"Actually, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have become like that."
"But at that time, I lost my Vision, and the feeling was like a person falling into a cold lake, struggling desperately but only sinking slowly downwards."
"And at that time, researching Tsubame Gaeshi became the only straw I could grasp."
"But speaking of which, Traveler told me at the time that you weren't human. Is that true?"
"???"
Shiki was instantly confused. What? I'm not human? How come I didn't know that?
However, upon closer thought, she couldn't really be called a human species now.
But note, it was species, not concept.
Essentially, she still considered herself a person and hadn't placed herself in a higher position.
What is a human? A human is a creature with 23 pairs of chromosomes, capable of bipedal locomotion, and with an average lifespan of around 80 years.
Eighteen years old is adulthood, possessing a more intelligent brain than other animals—that is what a human is.
Although Shiki wasn't sure how many pairs of chromosomes she had, one thing she was very clear about was that humans cannot control clearance, nor can their lifespan extend to thousands of years.
So, from a species perspective, she was not human.
But from a conceptual perspective, Shiki was human; she had her joys and sorrows, would fall in love with someone, and would use voice to communicate with others.
Most importantly, she hadn't distanced herself from the human group, nor did she believe she wasn't human.
She believed she was still human, and that was enough.
"Then do you think I'm human?" Shiki retorted.
However, Domon gave an unexpected answer: "Half and half, I suppose?"
"What do you mean?"
"Of course, I still think you're human; after all, you don't have three heads and six arms, nor do you suddenly turn into a monster or something."
"But in swordsmanship, you have indeed reached a realm untouchable by mortals; it's estimated that across the entire continent of Teyvat, you are the only one who can use that move."
"Tsubame Gaeshi?"
"Mhm."
"You're not wrong to say that. So, do you still want to master Tsubame Gaeshi now?" Shiki asked.
"Of course not!" Domon shook his head, "I'm not stupid; why would I pursue such a non-human realm? It's better to be down-to-earth and perfect the Meikyo Shisui-ryu techniques."
Domon had come to terms with it now because he genuinely couldn't figure out how to strike three times in an instant, so he simply stopped thinking about it.
It was the so-called 'lying flat'; since he couldn't learn it anyway, why bother? Wouldn't it be better to live out his golden years comfortably and peacefully?
"It's good that you can see it that way..."
Shiki's expression was a bit unnatural; she thought back to how she was like a big fool, swinging her sword at swallows for half a year, and if it wasn't for a sudden flash of insight at the end, she wouldn't have learned Tsubame Gaeshi.
Shiki: I really just pushed it a little...
"Oh, speaking of which, where's your sword?" Domon asked, puzzled.
He hadn't seen girl's Kujikanesada; one must know that people like them never parted with their swords.
"It broke during a battle with a Fatui Harbinger. I'm about to go forge a new one."
As soon as Domon spoke, Shiki knew what he wanted to do; it was nothing more than sparring, so she simply concealed the Nine Words Thunder.
Indeed, after her words fell, a look of regret appeared on Domon's face.
It was clear that if Shiki had shown the Nine Words Thunder, Domon would have immediately started fighting, just like a certain purple monster who hit people with a lamppost.
"Then there's nothing for it. Wooden swords still aren't as handy as real ones."
"Indeed, so next (and never again) time (will I come)."
Shiki finished her tea in one gulp, then stood up and said, "Let's leave it here for today. I have other things to do."
"Mm, thanks to you, Inazuma. Otherwise, how many people would have completely lost their Visions?"
Upon hearing this, Shiki paused slightly; even without her, Traveler would have resolved everything as in the game; she merely made the outcome even better.
After leaving the Meikyo Shisui-ryu dojo, Shiki teleported back to Konda Village. She hadn't been back for several days, and she wondered how Mr. Tejima and the neighbors were doing.
Konda Village hadn't changed much, as she had only been away for a few days; it was still the same as before.
However, the villagers looked at her with awe, and the reasons were obvious.
After pulling open the courtyard gate, Shiki saw Mr. Tejima leisurely sunbathing in a reclining chair, wearing a pair of sunglasses he had acquired from somewhere.
"I'm back."
"You've worked hard. I know everything you've done for Inazuma."
Tejima was very happy about the girl becoming a Side Attendant. After all, he regarded her as half his daughter, so he was naturally pleased to see her rise to prominence.
However, he felt more heartache. No matter how good Shiki's Talents were or how strong her power was, she was, in essence, only a nineteen-year-old girl.
And it was this girl who bore the responsibility of saving Inazuma. Tejima couldn't imagine what heavy duties rested on those tender shoulders.
"It's alright. I wasn't fighting alone, after all."
"That's good... But if you're tired, come back to Konda Village to rest. My door will always be open for you," Tejima said.
"Yes, I will."
A warm current flowed from her heart. How many years had it been since she felt this kind of paternal warmth...
Shiki put down her package, then picked up the basket containing jade steel and said, "There haven't been any particularly important matters in Inazuma recently, so I plan to relax a bit."
"That's wonderful!" Tejima said, "People always need to relax. It's not good to be constantly stressed."
"The premise of everything is to have a healthy body. Don't get sick from overwork before you've even finished your tasks."
"Hehe, do I look like that kind of person?" Shiki chuckled.
"You know my personality, I'm quite lazy. I was so busy before purely because there were too many important things that only I could handle."
"Now that the major issues are resolved, only some routine tasks remain. These can be handled by the relevant departments."
"Only truly significant matters require my decision, as well as the future construction policies and plans for Inazuma."
"Although a Side Attendant can interfere in anything, not all matters must be interfered with. I will only be responsible for what I deem important."
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