A deep, rhythmic hum filled the air—a sound unlike anything he had ever heard before. It resonated through his bones, a constant vibration that was both soothing and alien. It reminded him of the gentle sway of a ship on calm waters, yet there was an unnatural smoothness to it, as if the very air itself was gliding forward with unseen purpose.
Zhongli opened his eyes.
Polished brass fixtures reflected warm, golden light from the ceiling, illuminating a refined interior that exuded a sense of craftsmanship he could appreciate. Elegant wooden paneling lined the walls, complemented by dark leather seats and tables adorned with intricate engravings. It was a style both foreign and familiar—modern, yet carrying an air of classical beauty.
This was no place in Liyue.
Slowly, he pushed himself upright, his mind methodically processing his surroundings. He was seated in what appeared to be a luxurious passenger cabin, the scent of aged wood and tea faintly lingering in the air. His coat was draped neatly over the armrest, as if placed there with care. Yet, something felt… off.
He flexed his fingers, expecting the familiar pulse of Geo energy to answer his call. But what he felt instead was different—raw, untamed, no longer bound to the structured constructs of Liyue's stone. The absence of his Vision, the comforting weight that had once rested at his side, was striking.
A momentary silence stretched before a voice broke through.
"Ah, you're awake!"
Zhongli turned his head toward the source of the voice. Standing in the doorway was a young woman with bright pink twin tails, dressed in an unfamiliar uniform. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she carried an air of cheerful energy that reminded him, faintly, of a certain Harbinger's assistant.
She stepped forward, her hands resting on her hips. "I was starting to think you were gonna sleep forever! I mean, Pom-Pom said you were stable, but still—most people wake up with way more confusion."
Zhongli regarded her with a calm expression. "I appreciate your concern," he said, his voice even and measured. "Might I ask where I am?"
The girl blinked, then grinned. "Oh! Right, right—introductions first! I'm March 7th, and you're aboard the Astral Express!" She gestured around dramatically before adding, "And judging by your reaction, I'm guessing you have no idea what that is."
Zhongli inclined his head slightly. "That would be correct."
March gave a playful sigh. "Whew, alright, then we'll have to do this the long way." She plopped down on the seat across from him, resting her elbows on the table. "So! Quick version: This train? It travels across different worlds, following the path of an Aeon called Akivili. We help people deal with Stellaron crises—big, world-ending problems. You, my friend, are now a passenger!"
Zhongli digested the information carefully. A train that traveled across worlds? Aeons? Stellarons? These were all foreign concepts, yet March spoke of them with familiarity, as if they were fundamental truths.
"I see," he said, folding his hands together. "And how, exactly, did I come to be here?"
March shrugged. "That's the real mystery. Pom-Pom—the conductor—found you unconscious when we stopped at a station. No identification, no records, nothing. Just… there."
Before Zhongli could respond, another voice cut in from the doorway.
"He's in good health. No signs of physical trauma or forced displacement."
Zhongli turned his gaze to the newcomer—a young man with long, dark teal hair tied loosely behind him. His expression was unreadable, but his sharp, analytical gaze reminded Zhongli of those who carried the burden of knowledge.
March perked up. "Oh! Right—this is Dan Heng, our resident info guy."
Dan Heng merely nodded in greeting before continuing. "It's rare to find someone on the Express without a Trailblaze record. Either you boarded by accident, or something brought you here intentionally."
Zhongli took a measured breath. The notion that something—or someone—had deliberately brought him here was a possibility he could not ignore.
"I am Zhongli," he introduced himself formally. "A former consultant of Liyue's Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
March made a face. "A… funeral parlor? That's, uh, kind of an ominous job."
Zhongli chuckled lightly. "Death is but another contract, one that all must honor in time."
Dan Heng observed him quietly before speaking. "You speak as if you are accustomed to matters of fate and the divine."
Zhongli met his gaze evenly. "One could say I have had my fair share of dealings with them."
Dan Heng did not press further, but Zhongli could tell he was filing that information away for later.
The conversation was interrupted when the door slid open once more, and a tall man with silver hair and glasses strode in. His demeanor was relaxed, yet Zhongli could sense the weight of wisdom behind his eyes.
"Well, well. A new passenger who speaks of contracts so fondly," the man said with a knowing smile. "I am Welt Yang. It's a pleasure to meet you, Zhongli."
Zhongli inclined his head. "Likewise."
Something unspoken passed between them in that moment. Welt's presence was unlike the others—he carried himself with an understanding that only came from experiencing lifetimes of change. Though their backgrounds were undoubtedly different, they shared an unspoken bond.
"I have a feeling," Welt mused, "that you will fit in just fine."
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Chapter 2 Preview: An Old God in a New World
Zhongli had always believed in the permanence of contracts, the unshakable laws that bound all things to their due course.
Yet, as he stood upon the threshold of a world untouched by the stone of Liyue, staring into the vast expanse of the cosmos, he realized something.
Perhaps the gods of Teyvat were not the only deities at play in this grand, starry expanse.
And perhaps, even here, a contract unspoken had already bound him to a new path.
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Author's Note: (•‿•)