Burden of the Abyss: Internal Refraction [Genshin Impact x (O)OC]

Arc 2 - 3: Adeptal Arrangement

Mono appeared beside an idle Mythra, who was thinking with her eyes closed, before tapping her and teleporting to the entrance of the bank mentioned by Childe.

She opened her eyes, and looked around, seeing the building and then Childe, who waved at her. She glanced down at Mono and saw him smiling.

"Welcome to Northland Bank. This bank was opened here in Liyue by Snezhnaya. Though everyone knows Liyue is the most enterprising in Teyvat, Snezhnaya is not short of change either." Childe informed. "Did you really just bring me along for a tour?" Mythra asked Mono with a hand on her hip.

"Is this a tour?" Mono asked Childe. "Well, it could be?" Childe said with a shrug. "But that's not my intention. I actually meant to give you this." Childe said taking out a yellow talisman. "What's this?" Mythra questioned. "I'm not sure, exactly. Sometimes, all money can buy is 'things' and not a name for oneself. All I know is that it's a sigil. A sigil to keep the 'mighty and illuminated adepti' from bringing harm to you." Childe explained.

"Adepti?" Mono asked in confusion. "If you head north from the harbor, then west from Guili Plains, you will eventually reach a stone forest known as Jueyun Karst." Childe stated. "The people of Liyue believe it to be the abode of the adepti." He added. "So, I gotta go talk to some deities to get the Qixing off my trail?" Mono asked for clarification.

"That's probably your best bet. If you don't, you could be labeled as the culprit, and... certain measures will be taken." Childe warned. "Oh, yeah. I don't want that. Go on." Mono said growing serious. Or at least. More serious. "The Qixing will already have dispatched the Milelith. They will be looking for you first amongst everyone else. If they find out you're an Archon... this could lead to war if they believe it's you." Childe said quietly, making Mythra suddenly glare at him for his knowledge.

"How do you know that?" Mythra spat. "Oh. Right. I'm Childe, a Fatui Harbinger." Childe said holding out his hand. Mythra didn't bother raising her hand, and continued to glare. "R-Right. Well, my comrade informed me of the recent happenings in Mondstadt is all. After all, she witnessed his transformation herself." Childe said pointing to Mono. "I don't like how this is escalating." Mono commented.

"This level of crude response is beyond what is called for. It's so suspicious." Childe started. "You think the Qixing is trying to pin it on someone else?" Mythra asked. "Your thinking is even more radical than my own, Honorary Knight. Even now, the Northland Bank wouldn't be able to hold the Milelith off for long, but the adepti can clear you of any wrongdoing." Childe clarified.

"Liyue was founded by the Geo Archon and the adepti— of course, it was built by force. Look for them, and be faster than the Qixing's messengers, so you may give your version of the events first. Best be on your way, Anemo Archon." Childe said with a wave, before entering the bank.

"Think you can handle this alone?" Mythra asked. "Yeah. Gonna go tap out?" Momo asked. "Yep. You'll see Pyra when you get back." Mythra said walking away.

"Ugh. This... is not gonna be fun." Mono said shaking his head, glitching skyward.

•

Mono was walking up Qingyun Peak, the tallest mountain in Jueyun Karst, having followed Childe's directions. Since he flew there, it took him only twelve minutes to make it to Jueyun Karst. Mono was a fan of the scenery, and loved the Stone Forest.

Mono was currently walking up a set of stone stairs, and reached a small opening.

"Hello~? I'm... looking for the adepti!" Mono called out, looking around nervously. After a few seconds of silence, Mono sighed, and turned to walk forward again, but stopped seeing a large colorful deer in his path. "Woah!" He shouted jumping back.