Chapter Text
A lone figure stood by the window, staring upon the unchanging ocean. She searched for the ships docking Liyue’s ports, sighing and sipping her tea contentedly.
“Miss Ningguang?”
Ningguang turned from the window. Her secretary stood by the door, softly closing it behind her. She strode forward with a folder tucked under her arm before taking out a letter.
“Yes, Baiwen?” Ningguang placed her China teacup down and looked scrutinisingly at the folder.
“A letter from the Pyro Archon,” Baiwen answered, setting down the folder – labelled ‘MISSIONS’ – on the table.
Ningguang raised an eyebrow and took the letter gracefully. A letter from the Pyro Archon herself. To what do I owe the pleasure?
She peeled the maroon wax seal off the envelope, carefully reading the contents of the letter. Her gaze shifted minutely, her eyebrow dipped, then she slipped the letter back into the envelope. Ningguang handed it back to Baiwen.
“Prepare The Pantheon for a meeting with the Archons,” she turned in favour of looking over the ocean, silently pondering to herself. “And when you see Yelan, send her to my office for work-related purposes.”
Baiwen nodded and hurried out of the office. Ningguang stared at Liyue Harbour, musing to herself and sipping her cup of tea. The surface of the liquid trembled in the slightest. After a couple of minutes, someone entered the office and closed the door behind them with a small click! The snapping of heels on timber stopped as they dropped onto the couch in the corner of her office. Ningguang felt their watchful, expectant gaze on her shoulders.
“The Pyro Archon’s gnosis has been stolen,” Ningguang spoke in the silence of the room. Her voice reverberated off the walls, echoing back at her ominously. She faced the woman on the couch, who was tossing and rolling a die in between her fingers.
“So?” Yelan spoke up after a moment of pause. “The Archons don’t need their Gnoses for power. It’s just a symbol of Celestia’s control over Teyvat.”
Ningguang raised her eyebrow in surprise of Yelan’s extensive knowledge. Then again, Yelan’s intelligence was never fully disclosed to her, and the woman always managed to outsmart and impress her at every corner.
“But you know why the Fatui are trying to get a hold of all seven Gnoses?” The woman nodded lazily. “Now the Cryo Archon has all seven. That means all her preparations have concluded and her war against the divine will come at last.”
Ningguang ran her thumb over the rim of her teacup.
“That means my plan will finally be in action.”
Present
The sun was high in the sky, peeking behind skyscrapers and reflecting off millions of glass windows. A black limousine drove through the winding streets of Musutafu, leaving bystanders gawking in its wake.
Ningguang feigned indifference to the stark contrast of the architecture in this world, pretending to strike up a pleasant conversation with the driver as she surveyed the modern landscape. She had been to Fontaine before and its modern, out-of-this-world technology was centuries behind Earth’s. And all of this was done without the guidance of the Heavenly Principles?
This is what Liyue could be, she smiled inwardly at the thought. With the people leading our nation, we could become as technologically advanced as this. Keqing, you would be inspired in a hundred different ways when you see this.
Though, she had to find the silver lining with some of the advanced technologies. Cars, although an outstanding mode of transport, produced a lot of pollution. Through her discussion with the driver, she learned that although the emissions from the cars looked to be a lot, there were factories and companies contributing even more to this environmental damage. Ningguang frowned in distaste, brainstorming in her mind how to avoid these consequences in the future of Liyue.
Outside the window, the bustling city faded into a quiet, rooved forest. A building made completely of glass loomed in the distance, closing in as they drove closer. Once they reached the gate, Ningguang looked upon the unfashionable cement walls around its perimeter and the perplexing shape of the building.
This was the number one hero school on Earth? A H-shaped apartment building with its walls completely made of glass? Where was the privacy? Where was the flare?
She composed herself, smoothing out the wrinkles in her gold and white qipao. Once her car door was opened, she elegantly extended her leg and stepped out. With a swish of her long hair, Ningguang stood face to face with a man standing behind the wall.
The blue arch over the entrance had a gold plate, which boasted the school’s name. Distracting herself, she wore a tight smile as she examined the man. His outfit was entirely black, save for the thick grey scarf around his neck. She couldn’t even pretend she was interested in his appearance as his messy black hair fell ungracefully in front of his eyes. He looked like a homeless man.
Ningguang was severely unimpressed with the presentation of one of their members, choosing not to speak as she was escorted onto the school grounds. The brick path was wide enough for two chariots and the foliage was primly trimmed in perfect spheres, squares, or cones. Ningguang did not shy away from the man’s eyes judging her fine clothing, as if scanning for any illegitimate copies of the real thing in her outfit. Unbeknownst to him, she was the richest person in Teyvat and could afford the real thing without even denting her wallet.
U.A. still managed to astound her. The outside was… barebones, but its campus made up for the lack of flare in the glass H-building (the aesthetic of Musutafu confused her – where was the gold embellishment?) Its hallways were somehow wider than the path towards the front steps, and the hallway was slightly taller than it was wide. Even the doors reached for the heavens. As expected, the halls were empty. Her heels echoed behind her, paired with the footsteps of the man escorting her. The rare Support-course staff they passed in the hallway either gawked in response to a Teyvatian on U.A.’s soil or analytically stared after her. Ningguang played her scheming smile, striding to the principal’s office with an unmatched air of confidence. Once entering the office, Ningguang couldn’t place how she felt about it, opting to make herself comfortable on the green couch. Seated opposite the tea table was a small, albino creature in a well-ironed suit.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to meet with you face-to-face for our first meeting, Miss Ningguang. You arrived just on time, as I expected of the Headmistress. The tea—" it gestured to the two steaming cups of tea on the table, attentively watching her features. “–has just finished brewing. Though, you must be confused as to why a creature is talking to you! I am Nezu, what could be a dog or a mouse or a bear, but most importantly, the principal!”
Ningguang was not confused in the slightest – non-human creatures were normal in Teyvat.
“It is an honour to meet with you as well, Principal Nezu,” the woman exchanged a tight-lipped smile, forgoing the flowery formalities and dismissing his light – and frankly, unnecessary – humour. “Let’s get on with the matter at hand.”
A month before
Ningguang, despite holding an audience with the Archons multiple times in person, could not get used to the lively chatter at the long, sandbearer wood table. The pendulum swung for another ten counts before the talking drew to a stop.
“Thank you all for arriving on time,” she started. Yelan and Baiwen flanked her sides, the secretary swiftly handing a pile of papers to Ningguang. “The matter is urgent, so I advise you all to repress the jokes and laughter.”
Someone coughed from further down the table, shifting awkwardly. He flashed his teal eyes apologetically as he straightened in his seat.
“It has come to my attention that the Fatui have acquired all seven Gnoses. This means the Cryo Archon will soon be making her move, beginning the very first steps of her battle against the divine. Considering how defeating the Heavenly Principles is not an easy deed, even for the gods, I have reason to suspect she might be involving Forbidden Knowledge with her cause.”
A distinguished gentleman adjusted his lapel, smoothing out the dark brown fabric and fixing the amber gem on his tie. His amber eyes sharpened as the conversation continued to take a darker turn.
“With the possibility that another disaster may descend upon us, I’m sure you’re all with me in the decision to protect our people. I have not been disclosed of your standing in the upcoming war, and I know I am not in a place to ask,” Ningguang assured, making eye-contact with the figures at the table. “But as the Headmistress of Teyvat Academy, I am asking for your cooperation in protecting the people – your people – by sending them to another world.”
This sparked a silent outrage at the table, as the Archons lowered their heads in thought. Someone shouted in disbelief.
“Which world, may I ask?” a young girl piped up from her seat. Her emerald eyes held the Headmistress’ with stern curiosity. “Teyvat has been closed off from any other worlds since the Cataclysm. First, we’d have to establish a connection with another world and find a way to transport the students safely. According to my memories, there are no other worlds which we can use for this mission.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Buer,” the woman opposite her finally opened her eyes. Electricity sparked behind her violet irises. “We do have an – albeit fragile – connection with another world.”
“Earth?” a woman crossed her leg over the other and took off her sunglasses, her blazing red eyes contrasting the sun’s brightness itself. “I heard their Heroes aided in our destruction of Khaenri’ah and their schemes with the Abyss,”
All eyes immediately flew to either one of two figures – the young boy with teal-tipped braids or the distinguished man with amber eyes.
“Hahaha! What an absurd notion! Were you thinking the original Archons were not strong enough for the Abyss?” the boy laughed.
“Barbatos, I’m sure that’s not what they thought,” the distinguished man hummed. “But it’s true. The interference of the Abyss and the involvement of the Heavenly Principles in the Cataclysm weakened Teyvat’s borders to Earth, as they are our closest world. Many of their Heroes fought valiantly in the battle–” his eyes softened in a fond remembrance. “–but as expected, they all perished.”
“You’re missing something, Morax,” Barbatos grinned. “Those Heroes were not welcome to our world. They violated our border in their desperation to save the weak when we were perfectly capable of dealing with the Abyss. In fact, their existence on our land brought the Forbidden Knowledge that tormented our people.”
Ningguang’s eyes widened.
“Well then… my plan might have to be altered,” she sighed. “Please, put aside your differences for now. From what I’ve gathered, our history with Earth is troublesome. To make matters worse, they don’t have the best perspective on us either.”
She split the pile of papers in half and passed them down either side of the table.
“Oh,” Buer unintentionally exclaimed at the title of the paper. The rest of the Archons responded similarly, staring at the papers or flipping through them with disbelief.
“These are a few of the many articles and transcripts from debates that have been published on Earth’s Internet.”
“‘Archonism – how Demons may be Grooming the Quirkless into Murder’ ‘The Fight for Teyvat’s Future’ ‘How the ‘Archons’ may be using Visions as a Soul Currency’ What is this?!” the woman with blazing red eyes – Harborym – couldn’t help but choke as she flipped through more of the printed articles.
“This has to be a joke,” the woman with purple hair – Beelzebul – deadpanned.
“They want to ‘free’ us,” Yelan stated plainly. “They think we’re a bunch of innocent doves who can’t do anything for ourselves and are oppressed by Demon Gods. To them, Visions can’t be a legitimate source of power but an artifact that trades our lifeforce for an illusion.”
Harborym sighed. Kinich thought a similar way, always searching to understand the price of having a Vision.
“Wow. Just… wow,” Barbatos couldn’t take his eyes away. "The saviour complex is unreal."
Morax calmly flipped the pages over and placed them face down on the table.
“It seems that somehow, Earth has grasped the functions of our world,” he mused. “I was not aware Teyvat was visible to them.”
“Parts of our world must’ve become visible from the weak points in the border,” Beelzebul deducted. “Seeing a new ‘continent’ must’ve sparked them to try and infiltrate our defences, but the defences we put in place must’ve repelled them. Pitiful humans like them have no power to break through my storm, with or without a quirk.”
“Perhaps they read their own records of our history,” Buer sighed. “That would explain their rekindled desperation in ‘saving’ us,” she flipped over the page. Next to her, Barbatos was stifling his laughter at the ludicrous articles. “If we don’t step in as the Heavenly Principles have asked, the Heroes will impeach on Teyvat and wreak havoc.”
“‘As the Heavenly Principles asked’?” Ningguang repeated. The Archons shared a look before nodding back. “They’ve awakened after 500 years?”
“Yes,” Beelzebul answered. “The borders have been weakened ever since the Cataclysm, and with the added pressure from the humans of Earth trying to break in, it is only a matter of time until they break. Our defences can drive them away–”
“But it seems like they have nothing else to do with their lives except go insane doing the same thing over and over,” Barbatos drawled, spiralling his finger to the side of his head. “Their little show awoke The Heavenly Principles, and they have asked us to drive the Heroes away. What a bother! I didn’t technically retire, but I’m not doing the work either way!”
“They won’t like it if we resist. In fact, they’ll push harder,” Ningguang dismissed Barbatos’ behaviour, tapping a finger against her temple.
“Your plan is to make Earth a suitable refuge for the people, right?” Morax steered the conversation back.
“Yes. My plan involves students from the academy to perform an exchange with Japan’s number 1 hero school, ‘U.A. High’, for six months. Since the school is reputable, once we get a good word from them, it should be easy sailing thereafter. Our students’ job is to dispel the rumours and set a positive foundation for future collaborations.”
Harborym ran her thumb over her bottom lip. “Perhaps we can introduce our students as Hero Students as well – make our school sound as normal to them – and set up a pretend Hero system that’ll hopefully allow us to cooperate with Earth and show that Teyvat functions perfectly fine without their self-righteousness.”
“All of these lies just to protect our freedom,” Barbatos seethed under his breath. The rest of the Archons had their own distasteful thoughts.
If this continues, the peaceful eternity I promised my people will be threatened. Beelzebul stared at Ningguang’s composed and reflective face. I must strengthen the storm at the border.
“We’ll further discuss the plans once I confirm the exchange program with U.A.,” Ningguang handed her papers to Baiwen, who dutifully went around the meeting room collecting the other papers. She quickly dismissed the meeting.
Present
Teyvat Academy, a Hero school of the mysterious, malignant, and infamous continent called Teyvat, was hoping to exchange with Japan’s number one Hero school, U.A. Nezu couldn’t be more thrilled. Despite Ningguang explaining the extensive history of the Hero school, Nezu had never read any mention of it from the files that recorded Teyvat from five centuries ago. He was skeptical, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
“I am content with the regulations you’ve laid out,” Nezu smiled, playing his hand at being a naïve and accommodating principal. From Ningguang’s terms, he could tell there was something else happening. There was no way Teyvat Academy would willingly hand over a couple Hero students for training. She seemed dead set on creating connections, dismissing the rumours and focusing on the progression from their past conflicts.
“You couldn’t have picked a better time to propose the exchange either!” he laughed, leaning back on the couch. “After all, U.A.’s entrance exam is right around the corner. Your students could participate?”
That was one way to figure out the capabilities of the students and the powers of the Visions that allegedly existed.
Ningguang smiled pleasantly at his offer. “I will have to refuse your offer.”
Straightforward, Nezu mentally readjusted himself.
“We haven’t told our students of the exchange program since this is only the brainstorming stage of a collaboration that might continue further into the future.” Good. Everything was playing right into his hands. “It’ll take two months or so, and since we’ve agreed to exchange with your first years, then it would be best to begin the exchange in the second week to give your students some settling-in time. Any objections?”
“No,” Nezu promptly responded. Giving them to my first years who have no knowledge of undercover missions is risky, but she’s strongly against the second and third years. It’s not the best situation, but I can make do by giving them an experienced Homeroom teacher.
“So, the matter is settled,” Ningguang formally extended her hand for him to shake. He noticed her cup of steaming tea that had gone completely cold without a single sip having been taken.
“We have yet to discuss the arrangements for my students,” Nezu finally made a move. The woman retracted her hand, watching intently. She nodded for him to go ahead. “When is the proposed date for my students’ exchange to Teyvat Academy?”
Ningguang’s smile faltered. “You wish for your students to come to Teyvat?”
“Yes. I’m sure our first years would have heard all about the mysterious Teyvat since the recovery of information surrounding the events from five centuries ago. They would be very eager to learn more about your culture.” Pose a believable lie, flatter them, then use the expectations of others to guilt-trip them. This was it. If they did accept, that would be a free pass to uncover all the secrets and illegal schemes of the cult running that continent. If they didn’t accept, that would confirm the existence of evil happenings, and the media would go to town on the potential news.
“…Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate for your request,” Ningguang rejected. “If that’s a gamechanger, then I’m afraid we cannot do this exchange.”
Nezu frowned. So, something is happening that they cannot show us.
“Letting your school exchange to ours but not allowing the reciprocal isn’t what we’d call an exchange,” he softened his voice as if he was teaching a subject to a child.
“I know that. Perhaps we can call it something else?”
When he looked up, the woman in front of him was no longer an impressionable, rich lady, but a cunning businesswoman whose bluff managed to catch him off-guard. He couldn’t even tell if it was a bluff with the sly smile and slitted eyes on her face.
“Can we at least compromise and let my students stay for two months?”
“That’ll be too long. I am not open to compromise. Your students will not be coming to our school.”
If he couldn’t get an opening into Teyvat through this conversation, future opportunities would be hard to come by.
He sighed, extending his paw. “I am alright with our terms. I look forward to doing this exchange with you, Headmistress Ningguang.”
She resumed her coy smile and shook his hand. He had been outdone by her. Ningguang swiftly stood up and paced to the door, leaving her cup full of tea next to his near-empty one.
Nezu, seeing how dire the situation was, bit down his worries. The deal didn’t come without any risks involved.
“Are we not allowed into Teyvat because of some divine intervention?” The woman pondered his question, debating whether to answer.
“It’s not that we don’t want to host you – we’d love to host you as our esteemed guests. It’s more that the laws of our universe and the Heavens would simply not allow for your intrusion.”
Nezu straightened at the information. The Heavens? So, there are otherworldly forces involved! “You’re saying Teyvat is a universe and it is different from ours?”
“Because it is.” He noticed her jaw set. “When the day comes for the Cryo Archon’s audience with the Divine, our world will be forever changed – for the better or for the worst, no one knows.”
Nezu bit the inside of his cheek, willing his body to stop responding to the truckload of information emptying on his ears. Part of him wondered if this was a lie because of how easy it was to get this confidential information.
“The tragedy that may befall us in the future could be similar to the one written in history,” Ningguang’s gaze turned forlorn. Nezu recalled the Fallen Heroes’ records – land swamped with black, oozing goo, a red sky, and creatures born from the soul of darkness itself rampaging the lands. “This possibility has propelled me to seek peace with Earth in hopes that the children of my academy will have a place of refuge from the wrath of the gods. I’m sure our interests align. You can play the Heroes in our story again and save the people.”
It was like she had pulled the words straight out of his head.
“It is time I take my leave,” her coy smile toyed with him as she left the room. Once her suffocating air of confidence followed her out, Nezu felt like he could finally breathe without her calculating eyes on him.
As long as she sends over the students, we have a chance. Seven students are enough information – more than enough information! He convinced himself he had the upper hand. There was no way a human – a Quirkless human – had outsmarted him.
“Barbatos, is the cake really necessary?” Ningguang, frowned at the assortment of Fontainian cakes laid out on the table. “This is not a tea party.”
“I thought it would be a nice tribute to Focalors,” he giggled before excusing himself to another slice.
“Indeed. The delicacies from Fontaine are as spectacular as always,” Beelzebul enjoyed her portion of a layered meringue cake. Her eyes lit up at the rush of sugar and sweetness to her senses.
“After all, last time we had the chance to sit around and enjoy each other’s company wasn’t the best time to catch up,” Morax blew over his cup of steaming tea, preferring to leave the pastries and desserts to the others.
“I do miss Focalors – well, should we call her Furina?” Buer mused with an amused expression. “She would’ve performed a wonderful act to welcome us into her presence.”
Harborym sighed. She never had the chance to meet the Hydro Archon, though knowing another Archon had suffered five-hundred years as a human like her offered a guilty solace.
“I acknowledge how some of you have lived for thousands of years and love to reminisce about the old times, but right now, we have the future to worry about,” Ningguang’s exasperation caught their attention. It wasn’t every day the composed Headmistress of Teyvat Academy lost her cool.
Barbatos couldn’t help but lean into the tension.
“I have secured the exchange with U.A. High. We must decide who we will send out on this mission,” she continued.
“We could do seven students for the seven elements,” Harborym suggested, twirling her flaming hair in between her fingers. “And try to represent the nations of Teyvat too.”
“We must make sure they can work together,” Buer determined. “Having students who can’t interact with the Hero students is bad but having students who can’t work together is even worse.”
“Our selections must be adaptable to the new conditions and willing to put aside their differences to work for a better cause,” Beelzebul set down her fork next to an unfinished pastry. “A lot of students have misunderstandings with each other, but all of our students resent the Heroes of Earth. We should avoid any confrontation if possible.”
“Aw, come on!” Barbatos whined. “Really? We’re going to send our most lacklustre students like… let me guess!” he started numbering off his fingers. “Noelle, Nilou, Barbara, Ayaka…”
The rest of the Archons glared at him disapprovingly.
“Badmouthing some of your faithful followers is not a good look, Barbatos,” Morax sternly warned him. “Might I remind you it was due to their faith you are still here?”
The boy chuckled sheepishly, whispering an apology under his breath.
“While Barbatos might need a lesson on manners,” Ningguang judged him with a single look. “I do agree with his view. Some of the rumours label our students as ‘complacent’ and even liken them to fawns. Sending students who are independent and have a firm sense of self would contradict these statements and dispel the rumours better than our most behaved students. Taking no gambles in this opportunity might seem the easiest way to win… but if we take the risk, the benefit will be better when they pull through.”
“They’ll only bring trouble to the cause!” Beelzebul quipped. Her voice quietly shook with concern.
“We shouldn’t think so lowly of our students. As some of our academy’s teachers, I would be expecting you to at least ensure your students are well disciplined.”
Barbatos coughed out his cake, taking a moment to splutter and regain his breath. As he recovered, he nonchalantly waved for them to continue.
“In my years as a businesswoman, the greater the investment, the higher the risk, but all the greater the reward shall be. I have already decided who we can send, but if the two appear to be too chaotic for us all to come to an agreement, I am open to sending a third student to balance them out.”
When all the Archons leaned forward in anticipation, Ningguang signalled to Baiwen to turn on the remote. Pictures of the two students showed up on the screen. Buer and Morax inhaled sharply in recognition before relaxing their shoulders, waiting to hear Ningguang’s decision.
“The first one, I admit, is a tricky one to send on the exchange. But his perspective as a puppet and his abilities as someone who almost ascended to godhood is essential to this mission. He will see things some will miss. As his guardian, Buer, do you permit him on this exchange?” the woman turned to the little girl.
She lowered her gaze under the intense stares of the other gods, closing her eyes to think. The sounds around her faded into a buzz as she entered her thoughts, picking from the collage of information she had on the puppet.
He has learnt a lot in his long time at the Academiya, but research can only get him so far. His transferral to Teyvat Academy was rocky, and so will this mission be… but… Buer opened her eyes to the meeting room, raising her head authoritatively.
“I believe he is capable of succeeding and give my permission for his exchange. He has grown to become a knowledgeable and capable individual truly suited for this task,” she answered firmly before turning to the purple-haired goddess. “Beelzebul, do you have any objections?”
Beelzebul was momentarily stunned once the attention was focused on her. Buer’s thought of consulting her like she was his parent caused some buried emotions to arise in her, and suddenly her heart ached – which was weird because the Raiden Shogun had no heart.
“There is no need to consult me, Buer, as I do not have a say in your decisions as his carer nor his decisions as an individual,” she responded coldly. The little girl sensed the change in attitude and quickly let it go.
“Well then. He will go on the exchange, as I hope it’ll help him decide his fate. Beelzebul, I have some concerns about his capabilities, and since you have an extensive knowledge on his construction, I would like to speak with you after this meeting.”
“Of course, Buer.”
Ningguang nodded before turning to Morax. He was rubbing his chin, deep in thought before Harborym clicked at his face.
“Ah, yes. The 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour,” he answered. “Just like the previous candidate, she is also trouble. I have no doubt she can mitigate the effects of her eccentricity but considering the incident at the start of this year, I would only approve of her involvement if there was another sensible student with her. Perhaps the Yuheng if she’s not too busy?”
“I knew you would suggest someone else to join,” Ningguang exhaled. Baiwen flipped the slide. “Unfortunately, the Yuheng is busy with the matters in Liyue Harbour since my emergency departure. Although, I have decided on someone else who may smooth any quarrels between them.”
Beelzebul raised her eyebrows at the girl on the screen.
“I don’t mind, but she is a renowned figure in Inazuma, so it’ll be hard to take away their model for a long time,” she shrugged. “Her brother will be even harder to convince since they need each other to ensure the smooth running of the Yashiro Commission.”
“But the chances aren’t zero,” Ningguang schemed, her mind already racing with countless ways to convince them. “If I make the mission worth extra Adventure Credits…”
“Ah, bribery! A fine choice,” Harborym marvelled with a humorous tone.
The rest of the meeting lasted until the sunlight faded from the window. Barbatos groaned and slumped on the table once they finished the Fontaine desserts, rushing Ningguang and the rest of the Archons to come to a decision on who else to send on the trip. The candidates were promising. In the end, it was only the students who could save Teyvat – not even the gods.