The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"Is it because they are dissatisfied with my rule? Ha, it doesn't matter... Since they are not my subjects, it is none of my business if they become homeless."

"Ah, Shadow. You should know that the Coral Palace was a precious relic left to them by Orobars when he was alive. Now you insist on destroying it, which will surely ignite their rebellion. Can you bear to watch your people suffer the revenge of the Orochi's descendants then..."

Hearing that Kiana hadn't spoken up for her, Ying immediately looked up as if she were jealous:

"I won't let that happen. If they want revenge, then I will..."

"So what are you going to do? Exterminate them all? Wipe everyone out completely? Have you thought about how your people will view this behavior?"

"I..."

Having said that, she was speechless.

Kiana, do you have any particular thoughts?

"I just want you to remember that when Orochi was reborn, he gave them hope, spared no effort to build the Coral Palace, and taught them farming and forging. For them, Orochi is a benefactor they can never forget. I don't know why it invaded Hachijou Island back then. But it was you who ended this demon god's life."

"...Could it be that I did something wrong?"

"No, not at all. On the contrary, you did a good job, at least you protected your people, and hatred was born because of this. Your struggle may never end..."

Kiana placed her hand on the beautiful woman's thigh and stared at her with a very certain look, without the slightest doubt or suspicion.

It seems that the truth is just as she said...

"Forever? No way. The scenery of this world remains the same for hundreds or thousands of years, but human existence is nothing more than a fleeting dream. A hundred years, a thousand years later... even if their lifespans come to an end, will their descendants still remember this hatred?"

"Will do."

"why?"

"Because of language and poetry, words etch the past into history. What endures is not only the spirit and thought, but also love. In my memory, there was a person who wandered for hundreds and thousands of years, unwavering in his desire to resurrect his lover. Perhaps for him, this was the meaning of his continued existence..."

When Ying heard the word "resurrection," he was visibly taken aback.

"Resurrecting a lover? A crazy idea. I'd love to meet this person if I had the chance."

"You don't want to see him, or you'd better not run into this dangerous guy."

“Hmm, Kiana... I understand. Since they’ve made revenge their reason for living, let them be. Even if a thousand generations pass, they’ll never succeed.”

Guided by Kiana, Shadow abandoned his idea of ​​completely erasing the Coral Palace.

The disparity in strength between the two sides was too great, and she didn't actually take these ignorant people seriously, let alone subdue them.

Oh well, let them be.

In any case, these rebels are no longer able to attack after the last war. Perhaps it will take ten or twenty years before they can recover and continue to invade.

Without external help, they will simply continue to suffer the punishment called 'failure'.

"I never imagined that although human lifespan is short, it could have such a profound impact on the future..."

"Heh, unexpected, isn't it? Humans may be fragile by nature, but they can also be strong. Perhaps you see their actions as nothing more than foolish revenge, but in their eyes... perhaps this is a struggle that must be fought for? And in reality..."

After successfully counseling Ying about the resistance, Kiana pondered for a moment and took out a still hourglass from her backpack.

The dilapidated red hourglass was now ice-cold, and the red paint that once symbolized passion and love was gradually fading away.

"These are...her belongings? Why are you showing me this?"

Seeing the anger and surprise in Ying's eyes, Kiana sighed and slowly explained:

"You actually have something in common."

"what?"

"You both lost your loved ones because of the calamity hundreds of years ago. She turned her anger into flames and burned herself out. You chose to close your heart, hoping to obtain eternity and thus approach the truth, so that Inazuma could exist forever. Your choices led you down completely different paths."

The Song of Flame and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter 106, a solemn and dignified duel, is their farewell to each other.

"A completely different path? You mean..."

“Once upon a time, on a land blessed by the wind god, there was a city called Mondstadt,” Kiana didn’t answer directly, but began to recount the story of a young girl, “Beautiful songs once floated in the square; she sang alone, and then…”

The girl's story is very simple, although it is full of helplessness and bitterness, Kiana tells it all in just a few words.

As she spoke, the small hourglass seemed to shimmer with a faint light.

Finally, when this story, destined to be forgotten, came to an end, the hourglass went completely dark.

Perhaps because of the passing of its owner, even these last fragments of memory have vanished.

The hourglass that had been lying quietly in Kiana's hand finally collapsed like sand, transforming into countless fire moths that flapped their wings and disappeared into the castle tower...

Watching the moths flee away, Ying didn't show much emotion. She simply turned her head slowly and questioned them in a crystal-clear voice.

"Kiana, are you telling me the story of a mortal to make me pity her?"

"Huh? No."

"No?"

Faced with Shadow's questioning, Kiana simply scratched her head and explained somewhat naively:

"What I really want to prove is that your choice is not necessarily wrong."

"Hmm? Um! You you you..." Faced with Kiana's approval, Shadow seemed a little flustered.

She cupped her face in her hands, suddenly feeling as if she were being teased.

However, although Kiana can be quite oblivious at times, she would never say something against her conscience, so does that mean... everything she says is true?

"Hmm..." Feeling a sweet warmth welling up inside, Ying couldn't help but chuckle foolishly. Then, suddenly realizing she couldn't go along with her, she feigned composure and covered Kiana's hand. "It's best that you understand. Hehe... Actually, I already guessed you'd agree with me. Hmm, don't misunderstand, this is my experienced judgment, not because..."

As Ying spoke, her voice grew softer and softer until it was barely audible.

Kiana was quite surprised by her reaction, but she quickly recovered after a moment of astonishment.

"Um. Actually, I was just saying maybe."

"what?"

"It's fine if you choose to remain stagnant; that's the law of your world. But you should know that if you don't speak up, no one will understand."

"Speak it out loud? But the battle with that blonde girl has taught me that people don't easily give up on their desires. If I continue doing this, I'm afraid..."

After repeated defeats, Kage felt lost about the future. She was unsure whether continuing to insist on her own opinions would lead to renewed conflict and cause the people of Inazuma to completely lose trust in her.

If so, then where does eternity come from?

Ultimately, is it really good to have only yourself for eternity?

Just as Ying was rambling incoherently, and even white smoke began to rise from her head...

"film."

Sensing the perfect moment, Kiana gently took her hand and spoke in an incredibly soft tone:

"You don't need to do anything, and you don't need to feel guilty. You just need to watch over them. As long as you firmly walk on the path you believe in, all difficulties can be overcome."

Kiana's words, though simple, possess a captivating magic.

It was like a warm breeze caressing my cheeks and body, gently soothing my restless heart.

The confusion in Ying's heart gradually faded, replaced by a steadfast belief in the eternal...

However, when those purple eyes looked at Kiana, they were filled with tenderness, as if she had been completely captivated by those azure eyes...

“Watching them... Hmm, I understand.”

As Shadow nodded in agreement, Kiana gently stroked her hair with great satisfaction.

“You did very well, Shadow… Well then, my task is almost complete. Next…”

"Wait! Are you leaving?"

"Um, I'm sorry, I have to go now. Goodbye, I'll bring you some local specialties next time I come back~" Kiana tried her best to act indifferent as she got up, intending to leave.

Before she could even move, Ying hurriedly grabbed her skirt.

Are you really leaving?

"I'm sorry, I don't want to lie."

"In that case, let's settle everything and keep your promise."

Upon hearing this, Kiana slowly turned around and nodded with a smile.

As a final showdown before parting ways, she would not refuse, much less hold back.

This is a farewell to the shadow, and also a conflict of beliefs.

The battle took place at the castle tower, on the still somewhat dilapidated floor that had only recently been repaired.

The two sides stood facing each other, each holding their own weapons.

Shadow wielded his naginata with both hands, moving with the ease of a leisurely stroll.

She had been preparing for this day for a long time, and even this revealing martial arts uniform was to ensure she wouldn't be restricted in the upcoming duel.

Kiana's strength is indeed formidable, and she is well aware of that.

The flames that day nearly destroyed the country.

To rashly confront him head-on would be utterly foolish, so she laid down three rules with him before the duel began.

You cannot use elemental powers, you cannot leave the battlefield during the battle, and you cannot hold back in any way.

Whoever concedes first, or loses the ability to resist, is considered the loser.

"Once... the first head of the Kujo family fought me in a duel before the Emperor. Under my sister's watchful eye, he was repeatedly defeated but never gave up. In the end, he obtained the position of Tenryō Magistrate and swore to be loyal to Inazuma for generations. Kiana, if you have a heart of honor, please respect this duel. And if you lose, then please stay... serve as Tenryō Magistrate and govern Inazuma with me."

"Glory? I understand, but if I win, Shadow, you... you must take good care of yourself."

"...Yes, I will."

Because it was a pre-arranged duel, both sides were very calm at this moment.

In her quest for victory, Kage took the lead, wielding her naginata and charging forward. Her movements were as light as those of a seasoned fighter, and each strike carried a chilling killing intent.

This fully expresses the determination to keep that person here...

Faced with the aggressive attacks of the naginata, Kiana calmly wielded the Flame King Sword to defend herself.

Despite Ying's fervent desire, she could only regretfully choose to refuse...