Chapter 4: Chapter 3: Ganyu and Keqing Join the Team — Straight to the MC World
At the edge of the Chasm, Ganyu stood atop a rocky outcrop, gazing down at the abyss below. The jagged layers of fiery red stone stretched endlessly into the distance.
A bead of sweat slid down her delicate face. She wiped it away and sighed softly, relief washing over her.
"That should hold for at least three more months... After the Rite of Parting, if Lady Ningguang and the others have time..."
She paused, thinking aloud.
"Yeah... we'll reinforce the seal again then."
Ganyu stifled a yawn, her fingers brushing her tired eyes. She swayed slightly but forced herself upright.
No... I can't rest yet. There's still work to do... The Qixing meeting this afternoon... the Abyss Order reports...
"Just... a little longer…"
Reaching into her pouch, she retrieved a Qingxin flower. Grimacing slightly, she took small, deliberate bites.
Liyue Port's citizens often joked that Ganyu loved Qingxin flowers so much that her presence guaranteed a bountiful harvest.
But in truth, Ganyu never found Qingxin particularly tasty.
She only ate them because they kept her mind sharp and her figure in check. Centuries of diligent work had taught her the importance of maintaining both.
"Ganyu!"
Keqing's voice rang out in the distance. A crackling bolt of lightning streaked across the rocky plain, and in an instant, Keqing appeared beside her.
Eyeing the half-eaten Qingxin in Ganyu's hand, Keqing sighed.
"You're still eating those to stay awake?"
Ganyu smiled weakly.
"Well… yeah."
Keqing folded her arms.
"Look, I admire your dedication, but pushing yourself like this isn't healthy."
"I tried pulling an all-nighter once to study Guili Plains' soil composition… thought I could tough it out." She sighed. "Ended up collapsing for two full days. Completely threw off my schedule."
"Sometimes resting is the best way to stay productive."
Ganyu chuckled softly. "Thanks for the concern, Keqing... but my body's a little different. Going a week without sleep won't hurt me."
"By the way," Ganyu asked, "have you seen Kanzaki? How's he doing?"
Keqing was about to answer when Kanzaki himself appeared beside her, standing tall with a casual grin.
"Right here. Better than ever, but you... you don't look so great, Ganyu."
Ganyu turned in surprise.
"Kanzaki... how did you—?"
"Picked up some strength," Kanzaki said with a shrug, brushing the dust off his shoulder.
Keqing's eyes brightened.
"That's right! Kanzaki finally got a Vision — Pyro, no less. Strong attack power too."
Ganyu's face lit up with relief.
"That's wonderful! Now you can protect yourself... I'm glad."
Hearing Ganyu's warm, sincere words made Kanzaki smile.
She hadn't asked about his power or what he could do with it — just whether he was safe.
For a world filled with politics and hidden dangers, Ganyu's simple concern felt rare.
"But…" Ganyu's gaze wandered curiously.
"Where's your Vision?"
Kanzaki froze.
"Yeah…" Keqing chimed in. "I thought something was off. Where is your Vision?"
Thinking fast, Kanzaki chuckled dryly.
"Oh, that? I… keep it under my clothes. No need to flash it around, right?"
"There's no rule saying you have to wear it outside," Ganyu admitted with a smile.
"But it's safer to keep it visible. Thieves are less likely to bother someone wielding a Vision."
Kanzaki smirked.
"That's fine by me. If they don't know what I'm capable of... makes it easier to surprise them."
Keqing and Ganyu exchanged a knowing smile.
In Liyue, no one mourned for Treasure Hoarders who ended up on the wrong side of a Pyro-wielding stranger.
"Anyway," Keqing said, her tone serious again, "Ganyu, how's the seal reinforcement going?"
"All done," Ganyu said, brushing her hair back. "It should hold for about three months. After the Rite of Parting, we can come back and reinforce it properly."
Keqing sighed in relief.
"Thanks... and sorry for leaving you to handle it alone. I got caught up with Kanzaki and—"
"It's alright," Ganyu assured her. "It wasn't too hard."
She paused, then turned to Kanzaki.
"Wait... Keqing said you were attacked by monsters? Were you hurt?"
"Not a scratch," Kanzaki said with a grin. "I've got enough power now to look after myself… and maybe protect you two as well."
"You still need to be careful," Ganyu scolded gently. "Even with a Vision, you're still learning to control it. Why not just come back to Liyue Port with us?"
"It's safe, lively… much better than living out here alone."
"And…" she added shyly, "I'd like to hear more about that 'stone monkey' story you told me before…"
Kanzaki grinned.
"So what you're saying is… I'm invited?"
Ganyu's eyes widened.
"Wait… really? You'll come with us?"
"Yeah," Kanzaki said. "I've handled my business here. Now I figure it's time I check out the most prosperous place in Teyvat."
Ganyu's face lit up with joy, and even the little qilin-shaped horns atop her head seemed to shimmer with excitement.
"That's wonderful! I'll show you all the best spots — Wanmin Restaurant, Xinyue Kiosk... oh! You have to try the Golden Shrimp Balls at Wangshu Inn!"
"Hold that thought," Keqing cut in. "I'll let the Qianyan Army know before we leave."
With a flick of her Thunder Wedge, she disappeared in a flash of lightning.
The breeze carried her away, leaving Kanzaki alone with Ganyu.
The silence settled awkwardly.
Ganyu twirled her hair nervously, stealing quick glances at Kanzaki.
Kanzaki noticed and smirked.
"Gan Yu…"
"Hmm?" She flinched slightly, her face turning pink.
"Can I trust you with something?"
Ganyu's expression turned serious.
"Of course. You're my friend — I'd never betray you. But…" she paused, looking him in the eyes, "if you do anything to harm Liyue… I'll be really disappointed."
Kanzaki chuckled.
"Relax. As long as you and Keqing are here, I'll always have Liyue's back."
Ganyu's smile returned, softer this time.
"If you ever need help with anything, let me know."
"Actually…" Kanzaki scratched his chin. "There's something important I want to show you and Keqing."
He extended his hand, and the air rippled as a glowing portal appeared before them.
Through the shimmering light, a world unfolded — vibrant fields of green, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers bathed in golden sunlight. Birds flitted through the sky, and faint sounds of life echoed from the distance.
Ganyu stared in awe.
"Kanzaki… what is this?"
With a grin, Kanzaki gestured to the portal.
"My world."
"You two want to help build a better Liyue?" He smirked.
"Well... let's start by claiming some land."