Mm ... Both are unfortunate possibilities. [he acknowledges with a grim but neutral tone.] We are likely pawns in someone's grand scheme, though I don't have enough information yet to say whose.
[If it was someone within Celestia, or the outside entity- he needed more evidence first. Either way, it was definitely something drastic if outsiders were being brought in.
Well, this felt like a good time as any. He'll touch his arm, and a glowing mark appears - albeit it's much fainter than normal. Still, there's detectable energy from it - an element different from the seven in Teyvat ]
Speaking of seals, I wanted to tell you my power's starting to return.
[ It wouldn't be too long before some of the Outlanders begin to dig into Teyvat's past. It is in the buried history of lost civilizations that the cyclical nature of the world is revealed. Was it truly wise to hide so much from humanity? Zhongli may never know the answer. ]
So it has. [ A lighter topic, definitely; Zhongli is glad to switch. ] Did you feel any discomfort? Or was it a gradual process?
[ His hypothesis being proven right... even more interesting. He had felt like he was going out on a limb when he made that claim, because he's too used to working with plenty of information. ]
[Jun will lower his hand, the sigil disappearing as he does so. As for the question...well, that hand will now move to scratch his cheek in a mildly embarrassed manner]
Well, I broke my sink.
[Like it was straight up out of a superhero movie. Does that answer the question]
[Thanks Grandpa. Jun can admit it's funny, at least. It feels weird to ask for help from a god over a sink, but Zhongli did say to treat him like a mortal so...]
Haha, can you? That'd ... be really appreciated. I don't know anything about plumbing.
[he can't even google how to fix it either here, alas]
[ Even if Zhongli is reduced to a mortal's strength, he still has the wisdom of millenniums to back him up. Careful rearrangement of the ceramic should restore the sink to its proper form. ]
I could do it after dinner.
[ Because he should appreciate Jun's handiwork while it's still tasty. Speaking of which... the tea smells like it's ready, so he'll pour out a cup for both of them. Jun will have something to drink and/or stare at while Zhongli tries the food. ]
[Jun will nod his head gratefully, and also slightly embarrassed.]
Thank you. And of course- please enjoy!
[He'll gladly occupy himself with drinking that tea. It really is nice tea, and also it's hard not to feel self-conscious about someone trying his cooking. His experience with feeding people is other teenagers and Father Abel - who well, basically had the diet of a seven year old lets be real here.
That said, the food is...pretty good! It's certainly not on the same level as the best restaurants in Liyue. Nor is it authentic considering it was made by a Japanese kid using a recipe for a Chinese-inspired Japanese dish using what ingredients he could find in a fantasy!Germany in hopes of achieving fantasy!China flavors. But even so, Jun's got some skills for his young age and he put a lot of effort into it between the research and the cooking.]
Edited (i used the same icon twice /shame) 2021-01-28 17:37 (UTC)
[ Zhongli makes a show of focusing only on the food and not looking at Jun unless necessary. His honed palate lets him pick apart the various ingredients and seasonings that Jun put into his dish - it's not perfect, but given the limits that he's working with, he has done very well.
He puts down his chopsticks after a while, giving Jun a nod. ]
Your work is remarkable. I can sense the effort and care that you put into the food.
[ The noodles do remind him of home. For all his age and experience, Morax rarely had any reason to leave Liyue. Being torn away from all that he was familiar with had been unsettling enough; the experience of it happening a second time is tempered by the knowledge that he is at least back on Teyvat once more. ]
When all is said and done, I would be glad to bring you to Liyue for a visit.
[He doesn't show his nerves as he wait, sitting still and focusing on the tea instead. But hearing that compliment? It's elating enough to make that poker face break and he beams with joy]
Ah, really? I'm glad! I know it's not perfect, but I'd heard people sometimes like having food that reminds them of home so I thought I'd give it a try.
[He knows Zhongli's likely been homesick and wanted to help, in other words. It wasn't a feeling he was entirely familiar with. As much as he's grown to care about his life in Morimiya, his attachment was more to specific people than any culture or cuisine. But he's heard from enough people and stories to know it's different for others. And even if Zhongli wasn't human, there was no way someone could watch over a land for that long and not feel attachment]
I'd like that! I've never traveled anywhere just to visit, so it'd be nice to see your home as a vacation.
[Joke's on you Jun when you go to Liyue it's going to be for WORK]
[ Liyue is Zhongli's life and love; though the love of a deity is much different from the love of mortals. For six thousand years, he had walked those lands as its guardian, through peace and war, through joy and loss. No matter where he goes, Liyue will always be a part of him. Such is the fate of the Archons. ]
You are very thoughtful.
[ Zhongli gives Jun a smile of his own, though tempered by his austerity. Maybe it's a good thing that Jun will be there not completely as a vacation, because Zhongli doesn't have any money and Wangsheng Funeral Parlour will probably be paying the tab. Then again, Zhongli can probably manipulate the Fatui out of some more money, or something like that. ]
It is rare that I am able to afford a moment of rest, and to speak freely with others. With great power comes great responsibility; in Teyvat, a god who is unable to fulfil their duties will inevitably meet their end.
[ He sounds more somber this time, remembering a distant farewell. ]
Every journey will come to an end one day. I look forward to the day where humanity no longer needs me.
[Zhongli please he'd be perfectly happy to crash on someone's couch and eat a couple cheap meals at Wanmin Restaurant, you don't have to bankrupt people over him.
Ah, there's that descriptor again. Seeing Zhongli smile is nice, but he's never quite sure what to make of words like that. Acknowledging his good traits is not something Jun is good at. Besides, how many times had he neglected to think of others in the past, even as they suffered? Making someone a meal doesn't make up for that.
... No matter. He's going to focus more on what Zhongli says after than his own self-reflection. This isn't the first time he brought up such talk...stepping down must be on his mind a lot. ]
You've mentioned that before ... what will you do after that day comes?
[ Technically, all Mora that was ever minted on Teyvat belongs to him. He only needs to take into account how to redistribute it optimally for the best effect.
He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a long sip of his tea. When he speaks, he sounds nostalgic; a sentimentality that would not have been ascribed to him in centuries past. ]
I will visit some old friends, and have a drink in their memory. Then, I suppose I will take a very long nap.
[ At least he never took naps while on duty, unlike a certain tone-deaf bard. ]
The answer Zhongli gives is a simple one, one very fitting for an old man. Jun can appreciate it though. His own dreams of life outside his duties weren't exactly thrilling by any measure. ]
Haha, that sounds really nice. [Another reason to solve this situation, so Zhongli can have that]
Speaking of your old friends - is Barbatos here? This is his region, isn't it?
[Jun tried to look for him, but it's hard to spot divinity without his spirit senses]
[ It's definitely how money works, says the god of money. ]
Yes. Barbatos is the Anemo Archon, but just as how Mondstadt is the city of Freedom, he is also the God of Freedom. To embody such an aspect is to live life according to his own whims. [ Which is to say... ] He has a habit of disappearing for centuries at a time. You would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of him.
[ Is that slight disapproval in Zhongli's voice? ]
Though, the arrival of Outlanders would be a good enough reason for him to show himself. I would expect him to make an appearance soon enough.
[ That's bad...that's real bad. He knows the gods on earth don't often show themselves to mortals, but they're still there in some capacity, watching over. Feel that on the wind, Venti? It's respect for you quickly going out the window.]
In a way, yes. We are colleagues, and we would be able to sense each other's presence from many miles away.
[ For better or for worse, Barbatos has managed to keep Mondstadt mostly crisis-free. Durin aside... slavery aside.... yeah.... ]
Barbatos does not wish to rule over humanity. His predecessor, Decarabian, was a tyrant and was cast down by the people he lorded over. That experience shaped his identity and motivations to become the God of Freedom.
[Well, he supposes that means Barbatos isn't dead anyway. That's something. He was hoping to know if he'd been affected by the same curse that Zhongli had, but ...oh well. He'll find out whenever this God of Freedom presents himself.]
Mm, I remember the story you told me. [Back on the island, when Jun had first learned of Mondstadt through that story. Back then, he'd never expected he'd end up in Mondstadt. His life has a way of taking surprising turns]
Don't worry, I won't say anything about how he should do his duties. [He knows it's not his place. Both as a mortal and an outsider.] Mondstadt seems to be doing well on its own, aside from the current situation. It must give you optimism about how Liyue will fare on its own, right?
[ Barbatos is the weakest of all the Archons, and this was by his own choice. Perhaps his lack of constancy in his presence was an unintended side effect, for it would cost far more of his energy to do something that Zhongli would be able to accomplish easily. But that's a question that Zhongli will leave Venti to clarify - it's not his place. ]
It was Mondstadt's freedom that first gave me the thought of stepping down. For better or for worse, the kindness of its citizens' hearts have brought the land a measure of peace. Liyue is far more prosperous and far more intricate, so it will be quite some time before I am able to assess whether it is time to move on.
[ Thanks, Venti. Even if Zhongli will never compliment you in front of your face. ]
[He had a feeling Mondstadt had something to do with Zhongli shifting towards retirement. Seeing a country function with an inactive god must've been a relief.
Still... it's endearing hearing Zhongli speak of his assessment. He's like a protective parent, working himself up to accept that its time his kids leave the nest.]
I'm sure they'll pass your assessment. They had a good role model to learn from.
[ After all, they have this predicament to solve first. While Zhongli could sense the overall state of Liyue despite being away, it meant that he could not actively progress his plan unless he returned. The fog barrier around Mondstadt is proving to be rather troublesome. ]
Ah, I should finish my meal soon so we can take a look at your sink. [ Zhongli's habit of talking for long periods of time would mean that Jun might be stuck here for hours if Zhongli didn't stop. He should have a healthy sleeping schedule. ]
But it's good that Zhongli remembers that Jun is a human and will eventually need sleep, since Jun wouldn't think of that. Because really, the kid's sleep schedule was shot long before Zhongli's lectures became part of his life.]
Ah right! Please eat up! [He did want to make sure Zhongli ate. He has no idea if the archon needed food, but if sleep seemed to help him...it couldn't hurt right?] This tea is incredible, by the way. Thank you.
[ Zhongli sounds amused; satisfied. He'll return his attention to his meal, eating carefully but also faster than usual, so that he doesn't waste too much time. He wouldn't bother Jun with more questions - not only is it impolite to talk while you eat, he also knows that Jun isn't the talkative type.
Once he polishes off the last of his dinner, he would get up from his seat to wash the box clean. ]
Thank you.
[ Never remiss to express his gratitude one more time. They can head over to Jun's apartment once Zhongli has dried the box and returned it to him. ]
[ Zhongli's not wrong about Jun not being the talkative type. He's content to finish his tea quietly, letting the silence hang comfortably. When he finishes his drink, he'll get up to set the teacups near the sink. ]
Haha, anytime. I enjoy cooking.
[He'll wait patiently for Zhongli to wrap up so they can head over to his place. He kinda wishes he'd had a chance to tidy up before showing it to anyone, much less Zhongli of all people, but oh well. ]
[ Zhongli knows how to cook as well, but it's been a long time since he's actually had enough time to do it. Though, since he's trapped in Mondstadt now, he has plenty of time on his hands. Maybe he should make something for Jun in return. ]
I am done. Shall we go?
[ The thought is filed neatly in the back of his mind amidst all the other things that he wanted to try out since becoming mortal. (When did he became mortal? That's a question he feels like he should know how to answer.) The task at hand is to fix Jun's sink, and he follows the boy to his apartment down the corridor.
Regardless of how messy Jun's place is, it's probably less messy than Venti's. Zhongli notes the presence of some ceramics - Jun was probably practicing on them, judging from their shape.
Now, as for the sink... hopefully it hasn't been reduced to dust yet...? ]
[Jun will nod at the question before heading out. His apartment isn't too far, just further down the corridor and around the corner. He'll unlock his door and let Zhongli in.]
Sorry for the mess-
[The apartment itself...isn't that bad! It's a little cluttered - the bed isn't made, the dishes from the day haven't been done yet, and there's a corner that's messy with clay thanks to Jun's attempts at geo vision pottery (which the sheer number of ceramics both finished and unfinished is a testament to how much he's been working on that). It's definitely the level of mess you'd find in a typical teenager's place- but it wasn't a pigsty.
Besides the mess, the place had some other items in it. His holy sword, which might even be taller than Zhongli, was propped carefully against the wall along with other weapons that Jun's procured (a bow, a normal sized sword, the dagger Zhongli gave him) that'd been carefully stored. The nightstand had his now-dead smartphone and a black book with a cross on the front. In the window a potted Cecilia he bought from Floral Whisper was growing, and scattered around the apartment was a small but growing collection of odds and ends that Jun found pretty or interesting: gemstone fragments, small pieces of art, books, etc.
All in all, it's not a bad apartment...until you reach the bathroom.
The sink wasn't dust yet, but it was in a sorry state. The faucet had been broken off, and the basin was cracked. The water was still running as a mild stream, with a bucket underneath the sink to catch any water that seeped through the basin. It looks like he attempted to use his geo vision and some clay to glue the faucet back on, but boy did it not work. ]
H-Here it is. [Jun says with mild embarrassment. Because obviously. obviously this is the broken sink what else would it be]
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[If it was someone within Celestia, or the outside entity- he needed more evidence first. Either way, it was definitely something drastic if outsiders were being brought in.
Well, this felt like a good time as any. He'll touch his arm, and a glowing mark appears - albeit it's much fainter than normal. Still, there's detectable energy from it - an element different from the seven in Teyvat ]
Speaking of seals, I wanted to tell you my power's starting to return.
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So it has. [ A lighter topic, definitely; Zhongli is glad to switch. ] Did you feel any discomfort? Or was it a gradual process?
[ His hypothesis being proven right... even more interesting. He had felt like he was going out on a limb when he made that claim, because he's too used to working with plenty of information. ]
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Well, I broke my sink.
[Like it was straight up out of a superhero movie. Does that answer the question]
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I can fix it for you, if you like.
[ It would be hard to bathe without a sink. Or wash his clothes. Clearly troublesome for a self-sufficient young man. ]
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Haha, can you? That'd ... be really appreciated. I don't know anything about plumbing.
[he can't even google how to fix it either here, alas]
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I could do it after dinner.
[ Because he should appreciate Jun's handiwork while it's still tasty. Speaking of which... the tea smells like it's ready, so he'll pour out a cup for both of them. Jun will have something to drink and/or stare at while Zhongli tries the food. ]
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Thank you. And of course- please enjoy!
[He'll gladly occupy himself with drinking that tea. It really is nice tea, and also it's hard not to feel self-conscious about someone trying his cooking. His experience with feeding people is other teenagers and Father Abel - who well, basically had the diet of a seven year old lets be real here.
That said, the food is...pretty good! It's certainly not on the same level as the best restaurants in Liyue. Nor is it authentic considering it was made by a Japanese kid using a recipe for a Chinese-inspired Japanese dish using what ingredients he could find in a fantasy!Germany in hopes of achieving fantasy!China flavors. But even so, Jun's got some skills for his young age and he put a lot of effort into it between the research and the cooking.]
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He puts down his chopsticks after a while, giving Jun a nod. ]
Your work is remarkable. I can sense the effort and care that you put into the food.
[ The noodles do remind him of home. For all his age and experience, Morax rarely had any reason to leave Liyue. Being torn away from all that he was familiar with had been unsettling enough; the experience of it happening a second time is tempered by the knowledge that he is at least back on Teyvat once more. ]
When all is said and done, I would be glad to bring you to Liyue for a visit.
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Ah, really? I'm glad! I know it's not perfect, but I'd heard people sometimes like having food that reminds them of home so I thought I'd give it a try.
[He knows Zhongli's likely been homesick and wanted to help, in other words. It wasn't a feeling he was entirely familiar with. As much as he's grown to care about his life in Morimiya, his attachment was more to specific people than any culture or cuisine. But he's heard from enough people and stories to know it's different for others. And even if Zhongli wasn't human, there was no way someone could watch over a land for that long and not feel attachment]
I'd like that! I've never traveled anywhere just to visit, so it'd be nice to see your home as a vacation.
[Joke's on you Jun when you go to Liyue it's going to be for WORK]
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You are very thoughtful.
[ Zhongli gives Jun a smile of his own, though tempered by his austerity. Maybe it's a good thing that Jun will be there not completely as a vacation, because Zhongli doesn't have any money and Wangsheng Funeral Parlour will probably be paying the tab. Then again, Zhongli can probably manipulate the Fatui out of some more money, or something like that. ]
It is rare that I am able to afford a moment of rest, and to speak freely with others. With great power comes great responsibility; in Teyvat, a god who is unable to fulfil their duties will inevitably meet their end.
[ He sounds more somber this time, remembering a distant farewell. ]
Every journey will come to an end one day. I look forward to the day where humanity no longer needs me.
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Ah, there's that descriptor again. Seeing Zhongli smile is nice, but he's never quite sure what to make of words like that. Acknowledging his good traits is not something Jun is good at. Besides, how many times had he neglected to think of others in the past, even as they suffered? Making someone a meal doesn't make up for that.
... No matter. He's going to focus more on what Zhongli says after than his own self-reflection. This isn't the first time he brought up such talk...stepping down must be on his mind a lot. ]
You've mentioned that before ... what will you do after that day comes?
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He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a long sip of his tea. When he speaks, he sounds nostalgic; a sentimentality that would not have been ascribed to him in centuries past. ]
I will visit some old friends, and have a drink in their memory. Then, I suppose I will take a very long nap.
[ At least he never took naps while on duty, unlike a certain tone-deaf bard. ]
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The answer Zhongli gives is a simple one, one very fitting for an old man. Jun can appreciate it though. His own dreams of life outside his duties weren't exactly thrilling by any measure. ]
Haha, that sounds really nice. [Another reason to solve this situation, so Zhongli can have that]
Speaking of your old friends - is Barbatos here? This is his region, isn't it?
[Jun tried to look for him, but it's hard to spot divinity without his spirit senses]
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Yes. Barbatos is the Anemo Archon, but just as how Mondstadt is the city of Freedom, he is also the God of Freedom. To embody such an aspect is to live life according to his own whims. [ Which is to say... ] He has a habit of disappearing for centuries at a time. You would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of him.
[ Is that slight disapproval in Zhongli's voice? ]
Though, the arrival of Outlanders would be a good enough reason for him to show himself. I would expect him to make an appearance soon enough.
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C-Centuries at a time, huh...
[ That's bad...that's real bad. He knows the gods on earth don't often show themselves to mortals, but they're still there in some capacity, watching over. Feel that on the wind, Venti? It's respect for you quickly going out the window.]
Lucky us, I guess. Have you seen him yet?
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[ For better or for worse, Barbatos has managed to keep Mondstadt mostly crisis-free. Durin aside... slavery aside.... yeah.... ]
Barbatos does not wish to rule over humanity. His predecessor, Decarabian, was a tyrant and was cast down by the people he lorded over. That experience shaped his identity and motivations to become the God of Freedom.
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Mm, I remember the story you told me. [Back on the island, when Jun had first learned of Mondstadt through that story. Back then, he'd never expected he'd end up in Mondstadt. His life has a way of taking surprising turns]
Don't worry, I won't say anything about how he should do his duties. [He knows it's not his place. Both as a mortal and an outsider.] Mondstadt seems to be doing well on its own, aside from the current situation. It must give you optimism about how Liyue will fare on its own, right?
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It was Mondstadt's freedom that first gave me the thought of stepping down. For better or for worse, the kindness of its citizens' hearts have brought the land a measure of peace. Liyue is far more prosperous and far more intricate, so it will be quite some time before I am able to assess whether it is time to move on.
[ Thanks, Venti. Even if Zhongli will never compliment you in front of your face. ]
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Still... it's endearing hearing Zhongli speak of his assessment. He's like a protective parent, working himself up to accept that its time his kids leave the nest.]
I'm sure they'll pass your assessment. They had a good role model to learn from.
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We shall see.
[ After all, they have this predicament to solve first. While Zhongli could sense the overall state of Liyue despite being away, it meant that he could not actively progress his plan unless he returned. The fog barrier around Mondstadt is proving to be rather troublesome. ]
Ah, I should finish my meal soon so we can take a look at your sink. [ Zhongli's habit of talking for long periods of time would mean that Jun might be stuck here for hours if Zhongli didn't stop. He should have a healthy sleeping schedule. ]
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But it's good that Zhongli remembers that Jun is a human and will eventually need sleep, since Jun wouldn't think of that. Because really, the kid's sleep schedule was shot long before Zhongli's lectures became part of his life.]
Ah right! Please eat up! [He did want to make sure Zhongli ate. He has no idea if the archon needed food, but if sleep seemed to help him...it couldn't hurt right?] This tea is incredible, by the way. Thank you.
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[ Zhongli sounds amused; satisfied. He'll return his attention to his meal, eating carefully but also faster than usual, so that he doesn't waste too much time. He wouldn't bother Jun with more questions - not only is it impolite to talk while you eat, he also knows that Jun isn't the talkative type.
Once he polishes off the last of his dinner, he would get up from his seat to wash the box clean. ]
Thank you.
[ Never remiss to express his gratitude one more time. They can head over to Jun's apartment once Zhongli has dried the box and returned it to him. ]
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Haha, anytime. I enjoy cooking.
[He'll wait patiently for Zhongli to wrap up so they can head over to his place. He kinda wishes he'd had a chance to tidy up before showing it to anyone, much less Zhongli of all people, but oh well. ]
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I am done. Shall we go?
[ The thought is filed neatly in the back of his mind amidst all the other things that he wanted to try out since becoming mortal. (When did he became mortal? That's a question he feels like he should know how to answer.) The task at hand is to fix Jun's sink, and he follows the boy to his apartment down the corridor.
Regardless of how messy Jun's place is, it's probably less messy than Venti's. Zhongli notes the presence of some ceramics - Jun was probably practicing on them, judging from their shape.
Now, as for the sink... hopefully it hasn't been reduced to dust yet...? ]
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Sorry for the mess-
[The apartment itself...isn't that bad! It's a little cluttered - the bed isn't made, the dishes from the day haven't been done yet, and there's a corner that's messy with clay thanks to Jun's attempts at geo vision pottery (which the sheer number of ceramics both finished and unfinished is a testament to how much he's been working on that). It's definitely the level of mess you'd find in a typical teenager's place- but it wasn't a pigsty.
Besides the mess, the place had some other items in it. His holy sword, which might even be taller than Zhongli, was propped carefully against the wall along with other weapons that Jun's procured (a bow, a normal sized sword, the dagger Zhongli gave him) that'd been carefully stored. The nightstand had his now-dead smartphone and a black book with a cross on the front. In the window a potted Cecilia he bought from Floral Whisper was growing, and scattered around the apartment was a small but growing collection of odds and ends that Jun found pretty or interesting: gemstone fragments, small pieces of art, books, etc.
All in all, it's not a bad apartment...until you reach the bathroom.
The sink wasn't dust yet, but it was in a sorry state. The faucet had been broken off, and the basin was cracked. The water was still running as a mild stream, with a bucket underneath the sink to catch any water that seeped through the basin. It looks like he attempted to use his geo vision and some clay to glue the faucet back on, but boy did it not work. ]
H-Here it is. [Jun says with mild embarrassment. Because obviously. obviously this is the broken sink what else would it be]
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1/??
2/3
3/3 DONE
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