Hold over Myriad of Worlds

I quickly entered the dreamscape. The first thing that shoved before me was a giant eastern dragon floating over an endless white plane. THEY soon landed and lowered THEIR head to gaze at me.

~"You returned."

-"Long... Why do you appear again? Did you not wish to die?"

~"We both know that permanence can not simply die."

-"Yet the world has accepted your passing long ago."

~"Every Aeon being correcting a mistake of world."

-"Speak, what do you seek of me?"

~"My wish is for you to inherit my power as my continuation."

-"I already did."

~"You only gained but a shadow of my strength."

-"I will not become new Aeon Permanence. I will not walk your path."

~"As my inheritor, one day you will receive all that is mine."

-"..."

~"Terminus also knows this. That's the only reason THEY granted you power. To upon my foundation create perfect Aeon."

-"That may be so. And yet, if I'm to become Aeon one day, it will be by my hands, not power given to me by either of you."

~"I'll await that day"

I opened my eyes. The sun was in zenith outside. Sounds of bird songs could be heard, but rather than appreciate all that, all I could do was clear my head from wayward thoughts. 

I have stood up and went outside. A short walk later, I arrived at a small kitchenette. While making myself some tea, I searched for Elysia with my perception. 

-"Good afternoon, Yue. Mei and the rest are waiting for you in the meeting room nr. 4."

-"Afternoon Sakura. Let me get my tea, and I'll follow you to said meeting."

-"I'll wait for you."

-"Thanks"

One boiling water later, we left the annex and went to those who were waiting for us. When Sakura opened the doors and went inside, I followed. Inside, those whom I met yesterday were already sitting there discussing something.

-"You are here, good. I already asked Elysia about your situation. I haven't been expecting anything near what I was told. Can you collaborate on all she said?"

-"Ok, get me up to speed."

Elysia quickly repeated what she had said. While Elisia continued with her story, I mostly answered questions either Mei, Mobuis, or Vell-Vi asked.

-"So that's where Elysia was dissipating for the last few days."

-"A story like that appears only in fantasy, and yet..."

-"Countless other worlds waiting to be seen! My inner voices are screaming in excitement!"

-"You want us to join you?"

-"Yes! Come with us!"

-"As Elysia says, we intend to invite you at an appropriate moment."

-"That moment being?"

-"After you solve your problem, I believe that you will not waste your time until the Honkai disaster has ended."

-"You are not wrong, but this fight showed us that we are in great need of assistance."

-"Yes, while we don't lack resources, we are short on time and strong combatants."

-"In Hold, there are already some capable of helping you in combat. I also suggest you talk to goddesses about gaining some more strength yourself."

-"It's indeed a good idea. We will do so. While we need to sit and negotiate exact terms, we will join you in exchange for assistance in ending Honkai."

-"Yey! I knew that you would agree with us, Mei."

-"Calm down, Elysia."

-"It's time for me to return. Do you wish to follow and see the Hold?"

-"We would like to. Elysia already promised to be our guide."

Fire Moth followed into Hold, where Ningguang was already waiting.

-"O my... We here worry that something could have happened to you, and you return with so many new faces. I believe you have some explaining to do."

-"Sory about that Ningguang. Elysia asked me for help as her side was in trouble. The fight and its aftermath took us more than two days.

-"I see. Good to see you healthy. Are you again planning to pass the responsibility of getting contracts done to me?"

-"That's the idea, do you mind?"

-"Do we have an alternative? I'll take care of them. You should go find that Fox. She was almost in tears when you hadn't returned after a day."

-"She... I can't understand why she is so attracted."

-"Suspension bride effect, I suppose."

-"I'll look for her. Also, is Hephaestus here?"

-"No, she returned to Orario. She said that you can go to her if you are free."

-"Does she need something from me?"

-"From what I understand, she wants you to train a few people from her familia."

-"Well, I should be free, so why not."

After exchanging some more words, I traveled to Ortario. There, I started walking towards Hephaestus's workshop. As I approached, I could see a few people through the front windows of the goddess's shop.

-"Lady Hephaestus, those books are incredible. They can start a revolution changing the fabric of society!"

-"Forging simple weapons with average quality could be outsourced to trainees who aspire to become smiths."

-"Yes, it will reduce pressure on many craftsmen and allow them to focus on their growth."

-"I'm well aware of this point. Causing too much of an impact on society is worrying me."

-"You're right to be careful there, Hephaestus. The industrial revolution often carries with itself not only loss for nature but easily widens the difference between aristocrats and peasants."

-"Yue, I was thinking something along those lines. Any advice on preventing those?"

-"Nothing that will work for sure, but try to limit the ability of single persons to monopolize. Also, create strong author rights to prevent cheap copies being created based on stolen ideas."

-"I'll be sure to get input from gods of law as well as those of trade."

-"You should look for some history books on that subject. It is best not to repeat the mistakes of those who walked that path before us."

"Let me introduce you. You already know Tsubaki. The rest of them are also in my familia. They are not only the best in their respective fields but also executives of my familia."

-"Nice to meet you. I'm Yue."

-"Yes, I've seen you before working together with Hephaestus. Named Tsubaki, take care of me."

-"Let me warn you guys, while Yue is not a god, you should treat him with the respect you ought to give to one."

-"Hmm? Is he some kind of demigod or something?"

-"Not that, just know not to be rude."

-"Don't scare them too much, Hephaestus. Respect given solely based on position and not earned is empty."

-"He's right, Hephaestus. Being polite is one thing, but if he wants my respect, he better show his abilities in forge."

-"You lot, sometimes I can't even with you."

-"Now, now, I Heard you want something from me."

-"Yes, I planned on holding some open classes about mechanics and technologies. Will you be able to teach a few subjects?"

-"I can do that. Just tell me when."

-"Tomorrow."

-"No problem then, but in three days, I'll arrive at my destination on my side. I would need some time to get everything done over there."

-"Thanks for the reminder. I believe that, for now, two days will be enough to make people busy."

-"Then let's do that."

We started returning to Hold while discussing plans for the next two days. On the other side, we ran into a certain fox. While she was showing her dissatisfaction with my absence, we had a light meal and went to the workshop.

Working together, we prepared some props and models needed for lessons. We left early the next morning to get the venue ready.

In about an hour, everything was ready. Sitting places were quickly getting filled. I didn't have to wait long before starting. Hephaestus gave me the job of showing the capabilities of 6 simple machines. Inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, pulley, and wheel-and-axle. While known in almost every world, one can only understand their power when you see the so-called steampunk civilization. Centerpieces today were two contraptions, the first being bellows running on steam generated from the furnace's heat. The second one was more abstract, as it was a marble machine. It also ran on steam. The short melody it was able to play made many have stars in their eyes.

The rest of the day had passed, with me being bombarded with questions until Hephaestus threw everyone outside after the sun had set.

The following day went similarly, the difference being the subject. Enchantment, as we named it, was what I had been studying before I arrived in Hold. Imbuing runes onto an object to grant it new properties. The only technique capable of creating magic items in this world required Crozzo's blood. As such, what I showed today made all the people watching stand in shock.

In the end, even Hephaestus couldn't calm down the situation to end the meeting after sunset. Only after promising to compile the basics of this art into a book did artisan vultures leave the venue.

Quick clean-up later, we left. Deciding to rest a little, I went to the library this time. Picking up a book about Teyvat and finding a comfortable spot, I was able to spend a quiet night. Only when Zhongli and Ganyu came in the morning did I end my rest and go to make myself breakfast.

Our resident Fox joined me on the way to later help me in the kitchen. Loki and Finn sat with us to eat. I ate my meal while listening to them plan the expedition deep into the dungeon.

When the meal ended, I took Tingyun back to my ship, which was already near the Xianzhou Luofu. I made my ship approach the Jade Gate and stopped it near the train that was also there.

-"I'll take you onto Loufu in a minute. Give me some time to meet an old friend first."

-"Someone from Astral Express?"

-"Yes."-The moment my answer was heard, I disappeared from there.

-"Himeko, how many times do I need to tell you to stop giving your coffee to a new crew? Last time, Stelle was out cold for over a day."

-"Don't be like that, Pom-Pom, my coffee is not that bad. While it is somewhat bitter, aren't all coffees like that?"

-"Most of them keep you up, not put you to sleep!"

-"My old friend, your nagging personality hasn't changed a bit."-I said while appearing next to a short rabbit-like creature in a hog-head hat.

-"Who?!"- A woman called Himeko reached for her suitcase.

-"Yue! How can you be here?"

-"Don't forget who is my patron. Also, say something to calm your crew."

-"Right, stop it, Himeko. He is someone I know."

-"Who is he, Pom-Pom, and how can he appear here like that? Express was created by Aeon Akivili. Without an invitation, you shouldn't be able to enter it."

-"He has one from long ago. Don't let his appearance deceive you. He and I are of similar age."

-"That old?!"

-"Hey!"

-"You nameless should consider becoming comedians as a side gig."

-"Ehem... What brings you here, Yue?"

-"I have something to talk about with you and your crew."

-"That's rare. Well, you have to wait as most of them are on Loufu."

-"I also plan to go there, so when you gather the whole merry band, send me a message."

-"OK"

-"Then I'll see you soon."-I waved as my figure turned into mist.

I picked up Tingyun and teleported into the giant ship. I searched for either the Little Girl from my memory or Tingyun's boss. When I found them, they were next to one another, mixed into a crowd of other people.

-"I found the person you described. I'll take us near but don't appear yet. We don't know their situation, and by the number of people there, something is happening."

-"I'll be by your side, benefactor."

-"Let's go then"

I moved us near a small island. The first thing that stood out was the parted sea and ruins that had been flooded before. The next thing I focused on was a crowd visibly divided into four groups.

The person standing alone was the Little Girl from my memory. The group that was pointing their weapons at her were forces of Loufu. To their right stood a few people I identified as Astral Express crew. The last party was the biggest surprise as they belonged to Stellaron Hunters.

-"Imbibitor Lunae, Jing Yuan, Blade, if only Baiheng was here, it would be a reunion."

-"Why are you here, together with those thieves no less."

-"While Blade being here is part of my purpose, the rest have nothing to do with me. I'm here to repay for my sins."

-"..."

-"General, who is she?"

-"Criminal of Xianzhou, past Sword Champion, and my master Jingliu."

-"She is that legendary..."

-"Yes, and with her strength, we can't be careless."

-"Dan Heng, do something before this situation goes south."

-"Calm down, March. We should not interfere in the internal politics of Xianzhou."

-"But Mr. Welt..."

-"March believe in Dan Heng."

-"You are right, Stelle."

This standoff continued for some time. The first to break it was an abomination called Blade. With a visibly cracked sword in hand, he charged at Jingliu. She manifested a sword of her own, made from ice, and started fighting.

-"Move back."

-"Don't be hit by mistake"

While others tried to retreat further away, Jingliu and Blade exchanged dozens of attacks. The strange sound of ice and steel crashing created cacophony in my ears. The first to break away was Blade. It was obvious that he couldn't keep up with the master swordwoman.

-"Why stop now? Don't you want to be cut down?"

-"I do, but can you grant me that wish?"

-"No."

When the short exchange of words was over, they started fighting again. Blade was losing more and more ground until Jingliu ran her sword through his hearth and pinned him before his companions. No one moved even after she 'killed' Blade.

-"Even my techniques can't end you. You will bear that sin long after you forget what you are. This is your punishment."

Blade stood up and pulled the sword from his body. After throwing it aside, he again focused his eyes on Jingliu. 

-"You said that you come to receive the punishment of Alliance."

-"Yes, after all, this is my home. While what happened was regrettable, until I'm still myself, I want to reduce the number of my regrets."

-"..."

-"You don't need to rush things like that. Your situation is not something unrecoverable."-I decided to take that silence to make an entrance.

All eyes fell on me, who appeared from the mist, but soon some turned on Tingyun.

-"Tingyun!? Is that you?"

-"Stop! Who are you?" -One called the general pointed his weapon at me.

Soon, the tension ran high as cloud knights followed their leader and turned their spears on me. 

-"Jing Yuan, tell your people to stand down."- Spoken Jingliu while approaching me. -"None of us want the Loufu to be accidentally destroyed."

-"What do you mean by that?"

-"Just..."- She stopped a few steps before me and knelt on one knee while performing a swordmaster salute -"Master, what brings you here?"