Genshin Impact: The Gambler of Teyvat

"Hahahaha…"

A loud, exaggerated laugh echoed down the street as Shajin clutched his stomach, bending over in hysterics. His body shook with mirth, almost doubling over entirely.

Beside him, Aha clapped enthusiastically, eyes sparkling with glee as he shouted.

"Perfect! That was hilarious!"

The two of them were laughing with complete abandon, as if no one else existed in the world. This strange display instantly drew the attention of every passerby.

Curious and startled gazes landed on them, eyes narrowing at the pair of strangers acting so bizarrely.

Instinctively, people quickened their pace, hurrying away from the strange scene, trying to avoid any involvement with this peculiar duo.

Not far off, Furina stood quietly like a flower blooming in silence.

Her delicate, pale hand tightly held a steaming, fragrant Pita Pocket.

But her usually radiant face now bore a shadow of deep concern, like clouds veiling a once-clear sky.

Her star-like eyes were locked unwaveringly on the laughing Shajin, refusing to look away even for a moment.

Ever since the mysterious "Nabiya" transformed in the blink of an eye into a completely different person—as if under a spell—Furina's heart had been roiling with turmoil. It was like someone had hurled a boulder into her soul, sending waves crashing in every direction.

Though her keen intuition had already sensed something was veering into the realm of the bizarre, she still felt utterly powerless.

With her current abilities, she could neither ease Shajin's burden nor resolve the surreal situation unfolding before her.

…

Shajin slowly straightened his spine, as if waking from a deep slumber. As he stood tall, his wild laughter gradually faded, replaced by something deeper—more resonant.

From behind the half-face mask covering him, his eyes gleamed with dazzling light.

In his left eye, a golden current shimmered like a burning flame, flickering and spinning, radiating mesmerizing brilliance.

In his right eye, the vastness of the cosmos swirled—deep blues and starlit specks coalescing into a dreamy galaxy.

Together, the twin lights made his gaze so beautiful it took one's breath away.

Aha grinned, lips stretching wide with excitement.

"Welcome to my Path!"

The voice rang across the air, echoing long after it had been spoken.

In that instant, fine cracks began to spider across the cheap half-mask on Shajin's face, spreading with visible speed.

With a crisp crack, the mask shattered into countless fragments, scattering like snowflakes in the wind.

Yet almost simultaneously, the Masked Fool Mask and Gambit Mask emerged seamlessly, materializing over Shajin's face once again.

This new mask was far more intricate and mysterious, adorned with elaborate engravings that resonated perfectly with the aura now radiating from him.

Aha nodded with satisfaction and clapped lightly, chuckling.

"Aha~ What a marvelous sight! I truly hope you'll bring the God of Joy even more surprises and laughter!"

Before his voice had fully faded, his figure vanished like a wraith—gone without a trace, as if he had never been there at all.

Shajin clenched his fist.

Preservation, and… Elation, huh…

He raised his gaze toward the floating island in the sky.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"Seems like… I can move the timeline up a little sooner~"

…

"…Events like this are strictly regulated by law. You're supposed to report to the relevant department and obtain a permit in advance. Are you telling me you knew nothing about that?"

The voice came sharp and stern, almost scolding.

Paimon gasped and looked toward the stage, where several people stood. One of them seemed to be berating Nilou.

Dunyarzad frowned slightly and murmured, "I think I just saw a Grand Sage… I can't believe he actually came here in person."

Nilou looked flustered and distraught as she tried desperately to explain herself.

"But the Dance of the Sabzeruz has always been part of the Sabzeruz Festival! Without it, the celebration would lose its meaning, its spirit—"

Before she could finish, a woman coldly cut her off.

"The Sabzeruz Festival? Hosting a large-scale divine celebration without authorization is explicitly forbidden! The authority to organize this event has always belonged solely to the Akademiya."

She went even further, voice full of threat.

"If you continue to defy us, we'll have no choice but to launch a full investigation into everyone involved in planning this so-called festival…"

Another official added with a warning glare, "The Grand Sage has already shown you leniency. Be smart—don't push your luck. Or you'll face consequences you cannot imagine."

Overwhelmed by the accusations and threats, Nilou lowered her head, eyes filled with helplessness.

"…How… how can they be like this…"

Dunyarzad stepped forward.

"The Sabzeruz Festival should have been the Akademiya's responsibility all along. It's their failure to uphold that duty. I need to confront them—"

Lumine quickly held her back.

"Don't. They hold the power to define what's right or wrong. If you argue, they'll only retaliate harder."

Dunyarzad hesitated, then calmed down.

"…It's hard to accept, but you're right. We'd only make things worse."

Suddenly, the previously silent Grand Sage Azar spoke.

"Art… dance… In this nation of wisdom and reason, chasing such frivolous and meaningless things—have you no shame?"

"For those who seek truth, reality, and knowledge, the gods created Sumeru City—a paradise for scholars. But people like you would sully it."

Nilou protested quickly.

"No, I believe the gods have never turned their backs on art! Didn't the Goddess of Flowers once dance for the divine?"

Azar scoffed.

"With your meager education, you are in no position to argue with me. What you should do now… is take down all of these ridiculous decorations immediately."

He turned away and issued his orders as he departed.

"Once we return, have the scribe prepare a decree before the next Knowledge Capsule Day—a formal ban on all public artistic performances. Announce it to the people through the Akasha."

_

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