Chapter 36

This was a rather inconspicuous isolated island in Inazuma.

About the size of a small courtyard, the island had nothing but a few trees and some unnamed wild grass covering its surface.

A few cranes stood on the soft sandy beach, occasionally pecking at small crabs trying to burrow into the sand, enjoying their lunch.

They had lived here for a long time. Since the island had nothing of value, humans rarely disturbed them.

But today, two people arrived.

"Cough, cough..."

Kaedehara Kazuha lay sprawled on the beach in an undignified manner, completely soaked.

Even with the protection of the wind, he had never done anything so reckless before. He had almost thought he was going to meet his deceased friend.

As for Bai Luo, having just unlocked his second profession, his stamina had greatly improved. Compared to Kaedehara Kazuha, he was much more composed.

He sat on a rock by the beach, first shaking off his wooden sandals, then removing his white socks, from which a few lively fish tumbled out.

"Thank you for saving me."

After catching his breath, Kaedehara Kazuha sat up and thanked Bai Luo.

If Bai Luo hadn't intervened, he might have followed in his friend's footsteps.

"Thank him instead."

Bai Luo casually tossed the Vision he had snatched from the Raiden Shogun to Kazuha and waved his hand dismissively.

Before heading to the arena, Bai Luo had not only instructed Kujou Takayuki to strengthen the guard around Tenshukaku but had also given strict orders to the Fatui.

If they spotted Kaedehara Kazuha, they were to stop him from reaching Tenshukaku at all costs.

But who knew the guy was even more determined than he had imagined, breaking through multiple lines of defense to reach Tenshukaku.

"This... you don't want it?"

Kaedehara Kazuha caught the Vision Bai Luo tossed to him and asked uncertainly.

Visions didn't necessarily have to be granted by the gods. There were precedents of unowned Visions being activated.

So, this thing was incredibly valuable.

Originally, seeing how the mysterious man had risked confronting the Raiden Shogun to snatch this Vision, Kazuha had thought he wouldn't get it back. But now, the man had casually tossed it to him without a second thought.

"It's useless to me."

Bai Luo had already experimented. Neither Visions nor Delusions worked for him.

To him, these coveted items had only one value: selling them for Mora.

Hah... Mora?

As a Fatui Harbinger, Mora was just a number to him.

He could get as much as he wanted from the Northland Bank.

In a sense, he was as wealthy as Tartaglia.

Moreover, with his second profession now activated, the hidden system no longer required him to hold onto the Vision. It was better to do Kazuha a favor and give it to him.

"Then..."

Kaedehara Kazuha's gaze shifted to the broken blade Bai Luo had placed beside him.

It wasn't that he was being greedy, but his friend's remains were still in Tenshukaku, and there was no way he could retrieve them.

This broken blade, which Bai Luo had brought along, would be perfect for erecting a grave for his friend.

"This isn't your friend's sword."

Bai Luo saw through his thoughts at a glance.

"..."

Kaedehara Kazuha didn't argue, but his expression showed he didn't believe Bai Luo.

"See for yourself."

Bai Luo gripped the hilt and drew the blade. A cold gleam made the surrounding temperature drop slightly.

But what was astonishing was that the broken blade had been restored to its original state, with no trace of having been shattered.

"How is this possible?"

Although Kaedehara Kazuha had been occupied with Kamisato Ayato the entire time, the head of the Yashiro Commission had been as lenient as the ocean between Inazuma and Liyue.

This gave Kazuha plenty of time to observe the situation with the Raiden Shogun.

For example, he had seen Bai Luo pick up his friend's broken blade and use it to fight the Shogun. Even the strike Bai Luo had used to save him by attacking Kamisato Ayato had been with the broken blade.

How had it turned into a completely different, intact sword at this moment?

And... was it his imagination, or did that sword feel off somehow, though he couldn't pinpoint why?

"After this, the Shogunate will probably add you to the Vision Hunt Decree and issue a warrant for your arrest across Inazuma. What are your plans?"

Bai Luo sheathed his sword and asked.

He hadn't planned to reveal his identity because this second profession, Battousai, was like a second life to him. Even though he trusted Kaedehara Kazuha's character, he didn't want to casually reveal his second life.

"What about you? If you don't have a good place to go, why not come with me to Watatsumi Island? The resistance there would welcome people like us."

Kaedehara Kazuha had originally planned to go to Watatsumi Island but had turned back halfway due to his friend's situation.

Having witnessed Bai Luo's abilities, if he could invite him to join...

"You go ahead. I'll stay in Inazuma City for now."

Watatsumi Island was definitely on his list, but not now.

With the recent events at Tenshukaku, Inazuma City would be in chaos.

As a Snezhnayan envoy, if he suddenly disappeared at this critical moment, it would definitely raise suspicions.

Not only could he not leave, but he also had to return quickly.

"What if you're discovered?"

Hearing that Bai Luo planned to stay in Tenshukaku, Kaedehara Kazuha couldn't help but worry.

The incident at Tenshukaku would be enough for the Tenryou Commission to turn the entire island upside down. Even the outskirts might not be safe.

Returning now... wasn't that just asking for trouble?

"They won't find me."

Standing up, Bai Luo spoke with confidence.

Not only had the Tenryou Commission been thoroughly infiltrated by the Fatui, but even if they really wanted to find him, it would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket—futile.

After all... you're looking for a mysterious swordsman. What does that have to do with me, a Fatui Harbinger? I don't even use a sword; I use daggers.

His confidence surprised Kaedehara Kazuha.

But soon, he realized something.

This mysterious man had managed to wound the lofty Raiden Shogun herself. His strength was far beyond what ordinary Shogunate soldiers could handle.

Worrying about him being caught was like worrying about a fish drowning in water—completely pointless.

"Leave as soon as possible. The Shogunate will definitely send people to check the base of the cliff. They'll come to this island too."

Looking up at Tenshukaku, now completely obscured by clouds, Bai Luo advised.

Without waiting for Kaedehara Kazuha to respond, he leaped into the water and disappeared beneath the surface.

By the time Kazuha reacted and jumped into the water after him, Bai Luo was already gone.

"What an extraordinary person."

Looking at the sword in his hand, Kazuha couldn't help but sigh.

But soon, his attention focused on the blade itself. It wasn't that his sword had a problem.

Rather...

"That sword..."

Seeing his own blade, he finally realized why Bai Luo's sword had felt off.

Because the edge that was supposed to be sharp was blunt, while the back of the blade was sharp.

In other words, when Bai Luo swung the sword, the blade was facing himself.

"It's a reverse-blade sword?!"