Rover glanced out the window. Inazuma City was tranquil—so tranquil it felt unnaturally still, as if even a thrown stone wouldn't ripple the silence.
"Everything has been prepared these past few days. Rover, you seem worried about something."
Changli walked in and noticed Rover's pensive expression. She moved beside him, joining him in gazing at the cherry blossom tree outside.
Rover shook his head and reached out to catch a falling petal.
"I'm just habitually considering the worst-case scenario. If things truly spiral out of control..."
Before he could finish, he felt warmth on his hand. Looking down, he saw that Changli's crimson fingers had intertwined with his.
Palm against palm, flames gently enveloped their joined hands.
"When that time comes, how about we face it together?"
Changli smiled softly as a breeze swept between them, lifting strands of her hair. An indescribable atmosphere settled around them.
"My, it seems I've arrived at an inopportune time."
A teasing voice came from the doorway. Changli glanced at the newcomer before slowly releasing Rover's hand.
"Did he take the bait?"
Yae Miko shook her head and stepped aside to make way.
"Brother Rover!"
Aether's voice followed immediately. Rover stiffened in surprise, rising to his feet as the figure at the door approached.
Why was Aether here?
Rover shot a questioning look at Yae Miko, as if asking whether she had summoned him.
Yae Miko shrugged helplessly and began explaining.
It turned out Aether had come to the shrine to fulfill the wish of his third companion, and Yae had incidentally resolved the matter for him.
"Meeting you is always full of surprises. I look forward to seeing your efforts, little one."
Yae Miko's voice was light and amused as she exchanged a glance with Changli. The two wordlessly agreed to give the boys some time alone.
Aether sat across from Rover and recounted what had happened since they last met. Rover nodded, his understanding of Inazuma's situation growing clearer.
"Brother Rover, I want to face the Raiden Shogun directly and put an end to the Vision Hunt Decree."
Aether voiced the conviction in his heart. Rover fell silent for a long moment before responding.
"But you must understand—the Raiden Shogun's will is absolute. This path will be fraught with danger."
Aether took a deep breath, then met Rover's gaze with unwavering determination.
"I know. But I've witnessed too many people stripped of their ambitions—deprived of what makes them human—all for the sake of some elusive 'eternity.' I can't stand by and do nothing. Even if there's only the slimmest chance, I have to try."
He clenched his fists.
"Besides, I want to prove to my sister that every step I take will be different from the choices she made."
Seeing Aether's resolve, Rover said nothing more. But ever cautious, he posed one final question.
"So how do you plan to do it?"
Aether turned his gaze toward the Statue of the Omnipresent God in Inazuma City.
"I'll challenge the executor of the Vision Hunt Decree to a Duel Before the Throne."
Rover's brow furrowed.
"You intend to face the Musou no Hitotachi?"
Aether nodded.
"Traveling with you has taught me that strength is often the fastest way to resolve things. So I thought—"
His voice grew firmer.
"If I openly withstand the Musou no Hitotachi before the people, wouldn't that prove even the Shogun's supreme blade can't extinguish their burning aspirations? Only then will the Raiden Shogun truly hear their voices."
Rover studied Aether for a long time. He hadn't realized how deeply his own influence had shaped the 'young' traveler.
Truthfully, Aether's plan was simple and direct—but often, the simplest methods were the most effective. It aligned perfectly with Rover's own approach.
After a long hesitation, Rover finally let out a quiet sigh. Aether had already prepared his next words.
"That cold statue has sealed away too many people's dreams. I don't just want to witness it—I want to change things, just like you, in my own way!"
Rover chuckled wryly and shook his head. He knew he couldn't dissuade Aether. It was rare to see him so fired up.
With that, Rover placed his own blade and the Vision of Kaedehara's friend before Aether.
"Very well. Go—and take my share with you. After all, as Dainsleif said, this journey to Inazuma is your fate to bear."
Aether carefully accepted Rover's sword and the Vision, his expression briefly stunned. He hadn't expected Rover to agree so readily.
Outside, Dainsleif stood in silence for a long while before turning his gaze toward the storm-churned sea.
"So it seems... he's made a different choice than you did. The endpoint of this journey has already shifted. Perhaps for both of us, the destination will be different..."
———
"WHAT?! You're going to fight in a Duel Before the Throne?!"
Paimon's shriek was so loud even Yae Miko was startled into peeking in to see what was happening. The little fairy flew up to Aether and pressed a tiny hand to his forehead.
"You don't have a fever, do you?"
Aether explained to the gathering crowd:
"Yeah. I've made up my mind."
Yae Miko glanced toward the room, where Rover showed no intention of intervening—meaning he had given his tacit approval.
"Well then, little one. Such resolve is truly troublesome~ But if you're representing the people of Inazuma..."
With a flick of her sleeve, Yae produced a small fox-shaped charm.
"Consider this my contribution. I, too, wish to see the Vision Hunt Decree abolished~"
Dainsleif stepped forward and placed a single flower upon Aether's chest.
"Inteyvat. May your path be smooth."
———
"At first, I thought it was reckless. But hearing your reasoning, I can sense your determination."
Thoma and Kamisato Ayaka exchanged a glance within the Kamisato Estate. Thoma retrieved a glass jar from his room.
"If we're showing the Shogun our ambitions, then for me, this jar of dandelions from Mondstadt is what matters most. Let it accompany you."
Ayaka bowed deeply to Aether.
"I don't know what to say in the face of your decision. Please allow me to offer you a dance."
———
"Perfect timing. This was the missing piece of our plan."
Changli entered and nodded at Rover.
Aether's duel would draw all of Inazuma's attention—precisely when the Abyss Order would make their move.
Kamisato Ayato strode in, having rushed over immediately after concluding official business.
"To ensure everything goes smoothly, I've added one final touch."
Yae raised an eyebrow curiously.
"Oh?"
"I've already communicated with Watatsumi Island. When it comes to the nation's survival, we must mobilize every available force, no?"
Ayato took a leisurely sip of his milk tea just as Sayu hurried in, panting.
"Someone—someone has initiated a Duel Before the Throne!"
———
Aether remembered that day clearly.
The sky was heavy and dark, just as Kaedehara Kazuha had described. The streets were filled with uneasy citizens keeping their heads low, shutting their doors tightly, hurrying past in a suffocating atmosphere of tension.
The thunderstorm over the sea raged fiercer than ever, bolts of lightning bleaching the sky in blinding flashes. The air itself crackled with volatile Electro particles, pressing down on everyone like a physical weight.
Gripping Rover's sword tightly, Aether felt a surge of calm. Step by step, he ascended the platform before the Statue of the Omnipresent God, drew his blade, and shouted to the waiting Shogunate soldiers:
"I, Aether, challenge Kujou Sara, executor of the Vision Hunt Decree, to a Duel Before the Throne!"