"Equal to Heaven, Bound by Earth" A Genshin Impact Fanfic

Chapter 15: The Storm Unleashed

The chaos in Liyue Harbor had reached a boiling point. The streets buzzed with panic, whispers of adepti and Fatui clashing filling the air. But for Lumine, Paimon, and Wukong, the pieces were falling into place.

Amidst the uproar, it became clear where Childe had gone. The Golden House—the vault where Liyue stored its wealth—was also the resting place of the Exuvia, the Geo Archon's physical remains. The trio made their way there in haste, knowing full well that Childe's goals extended beyond mere coins.

Inside the opulent halls of the Golden House, the air was thick with elemental energy. Gold glimmered in piles, but the center of the room was what drew their attention: the Exuvia, glowing faintly with residual power, rested on an ornate platform. Childe stood before it, his back turned to the group as he studied the remnants of Rex Lapis.

"So, you've come," Childe said without turning around, his voice calm yet laced with menace. "I thought I'd get a little more time before you arrived, but I suppose I underestimated your speed."

"Childe," Lumine called out, stepping forward. "What are you doing here? The Exuvia doesn't belong to the Fatui."

He turned to face them, his signature Hydro blades forming in his hands. "The Exuvia belongs to no one now. But its Gnosis—that is what I seek. If you won't hand it over, I'll take it by force."

Wukong stepped forward, spinning his staff with a flick of his wrist. "And what makes you think you can take it from us? Let me guess, you're going to pull out some cheap Fatui trick and hope we roll over?"

Childe smirked, his grip tightening on his blades. "You'd do well to watch your tongue, Wukong. I've heard about you. Mondstadt still speaks of your battle with Signora. But I assure you, I am not Signora."

"Good," Wukong replied, a cocky grin spreading across his face as he spun his staff around, ready for a fight. "She was way more fun."

Without another word, Childe lunged at them, his Hydro blades carving through the air with blistering speed. Lumine instinctively raised her sword, meeting the strike head-on. Sparks flew as blade met elemental energy, the clash reverberating through the opulent chamber. Paimon squeaked in alarm and darted behind a pile of treasure, shouting warnings as Wukong dashed into the fray.

Wukong intercepted Childe's follow-up strike with a clean parry, his iron staff ringing out as it deflected the Hydro blade. Wukong retaliated with a sweeping blow, sending a sharp gust of wind howling toward the Harbinger. Childe twisted his body mid-air, the gale missing him by inches, before landing gracefully a few feet away.

"Not bad," Childe said, his voice calm yet edged with amusement. His eyes narrowed, flickering with intent. "But let's see how you handle this!"

With a sharp gesture, Childe activated his Hydro Vision, summoning a massive wave that surged toward them with crushing force. The air grew thick with moisture, the roar of water filling the room.

Wukong planted his staff into the ground with a resounding thud. "Not so fast!" He channeled Anemo energy into the staff, creating a whirlwind that rose like a barrier, splitting the wave in two. Water cascaded harmlessly around them, soaking the floor but leaving the trio untouched.

"Is that all you've got?" Wukong taunted, leaping high into the air. His staff, now glowing faintly with swirling winds, descended in a devastating arc. The force of the blow sent a gale force wind toward Childe, scattering gold coins like leaves in a storm.

Childe reacted quickly, rolling to the side with uncanny agility. The impact of Wukong's strike cracked the marble floor where Childe had just stood, sending shards of stone flying. The Harbinger rose to his feet, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he flourished his blades. "Your power's impressive," he admitted. "But brute strength alone won't be enough."