"Don't worry," Nasida said, stroking its head. "Before the final moment arrives, I won't give up on that seemingly unattainable hope."
Within the Spiral Abyss...
"Buzz~~~"
A spatial ripple echoed by her ears. Ying opened her eyes and looked at the familiar decorations around her, blinking in confusion.
*What's going on? Is there a thirteenth floor?*
With her doubts, Ying surveyed her surroundings. Her gaze then fell upon the sky, and she froze, her eyes widening in astonishment.
[0/10000]
Ten thousand? What in the world? Could it be...
Just as Ying had predicted, in the next second, the teleportation gates in the distance lit up, and the howls of countless Hilichurls echoed throughout the area.
Instead of panicking, Ying merely sighed helplessly, unable to help but mock her own naivete.
*Really, I knew he wouldn't have such good intentions.*
She wasn't sure if she had arrived on the thirteenth floor or returned to the first, but it hardly mattered.
After all, though she hated to admit it, she had already surpassed her limits and truly didn't have the strength or elemental energy left to defeat ten thousand Hilichurls.
With that thought, Ying plopped down onto the ground. After a moment of attempting to communicate, she sighed aloud.
"I still can't contact Paimon. This place is truly isolated from Teyvat."
*However, I did manage to bring this theatrical performance to a close. Even if he doesn't keep his promise and doesn't release Paimon, I believe Lumine won't let him succeed...*
*I never imagined I would end up dying at the hands of a group of Hilichurls. But knowing Paimon is probably safe, I don't feel so afraid of death. After all, I've gone through it countless times already...*
*But even if I've accepted it, Lumine will be heartbroken. If only I hadn't walked into that teleportation gate earlier...*
With this thought, Ying lowered her head slightly. Suddenly, she raised her palm and slapped herself.
"Seriously... always getting so sentimental. Making my last will and testament in advance. Lumine would be angry if she saw you like this. Angry that you don't believe in yourself and give up on that seemingly unattainable hope, angry that you didn't hold on until the last moment. Angry that you don't believe in her and think she can't save her pitiful little sister."
As she spoke, Ying slowly stood up, drawing her silver sword once more. Her trembling body assumed a fighting stance, and she whispered,
"If I truly fall into despair and die as I just said, I'll only be playing right into the Doctor's hands. Those who don't believe in themselves deserve to die."
"Bring it on. No matter how many times you repeat this, no matter how many more challenges lie ahead, I will continue to fight until the very last moment, until the day the dawn breaks..."