Shao Yun gripped the machete tightly in his hand as he, Lumine, and Paimon rode along the shoreline of Tatarasuna, steadily making their way toward Watatsumi Island.
Their pace was slow, and it wasn't until daylight broke that they reached Nazuchi Beach, which lay between Yashiori Island and Tatarasuna.
The beach stretched wide, littered with the wreckage of boats, shattered armor, and a variety of broken weapons.
A faint but persistent scent of blood hung in the air, as if it had seeped deep into the sand, refusing to fade.
Floating above, Paimon squinted toward something in the distance and exclaimed, "Shao Yun, look! I think someone's over there!"
Shao Yun followed the direction of her finger and saw two tall shogunate soldiers pinning a resistance member to the ground.
Several corpses lay scattered nearby—some from the resistance, others from the shogunate.
It was clear they'd stumbled into a plot trigger. The one pinned must be that young man, Teppei.
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Shao Yun's lips. "Looks like we've got a friend in trouble."
He tugged the reins, bringing the horse to a stop, and dismounted with practiced ease.
Reaching for the Lancaster Repeater strapped to the saddle, he glanced back at Lumine and Paimon on horseback. "Stay here. Don't move. I'll check it out."
With that, he approached the pinned-down Teppei, rifle in hand.
One of the shogunate soldiers noticed Shao Yun and immediately called out, "Hey! You—"
But Shao Yun didn't hesitate. He raised the rifle and pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The bullet ripped through the soldier, felling him instantly.
The second soldier, startled, scrambled to draw his blade, but Shao Yun was faster. With a swift pump of the lever, he fired again.
Bang!
Before the blade could clear its sheath, the second soldier collapsed, lifeless.
Teppei watched the whole scene unfold, a wave of relief washing over him.
"Phew—saved. I really thought I was going to die here today… My first battlefield and I get ambushed. What rotten luck…"
Shao Yun approached, extending a hand with a faint grin. "Still, lucky for you, the heavens don't seem to want you just yet."
Teppei let out a small chuckle, grasping Shao Yun's hand as he was helped up.
Brushing off the dirt, Teppei said gratefully, "Thanks for the save. I'm Teppei, member of the Resistance's Shrimp Brigade."
Shao Yun nodded, then pointed toward the horse. "I'm Shao Yun. That's my beloved, Lumine, on the horse, and the floating one is our cute little friend, Paimon."
Following his gaze, Teppei's eyes widened with curiosity and wonder at the sight of the majestic Boadicea.
"A horse! Oh my Archons, I've only read about them in books. I never thought I'd see a real one!"
Shao Yun chuckled and whistled. Boadicea obediently trotted over, carrying Lumine and Paimon.
He patted the horse's neck and looked at Teppei. "Want to give it a pet?"
Teppei quickly waved his hands, laughing nervously. "No, no, thank you. I'm good."
Then, with curiosity returning, Teppei asked, "Judging from your clothing, you don't look like Resistance fighters. Are you here to join us?"
Join? Shao Yun mused. Not quite. I'm here to cooperate and bring down the shogunate.
But since Lumine still believed they were just escaping the war, he kept up the façade.
He nodded calmly. "You could say that. We just escaped from Inazuma City. But if your side needs help, I'll do everything I can."
To Lumine, it just sounded like polite words.
But Teppei's eyes lit up. "That's amazing! Just the other day, Lord Gorou was complaining about the lack of manpower. You've come at the perfect time!"
Shao Yun scanned the corpses around them and frowned. "Not the best place for a chat. Mind if we talk while walking?"
Teppei nodded. "Of course. I'll lead the way to the Resistance camp. It's quite a distance from here. Perfect chance to fill you in on things."
From horseback, Lumine glanced at the bodies with a frown. "What about these? We can't just leave them here…"
Teppei sighed. "There's too many for me to move alone. I'll send people to handle it once we're back at camp."
Shao Yun nodded in understanding. "Alright then, lead the way."
With Boadicea carrying Lumine and Paimon, they followed Teppei northwest toward the Resistance encampment in the Serpent's Head region.
Along the way, Teppei spoke solemnly of their current struggles.
"We've been at a disadvantage on the front lines. The shogunate's fighting under the banner of 'eternity,' and they're led by none other than Kujou Sara. She's incredibly powerful."
"On our side… there are very few Vision holders left because of the Vision Hunt Decree. We've held on thanks to Lady Kokomi's strategies and the courage of General Gorou and our soldiers."
Shao Yun listened seriously. "Don't worry. This war won't last much longer."
He wasn't lying. With his help, the Resistance would tear through the shogunate like Guan Yu through Yan Liang—a swift and fatal strike.
Teppei noticed Shao Yun's unusual Vision and took it as encouragement. "Thanks. Having even one more Vision bearer on our side makes a huge difference…"
Then, with a wistful sigh, he added, "If only I had a Vision too."
Shao Yun heard the longing in his voice and remembered what that devil had said.
Desire is endless. Power limits desire. No wonder Teppei would later turn to a Delusion.
But Shao Yun wasn't in a position to judge—after all, the guy just wanted to protect his home.
If humans had no desires, would they still be human?
With a smirk, Shao Yun joked, "Maybe you should pull out a tooth and stick it under your pillow. Maybe a little sprite will leave a Vision in exchange while you sleep."
Teppei burst out laughing. "Hahaha, Mr. Shao Yun, you sound like a character from a novel!"
Shao Yun smiled, his gaze distant. "Or maybe reality's just more absurd than fiction."
Teppei blinked, then shrugged. "Fair point… but if that worked, I'd yank out all my teeth right now."
…
Eventually, they left Nazuchi Beach and arrived on Yashiori Island. Looking up at the blue sky, Teppei let out a sigh.
"The weather's been surprisingly nice lately. It used to rain all the time—lightning storms, too. But when the skies cleared, the wounded seemed to feel better too."
Shao Yun glanced at Lumine on horseback and whispered, "Your doing?"
Lumine blinked smugly, clearly thinking, Who else could've done it?
Shao Yun smiled, realizing she must've completed the "Orobashi's Legacy" quest.
But then… how come this Yashiori Island Resistance soldier doesn't know her? Strange...
Under Teppei's guidance, they soon reached the Resistance camp.
As they entered, curious stares followed them. Most of the soldiers had never seen a horse before.
Shao Yun helped Lumine down and gave the horse a soft slap, sending it away. The system automatically stored Boadicea in the stable.
Supporting Lumine, he walked slowly into the camp.
Teppei, seeing Lumine so weakened, asked with concern, "Miss Lumine's hurt?"
Shao Yun nodded seriously. "She's recovering, but very weak. She needs support just to walk."
Without hesitation, Teppei offered, "Then let's rest first. You must be tired."
Lumine tugged on Shao Yun's sleeve and whispered, "Shao Yun, I'm really fine. I feel a lot better now."
Shao Yun looked at her tired eyes and gently replied, "Stop forcing yourself. Rest is most important."
Teppei led them to a makeshift shelter for the wounded—a simple canopy with folding cots and barely any walls.
But for now, it was better than nothing.
After settling them in, Teppei said warmly, "Rest here. I'll inform Lord Gorou."
Lumine nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Teppei."
She laid down to rest, eyes closing peacefully. Shao Yun sat nearby while Paimon floated around, bored.
Just as Teppei was about to leave, he paused, turned back, and approached the quartermaster. Moments later, he returned with a thick blanket.
"Even if it's not that cold, a wounded body chills easily. Please cover her with this."
Shao Yun was deeply moved. He clapped Teppei's shoulder and tapped his own chest to show his gratitude.
"No need to thank me. It's my duty. I'll return after reporting to Lord Gorou," Teppei replied with a smile.
As he walked off, Shao Yun looked down at the blanket in his hands.
Someone like this… it'd be a shame if he died. Lumine's growth can come from elsewhere—he doesn't need to be sacrificed.
If that Delusion scene really comes, I'll save him.
Gently, he draped the blanket over Lumine.
Just then, she opened her eyes and saw the blanket—then followed its trail to Teppei's fading figure.
"He's really thoughtful, huh…" she murmured.
Shao Yun rubbed her cheek with a grin. "What about me?"
Lumine squinted at him with a sly smirk, then huffed and pulled the blanket over her head. "Hmph! You're so annoying, Shao Yun…"
…
Elsewhere, inside a tent, General Gorou sat intently studying the military tomes Kokomi had given him, looking for a winning strategy against the shogunate.
Suddenly, his ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps.
He turned just as a knock came, followed by a familiar voice.
"General Gorou, I have urgent news to report."
Recognizing Teppei's voice, Gorou immediately responded, "Come in."
The door opened, and Teppei rushed in, excitement and gratitude on his face.
He recounted everything that had happened at Nazuchi Beach—how he'd been surrounded, how Shao Yun had saved him like a god descending from the heavens.
He emphasized Shao Yun's Vision and the strong presence he exuded, even if he hadn't seen him use it yet.
Finishing, Teppei declared, "That's the situation, Lord Gorou. Shao Yun saved me—and he's willing to join the Resistance!"
Gorou listened intently, mentally weighing the implications.
A skilled fighter with a Vision joining our cause—likely another victim of the Vision Hunt Decree…
Given their desperate need for reinforcements, Gorou nodded after a pause. "I understand. Where is he now?"
Teppei answered quickly, "I left him and Miss Lumine—she's injured—at the temporary medical shelter."
"Very well. I'll go meet him."
Gorou followed Teppei out of the command tent to the shelter.
Lumine was resting peacefully, while Paimon hovered nearby, idly watching her sleep.
Gorou approached Shao Yun, who sat at her side, and politely extended his hand.
"Hello, Mr. Shao Yun. I'm Gorou, General of the Watatsumi Island Resistance."
Shao Yun rose and shook it. "Nice to meet you. I'm Shao Yun."
Then he turned to Paimon. "Paimon, take care of Lumine for a bit. I need to talk with General Gorou."
Paimon nodded confidently. "Leave it to me!"
Gorou gave a small nod, and the two of them stepped out together.