Genshin Impact: Spoiling the Future

News of Mondstadt’s attack by the Stormterror dragon spread swiftly, and naturally, the closest nation to learn of it was Liyue.

However, this information had not yet reached the general public—only high-ranking officials with intelligence networks were aware.

”Are you saying a book predicted the details of Mondstadt’s dragon crisis?” asked a woman dressed in luxurious attire.

Her platinum-blonde hair was pinned up with black-and-gold hairpins, cascading down her back and splitting into strands that reached her legs. A red tassel dangled from her forehead, complementing the hue of her eyes.

Her arms were adorned with black sleeves and golden finger guards, while her opulent gold-and-white qipao accentuated her noble bearing.

Her exposed legs were as fair as jade, one elegantly crossed over the other, hinting at an alluring absolute territory.

She was the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing—Ningguang, the wealthiest woman in all of Teyvat.

”That’s correct. Here, I managed to get a copy.”

Across from her, a tall woman with short blue hair and a white cloak draped over her shoulders responded.

As she spoke, she pulled a book from her robes and handed it to Ningguang. This was none other than Yelan.

After receiving the book, Ningguang did not scrutinize it closely but merely skimmed the contents of the written story.

”How fascinating,” Ningguang chuckled. ”The ability to foresee the future—if applied in business, it would be utterly unstoppable.”

”From now on, if this author releases another book, bring me a copy.”

Ningguang couldn’t help but be intrigued by such content. The book contained the future—opportunities lay within.

Yelan nodded in agreement. Though the book had not yet been released in Liyue, obtaining a few copies would be no trouble given her methods.

Moreover, now that Ningguang had given the order, there was no need for further complications.

They could simply negotiate with The Steambird to add Liyue as a distribution location in the future.

”So, has the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt truly returned?” Ningguang inquired.

The return of a nation’s deity—this piece of intelligence carried no less weight than the prophetic book.

Yelan did not answer immediately but pondered for a moment before replying:

”It’s still uncertain. Because Mondstadt was forewarned about Stormterror’s attack, they took preventive measures. As a result, the Anemo Archon, who would have intervened originally, did not act this time.”

”At the very least, my informants saw no signs of the Anemo Archon’s involvement. We cannot confirm his return.”

”However, given the book’s accuracy, there’s a ninety percent chance the Anemo Archon has returned.”

”Is that so?” Ningguang fell into thought.

The Anemo Archon’s return, the emergence of a prophetic book, and the arrival of an outlander…

Would these events affect the upcoming Rite of Descension in a few months?

The Rite of Descension was one of Liyue’s most important ceremonies, it could not afford any mishaps.

Ningguang considered whether additional guards should be stationed at the ceremony.

In the past, she would never have entertained such an idea after all, Rex Lapis was far too powerful.

With his might, guards were entirely unnecessary. The security at the Rite of Descension could even be described as lacking.

Because, well that was Rex Lapis. How many in all of Teyvat could stand against him?

The guards at the ceremony were merely there to maintain order, not to protect anyone.

But now, circumstances had changed. There were too many unknown variables. To prepare for any contingency, Ningguang felt it necessary to bolster security.

Even if the additional guards couldn’t serve as true protection, they could at least expand the intelligence-gathering network for the day, ensuring readiness for any sudden developments.

”Yelan, I’ll trouble you to personally lead the security detail on the day of the Rite of Descension. Also, inform Beidou and ensure she remains in the harbor that day.”

”Understood.” Yelan did not question Ningguang’s decision.

In Liyue, aside from Ningguang and Yelan, the Fatui were also discussing the implications of these events.

Tartaglia held the report delivered by his subordinates, along with the ”prophetic book” written by Lucian.

”A prophetic book?” Childe muttered skeptically as he flipped through the pages. ”Does such precise prophecy truly exist in this world?”

After reading it, Childe was indeed astonished by the book’s contents. Regardless of whether it was genuine prophecy, the sheer depth of its knowledge about Mondstadt’s higher-ups made it an invaluable text.

Truly, the world was full of remarkable individuals. If someone like this could foresee the future in battle, wouldn’t all his attacks be predicted?

If so… it really made his fingers itch. He longed to experience a fight with such an opponent right now.

”I wonder what Mr. Zhongli would make of this.”

In Childe’s eyes, Zhongli was a man of extraordinary insight.

Even a book that defied reality like this—surely, he would have something to say about it.

”Hmm… Wait, if this author’s future predictions aren’t limited to Mondstadt but extend to Liyue as well… then my plans…”

Childe fell into deep thought.

”What a headache. Why couldn’t someone like this be on our side?”

He eventually gave up on further contemplation.

In truth, Childe was acquainted with Lucian.

Back when he used to treat Zhongli to meals, Lucian would often tag along for free food.

However, at the time, Lucian was truly weak—hardly worth Childe’s interest. They were, at best, nodding acquaintances.

Lucian had never revealed his identity as an author to Childe, partly because their rapport wasn’t strong enough, and partly because:

In Lucian’s view, if Childe learned of his supposed prophetic abilities, he’d probably rush to Fontaine immediately to challenge him to a fight.

Yet Lucian possessed no such prophetic power.

In his current state, he stood no chance against Childe, so he kept this information to himself.

By the time his identity was eventually exposed, it wouldn’t matter—because in a few months, the Rite of Descension would take place.

Zhongli was about to orchestrate a major incident, leaving Childe with no time to travel to Fontaine.

Unbeknownst to Childe, the very ”future-seeing powerhouse” giving him such a headache was the same weakling he’d once dismissed.

”I’ll discuss this with my good friend Zhongli.”

Childe decided to treat Zhongli to a meal—after all, it wasn’t his own money being spent.

Aside from Liyue’s higher-ups and the Fatui, one other person obtained this intelligence ahead of others:

Fontaine’s mascot, the little Hydro Archon—Furina.

”It’s… it’s really a prophecy?”

Lady Furina stared in astonishment at the report delivered by her subordinates.

Though she had wanted to meet Lucian, it had been with only a sliver of hope—her expectations hadn’t been high.

But now, everything was different. Furina was practically itching to cast aside her status and seek out Lucian immediately.

If he could predict Mondstadt’s future, then surely he knew of Fontaine’s prophecy as well?

Did he have a solution?

Furina paced back and forth in her small room, pondering how she could arrange a meeting with Lucian.

Now that she was aware of his prophetic abilities, the problem was that Lucian himself had not made them public.

The people of Fontaine had no idea Lucian was the author of the prophetic book.

In other words, while his book had gained popularity, Lucian himself remained an ordinary Liyue citizen.

Countless people lined up daily for an audience with Furina—many of them Fontaine’s elite and nobility.

If Furina canceled meetings with these individuals to meet an ordinary foreigner, it would undoubtedly breed resentment.

”Why won’t he just reveal himself?!”

Furina pouted and stomped her foot in frustration.

Since Lucian refused to go public, she couldn’t very well do it for him.

Unless some incident occurred, she would have to leave it to fate.

”Fine, I’ll start by figuring out what he likes.” Furina pulled out a dossier on Lucian and began studying it.

If she wanted to exchange information with him, she needed to show sincerity on her part.

This dossier contained an exclusive interview with Lucian conducted by Charlotte—an unpublished piece Furina had managed to acquire.

”Hmm, let’s see… 22 years old, unmarried, unemployed, zero income, 182 cm tall, weighs 145 lbs, won a district-wide essay gold medal in Liyue, owns property in Liyue… Huh? It’s very detailed, but why does it feel useless?”

===✧✦✧===

Character Voice – Furina: About Lucian’s Interview

”Though he shared a lot of personal information, he didn’t reveal any hobbies! Luckily, I’m clever—I found out he only reacted strongly to ’Fishy Toast.’ He must love it!”