Due to my exhaustion, I quickly entered the dreamscape, but this also reminded me why I hated sleeping so much. Rather than a dream, before me appeared a giant eastern dragon floating over an endless white plane. THEY soon landed and lowered THEIR head to gaze at me.
~"You returned."
-"Long... Why do you appear again? Did you not wish to die?"
~"We both know that permanence can not simply die."
-"Yet the world has accepted your passing long ago."
~"Every Aeon being correcting a mistake of world."
-"Speak, what do you seek of me?"
~"My wish is for you to inherit my power as my continuation."
-"I already did."
~"You only gained but a shadow of my strength."
-"I will not become new Aeon Permanence. I will not walk your path."
~"As my inheritor, one day you will receive all that is mine."
-"..."
~"Terminus also knows this. That's the only reason THEY granted you power. To upon my foundation create perfect Aeon."
-"That may be so. But! If I'm to become Aeon one day, it will be by my hands, not power given to me by either of you."
~"I'll await that day"
When I opened my eyes, the sun was in zenith outside. Sounds of bird songs could be heard, but rather than appreciate all that, all I could do was clear my head from my wayward thoughts.
A short time later, I stood up and went outside, as lying down the whole time was not helpful. After a short walk around the base, I arrived at a small barracks kitchenette. While making myself some tea, I searched for Elysia by using my perception.
-"Good afternoon, Yue. Mei and the rest are waiting for you in the meeting room nr. Four."-Sakura approached me, acting more politely than before but still being rather cold.
-"Afternoon Sakura. Let me get my tea, and I'll follow you to said meeting."
-"I'll wait for you."
-"Thanks"
One boiling water later, we left the annex and went to those who were waiting for us. When Sakura opened the doors and went inside, I followed. Inside, those whom I met yesterday were already sitting there discussing something.
-"You are here, good. I already asked Elysia about your situation. I haven't been expecting anything near what I was told. Can you collaborate on all she said?"-Mei, who was still looking tired, asked from the main seat.
-"Ok, get me up to speed."
Elysia quickly repeated what she had said. While Elisia continued with her story, I mostly answered questions either Mei, Mobuis, or Vell-Vi asked.
-"So that's where Elysia was dissipating for the last few days."-Mei seemed to piece the whole situation in her mind.
-"A story like that appears only in fantasy, and yet..."-Mobius was convinced after seeing my tails, though the set of scalpels she brought out was a little unnerving.
-"Countless other worlds waiting to be seen! My inner voices are screaming in excitement!"-Only Vill-V was more excited than thoughtful.
-"Would you like to join us?"-I asked directly.
-"Yes! Come with us!"-Elysia also joined.
-"We intend to invite you at an appropriate moment, but it'll be a waste to squander the current moment."
-"That moment being?"-Mei spoke as the leader of Flame-Chasers.
-"After you solve your problem, I believe that you will not waste your time on the Hold until the Honkai disaster has ended."
-"You are not wrong, but this fight showed us that we are in great need of assistance."-She seemed to consider this matter before.-"We don't lack resources, but we are short on time and strong combatants. I hope we can cover each other's blind spots."
-"In Hold, there are already some people capable of helping you in combat. I also suggest you talk to goddesses about gaining some more strength yourself."
-"It's indeed a good idea. We will do so. While we need to sit and negotiate exact terms, we will join you in exchange for assistance in ending Honkai."
-"Yey! I knew that you would agree with us, Mei."
-"Calm down, Elysia."
-"It's time for me to return. Do you wish to follow and see the Hold?"
-"We would love to. Elysia already promised to be our guide."
Flame-Chasers followed Elysia and me into Hold, where Ningguang was already waiting.
-"O my... We here worry that something could have happened to you, and you return with so many new faces. I believe you have some explaining to do."
-"Sory about that Ningguang. Elysia asked me for help as her side was in trouble. The fight and its aftermath took us more than two days to resolve."
-"I see. Good to see you all right. Are you again planning to pass the responsibility of getting contracts done to me?"
-"That's the idea, do you mind?"-I smiled at her.
-"Do we have any alternative?"-She also smiled while giving me a slight side eye.-"I'll take care of them. You should go and find that fox. She was almost in tears when you hadn't returned after a day."
-"She... I can't understand why she is so attracted."
-"Suspension bride effect, I suppose."
-"I'll look for her. Is Hephaestus here, by the way?"
-"No, she returned to Orario. She said that you can go to her if you are free."
-"Does she need something from me?"
-"From what I understand, she wants you to train a few people from her familia."
-"Well, I should be free, so I'll visit her later."
After exchanging some more words, I traveled to Orario. There, I started walking towards Hephaestus's workshop. As I approached, I could see a few people through the front windows of the goddess's shop.
-"Lady Hephaestus, those books are incredible. They can start a revolution! Change the fabric of society!"-A random smith of Hephaestus familia shouted excitedly.
-"Forging simple weapons of average quality could be outsourced to trainees who aspire to become smiths."-Another artisan added.
-"Yes, it will reduce pressure on many craftsmen and allow them to focus on their growth."-Analyzed an inventor.
-"I'm well aware of this point. Causing too much of an impact on society is worrying me."-Hephaestus tried to dampen their enthusiasm.
-"You're right to be careful there, Hephaestus. The sudden introduction of cheap yet efficient methods of production leads to an industrial revolution. While it isn't an inherently bad thing, it carries with itself not only loss for nature but easily widens the difference between aristocrats and peasants, so one has to exercise caution so as to not bring suffering to people."
-"Hello Yue. I was thinking something along those lines. Any advice on preventing those?"-Hephaestus' eyes lit up when she saw me appear.
-"There is no method that will work every time, but try to limit the possibility of market monopolization by a few people. Also, create strong patent rights to prevent cheap copies from being created based on stolen ideas."-I gave some ideas used in the history of many planets before.
-"I'll be sure to pass that on to gods of law and trade."
-"You should look for some history books on that subject. It is best not to repeat the mistakes of those who walked that path before us."
"Let me introduce you. You already know Tsubaki. The rest of them are also in my familia. They are not the best artisans in their respective fields and executives of my familia."-Goddess introduced her children.
-"Nice to meet you. I'm Yue."
-"Yes, I've seen you before working together with Hephaestus. Named Tsubaki, take care of me."-A woman who wore an eyepatch like her goddess approached me and patted my shoulder.
-"Let me warn you guys, while Yue is not a god, you should treat him with the respect you ought to give to one."-Hephaestus looked at her familia.
-"Hmm? Is he some kind of demigod or something?"-Tsubaki seemed interested in this subject.
-"It's not that... It's hard to explain. Just know not to be rude."
-"Don't scare them too much, Hephaestus. Respect given solely based on position and not earned is empty."-I waved my hand, not caring about what others thought of me.
-"He's right, Hephaestus. Being polite is one thing, but if he wants my respect, he better show his abilities in forge."-Tsubaki seemed to appreciate me more after hearing what I said.
-"You lot."-Hephaestus smiled while holding her forehead.
-"I Heard you want something from me."-I moved the subject forward.
-"Yes, I planned on holding some open classes about mechanics and technologies. Will you be able to teach a few subjects?"-She pated books on her table.
-"I can do that. Just tell me when."-I agreed, as this would be helpful in establishing a good name for Hold.
-"Tomorrow."
-"No problem. Just remember that, in three days, I'll be busy with things on my side."
-"Thanks for the reminder. Two days should be enough to make people busy with new knowledge for months to come."
-"Sure."
After making some more detailed plans, we decided to return to Hold and prepare for tomorrow's open class, but before we could enter the workshop, a certain fox blocked our way. Seeing slight resentment in her eyes, Hephaestus told me to accompany her for a meal while she set up everything in the workshop.
I returned after having a light meal with Tingyun, who went to rest as it would seem that she was awake all the time while waiting for my return in worry.Working together with Hephaestus, we prepared some props and models needed for lessons.
Early the next morning, we left for Orario to get the venue ready. Together, we were able to set everything up in around an hour, and before we knew it, all places were filled by interested craftsmen. Not wanting to waste time, we started as soon as we could
My subject for the lectures was the possibilities and capabilities of the six simple machines, namely inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, pulley, and wheel-and-axle.
While each of them is individually known in almost every world, one can only understand their power when you see the so-called steampunk civilization. In the words of a famous philosopher: 'Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.'.
To illustrate that, I prepared two props that quickly became the centerpieces of today.
The first are bellows running on steam generated from the furnace's heat. Because the majority of people present are smiths, this quickly attracted their attention, giving birth to many new ideas for similar applications.
The second one was more abstract, as it was a marble machine. It also ran on steam. The short melody it was able to play made many have stars in their eyes. In a world where most crafts were purely utilitarian, a machine advanced enough to stump most of the people present, existing solely to play a short song, created a contrast that awakened the creativity of the people present.
The rest of the day passed, with me being bombarded with questions until Hephaestus threw everyone outside after the sun had set and the following day was also similar, the only difference being the subject I talked about: Enchantment.
The art of imbuing runes onto an object to grant it new properties. I had been studying it before I arrived in Hold, and while I couldn't be considered exceptional in other fields, this subject was my experience.
Because the only technique capable of creating magic items in this world required Crozzo's blood, what I showed today made all the people watching stand in shock. In the end, even Hephaestus couldn't calm down the situation to end the meeting after sunset. Only after promising to compile the basics of this art into a book did artisan vultures leave the venue.
Quick clean-up later, we left Orario, wanting to get some rest, so I went to the library this time. Picking up a book about Teyvat and finding a comfortable spot, I was able to spend a quiet night relaxing. Only when Zhongli and Ganyu came in the morning did I end my rest and go to prepare breakfast.
Our resident fox joined me on the way and helped me in the kitchen. Later, Loki and Finn joined us at the table, so I ate my meal while listening to them plan the expedition deep into the dungeon. When the meal ended, I took Tingyun back to my ship, which was already near the Xianzhou Luofu. I made my ship approach the Jade Gate and stop near the familiar train that was also there.
-"I'll take you onto the Loufu in a minute. Give me some time to meet an old friend first."-I told Tingyun while looking at the Astral Express.
-"Someone from Astral Express?"
-"Yes."-The moment my answer was heard, I disappeared from there.
-"Himeko, how many times do I need to tell you to stop giving your coffee to a new crew? Last time, Stelle was out cold for over a day."-A short, plush-like person spoke while trying to look stern.
-"Don't be like that, Pom-Pom, my coffee is not that bad. While it is somewhat bitter, aren't all coffees like that?"-A beautiful red-haired woman defended herself.
-"Most of them keep you up, not put you to sleep!"
-"My old friend, your nagging personality hasn't changed a bit."-I said while appearing next to them.
-"Who?!"- A woman called Himeko reached for her suitcase.
-"Yue! How can you be here?"
-"Don't forget who is my patron. Also, say something to calm your crew."-I smiled slightly at Pom-Pom.
-"Right, stop it, Himeko. He is someone I know."-He waved his paw while looking at Himeko.
-"Who is he, Pom-Pom, and how can he appear here like that? Express was created by Aeon Akivili. Without an invitation, you shouldn't be able to enter it."
-"He has one from long ago. Don't let his appearance deceive you. He and I are of similar age."
-"That old?!"-Himoke looked me up and down in doubt.
-"Hey!"-Pom-Pom seemed offended by that.
-"You nameless should consider becoming comedians as a side gig."-I suggested.
-"Ehem... What brings you here, Yue?"
-"I have something to talk about with you and your crew."
-"That's rare. Well, you have to wait as most of them are on Loufu."
-"I also plan to go there, so when you gather the whole merry band, send me a message."
-"OK"
-"Then I'll see you soon."-I waved as my figure turned into mist.
Quickly returning to my ship, I took Tingyun with me and teleported into the giant ship. I searched for either the Little Girl from my memory or Tingyun's boss. When I found them, they were next to one another, mixed into a crowd of other people.
-"I found the person you described. I'll take us near but don't appear yet. We don't know their situation, and by the number of people there, something is happening."-I looked at the Foxian who clung to my arm.
-"I'll be by your side, benefactor."-She smiled at me.
-"Let's go then"
I moved us near a small island. The first thing that stood out was the parted sea and ruins that had been flooded before. The next thing I focused on was a crowd visibly divided into four groups.
The person standing alone was the Little Girl from my memory, and a group that pointed their weapons at her were forces of Loufu. To their right stood a few people I identified as the Astral Express crew. The last party was the biggest surprise as they belonged to Stellaron Hunters.
-"Imbibitor Lunae, Jing Yuan, Blade, if only Baiheng was here, it would be a reunion."-The girl from my memory who grew into a beautiful woman spoke coldly.
-"Why are you here, together with those thieves no less."-The general of Luofu asked her without lowering his weapon.
-"While Blade being here is part of my purpose, the rest have nothing to do with me. I'm here to repay for my sins."
-"..."-This answer silenced Jing Yuan.
-"General, who is she?"-Asked a young swordsman next to him.
-"Criminal of Xianzhou, past Sword Champion, and my master Jingliu."
-"She is that legendary..."
-"Yes, and with her strength, we can't be careless."
-"Dan Heng, do something before this situation goes south."-A girl with pinkish hair from the Astral Express crew spoke, looking nervous.
-"Calm down, March. We should not interfere in the internal politics of Xianzhou."-A mature-looking man tried to calm her down.
-"But Mr. Welt..."
-"March, believe in Dan Heng."-A woman with gray hair also tried to assure her.
-"You are right, Stelle."
This standoff continued for some time, and finally, the first to break it was an abomination called Blade, who, with a visibly cracked sword in hand, charged at Jingliu. She manifested a sword made from ice of her own in response and started fighting.
-"Move back!"-The general called to his people.
-"Don't be hit by mistake."-Welt also warned.
While others tried to retreat further away, Jingliu and Blade exchanged dozens of attacks. The strange sound of ice and steel crashing created cacophony in my ears, but I remained focused on the ongoing fight.
After a short exchange of strikes, Blae was forced to break away and back off. It was obvious that he couldn't keep up with the master swordwoman.
-"Why stop now? Don't you want to be cut down?"-Jingliu asked him.
-"I do, but can you grant me that wish?"
-"No."
When the short exchange of words was over, they resumed their fight fighting. Blade was losing more and more ground until Jingliu ran her sword through his hearth and pinned him before his companions, though none of them moved even after she 'killed' Blade.
-"Even my techniques can't end you. You will bear that sin long after you forget what you are. This is your punishment."
Blade stood up and pulled the sword from his body. After throwing it aside, he again focused his eyes on Jingliu.
-"You said that you come to receive the punishment of Alliance."-Jing Yuan stepped it.
-"Yes, after all, this is my home. While what happened was regrettable, until I'm still myself, I want to reduce the number of my regrets."
-"..."
-"You don't need to rush things like that. Your situation is not something unrecoverable."-I decided to take that silence to make an entrance.
All eyes fell on me, who appeared from the mist, but soon some turned on Tingyun.
-"Tingyun!? Is that you?"-The girl from the Astral Express crew screamed.
-"Stop! Who are you?"-The general pointed his weapon at me.
Soon, the tension ran high as cloud knights followed their leader and turned their spears on me.
-"Jing Yuan, tell your people to stand down."-Spoken Jingliu while approaching me.-"None of us want the Loufu to be accidentally destroyed."
-"What do you mean by that?"
She ignored him and continued walking until she stopped a few steps before me and knelt on one knee while performing a swordmaster salute.
-"Master, what brings you here?"