"A 'segment'? Clones of himself?! So that's how it is..."
Collei had originally thought her enemy was a single person—Il Dottore, the Doctor of the Fatui Harbingers. She never imagined that a human being could split themselves into numerous parts, existing across different ages and roles. To her, it sounded like the work of a demon.
If he can cut himself into slices, how much more horrific must he be toward others? The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine, and her back became drenched in a cold sweat.
"Don't be afraid, Collei," Amber said, squeezing her hand firmly. "Big Brother Su Han said that if the Doctor ever dares to trouble you again, no matter how hard it is, we will come to your rescue. Believe in us... the Fatui are our enemies, and you are my best friend. Besides, I think we can eventually use your connection to lure those rats out of hiding."
Under Amber's fierce encouragement, the lingering dread in Collei's heart slowly began to dissipate. Just like before, she felt that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, she could walk it with her head held high.
Collei nodded. "Mhm... I'll work hard. I won't let that weak version of myself take over again."
Just as the two were talking, a light knock came from the door.
"Come in, Xiangling!"
"Hehe, I hope I'm not interrupting!" Xiangling entered carrying steaming plates. "I've been experimenting with some spices from a small village on the border of Sumeru. I think it's called... curry? The taste might be a bit different from what you're used to, but I promise it's delicious!"
As Amber's close friend, the little chef had gone all out to welcome the guest. The rich, aromatic scent of the curry rice filled the room, and Collei's eyes instantly sparkled.
"Wow... it smells incredible!"
She never expected a foreign chef to master the essence of Sumeru's flavors so perfectly. The carrots, the meat, and the subtle hint of fruit blended into a masterpiece.
"Dig in! Today's meal also features our special Spirit Grain. Hehe... you can't find this anywhere else yet." Xiangling set the table and tactfully withdrew, giving the two friends their space.
The Power of Spirit Grain
As the two girls began to eat, the conversation died down in favor of pure culinary bliss.
"Mmm... what kind of meat is this? And the rice is so soft... I've never seen green rice before!" Collei couldn't stop praising the meal. For the first time in years, she felt a meal actually revitalizing her.
Amber just smiled and kept eating, her cheeks puffed out. Ten minutes later, they both looked at each other and burst into giggles.
"You have a grain of rice on your cheek..."
"You're one to talk, silly Collei! You have one too!"
After their playful banter, Collei suddenly looked at her hands in confusion. "Wait... what's happening? I feel... full of energy."
"Heehee... amazing, right? That's the effect of the Spirit Grain. It's not for export yet; only specific people within our alliance get to eat it. Eating this rice every day actually improves your physical constitution and strength."
"How is that possible? Is it magic?" Collei found it hard to believe that simply eating could make one stronger.
Amber huffed playfully. "How else do you explain the change? You feel it, don't you?"
"I do... I was exhausted from patrolling near Gandharva Ville until midnight yesterday, but now I feel completely refreshed. Better than after a full night's sleep!"
"That's because Spirit Grain is our exclusive resource. When you leave, I'll pack some for you to take back. You can't plant it there, but eating it long-term will help your body fight off that internal darkness. We have to address that 'Eleazar' and the remnants of the demon god eventually."
Collei hesitated. "But this grain must be so precious... is it really okay for me to take it? I don't have much to give in return..."
Amber shook her head. "Collei, there are things in this world that Mora can't buy. Our friendship, our lives... do you think those have a price tag? If you had something that could save my life, would you ask me for Mora first?"
"Of course not!" Collei blurted out.
"Exactly. So just take it. If I ever need you in the future, you can help me then. Friendship isn't a business transaction."
The Sovereign's Shadow
With her heart finally at ease, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, eventually landing on the subject of partners. Amber, usually so boisterous, suddenly grew quiet.
Collei noticed the change and whispered, "Amber... do you have someone you like?"
"Mhm..."
"Is it... a lot of pressure?"
"Mhm..." Amber nodded like a little chick pecking at grain.
Collei stayed silent for a moment before asking softly, "It's Lord Su Han, isn't it?"
"I... I didn't mean for it to happen," Amber confessed, her face flushing. "I always thought of him as a big brother. But the more I spend time with him, the more I'm drawn in. He understands me so easily, and he's always there to melt away my sadness. But he's so perfect... I lack confidence. Eula likes him, Lisa likes him, even Master Jean... well, Jean is already his woman."
"What?!" Collei gasped. "Master Jean?!"
Amber nodded and recounted the story of how Mondstadt was falling apart until the Anemo Archon himself played matchmaker to save the city's future. Collei was stunned. A God playing matchmaker for his own disciples?
But then she thought about Sumeru. Her country was also a mess. Scholars were leaving in droves, many declaring they were heading to Liyue for better opportunities. The Sages of the Akademiya were furious but powerless.
The Throne of Arcana
"We've been trying to establish better diplomatic ties with Sumeru," Amber noted, "but certain people seem to be blocking every attempt. Do you know why?"
"It's likely because the Sages have too much to lose," Collei replied insightfully. "Sumeru is built on the hoarding of knowledge. Look at what happened to the Three Commissions in Inazuma—only the Kamisatos survived. The Sages are terrified of Lord Su Han's influence."
"I see. Power... nobody wants to give it up."
"It's not just that," Collei added. "Everyone knows how prosperous the alliance is. The Steambird reports everything, and now Liyue's own publishing houses are rising. Lisa, Mona, and Rosalyne are publishing works that attract researchers from all over the world."
To counter the exclusivity of organizations like the Hexenzirkel, Lisa and the others had founded a new organization: the Throne of Arcana. It was open to anyone who wished to study magic, offering new theories on the elements.
While some traditionalists criticized it as heterodoxy, Lisa had already proven her theories through practice. The era of hoarding knowledge was coming to an end, and the Sages of Sumeru knew their walls were crumbling.
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