#now that i finished the inazuma ones i still have to do. liyue chasm and enkanomiya. probably in that order

[menstits]

My beautiful 100% exploration achievements, product of me being severely mentally unwell

[v4narana-w0nderl4nd]

Aranara Mafia AU

-> Pt. 2

In Liyue, because of the recent famine, everything's also been collapsing, slowly but surely.

Ever since the Impostor disappeared, Liyue's trading ports have been closed due to how unstable the waters have been. Many suspect that it's a punishment from The Divine one for failing to capture the Impostor.

A few weeks since all ports in Liyue have shut down, the millelith started reporting more frequent robberies, mostly from small shops.

Oddly enough, the only things that went missing were either seeds for various fruits and vegetables, or fertilizer. Sometimes even mora in large quantities.

Because of the lack of seeds and fertile land, fresh food is now a rare delicacy. The common folk are forced to eat nothing but dried grain and snow.

Today is another ordinary day in Wangsheng Funeral parlor. Due to malnutrition everywhere, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been making quite a lot of mora.

Until one day, they receive an odd request from a customer. This customer in particular was from a group of anonymous people. But during these hard times, mora is mora, so they comply.

The request was to go to the Chasm, at midnight, around Cinnabar cliff, with 3 wooden coffins. So HuTao and Zhongli went there and arrived exactly at 12 AM.

Once they reached there, there was no one..? They tried searching the area a few times, but found nothing so HuTao went back to Liyue Harbour first, then after around 45 minutes Zhongli gave up and planned on going back to Liyue

His plan was interrupted as a bush started rustling near him. And from the bush emerged a small.. radish..? It was wearing sunglasses and a suit, smoking a cigar while holding a gun aimed directly at his head.

"Dig. Now."

Zhongli was slightly flabbergasted, about to disarm the small radish when another, and another, and another

Until around 8 popped out, all armed with guns.

"Hmph. Like I said, dig now, or else." The one smoking the cigar said. And so, Zhongli dug 3 holes, wondering if he's dreaming or erosion's finally taking a toll on his eyesight.

The other 7 radishes dragged out 3 dead millelith soldiers, putting each in a coffin one by one. At this point, Zhongli didn't know what to do at this point, he was confused, slightly scared, and more flabbergasted than ever. If he told anyone else about this, they'd send Zhongli to a mental asylum (if they exist in Teyvat) or laugh it off, thinking he was a silly old man with silly stories.

Once the radishes finished pushing the coffins into the recently dug holes, they walked away. The first radish, that's still smoking his cigar, hands Zhongli a leaf with a weird drawing on it and leaves a sack on the ground.

Meanwhile, in Vanarana

You should've kept your phone safely in your room.

If you had done that, then maybe the aranara wouldn't have tried making a gun.

Maybe they wouldn't have succeeded and made more.

Maybe the 3 millelith who were patrolling near Sumeru's entrance would still be alive.

Or maybe, the aranara wouldn't be attempting to make a full-blown nuclear bomb.

The aranara dance around you, giving you flowercrowns and thanking you for the knowledge you(r phone) gave them, now they're able to defend themselves against marana and evil nara around.

-> Pt. 2.5

-> Pt. 3

Should I make the next chapter about the Aranara testing nuclear weapons on Inazuma?

Also the aranara smoking a cigar is Arabalika :]

[symphonic-scream]

Sorry that I slipped back into Genshin brainrot but I finally finished the Fontaine Archon Quest (I know. I just didn't feel like doing it for a while) and Arlecchino's Story Quest and. God

For context, I've been playing Genshin off and on since 1.0, literally the beginning. I have all my areas at 100%, and I even do those world quests that are unvoiced and way too long

And. Let me just say, Fontaine is now my favourite nation. For so long it's been Liyue, and as someone who really hates the French (Canadian, I'm Canadian), man. Fontaine fucking rocks

Long post ahead.

Sumeru's Archon Quest was, tedious. I didn't connect to it at all so it was not exactly a chore, but if given the chance, I wouldn't replay it. The region was torture before the layered map existed. I kept getting lost. The skin tone thing is an entire other issue as well, but. This nation loses a lot of points for the racist genie bottle fuck that quest

Inazuma was almost too much for me, in a way. I wasn't a fan of the locked progression, and the enemies and puzzles were frustrating. This nation brought in needing commissions to get all the quests too, which I STILL HAVENT GOTTEN ITS BEEN TWO YEARS GOURMET SUPREMOS FUCK YOU. I did like the touch that while you were wanted, if a guard saw you in Inazuma City youd get removed that was fun. DONT GET ME STARTED ON ENKANOMIYA.

Liyue felt like the right step after Mondstadt. Getting to beat up Childe is an extra plus. The way it also led into Inazuma was great too, I hope they do something like that for Natlan. The story had a natural build up to me, and it flowed well. The Chasm, while frustrating, felt like a meaningful addition to the nation. And, I am swayed by Lantern Rite. Best event every year, hands down. And, I love Chenyu Vale!

Mondstadt was the perfect starting nation. I go back every now and then to test out builds in progress and team comps, but that's about it. The City is the highlight by far, but the Archon Quest was near perfect. Venti used to be my favourite Archon, too. I got him on his first banner, he's fun to play and I wish he'd finally get his Story Quest chapter 2 IVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR MORE VENTI

Anyways. So, let's talk Fontaine

It didn't hit me right away. I loved the first part of the quest. Meeting the twins at the port, Furina showing up and making her grand entrance in such a showy manner, it was perfect. It was hard to see how the second part really fit in, and I will say I am a little tired of Navia crying, but. By the time the Finale happened, I was satisfied. The Fortress part was excellent too, and. The Finale

The twist about Furina was perfectly executed to me. Especially since her erratic behaviour in the trial is used to show how seriously she took her assignment from Focalors. She *had* to make sure they kept believing in her, otherwise,

Didn't like that abrupt cut in the whale fight. That part didn't wrap up right to me, but oh well

And, this nation has had so many wonderful characters. There's not one that I hate, and that's huge. Everyone feels whole and interesting to me, just. Amazing

I love Arlecchino. The Hearth siblings. How dare this game make me care about the Fatui?? I was doing so well, I didn't like any of the other Harbingers or operatives so far and BAM. Hot lady dad and her three French kids. Stole my heart

Neuvillette plays perfectly as the "higher being that's become enamored by humans", and the way Sigewinne contrasts his emotional investment with her more "detached" (used loosely) fascination works so well. There's Wriothesley, and Navia and Clorinde, who both highlight the grey side of Justice, in different ways. Charlotte and Chevreuse are also there

And. Fucking Furina

I actually cried during the Archon Quest, in her little mind bit. I wasn't her biggest fan on launch, but. Now I'm obsessed. To me, this accomplished much more than what Scaramouche did, with a similar premise. I can't stand that twink, but Furina perfectly captured my attention and heart

All in all, Fontaine was so excellent. The water mechanics are some of my favourite in the game now, and all the new creatures and birds and enemies were perfect. The Bygone Sea was a perfect added area, and. I may be biased as a musician, but it really outclassed Chasm and Enkanomiya

There's only about two Fontaine updates left before Natlan. Hopefully I'll enjoy the region that will be the closest from repping my culture (native Canadian. Latin America is, close enough for me I guess), so. Here's hoping

This was all opinion. I felt like writing it all out, since I've had so many feelings about the game lately

[bookdragonlibrary]

The other regions

For now on, Genshin Impact only shows two regions: Mondstadt and Liyue. But what about the others?

What we know: 

Mondstadt is based on Germany, is Anemo (air) with Venti as the Archon. 

Liyue is based on China, is Geo (earth) with Zhongli as the (previous) Archon.

Inazuma is based on Japan, is Electro (lightning)  with Baal as the Archon.

Snezhnaya is based on Russia, is Cryo (Ice) with Tsarista as the Archon

What about the last three? Let’s check the map first.

I think Fontaine will be based on France. First, the name is French (fountain in English), which is linked to its element: hydro (water) and seems to be the country of people with animal features like Diona and Sucrose. She has a name based on the French word sucre meaning sugar and also the synonym of saccharose, one of the 60 type of sugar which all finish by the prefixe -ose (lactose, fructose, glucose, galactose, etc.) and is the one extracted from certain plants. That’s also explained why her favourite flower is the sweet one. So people who love kemonomimi and furries will love this country with probably an Archon with those features as well. 

About the name meaning, Inazuma is one of the Japanese word for lightning. The other one is Raï we find in Raïken, another name of the Electro Archon. 

Sumeru is known for its academy where Lisa studied. I think it will be based on an Arabic country. I thought of Egypt since it’s the country with the most known and great history with the Pharaoh and all but since its element is Dendro (plant) and is surrounded by jungle, I now doubt it. But I also know some Muslim countries can be really green during the rain season and the Nile shores are also really green so it’s not completely out of question. What made me think it would be based on Arabic culture is one of the last quests of the windblume festival: Research Report. We have to help Sayid, who comes from Sumeru, by taking pictures of the festival to help him study this foreign event. Sayid is an Arabic name which can be written Sayyid or Saïd and means happy, lucky or favored by fate. 

We don’t know much about Natlan yet except its element: pyro (fire). I think it would be based on the Native Americans culture and by America, I mean the whole continent and maybe more specifically South America and Mexico cultures (Atztec, Maya, etc.). The name made me think of the languages used to be spoken there and also do you have an idea of how much volcanoes there are in the whole continent? The whole list doesn’t exist on English, only country by country but even with the language barrier, you can still have an idea of how long this list is. I also know those cultures have the sun being central of their religions and symbolism system which is also linked to fire. 

And I was right for most of it! \o/

As said above, Sumeru could be inspired from India instead of Egypt. Other people might said it would be a combinaison of the two countries. Before the Bristish colonisation, India had a lost of its people being Muslim along with hindouism and then the countries divided in two with actual India and Pakistan. So Sumeru could be inspired by India before the colonisation with a mix between hinduism and muslim.

But I don’t know how we will go to Khaen’riah since it supposed to be destroyed. Will we go back to the past? Will it be an non ending time circle? When we are the one to put our sibling out of this world and not the other way around? Will it be under the sea like Atlantide? And was its element/magic could be? (the one Dain uses) The stars?

Other regions will be released just like Dragonspine was. The next one will be the chasm in Liyue. The map also goes on the north of Mondstadt with a region called Black Castle. Could be the finale domain of the big finale villain with such a name!

But we will have a new region per year, the next one will be Inazuma this summer, the last one Snezhnaya and then Celestia. So we might not have the answers to those questions soon but maybe only intel and clues during the next events and quests.

Edit: Look what I found buried deep down in my draft! xD

Some things were precised since like Fontaine being a mix between France and England/United Kingdom with steampunk and rock vibes.

[river-starling]

hi!! i noticed you've been reblogging a bunch of genshin stuff lately, so what do you think about the game? who's your favorite character? i'm just curious hehe

Well! I'm glad you asked! I think I'm nearing a whole year of playing the game, technically. Man, it really went fast. My anniversary is next month. I'm only AR 50 though, out of fear for the harder world levels.

This is actually the game that made me realize a pattern in who I crushed on. Apparently, it's platinum blondes/ white-haired characters who are calm, intelligent, and holds a lot of power that's hidden behind their more passive demeanor. Albedo, Kazuha, and a little bit of Lumine. Klee is on that list too, platonically of course.

Then there's a large list of characters I adore one way or another. I try to find a way to appreciate every character, or at least understand why people would like them.

Now, about the game itself? Beautiful soundtrack and scenery. I'm one of the blessed few who can afford a computer and have the graphics up max, and let me tell you, I've stared up at a singular angle of scenery for the whole day and night cycle just falling in love.

Can you imagine how fresh the fruit is there? How nice watching the trees sway would be? Especially if you're able to hear the soundtrack while experiencing it all? Perfection.

Now, plotwise? I only finished Inazuma's Archon quest and a little bit of the Chasm one with Dainsleif, so I don't know the full story. I've been focusing on other things instead, like finishing up Mondstadt and Liyue until completion. Including the daily commissions achievements that you get from blowing dandelions or playing pirates.

There is an immaculate amount of story, and I keep hearing about more parts I've missed. I've never really been too interested in war stories, though, so most of my interests get attached to smaller things of the lore. Or the functions of how the world would work.

I am so curious about the element reactions and how most of the dendro ones would work in a scientific type of standpoint. Though I am really curious about the whole Abyss plot line and how that all happened, which is a shame because that's the last question that'll likely be answered.

I started playing Star Rail the day it came out for my servers, and I haven't made it very far in that, so I don't know if this will stick. But it's so sad seeing the characters just around and chilling, compared to Genshin, where you hardly find any life or hints of them.

I want the character in Genshin to leave a bigger impact. I want to see flyers around Mondstadt inviting you to Barbara's new performance, where it shows a picture of her doing a typical idol pose.

I want an NPC dialog in Inazuma where some random guy is like "ugh I just met the most obnoxious guy yesterday. He kept asking to do beetle battles with me. I don't even own a beetle!". I want proof that the characters are still alive in the world, and we just keep missing them by a hair.

On that note! I want to get previous event weapons. I HAVE Albedo, I love him! I want to be able to doll him up! Let me give him the weapon that's the best for him, and literally MADE for him!

And let me replay old events, too! Even the ones we already did! Mona's door is Right There and you're doing nothing with it. Do you know how easy it would be to just have her in there? She can Look Into The Past! Just give her some money and pay her bills and she'll let you play an old event! It'd even add more proof that the characters don't just dissappear if there's not an event going on or some Archon quest.

Anyway, case in point. I love the game, but I have some complaints.

[dasher85]

Seashore

Part 2 (4-5)

Kamisato Ayato x Reader | y/n | you

Other character: Ayaka, Thoma and other mentioned names

slice-of-life | 40% angst | a pinch of romance

A snippet from part 2 chapters

Ayato carefully placed you down near the corner of the camp. He brushed away a few strands of hair away from your face and frowned looking at your current face. Just by a glance he could tell the difference. Your left cheeks bruised, dried blood was visible on the side of your lips and a deep scratch was still bloodied by the left side of your forehead. He sighed and took a hold of your right hand. Your wrist was red and swollen, seemingly caused by the friction of ropes.

“Wait for me, I’ll be right back” He lightly placed a hand on your head before standing up.

4. Vision

Liyue - afternoon

 Ayato has just finished his lunch that was bought from Liuli Pavilion earlier. He has sent a written report days prior informing his official business in Liyue considering it was a formal procedure. He was already given a map and a professional guide by the Liyue Qixing an hour earlier.

“Sir Kamisato, we should reach the Chasm’s entrance within an hour or less” The professional guide pointed to the location on the map.

 “Understood”. He nods while quickly taking notes.

He actually could easily assign someone from Inazuma to get the items needed without him to personally come to Liyue. However, the excitement in doing random things in the name of ‘work’ is something he couldn’t just ignore.

 “I was informed that the Chasm area is still closed. How are the main supplies of ore being managed?”

“We have experts that has legal knowledge and are professionals in the Chasm. They’re the ones that regularly take back supplies. Although suddenly something came up, that they can barely enter the chasm now- but don’t worry we still have enough stock for the year”

Ayato nods. Although he wasn’t sure why Inazuma couldn’t get the restock supplies for the fireworks elements, he didn’t question again.

The guide insisted Ayato to get into a carriage that the Qixing has prepared but he humbly declined the offer and prefer to just walk throughout the journey. He actually didn’t want to trouble anyone by pulling him on carriage when he can easily walk. Besides, it would be just like taking a stroll as he thought.

 After somewhat 40 minutes of walking the guide informs Ayato. “We will be there in less than 10 minutes, Sir”

 Liyue’s terrain was visibly different than in Inazuma but it doesn’t bother him at all. Occasionally he would be looking in a distant to enjoy the scenery before him. Although no enemies were seen, two of his personal guard was walking 5 meters in front with two other Millelith while another two of his personal guards was walking behind him.

Unexpectedly a group of Hilicurls came running towards them. The guide gasps, seemingly panicked. He was obviously wasn’t prepared for this type of tasks.

The guards instantly run towards the Hilicurls and attacked. Ayato sighed, seemingly annoyed with the slight disturbance. The number of of Hilicurls kept adding up and a few were almost reached them.

 “Oh no!” The guide exclaimed.

Before any of the Hilicurls could take another step towards them- In a brief moment it disintegrated. The guide blinked unable to process the situation. Eventually he then took a glance at Ayato.

 “Are you alright?” Ayato questioned the guide while he effortlessly sheathed his sword back in. The guide quickly nods in respond.

 “Sir, it’s safe now. We can continue the journey” The guards walked back into position as they move. After a short while, they finally reached the entrance of Chasm. The workers of a local Liyue commerce group greeted them.

“Welcome Sir.” They then lead the group into a nearby area where their master was waiting for the trade.

 Much or less time has been used while Ayato made the trade with the Commerce master. It wasn’t anything particularly interesting but somehow Ayato managed to obtain every item he needs per quantity with a reasonable price.

 “Please do sign here, Lord Kamisato”

Ayato nods and dip the tip of the feather quill pen inside the bottle of black ink. He was about to sign when suddenly a glint of light from a far corner catches his peripheral vision. He took a glance at it and casually returns his gaze to the commerce master as if he saw nothing.

 “If it doesn’t trouble you Sir, can you recommend me a few of your workers to load these items on carriage and for loading on the ship tomorrow?”

 “Of course not, Lord Kamisato. That is all in plan”

“Alright it’s settled then”. He then signed the paper.  

 Inazuma -Afternoon (Kamisato Estate)

“Thoma, Y/N haven’t arrived yet?” Ayaka took a glance at Thoma from inside her office while her hand is still holding on the feather quill pen.

 “No, Milady. She hasn’t arrived” Thoma informed her after returning to check outside.

 “That’s odd. She was supposed to be here. She promised me to help out with the invitation cards” Ayaka carefully put down her feather quill pen.

 “Perhaps Miss Y/N has suddenly came up with something Milady, but I can quickly check up on her?”

Ayaka frowned seemingly thinking about what to do next. Although Thoma could be right, but she couldn’t take the worry thoughts away.

 "Thoma, go quickly check on her. I’m sorry for the trouble"

"No worries, Milady. I’ll go right now". Thoma quickly arranged the invitation cards that he was currently working on and went out.

 45 minutes later he arrives back and reported back to Ayaka.

 "Milady, she's not home. I asked her neighbours and some of them says that she's been out since earlier this morning. They haven't seen her since"

Ayaka was now more than worried. She was thinking all the trouble that could've happened to you.

 "Don't worry milady. I'll head out to search out for her."

Ayaka nods as she entrusted Thoma to find you.

 Inazuma, at the same day | early morning (seashore)

You were walking alongside the seashore searching for seashells to make necklaces out of it. It was your usual weekly routine to find seashells on the beach. The sky was clear and the sun was just about to rise. You smiled, seemingly at ease with the calming scenery before you.

A wave reached the shore as it swept a few seashells ashore. You quickly bent down to take a look at it. One was slightly curvy in the edge, one was shiny to the eye while the one you were holding was smooth to the touch.

 “Y/N I’m heading back now” Your neighbour who had also come early to pick up some seashells bid you a goodbye. You waved back with a smile. You were about to head back too but decided to walk a few more minutes along the seashore to find some more shells.

A few steps ahead, you saw a starfish. It was slowly walking towards the shore. You thought of picking it up and placed it back to the sea water however decides not to disturb it instead. While you were completely entranced by the slow walking creature, it was too late when you noticed the presence behind you.

5. Bloomwater

Liyue -evening

Workers was busy boarding the boxes of items inside the carriage. Ayato was standing nearby the area making sure everything was packed accordingly. Although he was seen calm and focused on the main priority of business, he was actually keeping an eye on a person nearby. It would take them awhile to carefully pack and load the items so it will take some time for it to be done but Ayato wasn’t in a hurry either.

 He quickly walked towards the commerce master again. “Master Qin, is that person there your worker?” He asked. The older man looked at the person in question.

“No, Lord Kamisato. I have no woman workers.” He then adds “That’s certainly odd. Nobody supposed to be here except for my workers and your group”. He quickly directed his subordinates to check on the group of people where the said woman was seen. However, without waiting for the subordinate’s report, Ayato joined the man approaching the group of people.

 “Sir, what business are you here for?” The subordinate questioned the tall buff man seemingly the leader of the group. The tall buff man turned his head looking at the subordinate with a disinterested eye.

“Nothing to worry Sir. We are just resting here. We will continue our journey after everyone catches their breath.” Unexpectedly he respectfully informed back.

“Why don’t you guys take a rest in the camp?” Ayato suddenly invited the group of people to a nearby camp that was earlier prepared by the commerce for Ayato’s group.

“If you don’t mind” The tall buff man responded.

 Ayato smiled and walked the group towards his camp. The subordinate didn’t understand for his sudden kindness towards these suspicious group of people but didn’t dare to question him either. One of Ayato’s guards handed the group of people some food that they had bring from town.

“Sorry, we didn’t bring much food. Although I hope it helps” Ayato smiled but he occasionally took a glance at the person who was seated at the centre. Three men sat behind her and another two was at her side. It was as if she was in a human barricade. She could barely move and didn’t once look elsewhere but down. The hood she was wearing covered both sides of her face.

 “You there Miss, mind drinking some water?” Ayato suddenly stood up and directly handed a cup of water to the woman who was seated at the centre with his left hand. The men around her frowned, somehow the air become intense but Ayato was just smiling. It was as if he didn’t notice anything and continued holding out the cup of water.

After somewhat a moment, she reached out for the cup of water with visibly trembling hand. Although reaching out a hand she wasn’t looking up and only half of her face was visible.

Ayato didn’t wait for her hand to reach the cup of water as he swiftly took a hold of her hand. He effortlessly pulled her up with his right arm.

 “Wha- What are you doing?!!” The tall buff man stands up. Shocked and panicked was seen in his eyes.

 “Sorry. She was so slow. My hand got tired.” A smile was still vacant on Ayato’s lips. Then again while saying so, he casually pulled the woman behind him. His left hand still elegantly holding the cup of water without spilling even a drip.

The men who were seated quickly stood up. Ayato’s guards were on a fighting stance due to the sudden situation. The tall buff man’s panicked face turned into anger.

He unhurriedly placed down the cup of water on the side table. Ayato was about to unsheathe his sword with a smile when suddenly a small voice spoke behind him.

 “Ay- Ayato. I don’t think- “Before he could even look at the woman, she has already fainted. He turns and quickly caught her from falling.

 “Y/N...” In that instant, his face expression becomes gloomy. His calm, smiling demeanour was now long gone. If someone could see someone else’s aura then his, would’ve engulfed everyone else’s… Ayato raised his hand and without question his personal guards advance forward against the unknown group of people.

 Ayato carefully placed you down near the corner of the camp. He brushed away a few strands of hair away from your face and frowned looking at your current face. Just by a glance he could tell the difference. Your left cheeks bruised, dried blood was visible on the side of your lips and a deep scratch was still bloodied by the left side of your forehead. He sighed and took a hold of your right hand. Your wrist was red and swollen, seemingly caused by the friction of ropes.

 “Wait for me, I’ll be right back” He lightly placed a hand on your head before standing up.

The guards had already driven the group of men outside of the camp.

 “Who are you people?” Ayato walked out from the camp as he questioned the tall buff man.

 “We certainly have nothing to do with you. She’s our team member. You can’t take her!”

Ayato frowns deeper. He wants to quickly make it done with these people but then again, he’s in Liyue.

 “Sir Kamisato, we should assist you” A Millelith guard and another joined them.

Ayato sighed and gestured them to go as he stayed away from the fight.

The other men took out their weapon and confronted the guards. However, the tall buff man ignored these guards and unsheathed his huge weapon. He pushed the guards as he quickly run towards the camp.

 Ayato unhurriedly unsheathed his sword. His blue eyes looked at the man, so sharp, as if it could pierce a soul. The man screamed in anger as he run towards Ayato, his huge weapon carried up high ready to give a strike. Ayato elegantly stands in a stance. He let himself to enter a focused state of mind to the point that he couldn’t hear any noise in the surroundings.

By the time the tall buff man was a meter away from Ayato, his velocity seems to have stopped in motion. A look of genuine terror was visible on his face before he dropped his huge weapon and fall down.

Ayato elegantly sheathed his sword, turns and walked back inside the camp. The Millelith swiftly tied the tall buff man and dragged him along with the other defeated men.

“Lord Kamisato, how about the woman? Should we-“A guard asked him inside the camp.

“No. She’s my person”

The guards quietly nod and walked out of the camp.

 Liyue – earlier that afternoon

You were woken up by a slap on your face. You winced in pain but tried to sat up from the hard floor. The fabric bag wrapped around your head was forcefully opened as your eyes squinted trying to adjust with the sunlight.

 Judging from your surroundings, you were on a ship and you’re about to be forcefully dragged into another small boat. One of the men took a hold of your shoulder and dragged you along with him towards the boat. The shore was just close by and you can see a harbour distance away. However, you were familiar with the view, realizing that you somehow got kidnapped all the way to Liyue.

 Your heart shattered upon the realization. Nobody would recognize you in Liyue, let alone save you from these evil people. You were completely on your own now.

 The man pushed you aside and forcefully sat you at the corner of the small boat. Two of the men row the boat until reaching the shore. As you stepped down the land, one of the men tied your hands with a rope tightly.

 The tall buff man who seems to be the team leader, was packing up some things before he instructed his men for the long journey. You tried to listen carefully for their plans but it was barely audible since you were a distant away from them.

 All of them carried a bag pack and one of the men pulled your arm, pushing you to walk ahead of him. The man was also tall and you didn’t even dare to look at his face, afraid that you’d cause trouble just because of a slight eye contact.

 It appears to you that the team leader would constantly look at a map. It was as if he wasn’t familiar with Liyue. You on the other hand was quite familiar with Liyue’s terrain and locations. Perhaps you weren’t really out of options you thought.

 After walking for a few hours of walking on foot and hiking mountains the team leader decided for the team to take a rest under a huge tree. They sat you down near the tree trunk.

 One of the men who tied your hands earlier has handed you a piece of bread. You didn’t want to take it but took it anyways due to hunger. You haven’t had anything since dinner yesterday.

 Your hand was still tied, however probably after seeing you struggling to eat the piece of bread, somehow the man untied your hands. He didn’t say anything and continued with his lunch. You then slowly ate the bread while quietly glancing around.

 The unzipped bag with the folded map inside was visible to your eyes. The bag pack was near the fire they had just lit up for cooking. You munched the last bite of the bread and noticed that the men who has untied your hands were the only one awake. The other four was lightly asleep and the team leader was nowhere to be seen. A kettle of water was still heated on the fire that they lit up earlier.

“C-can I get a cup of water?” You tried not to tremble just to ask a simple question towards the men at your side. Luckily, he just gestured a hand indicating that you could have a drink.

 You slowly walked towards the fire area and swiftly took the map from the unzipped bag pack. It was not undeniable that the other men could have their own map as backup but you had to give this plan a go anyway.

 You quickly throw the map into the fire and took a hold of the kettle. You slowly poured a cup of water into the cup as you waited for the map to completely burn to ashes. The piece of paper was slowly burning when suddenly a blunt object was hit at the side of your head. You helplessly stumbled backwards due to the strong impact.

“Eric, what are you doing! She burned the map!” The tall buff man suddenly returned and he has just hit you with a blunt stick. You winced in pain and quickly covered your head preparing for any sudden hit.

[to be continued]