The Overlord of Teyvat: Genshin Impact x Overlord crossover

Part 23

Thoma strode toward the only path leading out of Ritou, his gait relaxed yet purposeful. The bustling port town was alive with the usual hum of merchants and sailors, but the atmosphere was tinged with the ever-looming tension of the Vision Hunt Decree.

Two guards flanked the exit, their sharp eyes scanning for any outlander foolish enough to defy the shogunate's orders. They noticed Thoma approaching, his tall figure and warm demeanor standing out amidst the crowd. Despite his cheerful expression, their faces remained cold.

"Hey there, fellas!" Thoma greeted them as he neared them, his voice bright and friendly. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"

One of the guards scoffed, exchanging a sly glance with his companion. "Well, look who it is," he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "The Kamisato Clan's loyal little lapdog. Bet you fetch real well, don't you, Thoma?"

The second guard chuckled darkly, crossing his arms. "Yeah, it must be nice being a pet for the big shots. Get all the scraps, huh?"

Thoma's smile didn't falter, though the glint in his eyes hinted at a deeper resilience. "Now, now," he replied with an easy laugh, "no need for all that. Just doing my job, same as you guys."

He stepped past them, his height making the guards seem almost insignificant in comparison. One of them called out after him, his voice laced with malice. "Still holding onto that Vision of yours, I see. Doesn't matter how long you hide behind the Kamisato Clan—soon enough, even they won't be able to shield you. And when the Vision Hunt Decree comes for you, I'll be the one to confiscate it."

Thoma paused briefly, turning his head just enough to meet the guard's gaze. His expression remained calm, almost disarmingly so. "Well, that's your job, isn't it?" he replied lightly, his tone devoid of animosity. "I'll be sure to wish you luck when that day comes."

The guard's jaw tightened, his fingers curling into a fist as Thoma resumed his stride. He spat on the ground in frustration, watching the tall blonde disappear down the path. "Cocky bastard," he muttered under his breath.

The second guard shook his head. "Doesn't matter. The Vision Hunt Decree will catch up to him soon enough. Let's see how cheerful he is then."

Thoma stepped off the narrow land bridge that connected Ritou to the main expanse of Narukami Island. The horizon was painted in hues of deep orange and purple, signaling the onset of dusk. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of salt from the sea, and the soft hum of cicadas created a soothing backdrop.

Behind him, Aether, Paimon, and Momon walked in silence. As soon as Thoma reached the other side, Momon waved a hand and deactivated the invisible spell surrounding them. Aether and Paimon reappeared with a faint shimmer, their forms solidifying once again.

"Well, guys," Thoma began, his voice carrying a welcoming warmth, "we made it. From here, this road will take us to Konda Village. It's getting late, though, so we should probably find a place to rest for the night. We can rent a house there—no need to rough it out in the open."

"Sounds like a plan," Momon said, his tone neutral but approving.

"Yeah, I could use a cozy place to relax!" Paimon chimed in cheerfully, floating beside Aether.

As they began walking along the dirt road, Aether broke the silence. "Hey, Thoma, about those guards back in Ritou..." he said hesitantly, glancing at the tall blonde.

"Yeah!" Paimon interjected, floating up to Thoma's shoulder. Her tiny fists were clenched, and her face was scrunched in indignation. "They were so mean to you! Calling you a lapdog and stuff—it's just not fair!".