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The next morning, Shao Yun finally opened his eyes.
Because of that infernal devil's visit the previous night, he hadn't managed to fall asleep until very late, and now the sun was nearly at its zenith.
He was still groggy when—
BANG!
The door flew open with a crash so loud it almost replayed last night's heart-stopping "kick-the-door-open" scene all over again.
Fortunately, this time there was no tension, no confrontation—no terrible news.
Instead, Lumine burst in, her face lit up with excitement.
"Shao Yun! I've got good news!"
Her joy was so bright that Shao Yun couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
"Oh? What kind of good news could make you this happy?"
Lumine was so worked up that her words tumbled out in a rush, her hands waving animatedly.
"Last night, Paimon, Alhaitham, and I found a mad scholar hiding in the House of Daena. From him, we traced the origin of the Divine Knowledge Capsules! And Cyno and Nahida caught some people who know where the missing Aaru Village guards were taken—they're tied up in the village chief's house right now!"
That woke Shao Yun right up. He rubbed his eyes hard, forcing his mind into focus.
"So… we finally have something concrete to go on?"
"Exactly!" Lumine nodded vigorously, like a woodpecker. "Come on, let's go to the chief's house!"
She waved eagerly for him to follow.
…
The scholar rescued from the House of Daena—whose name was Razak—had already been settled safely elsewhere, and therefore wasn't present in the chief's house.
Inside, three men—captured by Cyno and Nahida—were bound securely to sturdy chairs, unable to move an inch.
Nahida stood before them, placing her small hands on each of their heads, her green eyes glowing as she delved deep into their memories.
Meanwhile, Dehya, who had been standing guard beyond the desert wall, returned swiftly and began to report her findings.
As soon as she entered, her sharp gaze swept over the captives.
After a moment of inspection, her lips curved into a faint smirk.
"So, it's you, Zaki. And here I thought we'd caught someone important."
Paimon blinked in surprise.
"Wait—you know him, Dehya?"
"Mm. Just another hot-headed radical from the Eremites," she replied evenly.
Before Paimon could respond, Nahida finished her mind-reading. Her luminous eyes opened slowly, calm yet heavy with understanding.
Turning to face everyone, she spoke in a composed tone:
"I've finished reading their memories. Combined with Alhaitham's findings about the creation of the Divine Knowledge Capsules, I now understand the Akademiya's plan."
"Because Irminsul is withering, and I no longer possess the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's wisdom to purify forbidden knowledge, the Akademiya made a pact with the Fatui months ago—to create a new god."
"The project required vast quantities of forbidden knowledge and energy. So, on one hand, they used to exile the mentally ill scholars as a pretext to extract the knowledge in their minds. On the other, they harvested dreams through the Akasha Terminal—to replace the divine power once contained in the Electro Archon's Gnosis."
Shao Yun frowned impatiently, cutting her off.
"Enough academic lectures. What we should focus on now is what we do next."
Nahida paused thoughtfully, then laid out the next step.
"First, we must find the missing villagers. Once we've rescued them, we can begin planning our counterattack on Sumeru City."
Shao Yun's eyes brightened.
"Good. Where do we start looking?"
Nahida studied him quietly, then said gently:
"You… need to rest for now. Leave the search to us."
…
And so, Shao Yun once again found himself forced to stay behind in Aaru Village.
Before resting, though, he told Nahida everything about the devil's new "plan," warning her to be careful—even if he wasn't sure it would help.
…
Several days passed.
Alhaitham, Cyno, Dehya, Nahida, Lumine, and Paimon returned safely with the rescued guards—and with them came a mysterious ally: Rahman, leader of the Eye of Ahriman.
They went straight to the chief's house, where Shao Yun, having received their message through the Akasha, was already waiting.
Seeing everyone safe, he let out a long sigh of relief and hurried forward.
"You're back! Was everything smooth?"
Catherine—currently possessed by Nahida—nodded with a soft smile.
"Very. We found records left by King Deshret's priests in the desert. The Eye of Ahriman has agreed to join our cause."
Dehya gestured toward a tall man with an eyepatch and golden armor.
"This is Mr. Rahman, founder of the Eye of Ahriman. The missing villagers' disappearances were tied to him—but he's realized his mistakes and helped us bring everyone home safely."
Rahman stepped forward, introducing himself with a deep, sincere voice.
"I'm Rahman. A pleasure to meet you—though I regret the circumstances."
He sighed heavily.
"I can hardly believe how long the Akademiya deceived us. Shameful…"
After a brief exchange, Shao Yun turned to Nahida.
"So, the villagers are safe. I take it that means it's time to strike back at the Akademiya?"
Nahida nodded slightly.
"Indeed. We must begin preparing immediately. But, Shao Yun…"
Her eyes flickered toward the doorway—a subtle signal that he should step outside.
It wasn't the first time. Though frustration simmered in his chest, the anger he'd once felt had softened into weary resignation.
"You've been leaving me out of things for days. So, I'm sidelined again, huh?"
Alhaitham, who had been silent all this time, calmly confirmed,
"That's correct."
Shao Yun threw up his hands.
"Why? You can't keep giving me the same excuse forever!"
Alhaitham's tone remained unbothered.
"Because you still need rest. That hasn't changed."
Shao Yun let out a snort, nostrils flaring.
"Hah! Convenient excuse!"
…
In truth, though, the reason was undeniable. His condition was worsening every day—his body weaker, his pulse slower.
With a sigh, he returned to his room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he waited. Minutes passed. Then an hour.
At last, the door creaked open.
Lumine stepped inside.
"So," Shao Yun said evenly, "what's the new plan this time?"
She nodded faintly but didn't answer. Her lips parted a few times, yet no words came out.
"What's wrong? It's just a plan. Why can't you tell me?"
Lumine looked away, her expression clouded with sorrow.
"Because… you wouldn't agree to it. And I don't want you to worry."
Her voice trembled ever so slightly—almost pleading.
"Please, don't ask me about it. Just this once, alright?"
But Shao Yun wasn't one to let things go. He rose to his feet, heading for the door.
"If you won't tell me, I'll ask someone else."
Before he could leave, the door opened again.
Nahida stepped inside, her small face unusually firm.
"Don't worry," she said quietly. "You'll get the reward I promised. But please—don't press this matter further."
Lumine sighed helplessly, rubbing her temple.
"Nahida, I thought we agreed I would talk to him…"
Nahida's green eyes shifted toward Shao Yun.
"You tried—but it doesn't seem to be working. So, allow me."
Shao Yun frowned.
"Then tell me straight. What's this plan you're hiding from me?"
Before Nahida could answer, Lumine cut in first.
"Nahida said if you don't take part in this mission, that devil's plan you mentioned can't succeed."
"Ah…" Shao Yun nodded slowly. "I see."
Nahida confirmed softly, "Exactly."
But Shao Yun's eyes narrowed again.
"Then why not let me, Lumine, and Paimon stay here while you handle Sumeru's problem yourself?"
Nahida froze for a beat, her face caught between exasperation and disbelief.
With a sigh, Nahida replied frankly,
"I would if I could. But I lack combat power. I need Lumine's help."
"Originally, I wanted yours as well. But… things have changed."
Shao Yun's voice sharpened with irritation.
"So, you're sending Lumine and Paimon in your place instead? That's your courage?"
Before Nahida could answer, Lumine stepped forward.
"You want revenge on Scaramouche, right? Well, so do I. So why can't I take your place and help Nahida?"
Shao Yun blinked, startled.
"Wait—Nahida told you about our deal?"
Lumine nodded calmly.
"Yes. Now I understand why you agreed to help her. Don't worry—I'll make it happen."
"But that's an empty promise for now," Shao Yun muttered bitterly.
Lumine thumped her chest with determination.
"Have faith in me. I'll make sure it's real."
Looking at the girl before him—so resolute, so fearless—Shao Yun felt a strange warmth rise in his chest.
"You're getting bolder," he murmured. "That's good, but…"
He trailed off.
Suddenly, a memory surged up—the night in Mondstadt when Venti had told him quietly:
"Lumine has the strength to face her battles alone. You know that better than anyone."