Fu Gu stood atop the rubble of the battlefield, his expression unreadable, but the spark of victory was evident in his eyes. His robes, now torn and stained with blood, fluttered in the wind as the aftermath of his fight with the Fatui slowly began to settle.
The silence was heavy, broken only by the soft rustle of wind. He knew all eyes were on him, watching with a mixture of awe, fear, and something else—something that he had grown used to seeing over the years: reverence.
*Good,* he thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk. *They're beginning to understand.*
His eyes drifted across the crowd once more, catching glimpses of familiar faces—Ningguang's calculating gaze, Keqing's troubled expression, Ganyu's quiet concern. He was a stranger in their land, but they were already starting to see what he was capable of.
*The real fun is just beginning.*
---
### A Quiet Encounter
As the crowd began to disperse, Fu Gu turned his back on the onlookers and walked toward the quieter outskirts of Liyue. He wasn't in the mood for questions or praise. He needed time to reflect, to figure out what his next move would be.
But before he could disappear entirely, he heard a soft voice call his name.
"Fu Gu…"
He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he saw a familiar figure standing in the shadows, her presence as graceful as ever.
It was Ayaka.
Her soft blue gaze met his, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence between them. She had witnessed the entire battle, watched as he tore through the Fatui with ease, but now, standing before him, she seemed… uncertain.
Fu Gu raised an eyebrow. "Ayaka?"
She hesitated, her fingers lightly brushing against the hem of her dress as she stepped closer. "I saw what you did back there. You were… incredible."
There was a pause, and Fu Gu noticed the subtle shift in her tone. It wasn't just admiration. There was something deeper behind her words—something more personal.
*Is she really starting to fall for me?*
"I only did what was necessary," Fu Gu replied casually, brushing off the compliment. "The Fatui had it coming."
Ayaka's eyes flickered with emotion. She seemed to be searching for something—some answer to the questions running through her mind.
"Is that all it was to you?" she asked softly. "Just another fight?"
Fu Gu's smile widened slightly. "I never said that."
She looked away, her hands clasping together in front of her as she tried to gather her thoughts. "You're different from anyone I've ever met, Fu Gu. You have this… power, this confidence that draws people to you. But at the same time, I can't help but wonder…"
He tilted his head, intrigued. "Wonder what?"
"Wonder who you really are," she whispered. "And what you're really fighting for."
Fu Gu's eyes softened for a brief moment. He could see the genuine concern in her expression, the way she was trying to understand him. But he wasn't ready to let her in—not fully.
Not yet.
"Maybe you'll find out one day," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "But for now, let's just say that I'm here to protect those who can't protect themselves. And right now, that includes you."
Ayaka looked at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception. But all she saw was the truth, raw and unfiltered.
Slowly, she nodded. "I understand."
There was a brief moment of silence between them before Ayaka offered him a small, shy smile. "Thank you, Fu Gu. For everything."
Fu Gu nodded in return, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer before he turned away. "Take care, Ayaka. I'll see you soon."
---
### A New Horizon
As Fu Gu walked through the quiet streets of Liyue, his thoughts drifted back to Raiden Shogun. The Electro Archon had been on his mind ever since his time in Inazuma, and their brief encounter had left an impression on him. But it wasn't just her power that intrigued him. It was the mystery surrounding her—the way she carried herself, the unshakable strength behind her eyes.
*I'll have to return to Inazuma soon,* he thought. *There's unfinished business there.*
But for now, his focus was on Liyue. The Fatui were growing bolder, and their influence was spreading far too quickly. He needed to stay ahead of them, to ensure that they didn't get the upper hand.
---
### A New Mission
Fu Gu's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice behind him. "Planning your next move already?"
He turned to see Zhongli approaching, his amber eyes calm but watchful. There was always a sense of wisdom in Zhongli's gaze, the kind that only came from someone who had lived through centuries of history.
"I'm always planning," Fu Gu replied with a smirk. "You should know that by now."
Zhongli chuckled softly. "Indeed. But it seems that Liyue has taken quite an interest in you. And not just for your power."
Fu Gu raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I've been watching the way the people react to you," Zhongli explained, his tone thoughtful. "And I believe you've caught the attention of more than just a few admirers."
Fu Gu's smirk widened. "I can't help it if I'm irresistible."
Zhongli shook his head, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Perhaps. But be careful. Power like yours draws attention—both the good kind and the bad."
Fu Gu nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. He knew what Zhongli was getting at. The Fatui wouldn't be the only ones after him. There would be others—more powerful enemies, more dangerous foes.
But that was part of the game. And Fu Gu thrived in the chaos.
"So," Fu Gu said, his voice casual. "What's next?"
Zhongli's gaze became more serious. "The Fatui's plans run deeper than we initially thought. Their presence in Liyue is not just a passing threat. They're after something—something powerful."
Fu Gu's eyes gleamed with interest. "Sounds like fun."
"It won't be," Zhongli replied calmly. "But you'll need to be ready. Liyue's future may depend on it."
Fu Gu's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of determination. He knew what Zhongli meant. This wasn't just about the Fatui anymore. It was about something bigger—something that could change the fate of Teyvat itself.
And Fu Gu was ready.
"Then let's get to work," Fu Gu said, his voice firm. "The Fatui won't know what hit them."
---
### End of Chapter 15