1 A Life Pourpose

Have you ever wondered, Traveler from afar, how destructive arrogance is? This feeling is like a poison, it corrodes slowly and without the affected person noticing it until it is too late. Want to know what's hidden in the deepest layers of Teyvat's story? Well then. Let me tell you about the day when heavenly transgressions could no longer be hidden.

Celestia

At the time when the seven Archons inhabited the thrones above all realms, one feeling prevailed in all the discussions they had at the famous round table: fear. Men had already set their sights on great things, changing the natural order of the world and even creating life. Fearing that this situation could get out of hand, the absolute Archons discussed what their plans would be.

A war against Khaenri'ah? - Suggested Murata, The Pyro Archon and god of war.

And risk losing one of our own when the situation isn't necessarily extreme yet? No, we need to be cautious in what we do, we don't want there to be a war... yet. - Answered Raiden Makoto, The Electro Archon.

The following suggestions didn't seem very convincing or possible in current reality, and Barbatos' speech was skewed, probably because of the wine the sovereign gods had earlier that day. With hours passing, stress was building at that table as they couldn't get anywhere. Suddenly, an interesting suggestion arose. The respected Morax, called the strongest of the Seven, stood up so they could pay attention to his thoughts, now voiced.

An unfought battle can be more destructive than the worst war. A mountain may be firm and unbeatable on the outside, but if the inside is compromised, it will crumble. My suggestion is this, discourage the rebellious spirit of humanity from the inside out, turning them against each other. Let us make a herald formed from our hands, obedient to our commands, pleasing in appearance and harmonious, according to our divine nature. This one will become one of Khaenri'ah's many, win their affection as a noted warrior, and then, when the time is right, he will spread our word of power, instill fear in the hearts of humans, and when we least expect it, they will be submissive. at our will. - Said The Geo Archon.

Everyone seemed to agree with that plan. Subtle, well-crafted, solidly argued. By avoiding open conflict, he discouraged the Lady of the flames, but most dictated the same: be as proposed. Creating life from the Seven was not a difficult process, but it took some extra time to create the "perfect" prototype. Hours, days, week. A collective effort, precise and intricate, they wanted to make the most beautiful and pleasant being in the world. Project after project and nothing felt natural enough, but with a little effort, a final result was achieved. A male homunculus, large, strong and imposing, with a firm face, a little long and silky hair, beautiful green eyes and a tender, serious and at the same time captivating voice.

This was the first of the heavenly homunculi, an artificial life forged by the gods themselves. A weapon shaped like a man, only created to be a double agent, servant and nothing more. A period of evaluation was done in the first weeks of that being's life, observing how it followed orders while being indoctrinated about its true masters. Obedient, efficient and silent most of the time, this creation demonstrated its value in serving and fighting, being trained by the god of war herself. It wasn't long before the day of his main mission arrived, and the gods promptly prepared him for that long-awaited day. They girded him with clothes suited to the people of Khaenri'ah, robes of pale and darl colors, with details adorned with gleaming metals like gold. His task was clear: Enter, adapt, gain trust, and ultimately demoralize his targets with ultimate fear of the gods.

Khaenri'ah

A newcomer, dressed in clothes that made his divine origins unclear. Short of words and direct attitudes, he conveyed the image of a military on an expedition to the native eyes. The first two guards in the kingdom soon stopped the man, having to look at him as they turned their faces up, thanks to his size.

Glory to our land. Where did you come from, stranger? - Asked the guard in shimmering armor adorned with stars.

Glory to the nation of Khaenri'ah. I come from the furthest corners of the East. Having forgotten my memories after an accident, I began to languish in my ignorance. Learning from the knowledge hidden in the mountains and the wisdom brought by the wind, I wandered the nations in search of enlightenment, understanding, a purpose. Knowing the greatness of this nation, I used my last resources left by my family to try my luck here, I believe that maybe I will find my vocation. - Replied the homunculus, telling the story forged by the lies of the Archons.

Your story is very vast and moving, foreigner. Well then, if you pledge allegiance to Khaenri'ah and set foot in that city, you will be welcomed as a colleague. Keep in mind that nothing is impossible if you believe in your own worth. Glory to Khaenri'ah, today and forever! - shouted the soldier in a confident and proud way, putting a closed fist on his chest.

Both guards repeated the gesture, looking at the man as if expecting something from him. Even though it took a few seconds, he brought his clenched fist to his chest, and then voiced that brief oath.

Glory to Khaenri'ah, today and forever.

The following process was lengthy and bureaucratic, because to be one of those people would not be simple. After legitimizing his stay in Khaenri'ah, he was asked about his name. It was something he could not say, as he had never been given a name by his creators and masters, nor had he been instructed to use a forged identity. An embarrassing situation in front of the guard who accompanied him through the streets of the city.

You're saying you don't remember your own name... it's a complicated situation, dear traveller. Without a name, how will we assign you your rights and duties? - Said the guard, without stopping walking and showing the beauty of his homeland.

In fact I don't remember, the accident I suffered took away my most important memories. My name is gone, my parents' faces too. All I remember is just from my travels and what I heard along the way. - He replied, looking calm.

His artificial creation was almost perfect, except for the detail that he was an empty shell, created only with a mission, leaving a personality aside. That conversation would have gone on, had it not been an unusual event. A woman who had tripped and fallen on the sidewalk, dropping her books and purse. Being commanded to gain the trust of all the people, he was the first to approach and pledge his services in helping the woman, eventually meeting her gaze. They both stood still for a moment, he admiring the girl's face and hair, she his green eyes, seeming mesmerized in the man. Time soon breaks that moment and soon the woman gets up with the books and her bag. It was a lady in a gown decorated with stellar ornamentation, dark blue threads with white and pearl accents. Her hair was mixed between blond and albino strands, held in a braid that hung over her shoulder. Her eyes were light brown, her lips a light pink color. The infiltrator decided to extend his hand, offering something.

Allow me to carry these books for you, my lady. - He commented.

A foreigner and also a gentleman? Oh, what a pleasant surprise. - Answered the lady.

That guard soon approached and returned to the subject of conversation, even with the man carrying those books in his arms. By exposing some of that fabricated story, the girl ended up arousing some interest in the tall, young-looking man, offering something in exchange for her kindness.

Since you can't remember your own name and you're looking for a purpose in our land, how about serving the royal court, Traveler from afar? I'm just my lady's servant, but she needs someone who can wield a sword and shield without looking like an uncultured barbarian. Sound like a good proposal, sir? - Said the blonde, sketching an angelic smile.

Seeing it as the perfect opportunity, he accepted the offer and went with the girl to meet the noblewoman who was in need of services. This greatly advanced his process of integration as a member of Khaenri'ah's empire, practically turning him into a guard. His talent with a sword was unparalleled, a technique capable of surpassing the best swordsmen in the realm. He didn't actually face off against the legendary Twilight Sword, Captain of the Royal Guard, Dainsleif, but even he learned of the outsider's impressive skills. Days passed, and each night, when alone, the man reported his progress to Celestia's gods through a device shaped like a bracelet, acting as a communicator. That girl from before had chosen a name for him. Among the letters of Khaenri'ah's word, she shuffled them and tried to form a different word. It came to one conclusion after analysis: Kirhan. His human name was now this, Kirhan, the foreign blade.

Acting as a spy in the service of the gods in a nation that despised them was intense work and always demanded the most from the homunculus at every moment, but gradually, in his contacts with needy citizens, knights and soldiers who monitored him during his stay, scholars and sages with whom his mistress met, he began to understand a little more about what humanity was like. Those interactions were a lesson by process of repetition, he was learning to be human. The serious expression remained, but it flexed to a smile or an angry growl, a careless yawn or a sneeze too loud. He was ceasing to be a machine, he was being bit by bit corrupted by the humanity around him. Joy, sadness, anger, peace, it was all part of his routine now. New emotions that confused him, made him think with his mentality limited by the divine hands, questioned him about his own nature. His mind was in conflict every day, and every day he began to forget more and more of his real purpose.

Day after day, week after week, contact between the homunculus and its creators became less and less frequent. His responsibilities increased, he began teaching recruits and aspiring royal guards, acting as a teacher in his spare time. His fame spread more, they saw him as a good-natured person. That lady who gave him this life by the sword was closest to him too, so close that eventually, their hearts ended up understanding each other.

Phylia... it's been a while since we've been on the same cause. I don't know how to express myself well with feelings, you know that well, but...

... You feel an unease in your chest whenever our eyes meet. A gentle yet intense grip, a living flame that doesn't burn when it gets close. I know, Kirhan, I know that feeling very well... - The woman replied, with such naturalness that it was frightening.

H-How... I never said a word, and you summed up everything I had to say. - His speech was accompanied by doubt, his steps approached the girl, who ended up getting up from the table where she worked, making records and notes for her mistress.

Simple. Because I feel them too. I can see it in your eyes, in the way you talk, in how different you are when we end up having to be together at work. You may never have noticed, but I have always admired your kindness and purity. - Said the girl, as a statement so direct and simple that made that situation something even more uncomfortable for the parameters of the homunculus.

No... homunculus was already a past term. In those months of being in Khaenri'ah, he found a new purpose. Now he was Kirhan, an honorable soldier in the service of his land. His feelings have corrupted his hollow ideals and underhanded purpose, making him something worthy of a human being.

If that's how you feel, then... I want to understand more about this unusual feeling, why I can't understand these confusing feelings. I want... you by my side as a guide, a helper, a devoted confidant. - The man replied, barely able to face the girl's irises properly.

Hmm... are you asking me out like this out of the blue, mister outsider? It's dangerous to captivate a lady's heart like that... you'll end up stuck with me for a long time, then. - The girl replied with her irreverence and tone of voice so engaging and, at the same time, bold.

She played with the older man's feelings, because deep down, he liked that sentimental confrontation, it was something inexplicable and new, something good to feel.

If being with you for a long time is what I will have, then I will gladly accept that condition, Phylia. - He declared as if he was taking a full oath before the woman.

With laughter and smiles, the contact between them began to tighten more and more, until their bodies were glued together. This was a turning point in Kirhan's life, one he had not been raised to see, but fate allowed him this pleasant surprise. In the midst of intimate contact, the first kiss took place, and it was then that the spy of the gods discovered his real purpose: the love of his life.

Months became years of life on Khaenri'ah, and before he knew it, Kirhan was betrothed to Phylia, an independent marriage, now they both lived in their own home, built with sweat, tears and laughter. The man's life changed a lot in the time they were married, starting with his professional life. His wife had presented him with something unique on the day of the sealing of their vows, something that she deemed her lover worthy of having. One of Khaenri'ah's most unusual secrets, a scythe made of a dark metal, but which, when wielded in front of a starry night, took on a bright and vivid color, shimmering with the brilliance of the celestial stars.

They were older by that time, his hair grew longer, she was dressing like a housewife... and the sounds of small steps echoed from the hallway. A child appeared, jumping on the back of the man, who was helping to arrange the furniture in the home.

Oh! My dear.. what happened? Why all the animation?

Daddy, Daddy! Look what I have done! - Said the little girl, showing a handmade hair clip, in the shape of a white and purple flower.

Kirhan smiled at the child's creation, placing her on the floor and then properly holding her in his lap, seeing better the created prop. His hand soon took it and tucked it into the girl's hair, forming a tremendously adorable ponytail. That moment of peace and joy was a rare sight in recent days, as the little one had contracted an illness, but seemed healthy at the time.

Daddy, Daddy, what do you think? Mommy helped me make it!

I just loved it, my twinkling star... how about we go and thank mom, hmm?

Yes, yes! - Said the little girl, excited, detaching herself from her father and then running again across the floor, going to the living room to talk to her mother.

Laughter and happy talk filled that home. Modest and humble, but filled with love and affection. It was a beautiful starry night, the city glowing in all its glory, a symbol to all nations of how independent and majestic humanity was enough to annoy the Celestials. That night seemed peaceful, serene, no noise too loud disturbed the peaceful sleep of the citizens who just went on with their lives.

But this particular night, this damned night... was when Khaenri'ah met its end.