"An unexplained disturbance has occurred in the Night Kingdom. Ishkab and the other four have gone missing inside, and I can't pinpoint their location," Mavuika announced, laying the grim reality before the group.
If they continued the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame and the Night Warden Wars, more casualties were inevitable. But if they halted the pilgrimage, the Sacred Flame's power would wane further, allowing the Abyss to surge forth from all corners of Natlan, and disasters like the People of the Springs would multiply.
A simple weighing of pros and cons offered no solution. Either choice would provoke the Natlanians to question the very purpose of the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame.
Once such doubt took root, the people would no longer unite against the Abyss, thus achieving the Abyss's ultimate goal.
Ultimately, Mavuika chose to temporarily halt both the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame and the Night Warden Wars to prevent further casualties, while simultaneously bolstering the defensive strength of each tribe.
With this foundation in place, they would then seek alternative ways to strengthen the Sacred Flame and resist the Abyss.
Present were Lumine, Paimon, Mualani, Kinich, Xilonen, and Ajaw. Beyond what Mavuika had already explained, their greatest concern was the five individuals currently trapped in the Night Kingdom.
Mavuika: "The Masters of the Night-Wind possess a technique to extract Ancient Names from the Ley Lines. If we can find the five individuals' Ancient Names, I can use the connection between them to pinpoint their locations within the Night Kingdom."
Therefore, their primary mission was to reach the Masters of the Night-Wind and find Citlali.
While the Night Kingdom was typically accessible only to consciousness, methods existed to transport one's entire physical body. However, doing so would subject the person to the Night Kingdom's inherent rejection and the Abyss Power's corrosive influence.
Undeterred, Lumine declared, "Don't worry! I have an unbreakable will!"
With their next steps clear, the group wasted no time. Every day they lingered here increased the danger to the five in the Night Kingdom.
Ultimately, Kinich, Lumine, Paimon, and Mualani departed for the Masters of the Night-Wind, while Xilonen remained behind temporarily.
After Lumine and the others left, Xilonen turned to Mavuika and said, "The real reason you halted the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame wasn't just because the Contending Fire was dwindling, was it?"
Mavuika nodded. "Indeed. Even now, it's far from sufficient."
"The gradually encroaching Abyss has created a massive Elemental Energy deficit. The situation has deteriorated to its breaking point."
"Since the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame can no longer effectively address the current crisis, it's better to halt it and redirect all our combat strength to protecting the various tribes."
"The five of them becoming lost in the Night Kingdom is merely another manifestation of the Abyss's encroaching disaster."
Mavuika and Xilonen approached the Sacred Flame:
"The Sacred Flame is anathema to the Abyss and the cornerstone of Natlan's stability. It must never be extinguished. Until our Hero is ready, I will use my power to keep it burning..."
Outside the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, Kinich suddenly stopped in his tracks as he hurried along.
Paimon: "What's wrong, Kinich?"
Kinich: "I have something I need to take care of. You guys go ahead. I'll catch up soon."
Though the Trio found it odd, they didn't press the matter. They continued on as Kinich suggested, trusting he would catch up eventually.
As Kinich left the group, Ajaw naturally followed him.
"Kinich, what are you up to? The priority right now is finding Sister from the Night Kingdom..."
"Shut up!" Kinich snapped, his voice low and menacing.
Ajaw froze, momentarily stunned before erupting in anger: "Kinich, you big idiot..."
With a single punch, Kinich sent Ajaw flying. Then he quickly caught up to two figures ahead.
These were the same two who had been spouting insults around the Arena earlier. Judging by their bruised and battered faces, they had clearly already been beaten up before.
It was hardly surprising. After all, they had insulted not only Sister, but also Iansan, Chasca, Kachina, and Kaiulani—renowned competitors from the Collective of Plenty, Flower-Feather Clan, Children of Echoes, and People of the Springs. In their respective Tribes, these fighters were highly respected.
The Two deserved their beating!
But even after the beating, it wasn't over. Kinich swiftly cornered the pair, his icy glare sending shivers down their spines.
"Kinich, what do you want?" one of them stammered.
Without a word, Kinich drew his weapon and charged forward...
-
Outside the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, Angie swaggered in behind the Captain.
Besides Angie, Ailina and Vanyeliya accompanied them, while Ororon trailed several hundred meters behind.
When arena personnel tried to block their way, Vanyeliya shoved them aside. Recognizing the intruders, the man scrambled inside on all fours.
"Pyro Archon, it's the Fatui!" he shouted as he burst into the arena, confirming the Pyro Archon's presence within.
Angie instructed Ailina and Vanyeliya, "You two stay here and guard the entrance."
"Yes, Lady Angie," they replied in unison.
Angie followed the Captain into the arena.
-
Player World.
Chen Xiyao, realizing she had entered the animation, straightened up and rubbed her small hands together.
"It's The Captain, the Fatui First Harbinger! What's going on? Is he really going to go head-to-head with the Pyro Archon?!"
I remember Angie was The Captain's adjutant. She must be here too, right?
They say the Fatui's Top Three Harbingers possess combat power rivaling the gods. Now we finally get to witness it firsthand!
Let the battle begin!
The Captain is so cool! That helmet, that physique... slurp**
Whatever you do, don't take off the helmet! Keep the mystery alive!
-
Stadium of the Sacred Flame.
The Captain strode into the center of the arena, Angie close behind.
Of course, the subordinate must follow the Boss into the arena!
Once inside, The Captain declared:
"Truly worthy of Natlan's God—your reputation precedes you."
"I have unraveled the secrets of the Ley Line. Fate has long pointed toward destruction."
Xilonen frowned, preparing to intervene, but Mavuika stopped her with a raised hand. With a gesture, a massive Claymore materialized in her right hand.
Flames blazed around Mavuika's body as she leaped down from her perch.
The Captain: "And the promise made five hundred years ago remains unfulfilled. What use is the Gnosis in your hands?"
Mavuika hoisted the Claymore onto her shoulder and casually donned a pair of sunglasses.
"I don't know what you're talking about. It sounds like you're here for more than just the Tsaritsa."
The Captain: "In times of crisis, someone must shoulder the burden of salvation. Since your plan has stalled, I will forge a new Order for Natlan."
"But before life can be reborn, destruction is inevitable!"
The Captain tore off his cloak and flung it aside. Angie swiftly caught it and stowed it away, sighing inwardly, The Captain is so cool!