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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
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Phase 2 of the Planar War in Inazuma finally ended, though at a very high price. Inazuma lost 95% of its people and its ruler, Electro Archon.
Primis could have withheld this information if he had wanted, but he decided to be truthful and inform the people about it. As expected, when the death of Raiden Shogun was announced, the entire atmosphere fell.
All the people had downcast expressions. Many even broke down on the spot and started crying. This was not that surprising since, one way or another, Raiden Shogun had been protecting them for generations.
While people were dissatisfied with the "Vision Hunt" decree, it still didn't change the fact that Electro Archon's very presence provided them with a sense of security, giving them hope that if Inazuma were in danger, Raiden Shogun would be there to protect them.
But now that hope was gone.
Kujou Sara was one of the people who was most affected. As a member of the Kujou clan, she swore to be by Raiden Shogun's side and follow her will. Yet, not only did she fail to fulfill her oath, but she was also not present with her in her last moments. It truly devastated her.
Still, as a good General, she knew she couldn't make such an appearance in front of the soldiers as it would lower their morale. Hence, she remained calm and reminded them that Raiden Shogun had died while fighting for Inazuma. So, if the soldiers started feeling down, it would be like her sacrifice was in vain.
These words soon spread among the people, re-igniting the flame in their hearts. Realizing how weak they were to be unable to help Raiden Shogun, the soldiers started training with even more determination in their eyes.
This also led to even more people joining the Army, as they didn't want to experience the same feeling of helplessness again.
The "Council of New Tevyat" also felt disheartened. While Ei was not that social, the same can't be said for her sister Makoto. With her more social and lively presence, other members of the Council had grown close to her. Hence, the blow they took at Makoto's death was on par with the Ei.
By the way, Primis named the island that He created for them as "New Teyvat." He decided to keep the original name so that people could still remember the name of their previous home. The "Council of New Teyvat" was the governing party of this island under Primis.
The Members of the Councils are: -
Ganyu --- Personal Secretary
Kamisato Ayato --- Law Enforcer and Government Affairs
Kamisato Ayaka --- Internal and External Affairs
Yae Miko --- Overseer
Sangonomiya Kokomi --- Military Strategist
Kujou Sara --- Army General
Beidou --- Navy General
Currently, there are seven members in the council, though it will undoubtedly increase in the future.
Makoto was also once part of this council, but now she was gone.
Still, one question had been nagging everyone's mind. They knew how much closer the Emperor and Raiden Shogun were. They had all witnessed how Ei's eyes were full of affection when looking at Primis. They also knew Primis cared for her a lot as he appeared more kind, gentle, and approachable while he was with her. Everyone was sure that they would marry in the future.
Hence, the question came: since they loved each other so much, why didn't Primis revive her?
Was their love a lie?
Fortunately, Primis didn't let their thoughts go haywire and explained. Or, to be more precise, he answered with his question.
Primis: Electro Archon had been fighting for Inazuma since the Archon War. Means for Millenniums. She was fighting for her nation even before passing… After fighting for all this time, don't you think she should get a well-deserved rest?
Exactly. That was the exact reason why Primis didn't revive her.
By spending so much time together, Primis knew Ei would stand by his side and fight for him for the rest of her life. Primis would have accepted this if he hadn't noticed the hidden weariness, tiredness, and exhaustion in her eyes, which she was trying to hide.
After fighting nonstop for all those years and experiencing countless losses, Ei was tired. Still, she couldn't stop. She needed to look after the nation she and Makoto had built. So, she suppressed those feelings deep in her heart.
However, when Makoto was resurrected, and Primis became the Ruler, he took on all the responsibilities. As a result, the heavy burden was lifted off her shoulders, and those suppressed feelings started to surface since Ei let herself open when she was with Primis. The man, of course, took the notice of this. That's why he didn't bring her back to life.
Hearing his words, all the people fell into silence. Looking back, they also realized how much they depended on Raiden Shogun, which made them even more depressed. With this, they no longer wished for her resurrection, as they also agreed it was time for her to rest.
Between this, the only good thing was that Primis brought Ei and Makoto to this world at their last moment. As a result, their souls entered the Cycle of Reincarnation of this pocket universe instead of the one he created in the Genshin Impact world.
In other words, Ei and Makoto will be reborn in this "Pets" world. However, it will take a very, very, very, very long time. Primis was confident that by then, he would already be a True Deity, which means 3rd-Level Existence.
While Primis can accelerate it, he didn't. He just let nature run its course. After all, he had already promised to marry the twins in the future. Hence, their position had already been secured, and no one else could take it.
Like this time went by.
.
.
.
Three months after Ei and Makoto's deaths, the "Council of New Teyvat" launched many job openings, offering people a way to earn more points.
Still, since most people living in "New Teyvat" were soldiers and retired, they wanted a simple job like farming or animal husbandry to pass their days.
Soon, some new policies were launched. They were: -
Only those under 18 will be eligible to obtain 100 points from the Government per month. After that, they need to earn on their own and return the points the Government has provided them since birth with interest, i.e., 50,000 points. The Amount must be returned in 5 years. Otherwise, the interest will increase by 5% every passing month. The Government will pay the living expenses, education fees, and medical fees of children under 18. No matter how much the Government spent during that time, it will all be covered under those 50,000 points. The Government will provide a specific Skill Book for those who want to work as Farmers or in Animal Husbandry. Anyone can use this Skill Book to get the basic knowledge of how to work in that field. In return, after keeping the required amount for themselves, the people can sell extra goods to the Government only. The Government will buy these Crops, Milk, Eggs, and Meats at a reasonable price. The Materials bought from the Government will all be quality assured. If they are not, the Government will compensate them.
There are only five of them for now, but they will increase in the future.
.
.
Looking at the first policy, anyone would think the Government was asking for an excessive return amount. After all, if we count the day the child is born until they are 18, it will be 12 X 18 = 216 months. If they get 100 points monthly, it should be 21,600 points. Yet, the Government asked for 50,000 points—more than twice what they gave.
However, the dissatisfaction vanished once they read the second policy.
Since the Government will be responsible for providing children with food, education, and medical care, these 100 points were like pocket money for the children to spend however they pleased.
It also stated that no matter how much the Government spent on children until 18, the children only needed to return 50,000 points. In other words, no matter how expensive the children's education and medical fees were, starting from 1 point to millions or more.
In the end, 50,000 points would cover all of it.
Additionally, after checking the released jobs, people found that even the lowest-earning jobs paid 2,000 points per month. This means that just by taking such a job, people can earn the required points in just a little over two years, let alone those with higher wages.
After reading this, people realized that the Government was taking the loss rather than them.
As questions were thrown one after another, a single sentence from the "Council of New Teyvat" shut them down.
Council of New Teyvat: YOUR MAJESTY approved of it, THEMSELVES.
Hearing that, people happily accept it.
.
.
.
A Year Later.
Ganyu and Shenhe could be seen sitting in the tea stall, enjoying the tea while busy conversing. People occasionally walked past the shop, but whenever they noticed them, they bowed to them before continuing on their way.
Ganyu's identity as Primis's personal Secretary and Shenhe's as his personal guard made their position higher than even the "Council of New Teyvat." Hence, no matter where they went, they attracted admiration and awe.
At first, they felt weird about attracting so much attention, but soon, they got used to it.
Taking the sip, Shenhe spoke.
Shenhe: It's about time.
Ganyu: Yes. We are finally returning to Liyue Harbor, the site of the next battle.
Shenhe: Um. I can finally see Master again.
Ganyu: Are you okay? For the past few days, I have noticed you growing increasingly anxious.
Shenhe: I don't know why, but I am having a very bad feeling.
Ganyu: You think something happened to Cloud Retainer? She is a true Adeptus. How could something happen to her? And don't forget there are other Adepti who can help her if something happens.
Shenhe: I hope you are right. Still, I don't think I will be able to get rid of this feeling until I see her with my own eyes.
Sighing, the half-Adeptus spoke.
Ganyu: You must keep your cool, Shenhe. We are going to war, and with your current mindset, you will likely make a mistake that will lead to severe consequences.
Shenhe: I know. I am trying.
She replied. But the hand holding the cup still trembled, making its contents fall around.
Shenhe wouldn't have lost her composure like this if it were before. Why? At that time, she was wearing Red Ropes, an artifact of an Adepti that gave the wearer a calmer temperament as it suppressed human emotions.
But when Primis took her under him, he erased that ability of the artifact and turned it into typical ropes. This resulted in not only returning her emotions but also her homicidal tendencies.
Still, with each passing time, primarily due to Primis's presence, she started controlling her violent personality, not letting her demonic side take over. After all, she didn't want to experience what happened back then. When in their first time, Primis beat her to near-death many times. That fear was still engraved in her very soul.
Deciding to change the topic, the Cocogoat asked.
Ganyu: By the way, where do the Knights go? I haven't seen even a shadow of them for the past few months. Since you are a close friend of Eula Lawerence, did she tell you something?
Shenhe: Eh? I thought you were already aware of it.
Showing a wry smile, the half-Adeptus lowered her head and moved her finger across the edges of the cup.
Ganyu: You have seen it yourself, don't you? YOUR MAJESTY has become more reserved ever since Miss Makoto and Ei left. As we are more connected with THEM than others, we spend our remaining time caring for THEIR needs. As a result, I don't have time to look for other things.
At this, Shenhe became quiet.
True. Ever since Makoto and Ei left, Primis had thrown himself entirely into work and didn't take care of anything else. Before, the Twins occasionally reminded him to stop work, rest, eat something, go out to take a stroll, and many more.
With their absence, Primis just focused on doing the affairs of his Empire and threw everything else out of the window. Knowing they couldn't let this go on like this, Ganyu and Shenhe took up that role.
Though this made things return to their tracks, they also lost most of their free time.
Still, they didn't mind, as taking care of Primis was their responsibility when he made them his members. The presence of Makoto and Ei just gave them some leverage. With them gone, they had returned to their actual duties, that's all.
After pondering about something, Shenhe spoke.
Shenhe: Eula told me that the Knights have decided to continue with their remaining trials.
Ganyu: Trials? You mean "Trails of the Royal Knights."
Shenhe: Yup, that one.
Ganyu: But didn't Your Majesty tell them not to force and only take the next ones when fully rested?
Shenhe: THEY did. However, when the Knights learned that the Phase 2 enemy had the strength to kill an Archon, they knew they must be hasty and couldn't afford to relax.
This made the Half-Adeptus narrow her eyes as she went deep into her thoughts.
By the way, since Primis referred to himself as WE, OUR, and US, people also stopped referring to him as He or Him. They now address him as THEY and THEM as he was not like them and is the Ruler of Three Realms—a God.
Ganyu: But why does it matter to them whether the Phase 2 enemy is on Archon level or higher?
She asked with a confused expression on her face.
Shenhe: I have heard that the Knights will participate in Phase 2 of War of Mondstadt.
Ganyu: Wait, What!?
The Cocogoat was so shocked she shouted. This made other people turn towards her.
Feeling embarrassed, she did a fake cough and waved at others to continue what they were doing before lowering her voice.
Ganyu: You are kidding, right? How can Knights participate in a War at the Archon scale?
Shenhe: I was also skeptical when I heard this, but it's true. They are serious about taking part in the War.
Ganyu: That's suicidal.
Shenhe: I also thought that at first… but later, I had no choice but to change my mind.
Ganyu: Oh? Why is it?
Here, the expression of Adeptus Disciple turned serious, and she answered.
Shenhe: Do you remember how I and Eula often spar and fought life-death battles in the Colosseum?
Ganyu: Well, I have seen most of them. And while Eula pushed you to your limit, you always emerged victorious.
Shenhe: Indeed. But have you seen us fight after Eula completed her first trail of royal knights?
Ganyu: Huh? No. I was too busy with my work.
As if realizing something, the half-Adeptus widened her eyes.
Ganyu: Don't tell me you lost.
Shenhe: I did—every time. We fought over a hundred battles. Yet, let alone defeating her, I didn't even come close.
Ganyu: Has she become so strong?
Shenhe: She does. Though it's not like her elemental reserve increased or something. It's her technique, swordsmanship, and movements that have become sharper, nimbler, and… refined. She quickly found the weakness in my stance, strikes, movements, and defenses.
Ganyu: Are you trying to say that she defeated yo---
Shenhe: Barely using her elemental power, yes.
Ganyu: ...
Shenhe: Shocking, right?
The half-Adeptus can only nod in shock as this was too hard to believe.
Shenhe: Too bad when I asked, she didn't reveal what her trial was. Or, to be more precise, she can't, as YOUR MAJESTY had done something to prevent the Knights from telling others.
Ganyu: … I see.
The Half-Adeptus muttered. She only knew that knights had to complete some trials to become royal knights. But what Trials are they? Even she also had no idea.
She was sure no one else knew about it except for the Knights, themselves, and Primis.
Shaking her head, she decided to put those thoughts away for now.
Ganyu: In any case, at least with this, they would have the chance to enter this War.
Shenhe: Agreed. Though, let's hope they complete it before Phase 2 begins.
Ganyu: Yes. For now, the only thing we can do is wait.
Shenhe: Um.
Ganyu: Let's talk about our upcoming battle… Do you think we will survive till the end?
Shenhe: I… don't know. YOUR MAJESTY clearly stated that THEY have no intention of interfering. This battle is something Liyue Harbor has to face on its own.
Ganyu: Yeah. Let's hope for the best.
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The New Day.
--- Genshin Impact, Liyue Harbor ---
Space wrapped over Liyue, and three people appeared. They were none other than Primis, Ganyu, and Shenhe.
Primis glanced at the flying Jade Chamber in the distance before lowering his gaze and looking at the city below.
While he remained calm, Ganyu and Shenhe's expressions turned ugly as they witnessed what had become of their once-prosperous city.
No matter where they look, they can see the soldiers of Liyue engaged in the battle against the Man-Eaters who were attacking them out of the blue.
No matter where the fight occurred, the only thing left behind were the corpses of the people, soldiers, or the man-eaters.
Almost all the streets were stained red with blood, flesh, and bones.
Truly a gruesome sight.
Still, even though the soldiers were heavily outnumbered, they were disciplined and followed orders correctly. Because of that, they could maintain their stance even when at a disadvantage.
There were also some stronger Man-Eaters that soldiers couldn't handle alone. At that time, the Yaksha Xiao would confront it, preventing the defense line from falling apart.
Still, Xiao can't remain on one line for too long since he also needs to lend a hand on other lines.
Primis also saw the battle occurring in the alley where Yelan was moving swiftly, taking care of the Man-Eaters who had sneaked into the deeper part of the city. Still, in the end, she was only a single person. Hence, she arrived late in some places, leading to the deaths of people there.
He also saw his student fighting a horde of these Man-Eaters while trying to keep them away from her restaurant, where many civilians were hiding.
Ganyu & Shenhe: YOUR MAJESTY…
Hearing them calling him, Primis didn't turn and spoke.
Primis: Go.
Ganyu & Shenhe: ...
Primis: WE have already promised Morax that WE will let you fight for your Nation. So, go.
At this, gratitude appeared on their faces as they bowed towards him before turning into a streak of light and rushing towards the city to lend a hand.
He remained on his spot for a while before his body flickered, and he stepped on the platform of Jade Chamber.
Currently, not a single soldier can be seen guarding the Chamber, as all of them have been mobilized to protect the city.
Just when he was about to step forward and enter the Chamber, he sensed something and stopped before turning and looking at the sea.
BANG!!
Suddenly, the door of Jade Chamber behind him opened, and some people came out.
They were Ningguang, Keqing, Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Madame Ping, Moon, and last one was Primis.
Yup. There was another Primis with them.
The moment they all came out, all their eyes fell on the Primis standing on the platform with his back to them. Seeing him, their eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
They turned to look at Primis by their side and then at the one in front, their gazes jumping from one to another.
Still, if they had to choose between them, they would choose the one who was currently with them as he had been in Liyue Harbor giving orders for more than a year.
This means the one in front was an imposter.
When they were prepared to attack, the Primis standing with them stepped forward and approached the one in front.
Cloud Retainer: YOUR MAJEST---
"Primis": Since you are here, this means everything is finished in Inazuma.
Primis: Hm.
"Primis": So, can I leave now?
Primis: Yeah. Your work is done.
"Primis": Then Thank you.
At this, "Primis" bowed towards Primis. As everyone behind was witnessing this, they blinked their eyes, and the appearance of "Primis" changed.
He turned into a little girl of inhumane beauty with long, straight, platinum hair. She wore a single sheet of white fabric covering her torso and traipsed over her like a poncho. The fabric's decoration included a line of deep blue stitches and a matching blue ribbon. She was none other than the Witch of Vainglory, Pandora.
Yup. It was Pandora, who had been staying in Liyue Harbor for the past year, pretending to be "Primis" and giving orders. Yet, no one realized that "Primis" was an imposter.
You can expect nothing less from Pandora, the Witch of Disguise.
Her disguise was so perfect that even Moon, the system spirit, failed to see through it.
The only one who knew the truth was his Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein. Pandora's disguise was useless against her. All the orders that Pandora gave to Ais were something Primis told her to pass to his Sword Princess.
Ais stood on the roof of Jade Chamber, looking at Primis tenderly. She had missed him a lot for the past year. She planned to jump into his embrace once they were alone. But the next moment, that thought was thrown away as she sensed something different in Primis's demeanor. He seemed more distant.
This made the blonde frown as she concentrated on their connection. Soon, she sensed a pan of pain in his heart that he was suppressing and hiding.
'Ais: Something must have happened in Inazuma.'
At first, her expression turned serious before she relaxed and let out a deep sigh. While she didn't understand him at the same level as Ophis and Sheng Ming, she knew enough that no matter the circumstances, Primis wouldn't let emotions cloud his judgment and always took a logical approach.
After looking around, she also found that Ei was no longer by Primis's side, which was weird as they were almost inseparable.
This was enough for the Sword Princess to piece everything together.
'Ais: Ei was going to battle in Phase 2. She is not by the Lord's side. There is a pang of pain in the Lord's heart. This means...…. *sigh* so She is gone. Huh.'
Letting out a deep sigh, Ais decided to wait until they were alone before talking to him.
Retuning back to Primis and others. Ningguang and others looked uncomfortable, realizing they had been with an imposter all this time rather than the real deal.
Looking back, they realized many flags were pointing towards it. For example, this "Primis" behaved much more flirtatiously and playfully while talking with other women. Let alone meeting, he didn't even ask how his student Xiangling was doing.
'All: We have been tricked.'
As if seeing through their thoughts, the witch glanced back at them and chuckled.
Pandora: Heh.
This infuriated them even more because they could tell she was looking down on them and mocking them right in their faces.
Pandora: I will take my leave now.
With that, she disappeared and returned to "Multiverse Library." Though at the last second, she asked something.
{Pandora: By the way, Echidna seems quite happy. Did something happen while I was away?}
{Primis: ...No.}
{Pandora: Is that so?}
{Primis: Yes. And pass OUR message to her. For the next 100 years, she is not allowed to read any book from the Library.}
{Pandora: Huh? Pfft. Hehe. Are you sure? She is gonna cry rivers of tears.}
{Primis: Hmph.}
{Pandora: Ok, I will let her know. I really can't wait to see her face.}
With this, they cut their connection and focused on their things.
The place turned quiet again. Ningguang and Adepti were still feeling awkward after learning that they had been played. Still, they knew someone needed to break the ice.
Fortunately, suppressing her inner turmoil, Moon spoke.
Moon: I want to ask a lot of things, YOUR MAJESTY. But seeing how you are intently looking at something, we can put it away as I am sure there must be something else that requires our divided attention.
Primis: Indeed.
Moon: So, where is YOUR MAJESTY looking?
Primis: Osial.
Hearing this, Ningguang and others narrowed their eyes.
Ningguang: Osial, also called That Which Lies in the Deep, is an ancient god and sea monster defeated by Rex Lapis during the Archon War two thousand years ago. He was defeated at Guyun Stone Forest, where Rex Lapis pinned Osial to the ocean floor using his stone spears.
Madam Ping: Yes. But Osial didn't die back then. It was sealed under Guyun Stone Forest.
Keqing: There are rumors that people who sleep at Guyun Stone Forest have reported reliving Osial's memories of his defeat at Rex Lapis' hands. It is unclear whether this phenomenon stems from Osial's powers or from something else.
Moon Carver: Should we presume that the seal on Osial is broken and it can come out at any moment now?
Primis: No. It's dead… Osial and his wife Beisht are both dead. Killed by something even more terrifying.
All: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
'Primis: It looks like Liyue Harbor will be hit by both Phase 1 and Phase 2 simultaneously. '
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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