Hour of Ruin

...

Bad news, everyone! Listen up!

So, it seems like something pretty big has happened...

The Nail of Retribution...

A sudden burst of activity after years of dormancy... Clear evidence of tampering, I'd say.

It must be Ronova's doing... Then, we failed in our duty to destroy her completely.

Do not blame yourself, Pierro. Gather the ministers at once. We must discuss how to respond.

Our consensus so far is that Ronova is our most likely suspect in the Nail of Retribution's recent activity.

These Nails have left their mark throughout Teyvat, but this development is most unprecedented.

I've been monitoring the energy waves it's giving off. The peak amplitude is still rising.

I think it's—

Waah! Look, the beam of light from the nail... It just got even bigger and brighter!

Yes, Vesna and the Druzhna are already at work.

Whatever caused that change in the beam of light, it can't be a good sign... We should go take a look, too.

On that note, does everyone know how to get to Belovodye? That's where the nail is located.

Well, no, but... Paimon assumes we can just take the train?

That's right — to get to Belovodye, you'll need to leave from Byaroza Station. Good luck.

Oh — and the railroad design is such that trains often stop at the Transport Bureau headquarters to restock. Be mindful of that when you arrive. Have a safe trip.

Halt, please. I'm afraid we're not letting anyone through at present. This is a very dangerous area.

It's okay, we're Vesna's friends. We're here to help!

What's the situation?

Hmm? Wait... A blond-haired traveler, and... You must be Traveler and Paimon, yes? Our commander has mentioned you. Speaks very highly of you, in fact.

The situation is under control — so far, at least. A large horde of monsters appeared beneath the beam of light, but the commander and her forces are engaging them as we speak.

Monsters aside... a strange zone has also appeared nearby, in which everything seems to... evaporate. Nothing is left behind, dead or alive...

Heh, not to get too morbid, of course! Please, come with me. I'll see you in.

Do you see that? There are runes of some kind on the beam of light.

Huh, you're right... How peculiar. Thirty years I've lived here, and I've never seen anything like it...

Hey! What's going on? Anything we should be worried about?

Please rest assured, there is no cause for alarm. Commander Vesna and her team have the situation well under control. You may go about your business as usual.

Well, if the Druzhna's on the case, we should be fine...

Thank goodness for them, too. Who knows what we'd do without them... *sigh* What dangerous times we live in...

Umm... Are you sure it's safe here?

For now, yes — though that could change quickly depending on how things go on the front line. If the monsters break through, we'll have to evacuate. Luckily, the train station isn't far, and we have several trains on standby.

I think we should get over there and help.

Sure, don't let me hold you up. And thanks in advance — on all my comrades' behalf.

Raaargh!!!

Stay in formation! Reserve squad, plug that gap on the left — I'll handle the big one.

Chaaarge!

Vesna! We're here to help!

Ah! Am I glad to see you... Dive right in! Thanks!

Whew... Glad that's over. Where did all those monsters come from, anyway? And why did they seem so weird?

Heh... Your guess is as good as mine. I have a million questions swarming around in my head right now.

I came here to check things out on Her Majesty's orders. Everything was normal at first. Well, the beam of light from the Nail of Retribution was a little alarming... But nothing dangerous.

But then, just a few minutes ago, the beam suddenly got bigger, those symbols appeared, and then... that thing.

Looks deceptively calm, doesn't it? But we saw the horrors it's capable of with our own eyes...

Some of the animals didn't make it out in time. All of them, from Severelks to Nochhornowls... They disintegrated instantly without leaving a trace. No skeletons, no nothing.

Then, as the zone grew in size, monsters started pouring out, as if by magic. As soon as we defeated one wave, another one followed.

Yikes... This is all so strange. What if the zone keeps growing? It'll spread further and further, until...

Until all Snezhnaya evaporates... with the rest of the world to follow.

We can't let that happen.

I've already called for reinforcements. As long as the zone doesn't spread, we can at least contain the situation — however many monsters come at us.

As for a more permanent solution... we'll have to wait and see what the Tsaritsa says.

I've taken some pictures and written a report. Could you take them back with you and give them to Her Majesty? I'd appreciate it.

Sure thing. We'll take care of it.

Thanks. I'm gonna take a quick breather... Thanks for pitching in, you've already made a huge difference. With any luck, I'll make it to the end of the day without conking out.

Alice! ...Oh, and Nicole, you're here too. Great!

Hello, hello! It's so lovely to see you again, my dear children!

And Nastasya... It's been a long time.

I believe this is the first time we've seen each other since Ioanna passed, isn't it?

The nature of our relationship does not require us to convene regularly. I hear you have a daughter now?

I do! In fact, I'm the proud mother of the single loveliest daughter in the whole wide world.

...Congratulations.

Oh my! I never thought I'd hear such a word leave Nastasya's lips!

I can hardly believe my ears!

For some reason, I had imagined that you might have matured somewhat since having a daughter. My mistake.

But I digress. Alice, I trust you know why I invited you here?

Naturally. Your servant, Pierro, wrote me a very long letter explaining the situation.

Rhine had already filled me in on the backstory by that point. I'm amazed that you were able to defeat Ronova... That came as a big surprise.

Her final act of revenge, on the other hand... Somewhat less surprising, as fierce as it may be.

Revenge? So this is Ronova's doing after all?

Why, yes... but I thought you already knew that?

We had our suspicions, but we couldn't know for sure.

The scale of the phenomenon this time is unprecedented. Even nations that have committed no transgressions have been affected.

The order cannot have come from the Heavenly Principles in their state of slumber. The most likely explanation is that Ronova went rogue.

The cause of this calamity is irrelevant. What I wish to know is how to stop it.

Well, about that...

Are you able to tell us?

There are some secrets I can share with you. After all, I don't want to see the Hallowing spread any further either.

If we let it run its course, all the beautiful things in this world will be gone forever... Even the city of Mondstadt and Cider Lake, which my darling little Klee loves so very much indeed.

But I can't discuss it right now — not here, and not as Alice. It would be too dangerous.

Dangerous... for whom? Your supporter?

As seekers, we have the right and responsibility of maintaining the world's border and exploring the life and knowledge in the universe.

To this end, our supporter Istaroth, the Ruler of Time, has expressly forbidden us from inserting ourselves into the conflict between Snezhnaya and the Heavenly Principles.

I understand.

Paimon doesn't! What's a seeker, and what the heck does Istaroth have to do with this!? You've never mentioned any of this stuff to us before!

Nor was I ever planning to, dear Paimon.

Curiosity killed the cat, as the expression goes. Knowing even the most mundane detail about the affairs of the heavens often comes at a hefty price... it's not a good bargain.

Just think of me as Istaroth's little helper, who gets away with all her antics because someone upstairs is looking out for her. Does that make sense?

Uhh... not really, but whatever you say. Sounds like it would take way too long to explain it properly, anyway.

Alright, now where was I... Ah yes — so, Istaroth doesn't want us meddling in things that are none of our business. But I prefer to interpret this order a little more loosely...

"Meddle away, if you must — just don't implicate me."

In which case, sorry, Asmoday, but we'll have to step on your toes instead... I doubt she'll mind, though. She's missing, after all.

What are you talking about... Huh!?

D—Dex!? What are you doing here?

The Temple of Space is Asmoday's territory, making it a perfect venue for us to have our discussion.

Normally, the journey there would take forever, but with this little chap's help, it'll be much easier.

Shall we? Dear friends, and friendly dearies?

So this is where you plan to reveal to us the secrets of the Holy Soil phenomenon?

Correct — well, almost. It won't be me telling you, but Esoptron.

Who?

You'll see. Dex, please do the honors.

♪~

...

This is Esoptron, a Variable-Response Query Terminal. Built by the Heavenly Principles, it is capable of acting on its master's behalf within certain parameters.

Each of the Four Shades has the right to perform queries using the terminal. It'll be safest if we use it under Asdmoday's identity, that way no one else will be implicated.

...

In the name of the owner of this place, search "Holy Soil phenomenon."

As witnessed by the Ruler of Death, the Holy Soil phenomenon is currently in effect, triggered by the Embryonic-Ichoric-Telluric-Rudiment.

The goal is to reset Teyvat to its original state, remove all traces of life, and make way for the birth of a new, manageable civilization.

Time until Holy Soil phenomenon is accelerated: 30 days.

R—Reset Teyvat...?

Okay, so, so... is there any way to stop it?

Because, um... yeah, actually this is all the bad guys' fault, so we need to make it stop!

Query received. Unable to process. Please enter the required text.

What required text?

Now, now, don't worry. Since our query is about a process set in motion by the Nail of Retribution, the special text presumably refers to those symbols floating around that beam of light.

Looks like some sort of key for unlocking a secret...? But Asmoday doesn't strike me as the sort of god to carry a key around with her, so I suspect she scattered it around the Temple of Space.

Let's take a look around. Have faith, for I, Alice, the Great Mage, have excellent intuition for these sorts of things.

Six runes confirmed. Access granted. Awaiting query.

Seems like it worked!

Mm-hmm! I think we're back on track. Why don't you try asking it a question?

How to stop the Holy Soil phenomenon?

Connecting to Celestia... Connecting to Celestia...

...Could not connect. Activating default module. Generating answer...

Inquirer must provide sufficient grounds for seeking to end the Holy Soil phenomenon. Please state your reason.

What!?

We don't want the whole world getting wiped out because of the Hallowing... Isn't that reason enough? You can't just reset the world because you feel like it! It's not right!

Response recorded and analyzed. Do you wish to update your response, or continue?

...

I promised Lumine that we would meet again at the end of this journey... I don't want that to be in the ruins of a broken world.

I've traveled far and wide since I woke up here. Every nation I've been to has its challenges, but there are many out there doing everything they can to make things work.

Along the way, I've grown to love this world of Teyvat. I've made a lot of new friends here, and many precious memories.

Speaking as a living witness to this world, I believe it has a right to a continued existence. I want to protect it... That is my wish.

Response recorded and analyzed. Do you wish to update your response, or continue?

No further response detected. Sufficient grounds established. Importing data... Complete. Attempting to execute...

Checking Trial of Usurpation completion status... Six trials remaining.

What's a Trial of Usurpation?

Nicole? Any idea?

I'm afraid not. This is the first I've heard of it, too.

Come on, Esoptron, don't be so coy. Give us a little more to go on.

...

Alright... Well, I guess we won't be getting another response out of Esoptron until these so-called "Trials of Usurpation" are completed.

You gotta be kidding... Paimon thought this thing was gonna stop the Hallowing, not give us more work!

And "coy" is putting it mildly. Not a single clear answer — clearly, it loves keeping us in the dark. Hmph, stupid machine!

Perhaps figuring out what a Trial of Usurpation is, is itself part of the trial.

We can only assume so... Nastasya, any thoughts?

Time for us to return. Alice, Nicole, thank you for your assistance.

Wait... If I may, Your Majesty.

...I can't say too much about where I stand. But since the days of Hyperborea, countless people have placed their hopes and dreams in this land we now know as Snezhnaya... So I hope you will protect it.

I swore an oath to that effect long ago. No matter the cost.

I'm sure this will come as quite a disappointment, but I'm afraid there's nothing more the Hexenzirkel can do.

We can't afford to stay here much longer. So, just to be on the safe side, we ought to be heading off now.

Snezhnaya is as cold as ever. And yet... something seems to have changed since the last time I was here.

Now you're the one being coy.

Oh, don't compare me to that bland device... We are nothing alike. I just couldn't think how best to express myself in the moment, that's all.

...Okay, let me put it this way. Ioanna once complained to me about how she had to work herself to the bone every day in the Veche, because there was simply so much urgent work to be done.

Since I was visiting anyway, I took the chance to stop off there and see how things are going now. And although the Veche continues to argue as ever, most of the issues under debate there seem less pressing than once was the case.

Slowly but surely, you've worked your way through each one of those issues, haven't you, Nastasya? It makes me wonder whether you've had even a moment's rest over the centuries?

That is the least of my concerns. The time for me to rest is still a long way away.

I knew you'd say that. But I also know that Ioanna would be sure to ask about your wellbeing if she were here... So, I say these words for her sake.

Still, at the end of the day, it's your choice to make. Take care, Nastasya. Until next time.

As for you, my dearies, I do hope you make your Auntie proud. Live life to the fullest, embrace the journey, and look after yourselves.

Keep us updated if anything changes. Best of luck with everything... We'll be watching.

Bye Alice, bye Nicole! Thanks for your help!

Your Majesty, Mr. Pierro wishes to speak with you.

Bring him in.

Your Majesty, honored guests. I see the mages of the Hexenzirkel have left. Have there been any developments?

...So yeah, that's pretty much where we're at.

...

What is it?

Six Trials of Usurpation... In total, there are six Nails of Retribution in Teyvat.

Whatever form these trials may take, I do not think we can hope to complete them without cooperation from the other nations.

Since the Hallowing increased in pace, we have received many letters from foreign nations asking for an explanation. They, too, are extremely distressed about the current state of affairs.

Invite the leaders of all nations here. I will negotiate with them.

Whoa, what!?

Yes, Your Majesty. At once.

Oh, hey, Tartaglia... What brings you here？

Haha, today is Councilor Tartaglia's big day out.

Entertaining foreign leaders is an important job, and although the Bureau of Ceremonies handles most of the day-to-day work, they still need some oversight from the Veche and the Fatui.

I got roped in by old man Rooster, since I hold posts in both. And because I'm so well-traveled.

Huh, makes sense. Well, good luck, Tartaglia!

Are the leaders of every nation here?

Yep, they've all showed up. Can't say it's made for a particularly cordial atmosphere...

(I've known for a long time now that many other nations aren't on very good terms with Snezhnaya. A cordial atmosphere is the last thing I would expect.)

All in all, though, I don't think there's too much to worry about. I'm sure the Tsaritsa knows what to expect. I'm more focused on whether I'll actually get to meet anyone I already know.

Like who?

I wondered about Zhongli, for example, even though it was a long shot, but he hasn't shown up. Neuvillette's here... but he's the main reason the atmosphere is so gloomy.

(I guess it makes sense for Zhongli not to get involved. Sounds like Neuvillette's here to represent Fontaine in person. The Hydro Dragon and the archons, all in one place... Last I heard, he wants to put them all on trial. I wonder if he'll bring that up?)

I was hoping to spar with him at first, but from the look on his face, now wouldn't be a good time. Maybe next time.

Got any tips on how to cheer him up a little? I at least wanna be able to tell old man Rooster than I tried my best when he asks.

That's a tough one. Although... maybe you could try giving him a couple bottles of Snezhnayan water? That might help him feel better.

You think so? Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, comrades.

Oh, one last thing — all the leaders brought delegations with them. I'm guessing they're all people you know. You should go catch up with them.

Ooh... wonder who the delegates are? Let's go find out!

The last gathering of The Seven was in Khaenri'ah, during the cataclysm.

Five hundred years on, many familiar faces are no longer with us. Yet the circumstances that bring us together are no less grave. Today, we meet to discuss our options and agree upon a plan.

Hello, Tsaritsa. I've heard the name Anastasya many times in my life. Good to finally meet you in person.

Although we did have the chance to meet five hundred years ago, all sorts of things ended up getting in the way. For my part, I had no choice but to return to Natlan.

I don't believe we've ever had the occasion to sit down and discuss things in this manner.

Before the destruction of Khaenri'ah, we conducted research on this point. Our conclusion was that, for the Heavenly Principles, it is far better for the nations to operate in isolation than in unity.

After all, the Gnoses are the only things with the potential to disrupt the order of the world, and each is in the hands of a different archon. For all the disadvantages that isolation brings, it allows Celestia's rule to prevail.

This is a novel perspective — I don't think I've ever heard things framed in terms of the Heavenly Principles' rationale. But we must speculate with care, or we risk crossing the line into the conspiratorial.

It also sounds like a convenient excuse to explain away the serious diplomatic controversies that have arisen in the past.

There are many ways to overcome the estrangement between our nations and establish lines of communication. Conflict is by far the worst option of them all.

Whew, we're already firing on all cylinders... alright then...

It's all part of the process. Even the wind can't blow off the past — it has to be faced, in which case I suggest we do so head-on.

I echo Miss Sangonomiya's sentiments.

There has been all manner of friction between our nations and the various organizations within them. To seek to apportion blame based on superficial appearances alone would be beneath us.

Nevertheless, we have a long tradition in Liyue of determining right and wrong through reasoned argument. To that end, we have corresponded with Snezhnaya numerous times in the past, but most of the replies we have received were signed by Mr. Pulcinella.

Today, I would instead like hear to hear you, Anastasya, account for the controversies of the past in your own words.

Lady Tianquan, might I advise you to rephrase your words as a request, not a demand...

I happen to think it's a perfectly reasonable demand.

Very well. These are hardly matters that cannot be spoken of.

When the Fatui was planning the retrieval of the Gnoses, a peaceful option was tabled: Hold a meeting, and verbally persuade the other archons to support our project.

But it was not realistic. The gods hold differing opinions on the notion of defying the Heavenly Principles. Moreover, they are all cursed with a love for humanity that would impair their decision-making.

Even with those who wished to support us, we had no choice but to stage a performance so as to minimize the risk of failure.

Hehe...

Snezhnaya's approach was to devise a plan that might succeed, not rely on a far-fetched fantasy that could never be. It is also the philosophy I live by.

I apologize to all who have been negatively impacted by our plan, but I do not regret starting down this path.

Lady Tianquan, in the spirit of reasoned argument, I would appeal to one of your Liyue proverbs: "Only the impartial see things fairly, only the selfless see with clarity."

Very apt indeed... I respect your position. I believe we can work together.

Already? You took less persuading than I'd imagined, Lady Ningguang.

The crisis we face compels us to cooperate. Under the circumstances, the Tsaritsa's amicable tone and sincere apology are enough for me to work with.

In the short term only, of course. Who can say what the future holds? Maybe this will be the start of a new, more amicable era, or maybe there's a whole lot more friction ahead. We'll have to see.

A nation's will has to reflect the will of its people, not our personal preferences or emotional whims.

Mm... couldn't have put it better myself. I'm all for coming together in times of crisis too.

I agree. Even though Snezhnaya is the source of the present crisis, I don't think we can simply place all the blame on the Tsaritsa and her government.

If Ronova, the Ruler of Death, truly wanted to take revenge on Snezhnaya, she could easily have activated only the Nail of Retribution located here.

Yet, she chose otherwise. Her actions are a declaration of war against us all, and we ought to respond as a united front.

Not much to add from our side, but... It feels great to stand in solidarity with you all.

Worldly affairs are transient as clouds, forming and vanishing in the boundless sky. Let go of these, and all that prevails is this present moment, in which we are of one mind.

Watatsumi Island will remain on guard, but this will not impede any collaborative action.

Looks like most of us are agreed, then. But we have yet to hear from the gentleman who has remained silent so far...

Yes indeed... Which brings us to the next topic we need to discuss.

The Iudex of Fontaine — the Hydro Dragon, with his full authority restored... Monsieur Neuvilette, I believe this is the first time we have met.

Zijiao bore witness when Rex Lapis fought side by side with the great Geo Dragon, Azhdaha, at whose slightest touch the very mountains quake. Never did I think I would encounter another member of dragonkind willing to protect humanity.

Monsieur Iudex, your attendance today comes as a welcome surprise, even though you were very much invited.

To let the Hallowing run its course would restore Teyvat to its original state, turning elemental energy back to Light Realm energy once more. In the eyes of dragonkind, this is no disaster.

I won't deny that as I sit here to partake in these discussions with you all, my mind is filled with a complex array of emotions.

The rift between dragons and gods goes deeper than any "conflict" or "friction." There is a staunch animosity to which I see no easy resolution.

I may not be a first-generation dragon, but even so... as I sit here, I feel a rancor stirring within me.

We completely understand. From the dragons' perspective, both we and the Heavenly Principles belong to the same despicable breed of "usurpers."

Thank you for your understanding, Buer, God of Verdure.

I do not come here seeking vengeance. The day of reckoning will come, but today is not that day.

Though there is no Nail of Retribution in our nation, it is but a matter of time before the Hallowing spreads to Fontaine. But I have absolved the Fontainians of their sins... The Heavenly Principles has no right to cast down the death sentence upon them.

"No right" indeed... I like how you put it. Maybe it's because I'm a human first and a god second, but the Heavenly Principles seems so far removed from everyday life.

I don't care so much about how they created the world or their grand plan for the future — I'm more concerned with dealing with the consequences for Natlan. Protecting the people of my nation will always be my number one priority.

The state of relations between gods and dragons is actually far more complex than you might imagine. For instance, I've helped out the Dendro Dragon, Apep in the past, and sought her help in my hour of need.

From the ruins of a broken relationship, we're all searching for the best way to co-exist.

Now I think about it, Dvalin really is the gentlest dragon. As long as I bring some wine and song with me, he'll patiently listen to whatever I have to say.

...

We have a pretty unique relationship with the local dragon population in Natlan. We call them saurians. Come see for yourself sometime.

Of course, you're also very welcome to visit when that day of reckoning comes around... It'll be a duel for the ages.

...

...I will be frank — I have no intention of forming a feigned alliance with the present company. No matter how many eons go by, the Dragons will never forgive the gods for their usurpation.

Yet I doubt that the Heavenly Principles ever envisaged the gods of this world rising up in rebellion against them. In this moment, at least, we share a common goal.

Good. Then let us exchange what information we have.

Regarding the "Holy Soil" phenomenon, or Hallowing... It is a process initiated by the Nails of Retribution — the Heavenly Principles' final recourse, a means of destroying civilization entirely.

Due to roadblocks in our research, we have yet to locate the Pyro Gnosis. Without it, we have no immediate means of challenging the Heavenly Principles directly.

Why should we believe that you haven't acquired the Pyro Gnosis already?

Were it in our possession, I assure you we could resolve this crisis quite swiftly without any need to burden the rest of you.

I'm probably the most familiar with the Pyro Gnosis, since I looked after it for a very long time.

But I can no longer sense it. It's like there's an invisible wall separating us.

The Fatui are searching for it as we speak. But here and now, we must focus our discussion on how to put an end to the Hallowing without the full set of Gnoses to aid us.

We've dealt with the same phenomenon before on Watatsumi Island.

Oh? Then, do you know of a way to resolve it, Miss Sangonomiya?

To an extent, at least in principle. Pierro describes it as a means for the Heavenly Principles to wipe out civilization via the Nails of Retribution, but this isn't the complete picture.

Whenever Light Realm energy increases in intensity, causing the land to regress to its original state, this is a manifestation of the Holy Soil phenomenon.

When we've faced this crisis in the past, we hold a ritual called the Watatsumi Goryou Matsuri, which awakens the Sangacorexes using the Watatsumi Omikami's life force.

Sangacorexes... They can reverse the Hallowing process?

That's right. The Sangacorex has the ability to convert Light Realm energy back into elemental energy, rendering the land fertile again. However...

The Serpent is dead, and few Sangacorexes remain. Even if we managed to awaken them all, I don't think it would be enough to save Teyvat.

Still, it gives us somewhere to start. If no better ideas come up, we can go all-in on breeding Sangacorexes.

You know, once upon a time, Natlan's terrain was rich in Phlogiston and Light Realm energy, until a Nail of Retribution was sent to change that...

What a temperamental nail it turned out to be... First, it doesn't allow Light Realm energy to spread unchecked, then, it starts turning elemental energy back into Light Realm energy to punish civilization.

One moment a creator, the next a destroyer, all depending on its mood... If that's the way the ruler of the high heavens thinks, it would come as no surprise.

...My homeland of Lang-Gan was once a prosperous land that produced all manner of precious ore and stones. But the moment that we were beset by the dark malice, the Nail of Retribution was ready to destroy it all.

I opposed heaven's will then, and now I know its sheer indifference all too well. Humans created that civilization, yet they were denied any choice over their fate. Even to protest the fate they were handed was treated as a grave sin.

It is precisely this state of affairs that we wish to change.

We have learned from a reliable source that to stop the Hallowing, six so-called "Trials of Usurpation" must be completed.

Six nails, and six trials... So this is the Heavenly Principles' way of testing us?

Interesting... It must want us to prove something.

Hmph... All it wants us to prove is that we deserve to exist.

What do the trials entail?

That, we do not yet know.

Maybe someone should go up to the nail and knock. It might suddenly open and invite you in for a chat.

Are you serious...? In any case, getting close to Natlan's nail would be pretty difficult — not just because of the Hallowing, but because it's hidden away inside the Night Kingdom.

We should pick one nation to test it out first.

...Let's start with Sumeru. There was once a god of the desert who researched the Nail of Retribution, and we still have the records of what he had learned.

Isn't Sumeru still getting back on its feet, though? Natlan would be a better choice. The Hallowing is nothing new for us, and with all the knowledge stored in the Sacred Flame, we're bound to figure something out.

Inazuma should take the lead. It is to face perils such as this that I mastered the martial arts.

There need be no debate on the matter. This started in Snezhnaya, thus is it my responsibility to bear.

Besides, I made a contract with the "late" Rex Lapis. I am obliged, both by conscience and principle, to do this myself.

(Oh?)

(Hehe... Well, that should settle the debate... I doff my cap to you, Sir — you truly do work in mysterious ways.)

The symbols...

One of them is gone.

That's strange. What could have caused it?

Might I suggest we hear it from the parties involved?

An old friend, with a little help from yours truly, has some information to bring to us on the wind. The floor is yours~

Must I? Very well then... since you insist... Ahem, I trust everyone can hear one clearly?

Liyue's trial has been completed without incident. It has yielded some new information, which must be shared with you all.

The trial requires one who is free of sin to enter into the Nail of Retribution and demonstrate that their civilization is progressing in accordance with the Heavenly Principles's divine plan.

"Divine plan"?

"Freedom, "contracts"... Terms with which I'm sure all of us are very familiar.

A "plan" in name alone — in truth, they are curses placed on our civilizations by the Heavenly Principles. As for those "free of sin"...

Logically speaking, that should mean those who grasp the true meaning of the plan and act in accordance with the Heavenly Principles's will.

Incidentally, the key to Liyue's proof was Mora, which is made from Rex Lapis's flesh and blood and represents his contract with the mortal world.

Re... Regardless, a mysterious adeptus deployed a magic array using a Mora coin as a catalyst, and entered inside the nail.

In doing so, said adeptus evidenced to the Heavenly Principles that the contract is still valid, and with that the Trial of Usurpation given to Liyue was declared complete.

That is all the information I have. May you all overcome this crisis swiftly and successfully.

That's extremely useful information, thank you! ...Uh, could you pass that along for me?

Certainly! Sent~

In conclusion, each trial requires someone to enter the Nail of Retribution and prove to the Heavenly Principles that their divine plan is still in effect.

Now that Liyue has shown us the way, we no longer need to select a test nation. Instead, each should focus on completing the trial assigned to them.

Now that we know what we're doing, this'll be much easier. Good meeting, everybody. We made a lot of progress today. Guess it's time for us to head back now?

Five trials remain. With the exception of Liyue and Fontaine, all of us need to complete our nations' trials as quickly as possible.

It's time to say goodbye.

In the spirit of collaboration, Liyue will continue to provide assistance as needed.

We, too, shall do whatever is within our means to help.

Thanks, genuinely. I don't know when we'll meet again, but for each one of us, may the new dawn bring us the future we're hoping for.

Farewell.

The Fatui will escort everyone out of Snezhnograd. We will also liaise with our forces around the world to provide what assistance we can.