Inside the Opera House.
Following The Knave's instructions, Freminet retrieved the first slate from the ruins Lumine and her companions had explored earlier and brought it to the Trial Chamber.
Lumine, piecing together the existing clues, quickly deduced the full story behind the events.
Neuvillette summarized Lumine's deductions, revealing the full context of Fontaine's "Prophecy" to everyone in the Opera House.
"In the earliest days of Fontaine, the original Hydro Archon sensed the longing of her kin, the Oceanids, to live on land. The Oceanids envied humans, captivated by their beauty and romance, and transforming into humans became their greatest desire."
"However, though water is essential to life, the Hydro Archon, as merely one of the Seven Archons of Teyvat, lacked the Authority to create humans outright..."
"Undeterred, she devised a plan. By stealing power from the Primordial Sea, the primordial ocean that cradles the planet, she transformed the Oceanids into humanoid forms. Using their vascular systems, she encapsulated Primordial Sea water within their bodies, thereby creating artificial humans—simulacra of humanity..."
"When Fontainians come into contact with Primordial Sea water again, the power binding their forms will break free and return to the Primordial Sea, causing their bodies to dissolve and revert to their Oceanid forms."
"Of course, the Hydro Archon's unauthorized creation of humanity was never sanctioned by the Heavenly Principles... Thus, the Hydro Archon and the people of Fontaine have long carried the original sin of stealing the power of the Primordial Sea... This is the origin of the Fontainians."
Neuvillette's explanation sent shockwaves through the Opera House audience, leaving them in disbelief.
"You... I... We're all actually Oceanids who transformed into humans?"
"This is too much information for me to process. I'm going to pretend Judge Neuvillette didn't just say all that..."
"If that's the case... how can we sentence the Hydro Archon to death? She's the one who created us!"
While Fontaine undeniably had its share of despicable individuals, the vast majority of its citizens were rational. As this truth emerged, many turned their gazes toward Furina, who sat silently on her high throne, and their hearts swelled with a mix of sorrow and pity.
Perhaps Lady Furina's role as a deity carried some unspoken burden.
Beyond her divine status, Furina remained Fontaine's most beloved superstar, and many of her fans were remarkably clear-headed.
Paimon: "This information must be a massive shock for the people of Fontaine... But at least many questions have finally been answered."
Neuvillette continued, "Lumine's interpretation of the third Slate is actually incorrect. Its order hasn't been mixed up with the fourth Slate. The crucial point is... the figures depicted on the Slates are all human in form, not Oceanids."
"In other words, the third Slate actually represents... people conducting a Trial of the Hydro Archon in the opera house."
Lumine's eyes widened. Could it be...?
Navia: "I understand now. So, we organized this Trial to prevent the Prophecy from coming true... but in reality, we're following the Prophecy step by step, even actively advancing it?"
Paimon: "What should we do?"
Lumine: "I... I don't know. It feels like we're completely controlled by Fate."
Clorinde: "The Prophecy is inevitable... is this what it feels like to be trapped by Fate?"
Paimon scratched her head, her voice filled with worry. "If that's the case, the scene on the fourth Slate might manifest soon too, right?"
This revelation deeply disheartened everyone. Despite their immense efforts, they had ultimately discovered themselves still trapped within their predetermined destiny.
Reminded by Neuvillette, Lumine recalled Childe's unjust conviction. They had been unable to discern the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's reasons for the verdict until now. Combined with the visions from her dream...
The true culprit must be that Narwhal, she realized.
Just then, the Opera House shuddered violently, far more intensely than ever before, as if struck by an earthquake.
The audience panicked, scrambling toward the exits in a chaotic frenzy.
Fortunately, the Opera House was vast, with ample space between rows and seats, preventing a stampede despite the chaos. There was enough room for everyone to retreat.
Suddenly, a large purple rift tore open in the left front section of the audience, quickly widening into a massive, violet-tinged hole.
A colossal Narwhal, its entire body a deep, blue-purple hue, emerged from the fissure, its massive head filling nearly the entire opera house.
Neuvillette channeled energy into his right hand, forming an enormous protective shield in the Narwhal's path.
Boom—!
The Narwhal's horn crashed against Neuvillette's shield, shattering it instantly and forcing him back several steps.
During the time Neuvillette had bought her, Lumine had already spread her wings and positioned herself behind the Narwhal. With a swing of her longsword, a golden blade of boundless sharpness surged toward the Narwhal's rear.
The Narwhal roared in agony, abruptly pivoting to sweep its massive tail across the opera house. Just as the tail was about to strike the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, a shield suddenly materialized to block the blow.
The Intellitron that had deployed the shield noticed Lumine, Neuvillette, and the others watching him. He gave them a slight bow.
Lumine eyed the Intellitron, feeling an inexplicable unease. Yet since it had protected the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale and showed no apparent hostility, she decided to focus on the immediate threat: the massive Narwhal.
The All-Devouring Narwhal opened its massive maw, unleashing a colossal suction force. Lumine swiftly moved to the side, but the Narwhal shifted its gaping jaws toward the audience stands.
Panic seized the spectators who hadn't yet fled.
Just then, Tartaglia, clad in his Foul Legacy Transformation armor, burst from the Narwhal's gaping maw. Without hesitation, he hurled his spear with all his might, aiming for the Narwhal's head.
Lumine and Neuvillette acted simultaneously, disrupting the Narwhal's movements and saving the audience from certain doom.
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Live Stream
[Tartaglia!!!]
[What a cool entrance!]
[Here he comes, the Fatui Harbinger's theme song!]
[So this guy's the mastermind behind everything? Damn it, he's clearly from the Abyss!]
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Inside the Opera House
Tartaglia leaped onto the All-Devouring Narwhal, catching the spear as it rebounded. He unleashed a flurry of attacks on the creature's body, finally channeling all his strength into a spear thrust that pierced the Narwhal's back.
Lumine drew Unrelenting Will, charging her attack for a long moment.
"Get out of the way, Tartaglia!"
Tartaglia obeyed instantly, jumping clear. Lumine unleashed a powerful Cross Slash, the air around the blade humming and trembling with energy.
The light blade struck the Narwhal's back precisely where Tartaglia had attacked.
"Aaaaargh—!"
The Narwhal roared in agony, Lumine's strike carving a deep cross into its flesh.
Neuvillette seized the opportunity, piercing the Narwhal's body in the same spot.
The wailing Narwhal opened a Spatial Gate and vanished into it.