Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

Under Jean's watchful gaze, Elliot gradually disappeared into the bustling street.

He then took the apple wine and went to find Venti.

"Let me compose a unique poem for you. In exchange… hehe, could I have a sip of your apple wine? Just one."

"No need for poetry. I just want to ask you something. If you can answer, all these bottles of cider are yours."

"Really!?" Venti lit up with joy.

"Really," Elliot confirmed.

"Then ask away. As long as it concerns the continent of Teyvat, I know it all."

"I want to know—can destiny be changed?"

"Destiny?" Venti repeated, confirming.

"Yes. Some people are born under ill-fated stars. Is there any way to alter that?"

Though Elliot spoke of "destiny" like it was nonsense, he knew the words of the Adeptus were not lies.

If he truly wanted her to return to the world of mortals and live a normal, peaceful life, her cursed fate had to be removed.

For that...

He was willing to sacrifice everything.

"Destiny is innate—technically unchangeable. But it can be replaced."

Venti's answer lit a flame of hope in Elliot's heart.

"Replaced?" he asked eagerly.

"Yes. But only a good destiny can replace a bad one—and the one with the good destiny must willingly offer to do so. The price, however, is steep."

"What kind of price?"

"Replacing a bad destiny with a good one isn't just a swap. It comes with all the karmic consequences tied to it."

"What kind of consequences?"

"That... I'm not sure. Cause and effect are hard to explain. Going against the will of heaven is never a good thing, and destiny can't be replaced just because you want to."

"Are there conditions?" A trace of unease crept into Elliot's voice.

"There are four," Venti began. "First, both parties must be around the same age. A difference of more than three years makes replacement impossible."

"Second, as I mentioned, the one with the good destiny must voluntarily and sincerely wish to replace the bad one."

"Third, you'll need a strand of hair from both individuals to perform the ritual."

"Lastly, both people must be in good health—no major illnesses."

Upon hearing the conditions, Elliot exhaled heavily.

Aside from the first and last, which he couldn't be sure of, the rest were manageable.

The age difference likely wasn't an issue, but the final condition worried him.

He didn't know whether the rules of this world applied to someone tied to a system like him.

He was healthy now, with no signs of death—but once he completed his task, he would inevitably leave this world.

He feared the laws of this realm might sense that, and the ritual would fail.

"If all the conditions are met, how do I go about the replacement?"

"Go to Qingyun Peak and find Mountain Shaper. He can do it."

"Got it. Thank you." Elliot nodded gratefully.

"My advice? Don't do it. Defying fate isn't something to take lightly. The karmic backlash isn't something a mortal can endure..."

"It's fine. I've already made up my mind."

"Can I ask why?"

"There was once a girl named Shenhe. When she was young…"

Elliot told Venti everything about Shenhe.

Then he said slowly, "I've experienced all that the world has to offer—

The lights of countless homes, the joys and sorrows of mortal life, a loving family, cherished friends—I've had it all.

But she, from beginning to end, has known nothing but loneliness. Endless, crushing loneliness."

"To protect others, she distanced herself from the world, living deep in the mountains for years. She fought evil without ever asking for anything in return. How can someone so kind be forced to endure such a fate? I just… don't understand."

"That's why I want to bear this fate of misfortune that was never hers to begin with. I want her to feel the warmth of the human world."

Venti was stunned, eyes wide in disbelief as he stared at Elliot.

"You… remind me of a friend of mine," he said softly, as though remembering something.

He pulled out a talisman marked with ancient script and handed it over. "Take this with you."

Elliot looked at the talisman in his hand, then bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Venti."

"You're welcome."

And with that, Elliot departed.

As for Venti, the once-delicious apple wine suddenly tasted bland.

"I will write a poem just for you."

Watching Elliot vanish into the night, Venti whispered to himself.

...

At that moment...

Mondstadt, at the inn.

Shenhe stood frozen at the window where he had vanished.

Eyes wide, her body trembling—she couldn't believe what had just happened.

It's a nightmare… It has to be a nightmare…

This isn't real. He wouldn't do that.

Wake up… wake up… I don't want to dream anymore… I hate nightmares…

Just wake up—and he'll still be here! Elliot will be right beside me!

Pain wakes people up. Yes, pain!

Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind. She raised her fist and slammed it hard into the ground.

Bang!

A dull thud. Her fist turned bright red instantly.

It hurt!

But not enough!

Bang!

Another punch. Pain shot through her arm.

Still not enough!

Bang!

Yet another strike. The skin on her fist split open, and blood sprayed out.

Bang!

One punch. Two. Three.

Until her hand was a mangled, bloody mess.

"Wake up! Wake up!"

"Stop sleeping! This is a nightmare!"

"Wake up!!! If I don't wake up now…"

"If I don't wake up, Elliot will leave me!!"

Tears as large as pearls dripped into the pool of blood.

Her fists pounded the floor like thunder, the skin torn, blood flying, tears falling.

And still, she didn't stop. She only hit harder. Her fists were now so torn apart, bone was nearly visible beneath the blood.

Outside the door, Jean clenched her fists tightly, teeth grinding together.

She couldn't go in too soon—Elliot had warned her. Shenhe was smart.

If she entered now to comfort her, it would seem too planned.

"It's not painful enough yet. If it hurts enough, she'll wake up."

At that moment, Shenhe slowly got up, walked to the kitchen, and picked up a kitchen knife.

Just as she was about to plunge it into herself—

Bang!

The door burst open, and Jean, moving with lightning speed, snatched the blade from her hands.

"What's wrong, Shenhe? What happened?" Jean masked her emotions, her face showing only confusion and urgency.

Shenhe stared blankly at her.

"Elliot… Elliot… He doesn't want me anymore… he doesn't want me…"

She collapsed into Jean's arms, crying uncontrollably.

Jean, at a loss, gently patted her back, trying to soothe her. "It's okay now… it's okay. Why would he ever not want you? Don't overthink it."

"He really doesn't. He said he doesn't love me. He left… he left me…"

"It's alright. I'm still here. Let it out—cry as much as you need."

As she did her best to comfort Shenhe, Jean fought to hold back her own emotions.