After 257 failed test subjects, Dottore attempts to find somebody stronger, more fitting for his experiment. That 'somebody' turned out to be Aether. Thus, the abduction began for this mad scientist's research to continue. On what he's doing and how...
Guys, I'm sincerely sorry for disappearing for way too long. :_)
While I was gone, I received quite a few positive comments from readers. Thank you all for sticking with me! :DD
Unfortunately, I still haven't got my ideas really processed through yet.
This chapter is also around the same length as the previous one. I hope you enjoy it!
Update: Chapter reviewed. No update was needed.
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Third POV:
"Everyone, I've gathered you all here for the 'Free The Traveler' (A/N: I couldn't think of a good name, lol.) operation," Childe said while uncrossing his arms. He then lowered them to the table, where a map of Yashiori Island was lying.
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Before this happened, Paimon had successfully persuaded four more people to join: Beidou, Xinyan, Xiangling, and Keqing. They were all hanging on the Harbinger's every word.
The ginger-haired man continued, "this is the location of the lab." His finger pointed down on the map, "it was the old Delusion factory that the Fatui used during Inazuma's Vision Hunt Decree. After it was left unused, a Harbinger who goes by Dottore revamped it."
"Our mission is to attack the lab and rescue Aether," Paimon said.
"Any ideas on how secured the place is?" Beidou asked.
"Dottore isn't the type of person who likes other people near him, not even guards," Childe replied, "at most, the lab only has him, his servant, the Traveler, and some of his mutated mobs."
"So do we just brute force our way in?" Xinyan asked.
"Well, the lab may not have guards around, but its new additions of high-tech security devices have made it impossible for stealth. In other words, ..."
"... We have no choice but violence," Zhongli answered, following with a deep sigh. He did not want to murder anyone ever since he retired, so the option very much went against his will.
The room went silent for a while before Keqing broke it, "alright, it seems we have no other choice. Even if this would damage my reputation as a Qixing, as well as everyone else's, I'm willing to risk it all."
"Don't worry, nothing of yours will be damaged if you refuse to give him any information. He'll have minimal evidence to harm you in any means," Childe replied.
"So it's settled then! May our operation be successful!" Xiangling cheered.
Back at the lab, Dottore was still struggling to figure out what to do next.
Ugh, if only Pantalone stops with his FUCKING HARD-TO-UNDERSTAND SENTENCES!
"You know what?! FINE!" Dottore stood up, "if that bitch doesn't give a clear answer this time, I swear I'll fucking KILL HIM!"
He grabbed all his necessities (His coat and some lab equipment.) and went to the room where Aether was. The scientist took one last glance at the poor blonde who was sleeping.
"BARNABAS!" Dottore shouted.
"Yes, sir?" Barnabas replied.
"Make sure the Traveler doesn't attempt to escape while I'm away."
"Of course, si-"
The door closed with a bang, echoing to the other side of the massive hall. Barnabas chuckled and sighed. He took a quick look at the Traveler then left.
Paimon's POV:
Two days after the discussion, we boarded the Alcor and sailed to Inazuma near midday. Instead of having extreme seasickness, my mind focused entirely on whether we would be able to free Aether or not. For the entire time, I was staring at the seemingly endless ocean, paying no attention whatsoever to anyone else.
Xiangling's POV:
Paimon seemed sad. Though, I understood! Her travel companion went missing. There was a lot of uncertainty in her head. Her state could not be any worse! I attempted to cheer her up, but it didn't work out so well. For lunch, I cooked Black-Back Perch Stew for everyone on board. Dad said the addition of Jueyun Chili's spiciness would help boost everyone's morale.
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I knew Paimon didn't like spicy food, so I made her Crystal Shrimp instead! However, after I gave her the food and tried sparking a conversation, she looked away! Guess things didn't turn out well at all.
Xinyan's POV:
I had the idea of playin' music for Paimon. However, after I saw Xiangling's attempt, I knew I wouldn't stand a chance at all! If Paimon's favorite chef couldn't help her, I doubt I could. So, I just stayed with Beidou and occasionally chatted with everyone.
Keqing's POV:
There was something odd with the ginger-haired man's attire. I was aware that he was Mr. Zhongli's good friend. That meant I could put trust in him, but it couldn't clear all of my suspicions. After the incident with Osial, the Traveler did inform me of the Fatui Harbingers who were active in Liyue. This man fit the description he gave for the 11th Harbinger perfectly. I'd ask Paimon again later. I had a feeling my gut would be correct, and a "Mondstadter adventurer friend" was just a cover-up to prevent chaos.
Beidou's POV:
The air around the ship was intense after we began sailing. Although Xiangling and Xinyan's optimism did boost the spirit up a bit, I must say, things were still awkward. For example, Keqing was all looking odd. She couldn't stop staring at that adventurer's friend of the Traveler and Paimon's. Well, I hoped everything would go back to how it had been before the Traveler got kidnapped.
