The Water God Fukaros, deep within the Cardinal of the Oracle Judgment, sensed a distant presence, and his expression suddenly changed. Others might have mistaken it for something else, but Fukaros was certain—this presence was undoubtedly that of another Water God. Only someone with that divine authority could manipulate Fontaine's waters so effortlessly, bending them as though they were responding to the Wind God's command.
As the Water Dragon King, Navilet possessed formidable strength—perhaps even superior to Fukaros. However, this was the Teyvat continent under the dominion of Sky Island, no longer the era of the Dragon Kings. Navilet's control over water should have been restricted. More precisely, the portion of his power that had been taken was now under Fukaros's dominion as the Water God.
But why had a second Water God appeared?
Had Sky Island discovered his plan and created another Water God to hold him accountable? If it were any other power, he would have dismissed the possibility, but if it was Sky Island, then it was entirely plausible. After all, it was Sky Island that had originally created the godhead of the Water God.
What should he do now? Should he remain hidden within the Cardinal of the Oracle, accumulating strength, or should he face this supposed replacement, hoping they would forgive Fontaine's people and protect them as he had done? Perhaps they could even fulfill the responsibilities he had left incomplete.
After much hesitation, Fukaros made his decision. He would leave the Cardinal of the Oracle and head toward Smith.
Unlike Fukaros, Funina, his created personality, remained unaware of the current events unfolding in Fontaine. As the people questioned her, she maintained her role as the Water God, assuring them that the changes in Fontaine's waters were of her own doing—merely a celebration. In truth, she was growing increasingly anxious and longed to find her reflection in the mirror to understand what was happening.
---
"Father, Fontaine's waters feel different. Is that thing coming?" Lini urgently approached his father's servant, Arlechino.
Arlechino reached out, letting the drizzle trickle through his fingers, and muttered, "The prophecy should arrive at its appointed time, but this does not feel quite right. Perhaps, as the Water God claims, this is indeed of her doing?"
Arlechino had long held doubts about Funina.
On one hand, her behavior did not always align with that of a true deity. On the other hand, she had existed for five hundred years, and not a single soul in Fontaine had questioned it. He strongly suspected that some unknown event had caused her to lose a portion of her power. Yet now, it seemed as though that missing power was returning.
Had she discovered something?
Or had Fukaros been preparing for the prophecy all along, waiting for this moment to reclaim her full strength? Was she truly ready to challenge destiny?
Fate was not so easily defied.
---
"Oh? So it's coming, then?" Smith walked leisurely across the water's surface, awaiting the arrival of his intended guest.
Soon, a figure streaked across the sky at great speed before landing nearby, eyes filled with curiosity.
"That's Villette?" Smith observed the figure's aura with interest.
Villette's power was undeniable. Even though he had lost a portion of his strength, his presence still rivaled that of Zhongli himself. No wonder some claimed that the Dragon King Ruotu's might was on par with Morax. Once Villette regained his full form, his power would only grow stronger.
"Who are you? You are not the Water God!" Villette eyed Smith warily. At first, he had suspected this stranger might be Fontaine's deity, but the aura surrounding Smith was not just of water—it carried traces of the Grass God's power as well.
How could such a thing be possible? No one in this world should possess the divine authority of two elements. Even Sky Island would not grant someone dominion over two godheads.
Could he be one of the deities from Sky Island?
Villette entertained the thought but ultimately dismissed it. Those beings wielded a power unlike anything he sensed from Smith.
"Do I not look like the Water God to you?" Smith chuckled before turning his gaze toward the rapidly approaching figure. "The real master has arrived."
Villette followed his gaze. Could it be that Smith had come here in search of Ye Ningna?
When he laid eyes upon the approaching figure, his mind reeled. Everything was identical—the appearance, the aura—only the attire and demeanor had changed. Before him stood Funina, or at least, the being that shared her essence.
This was Fukaros.
Villette had never doubted Funina's authenticity but had merely assumed she had lost her power due to some unknown cause. And yet, at this critical moment, Fukaros had emerged from the shadows.
Fukaros landed beside Villette, nodding to him before turning to Smith with a serious expression.
"Your target should be me, correct? You deliberately released your aura to draw me out?"
"That's right," Smith admitted. "If I hadn't done so, you would have remained hidden, unwilling to trust anyone and determined to guard your secret at all costs. But if I arrived as a god and played my role well, then you would come to me of your own accord. And let's be honest—you trust Villette far more than you trust anyone else."
Smith's words sent shockwaves through both Fukaros and Villette.
For the first time, Villette began to piece together the truth. Funina had always conducted herself as a god, but now, Fukaros stood before him with the undeniable aura of divinity. He finally understood—Fukaros had split herself in two, allowing her other self to rule Fontaine while she worked in the shadows, preparing for something greater.
Were the Seven Gods all this cunning?
Despite his shock, Villette felt no real surprise. Funina, regardless of her origins, had always been his friend. That much would never change.
As for Fukaros, she was left in turmoil. Her voice wavered as she asked, "What do you know?"
"Everything," Smith said calmly. "The sins of the people of Fontaine. The prophecy. The truth behind the Cardinal's Judgment. Your plan."
Smith's gaze shifted meaningfully to Villette.
Villette turned to Fukaros with newfound suspicion. Was he truly just another piece in her grand scheme?