Genshin Impact: Transmigrated as Furina's Second Personality

Erosion is truly terrifying.

It drives one to madness, causes one to forget past joys and love, and forces once-close friends to become enemies, fighting to the death.

The massive Geo spears pinned the Azhdaha Dragon King to the desolate expanse of the Chasm.

It looked at the god before it, its gaze filled with an indescribable complexity.

There was guilt for having leveled nearly half of Liyue's lands.

There was helplessness from the torment of erosion, which had driven it into madness and despair.

There was lamentation for being forced to cross blades with its old friend.

There was relief at finally being freed from its long, agonizing suffering.

There was sorrow for the god before it and for the countless lives on the surface it could no longer protect.

And there was guilt for forcing its old friend to kill it, burdening him once again with profound grief.

These emotions surged simultaneously from the depths of its heart, converging into the deeply complicated look in its eyes.

It knew that as the Dragon King of Geo, its death would unleash a vast surge of Geo energy, triggering a catastrophic disaster.

It had already caused its old friend enough pain by making him take its life. It couldn't allow its death to bring further trouble.

Standing high atop the Chasm's cliffs, the Dragon King lifted its head for one final look at the devastated land of Liyue.

A soft golden light emanated from its massive body, flowing from its four limbs into the ground beneath.

In its dying moments, the Dragon King chose to return its power to the earth, giving back to the land it had once protected.

The golden light spread like a gentle current, flowing across the lands of Liyue.

The fractured earth began to mend, and the leveled mountains rose once more, shooting up like bamboo sprouts after the rain.

Using the last of its strength, the Dragon King restored the land's wounds and nourished the Ley Lines.

By revitalizing the Ley Lines, it ensured a thousand years of fertile lands and harmonious weather for Liyue—a final gift to the nation and its dear friend.

Having done all this, the Azhdaha Dragon King's aura grew even weaker, like a tree long withered and dry.

It looked at Morax, its gaze growing even more complicated.

When it had first opened its eyes, the very first sight it beheld was Morax—his golden light shining as he floated in midair.

At that time, Morax had been as radiant as a star rising in the wilderness.

And now, as death approached, in its final moments, the last thing it saw was still Morax, glowing with golden light as he hovered before it.

It was as if everything had been preordained: a beginning and an end, completing the circle.

It gazed deeply at Morax. In this moment, it wanted to say so much.

But in the end, all its thoughts condensed into a single sentence:

"Forgive me, Morax."

These three words carried the weight of countless emotions.

On the cliffs of the Chasm, the massive Dragon King shed a single tear.

Its last trace of life faded, and its colossal body turned to stone, becoming a rough, dragon-shaped statue.

The Azhdaha Dragon King had fallen.

"...Azhdaha..."

Floating in the air, Zhongli gazed at the dragon-shaped statue before him.

Only at this moment did he finally call out his old friend's name, his voice heavy with a choked sob.

The longer one lives, the more friendships become something that exists only in memories.

His friends were becoming fewer and fewer.

This friend had fought alongside him in those chaotic times, stood with him to build Liyue Harbor, endured a millennium of suffering so that the people of Liyue could mine for their livelihoods, and willingly prostrated itself to be sealed, sparing Zhongli from the pain of enforcing their contract.

Azhdaha, this loyal companion, had sacrificed far too much for him.

Even in the final moments of clarity before its death, Azhdaha had felt guilt and used its last strength to restore the earth and heal Liyue.

So many sacrifices, such deep bonds of friendship.

To kill his closest friend with his own hands—how could he not feel heartache? How could he not feel grief?

He owed Azhdaha far too much, debts that could never be repaid.

As he gazed at the remains of his dearest friend, perhaps this god who had lived for more than six thousand years had, at last, reached his most weary moment.

This scene fully revealed the helplessness of a sovereign bound by duty.

Witnessing all this, Felina felt an ache in her heart.

"His final tear… consider it a keepsake."

Felina stepped beside Zhongli and handed him a white crystal.

Tears are water imbued with emotion. Preserving this final tear for Zhongli as a memento was the only thing she could do.

"Thank you," Zhongli said as he accepted the crystalline tear.

Within the tear, he could feel the emotions Azhdaha had experienced in his final moments.

He expressed his gratitude but said no more.

Felina, understanding that Zhongli needed solitude more than anything right now, chose not to linger.

The technique she had used—the Domain of Slowed Currents—had drained a great deal of her mental strength. She too was exhausted.

Without saying another word, she nodded and flew off toward Fontaine.

Felina departed, leaving Zhongli alone.

The cold winds swept across the Chasm, brushing against the dragon's remains that lay motionless atop the cliff.

Zhongli did not leave. He sat atop the remains of his old friend, letting the sun and wind pass over him. He remained silent and still, as if this was his way of mourning and accompanying the one he had lost.

The aftermath of such a battle left Liyue in chaos.

The Qixing awaited guidance from the Geo Archon, but no orders came.

Concerned, several of the Qixing, including Keqing, made their way to the Chasm, the site of the final battle.

However, when they arrived and saw Zhongli sitting on the remains of the Dragon King, gazing out over Liyue with a wearied and weathered expression, they all fell into silence.

They remembered the conversation between Felina and Keqing when Felina had visited Liyue, a conversation overheard by the other Qixing on the Jade Chamber.

"Gods are not omnipotent."

"Gods, too, have their own sufferings. Your god has already sacrificed far too much for this nation."

"Perhaps he is far more tired than you imagine, and perhaps more than anyone, he hopes for you to grow strong."

Only now did they finally understand the meaning of Felina's words.

The Geo Archon had guarded Liyue for more than three thousand years.

None doubted his strength. All had lived under his protection, believing him to be invincible.

Yet now, as they looked at that wearied, weathered figure sitting upon the remains of a fallen friend, they realized that gods are not omnipotent—that gods, too, have moments of fragility.

Their god had already sacrificed far too much. He was already so very tired.

Having learned the history behind Azhdaha and the Geo Archon from the orders previously issued, they now fully understood the heartache their Archon carried.

"Let's go. It's time to return," Keqing said.

"But we haven't sought the Archon's guidance yet," one of them replied.

"There's no need!"

Keqing's expression grew even more resolute as she spoke. "If the Archon is tired, then let him rest for once."

"As those loved and protected by him, it's time we grew up, don't you think?"

With those words, Keqing was the first to turn and leave the Chasm, making her way back to Liyue Harbor.

In that moment, Keqing was like a once-rebellious daughter who had suddenly glimpsed her father sitting alone on a street corner, exhausted and smoking a quiet cigarette.

She—and all of Liyue—began to grow.

For now, they realized they needed to mature and learn to shoulder responsibilities themselves, to help ease the burdens borne by the one who had protected them for so long.

This battle had affected half of Liyue's territory.

The Qixing of Liyue had initially intended to seek the Geo Archon's guidance on how to handle the aftermath.

But when they arrived and saw the weary, aged, yet dignified figure seated atop the remains of his closest friend, they fell silent.

Gods have their own burdens. Over the six thousand years of his existence, their Geo Archon had endured trials far beyond their comprehension.

They deeply revered their god, but at this moment, they realized just how exhausted he truly was. Perhaps it was time for him to rest.

This wasn't defiance; it was respect—or perhaps even filial piety.

It was like a child witnessing their aging father, sitting on a roadside curb after work, hunched over, lighting a quiet cigarette with an air of exhaustion.

In that moment, the child would realize that perhaps their father truly needed rest.

For those who had been so favored and protected, it was time for them to shoulder some of the burdens of their god.

They glanced at the majestic figure of their god one last time, then turned to leave, choosing to handle the situation themselves and restore order to the land.

They set about the monumental task of post-disaster reconstruction, stabilizing the people's spirits, guiding public opinion, and secretly keeping the Fatui in check to prevent them from taking advantage of the chaos.

The battle had destroyed a significant amount of vegetation, and without timely intervention, the land of Liyue could soon suffer desertification.

Countless homes had been reduced to rubble, requiring the resettlement of many citizens.

Large quantities of crops had been destroyed, necessitating immediate provisions of food and other supplies.

The terrain of Liyue had been drastically altered, requiring a complete resurvey and remapping of the land.

Key transportation routes had been obliterated and needed urgent repairs.

There were far too many issues that required immediate attention.

With the Geo Archon stepping back, all these responsibilities now fell on the shoulders of the Qixing. Even Keqing, who was usually known for her pride, found herself overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the tasks. This only deepened her respect for the Archon.

However, implementing their plans did not go smoothly, for the Geo Archon's influence over Liyue was simply too immense.

As the Qixing tried to assume full control in managing Liyue, they inevitably faced opposition from conservative factions who accused them of disrespecting the Archon and warned of divine retribution.

At this moment, Keqing showed an unprecedented level of decisiveness and resolve.

"Liyue is in turmoil, and the people are uneasy. The Geo Archon has labored through the battle and will not govern for now!"

"And yet, instead of helping to alleviate the Archon's burdens, you use the guise of reverence for the gods to create obstacles!"

"Do you not feel even an ounce of pride as faithful followers of the Archon?"

"Do you think that turning a blind eye to Liyue's chaos will save you from the Archon's judgment?"

"These are extraordinary times, requiring extraordinary measures. We, the Qixing, serve to aid the Archon in governing Liyue. If the Archon needs rest, then what harm is there in us managing the nation in his stead?"

"If you stubborn, backward fools continue to stand in our way, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Keqing's decisiveness and sharpness at this moment surpassed everyone's expectations.

The conservatives represented the old era of comfort and reliance on the Archon's protection.

Keqing, however, stood for a new era of human self-governance.

This conflict was an inevitable consequence of a transition between eras.

Yet, under Keqing's swift and resolute actions, supported by Ningguang and the other Qixing, the voices of the conservatives were quickly suppressed.

With the Qixing's leadership, the wheels of Liyue's restoration began to turn once again.

Meanwhile, Felina returned to Fontaine.

"You've worked hard," Neuvillette said, approaching her as soon as she arrived at the Palais Mermonia.

"It's manageable," Felina replied, her face clearly showing traces of exhaustion. "There haven't been any abnormalities in the Primordial Sea, have there?"

"None. Everything is as it was," Neuvillette nodded.

To prevent the battle with the Azhdaha Dragon King from affecting tectonic activity and disturbing the Primordial Sea, Felina had arranged for Neuvillette to stay in the depths of the ocean and soothe the Primordial Sea throughout the duration of the conflict.

"That's good to hear. This battle drained me too much—I'll head back to rest now," Felina exhaled deeply and turned toward her quarters.

However, she seemed to think of something midway and suddenly stopped, turning to ask, "Neuvillette, would you say we're friends?"

Neuvillette paused, clearly taken aback by such an unexpected question at this moment.

"I'm not sure what defines a friend," he finally said. "But if being concerned for someone is what makes one a friend, then I believe I consider you a friend. When you were fighting in Liyue, I was worried for you."

"Is that so?"

Felina let out a faint chuckle, then followed up with another question.

"Neuvillette, do you want the Authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign back?"

"!!!"

Neuvillette's expression shifted slightly at the mention of this.

The Authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign is deeply tied to the divine throne. Unless the throne itself is destroyed, even if the Hydro Archon were to perish, the Authority would simply pass to the next Hydro Archon along with the divine seat.

Neuvillette was well aware of how sensitive this matter was, so in the five hundred years he had been here, he had never brought it up.

He had always assumed that Furina refrained from mentioning it as well because she too understood its sensitivity, and they had maintained an unspoken agreement of silence on the subject.

But now, Felina had abruptly raised the matter.

Inside the office, Neuvillette remained silent for a long while before finally speaking. "Lady Furina, I would like to know your reason for asking such a question."

Felina pondered for a few seconds before recounting the story of Zhongli and the Azhdaha Dragon King to Neuvillette.

After listening, Neuvillette couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"I didn't expect Liyue's Geo Archon to share such a story with the Dragon King of Geo."

"To be both close companions and comrades in arms, yet in the end forced to face each other in a life-and-death struggle due to various circumstances—it is truly heartbreaking."

"I mourn the tragic end to their tale."

"Indeed!"

Felina nodded.

"The Geo Archon and the Dragon King of Geo were friends. You and I are also friends."

"After assisting the Geo Archon in killing the Dragon King today, I couldn't help but think of you."

"I feel that the Authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign was originally yours. Perhaps it's something that's always lingered in your heart. So, returning to my earlier question—do you want the Authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign back?"

"..."

Neuvillette fell silent again. He had long been reluctant to bring up this matter, but the Authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign was indeed a knot in his heart. After some thought, he decided he might as well take this opportunity to lay everything bare.

"As you said, the Authority of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign was originally mine. Wanting it back is only natural," he finally admitted.

"That's right. What was originally yours should rightfully be returned to you," Felina said with a faint smile.

With that cryptic remark, she turned and strode out of the room.

Inside the office, only Neuvillette remained, staring at Felina's departing figure, lost in thought.

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