Chapter 22: The Dragon Dies, Heading to Liyue

"Bang…"

The soft snowflakes couldn't withstand the impact of such a massive body. They began to slide down the mountain like dominoes, creating a chain reaction. Soon, an overwhelming momentum formed.

This natural disaster has a specific name—an avalanche.

"Vision bearers! Protect the ordinary people around you!" Rostam calmly ordered the knights. However, his voice was quickly drowned out by the deafening noise of the avalanche. Even Kujo Tsumugi standing beside him struggled to hear his orders clearly.

Faced with a natural disaster beyond human control, the Knights of Favonius instinctively threw away their bows and arrows and fled down the mountain.

Tsk, these people are so foolish. How can humans outrun an avalanche?

Tsumugi Kujo thought as she observed the chaos. She ran behind Rustan, dug a small hole with her hands, and curled up as much as possible to fit inside. At this moment, she was extremely grateful for her petite size, which made it easier to find shelter.

What Kujo Tsumugi was doing was still very dangerous. While an individual snowflake's weight might be negligible, hundreds of kilograms of snow could easily crush a person. If she remained in this hole, she risked being buried or swept down the mountain by the avalanche.

At least this is better than doing nothing and waiting to die. Besides, I'm not alone—Rustan is here too.

According to historical records, Rustan would eventually die at the hands of the dragon Durin. If she stayed close to him, her chances of survival might be higher.

Tsumugi Kujo thought this to herself before feeling a tremendous impact and losing consciousness.

"Side quest: Sudden Attack completed."

"Immersive mode has ended. Calculating rewards for this immersive mode..."

"You successfully survived this side mission. Reward: You can continue the simulation."

"Huh?" Kujo Tsumugi exclaimed upon seeing the reward.

In other words, according to the original "plot," Tsumugi Kujo was supposed to die in the avalanche, but her actions in immersive mode allowed her to survive, so the simulation could continue?

Tsumugi Kujo couldn't help but wonder about the last simulation. If Tsumugi Lawrence had survived, in what direction would the simulation system have developed?

[Your decision saved your life. Rustan, aware you were hiding behind him, used most of his elemental power to mitigate the impact of the avalanche. Though you still fainted, you survived.]

[When you awoke and crawled out of the snow, the battle with the Demon Dragon Durin was nearly over. Rostam and a few Vision bearers lay on the ground, gravely injured. In the sky, a giant green-blue dragon was engaged in combat with Durin.]

[That dragon is Dvalin, one of Barbatos' followers, known as the "Guardian of the East Wind."]

[In the end, mortals still cannot control their own destiny and can only survive under the protection of gods?—Seeing Durin clearly at a disadvantage in the sky, you had this thought but quickly pushed it aside and hurried to Rostam. His injuries were severe.]

[Rostam's abdomen was cut open, and black blood was gushing out. After the avalanche, the camp's first aid supplies were lost, and none of the Vision bearers present had the water element. Consequently, no treatment could be provided for Rostam. He was gravely injured and certain to die.]

[Rostam, knowing he was about to die, called you to his side. He expressed his hope that you and Rosalyne would live well in his stead. He also shared final words with the other Vision bearers before closing his eyes for the last time.]

[Meanwhile, the battle in the sky reached its conclusion. Dvalin bit into Durin's neck and tore off its head, causing black blood to gush out. With Durin's death, Dvalin decided to recover from its injuries and took all of you out of the Dragon Ridge Snow Mountain area before flying away.]

[After parting ways with Dvalin, you chose not to return to Mondstadt with the other Vision bearers. Returning now would cast you as a hero in the fight against Durin, but you had not contributed to the battle. Moreover, with Rostam dead and Rosalyne far away in Sumeru, there was no one left in Mondstadt whom you deeply missed. You decided to follow your original plan and travel to other countries on the continent to verify your theories before Rosalyne's return.]

[So, after handing over Rostam's body to the Vision bearers, you said your farewells and began your journey alone. You planned to go to... first.]

Liyue/Sumeru/Inazuma

These three options… Let me think. Liyue is likely facing a monster tide right now. Inazuma should be dealing with trouble caused by the white snake. Sumeru is in chaos following the Dendro Archon's death at the hands of the Khaenri'ah people... My goodness, why do I feel like I can't survive anywhere?

Kujo Tsumugi rubbed her head in distress, unsure which country to choose.

After much consideration, Tsumugi Kujo chose Liyue. If nothing unexpected happened, she would visit Liyue in a year. Using the simulation system might affect reality, potentially giving her an advantage on her trip to Liyue.

[After careful thought, you decided to go to Liyue. First, Liyue is close to Mondstadt, making travel convenient. Second, Liyue is rich in resources and has detailed historical records due to the long and brutal battles fought for this land during the Demon War. This will make it easier for you to find the possible godless country.]

[So, you set off for Liyue.]