In Mondstadt, at Hiroshi's home, a peaceful morning unfolded as Hiroshi glanced at the latest messages in the chat group. Almost choking on his coconut milk, he quickly swallowed and smiled at Qiqi, who reached out her small hand to wipe his mouth.
Setting down his bread, Hiroshi glanced around at everyone engrossed in the chat group and refocused on the conversation.
Hiroshi: Apocalypse?!
Kuroneko: Apocalypse?!
Kazuma Satou: Apocalypse?!
Riku: Mission!
Hiroshi: Ahem, let's not be so blunt about it.
Hiroshi: Mark, can you explain your world's situation in detail?
Hiroshi: Maybe someone in the group has more insight into your world.
Mark: … My world was destroyed due to humanity's rapid technological advancement. The mental state of humanity couldn't keep up with the speed of progress, leading to our downfall.
Mark: An unprecedented catastrophe wiped out the world. Countless Devourers emerged from the earth, annihilating the remnants of humanity.
Mark: The last surviving humans now reside in a floating fortress known as the Lighthouse.
Hiroshi: Oh, I think I recognize this. Has anyone else seen it?
Kazuma Satou: Not me. I was a gamer back then, not into disaster shows.
Luo Xiaohei: Not me either.
Infinity: I haven't, but I'll look into it.
Hiroshi: Luo Xiaohei… wait, I think I remember now.
Hiroshi: It's "The Cage of Life!"
Hiroshi: Mark, yes! I remember the commander of the Hunters in your world was named Mark.
Hiroshi: I only watched three episodes before getting sidetracked. I meant to binge it later but never did.
Hiroshi: But I do remember that the Devourers in your world regenerate and are nearly impossible to kill, right?
Hiroshi: No wonder even with advanced technology, you were almost wiped out. Also, that blond guy was annoying!
Mark: Yes, my world is just as you described. Can you upload the related content?
Hiroshi: No problem.
Takashi Natsume: Are you really people from other worlds?
Luo Xiaohei: Most of us indeed are.
Takashi Natsume: Do you think there are spirits in the world?
Luo Xiaohei: I am a spirit.
Takashi Natsume: ?!
Hiroshi: Don't worry, Xiaohei is a very cute little cat.
Takashi Natsume: A cat?! Like Nyanko-sensei?
Hiroshi: Uh, no, Xiaohei isn't as outrageous as your orange cat.
Riri: A cat…? Can Riri pet it?
Hiroshi: Oh, Riri, you're here.
Hiroshi: But wasn't the invitation meant for Ningguang?
Keqing: …
Keqing: Riri got curious about the invitation in Ningguang's hands.
Keqing: So Ningguang smiled and gave it to Riri, then bought another invitation for next month from Xiaohei.
Riri: Sister Ningguang said it was a gift for me, and Riri likes it.
Hiroshi: That's reasonable. If Keqing had received it, she might have done the same.
Hiroshi: After all, Riri is Liyue's beloved child; no one in Liyue would dislike her.
Kazuma Satou: Huh, strange?
Kazuma Satou: Why have all the new members joined, but there's still no mission?
Kazuma Satou: Isn't one of the new members from an apocalyptic world?
Kazuma Satou: Logically, the chat group should issue a mission by now.
Borsalino: Everyone, our preparations are finally complete!
Borsalino: The transformation begins!
[Notification: Group Mission Released]
[Group Mission: In Borsalino's world, the sea covers most of the planet, scattered with countless islands. Eight hundred years ago, 20 governments formed the World Government, uniting over 170 nations under the banner of "absolute justice." They established their headquarters in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, maintaining world order through the Navy and CIPHER POL (CP). However, corruption has taken root in the World Government, leaving countless people oppressed. Ten years ago, the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, declared before his execution: "Want my treasure? You can have it. Go find it. I left it all in one place." Thus began the Great Pirate Era. The decayed World Government, misguided Navy soldiers, rebellious revolutionaries, lawless pirates, and suffering civilians now face a crossroads.]
[Mission Objective: Assist the Navy, under Borsalino's leadership, to transform the world.]
[Mission Duration: The Dawn of a New Era.]
[Mission Requirements: Only epic-level members can accept.]
[Mission Rewards: 1.8 million points, 1.8 million experience.]
Luo Xiaohei: ???
Luo Xiaohei: Isn't this supposed to be about saving the new member's world? Why is it about Old Man Kizaru's world?
Luo Xiaohei: And his world seems incredibly chaotic.
Hiroshi: Old man, are you finally ready?
Borsalino: It's all thanks to Riku, Shuvi, and Venti's help.
Borsalino: Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so quick.
Hiroshi: Oh.
Hiroshi: In that case, let's give it our all!
Hiroshi: I'm going to beat the Celestial Dragons until they beg for mercy!
Riku: It seems the new member's world isn't in immediate crisis.
Riku: Let's handle Old Man Kizaru's world first and then rescue the other one.
Lisa: Haha, it seems like I've hit the jackpot just by joining.
Mark: ???
Mark: What's going on here?
Kamijou Touma: Well, there'll be a live stream. You'll see.
Kamijou Touma: My fists are itching already. There are way too many jerks in Old Man Kizaru's world!
Hiroshi: I'll upload info about the new members. Let's all regroup in Kizaru's world after.
Klee: Oh~! Time to blow up bad guys!
[Notification: Administrator Hiroshi uploads "The Cage of Life Episodes 1-3."]
[Notification: Administrator Hiroshi uploads "Food Wars! Seasons 1-2."]
[Notification: Administrator Hiroshi uploads "Natsume's Book of Friends Seasons 1-6."]
Hiroshi: Here's what I know about the new members. Check it out yourselves.
Hiroshi: Now let's get ready to head to Old Man Kizaru's world.
In Mondstadt, back at Hiroshi's home.
Swallowing the last bite of breakfast, Klee looked up at the three people around her and smiled.
Taking Klee's hand, Hiroshi turned to Kuroneko, who was holding Qiqi's hand.
"Let's set off then."
"Mm."
Five flashes of white light later, the room was empty once more.