Three days later...
"How are you feeling, my little maid? Still nervous?"
On the calm sea, Yun Fan and Sangonomiya Kokomi stood at the bow of the ship, admiring the breathtaking view.
"I am still a bit nervous. After all, we're about to meet the Raiden Shogun," Kokomi shook her head. Truthfully, she wasn't entirely willing to attend these peace talks.
"Haha, are you afraid the Raiden Shogun will cut you down with a single strike? Don't worry, with me here, even ten Raiden Shoguns wouldn't stand a chance. I'd make them kneel and sing praises," Yun Fan laughed, his confidence and arrogance on full display.
"You're joking again..." Kokomi sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. If it weren't for the divine power Yun Fan had displayed that day, she would have thought he was just an ordinary Liyue citizen. He didn't act like a typical adeptus at all.
Not only that, but he also loved to boast. In the days since becoming his maid, she had heard countless claims like "I can crush the Anemo Archon with my hands" or "I can trample the Geo Archon underfoot."
Of course, she took these as jokes. After all, the Geo Archon and Anemo Archon were both on the same level as the Raiden Shogun. How could an adeptus possibly overpower them?
"Haha, whether it's true or not, you'll find out soon enough."
---
"Hey hey hey! Ladies and gentlemen! Your good buddy Liben is back!"
At the Crux Clash arena, Liben was as energetic as ever. This time, he had clipped a microphone to his collar and was waving his arms enthusiastically, as if leading a cheer.
"Liben sure is full of energy..." Paimon couldn't help but complain. She thought, Uncle Liben, your antics are a bit too cringe. Is this what they call being a social butterfly?
"Yeah, I agree," Lumine nodded, then grabbed Paimon and started pinching her cheeks.
"Ow ow ow, Traveler, why are you pinching my face?" Paimon struggled in Lumine's grasp, completely caught off guard.
But with her tiny strength—less than a third of a wild boar's—she was no match for the Traveler's iron grip. After a futile struggle, she gave up and let Lumine continue pinching her cheeks.
"Paimon, I'm nervous. Do you think I can beat Griseo?" Lumine asked anxiously. Of course, she knew she stood no chance against Griseo, but she was seeking some comfort.
"Traveler, you're asking the obvious! How could you possibly beat Griseo? Remember, she once sliced the Vortex God Osial in half!" Paimon replied, exasperated. Traveler, where did you get this confidence?
"You little traitor, I'll pinch you to death!" Lumine's face darkened as she pinched Paimon's cheeks even harder.
"Traveler, I'm sowwy..."
Back on the stage, after an energetic speech from Liben, the atmosphere was lively. Seizing the moment, he announced loudly:
"Now, let the semifinals of the Crux Clash begin! First match: Griseo versus the Traveler, Lumine!"
"Griseo!" "Griseo!" "Griseo!" "..."
"Traveler!" "Traveler!" "Traveler!" "..."
Before the two even stepped onto the stage, their supporters were already cheering loudly, urging them on.
Amid the cheers, the Traveler, Lumine, made her entrance.
Tap, tap, tap...
Light footsteps echoed from the left entrance as Lumine, with her beautiful golden hair, walked out holding the Sword of Dawn, taking her place on the left side of the arena.
She smiled and waved at her fans, acknowledging their cheers.
Meanwhile, there was no movement from the right entrance.
Just as everyone began to wonder if Griseo had withdrawn from the competition, the girl in question slowly peeked her head out.
"Uh... it seems Griseo isn't wearing shoes. No wonder we didn't hear anything, haha," Liben laughed awkwardly, scratching his messy hair.
The crowd's eyes immediately fell on Griseo's bare feet, and the arena fell silent.
Gulp!
Someone swallowed hard, followed by a chorus of similar sounds.
Perhaps due to her Honkai beast genes, Griseo's body had remained in a youthful state. Her small feet were plump and delicate, with a rosy hue. Even after walking on the ground, they showed no signs of wear or injury. They were like divine creations, too perfect to belong to this world.
"Ahem, now that both contestants are here, I declare the semifinals of the Crux Clash—begin!" Liben quickly changed the subject, fearing the match might take an awkward turn.
"Griseo, please don't hold back. Let me see how far I am from a godlike being," Lumine said earnestly, clasping her hands in a respectful gesture.
"Huh?" Griseo tilted her head, then said something that shocked Lumine: "But I don't want you to die, so I can't use my full strength."
"Uh..." Lumine scratched her head awkwardly. Griseo had a point—the strike that had slain Osial would likely obliterate her. "Ahem, then please hold back a bit. I'd like to live for a few more centuries."
"Okay, I will," Griseo nodded seriously, then reached into the air. A paintbrush and palette materialized in her hands.
Oh no, Griseo's getting serious! Lumine broke out in a cold sweat. She tightened her grip on the Sword of Dawn, her nerves on edge.
"Wow! What do we have here? Griseo has pulled out a paintbrush and palette, popular in Fontaine! What's going on? Is she planning to fight with these?"