Seizing the moment while Dainsleif was present, Shao Yun began rallying everyone inside the tent. His voice carried strength and clarity, filled with conviction—reminiscent of Dutch van der Linde inspiring his gang in the old days.
"This mountain, this freezing hell—it's a challenge unlike anything we've faced. The Abyss Order won't let us go easily. If they can't track us directly, they'll resort to the oldest, hardest method: scouring every inch of this snowfield, step by step, until they find our trail."
"In the coming days, we'll be living like nomads, without a permanent shelter. But believe me—I, Shao Yun, will find a way. I'll lead us out of this, I'll shake the Abyss Order off our backs!"
His voice grew louder, more resolute, as he clenched his fist tight, his belief and determination coalescing into a promise.
"Survive this, and paradise awaits!"
The eight words echoed through the tent, branding themselves in the hearts of those listening.
Then Shao Yun turned to leave. Dainsleif followed.
Noticing the other man's intent to speak, Shao Yun quickly tried to change the subject.
"Oh—look at me, almost forgot to get you something warm to wear. I'll grab it now."
But Dainsleif wasn't so easily diverted. He gently grabbed Shao Yun's arm, meeting his gaze squarely.
"I'm not cold, Shao Yun. What I do want to know is—now that we've taken Aether with us, what's your next move? How do we truly rid ourselves of the Abyss Order's threat?"
Shao Yun rubbed his chin, thoughtful, before laying out his plan.
"We'll stay mobile in Dragonspine. Keep the Abyss Order chasing ghosts until the contract I made with that demon expires. When it does, I'll face it myself—make one final trade to end this for good. As for when…"
He sighed and shook his head.
"It could be tomorrow. Or next week. It's impossible to say."
Dainsleif frowned at the vagueness. "So, you don't even know when that thing will show up?"
Shao Yun didn't dwell on it. His tone remained firm.
"Listen, we're in a better position than you think—food, winter gear, horses. But most importantly—we have time. As long as we stay sharp and hold our ground, we will get through this."
He then shifted the topic, cutting straight to the point.
"Without Aether, their plans stall. That's an opening—for us and for you. Unless you've got a better strategy, this is what we're doing."
Dainsleif closed his eyes, weighing the risks. After a moment, he opened them again.
"…Fine. Then what do you need me to do?"
Shao Yun pointed toward the camp's edge.
"You take first watch. I'll handle dinner. Once we eat, we find a better shelter—preferably a solid cave. This tent won't stand up to Dragonspine's nights."
Dainsleif gave a silent nod, then turned and strode toward the edge of the camp to begin his duty.
Shao Yun turned back to his task—cooking. Each had their role.
Inside the tent, Lumine and Paimon were finally warming up.
Lumine sat beside Aether, carefully holding a canteen to his lips. As she helped him drink, she asked softly, "Brother… there's so much I want to ask. Why did you join the Abyss Order? What are you really fighting for?"
Aether finished the last drop and looked at her, eyes gentle, head shaking slowly.
"Sister… you don't understand how deep this goes. This isn't the end of your journey—your path stretches far beyond this."
But Lumine's voice was full of resolve and quiet pain.
"Then where is my end? The only reason I set out across Teyvat was to find you. Now that I have… I won't leave again. This time, I'm putting my faith in Shao Yun."
Aether stared at the unwavering trust in her eyes, his heart a whirlwind of emotion. He tried to explain, but the words fell flat.
"I never wanted to leave you either… but this—this is more complicated than you can imagine…"
He let out a long sigh, the weight in his chest palpable.
"This isn't… the right time for us to truly reunite."
But Lumine didn't care about the timing. She looked at him with gentle firmness.
"Just like Shao Yun said, all I care about is that you're here. He'll find a way—we'll find somewhere safe. Somewhere we can live together. In Teyvat."
Aether blinked, surprised by her certainty. He hesitated, then asked,
"And what about you? What of the power you lost? You're just going to abandon that?"
Lumine reached for her waist and drew the Gunslinger's Revolver Shao Yun had given her. Her fingers brushed the cool steel.
"He promised to teach me how to use this. And honestly… more than reclaiming power—I want you back."
Aether's gaze drifted to her hat, to the revolver in her lap. His emotions tangled like vines.
He sighed. "He's corrupted you, Lumine…"
Still, he hadn't given up hope.
"The Abyss Order won't stop. I promise—I'll wait for you. At the real end of your path."
Lumine's eyes were full of pleading.
"Why? We're together now. Why would you leave? Is it… because of Shao Yun?"
The mention of Shao Yun sparked a flicker of anger—but more than that, sorrow and helplessness.
Aether calmed himself, then spoke slowly.
"I am upset with him. He took you away. But… that's not the real reason."
Lumine squeezed his hand tightly.
"Then what is? Please, brother—I need to know."
His eyes clouded with hesitation. In the end, all he could do was sigh.
"I'm sorry, Lumine. I can't tell you. But I beg you… let me go. Keep walking your path. It's the only thing I can ask of you as your brother."
Just then, Shao Yun returned, carrying two steaming bowls of thick vegetable stew. His arrival interrupted the rising tension in the tent.
"Lumine, don't be upset. The past is the past. We've found Aether, and now I'll find a way to end the Abyss Order's threat. When it's all over, he'll come around. We'll settle somewhere quiet—start over. Everything's going to be okay."
He handed a bowl each to Lumine and Paimon.
He said gently, "I'll get your brother's in a moment. You two try this first."
Lumine took a wooden spoon and brought a small sip to her lips. Her face lit up with a soft smile.
"Mmm, it's good. The tomato flavor's strong. It's warm."
Shao Yun let out a small sigh of relief. Maybe I'm not just good at grilling meat. Thanks for the blessing, Dutch.
He reached out and gently patted Paimon's head beneath the thick wool cloak.
"Paimon, I know this mountain's been hard. But hang in there. It'll get better."
Paimon nodded quietly, sipping her stew in silence.
Shao Yun smiled and left one last word—"Trust me"—before heading out to get Aether's portion.
Aether, seeing him go, opened his mouth to speak again, but Lumine interrupted with quiet resolve.
"Don't. I understand Shao Yun's choices. And I support them. I'll feed you in a bit."
Aether's reply never came. Shao Yun reentered, bowl in hand.
"Nope. I'm feeding your brother myself. You don't get to feed other men—not even your brother."
His tone had a childish stubbornness.
Lumine blinked, then smiled mischievously.
"Are you… jealous? Of my brother?"
Shao Yun nodded without shame.
"Yep. You've never fed me. So, I'm feeding him—to stake my claim."
Lumine shook her head, half-exasperated, half-amused.
"You ridiculous man… Fine. But just make sure he eats."
Shao Yun grinned, casting her a reassuring look.
"Don't worry—I'll take very good care of my dear brother-in-law. He won't go hungry."
Aether glared at him, voice rising in fury.
"I want to kill you. You ruined everything!"
But Shao Yun remained unbothered, grinning as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"Eat first. You can kill me later."
He crouched beside Aether, scooping up a spoonful of steaming stew and holding it out.
"Come on. A meal, courtesy of your favorite brother-in-law."
Aether seethed, having zero appetite.
"Your recklessness is going to get people killed."
But Shao Yun took advantage of the moment Aether opened his mouth and slipped in the spoon.
Speaking gently, as if calming a wild cat, he said, "No one's dying. We'll make it out. Just trust me."
Aether swallowed reluctantly, glaring.
"The Abyss Order will hurt innocent people looking for me. And you—do you even care?"
Shao Yun casually kept feeding him, unfazed.
"Let's be honest—there's no one on this mountain. And yeah, I help folks from time to time. But I'm no messiah, no savior. We just need to live our lives—and live them well."