After leaving Dragonspine, Rola and the Traveler embarked on their official adventure.
They stormed ruins, gathered fruit, mined ore, battled enemies, solved puzzles...
Following Lumine and Paimon, Rola learned a great deal.
For instance, when they attacked Hilichurl Camps, Lumine didn't just charge in recklessly.
Stealth, assassination, luring enemies, and traps were all part of her repertoire, leaving Rola utterly astonished.
Wielding the single-handed sword Rola had gifted her—Unrelenting Will—Lumine cut down Hilichurls with a single strike, her prowess unmatched.
Secretly comparing herself to Lumine, Rola realized she stood no chance in a direct fight!
Her other personas might have fared better, but this Rola persona was completely outmatched.
And to think Lumine currently only wielded one element!
But Rola quickly reasoned that Lumine was, after all, a Traveler who had crossed towering mountains and traversed the sea of stars, with a true age exceeding 500 years. It was foolish to expect her to be ordinary.
Moreover, Lumine wasn't the only extraordinary one. Little Paimon seemed quite formidable as well.
For starters, Paimon dodged Hilichurl archers' arrows with lightning speed and graceful agility, almost as if she were dancing.
While it was possible Paimon's skills were simply honed through practice, Rola couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Paimon than met the eye.
Having just cleared out a Hilichurl Camp, Lumine happily stashed the contents of an exquisite chest into her spatial inventory.
"Hey, Rola, hurry up! We're leaving soon. It's your turn to take the lead this time, right?"
Rola spun her spear with a flourish before tossing it, the weapon disappearing into her Vision Space.
Glancing at Paimon, who was darting ahead, Rola's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Paimon, if you come back to get me, I might consider giving you that Sweet Madame I've been saving!"
The moment Paimon heard the mention of Sweet Madame, she zipped back immediately.
"Hehe, I'm back! Rola, you better keep your word!"
Rola nudged the little sprite playfully.
This little glutton, she thought. Just offer her something delicious, and you can easily win her over—and manipulate her.
"Come on, let's rest up ahead first. Then I'll give it to you."
Rola glanced at Lumine, who nodded. Scooping Paimon into her arms, she set off.
Paimon squirmed in Rola's embrace. "Rola, let me go! Paimon can walk by herself!"
"Hehe..."
No way I'm letting go! Paimon's too cute.
-
Several days passed in the blink of an eye. As the Rite of Descension in Liyue drew near, Lumine and Paimon finally prepared to set off.
Before their departure, Rola insisted on seeing them off personally.
"You can head back now, Rola. This is far enough."
"Lumine, Paimon, remember to think of me when you're in Liyue! You absolutely have to come back for the Windblume Festival! I'll treat you to something delicious!"
Rola tried to tempt Paimon with food.
Lumine and Paimon nodded emphatically.
"Don't worry, Rola," Lumine said. "Paimon and I will definitely return. We'll miss you, and we'll miss everyone in Mondstadt."
Paimon waved goodbye to Rola. "See you later, Rola!"
"Goodbye, Lumine! Goodbye, Paimon!"
Watching Lumine and Paimon depart, Rola slowly turned back toward Mondstadt.
I haven't visited Noelle in days, Rola thought. I've been too neglectful. I should go keep her company soon.
Rola's current persona had no immediate missions; she was simply waiting for the plot to unfold.
-
Liyue.
Late at night, in an ancient-style room, Mu Qingge worked diligently at an orderly desk.
As one of the Liyue Qixing, the Kaiyang overseeing all affairs of the Millelith, Mu Qingge wielded considerable authority and shouldered a heavy workload.
Especially these past few days, working until this hour had become the norm!
Several months earlier, Mu Qingge had promoted a general to assist her. After all, she was still young, and it was unrealistic to burn the midnight oil every day, which would harm her development.
However, the general was still in training, so she had to handle everything herself for the time being.
With the Rite of Descension approaching, the workload had surged. The Millelith's tasks had multiplied, and Mu Qingge had to coordinate every detail.
Ah, sigh...
Headache!
Logically, at just seventeen years old, Mu Qingge should never have attained such a high position.
Moreover, she was Kaiyang, the Bright Star overseeing the Millelith—a critical military role of immense importance. It should rightfully be held by an experienced, shrewd, and far-sighted adult.
Yet, against all reason, it was Mu Qingge.
She must possess truly exceptional abilities!
Indeed, among Jiang Mumu's many personas, Mu Qingge ranked first in overall capability.
She was an all-around versatile persona, and also the most steady and reliable one.
When designing this persona, Jiang Mumu had deliberately maximized her attributes in every aspect, originally intending for her to rise to a leadership position within Liyue.
From a young age, Mu Qingge had displayed extraordinary intelligence. At three, she obtained a Geo Vision. From then on, she was the "other kid" adults always compared their own children to, her reputation spreading throughout Liyue Harbor.
By ten, she had completed her formal education. At thirteen, she participated in the Rite of Descension, receiving the Geo Archon's blessing and being bestowed the Vortex Vanquisher.
That's right, the very weapon the Geo Archon wielded in the game—the "signature weapon" that somehow didn't feel like his signature weapon!
That same year, Mu Qingge joined the Millelith and became a Junior Commander the following year.
Her formidable strength, impartial demeanor, and unwavering integrity allowed her to thrive within the Millelith.
Mu Qingge repeatedly distinguished herself through extraordinary feats. Her seasoned approach, flawless execution, and exceptional performance far surpassed her peers, earning her tremendous prestige within the army in just a few short years.
Adding to her acclaim were her striking white hair and crimson eyes, a rare and revered combination in a military setting where women were seldom seen.
During the last Qixing reshuffle, Mu Qingge narrowly won the Kaiyang seat against a veteran Millelith general by a slim margin.
The elderly general, long contemplating retirement, had personally selected Mu Qingge as his successor and cast his own vote in her favor.
Everyone knew Mu Qingge had received guidance from the Geo Archon himself. Thus, even when she was ultimately chosen as Kaiyang, no one dared voice any opposition.
If the Geo Archon approves, who are we to object?!
And so, Mu Qingge smoothly ascended to become a member of Liyue's highest echelon of power.
She did not disappoint expectations. Since assuming office, she has rigorously enforced military discipline, streamlined formations, and bolstered military strength, achieving remarkable results!
In the room, a young woman sat at her desk, her silver-white hair cascading down her shoulders. Her stunningly beautiful face radiated a sharp, heroic aura.
She wore a standard-issue suit of armor that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. A Geo Vision hung at her right hip, and combat boots adorned her feet.
With her silver-white hair unbound, Mu Qingge's sharp edges softened, lacking her usual commanding presence, making her seem far more approachable.
Suddenly, she set down her pen, her gaze sharpening as she looked out the window.
Swiftly gathering her long hair into a bun, she strode out of the room.
"Lady Mu, is something the matter?"
Two Millelith guards stationed outside the room immediately inquired upon seeing her emerge.
Lady Mu treated them without any condescension, allowing them to ask questions freely. This was a stark contrast to the previous Kaiyang, under whose command they would never have dared to initiate conversation.
"Nothing to worry about. Stay alert."
Mu Qingge stepped onto the street, glanced left and right, her eyes narrowing, and immediately gave chase in a specific direction.
Liyue Harbor, renowned as a bustling commercial hub, remained sparsely populated even at this late hour.
There was no curfew here; those inclined could wander the streets until dawn.
This was a defining characteristic of Liyue Harbor.
Mu Qingge's combat boots landed silently on the ground, moving so swiftly that the people on the street barely registered her passing.
"Stop here. No one else will come this far," she said, halting in a desolate field.
Tartaglia turned to face her from atop a massive boulder. "Ha ha! I apologize for disturbing you so late, but inspiration struck me, and I couldn't resist the urge to fight."
With a flick of her right hand, the Vortex Vanquisher materialized in Mu Qingge's grasp. "Spare the small talk. Remember our agreement."
"Excellent! I admire your directness." Tartaglia drew his weapon and charged forward.
Instantly, Elemental Power surged as the two clashed.
Tartaglia was a battle maniac, and so was Mu Qingge. He craved combat, and she was more than willing to indulge him.
This wasn't their first battle, nor would it be their last.
Each time, Mu Qingge secured a narrow victory, earning the right to ask Tartaglia a question—a condition they had both agreed upon, essentially a wager.