The night slipped by in quiet peace. At dawn, after sharing a simple breakfast with Aila and Miss Shinobu, Futsu Mitama had just put down his chopsticks when a familiar voice rang out from beyond the door.
"Hey!!! Miss Shinobu! Mr. Futsu Mitama! Are you there?!"
The three exchanged glances. Then, as though guided by the same thought, they stepped outside—only to find Xiangling and Guoba cheerfully waving at the threshold.
"What time is it?"
Futsu Mitama blinked, momentarily at a loss. They had only just woken up, barely finished breakfast and it wasn't even seven yet. Yet Xiangling was here already? Was this how eager she was to head for South Gate and Tianqiu Valley?
"Hi!!!" Xiangling's grin widened the moment she spotted them, her energetic wave somehow even livelier than before—almost as if announcing her arrival a second time.
"Lululu!!" Guoba jumped beside her, waving with equal enthusiasm.
"You're this early?" Futsu Mitama stepped out, an involuntary mixture of confusion and disbelief crossing his face.
"Early?" Xiangling tilted her head. "To keep from waking you all up, I even made sure to leave a little later than usual today."
"Ah—?"
Her answer only deepened his bewilderment. She had deliberately come late?
"Perfectly normal." Kuki Shinobu explained without expression, "Xiangling always wakes up early to look for fresh ingredients. When I was studying in Liyue, I sometimes left Liyue Harbor with her before dawn."
Xiangling nodded earnestly. "We even ran into Hilichurls that day. Thankfully Miss Shinobu was with me. She took them down in just a few strikes!"
Kuki Shinobu remained silent. In truth, even without her, Xiangling would have managed just fine. As a chef accustomed to roaming the wilds for ingredients, Xiangling's marksmanship and her Pyro Vision—were not to be underestimated. Even the little companion always at her side was no mere mascot; under that adorable appearance was a fire-breathing powerhouse.
"So, shall we get going?" Futsu Mitama exhaled. Complaints aside, they were ready. Breakfast eaten, bags prepared—nothing more to delay their departure to South Gate and Tianqiu Valley.
"Okay!!" Xiangling looked moments away from bouncing out of her shoes.
And just like that, the small group set out from Liyue Harbor—so early that they did not even manage to greet their neighbor, Hu Tao.
Meanwhile, in the shadowed corridors of the Northland Bank, the Fatui agents assigned to watch them immediately relayed the news. Tartaglia was the first to receive it.
"Leaving Liyue Harbor?" He raised a brow, genuine surprise flickering across his eyes. Futsu Mitama had only arrived a few days prior—why depart already? Was his objective not within the harbor, but hidden somewhere deeper in Liyue's lands?
If so—the trail would become far more troublesome to follow.
"Yes, Lord Harbinger." The agent bowed respectfully. "He is accompanied by Chef Xiangling from Wanmin Restaurant. We suspect they may be traveling to gather ingredients."
"Our intelligence from yesterday indicates Futsu Mitama only visited three locations: the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Guiyan Assembly, and Wanmin Restaurant. As for the former shrine maiden and maid at his side, their range of activity was broader. But what they seek, we are still unsure."
Even with Fatui resources, they could not discern the group's true purpose. Those three locations could imply countless possibilities—government affairs, mining business, or simply a meal.
"Forget it. No point overthinking." Tartaglia waved the thought aside. "Keep tracking Futsu Mitama. I want to know their intentions."
"Though I say I wish to befriend them—that only applies if they don't interfere with my plans."
He rose from his seat, brushing off his coat. "I'm heading out to meet Zhongli. I'll ask about Liyue's ancient legends. Word has it that Dottore has taken an interest in the Geovishap lineages. I'll start by probing Zhongli's knowledge."
The agent nodded silently. A collaborator of the Fatui, no matter who they were, was always tested. But the order to keep watch on Futsu Mitama made them uneasy. After all—Scaramouche and Signora had both suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of that group.
A direct confrontation? Impossible without at least two platoons. One-on-one, they would be flattened before they could react.
Perhaps sensing this apprehension, Tartaglia added:
"Oh—one more thing."
He looked back with a grin.
"Safety first. Do not engage them. If a fight breaks out, surrender immediately."
"After all, this is Liyue. They're unlikely to commit outright murder. But if they do—"
His smile sharpened.
"I'll simply exercise Liyue's legal protocols and have these Inazuman troublemakers detained."
A collective sigh of relief escaped the room. As long as they didn't have to fight that group, things would be—survivable.
"The task is yours. I'm heading out." Tartaglia had many matters to attend to that day—far too many to challenge Futsu Mitama for an honorable duel, much as he wanted to.
A pity.
Futsu Mitama, of course, remained blissfully unaware of the Northland Bank's machinations.
And even if he knew, he would hardly care. After all, the same logic applied: this was Liyue, not Snezhnaya. If the Fatui wished to stir trouble, he could very well counter with law and procedure. And with Yanfei—Kuki Shinobu's senior and Liyue's own "Lawyer"—on his side, alongside the Inazuman "Lawyer". One could easily guess who would win such a case.
But for now, Futsu Mitama had far more immediate concerns—namely, navigating Liyue's terrain. The landscape that felt expansive yet manageable in the game felt… decidedly less so in reality.
"Wow! These raspberries look so fresh!"
"Ooh! Sunsettias!"
"Pigeons—don't run away!!"
Throughout the journey, Xiangling gleefully collected ingredients, each discovery sending her into another burst of enthusiasm. Guoba scurried alongside her, equally delighted.
"Where are we now?" Futsu Mitama studied the surroundings. His game-based sense of direction had proven far less reliable in reality.
"This is Qingyun Peak," Kuki Shinobu explained. "Once we descend, we'll be near South Gate."
"This spot is quite famous. See those two mountains?" She pointed into the distance. "People say Adepti dwell there. While I haven't met a Liyue Adeptus myself, my senior sister possesses Adeptal blood. If the ancient texts are accurate—they must be incredibly powerful."
Aila's eyes lit up.
Futsu Mitama nodded toward the peaks. "Mt. Aocang and Mt. Hulao, right?"
"Eh? You know their names?" Xiangling exclaimed.
Futsu Mitama only smiled. He had roamed those peaks countless times in his past life—collecting jade, shattering amber, chasing crystalflies. A veteran player could hardly forget. Their walk continued, with the three women's conversation drifting from Adepti lore to culinary arts. Aila sought guidance; Xiangling happily shared; Shinobu offered her own insights. Their laughter mingled with the mountain breeze.
Futsu Mitama, meanwhile, dedicated himself to a far more noble endeavor—pampering Guoba.
"Lululu~~~"
Guoba let out a contented trill—only to stiffen suddenly, his gaze snapping toward a distant point.
"Help!!! Someone—help!!! Anyone!!!!"
A man's desperate cry echoed across the mountains.
"Someone's in danger!" Xiangling reacted instantly, spear already in hand.
"Let's take a look first," Shinobu said calmly. "It might be Treasure Hoarders. There have been many sightings recently."
But Xiangling was already sprinting toward the sound. Guoba darted after her, legs pumping furiously.
"We should go too." Futsu Mitama followed with Shinobu and Aila close behind.
Soon, they reached a clearing—And found a man with a backpack, strange hairstyle, and sunglasses being pursued by Geovishap Hatchlings and full-grown Geovishaps alike.
The man fled for his life. The predators advanced leisurely, as if savoring the hunt.
"What the heck?!" Futsu Mitama froze. He stared at the man, disbelief washing over him. "Liben?!!!"
Of all people— He had run into his "great angel" from the game, right here in the wilds of Liyue.
Futsu Mitama stood frozen for half a heartbeat, unable to reconcile what he was seeing. The man sprinting for his life—bright backpack bouncing, bizarre hairstyle swaying, sunglasses somehow still clinging to his face—was unmistakably the one responsible for countless seasons of "bargains" and "daily negotiations."
"Liben?!"
The cry slipped out before he could stop himself. At the sound of approaching footsteps, the besieged merchant glanced over in desperation. Even through his sunglasses, one could sense the sudden spark of hope.
"Help!! You folks over there—please lend me a hand before I become Geovishap lunch!!"
Xiangling did not hesitate. "Hang on! I'll clear a path!"
She twirled her polearm, surging forward with all the enthusiasm of a chef rushing toward a rare ingredient. Pyro surged from her Vision, illuminating her determined expression.
Kuki Shinobu followed, blade sliding free with a soft ring. "Stay on guard. Mature Geovishaps aren't easy opponents—these hatchlings are nothing compared to the adults."
Aila stepped forward as well, her stance graceful yet firm—she may not have had a Vision, but her training left no gaps. Guoba gave an adorable but surprisingly fierce "Lululu!!" as flames puffed from his mouth.
The first wave of Geovishap Hatchlings lunged, but Xiangling's spearwork was swift. She parried one, kicked off a stone, and spun midair—her Pyronado scattering the smaller beasts and turning the battlefield into a swirling inferno.
Kuki Shinobu dashed through the flames unfazed, her sword slicing cleanly through a Hatchling attempting to flank them. "Aila, cover Mitama. Keep watch for ambushes—Geovishaps never act alone."
"Understood!"
The two adult Geovishaps, seeing their "hunt" disrupted, growled lowly and shifted into an attack posture. Elemental energy swirled around their stone-like scales: one brimming with Geo, the other pulsing faintly with Hydro—from environmental absorption.
Futsu Mitama narrowed his eyes. "So that's how they are up close—much more menacing than in the game…"
The Geo-charged Geovishap stomped, cracks splitting across the ground as it prepared to strike the intruders. But just as its tail whipped forward—
A sudden eruption of flame surged upward. Guoba had launched himself at the creature with the courage of a seasoned warrior, his tiny form blazing like a meteor.
The Geovishap recoiled.
Xiangling seized the opening instantly. "Nice one, Guoba!"
Her spear flickered with heat as she combined her movement with Shinobu's cover, driving straight toward the core of the two beasts' formation.
Aila, meanwhile, supported from behind—throwing stones, distracting incoming attacks, and intercepting stray Hatchlings with unexpectedly disciplined movements.
Within moments, the tide of battle shifted from chaos to control.
The last of the Geovishap Hatchlings collapsed, rolling over with a defeated groan. The two adult Geovishaps, unable to withstand the coordinated assault, slunk back into the mountain forest—uttering low, grudging hisses as they retreated.
Only then did the forest regain its quiet.
Liben collapsed on the ground in relief, panting heavily. "Hah… hah… oh, my stars… thank you—thank you! If not for you all, I would've become a collectible fossil for some curious scholar!"
He stood, dusted off his extravagant coat, and flashed his trademark smile—the kind that always preceded some mysterious "bargain."
"Friends! Adventurers! Heroes! Your timing was impeccable! Truly, destiny brings kindred spirits together!"
Futsu Mitama stared at him for a long moment. "It really is you."
"Eh?" Liben tilted his head, sunglasses glinting. "Have we met before?"
Futsu Mitama sighed inwardly.
Boss…in the game you asked us for items every month. In this world, too, you're still getting chased while 'searching for supplies'? Some things never change.
Xiangling, curious as always, asked, "What were you doing all the way out here, Liben? These mountains are full of Geovishaps. If you wanted ingredients, you should've come with us!"
Liben scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Ahaha…well, you see, I was out gathering goods for a very important business! But I may have…wandered slightly off my intended path."
Kuki Shinobu crossed her arms. "Slightly? This area is practically a Geovishap gathering site."
Liben coughed. "C-cough! A seasoned merchant must take risks! Opportunity lies where others dare not tread! And—uh—sometimes I tread a bit too boldly…"
"Mmhm." Aila nodded politely, though her eyes betrayed amusement.
Seeing he wasn't about to win the argument, Liben abruptly brightened. "Anyway! As thanks for saving my life, allow me to offer something special!"
He rummaged through his backpack with dramatic flair—objects clinking and rustling within as though he were carrying half a warehouse on his back.
Futsu Mitama, Xiangling, Aila, and Shinobu all leaned slightly forward out of habit.
After all…Liben's "mysterious gift boxes" had a certain reputation.
"Well then!" Liben declared proudly. "For rescuing the great Liben, you shall receive—"
He pulled out…A single Sunsettia.
"…this delightful fruit! Freshly harvested, superb quality, infused with the blessings of nature!"
Silence.
Even Guoba stared.
Liben blinked. "Is something the matter?"
Futsu Mitama exhaled slowly.
Yes…it's him. Without a doubt.