"By the way, you can take some time to rest here. I still have some minor matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
Thoma led the group to an inn and was about to turn and leave when Rover suddenly called out to him.
"Wait. Before you go, please tell us your true identity."
Rover locked the door and blocked Thoma's path, then continued:
"When we first disembarked, you approached us under the guise of a local informant acquainted with Beidou. Clearly, your real target was us from the start.
"At the inspection checkpoint, you didn't immediately present your proof of entry. Instead, you only took it out after noticing my gaze.
"Finally, during your conversation with Kageyama, even a well-connected local informant wouldn't have been able to haggle the price down so drastically. Yurika likely agreed because of your status, am I right?"
Rover analyzed every detail, which made Aether and Paimon, standing beside him, suddenly realize that they had unwittingly fallen into Thoma's scheme step by step.
"That's right! I knew it! How could anyone bargain three million Mora down to just 1,800 Mora? Thoma, tell us—who sent you?"
Paimon crossed her arms and chimed in belatedly.
"Ahahaha, there's no need to be so tense. Everything I said along the way was true—I didn't lie to you. I just omitted a few things."
Thoma scratched the back of his head and quickly tried to explain, but his demeanor only deepened their suspicion.
Seeing everyone's doubtful gazes fixed on him, Thoma sighed and decided to come clean.
"Fine. The truth is, I'm a retainer of the Kamisato Clan's Shirasagi Himegimi. After learning of your deeds in Mondstadt and Liyue, I was sent by the Shirasagi Himegimi half a month ago to Ritou to make preparations and establish connections." (Note: In the original story, Thoma arrived at Ritou a month prior. In this book, due to Rover's influence, events have been moved up by half a month.)
Rover followed up with another question:
"Who is the Shirasagi Himegimi?"
Thoma could only reply with an awkward smile:
"The eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan, Kamisato Ayaka. She believed you possessed the power to change the current situation, so she sent me to observe you. After meeting you today, I've certainly gained a new perspective.
"As for why we're doing this—it's because we want the Raiden Shogun to reconsider and abolish the Vision Hunt Decree. Your arrival has given us a glimmer of hope."
After hearing Thoma's words, the group fell into deep thought. The situation in Inazuma was far more complicated than they had imagined.
"I refuse."
Rover calmly rejected Thoma's request, and Aether added:
"Because we only wish to meet the Raiden Shogun. We have no interest in the Vision Hunt Decree you mentioned."
Thoma's expression darkened, and the words he had prepared were instantly stifled.
"Refused, huh? That's fine. If you reach Narukami Island, you can come find me at Komore Teahouse. I'll provide assistance. For now, let's part ways here."
With that, Thoma turned to leave. Rover then looked at Aether.
"Did you notice?"
Aether nodded, while Paimon, floating in the air, was once again lost.
"What kind of riddle are you two talking about now?!"
Aether glanced out the window to confirm no one was eavesdropping before speaking.
"Just now, when Thoma heard our refusal, his expression immediately turned cold. I think, based on the intelligence they've gathered, they believed we would be sympathetic to their cause. But I understand Rover's decision—stepping into a complex situation without full understanding would only lead to a worse outcome."
Rover nodded in agreement. After their experiences in Mondstadt and Liyue, Aether had developed the ability to think independently.
"And compared to the Vision Hunt Decree, I'm more concerned about the Abyss Order. Isn't that right, Dainsleif?"
Rover turned toward the door, which was gently pushed open, revealing Dainsleif's figure in their line of sight.
"You're as sharp as ever. Crossing the thunderstorm was certainly difficult for me, but not impossible."
As soon as he finished speaking, Abby popped out and complained to Dainsleif:
"The moment we arrived at Ritou, I could smell your distinct scent from miles away. It'd be hard not to notice you."
Dainsleif didn't seem surprised—in fact, if Rover and the others hadn't detected his presence, this conversation wouldn't have been necessary. He then continued:
"The situation is complicated. I need your help, Rover."
Aether, unhappy at being left out, interjected:
"What about me? I can help too!"
Dainsleif glanced at Aether and stated his thoughts plainly.
"This journey through Inazuma is something you must experience and witness firsthand. It is your fate.
"But the undercurrents of darkness lurking beneath the surface are no less dangerous than the Abyss. If you involve yourself, you will inevitably face peril."
Aether wanted to argue, but Dainsleif's piercing gaze made him shudder, so he reluctantly sat back and listened to their conversation.
"The ley lines in Inazuma are far more unstable than I imagined. I can sense they're on the verge of collapse. The arrival of the Abyss Order will likely accelerate this process."
Dainsleif spoke gravely to Rover and unfolded a map he had brought with him.
"This shows the entire layout of Inazuma. I'm also new here and only familiar with Ritou's terrain. We can start from here and investigate one area at a time."
Rover understood Dainsleif's intention. Hearing that there was work to be done, Abby stretched and circled Rover excitedly.
"Heheh, a new adventure awaits!"
...
"Rover, from here onward, the path is yours and Jinhsi's to walk. What lies ahead is the presence of Jué."
Changli smiled faintly, sheathing her sword behind her back before continuing.
"Setting this stage is all I can do. Where the ending ultimately leads will be for you to decide."
Just as Rover was about to speak, Changli slowly raised a finger to her lips and stepped back.
"I should remain in the most suitable position on this board."
As soon as she finished speaking, a mechanism activated, and Rover and Jinhsi were swiftly lifted upward. Looking back, they saw Changli turn to face the oncoming Fractsidus forces.
...
Whenever faced with such complex situations, Rover would recall the woman who called herself the "Guide"—the one who had accompanied him step by step into the mountains, leading him to Jinhsi. She never interfered with his decisions, doing only what she could to shape the final outcome.
Though Changli was not the most important piece on this board, she was undoubtedly the most crucial one.
"Rover, we're here."
Abby's voice pulled Rover back from his thoughts. He refocused and saw before him a dark cave flickering with violet light.
"Let's make this quick."
Dainsleif and Rover were in agreement—time was not on their side.