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

Chapter 16: Rising Tides

The aftermath of Childe's defeat left the chamber tense, yet eerily silent. Lumine, Wukong, and Paimon stood over the battered Harbinger, who knelt on the ground clutching his chest, his breath ragged.

"You've lost," Lumine said firmly, her blade still in hand but no longer raised to strike. "It's over, Childe. Stand down."

Childe looked up, his lips curling into a sardonic smile despite his injuries. "You think this is over?" He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "You have no idea what's at stake."

Wukong raised an eyebrow, his staff resting lazily against his shoulder. "Oh, don't tell me you're one of those guys who has a 'Plan B.' You're not really making this easy on yourself, you know."

Childe's expression darkened. "Sometimes sacrifices must be made. Rex Lapis understood that, and so will you." With a sudden surge of energy, Childe slammed his hand to the ground, summoning the remaining Sigils of Permission in his possession.

Wukong's sharp eyes caught the glowing fragments forming around Childe, their yellow glowing hue unsettling. "Hey, what's this now?" he asked, stepping forward. His playful demeanor faded, replaced by wary curiosity.

"These are Sigils of Permission," Lumine muttered, her voice laced with concern.

Paimon hovered closer to Lumine. "Wait! You mean like—?"

Childe interrupted, his voice low and menacing. "Exactly. Witness the power of Osial, Overlord of the Vortex!" With a final burst of energy, the Sigils activated, sending waves of green light through the chamber. The walls trembled violently, and the ground cracked beneath their feet.

Wukong swung his staff into the ground to steady himself. "And here I thought we were done with surprises for today," he muttered, his tail flicking in irritation.

The trio rushed outside, their breaths hitching at the sight that awaited them. The once-serene waters of Liyue Harbor were now a chaotic maelstrom, massive waves crashing violently against the shores of Guyun Stone Forest. The air was thick with tension, the atmosphere heavy as if the world itself held its breath.

Dark clouds began to gather overhead, swirling ominously as thunder rumbled in the distance. The golden glow of Liyue Harbor's lanterns seemed muted, swallowed by the encroaching darkness. As rain began to pour, first in light droplets and then in heavy sheets, the sea below roared louder, its fury matching the ominous tone of the skies.

Then, it came—a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath their feet. The water churned wildly, and from the depths emerged a colossal form.

Serpentine heads broke the surface one by one, their scales glistening in the dim light. Each head was crowned with jagged horns, their glowing eyes brimming with ancient fury. Osial's colossal body twisted and coiled, a monstrous leviathan that dwarfed the tallest mountains of Liyue. His presence seemed to drain the color from the world, leaving only shades of gray, green, and gold amidst the storm.

The god's movements were slow at first, as though testing the waters after centuries of imprisonment. But as he fully emerged, his vast form undulating through the waves, Osial let out another roar—a sound so powerful it created shockwaves, sending tremors rippling across the region.

Wukong's usual smirk faltered, his grip on his staff tightening. "Well, that's... definitely bigger than I expected," he muttered. He twirled his staff nervously, his confident facade cracking slightly. "Anyone got a plan that doesn't involve us becoming fish food?"

Paimon, for once, was at a loss for words, her tiny form shivering as she clung to Lumine's shoulder. "Th-that thing is... it's enormous!"

Lumine's golden eyes narrowed as she observed the beast. The rain soaked her hair and clothes, but she paid no mind. "We need to stop him before he destroys everything," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Ningguang and the Qixing might already have something prepared."