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Caelum cursed under his breath, gripping his blade tightly. Watching the Obscura Order overwhelm Keqing and her guards wasn't an option. He stepped out of the shadows, rushing toward the skirmish with calculated precision.

The first agent didn't see him coming. Caelum's blade struck true, a clean cut across their weapon hand before they could react. The other agents turned at the sudden intrusion, their masked faces unreadable.

"Who—?!" Keqing started, but she didn't have time to finish.

"Focus on the fight!" Caelum barked, not sparing her a glance.

Keqing's eyes narrowed, but she didn't argue. With a swift, fluid motion, she unleashed an electrified slash, cutting through two agents who had dared to approach the mechanism.

The battlefield was chaos. Caelum moved like a phantom, striking with ruthless efficiency before melting back into the shadows. Keqing was a blur of lightning and steel, her movements sharp and deliberate.

Despite their combined efforts, the Obscura Order fought with a desperation that bordered on madness. They weren't just trying to defend the mechanism—they were trying to activate it.

"Yuheng!" one of her guards shouted. "They're targeting the central rune!"

Keqing pivoted, her blade arcing toward the mechanism, but an agent intercepted her, their own weapon clashing against hers in a burst of sparks.

Caelum saw the opening.

He surged forward, leaping over the fallen bodies of agents and guards alike. With one swift motion, he drove his dagger into the glowing rune at the mechanism's center.

The effect was immediate.

A shockwave of energy erupted from the mechanism, throwing everyone back. The Obscura agents screamed as the runes dimmed, their plans undone.

The cavern fell silent, save for the sound of labored breathing.

Keqing pulled herself to her feet, her sword still at the ready. Her amethyst eyes locked onto Caelum, suspicion and gratitude warring in her gaze.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

Caelum hesitated. Lying was second nature to him, but something about her piercing gaze made it feel futile. "Someone who knows what these people are capable of."

"That's not an answer," Keqing said, her tone sharp. "You knew exactly what to do to stop them. Why?"

Before he could reply, a low rumble echoed through the cavern. The mechanism, though dormant, had triggered something deeper within the Chasm.

"We need to leave," Caelum said, his voice urgent.

Keqing frowned but nodded, signaling to her remaining guards. "Fall back! Now!"

They retreated as the cavern began to collapse, the ground shaking beneath their feet. The group barely made it out, stumbling into the cold night air as the Chasm's depths swallowed the ruins behind them.

---

Once they were safely away, Keqing turned to Caelum, her expression unreadable.

"You saved us," she said slowly, "but that doesn't make you trustworthy."

"I don't care if you trust me," Caelum replied, his voice flat. "If you stay in the dark about what's happening here, you'll lose more than a few guards next time."

Keqing's eyes narrowed. "And you know so much about this… why?"

Caelum hesitated. Giving too much away could put him in danger, but withholding everything might make her an enemy.

"I've… encountered them before," he said finally. "The Obscura Order. They're not just treasure hunters or scholars. They're after something ancient, something that could tip the scales in ways you don't want to imagine."

Keqing studied him for a long moment. "You're hiding something. But I don't have the luxury to question you further—not now."

She sheathed her sword. "If you're really serious about stopping them, meet me in Liyue Harbor tomorrow. The Qixing will need a full report on this, and I'll make sure you're part of the discussion."

Caelum raised an eyebrow. "You're just going to let me walk away?"

"For now," she said. "But don't think I'll forget your face."

With that, Keqing turned and led her guards back toward their outpost.

Caelum watched her go, the weight of the evening's events settling over him. He'd bought them time, but it wasn't enough. The Obscura Order wouldn't stop, and neither would he.

For better or worse, his path had crossed with the Yuheng's. Whether she became an ally or another complication remained to be seen.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Caelum began his journey back toward Liyue Harbor.

---

Caelum walked away from the Chasm, his boots crunching against loose gravel as the night pressed in around him. The weight of the encounter with the Obscura Order sat heavy on his shoulders. He had acted out of instinct, throwing himself into the chaos to stop them—but why? Was it truly his choice, or had he fallen into another script, this time written by his own need to prove his worth to… what?

To whom?

The thought churned uneasily in his mind as the first light of dawn brushed the peaks of the distant mountains. The ruins, the mechanism, the Obscura—they all felt like a distraction, a maze with no end.

And Keqing... She had looked at him like he was a puzzle, not a person. He couldn't blame her. That was what he felt like to himself, too.

By the time Caelum reached the outskirts of Liyue Harbor, the city was stirring to life. Merchants were setting up stalls, and the warm scent of freshly steamed buns wafted through the streets. It was peaceful, normal—a stark contrast to the chaos of the Chasm.

Caelum slowed his steps, his gaze drifting to the harbor below. A part of him wanted to go to Keqing, to explain himself, to stay involved. But he didn't move.

He remembered what Arlecchino had once said to him, her voice cold and cutting: "Freedom is an illusion for those who don't know how to wield it."

And here he was, free from her chains, yet still pulled toward every conflict like a puppet. If he went to Keqing now, wasn't he just trading one master for another?

He sighed, his fingers brushing over the map he'd taken from the Obscura agent. The worn parchment felt heavier than it should, a physical reminder of the choice he still had.

Did he want to keep chasing the Obscura Order, or was there another path?

---

He wandered aimlessly through Liyue's bustling streets, lost in his thoughts. The chatter of the townsfolk was background noise, blending with the clatter of carts and the calls of vendors.

"You look like you could use some tea," a cheerful voice called out.

Caelum turned, startled to find a young man with striking orange hair leaning casually against a stall. His smile was easy, but his sharp blue eyes betrayed a cunning that Caelum recognized all too well.

"Who's asking?" Caelum said cautiously.

The man chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Easy there. Just a friendly traveler offering some advice."

Something about him felt off—familiar, even—but Caelum couldn't place it.

"I'll pass," Caelum said, turning to leave.

"Suit yourself," the man replied, his tone light. "But if you're looking for direction, I've been where you are before."

Caelum froze. He turned back slowly, his gaze narrowing. "What do you mean?"

The man shrugged, his grin widening. "Wandering without purpose, torn between what you think you should do and what you actually want to do. It's written all over you."

Caelum's jaw tightened. "And you're some kind of expert?"

"Let's just say I've made my fair share of mistakes," the man said, his voice growing softer. "But if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: chasing someone else's dreams will only leave you hollow. Figure out what matters to you, or you'll never stop running."

Before Caelum could respond, the man pushed off the stall and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Caelum with more questions than answers.

---

The encounter lingered in his mind as he left the city behind, heading toward a quiet cliffside overlooking the sea. The gentle crash of waves against the rocks below was soothing, grounding.

Caelum sat on the edge of the cliff, the map spread out before him. The lines and runes marked a location he hadn't considered before—a place far to the west, near the borders of Mondstadt.

He traced the path with his finger, his mind racing. Was it worth pursuing? Did he even care about the Obscura's goals anymore?

A seagull's cry drew his attention to the horizon, where the sun was beginning its ascent. The golden light reflected off the water, painting the world in warmth.

For a brief moment, Caelum felt… calm. Not driven by orders, not burdened by expectations. Just present.

Maybe that was what he wanted, he realized. Not power, not purpose—just a life where he could choose who and what mattered to him.

And if the Obscura Order threatened that?

He smirked to himself, folding the map and tucking it away.

Then he'd deal with them on his terms.

---

The shadows of Snezhnaya stretched long as Arlecchino stood before a frostbitten window in her quarters, her cold gaze fixed on the endless tundra beyond. The room was silent, save for the faint crackle of the hearth. Despite the warmth it offered, she felt none of it.

The reports from her agents were laid out on the table behind her. Each parchment bore the seal of the Fatui, their words detailing the same thing: Caelum had gone rogue.

She picked up one of the letters, skimming its contents for the third time. He had been spotted near Liyue Harbor, involved in a skirmish with the Qixing and a faction known as the Obscura Order. The details were vague, frustratingly incomplete.

Her hand clenched into a fist, crumpling the parchment.

"Foolish boy," she muttered, her voice low and sharp.

She had given him everything—a name, a place, a purpose—and yet, he had run. Worse still, he wasn't simply hiding; he was acting. Making decisions. Taking risks. And without her guidance, that meant he was walking a knife's edge, one wrong step away from disaster.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts.

"Enter," she commanded.

A Harbinger's agent stepped in, their face obscured by a mask. They bowed low, their voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Captain Pulcinella has requested an update on the rogue operative. Shall I relay your findings?"

Arlecchino turned to face them, her expression unreadable. "No."

The agent hesitated. "But, Lady Arlecchino, the orders—"

"Are mine to interpret," she snapped, her tone icy. "Pulcinella doesn't need to know the specifics. Not yet."

The agent bowed again and exited without another word.

Alone once more, Arlecchino allowed herself a moment of quiet. She traced a finger along the edge of her blade, her mind racing.

Caelum was still hers, whether he realized it or not. If she wanted him back, she would need to act quickly—before someone else did.

---

Deep within the sprawling halls of the Fatui's central stronghold, two agents stood in hushed conversation. The walls around them bore the ornate designs of Snezhnaya's power, but the tension in their voices suggested anything but control.

"You're telling me Arlecchino hasn't reported anything about the boy?" one of them asked, their voice dripping with suspicion.

The other nodded. "That's correct. Whatever she knows, she's keeping it to herself. Pulcinella isn't pleased."

"And the Jester?"

The second agent hesitated. "Unclear. But if Arlecchino's failure becomes too public, the boy will be deemed expendable. You know what that means."

The first agent scowled, crossing their arms. "She's playing a dangerous game. If Caelum really is acting independently, he could jeopardize more than just her reputation. The Harbingers won't tolerate insubordination—not from her, and definitely not from some stray."

"Then we wait," the second agent said. "For now."

As they turned to leave, a third figure stepped out of the shadows, their voice smooth and laced with amusement.

"Wait too long, and you might miss your chance," said Pantalone, the Regrator, his smile as sharp as the glint of Mora in his hand. "Arlecchino's little pet might prove to be more valuable than you realize."

The two agents stiffened, bowing quickly. "Regrator, we didn't realize you were—"

"Spare me the groveling," he interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "Focus on the task at hand. Arlecchino's silence may be deliberate, but that boy has stirred something far beyond her control. Keep an eye on him, and report to me directly."

They nodded and disappeared into the hall, leaving Pantalone alone.

He chuckled softly to himself, flipping a coin idly between his fingers. "Freedom is a dangerous thing," he mused. "Let's see how far you can run, little bird."

---

The cliffs of Liyue gave way to rolling meadows as Caelum journeyed westward, the map from the Obscura agents folded neatly in his pack. The farther he traveled, the lighter he felt—as if the weight of Snezhnaya and the Fatui was finally loosening its grip.

But he knew better than to trust that feeling.

Every step brought him closer to Mondstadt's border, its wide-open skies and gentle breezes a stark contrast to the harsh, controlled environment of Snezhnaya. Yet, as much as he wanted to embrace the change, he couldn't shake the sense of unease that followed him like a shadow.

He stopped by a small stream, kneeling to splash cool water on his face. As he did, he caught a flicker of movement in the corner of his eye.

Caelum's hand went to his blade instinctively, his eyes scanning the treeline.

"Relax," came a familiar voice, smooth and unhurried.

Caelum turned to see the orange-haired man from Liyue, leaning casually against a tree. His smile was as easy as before, but now there was something sharper behind it.

"You again," Caelum said, his tone wary.

"Didn't think I'd let you wander off without a proper introduction, did you?" the man said, stepping forward. "Name's Childe. And you've got my attention."

Caelum's grip on his blade tightened. "I don't need your attention. Or anyone else's."

Childe chuckled. "Maybe not. But if you're planning to waltz into Mondstadt with *that*," he said, nodding toward the map sticking out of Caelum's pack, "you're going to want some backup."

Caelum narrowed his eyes. "And what do you want out of this?"

"Me?" Childe grinned. "Let's just say I enjoy a good fight. And something tells me you're headed straight for one."

For a moment, Caelum considered his options. Childe's motives were murky at best, but the man was undeniably skilled. If the Obscura Order was waiting for him in Mondstadt, having an ally—even a questionable one—might not be the worst idea.

"Fine," Caelum said reluctantly. "But if you get in my way, we're done."

"Deal," Childe said, his grin widening. "This is going to be fun."

As the two set off toward Mondstadt, Caelum couldn't help but wonder if he'd just made a mistake.

But then again, what was one more risk in a life already defined by them?

---

The air grew colder as Caelum and Childe approached Mondstadt's borders, the distant sound of wind rustling through the trees a faint backdrop to their conversation. Childe, ever talkative, shared half-truths and vague stories of his own travels, but Caelum listened only half-heartedly. His focus remained on the map in his pack and the questions swirling in his mind.

The ruins marked on the map loomed ahead by midday—a crumbled spire of stone surrounded by a shallow valley, overgrown with grass and wildflowers. Despite the peaceful setting, an unease settled in Caelum's chest. He tightened his grip on his weapon.

"They're here," Childe said casually, scanning the ruins.

"How do you know?" Caelum asked.

"Call it a hunch," Childe replied, his grin sharp. "Or maybe I just recognize a good ambush when I see one."

Caelum didn't respond, already moving toward the spire. He felt the weight of eyes on him, though the valley appeared empty.

"Relax," Childe added, falling into step beside him. "If they try anything, we'll handle it."

---

The Obscura agents revealed themselves as soon as the two stepped into the ruins. Figures clad in dark robes emerged from the shadows, surrounding them in a semi-circle. Their leader, a tall man with a voice like gravel, stepped forward.

"You shouldn't have followed us," the man said, his tone calm but laced with menace.

"I'm not following you," Caelum said, his voice steady. "I'm here for answers."

The man chuckled darkly. "Answers? From us? You've already disrupted our work once. Did you think we'd simply hand over what you seek?"

Childe cracked his knuckles. "See, this is why negotiations are so boring. Always the same song and dance."

The leader ignored him, focusing on Caelum. "The mechanism you destroyed was merely a fragment of a greater truth. You can't stop what's coming. Not even the Archons can."

The mention of the Archons struck a nerve. "What do you know about the Archons?" Caelum demanded, stepping closer.

The man smirked. "More than you ever will. They are not the divine protectors you think they are. Their hands are stained with more blood than you can imagine—blood that cries out for justice."

Caelum's heart pounded in his chest. "You're lying."

"Am I?" the man said, his voice rising. "Do you think they care for mortals like us? Or are we just pawns in their endless game, sacrificed for their power and their pride?"

The words struck deep, and for a moment, Caelum hesitated.

That was all the opening the Obscura agents needed.

---

The fight was chaotic, a whirlwind of steel and elemental energy. Childe laughed as he tore through their ranks, his dual blades flashing with deadly precision. Caelum fought with equal ferocity, though his mind was clouded with doubt.

The Obscura leader was skilled, his attacks calculated and brutal. "Your faith in the Archons will be your undoing," he sneered, striking at Caelum with a blade infused with dark energy.

Caelum blocked the strike, their blades locking. "What's your goal?" he demanded. "Why are you doing this?"

"To expose the truth," the man said, his voice venomous. "The Archons are not gods. They are tyrants. And you will see that for yourself, in time."

With a final push, Caelum disarmed the man, his blade poised at the agent's throat. The others had been subdued or fled, leaving only the leader behind.

"End it, then," the man said, defiant even in defeat.

But Caelum hesitated. Killing him wouldn't bring clarity—only more questions.

"Leave," he said finally, stepping back. "And if you cross me again, I won't hesitate."

The man glared at him but staggered to his feet, retreating into the shadows without another word.

---

As the ruins fell silent, Childe approached, wiping blood from one of his blades. "Well, that was dramatic. You okay, kid?"

Caelum didn't answer immediately, his thoughts racing. The Obscura leader's words echoed in his mind. Not gods. Tyrants.

"Caelum," Childe said, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

"They're wrong," Caelum said quietly. "The Archons… they protect us. Don't they?"

Childe shrugged. "Depends on who you ask. Some people worship them, some despise them. Me? I think they're just like anyone else with power—dangerous."

The answer didn't comfort him. If the Archons weren't truly divine, if they weren't protectors… then what was the point of all the sacrifices? What had he been fighting for all this time?

Caelum turned away from Childe, his resolve hardening. He needed answers, not speculation. And the only way to get them was to face the Archons themselves.

"I'm going to Mondstadt," he said finally.

Childe raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Hoping Barbatos will give you a divine Q&A session?"

"I'll find him," Caelum said, his voice firm. "And the others. I need to know the truth."

Childe grinned. "Well, sounds like an adventure. Guess I'll tag along for a while."

Caelum didn't respond, already walking toward the distant city on the horizon.

---

The grand halls of the Zapolyarny Palace shimmered under the cold light of countless chandeliers. Pantalone stood at the center of a circular table, his calm demeanor at odds with the sharp gazes of his peers.

"You sent Childe after him?" Arlecchino's voice cut through the air, low and dangerous. Her gloved hand rested on the hilt of her blade, though she made no move to draw it—yet.

Pantalone smirked, adjusting his finely tailored coat. "Why so defensive? You should know better than anyone that we cannot leave an asset like Caelum unsupervised."

"He's *my* asset," she snapped. "You had no right—"

"Correction," Pantalone interrupted smoothly, his voice as cold as the frost-laden windows. "He was your responsibility. But you lost control. The boy is a risk now, one the rest of us cannot afford to ignore."

Arlecchino's eyes narrowed, but she held her tongue.

"Besides," Pantalone continued, turning his attention to the other Harbingers. "Childe is… persuasive. He will bring Caelum back to us—or eliminate him, should he become a liability."

Arlecchino scoffed. "You think Childe will stay loyal to the plan? He's a loose cannon."

"Perhaps," Pantalone admitted, his smile widening. "But that makes him the perfect tool for a delicate situation like this. If the boy falls, the blame will rest on Childe's shoulders, not ours."

"Enough," came a commanding voice from the far end of the table. The Jester, Pierro, leaned forward, his gaze heavy with authority. "Arlecchino, you will cease your protests. The boy's fate is no longer solely your concern. We will proceed as planned. Understood?"

Arlecchino's jaw tightened, but she nodded, her expression unreadable.

Pierro turned his gaze to Pantalone. "And you. Ensure that this… gamble does not disrupt our larger plans. If Childe fails, *you* will answer for it."

"Of course," Pantalone said, bowing slightly. "You have my word."

As the meeting dissolved, Arlecchino lingered in the shadows, her thoughts racing. Caelum wasn't just an asset to her—he was hers, and she wasn't about to let the others destroy him for their own schemes.

---

The breeze that carried the scent of dandelions and fresh dew was a stark contrast to the heavy air of Liyue. Mondstadt was open, free, and alive with music and laughter. For a moment, Caelum felt as though he'd stepped into another world entirely.

The towering statue of Barbatos loomed in the distance, its outstretched hand a symbol of protection and freedom. Caelum couldn't help but stare at it as he made his way through the city gates, his pack slung over one shoulder.

He paused in the bustling square, watching as children darted between the legs of merchants, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. It was so… peaceful.

Yet, even here, he felt the weight of the Obscura leader's words. *The Archons are not gods. They are tyrants.*

"Hey, you look lost," a voice called out, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Caelum turned to see a young woman with auburn hair and sharp green eyes. She wore a uniform emblazoned with the crest of the Knights of Favonius.

"Do you need help finding something?" she asked, her tone polite but curious.

"No," Caelum said quickly, shaking his head. "I'm just… passing through."

"Passing through?" She tilted her head, studying him. "Well, if you're looking for information, the Adventurers' Guild is a good place to start. Or you could visit the Cathedral if you're feeling spiritual."

"Thanks," he muttered, already walking away.

The woman watched him go, her gaze lingering for a moment before she returned to her patrol.

---

The Cathedral stood at the heart of Mondstadt, its spires reaching toward the heavens. Inside, the air was cool and still, the faint scent of incense hanging in the air. Caelum stepped inside, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor.

He approached one of the priests, an elderly man with kind eyes. "I need to speak with someone about Barbatos," Caelum said quietly.

The priest raised an eyebrow. "Are you here to pray?"

"No," Caelum said firmly. "I'm here for answers."

The priest regarded him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Follow me."

He led Caelum to a quiet room at the back of the Cathedral, where a woman dressed in flowing robes waited. Her presence was calm yet commanding.

"I'm Sister Rosaria," she said, her tone clipped. "The priest said you had questions about Barbatos?"

Caelum hesitated. How could he explain everything—the Obscura Order, their claims about the Archons, his own doubts—without sounding insane?

"I've… heard things," he said carefully. "That the Archons aren't what we believe them to be. That they're not protectors, but something else."

Rosaria's expression didn't change, but her eyes sharpened. "And where, exactly, did you hear this?"

"That doesn't matter," Caelum said. "I need to know the truth. Do the Archons care about us, or are we just tools to them?"

Rosaria crossed her arms, her gaze heavy. "That's not a question easily answered. Barbatos has always been a symbol of freedom for Mondstadt, but symbols are just that—symbols. What lies beneath them is often far more complicated."

Her words only deepened his unease.

Before he could press further, the sound of the Cathedral doors opening echoed down the hall. Caelum turned, his breath catching as he caught sight of a familiar figure—a golden-haired traveler, accompanied by a floating companion.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, Caelum felt as though the entire world had shifted.

---

Caelum didn't move as the girl with golden hair strode down the aisle, her floating companion chatting animatedly by her side.

"I still think we should've stopped for that grilled fish," Paimon was saying. "It smelled so good!"

"We're here to gather information, not food," Lumine replied, her voice light but firm.

She stopped short when her gaze landed on Caelum. Her eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face before she continued toward the priest at the altar.

Caelum watched her out of the corner of his eye, his chest tightening. There was something about her—an air of purpose and confidence that made it hard to look away. But he forced himself to turn back to Rosaria.

"You should go," Rosaria said quietly. "If you're looking for answers, you won't find them here. Not yet."

Her words felt like a dismissal, but her gaze lingered, as if she were studying him. Caelum nodded and turned to leave, his steps heavy.

As he passed Lumine and her companion, Paimon tilted her head. "Hey, do you think he's—"

"Not now," Lumine cut her off, her tone even.

Caelum kept walking, resisting the urge to look back. The warmth of the Cathedral faded as he stepped into the open air, the bustling sounds of Mondstadt filling his ears.

---

The next day, Caelum found himself at the edge of Starfell Lake, the water glittering under the midday sun. He had come here to clear his mind, to put distance between himself and the lingering doubts that clouded his thoughts.

But as fate would have it, he wasn't alone.

Lumine stood at the lake's edge, her shoes discarded as she let the cool water lap at her feet. Paimon hovered nearby, munching on what looked like an apple.

For a moment, Caelum considered turning back, but Paimon noticed him first.

"Hey! It's you again!" she called out, waving enthusiastically.

Lumine turned, her expression neutral but curious. "You're the one from the Cathedral."

Caelum hesitated, then nodded. "And you're the Traveler."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "How do you know that?"

"I've… heard stories," he said carefully, not wanting to reveal too much. "You've made quite an impression across Teyvat."

Lumine sighed. "So it seems."

"Are you following us?" Paimon asked, floating closer with a suspicious look.

"No," Caelum said quickly. "I just needed some space."

Lumine studied him for a moment, then gestured to the water. "It's peaceful here. A good place to think."

Caelum stepped closer, his gaze on the horizon. "Do you ever wonder if it's all worth it?" he asked quietly.

"What do you mean?" Lumine's voice was cautious.

"Everything you've done, everything you've fought for," Caelum said. "Do you ever wonder if the people you're helping even deserve it?"

Lumine was silent for a moment, her gaze steady. "I don't do it because they deserve it," she said finally. "I do it because it's the right thing to do."

Her words struck a chord, and Caelum felt a flicker of something he couldn't quite name.

"You don't have to carry it all alone," she added, her voice softer now.

"I'm not carrying anything," Caelum said, his tone sharper than he intended. "I'm just trying to figure out where I stand."

Lumine didn't respond, but there was no judgment in her gaze. Instead, she turned back to the water, her expression thoughtful.

"Sometimes, the only way to find your place is to keep moving," she said.

Caelum didn't reply, but her words stayed with him long after they had parted ways.

---

The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time Caelum returned to Mondstadt's bustling square. Vendors were packing up their wares, and the streets were alive with the sound of music and laughter. Yet, amidst the lively atmosphere, Caelum felt a growing restlessness.

He leaned against a quiet corner of the square, watching the city's nightlife unfold. His thoughts were a tangled mess: Rosaria's cryptic dismissal, the Obscura leader's accusations, and Lumine's calm conviction all pulling at him in different directions.

"Sometimes, the only way to find your place is to keep moving."

Her words echoed in his mind, but they brought no clarity. What did movement

mean when his path felt so unclear?

His musings were interrupted when a voice called out.

"Hey, are you the adventurer who arrived yesterday?"

Caelum turned to see a young knight approaching him. She wore the standard uniform of the Knights of Favonius, her auburn hair tied back neatly.

"Depends," he said cautiously. "Why are you asking?"

"We've had reports of increased Hilichurl activity near Stormbearer Point," the knight explained. "It's nothing urgent, but we're stretched thin tonight. If you're looking for work, we could use an extra hand."

Caelum hesitated, his instinct to stay uninvolved warring with his curiosity. Stormbearer Point wasn't far—he could handle a few Hilichurls easily enough.

"I'll take care of it," he said finally.

The knight smiled, relief evident in her expression. "Thank you. I'll let the Captain know."

---

Stormbearer Point was quiet when Caelum arrived, the open plains bathed in moonlight. He could see the faint glow of torches in the distance, the unmistakable signs of a Hilichurl camp.

He approached cautiously, his weapon drawn. A quick sweep of the area revealed a small group of Hilichurls guarding their camp, their movements slow and uncoordinated. It was almost too easy.

Caelum was preparing to strike when a familiar voice carried on the wind.

"Paimon told you this was a bad idea!"

"Relax," Lumine replied, her tone light but firm. "We've handled worse."

Caelum froze, his grip tightening on his weapon. He turned to see Lumine stepping into the clearing, her twin blades gleaming in the moonlight. Paimon floated behind her, grumbling under her breath.

The Hilichurls noticed them immediately, letting out guttural cries as they charged. Lumine moved with practiced precision, weaving between her opponents with an ease that was almost mesmerizing.

Caelum watched for a moment, debating whether to step in. But when one of the larger Hilichurls raised its club to strike Lumine from behind, his decision was made.

He moved quickly, intercepting the attack with a powerful strike that sent the Hilichurl staggering. Lumine turned, her eyes widening briefly in surprise before she recovered.

"You again," she said, her tone neutral but not unkind.

"Looks like you needed backup," Caelum said, smirking despite himself.

Lumine didn't respond, focusing instead on the remaining enemies. Together, they made short work of the Hilichurls, their movements surprisingly in sync despite the lack of coordination.

When the last enemy fell, Lumine turned to him, her expression unreadable. "You didn't have to help."

"I was in the area," Caelum replied, shrugging.

Paimon floated closer, her hands on her hips. "You sure have a habit of showing up at the right time. Are you sure you're not following us?"

"Pretty sure," Caelum said dryly.

Lumine sheathed her blades, her gaze lingering on him. "Thank you," she said simply.

Caelum nodded, unsure of what else to say.

"You're an interesting one," Paimon added, squinting at him. "What's your deal, anyway?"

"Just trying to figure some things out," he said vaguely.

Lumine studied him for a moment longer before turning away. "Good luck with that. We should get going, Paimon."

"Already? But we just got here!"

Lumine didn't respond, already walking toward the forest.

Caelum watched them go, a strange mix of relief and disappointment settling in his chest. He had no reason to feel attached to someone he barely knew, yet there was something about her that drew him in.

Shaking his head, he turned back toward Mondstadt. He had his own path to follow—whatever that was.

---

The stars were faintly visible through the wispy clouds as Caelum returned to Mondstadt, the faint hum of crickets filling the air. The night had grown colder, but he welcomed it. The brisk air helped clear his thoughts as he replayed the encounter at Stormbearer Point in his mind.

You didn't have to help.

Lumine's words stuck with him, though he couldn't quite understand why. There had been no judgment in her tone, no expectation. Just a simple statement.

He wandered aimlessly through the city, eventually finding himself near the Angel's Share tavern. The sounds of cheerful conversation and clinking glasses spilled out onto the cobbled streets, a stark contrast to the silence he carried within.

Before he could move away, the door swung open, and a familiar face stepped out.

The man was tall, with fiery red hair tied loosely at the back and piercing crimson eyes. He wore a dark coat that billowed slightly in the evening breeze, his presence commanding yet understated.

The man's gaze landed on Caelum, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

"You're not from Mondstadt," the man said finally, his voice low but steady.

Caelum tilted his head slightly. "Neither are you."

The man's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Touché."

"Diluc," another voice called from within the tavern. "Are you coming back in, or do I have to drink this entire bottle myself?"

"I'll be there shortly," Diluc replied, his tone softening slightly before he returned his attention to Caelum. "If you're looking for answers, the tavern isn't a bad place to start. But be careful who you trust."

With that, he stepped back inside, leaving Caelum alone in the cool night air.

---

The following morning, Caelum decided to leave Mondstadt. His brief stay in the City of Freedom had been enlightening, but it had also raised more questions than answers. If the Archons were the key to understanding Teyvat—and himself—then he needed to start seeking them out directly.

His first destination: Liyue.

The journey took several days, the roads winding through lush valleys and towering cliffs. The closer he got to Liyue Harbor, the more he could feel its unique energy—a mix of tradition and commerce that pulsed through the air like a heartbeat.

He arrived just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the harbor in hues of gold and crimson. The streets were alive with activity, merchants shouting their wares and lanterns flickering to life one by one.

As he wandered through the bustling marketplace, he felt a strange sense of déjà vu. The last time he had been here, his focus had been on completing a mission for the Fatui, and he hadn't allowed himself to truly take in the city's beauty. Now, free from their orders, he saw Liyue for what it truly was: a city of resilience and prosperity.

But his moment of reflection was cut short when he spotted a familiar figure weaving through the crowd.

Lumine.

She moved with purpose, her golden hair catching the light of the lanterns as she made her way toward the harbor. Paimon floated beside her, gesturing animatedly as they conversed.

Caelum hesitated, debating whether to approach her. But before he could make a decision, the ground beneath his feet rumbled.

A low, guttural roar echoed through the air, sending the crowd into a frenzy. People screamed as a massive Geo Hypostasis emerged from the ground, its crystalline form radiating energy.

Caelum's instincts kicked in immediately. Drawing his weapon, he pushed through the panicked crowd toward the source of the commotion.

By the time he reached the plaza, Lumine was already engaged in battle. Her movements were precise and fluid as she struck at the Hypostasis's core, her golden blades glinting with elemental energy.

Caelum joined the fray without a word, his strikes complementing hers as they worked together to wear down the Hypostasis's defenses. Despite their lack of coordination, their efforts were seamless, as if they had fought together countless times before.

The battle was over quickly, the Hypostasis collapsing into shards of crystal that scattered across the plaza.

Breathing heavily, Lumine turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and recognition.

"You again," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Caelum smirked. "We keep meeting like this."

Paimon hovered closer, her hands on her hips. "Okay, now we're sure you're following us!"

"I could say the same about you," Caelum retorted, crossing his arms.

Lumine chuckled softly, but her gaze turned serious. "Thank you. I don't know what brought you to Liyue, but your help was appreciated."

"I'm here for answers," Caelum said simply. "I need to speak with Rex Lapis."

Lumine's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Rex Lapis?"

"He's one of the Archons, isn't he?" Caelum asked. "If anyone knows the truth about Teyvat, it's him."

Lumine hesitated, her gaze searching his face for a moment before she nodded. "You'll find no shortage of people willing to talk about him here. But if you're looking for direct answers, you might be disappointed."

"Why's that?"

Paimon looked at Lumine, then back at Caelum. "Let's just say… things are a little complicated with Rex Lapis right now."

Before Caelum could press further, Lumine turned away, motioning for Paimon to follow.

"If you're serious about finding answers, start with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor," she said over her shoulder. "They're more involved with Rex Lapis than you might think."