Lumine, still cradling Chu Xi in her arms, returned directly to the secluded haven they had created together within the Serenitea Pot.
The Teapot Abode remained enveloped in an ethereal mist, its tranquil serenity a stark contrast to the brutal battlefield beyond.
Step by step, Lumine approached the room that had always been reserved for Chu Xi. Pushing open the door, she found the room exactly as they had left it, as if its Master had merely stepped away for a moment and would soon return.
She remembered how Chu Xi and Furina had decorated this space together—Furina brimming with suggestions, Chu Xi skillfully transforming them into reality.
Gently laying Chu Xi's cold body on the soft bed, Lumine carefully tucked the blanket up to her chin, as if afraid she might catch a chill.
Having done this, Lumine stood motionless at the bedside, head bowed, her gaze fixed on Chu Xi's face—a face that looked merely asleep, yet devoid of life.
The silence in the room was terrifying, broken only by the rustling of simulated wind through bamboo leaves outside the window.
Time seemed to freeze here for an eternity.
Finally, Lumine drew in a barely audible breath.
Slowly, she raised her hand, her fingertips tracing Chu Xi's icy temple with featherlight tenderness. She carefully tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear.
This simple gesture seemed to exhaust every last ounce of her strength.
Without lingering or looking back, Lumine turned resolutely, her steps slightly unsteady yet resolute, and walked out of the room, softly closing the door behind her.
With a shift of light and shadow, Lumine reappeared in the dilapidated corridors of the Stadium of the Sacred Flame.
The grief on her face had been replaced by an almost cold composure, only the deep crimson lingering in the depths of her eyes betrayed the torment she had just endured.
-
Player World, Chen Xiyao's Live Stream
The screen's perspective, following Lumine's gaze, shifted to the tranquil Serenitea Pot.
As Lumine carried the white-shrouded figure, step by step, toward that familiar room, the live stream's chat scroll noticeably slowed, and a heavy atmosphere settled over the viewers.
Gently, Lumine laid Chu Xi on the bed, carefully tucking the blanket around her. Then she stood silently by the bedside for a long, lingering moment.
The camera zoomed in, lingering on Chu Xi's pale yet peaceful face, as if she were merely asleep.
In that moment, the live stream was completely overwhelmed by a surging wave of grief.
[ Uwaaaah, no... Chu Xi... ]
[ She's really gone... This time it's for real... (sobbing) ]
[ She looks just like she's sleeping... ]
[ My Chu Xi! Why did this have to happen to her?! ]
[ Doctor, I'm not finished with you yet!!! (consumed by rage) ]
[ The knife! The massive knife! Mihoyo, you have no heart! ]
[ We were adventuring together just moments ago... and now this... ]
[ She's finally free from suffering... But it hurts so much... ]
[ Goodnight, Chu Xi. May heaven be free of Doctors and the Abyss. ]
[ Goodnight, Chu Xi. ]
[ Goodnight... ]
The initial shock and disbelief in the chat gradually gave way to a flood of "Goodnight" messages, completely overwhelming the screen.
No elaborate words were needed; these simple two words carried all the players' reluctance, grief, and final farewell.
Chen Xiyao watched the screen, already sobbing uncontrollably.
Sniffling, she gazed at the wall of "Goodnight" messages, struggled to compose herself, and spoke softly in a voice thick with emotion:
"...Everyone... let's see Chu Xi off together... Goodnight, Chu Xi... Rest well. We'll defeat the Abyss for you and destroy the Doctor..."
In the live stream, the gift effects quietly transformed. Gone were the lively "666" or "Likes"; instead, countless gifts bearing names like "Prayer," "Rest in Peace," and "Angel"—symbols of solace and farewell—flooded the screen.
A solemn and sorrowful atmosphere enveloped the entire live stream. All viewers were immersed in an indescribable sense of loss and heartache, jointly mourning the companion who had once fought alongside them but ultimately perished in a tragic manner.
The dark clouds over Natlan began to slowly dissipate, allowing sunlight to stream through once more.
The sun was nearly setting, the time precisely 6 PM. From the first light of dawn until this moment, the war had lasted barely a day, yet it had inflicted devastating and unbearable losses upon Natlan.
The Children of Echoes and Scions of the Canopy Tribes had been utterly overrun. With the exception of Kinich, every member of both tribes had perished.
The People of the Springs and Flower-Feather Clan suffered the next highest losses. Due to their geographical positions, these tribes endured limited attacks from monsters surging out of the Pillars of Light.
The Masters of the Night-Wind and Collective of Plenty fared the least badly, though this was only by comparison.
On the front lines, warriors from various tribes, led by Xilonen, Mualani, Ororon, Iansan, Kachina, and others, suffered an 80% fatality rate. Nearly all survivors were wounded.
-
Speaker's Chamber
Citlali, Mavuika, the Captain, Xilonen, Mualani, and others had gathered here.
After carefully summarizing and analyzing the losses, the atmosphere grew incredibly somber.
Mualani stood beside Kachina, her usually lively spirit replaced by a bowed head and utter silence. She had just learned of the People of the Springs' devastating losses, including the sacrifice of Aunt Atea in the battle against the Abyss, along with other tribal members...
Kachina covered her small face with her hands, tears streaking across her tear-stained cheeks.
Gone... all gone...
Her tribal family, her friends, her elders—all had perished in this war.
The war's brutality far exceeded everyone's expectations. Natlan was nearly annihilated. Though the Abyss had temporarily retreated, it remained far from vanquished.
Just then, Lumine and Paimon arrived.
Lumine's arrival drew all eyes to her.
Mavuika immediately stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern: "Traveler, you should be resting..."
"The Pillar of Light and the greatest threat have been dealt with. It was Chu Xi... In the end... she stopped everything."
She omitted the entire process, the heart-wrenching act of slaying her Trusted Friend with her own hands, offering only the conclusion.
With a slight turn of her head, she avoided Mavuika's probing gaze and said softly, "Now, we need to discuss our next steps."
Citlali stepped beside Lumine, placing a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes held a complex mix of sorrow and heartache.
If she could, Citlali would have willingly taken on all of Lumine's burden. But... that was simply impossible.
All she could do was offer comfort, hoping it would ease Lumine's anguish even slightly.
"Our current plan... two of the Six Heroes are missing, and the Traveler's plan is also short one person... Without Ishkab, the plan cannot proceed."
The Captain's voice broke the heavy atmosphere: "Fortunately, Her Majesty the Tsaritsa and the strongest combatants from the other nations have all converged on Natlan. However, the situation remains dire. Our immediate priority is to locate Ishkab and ascertain her condition."
Mavuika: "I know Ishkab well. She's not one to abandon her post. Something must have happened. Our people have never stopped searching for her. Before proceeding with our plans, we must prepare for the worst."
Xilonen: "Members of the Flower-Feather Clan and the People of the Springs are already heading here. Logistics need to keep pace. I can handle that."
Inside the Speaker's Chamber, the group coordinated their arrangements. Having just concluded a war, there was much to be done.
Time passed slowly. Late that night, Kinich dragged his exhausted body back to the Arena. In the pre-dawn hours, Chasca arrived, cradling the body of the fallen Chuychu.
After a night of meticulous planning and execution, order had been restored to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame.
The stadium was now overflowing with people, even more than during the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame. But unlike that earlier time, the despair in their eyes was palpable. Smiles were rare.
Everyone was affected. Even Paimon's appetite had diminished.