Chapter 284: Chapter 284
Liyue, Nantianmen.
Under the night sky, the massive Dragon-Quelling Tree shimmered with silvery light beneath the starlight, with crystalline discs flitting through its branches and leaves. The colossal roots twisted and intertwined, enveloping vast stretches of land, and extended deep into the earth below.
Within a space glowing with golden light, a dormant, immense dragon began to stir, its scarlet eyes opening slowly. Gazing at the slightly fractured seal above, fury blazed within its pupils.
"Morax!!!"
A deafening roar echoed, and a dark stream of energy rose from the dragon's body, shooting through the breach in the seal and vanishing into the sky. As the black streak disappeared, the crimson dragon's eyes gradually closed again, and a growing aura surged from within its body.
"Has something happened to him?"
A calm voice broke the silence, accompanied only by the dragon's breathing. A figure of a man, shrouded in white light, appeared within the golden-glowing chamber. He gazed steadily at the awakening Azhdaha below, his expression resolute.
"If this seal has been damaged, it must mean that Morax is no longer himself."
"Even one as enduring as the earth, with limitless resolve, could be worn down by time and events."
Looking up at the fractured seal and the world beyond, the man exhaled softly.
"If that is the case, then I must make one final effort."
"For this land I once fought to protect, nearly destroyed, and ultimately sought to save."
"And for the child born of this land."
A flicker of warmth appeared in his eyes as he thought of her—the child of this earth, a daughter of both dragons and humans, a miracle nurtured by Liyue itself. Even with his consciousness sealed here, he could sense her presence.
Looking at his slowly disintegrating hand, the man chuckled softly.
"I've grown so weak… even maintaining this human form is beyond me."
"But no matter."
Raising his head, his figure began to dissolve into light, ascending toward the fractured seal above.
"Even if my strength cannot take physical form, even if my memories are lost, I will return to seal you again."
"Because this is my mission, my obsession, my wish. Because I am you."
His voice echoed and faded in the chamber, as the white light disappeared into the golden glow of the seal. Only the growing power of Azhdaha remained, building as it sought to break free.
At dawn, the sound of a door opening rang out as Klee and Qiqi ran out hand in hand. Turning to wave back, Klee called out cheerfully.
"Brother Hiroshi, hurry up! Liyue is waiting for us!"
"Coming, coming."
Carrying a prepared food box, Hiroshi closed the door behind him. Smiling, he looked at the two little ones bouncing with excitement and turned his gaze to the rising sun.
"It's a beautiful day," he said, striding toward the eager children.
Patting their heads, he laughed as he said, "You two just got back, and you're already eager to head out again."
"Hehe~"
Klee giggled and pointed into the distance. "After saying goodbye to Renge, Klee remembered that I promised Grandpa Zhou I'd visit him."
"But there's been so much going on, and Klee was so busy that I forgot!"
Crossing her arms and shaking her head seriously, Klee declared, "Klee is a good girl who keeps her promises. Brother Hiroshi taught me that!"
"Of course, that doesn't include blowing up fish. Hehe~"
Covering her mouth as she laughed, Klee looked up at Hiroshi and carefully removed a four-leaf clover accessory from her hat.
"Grandpa Zhou gave me this cute gift, so let's hurry!"
"Liyue is coming with us, too. Everyone in Liyue loves her, just like everyone in Mondstadt loves Klee."
"So, if I bring Liyue along, Grandpa Zhou will definitely be happy!"
"Alright, alright," Hiroshi said, chuckling as he picked up both Klee and Qiqi, placing them on his shoulders.
"Since Klee insists, let's get going."
"Yes!"
Wrapping her arms around Hiroshi's neck, Klee glanced back at their home.
"It's a shame Sister Ruri had to go back to school. She couldn't come with us."
"You little rascal," Hiroshi said, flicking her forehead gently. "Isn't it enough to have me and Qiqi with you? Ruri has to attend her school."
"Hmph~"
Pouting, Klee buried her face in Hiroshi's neck.
"Why does Sister Ruri have to go to school anyway?"
"Well," Hiroshi replied, glancing at Qiqi's curious face, "school is an important place for Ruri. It's where her friends are, and it's full of things she loves."
"Next time, I'll take you both to see it. Then you'll understand why Ruri loves it so much."
"Okay," Qiqi nodded softly, her wide eyes looking toward the horizon.
"I'm looking forward to it. If Ruri likes it, it must be a wonderful place. I want to like what Ruri likes, too."
"That's the spirit," Hiroshi said, smiling as he patted her head.
"When her school holds a festival, I'll bring you both along. We'll also make it clear to anyone interested in Ruri that she's ours!"
"Yes! Brother Hiroshi, you're fired up!"
Pulling out a Jumpy Dumpty bomb, Klee waved her arms excitedly from Hiroshi's shoulders.
"I'll protect Sister Ruri! Any bad guys will learn just how amazing Klee is!"
"That's the spirit!"
With a crouch and a sharp leap, Hiroshi soared into the sky, carrying Klee and Qiqi high above the landscape. With his fist raised, he shouted into the sunlight.
"Let's go!"
"Let's go!" Klee echoed.
Turning their heads, Hiroshi and Klee looked at Qiqi, who blinked at them in silence. After a moment, she raised her small hand and said softly, "Let's go…"