"Since a contract was forged with the Geo Archon, it is only right that Liyue Harbor be protected," Lora said calmly as she gazed out over the sea. "But before that, let us see how far humans can go on their own. Those who remain forever beneath a god's shelter can never truly grow."
A shadow suddenly passed overhead.
The two looked up to see the Jade Chamber drifting closer to the sea. At the same time, heavily armed Millelith soldiers appeared all around them.
The Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, was stirring the ocean, unleashing boundless fury. His divine power drove the monstrous beings of the deep toward the shore, and it was precisely these invading creatures that the Millelith were preparing to repel.
"By order of Lady Ningguang—hold the harbor at all costs!"
"Evacuation of the coastal districts is complete! Prepare for battle!"
From these Millelith soldiers, Lora sensed a vast and upright presence—something known as military spirit.
Though the ages had changed, the Millelith remained the Millelith. As ever, they stood before the people of Liyue, using their weapons and their very bodies to forge an indestructible wall.
As Firm as Rock, Unyielding as Stone.
A Millelith captain hurried over to Lora and Rhodeia, speaking urgently. "The shoreline is extremely dangerous right now. Please evacuate immediately!"
"There's no need to worry about us. Hold your own lines," Lora replied, turning to him. "I hope you can present your Archon with an answer he will find satisfactory."
"The Millelith has stood for thousands of years. Our ancestors once followed the Archonhere and fought across the land," the captain said, straightening his posture as he spoke solemnly. "As Millelith soldiers, we never forget our duty. Even if we must fight to the last man, we will do everything in our power to protect the people of Liyue!"
"For the Geo Archon!!"
"For the people of Liyue!!"
Lora looked into the face of each Millelith soldier before giving a slight nod.
"If the Archon knew, he would be deeply gratified."
She then turned to Rhodeia. "Stay here. All the Oceanids within Liyue Harbor will follow your command."
"Yes, My lady!" Rhodeia replied, her expression grave.
Out of the corner of her eye, Lora noticed Yunjin and Shenhe approaching at a run.
"Why are you here?" Lora asked, frowning.
"We were near Mt. Tianheng when we felt the earth shake," Yunjin explained. "Miss Shenhe sensed something wrong with Liyue Harbor and brought me back immediately."
"This is a battlefield," Lora said. "It's dangerous."
"As a disciple of the Adepti, I have a duty to defend Liyue," Shenhe replied evenly.
"And I have a Vision," Yunjin added. "I can protect myself and help!"
Lora studied the two of them, then nodded. "Be careful, both of you."
"Understood!"
After giving her instructions, Lora lifted her gaze to the Jade Chamber. Taking a step forward, she crossed the air itself, transforming into a streak of deep blue light that shot skyward and landed atop the floating structure.
On the Jade Chamber's plaza, Ningguang and Keqing were already present. Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver had also arrived, with Ping'er, Ganyu, and Xiao standing beside them.
"Everyone's here? Good," Lora said, her eyes settling on Osial in the distance.
"Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex, was once sealed in the depths of the sea by the Geo Archon," Xiao explained, gripping the "Primordial Jade Winged-Spear" as he addressed those less familiar with the threat. "His authority over the ocean is immense—he can command the weather at sea and raise waves that blot out the sky."
"Even so, the Liyue Qixing will not retreat," Ningguang said firmly.
"With me here, Liyue won't be a place where Osial can run rampant," Cloud Retainer declared. Boastful words, perhaps—but coming from her, they rang true.
"There's no time to waste," Ningguang continued. "The Overlord of the Vortex has awakened. The decisive battle begins now!"
As her words fell, she used her Vision to channel Geo elemental power, constructing a broad platform before the Jade Chamber.
Immediately afterward, Cloud Retainer spread her wings and flew, installing three Guizhong Ballistae onto the platform before landing atop the central one and infusing it with her Adeptus power.
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver swiftly took position on the other two Ballistae, likewise channeling their own power into them.
But at that moment, several spatial rifts suddenly tore open in front of the platform. Fatui skirmishers poured out endlessly, their purpose unmistakable—to destroy the three Guizhong Ballistae.
"All Millelith soldiers able to move, deploy immediately!"
Ningguang ordered.
Keqing led the remaining Millelith forward to intercept the Fatui. Xiao and Ganyu did not hesitate either, charging into the fray.
Ping'er stood beside Lora, watching the battle unfold.
"Do you think we can win?" she asked suddenly.
"Of course," Lora replied without the slightest hesitation.
"Yes… of course," Ping'er echoed with a nod.
Each of these Fatui wielded Delusions, granting them formidable strength.
The Millelith struggled to hold them back—but soon, support from Ping'er reached every soldier on the field.
Lumine arrived with Paimon close behind and reported to Lora, "Childe was taken away by the other Fatui!"
"I know. Leave him," Lora said, shaking her head.
Seeing the battle ahead, Lumine drew her Dull Blade and rushed forward without hesitation.
"Be careful, Lumine!" Paimon shouted anxiously.
Though the Fatui continued to pour in, the combined efforts of everyone present kept them from advancing past the Ballistae. By then, Cloud Retainer and the others had finished channeling their power.
The Guizhong Ballistae flared with brilliant light and unleashed devastating attacks toward the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial.
Osial's furious roar echoed across the sea as the storm clouds overhead twisted into a massive vortex.
"It's working—we've suppressed it!" Paimon cried out in delight.
But Lora, who had been closely watching the movements of the sea, suddenly frowned. "No… something's wrong. There's still something else in the water."
"What?" Her words left everyone momentarily stunned.
Then another roar erupted from the depths. A vicious presence—weaker than Osial's, yet still terrifying—surged upward. A massive form, similar to Osial's, broke through the surface and reared skyward, letting out a deafening howl.
"That is… the Overlord of the Vortex's wife, Beisht?" The Adepti were caught completely off guard by her sudden appearance.
Lora frowned as well, murmuring under her breath, "How is this possible? Why would Beisht appear at this moment? At this point… it should have been only Osial."