Gazes From The Abyss | Chilumi Fic

Chapter 1: The beginning

When people dared to catch a glimpse of her darker side, they willingly surrendered their sight to the shadows. Blind to the possibilities of redemption, they instead chose to accuse her vehemently. Such was the nature of humanity—gullible, foolish, and always prone to theatrical displays. Yet, even in their mortal limitations, they possessed an audacity equal to that of the divine. This realization mirrored her own understanding of the world, the gods, and the celestial principles that governed their existence. In this realm of unfairness, where both mortals and immortals were subjected to the whims of fate, she found herself pondering the course her life had taken. Was it a form of punishment that had guided her down this treacherous path? As the weight of the world crushed and crumbled into dust, she feared the same fate would befall her companions. And so, they embarked on a journey through various realms, seeking a new home where they could settle peacefully. However, fate had a different plan in store for them—a path they could not escape. It was destined for them to discover the truth about this world, the intricate web that connected humanity and divinity, mortals and immortals. Soon, all would be unveiled.

As she banished her negative thoughts from her mind, Lumine found solace in the vast expanse of the starry sky above. Each shimmering light, every speck of stardust, evoked memories of the immense power they once possessed. Yet, she knew that their radiance was fleeting—a temporary respite from the encroaching darkness.

"Your highness, we have uncovered evidence of the Fatui's investigation into our organization. Though they are mere mortals, I fear this development may impede our plans," a voice spoke, interrupting Lumine's reverie.

She tilted her head to the side, her gaze fixated on the arrival of an abyssal mage.

"I see. Those fools dare to make their move," she muttered with a hint of disdain.

The abyssal mage bowed respectfully, his voice carrying a tone of urgency. "It is possible that their Archon has sensed our activities, your highness. Ignoring them might lead to undesirable consequences."

The blonde maiden remained stoic, her expression as cold and unyielding as steel.

"Do nothing. I shall personally attend to this matter... and to you," she replied, her eyes piercing through the abyssal mage.

He lowered his head even further, his submission evident. "As you wish, your highness. I will keep a watchful eye on your brother."

Lumine turned away, her steps resolute as she walked into the shadows. "We shall await the final outcome," she declared, her words carrying an air of unwavering determination.

On a crisp morning, as the golden hues of autumn mingled with the remnants of summer, the eleventh harbinger arrived in Liyue. The foreign scents of the season and the unique ambiance of the city intrigued him. The captivating sight of Liyue Harbor unfolded before his eyes, beckoning him with its tranquil charm. Yet, even in this idyllic setting, discord simmered among the townsfolk, their grievances fueled by the ever-present issue of mora. Ah, yes, mora—a subject that demanded his attention as he still had unpaid debts to collect. But before delving into the realm of thievery and deceit, he decided to acquaint himself with the surroundings, to warm up, so to speak.

Wandering through the city streets, the man with ginger hair found himself drawn to the Northland Bank—a domain of the Fatui, one of their strategic strongholds. It was a calculated move, for in Liyue, the Fatui held a considerable advantage, thanks to the intertwined web of business ties between their respective nations. However, he understood the wariness that gripped the people of Liyue when it came to the Fatui, and he couldn't entirely fault them for it. After all, the Fatui had been deliberately cast as the antagonists in this grand narrative, adding an element of excitement to his upcoming mission.