Chapter 151-154
Chapter 151: Next Stop: Inazuma
When the adorable children at home heard Amon mention that they would be traveling to Inazuma, their excitement was palpable, their big eyes sparkling with anticipation.
This was because they were only familiar with Liyue and had never visited other cities before.
Inazuma, known as the Eternal Kingdom of Thunder, sounded like an exciting destination to them.
Moreover, there was an annual festival there, which also seemed appealing.
Motivated by the upcoming trip, the children began preparing early.
For example, Beidou and Shenhe had been training diligently over the past two days.
Their reasoning was simple: only by completing their training well could they fully enjoy the trip.
Both of them voluntarily extended their practice sessions, training late into the night.
Every evening, they dragged their exhausted bodies back to their rooms, collapsing onto their beds and falling asleep immediately.
Amon couldn't bear to see the little ones so worn out, so he began preparing nourishing soup for them daily.
The soup worked wonders.
After a short nap following the meal, they would wake up the next day completely refreshed and brimming with energy.
The extra training also yielded remarkable results. Beidou and Shenhe's strength improved at a visible pace.
The progress was especially noticeable in Beidou, who could now wield a two-handed sword effortlessly.
Shenhe, too, had significantly refined her marksmanship.
Aside from these two, the other children were also busy preparing for the trip.
For instance, Ningguang had prepared a small, exquisite notebook specifically for this journey.
She intended to record business opportunities in Inazuma and look for ways to make money.
For Ningguang, any legitimate venture that could generate profit was worth considering.
From the beginning, her goal had always been to amass wealth comparable to the stars in the sky—a dream that had never wavered.
If anything had changed about this aspiration, it was the reason behind it.
Previously, she sought wealth to improve her life and her mother's.
Now, however, she worked hard to earn money primarily for Amon.
She believed that with enough wealth, she might even be able to buy Amon's time someday.
As for Qiqi, she didn't have much to prepare.
Her only concern was for the little sparrows she kept at home.
Since traveling with the birds was impractical, she had to leave them behind.
Although she ensured they had plenty of food and water, she was still worried about their well-being.
To ease her concerns, Qiqi sought out Ganyu.
"Can Ganyu... help Qiqi take care of Little Gehrman and Jack... please?"
"The sparrows are Qiqi's friends... Qiqi wants them to be happy..."
With her big peach-colored eyes, Qiqi looked up at Ganyu, her expression earnest and hopeful.
After spending so much time together, Qiqi had grown close to both Ningguang and Ganyu, apart from Amon.
Since Ganyu wasn't joining the trip to Inazuma, Qiqi felt she was the best person to entrust with the sparrows.
Initially, Ganyu had planned to accompany Amon to Inazuma and had even taken leave for the occasion.
However, Yuehai Pavilion had been exceptionally busy, and Ganyu chose to give up her leave to continue working overtime.
Looking at Qiqi's earnest expression, Ganyu smiled warmly and nodded.
"Of course, leave them to me. I'll take good care of them."
When Qiqi heard this, her eyes sparkled with happiness.
She softly replied, "Thank you, Ganyu... Qiqi likes Ganyu..."
As Qiqi walked away, Ganyu murmured to herself, "Little Qiqi will miss her sparrows at home.
"Will Mr. Amon miss me when he leaves for Inazuma?
"And what should I do if he does?"
Recalling her master's advice about giving something meaningful to an important person before parting, Ganyu pondered her options.
After some thought, she picked up scissors and cut a strand of her blue hair.
Using the strand and a red thread, she crafted a delicate bracelet.
When it was ready, she knocked softly on Amon's door.
"Brother... may I come in?"
In private, Ganyu shyly addressed Amon as "brother," a habit she couldn't quite explain.
Perhaps it was because the younger children often called him that, and she wanted to experience the same care and attention.
"Ganyu? Of course, come in," Amon replied.
Inside, Amon was sorting clothes to leave behind for Ganyu, knowing she liked to sleep in them.
Pausing his task, he turned to her and asked gently, "What's on your mind, Ganyu?"
Shyly, Ganyu handed him the bracelet.
"This is for you, brother.
"If you miss me in Inazuma, you can look at this bracelet. Seeing it will be like seeing me."
Touched by the effort she had put into crafting the bracelet, Amon smiled warmly.
"This is beautiful, Ganyu. I love it."
As he tied the bracelet to his wrist, Ganyu's cheeks flushed, but her heart swelled with happiness.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious mansion, Keqing was practicing sword techniques in the courtyard.
After finishing two sets, she took a break in the pavilion, saving her energy for the formal training session with Amon later.
During her rest, she overheard passersby discussing the upcoming Inazuma festival.
Although festivals didn't interest her, she decided to join the trip after Amon invited her, simply because he would be there.
...
Three days later, the Kamisato family's ship arrived at Liyue's port to transport Amon and the children to Inazuma.
Onlookers at the dock speculated about the ship, believing it belonged to a powerful figure.
When Amon boarded the vessel with a group of children, the crowd was left bewildered.
Was this an important figure or a kindergarten on a spring outing?
Chapter 152: Waiting for Thirty Minutes
On the route from Liyue to Inazuma,
The sun shone brightly, and the sea was calm.
Amon was playing games with the little ones, their laughter filling the air.
The hairpin on Keqing's little head was particularly eye-catching—a gift from Amon.
Amon didn't expect that as soon as he gave the hairpin to Keqing, the little girl would immediately put it on.
It was clear she liked the gift very much, as her smile became even brighter.
"Ding! Keqing's favorability has been detected to have increased from level 4 to level 5. Congratulations to the host for obtaining an Intertwined Fate."
At that moment, the system's voice echoed in Amon's mind.
After spending this period of time together, Keqing's favorability had reached level five.
Soon after, the system's prompt sounded again in Amon's mind.
"It is detected that seven characters have reached level five in favorability toward the host.
"In ten minutes, the system will be upgraded to version 2.0.
After the version update is completed, the host will obtain five Intertwined Fates.
At the same time, the system will unlock new functions. Please explore them on your own."
Listening to the system, Amon subconsciously raised his eyebrows.
So increasing favorability not only grants intertwined fates, but it can also lead to a system upgrade?
Amon was curious about what new features the upgraded system would bring.
Just then, the system's voice rang out again.
"Please note: When upgrading the system, the host's body will not feel any discomfort but will fall into a deep sleep for thirty minutes.
"During this period, if the host's body suffers any physical damage, the upgrade process will be interrupted.
Interrupting the upgrade may cause system damage, affecting its functions.
"Host, please find a safe environment to sleep within ten minutes to avoid any interruptions during the upgrade."
The system's warning reminded Amon of upgrading a computer's operating system—interruptions could cause significant problems.
He understood the precaution. The system emphasized avoiding physical harm; noise from the outside world shouldn't pose an issue.
Thinking of this, Amon immediately called the little ones together to inform them.
Upon hearing Amon's call, the little ones eagerly ran over with their short legs, their big, sparkling eyes looking at him curiously.
"Brother Amon, we're here~"
"Brother Amon, what's wrong?"
Looking at the adorable children before him, Amon smiled and said, "Little ones, I need to handle some important work in my room. While I'm busy, I'd like you to help me by guarding the door."
The mention of work piqued the little girls' curiosity, though they nodded in understanding despite feeling a little disappointed.
Ningguang stepped forward and asked, "Brother Amon, is the work difficult? Ningguang wants to help."
Linghua, Beidou, Shenhe, and even Qiqi chimed in, expressing their desire to assist him.
Their concern warmed Amon's heart. The little ones were always so considerate and obedient—it was touching.
Moved, Amon gently shook his head. "I appreciate your kindness, little ones. But this task is quite special and can only be handled by me."
He paused and continued, "If you really want to help, then guard the door for me. This work is delicate, and any interruptions could ruin everything."
"It will only take thirty minutes. Can you do this for me?"
Hearing this, the little ones nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course, Brother Amon!"
"Don't worry, Brother Amon. We'll protect you!"
"Qiqi will guard Amon... no one will disturb you."
Smiling at their determination, Amon returned to his room, laid on the bed, and initiated the system upgrade.
Soon, he felt his eyelids grow heavy, and within moments, he fell into a deep sleep.
The room grew quiet as the system's voice resonated in his mind.
"Version upgrade in progress... Current progress: 1%..."
Outside the room, the little ones stood vigil as promised, guarding the door diligently.
Amon's work was crucial, and they wouldn't let anyone disturb him.
When Kamisato Ayato happened to pass by and saw the children standing solemnly, he approached to inquire.
However, Kamisato Ayaka immediately made a gesture to silence him and shooed him away.
Kamisato Ayato, bewildered, thought, What is this? I didn't even say anything, and my sister is already chasing me away?
Time passed slowly. Most of the thirty minutes had elapsed, and the children thought they were about to complete their mission.
Suddenly, the previously clear sky darkened rapidly, and inky black clouds rolled in, accompanied by deafening thunder.
The calm sea turned turbulent, and fierce winds howled around them.
The deck of the ship shook violently, causing the guards of the Kamisato family to lose their balance.
Before anyone could grasp what was happening, a colossal monster emerged from the sea not far away.
Its size rivaled that of an island, and its dark blue scales and sharp dragon fins gleamed ominously.
It was Beisht, the wife of Osial—the overlord of the sea.
Previously, Amon and Xiao had sealed Osial, but now Beisht had come to avenge her husband.
Chapter 153: Three Gods Gathered
Mondstadt
Zhongli and his group followed Venti to the Star-Picking Cliff.
In addition to appreciating the scenery, their main goal was to set sail for Inazuma.
Venti took out his lyre, closed his eyes, and immersed himself in playing soft music.
For once, the typically carefree bard seemed a bit more serious as he used his song to summon the dragon.
The next moment, Dvalin, who heard the melody, soared up from beneath the Star-Picking Cliff.
The fierce wind roared, causing the surrounding trees to rustle noisily.
Feeling the strong gusts against her face, Guizhong instinctively raised her hands to shield herself and took a step back.
Noticing this, Zhongli silently moved to stand in front of Guizhong, blocking the wind for her.
"Barbatos..."
Suspended in the air, Dvalin glared at Venti with an expression full of resentment.
Every time Venti summoned him, something troublesome was bound to happen.
Venti merely chuckled, pretending not to notice the dragon's discontent.
"Dvalin, could you take us to Inazuma? We're planning a little trip there. Would you like to join us? Don't worry, we won't make you pay for anything this time."
Hearing this, Dvalin let out a deep sigh, his eyes filled with helplessness.
Having such an unreliable god of wind as his master was exhausting, but there was no alternative. After all, Dvalin had chosen him.
Reluctantly, Dvalin carried Venti and the group toward Inazuma.
---
Initially, the journey proceeded smoothly.
However, after some time, the sky suddenly darkened, and a violent storm erupted.
A dragon's roar echoed in the distance—its anger palpable.
Zhongli remained composed, gazing silently at the sea.
From the depths of the water, a monstrous figure emerged: Beisht, Osial's wife.
Both Azdaha and Guizhong were visibly shocked; they hadn't expected Beisht's sudden appearance.
Lying lazily on the dragon's back, Venti said to Dvalin, "Let's fly closer and check it out!"
---
Liyue – Wangshu Inn
As usual, Xiao sat alone on the roof, silently observing every corner of Liyue.
His gaze lingered longer when looking toward the port.
If I remember correctly, Amon is setting sail for Inazuma today. He must have departed by now.
Bound by his duty as an adeptus, Xiao couldn't leave his post without permission.
This distant gaze was the only way he could bid farewell to Amon.
After a moment, Xiao shifted his focus to the large tree next to the inn.
The leaves swayed gently in the breeze.
Possessing an Anemo vision, Xiao was especially attuned to the wind.
He could sense an unusual disturbance—a faint scent of monsters riding the current, heading in Amon's direction.
Realizing this, Xiao stood up, the Hepu Kite appearing in his hand.
He retrieved the mask Amon had given him.
Though the mask seemed childish, Xiao placed it on his face.
The next instant, he vanished into a wisp of smoke.
When he reappeared, he was already sprinting toward the port.
Compared to his usual demon-subduing missions, Xiao worked with unprecedented urgency.
While others fled the thunderous, storm-laden coast, Xiao charged in without hesitation.
---
Inazuma – The Pier
Early in the morning, the Kamisato family's members gathered at the pier.
Today was the day the young master and the princess were returning from Liyue.
Even Lady Kamisato herself had arrived to welcome the children home.
Among the awaiting crowd stood a special guest: Yae Miko, clad in her red-and-white shrine maiden attire.
With the Inazuma Festival approaching, Yae Miko speculated that Amon would likely arrive with the Kamisato siblings.
I came specifically to welcome Mr. Amon. Surely, he'll be moved enough to write a few more chapters.
As she entertained this thought, Yae Miko noticed an unsettling change in the sea.
The sky grew ominously dark as strong winds whipped through the area.
Lightning crackled, and thunder boomed.
The turbulent waves crashed violently against the shore.
Members of the Kamisato family exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what was happening.
Lady Kamisato gazed out at the horizon, worry clouding her delicate features.
All she could hope for was the children's safe return.
Sensing the abnormality, Yae Miko immediately recognized that a monster might be causing trouble.
She sighed, pressing her slender fingers to her forehead.
If Mr. Amon and the little ones are delayed, it could throw the festival preparations into disarray.
While everyone's attention was fixed on the chaotic sea, Yae Miko quietly disappeared.
Moments later, she walked through the air, searching for the Kamisato family's ship.
Soon, she located it—and Beisht.
As Yae observed the scene, she noticed the Gnosis in her possession glowing faintly.
"Oh my, it seems a certain general, long secluded in the Plane of Euthymia, is itching for some fresh air."
As her words faded, a void crack appeared beside her.
From the rift stepped a woman in a purple robe—Raiden Shogun, Ei.
Ei gazed toward the distant sky, her expression contemplative.
"I can feel their presence," she said softly.
"They've gathered again."
"Who?"
"Barbatos and Morax."
Chapter 154: The Cute Kids Want to Protect Brother Amon
At this moment, lightning flashed, thunder roared, and the wind howled over the turbulent sea.
Under the terrifying flashes of lightning, a figure as tall as a mountain appeared.
It gazed down at the Kamisato family's ships, its expression filled with anger.
Beisht had clearly sensed the presence of the one who sealed her husband, Osial, aboard these vessels.
Beisht's body radiated a dazzling blue light, and the sea beneath it sparkled ominously.
With a thought, a massive water bomb formed and ascended high into the sky.
As Beisht let out a deafening roar, the water bomb surged toward the Kamisato family's ships with incredible force.
Beisht's power was overwhelming.
What would normally be harmless water bombs were now transformed into devastating artillery shells.
For a moment, the faces of the cute little kids aboard the ship were filled with tension and worry.
The Kamisato family's ships were in grave danger, and it seemed they would not withstand the onslaught.
Meanwhile, Amon was preoccupied with something very important.
The little ones had promised not to let anything disturb him.
Only a few minutes remained before the agreed-upon half hour was up.
No matter what, Beisht could not be allowed to interrupt Amon's work.
A promise was a promise—every minute and second mattered!
The first to act was Ningguang.
Facing the oncoming water bombs, Ningguang's big eyes revealed no trace of fear.
The fierce wind tossed her long hair into disarray.
Her small figure seemed frail amidst the storm, yet the light she emitted was brilliant.
From a distance, Ningguang appeared to be bathed in golden light.
Raising her hand, she directed her power at the approaching water bomb.
The next moment, a radiant golden barrier appeared in the air—her Jade Screen.
This extraordinary construct of obsidian and gold could block all projectiles.
Ningguang tried to absorb Beisht's water bomb into the Jade Screen, but her young strength was no match for a monster like Beisht.
The golden light shattered into countless particles, dissipating over the sea.
The water bombs remained largely unaffected, continuing their deadly trajectory toward the Kamisato family's ships.
The warriors aboard gripped their swords tightly, preparing for a desperate last stand.
"Find a way to escort the young master, the young lady, and the guests from Liyue to safety!"
"Our duty is to protect them, even at the cost of our lives!"
"The path of Shogun is magnificent, and the Narukami Ogosho reigns eternal!"
As the warriors prepared to sacrifice everything, Beidou stepped forward.
She stared directly at the water bomb hurtling through the sky.
Beidou couldn't allow anyone on the ship to be harmed.
Most importantly, she had made a promise to Amon.
She would not fail him.
Beidou wanted to prove herself useful to Amon and protect everyone aboard.
Suddenly, an eye-like symbol appeared above Beidou's head, accompanied by flashes of lightning.
Her Vision glowed with brilliant purple light as a surge of power coursed through her body.
Time seemed to slow down—the water bombs, the storm, and even the people around her all moved as if in slow motion.
With her two-handed sword enveloped in crackling purple lightning, Beidou charged forward.
Facing the oncoming water bomb, Beidou raised her sword in front of her chest.
Her hard training under Amon's guidance now bore fruit.
With precise technique, she redirected the water bomb toward Beisht.
The bomb exploded, causing Beisht to roar in anger and pain.
The sea surged violently as Beisht retaliated by summoning a massive tsunami.
The towering wave loomed over the Kamisato family's fleet like a monster preparing to devour its prey.
The warriors aboard were overcome with despair—human strength alone could not hope to stop such a disaster.
Even with Ningguang and Beidou's combined efforts, the tsunami seemed unstoppable.
Among them stood Shen He, motionless as memories flooded her mind.
She recalled meeting Amon in a secluded cave.
He had made noodles for her, gifted her a jade comb, and taught her the ways of immortality.
Amon had given her a second chance at life, helping her face the world anew.
Now, Shen He wanted to repay his kindness—to do something for him.
As this determination solidified, an ice-type Vision manifested on Shen He's body.
Unaware of the Vision's presence, Shen He focused only on stopping the tsunami.
A pure white light began to radiate from her, soft and serene, exuding an immortal aura.
Taking a step forward, Shen He froze the deck beneath her feet, turning it into a sheet of frost.
The talisman in her hand glowed with intense energy.
When she released the talisman, its characters enlarged and flew into the storm.
A bitter cold wind howled, freezing the tsunami in its tracks.
The frozen wave then shattered into fragments, which fell harmlessly into the sea.
At the same time, Visions appeared on both Kamisato Ayaka and Keqing.
The little ones thought simply:
Amon has protected us for so long. Now, it's our turn to protect him.