“Where did you find this book?” Albedo’s voice was tinged with hesitation as he regarded Jia Changjiang with a thoughtful gaze.
Until now, Albedo had assumed that Jia Changjiang’s peculiarities extended only to his exceptional physical resilience, resistance to elemental forces, and possession of otherworldly artifacts. But this book—documenting the fall of an ancient kingdom—revealed that his mysteries ran deeper.
“That’s… a bit of a secret,” Jia Changjiang replied casually. “But I’m certain the events described in it are true.”
Although Albedo’s natural curiosity urged him to press further, he understood that such secrets were not meant to be unveiled lightly.
Paimon, on the other hand, seemed visibly upset after hearing the tragic tale. Lumine, however, remained silent, lost in thought.
The gods above…
Lumine pondered the meaning of those words. Was this the Celestia that Venti had once mentioned?
According to Venti, those who possessed a Vision were called “original gods,” individuals who had the potential to ascend. But if that was the case, what exactly were the gods above?
The story spoke of divine beings who suppressed humanity’s knowledge to maintain a false peace, forbidding mortals from challenging the natural order or questioning eternity.
Was one of these gods the same being who had taken her sibling—who had taken Aether?
And why?
The longer Lumine considered this, the more a heavy, stifling weight pressed against her chest. The story of Sal Vindagnyr wasn’t just a tale of destruction; it struck a personal chord, a sharp reminder of the unresolved questions surrounding her own journey.
Eternity…
Raiden Shogun, the Electro Archon of Inazuma, was said to embody the concept of eternity. Perhaps, in Inazuma, there would be answers—answers she desperately needed.
The atmosphere around the camp grew somber, the weight of the story lingering in the air.
Jia Changjiang closed the book and removed the now-roasted meat from the fire, handing portions to everyone.
“Well, that’s the end of the story. Let’s eat,” he said with a calmness that contrasted the mood.
“But, Mr. Jax…” Paimon asked hesitantly as she took her portion. “Don’t you think that story was… really sad?”
“Of course I do,” Jia Changjiang admitted, tossing a few pieces of charcoal into the fire. He poked at the flames with a stick, watching the embers flicker.
“But what can we do about it? Am I supposed to go back in time to when that kingdom still stood and save them? That’s impossible.”
His tone was steady, practical.
“It’s because the events already happened, and there’s no changing them, that their story ended up in this book.”
The firelight reflected in Jia Changjiang’s eyes as he continued. “To me, time flows ever forward. No matter how much I sympathize with them, there’s no point in dwelling on it.”
“But…” Paimon started again, her voice uncertain. “If it’s all meaningless, then doesn’t that make their memories and experiences meaningless too?”
“I never said that.” Jia Changjiang tossed the stick into the fire and leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands.
“Memories… they’re not the same as being trapped in the past. Whether good or bad, memories carry things that can’t be changed. It has nothing to do with meaning.”
After a moment of hesitation, he reached into his inventory and retrieved a cigarette—a rare relic from his homeland. Lighting it with the campfire, he stood up.
“I’m heading outside for a smoke.”
Before leaving, he glanced back.
“If it were my memories… my past… I wouldn’t let go of them, no matter what.”
Jia Changjiang stepped into the cold, snowy night, standing alone as he smoked. The faint glow of the cigarette seemed small against the vast expanse of frost and snow.
“Mr. Jax… does he miss his home?” Paimon wondered aloud, watching his retreating figure.
“Do you two have anything you deeply miss?” Albedo asked, turning his gaze toward Lumine and Paimon.
“Of course,” Lumine replied softly. “Don’t you, Albedo? Even if you weren’t an alchemist, wouldn’t you still care for your sister and your friends?”
“…Yes,” Albedo eventually nodded. “I would.”
The night passed quickly, and dawn broke over the snowy mountain.
Albedo and Lumine prepared to continue their experiments with the Festering Desire, while Jia Changjiang made plans to explore the ruins unlocked by the three boxes after Lumine finished her research.
For now, Jia Changjiang found a high vantage point on the mountain, lying down in the snow and covering his face with a mask to block the falling flakes. Thanks to his Gem, the cold didn’t bother him, and he soon drifted off to sleep.
Before long, a group of Treasure Hoarders passed by, loudly discussing their plans to ambush adventurers in the mountains.
Unbeknownst to them, a band of Hilichurls was also nearby, scavenging for food. Inevitably, the two groups clashed.
Amid the chaos, one of the Treasure Hoarders tripped and fell, his foot catching on something buried in the snow. As he struggled to get up, he felt an immense force gripping his ankle.
Looking down, he saw a massive hand emerging from the snow.
The next moment, he was yanked upward, swinging wildly as his attacker spun him around like a weapon, scattering both Treasure Hoarders and Hilichurls alike.
Jia Changjiang stood, snow clinging to his clothes as he towered over the panicked intruders.
His sudden appearance sent most of the Treasure Hoarders fleeing in terror. Even the Hilichurls, usually unshaken, scattered in fright. Jia Changjiang waved them off like swatting flies before lying back down in the snow.
Not long after, heavy footsteps crunched through the frost-laden ground. A towering silver figure emerged from the storm, carrying a frozen wild boar on its shoulder.
Hearing the approaching sound, Jia Changjiang opened his eyes and turned to see Wuku.
The Frostarm Lawachurl set the frozen boar beside Jia Changjiang and muttered something in Hilichurlian, incomprehensible to him.
Finally, it called out the name Jia Changjiang had taught it:
“Jax!”
“So, you’re here, Wuku?” Jia Changjiang patted the ground beside him, motioning for Wuku to sit. Whether or not Wuku understood, Jia Changjiang continued, “I’ve got something I want to show you.”
—
This is a fan translation of 武器大师在原神绝不死于徒手 by 徐人双 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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