A Certain Mortal (Genshin Impact Xiao x Lumine)

•Chapter 5•

The companions returned to Childe from their meeting with the adepti.

"Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, Conqueror of Demons... Some of these names have never come up in the intel the Fatui gets hold of," Childe said.

"As a returning gift, I too have information for you. Regarding the archon's passing... The Liyue Qixing's response really has given me food for thought..."

"They've announced that, as the true killer has not yet been found, they are not allowing anyone to pay their respects to the Exuvia. They've even gone so far as to try and cut off information... But with the Rite of Descension and all, even the Qixing isn't able to keep a lid on things."

"Exuvia?" the floating fairy inquired.

"It's common knowledge in Liyue that Rex Lapis is also an adeptus," Childe stated. "The Geo Archon is also the God of Contracts, and is also known as the Exuvia, Prime of the Adepti."

"The mighty and illuminated adepti of today all signed contracts to protect Liyue back then."

"Guess that explains why they're all so focused on Liyue's well-being," Paimon said.

"Naturally. They both have the responsibility and the aptitude for the job."

"If the ruling Qixing became unable to perform their duty properly, the adepti have the right to take corrective action."

"The Geo Archon's spirit has risen, so why would the Qixing hide his vessel!? Truly suspicious. This makes things difficult for me too."

"I agree, something is definitely not right," Lumine told Childe.

"Oh! Right! He's the whole reason we came here!" the guide jumped. "If the Liyue Qixing has locked up Exuvia and won't let anyone near..."

"Then our quest to find The Seven is already over!"

"Oh? You're trying to find The Seven? And just why might that be, pray tell?" Childe asked.

"Nothing to do with you," the Traveler stated.

"Heh... nice answer."

"A knight that gets duped by the Fatui would really be no knight at all now, would they?"

"But, I can help you with that too you know."

"Hmm? Really?" Paimon was now interested in what the Hydro user had to say.

"Give me some time. Time... to find someone."

"Someone who can help you break through this stalemate."

"Truly fascinating. The harder they try to silence the situation, the greater the chaos that erupts... "

"If you want to be around to see it all come crashing down, best you stay alive until we next meet, yes?"

~~~

It had been a day since the talked to Childe, and the companions were now entering Northland Bank.

Ekaterina, a worker there greeted them, "Welcome, Traveler, friend of Childe. And congratulations on the first day of your illustrious career with the Fatui."

"I don't consider Childe a friend and we are not part of the Fatui," Lumine simply stated.

"You sound remarkably sure of yourself... Remember, we are mere mortals - our ideas are fluid like water. Only the Tsaritsa truly has a will as solid as the permafrost."

"But back to the matter at hand. Childe tells me that he has upheld his end of your agreement."

"What agreement? Oh, the thing about him helping us find a guy?" Paimon asked.