Genshin Isekai With Homies [Ao3 Crosspost]

Chapter 3: Part VI - For those who wants to leave the world behind...

**the title is a bit different due to formatting reasons. The content is the same...
Chapter Cover Picture by https://game8.co/games/Genshin-Impact/archives/328773

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In a blink of an eye, the world around Felix stretches and blurs as they're zipped in-between space and time. After spiraling for like what feels forever, the wormhole spits him out, with him sliding on the cold floor and crashing headfirst into the wall. Felix strokes his head as a block of ice slams down on him.

"Ah! Sorry!" James scurries off Bennett.

The rest of the crew follows, Addy somersaulting 10/10 and Gui landing in a superhero pose.

"I am not doing that again." Gui holds a hand over his mouth and leaves to some hidden corner.

They have arrived at Azhdaha's domain, specifically the entrance cave. In front of them lay a golden magical gate, pulsing along the night's rhythm with abstract Chinese symbols illuminating the otherwise dark cave.

"You guys ready?" Hello, old friend.

A round of head-nods, and Gui pushes his hand onto the gate. Waves vibrate out of Gui's hand as some angelic music plays in the background. The room shakes, and all of a sudden, the song stops. The waves compress back and sparks fly. Gui winces his hand back.

"What's wrong?"

"It's... locked?"

"Maybe it needs force!" Addy draws back her sword.

"No! It's a-"

Bam! And Addy flies backward, taking Felix along into the opposite wall.

"-magic barrier."

James facepalms.

"Ow..." Felix moans.

Addy stands up, unharmed. "Say that sooner!"

The guy in white turns away. "What's that?" James points to a tablet nearby.

"There wasn't one the last time we're here..." Gui rubs his chin.

"This better not be one of the Abyss Mage tricks again!"

"Hmm... Liyuen letters though..." The calm one replies. "Traveler... return... Uh... They're too ancient, I can't make out the others..." He looks up at Xiao.

Gui breathes in. "Let me try." He traces his finger on the dusted lines.

"Travelers from another world,
If you wish to return,
Seek out 3 dragons bygone,
Bring their parts to this whole..."

Addy screams, "Urgh POEMS."

"At least it sounds nice."

"Shh, let him continue."

Gui coughs and carries on.

"First of the land of wind and wine,
Find the treasures of the skies.
Something light and green
What more than meets the eye.

Then of the land of rock,
Where glitters are gold
Amongst the dock
Find the secrets to be told.

Last of the ruins left from the heavens
Through the time now frozen
Find the heart of the fallen
To rekindle the flames."

Addy sighs and walks away. "Big brain people go ahead. Me smooth brain needs rest."

"Secrets? More than meets the eye?" James mutters.

Felix's headgears turn. "Land of Wind and Wine... Maybe Mondstadt? And Liyue and Dragonspine? Aw man! They're making us 100% the map aren't they?"

Paimon suddenly pops out of nowhere. "Looks like Travelers have found the Main Missions!"

A card appears in front of them:

<<— —>>

New Main Mission Unlocked!

COOP: Beat Azhdaha -> Azhdaha: More than Mere Tales. Progress 1%.

Figure out the riddle.

<<— —>>

"And to make things easier, Paimon has memorized the riddle for Travelers!"

Addy whips around. "Achievements?"

"3 treasures something," Felix says.

"Well hell yeah we go! Collect 3 shiny stuff, bring it here and Boom! Done."

James yawns.

"How 'bout we rest tonight then go tomorrow?" Gui suggests.

"Yeah..." Felix rests his head in his hands. "We can check and plan later that way too."

"But, where's the excitement guys? We should get going! The treasures ain't gonna wait for no one!"

"You and I can definitely go," Gui remarks, "but I doubt you will manage if I turn away." Addy flashbacks to the Ruin Grader fight. She shudders at that feeling of being weak , her sword flailed uselessly against the monster's metal armor.

"Fine... we can rest. Where do you guys want to go then?"

"This is your world, Addy. Open up the serenitea pot."

She looks alarmed. "I... don't have that yet."

"You what???" The other three yell at the same time. Felix sighs and James laughs dryly. The Yaksha squeezes his eyebrows.

"You're over rank 40 now. How did you not do the teapot quest??"

"I don't wanna listen to laws..." Addy bawls. "Yanfei is boring!! Books ain't my type."

James gasps, "Even Xingqiu?"

Gui points a finger accusingly at Addy, "Don't you dare disrespect the best girl!"

"You haven't even met her?" Felix comments. "She got your smug energy."

"Oi! Don't compare me with other girls!"

"Anyways, where should we go? And no, Felix, we ain't camping." Gui shoots a pointed look at Felix, who is halfway from pulling a sleeping bag. The white-haired boy groans in disappointment.

"Hmm... Paimon knows of many cozy places in Liyue!" The fairy nudges herself into the conversation. "There's some small establishments in Yujing Terrace, a guesthouse at Feiyun Slope, and even the great Wangshu Inn! Paimon has heard of a gooood chef stationed there."

As if sharing one brain cell for a moment, they all look at Xiao.

"What?" Gui asks, then catches on. "Oh, no, no no."