Contracts & Conspicuous Characters || Genshin Impact

IV: The Cranes

The adeptus with a loud, authoritative voice startles you, the ground beneath you trembling from the echo. You hold out to Aether, who helps you steady your balance.

"You intrude upon the sanctity of Mt. Hulao, you destroy the amber of my mountain, and you free a thief whose freedom is not yours to give." The crane flaps its wings, sending powerful gusts of wind towards your group.

Paimon shields herself and yells out, "Wait! We can explain!"

On the fae's cue, Aether summons the yellow sigil Childe gave you earlier. The adeptus' eyes stare at it intensely before replying, "A Sigil of Permission? One was unaware that such things still exist in the mortal realm." The crane pauses and eyes your readied stance, "Speak. One shall listen to the matter which brings you here, then one shall verify the truth thereof. You would be wise to speak the truth, for Liyue is not so far from here that one would be easily deceived."

You breathe a sigh of relief as you wave your weapon off.

-

"Rex Lapis... Assassinated? At the Rite of Descension!? "

The adeptus screeches again as you cover your ears. Paimon hides behind you, quivering in fear. You hold her close to you as Aether tries to calm the crane down.

"What mortal in Liyue—nay, in all the world—would conspire to commit such foul treason? Or perhaps the more pertinent question is, what power in this world could aspire to achieve it? Rex Lapis charged the adepti with the protection of Liyue, and we have always honoured this duty. As the people have prospered, so have we gradually withdrawn into the mountains. Indeed, this was a gesture of goodwill towards humanity."

Mountain Shaper stalks around, "But now... Alas! Rex Lapis... Gone!" It turns around and faces you. Its hostile aura sends shivers down your spine, "Travellers, of the matter you have relayed, one has become aware. One now knows why Moon Carver has sent for us. Once one has dealt with certain matters here that require my attention, one shall convene with the other adepti."

After a short conversation with the adeptus, you bid farewell. Mountain Shaper nods, "One will depart as soon as one has attended to this matter. One trusts that the manner of your departure will be swifter in nature."

Your trio dashes for the road, eager to leave the mountain, "That guy was scary!"

You agree with Paimon, nodding your head fervently. Aether turns towards you, worry written on his face, "Are you okay? That adeptus was... something."

You smile at him, wiping a bead of sweat from your forehead, "Yeah, thanks. You handled that guy pretty well. Maybe you should handle the adeptus next door, too."

Aether sighs as you giggle at his reaction. Your group teleports on the peak of another mountain, except this mountain has a table surrounded by a small pond.

You follow Paimon as she floats hurriedly down, "Look, there's a table here! There's a wine jug and everything..."

You close your wind glider and approach the table. You make out small markings on the seats which seem to be names, "Here sits Retainer... Here sits Guizhong... Here sits Rex..."

Paimon stares at the last seat, "Maybe Rex is short for Rex Lapis? But Paimon has no idea about Guizhong. As for Retainer..."

"Cloud Retainer?"

"Oh yeah! When Moon Carver was going through the names of his adepti buddies, he said there was one called Cloud Retainer. So this must be where Cloud Retainer and the other adepti have their dinner parties!"

You roll your eyes at the fairy's comment.

"How about we cook up some extra special dishes for the adepti? Paimon is sure it'll get Cloud Retainer's attention that way!"