Little Vitas started investigating Themis' disappearance.
Fu Hua, acting as Sherlock Holmes, suddenly appeared in Phosphorus City.
As a stranger, she became the subject of suspicion from the seven Vitas. To prove her innocence and out of genuine concern, Fu Hua joined forces with the seven Little Vitas to investigate Themis' disappearance.
During the investigation, a mysterious blonde figure hidden in the shadows began their grand criminal performance!
Su raced across the world with Themis in tow, following the beacon to its very edge.
The sight of the shattered world left Su speechless.
It was a good world, but on the verge of collapse.
Sa really went too far, taking away another world's savior, Su thought.
This was precisely why Su felt compelled to help. Even though Teyvat had nothing to do with him, he couldn't just watch a world perish when he had the means to prevent it.
However, the web of causality in an entire world was too vast. While Themis' unique circumstances allowed Su to intervene, he was powerless to save the whole world.
"The only help I can offer this world is to return its savior," Su murmured.
"Let's hope my assistance can pull this world back from the brink of destruction."
After circling Teyvat, Su carefully placed Themis' soul into the world's fragile shell, taking care not to damage it further.
Thank the heavens the shell is riddled with cracks, Su thought. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to deliver her directly.
In truth, they could have simply waited for the world to accept Themis, then guided her back.
However, such a wait would be too long. The part of Themis that was a Shard of Celestia might automatically fuse with the world, becoming a pillar that sustains its existence. This would prevent her from ever waking up.
She would essentially become the world's battery, forced to constantly consume her own soul and power to maintain its operation.
After gazing steadily at Themis's figure, Su ultimately added his own gift to the Bodhi Leaf. He placed it on Themis's body, then sent both inside together.
Stay in touch. Even if I can't come myself, I can send others.
And once Phosphorus City's troubles are resolved, we can continue contacting her friends through this leaf.
Although Miss Vita's feather could also serve as a medium.
But Vita's temperament isn't suited for this fragile world.
Su feared that if Vita harbored any malicious intentions, she might accidentally pierce Teyvat's eggshell, causing this world that has fought so hard to survive to perish completely.
As the golden seed serving as a beacon, Alice sensed Themis's presence the moment she appeared. When Themis's soul was sent to Teyvat, the seed automatically guided her.
"Hmm..."
It was common knowledge that Teyvat was encased in an eggshell, its world boundary hanging by a thread.
Yet many people worked tirelessly to repair the world boundary, striving to prevent Teyvat's destruction.
Alice watched silently as souls drifted through cracks in the eggshell. As a member of the world boundary repairers, she felt particularly anxious.
Especially when Themis floated past her, Alice saw that familiar face and felt an instinct to flee.
Only when Themis had drifted far away and disappeared did Alice, wearing a face that seemed to question the meaning of life, find Witch N.
Under Witch N's puzzled gaze, Alice pressed down on her wide witch hat, covering her entire head.
"What's wrong?" Witch N asked. "Weren't you supposed to be repairing the world boundary?"
Alice's neck mechanically turned, her tear-filled eyes gazing at Witch N. "I think there's something wrong with my eyes."
Witch N, puzzled, responded, "Hm?"
Under Witch N's questioning look, Alice continued, "Otherwise, how could I see that just-dead woman reappear before me?!"
The just-dead woman—Alice recognized her. Witch N understood exactly who Alice had seen.
Observing Alice crouching in the corner like a mushroom, Witch N chuckled.
Her bold and vivacious friend's life nemesis had returned.
"Ah, this probably isn't good news for you."
"But for many others, it's a cause for universal celebration."
Narrowing her eyes, Witch N didn't need to consult her Prophecy. She could already envision the coming days of Fontaine's festivities.
Themis' return remained unknown to Furina.
As usual, she and Focalors rose early to manage Themis' duties as Regent of the Hydro Archon.
One went to the Opera House to attend the trial, while the other continued serving as the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, presiding over cases.
After witnessing the trial, everyone had come to understand that the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale possessed its own consciousness. This revelation had sparked intense curiosity about the divine machine.
At times, Focalors would indulge in mischievous amusement, using her divine power to draw various expressions in mid-air—mocking grins, tearful faces, and more. These ephemeral displays became a new reason for people to visit the Opera House: to guess what expression the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale might reveal that day.
Furina sat on the raised platform, meeting Neuvillette's gaze across the chamber. Both could see the shared exasperation in each other's eyes.
But while Focalors' frustration stemmed from Furina, Neuvillette's vexation arose from the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's sudden whimsy. The divine machine's self-awareness had begun acting like a mischievous child, full of unpredictable ideas.
Strangely, Neuvillette couldn't help but feel a kinship with Furina—both equally inscrutable in their own ways.
As Furina sighed at Focalors' latest amusement, the golden seed hanging around her neck began to glow.
The light grew increasingly intense, pulsating rhythmically like a living breath.
Neuvillette nodded slightly at Furina, then watched as she hurried away from her seat, her face a mix of panic, excitement, and anticipation.
Furina's abrupt departure left the audience thoroughly bewildered.
However, when connected to the recent rumors about Regent Themis's critical condition and coma, the spectators began whispering among themselves.
"Must be that Themis has finally awakened from her coma!"
"Truly? Then that means I can finally witness the Regent's wedding to the Hydro Archon with my late grandfather's blessing!"
"As the twentieth-generation descendant, I can finally bring this joyful news to our ancestors!"
Inside the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, Focalors heard these excited whispers.
Amidst the crowd's gasps, she revealed a beaming smile adorned with floral motifs.
Neuvillette pressed a hand to his forehead, letting out a long sigh.
Well, Themis's return might indeed be good news.
As for the Oratrice's recent... exuberance... well, let her have her fun!
Dragon: As long as you're shipping the same couple, you're doing it right!
Neuvillette gazed at the defendant and plaintiff on the stage, feeling an urgent impulse.
He wanted to be there, to use these precious moments of Themis's rare appearances to speak with her!
Neuvillette's longing mirrored Focalors's thoughts within the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale.
Their shared desire even accelerated the trial's proceedings several times over.
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Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS