(Chapter 58 Dunes of Steel)
In the early morning light, Tempest's forces, a disciplined contingent of one hundred fifty men, began their trek across the vast desert. The troops moved steadily, some mounted on horses, while others sat in carriages that followed the group. Surrounding them were Hatsume's ingenious creations, the Siege Engines, positioned strategically on either side and at the rear of the caravan. Alongside them, recon Mekas shaped like dogs patrolled the perimeter, their mechanical legs effortlessly navigating the shifting sands.
At the forefront of the caravan rode Tempest and his knights, their armor glinting in the dawn. Several knights proudly held the banner of Fontaine high, the emblem catching the wind as they advanced. Riding beside Tempest were his trusted commander, Rohan, and his loyal captain, Falric, both alert and ready for whatever lay ahead. Seated behind Tempest on the same horse was his sister, Penance, who eagerly captured the breathtaking desert landscape with her camera, each click preserving a moment of their journey.
"So, what is the Akademiya like?"
Tempest asked Cyrus, who was riding beside them with their Sumpter Beast, thankfully, he agreed to guide Tempest and his group to the desert.
"The Akademiya is a place of immense knowledge and rigorous study. It stands as the pinnacle of scholarly pursuit in Sumeru, where the brightest minds of Teyvat come together to learn, debate, and push the boundaries of understanding. Each of the six Darshans, or schools, within the Akademiya, focuses on a different field of study—Spantamad, which I belong to, delves into the mysteries of elemental forces. It's a place where the pursuit of wisdom is both a privilege and a duty, and where knowledge is considered the greatest treasure."
Tempest nodded thoughtfully, intrigued by the description as the journey continued through the vast desert expanse.
"I have many students."
Cyrus began, placing a hand on Cyno's shoulder with a hint of pride. He paused for a moment as if gathering his thoughts, before continuing.
"Cyno here is a bright one, In many ways, he's like a son to me, as I am technically his guardian. One of my other students, however, is a particularly gifted young lady. I'd go so far as to say she's the best student the Akademiya has seen in the past two hundred years."
Pride filled his voice as he spoke, clearly proud of the talent he had the privilege to mentor.
"Really? What is her name?"
Tempest asked, his interest clearly piqued. He leaned in slightly, intrigued by the thought of meeting someone so highly regarded within the Akademiya.
"Lisa is her name. She is Cyno's senior and has been a remarkable student. However, she mentioned to me that she plans to leave Sumeru next month..."
Cyrus sighed, his tone carrying a hint of sadness.
"But I respect her decision, as I do with all my students. Her departure will be a significant loss to the Akademiya, but I fully respect her choice. I am honored to have had the opportunity to tutor her and witness her growth."
Cyrus said with a smile.
"I'm still going to be here, Teacher..."
Cyno said quietly to Cyrus. Cyrus turned to him with a warm smile and gently patted his head.
"That's good to know, Cyno."
Cyrus said, still smiling. As he patted Cyno's head, Cyno grumbled softly and gently pushed Cyrus's hand away with a lighthearted flick.
"Can I ask a question?"
Tempest said to Cyrus.
'Tempest...'
Nahida's voice echoed softly in his mind, having been silent for a while. She knew what Tempest was about to ask Cyrus and felt a pang of worry that his perspective of her might shift based on the forthcoming conversation.
"Of course, go ahead."
Cyrus turned to Tempest.
'Is something the matter, Young Pasha?'
Tempest inquired, sensing Nahida's unease.
'...'
Nahida remained silent, her thoughts obscured as she grappled with her concerns...
"How does Lesser Lord Kusanali, rule Sumeru?"
Tempest asked Cyrus.
"Lesser Lord Kusanali? Hmm, she has been notably absent... In all my years, I've never even glimpsed her presence. Perhaps she is occupied with other matters. Sumeru is primarily overseen by her servants, the sages, and the Grand Sage Azar."
Cyrus explained to Tempest. Tempest raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the fact that she was absent.
'Young Pasha?'
Tempest inquired, his curiosity piqued as he sought to understand Nahida's silence and thoughts on the matter.
'...'
Nahida remained silent, her thoughts obscured, leaving Tempest in a state of growing curiosity and concern.
Tempest sighed mentally before replying.
'I'm not mad at you or anything, Young Pasha. It's your nation, and you have every right to rule it as you see fit. If there's something you're not telling me, that's fine, but if you're willing to share, it would help me understand you better.'
'...Another time, Tempest.'
Nahida said softly, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance.
'Very well, Young Pasha.'
Tempest replied.
"Woah! Look at that, brother!"
Penance shouted, her voice filled with excitement. In the distance, a colossal Ruin Guard lay dormant, its massive form partially buried in the sands. Tempest's group had finally arrived at the Dunes of Steel.
"What in seven hells..."
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Tempest stood alone on a cliff, his gaze fixed intently on the giant eye of the dormant Ruin Guard. The massive construct lay motionless, half-buried in the shifting sands of the Dunes of Steel. His forces had paused for a brief rest, allowing them a moment to regroup before continuing their arduous journey. The scene before Tempest was both awe-inspiring and ominous, a stark reminder of the ancient power Khaenri'ah once had.
"Don't go getting any wild ideas now, chief."
Hatsume said, joining Tempest on the cliff.
"We can't build something that massive, it's beyond the scope of even my most ambitious projects."
Her tone was lighthearted, though her eyes were fixed on the colossal Ruin Guard with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.
"Mm, you're right about that one..."
Tempest replied.
"Can't help but be intrigued, though!"
Hatsume said excitedly.
"How about we take a recon squad and get a glimpse inside? It might give us some valuable insights into how these constructs work, and who knows, maybe we'll discover something groundbreaking!"
Hatsume's enthusiasm was palpable, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of potential new discoveries.
Tempest considered Hatsume's suggestion carefully, weighing the potential risks and rewards. The prospect of uncovering new information about the Ruin Guard was tempting, but he also had to account for the safety of his men and the practicalities of their mission.
'What do you think, Young Pasha?'
Tempest asked Nahida.
'Hmm, I'm quite interested as well, However, the decision ultimately rests with you, Tempest. If there is any danger, I'll be your sixth sense, guiding you through the perils and helping you navigate the unknown.'
Nahida replied.
'Thank you, Young Pasha.'
"Alright, we'll dispatch a recon squad to investigate. However, if we encounter any danger that could threaten the safety of our entire caravan, we'll retreat immediately."
Tempest said to Hatsume. A broad smile quickly spread across Hatsume's face, clearly excited by the prospect of exploring the Ruin Guard.
"Got it, chief!"
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A group of fifteen ventured into the colossal arm of the inactive giant Ruin Guard. The team comprised mostly of Tempest's knights, with the remaining members including Hatsume, Tempest himself, Penance, Rohan, and the Akademiya scholars Cyrus and his student Cyno.
"What were you two originally doing here in the Dunes of Steel?"
Tempest asked Cyrus.
"We wanted to see the inside of this behemoth, but unfortunately, we couldn't even enter the first door. There is an inactive Ruin Guard there, but that's not the problem, the problem is making the door open, it requires some energy of some sort."
Cyrus replied as the group stood before the door that would lead to the bridge of the giant Ruin Guard, guarding the door was an inactive Ruin Guard, sitting in the middle.
'Tempest, be cautious. The Ruin Guard is not as inactive as it appears. I suspect it will awaken either once you manage to open the door or if you provoke it in any way. Proceed with caution and be prepared for any unforeseen consequences.'
Nahida warned Tempest through his mind.
'I see, thank you, Young Pasha.'
Tempest responded with a note of caution. As Hatsume moved forward, eager to investigate, Tempest quickly reached out and grabbed the back of her uniform, halting her in her tracks.
"Chief?!"
Hatsume exclaimed, turning around with a look of surprise.
"Get back here, that thing is still active."
Hatsume nodded in understanding, stepping back cautiously.
"Penance, summon a Hydro golem, that could counter that Ruin Guard. Hatsume, prepare your Sparky thing or whatever and shoot that thing in the eye. Rohan, you and the knights provide cover fire with musket."
Penance nodded resolutely. Activating her Vision, she summoned a Hydro Golem that matched the size of the Ruin Guard. Hatsume quickly unslung her cannon, Sparky, from her back, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Meanwhile, Rohan and the knights swiftly transitioned from swords to muskets, readying themselves for the impending conflict.
"And you two, please stand back. We'll handle this situation."
Tempest instructed Cyrus and Cyno. Cyrus nodded in understanding and took a step back, with Cyno following suit and positioning himself beside his Teacher.
Tempest took a deep breath, activating his Pyro Delusion. As he clasped his hands together, flames of Pyro energy erupted around him. With a focused gesture, he extended his hand as if drawing a bow, shaping the Pyro flames into a fierce, fiery arrow. He aimed it directly at the eye of the Ruin Guard, his expression steely with determination.
Tempest released the fiery arrow, and it struck the Ruin Guard's eye with a blinding flare. Instantly, the colossal machine shuddered and began to awaken, its massive frame groaning as it struggled to rise. Penance, swift to act, commanded her Hydro Golem to charge forward. With a powerful leap, the Hydro Golem pounced on the Ruin Guard, ready.
The Hydro Golem relentlessly pummeled the Ruin Guard's head with powerful strikes, its immense fists landing blow after blow. The Ruin Guard, unable to even rise to its full height, was quickly overwhelmed. After a series of crushing impacts, the massive machine's movements ceased, and it was deactivated for good. Hatsume, Rohan, and the knights watched in awe from a safe distance, marveling at the effortless display of strength and coordination. The siblings had neutralized the threat with such efficiency that their intervention had proven unnecessary.
"My Archons... That was... Awesome!!!"
Hatsume exclaimed, her excitement barely contained. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she watched the siblings impressive display of power.
Hatsume rushed over to Penance, shaking her enthusiastically.
"Girl power!"
Hatsume exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. She extended her hand, gesturing for a high-five.
"Girl Power! Yeah!"
Penance echoed with a wide grin, eagerly extending her hand to high-five Hatsume.
"They fit well, don't they, Your Grace?"
Rohan remarked as he approached Tempest, his gaze following Penance and Hatsume as they celebrated together.
"Mhm, they do."
Tempest replied with a smile on his face.
"Now comes the real problem..."
Cyrus said as he and Cyno approached Tempest, concern evident in their expressions, as they gazed at the locked door.
"Heh?! We came all this way, just to be stopped by a door?!"
Hatsume exclaimed, frustration evident as she banged her fists against the unyielding metal.
"You said it requires energy right?"
Tempest asked Cyrus.
"Yes, but unfortunately, we don't possess the kind of energy Khaenri'ah once used to power these machines."
Cyrus replied, his tone laced with a mix of frustration and resignation.
'Young Pasha, do you know what kind of energy mortals are unable to fully harness?'
Tempest asked Nahida.
'The sun?'
Nahida replied, her tone curious.
'Correct.'
Tempest replied.
"Step back."
Tempest commanded, his voice firm. The group obeyed without hesitation, their curiosity piqued as they watched him closely, eager to see what he would do next.
Tempest took a deep breath, his body temperature rising noticeably. His eyes glowed with a golden hue as he channeled Ra's power. He extended his hand toward the door, and with a resonant hum, it slowly creaked open.