Furina had returned home, exhausted but content after a day of leisure. She collapsed onto her sofa, feeling lighter, as if years of accumulated mental pressure had finally eased.
She picked up the teapot on the coffee table and poured herself a cup of black tea. Ever since the Knights of Lancelot had accompanied her back to Fontaine, her black teapot had never gone cold. A knight would always ensure a fresh pot was ready.
Taking a sip, Furina let out a satisfied sigh. "Ah~ so relaxing~"
She pulled out a pick-up card and retrieved a slice of strawberry cake. "Hehehe~ Let's see how this little cake tastes."
She scooped a bite into her mouth, savoring it. "Mmm~ This is amazing! The cake is fluffy, and the cream isn't too sweet—just perfect!"
Her gaze fell on the pick-up card resting on the table. After a moment of thought, she decided to treat everyone in Mo Mang Palace to some cake.
Calling Lancelot, she instructed him to set up a grand table at the palace entrance. Then, she asked Melusine to gather all the staff so they could receive their treats one by one.
The staff was ecstatic. This wasn't just a cake—it was a gift from their Water Archon! A symbol of her appreciation!
Everyone lined up in an orderly manner, carefully taking their cakes. None of them ate immediately. Some planned to savor it later, while others intended to preserve it as a keepsake of their goddess's favor.
A few also noticed the title above Furina's head: [Water Element Controller]. It seemed fitting—after all, their god wielded control over the water element. The title carried a noble air.
However, Furina soon realized someone was missing. "Where's Violet?"
Lancelot, standing nearby, responded, "He's handling official business."
Furina huffed, grabbing a piece of blueberry cake before marching towards Violet's office.
Upon arrival, she kicked the door open. "Violet! Are you planning a rebellion? I told you to come get cake, and you didn't! Now I have to personally deliver it to you!"
Violet, seated at his desk, looked up and sighed. "Lady Furina, please knock before entering my office."
She waved a dismissive hand. "Don't sweat the details. Here, try this cake—I picked it for you personally."
She set the cake on his desk, but in the process, some cream smeared onto her hand. Without a second thought, she grabbed a document from his desk, tore a piece off, and wiped her hands clean.
Satisfied, she smiled, then casually tossed the stained paper aside.
Violet's eye twitched as he stared at the ruined document. His patience was hanging by a thread. His first instinct was to be furious, but he took a deep breath and forced himself to stay calm.
This is our god. We must not get angry.
With a strained smile, he quickly picked up the cake and took a bite. "Delicious. Thank you. Please, go back."
Furina blinked, sensing something odd about his demeanor, but shrugged it off. "Alright then, I'm heading out."
With Lancelot in tow, she left Mo Mang Palace and made her way beyond the city.
It was time for revenge.
The legend was back!
With determination in her stride, she traveled north, diving deep into the sea until she arrived at the lair of an infamous beast: Vivianne!
As soon as Furina stepped inside, Vivianne attacked without warning. Massive water orbs hurtled toward her.
Furina panicked, but a flash of silver light cut through the air—multiple sword marks sliced the water orbs apart before they could reach her.
Lancelot stood in front of Furina, his sword gleaming. "Foul creature! How dare you attack my lady? You're courting death!"
He was about to strike, but Furina, having regained her composure, stopped him. "Lancelot, this one's mine."
Lancelot hesitated, then stepped aside after assessing Furina's newfound strength. However, the entire order of 32 knights surrounded Vivianne, watching her every move with lethal precision.
The battle was about to begin.
At Yuri's shop, the usual crowd was still enjoying their meals—Kevin, the Stellaron Hunters, the six little ones, Yuri, Topaz, Jade, and Clara.
Xiangling stepped out of a portal with Guoba, and Yuri immediately noticed the casserole in Guoba's hands.
"Didn't you bring that soup to Mei and the others? What happened?"
Xiangling sighed. "They left for a Honkai outbreak. No time to eat, so I brought it back."
Kevin's ears perked up. "Honkai? The one Kiana mentioned—full of monsters?"
Xiangling nodded. "Yes. Why?"
Kevin put down his bowl and chopsticks without another word, summoning the Judgment of Shamash.
"Then I'm going. March 7th, Firefly, with me."
March 7th grabbed her Houyi bow and sprinted toward the portal, following Kevin. Firefly activated her transformation device and rushed in behind them.
Seeing this, Himeko, Welt, and Dan Heng stood up as well.
Kafka set down her utensils. "Blade."
Blade nodded slightly. "I know."
Kafka and Blade followed suit, and Silver Wolf sighed in resignation. "Guess gaming will have to wait."
Yuri turned to Rios. "Let's head over. You stay here and keep an eye on Klee and the others."
Yuri, Rios, and the six little ones also stepped through the portal.
Topaz glanced at Jade.
Jade thought for a moment before nodding. "We should go too. Send a message to Misha—tell him to return tomorrow."
Topaz quickly sent the message and soon received Misha's response. "Done."
Jade gestured. "Alright, let's go, little Yelina. Time to help our friends."
Within minutes, the shop was empty—only Xiangling and Guoba remained.
Xiangling looked around and made a decision. "Guoba, we need to get reinforcements. Let's go!"
Soon, they reached Liyue's Internet café, where Zhongli, Nahida, Asmodeus, Hu Tao, Huo Huo, and Liu Yun were gathered.
Xiangling, panting from her sprint, barely managed to get the words out. "Quick! Kiana and the others are in trouble! We need help! Yuri and the others already left!"
Zhongli stood up immediately, using his divine power to transport everyone through a portal to Wanmin Hall. After another portal jump, they arrived at St. Freya Academy.
Meanwhile, Yuri and his group had already boarded a battleship. As they prepared to depart, Hu Tao suddenly jumped and waved frantically.
"Wait for me! The Hall Master is coming too!"
Silver Wolf, in charge of piloting, quickly halted the engine.
Zhongli exhaled in relief. "Good, we made it in time. Let's go meet up with everyone."
He led the Liyue group aboard the warship, stepping up beside Yuri.
"What's the situation?"
Yuri sipped his tea calmly. "Relax. It's not that bad—just a city overrun with monsters."
Zhongli glanced at Welt, who gave a confirming nod. He finally let out a breath, tension easing.
Yuri handed Zhongli a cup. "Here. Have some tea and take it easy."
Welt stood by the window, gazing at St. Freya Academy below. It had been a long time, but everything still felt familiar.
Kevin, Hu Tao, March 7th, Firefly, Xiangling, and a few others gathered, exchanging stories of their latest adventures. The six little ones ran excitedly around the ship, especially Klee, who was mesmerized by the ammunition warehouse.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she reached toward the storage ring on her finger.
Above Canghai City.
Kiana and the others arrived, surveying the smoke-covered battlefield. Destruction stretched as far as the eye could see.
Kiana fidgeted impatiently. "Aunt, can I go now? I'm ready to show my power!"
Theresa shot her a sharp look. "Kiana, don't be reckless! I'll say it three times so you don't forget—DON'T BE RECKLESS!"
Kiana saluted. "Understood!"
Once communication checks were complete, Theresa gave the signal.
At the hatch, Kiana gripped the edge, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she looked down at the city below.
Then, with a fearless grin, she leapt.
Midair, she activated her suit.
"Athena Valkyrie Armor—deploy!"
Her voice rang through the comms, full of determination.
"Kiana—ATTACK!"