In Inazuma, the establishment of every shrine carries a significant meaning.
Some are built to listen to the people's prayers to the gods and protect them from evil.
Others are erected near the Seven Statues of the Seven, symbolizing the divine grace bestowed by the Archons.
The Asase Shrine, however, is directly founded upon the Ley Line's roots, serving to reinforce the seal on Seirai Island.
This arrangement proved convenient for Qin Yu.
The Ley Lines here might just contain memories related to Asase Hibiki.
"Come,"
Qin Yu lifted a verdant divine light and infused it into the cherry blossom tree, extending his other hand towards her.
"Lord Qin Yu?"
Yae Guuji blinked, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
Was he asking... her to explore the Ley Lines?
"Regardless of the truth, I believe that in her final moments, Asase Hibiki wished to see you one last time."
"And the longing that belongs to you is the key to awakening this memory,"
Qin Yu gazed at the cherry blossom tree blooming under the sunlight and said softly.
Once, the longing that belonged to Yae Guuji fell upon the land of Inazuma, transforming into Hana-chiri.
It was a love for her homeland, sincere and pure.
Her lively and spirited nature also extended gentle care to everyone.
Yae Guuji.
Though the ending might have been predestined, you are the one who witnessed it best.
"..."
After a brief silence.
A delicate and soft sensation gently clasped his hand.
"...Mm."
Cherry blossoms drifted, settling lightly on the maiden's shoulders.
Yae Guuji lifted her exquisite and mature face, her eyes filled with tenderness.
At that moment, her posture was breathtakingly beautiful, as if time itself had paused.
Lord Qin Yu.
Meeting you is my good fortune.
...
Yae Guuji's consciousness connected with the Ley Lines.
"Ugh."
She closed her eyes, biting her alluring lips tightly, her face paling.
The changes of the world, the vastness of time.
The flow of information over centuries was enough to give anyone caught within a splitting headache.
After all, Yae Guuji did not possess Qin Yu's authority.
"Relax, I am here,"
Qin Yu whispered, holding the maiden's fair, tender hand.
Awaken the longing in your heart, and she will surely respond to you.
"..."
Yae Guuji could no longer respond; she needed to fully immerse herself in the Ley Lines.
Time slowly flowed by.
The sea breeze seemed to pick up speed.
As if by chance, the fox lady turned her head.
Leaning against Qin Yu's shoulder, her eyelashes quivered.
The slightly lowered fox ears revealed a mood of peace and joy.
Silently, a radiant figure appeared.
Cherry blossoms fluttered, hazy and tragically beautiful.
It was a girl, still full of youthful innocence and grace.
Asase Hibiki.
She wore a neat and clean miko outfit, and seemed a little bewildered.
"Little Hibiki—"
Suddenly, someone called out.
The young girl's body trembled, and she instinctively met the gaze of the woman beneath the cherry blossom tree.
Memories became clear.
Surprise, joy, guilt.
A complex mixture of emotions left her flustered.
Finally.
A single tear flowed, turning into a crystal, and merging with the earth.
"Lord Yae Guuji...!"
Asase Hibiki trembled and took a step towards her.
Just like that ordinary afternoon long ago, when the clumsy and simple trainee miko first visited the Grand Narukami Shrine.
...
The sky gradually darkened.
The setting sun painted the sky, casting a golden glow upon the sea.
By the shore, within a cave mouth heavily blocked by thick vines and rocks.
Crack—!
A mournful purple light erupted, breaking through the opening.
Qin Yu emerged, holding a longbow.
Instantly, lightning flashed, exuding formidable power.
On him, there was even a power to cleanse defilement, capable of piercing through evil.
"This bow... it seems to be imbued with Asase Hibiki's will to restrain Abyssal corruption."
Qin Yu murmured, surprised and delighted.
This was far more powerful than the "Amos' Bow."
Could this be the assistance Yae Guuji had mentioned earlier?
Just then, a pleasant fragrance wafted by.
"Lord Qin Yu, congratulations on recovering a treasured artifact of Inazuma, the Polar Star."
Yae Guuji stood with her back to the sunset and the sea, her smile warm.
With this bow, the conquest of the Abyss would undoubtedly be invincible.
"I must also thank you for your help,"
Qin Yu smiled and approached Yae Guuji, who was waiting for him like a bashful bride.
To find a supreme treasure, and to have a beloved companion by his side.
Not to mention the breathtaking scenery of the world.
A life winner, full of ambition and spirit, what more could one ask for?
Qin Yu faced the sea breeze, feeling utterly exhilarated.
"Meow meow meow—"
In the distance, a few cats played, carefree.
Qin Yu and Yae Guuji exchanged smiles.
"Let's go back to the shrine."
"Yes, Lord Qin Yu."
...
On the way, Yae Guuji confided much to Qin Yu.
Mostly, it was about her experiences and insights while her consciousness roamed the Ley Lines.
"Asase Hibiki... what did she say to you then?"
Qin Yu asked softly, looking at the distant shrine.
There, a miko stood outside the shrine, motionless for a long time.
Those who have been away for too long often hesitate at their doorstep.
"Would you like to hear her story, Lord Qin Yu?"
Yae Guuji smiled slightly and walked towards the hillside away from the shrine.
From that vantage point, one could see the vast expanse of the sea.
"If you wish to share, I would be most happy to listen,"
Qin Yu said softly, captivated by the maiden's beautiful form.
Miss Fox was becoming ever more alluring.
"Heh heh... Lord Qin Yu is truly a gentle person,"
Yae Guuji's lips curved upwards, a look of relief flashing in her eyes.
"But before that... please allow me to instruct you in archery."
"Archery?"
"Lord Qin Yu usually wields a sword; you're not actually skilled at archery, are you?"
Yae Guuji lifted her chin, her tone triumphant.
When it came to archery, that was also one of the miko's training disciplines.
"So that's how it is. You were plotting this from the beginning."
Qin Yu seemed to understand something and said with a playful smile.
But soon, his smile faded.
"Yes, from the very beginning."
Yae Guuji came to the edge of the cliff and murmured.
She gazed at the abyssal sea at the horizon, which seemed to swallow everything, her eyes tinged with darkness.
"When the Fatui invaded Inazuma years ago, both myself and that girl, Mikoshi Chiyo, directly faced the God of Corruption."
"This is a lesson learned... through blood and life."
The evening wind grew colder.
Qin Yu's pupils contracted.
God of Corruption.
The stars and the Abyss were in opposition.
Would the forces on the Abyss side also have beings on the level of the Seven Archons?
"Lord Qin Yu, when I learned you were going to fight the Abyss, I was very worried."
Yae Guuji suddenly turned, her gaze serious.
"In fact, I kept thinking whether I should persuade you to give up."
"I cannot express in words the cold and despair of being swallowed by that darkness."
She lowered her gaze and gave a self-deprecating laugh.
"Ei, Makoto, Yae Miko."
"I feared... that the darkness would once again take away everything beautiful."
"Just like Mikoshi Chiyo, she will never return."
"..."
Yae Guuji's words finally ceased.
She looked at Qin Yu, who had taken out the Polar Star, her eyes filled with a dazzling light.
"That archery skill that could pierce the God of Corruption, please demonstrate it to me."
Qin Yu smiled slightly.
"And then... take your share, and beat it back completely."
"I promise."
...
And so, the archery training began.
The sky grew dark, and stars twinkled.
The shadows of the two, cast in the afterglow of the sunset, gradually stretched.
Silently, they drew closer.