The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

The two sides moved forward in silence, eventually arriving at a lightning element facility guarded by a self-regulating organization.

These strangely shaped and uniquely functioning mechanisms are extremely dangerous, and even highly skilled adventurers must be extra careful when facing them.

However, at this moment, these agencies are facing no ordinary opponents.

"Ready, ignite!"

With time running out, Kiana didn't hold back and immediately unleashed her power, beginning her personal showcase.

The Blazing King Sword unleashed a series of sharp slashes, easily defeating the mechanisms and turning them into a pile of immobile scrap metal on the ground.

After defeating the enemy, she slowly sheathed her sword and looked at the lightning element mechanism.

Unlike before, after unlocking the limitations of the Herrscher Gem, she now possesses the power to unlock this elemental mechanism.

Kiana slowly raised her hand and then snapped her fingers.

'Snap!'

As the night deepened, streaks of lightning flashed, striking the elemental mechanism precisely.

"Your Excellency? You!"

Behind them, Hana Sanri stared in astonishment at the lightning that appeared out of nowhere, growing even more fearful of Kiana.

However, the other party's next response was far beyond her expectations.

"I know she must be feeling terrible too, but that's no reason for her to give up." Kiana clenched her fist, silently resolving to Hanahara, "No matter what, I have to help her pull herself together, even if..."

"So, the struggle is still unavoidable? If possible, please don't harm her life. Without divine protection, Inazuma... neither she nor I can believe it."

Hana Sanri lowered her head and made her final request.

"Okay, I promise you."

As Kiana spoke, she began to walk towards the final mechanism.

Once the Great Purification of Divine Cherry Blossoms is over, it will be time to prepare for the battle against General Thunder.

Just how powerful is that seemingly effortless strike? Let me personally test it out.

General Thunder...

I'd like to recommend a book by a senior author, "The Daily Life of a Kyoto Girl Exorcising Spirits," which is also a yuri (adult) book. Those who are interested can check it out.

Song of Flames and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter 31 What kind of face lies beneath the mask?

Unlocking the mechanism at the entrance to the ruins wasn't too difficult; Kiana and Hana Sanri solved it after walking for a short while.

"Phew, that's finally resolved. Shall we go call Ying?"

"Ok."

Hana nods slightly, then silently follows behind Kiana.

Her footsteps were very light, so light, like a ghost without a physical form, and she barely even breathed.

Kiana would occasionally turn back to check in order to make sure that Hanahara hadn't gotten lost or disappeared on the spot.

It's hard to imagine how such a near-wandering ghost would have performed a great exorcism if it hadn't met Ying and itself.

"Hana-sanri..." Kiana slowed her pace.

"Please speak, sir. I am here."

Her voice came from behind me, calm but very clear.

It seems that it is not a person expressing their thoughts, but rather an ethereal consciousness that appears in Inazuma in a peculiar form, conveying complex and melancholic emotions.

"You inherited the memories of the Fox Abode Palace, so you should know what the Great Purification means. For her, the best ending was simply to protect this land, but... what about for you?"

In response to Kiana's question, Hanahara did not answer, but silently asked in return:

"When you dealt with the fallen samurai, did you ever show any mercy?"

"I've never been soft-hearted, why are you asking this?"

"They are no different from me. If you wish to take care of me... then simply doing what you should do is the best care you can give me. The same applies to those destined for us."

Before they could finish talking, they had arrived at their destination.

At this moment, Ying was squatting on the ground with her legs drawn up, listening to Paimon whispering to her. She only stood up and waved happily when Kiana arrived.

They smiled at each other, and then Kiana looked at Paimon.

What were you all talking about while I was away?

"We didn't talk about much, we were just hungry and discussing what to eat tonight."

Judging by the time, it's been quite a while since we came down from Narukami Taisha Shrine, and it's about time for dinner.

Kiana then smiled and generously offered:

"So that's what you were talking about? Hmm... What do you want to eat? Tell me."

"real?!"

Upon hearing this, Paimon's mouth immediately watered, and even Ying looked on with a dazed, hungry expression.

However, she was much more shy than her companion. After wiping the drool from the corner of her mouth, she immediately expressed her gratitude:

"Thank you, Kiana. Paimon, what do you think we should eat tonight?"

"Hey? Just bring the same thing again as last time!" Paimon cupped his face, looking completely satisfied.

"You're not even mentioning slime this time? You used to love it so much."

Ying's sharp criticism left Paimon speechless for a moment, so he could only scratch the back of his head and start arguing that slimes taste pretty good too.

Unfortunately, Ying disagreed with her theory.

The duo's unrestrained banter and jokes enlivened the atmosphere considerably.

"Hehe," Kiana said, watching the two arguing about food, feeling both amused and exasperated.

They can be incredibly pragmatic at times, but at other times they are truly trustworthy partners.

I wonder if those who accompanied General Raiden back then were like this too...

Thinking of this, Kiana turned around and looked at Hana Sanri with some emotion.

"And you, Hanasanri, is there anything you'd like to eat? Don't be shy with me."

"Food? Hmm... I'm grateful for your kindness, but my body doesn't have any particular need for food. Please leave it for those who are truly precious to you..."

Hanahara politely declined Kiana's generosity, her words conveying a sense of distance and a desire not to cause trouble for others.

For something as filthy as her, perhaps her only value...

It is to help the destined person complete the Great Purification.

That's enough if you can do that.

Hanahara looked towards the entrance of the ruins and urged Kiana and the others, "If you're going to have a meal, please hurry... I will pray for you at the final purification site under the Divine Cherry Tree, so..."

After saying these words, she slowly moved, preparing to leave as she had done before.

This time, however, a figure blocked her way.

"Lady Kiana, is there anything else?"

"It's nothing, I just feel... wouldn't it be a bit of a shame if we couldn't travel together on the final journey?"

"this..."

Kiana's invitation left Hana Sanri somewhat at a loss.

She wasn't sure how much help her colleagues could offer. If they had to spare energy to look after a client who couldn't fight while they were battling the filth, wouldn't they seem like a hindrance?

For a destined person with all-powerful abilities, I am... a completely dispensable burden, right?

Unfortunately, no matter how much she begged, Kiana showed no intention of letting her go.

As for Ying and Paimon, they seemed completely indifferent.

"Masked Shrine Maiden, what are you so afraid of?"

"It's not that I'm scared, I'm just a little..." Hana Sanri, feeling awkward under the expectant gazes of the three, could only nod helplessly, "I understand. I hope I won't be a burden to you all..."

After obtaining Hana Sanri's consent, Kiana and Ying exchanged a smile, and the group then entered the entrance to the ruins one by one...

Starting to prepare for a picnic?

"You guys?" Hana Sanri looked at Kiana, who had pulled out a picnic blanket from somewhere, and didn't know what to say for a moment.

The tree roots that need purification are right in front of you; you can start purifying them with just a simple movement of your hands.

But Kiana suggested having dinner right after she and Ying got off the bus.

"You need to be well-fed to have the energy to work!" Paimon flew by and lay down on the picnic blanket with a look of anticipation, just like a baby bird eagerly waiting to be fed.

In contrast, Ying's reaction was much more poised and graceful. She simply held up the picnic blanket, tilted her head back in a duck-like position, and waited to be fed.

This situation left Hana Sanri speechless and somewhat embarrassed.

After all, the group was about to have a meal, and she felt a little uncomfortable being the only one excluded.

Fortunately, after Kiana redeemed a lot of dishes in the system shop, she immediately waved to her:

"What are you waiting for? Come on. It's rare for us to get together for a meal, so I've specially prepared something delicious from Liyue for you."

"Liyue? Hmm... I really miss that smell..."

Having gained a way out, Hana Sanri didn't continue to stubbornly insist on it. Instead, she slowly moved to the picnic blanket and knelt down.

In comparison... this shrine maiden is incredibly dignified and virtuous, only the mask that almost completely covers her face is a bit of an eyesore.

So much so that when Ying and Paimon were enjoying their meal, they couldn't help but ask her a soul-searching question, since she hadn't touched her food at all.

"Hanasanari/Masked Shrine Maiden, why do you always wear a mask? How can you eat if you don't take it off!"

After saying that, the duo looked at Hana Sanri with great curiosity, wanting to know what kind of face was hidden beneath that fox mask...

Song of Flames and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter 32 Can I offer my humble contribution?