Chapter Text
In the “pre-quirk” era, where everything was supposedly normal, supernatural powers were present–ones linked to the gods of ancient times.
Visions.
Bestowed to those whom the gods, also known as Archons, have gazed upon and acknowledged their ambitions.
They are given the power to control an element of their will. Wind (Anemo), Earth (Geo), Lightning (Electro), Nature (Dendro), Water (Hydro), Fire (Pyro), Ice (Cryo). These are the seven elements that are present throughout the entire world. Each element is ruled over by the Seven Archons.
The people of the old times worshiped these deities, for they were the ones who ruled over the lands and the seas. However, when quirks emerged, the people became arrogant. Powerful abilities erupt from parts of the world and the people started to think,
“The era of the gods is over, it is the beginning of the age of humans.”
And so, the persecution of vision-holders began.
Visions became targets instead of divine medals of acknowledgment. They were hunted down and killed, for they were tied to the Archons and would be a threat to the new era of humans. Thousands were slaughtered or were given punishments for possessing visions. Many were successful in hiding their visions from the public, while others received their vision at an unfortunate time, resulting in their persecution. Anyone who still worshiped the Seven at this period was also persecuted or indoctrinated into abandoning their beliefs.
To protect their people, the Archons and the Primordial god decided to come together and created an island.
On this island is a gateway to another world created by the Archons. With lush trees, plenty of resources, diverse biomes, and unique species of creatures. The only way to enter this world is through the gateway that only Vision-holders or ones who are permitted can activate.
They spread the message of this haven for vision-wielders and believers of the Seven and gradually, the population of Archon worshippers in the mainland dwindled. A majority were able to sneak out with the support of fellow believers and the Archons watching over them. The Archons and their allogenes worked to try and rescue as many of their people as they could. However, not all were able to make it.
The pro-quirk populace became aware of this safe haven and made many attempts to find the place and invade it, to no avail. They could not activate it.
The Archons created a shield around that island that would protect it from outsiders who sought to cause them harm. Only those with Visions or those permitted by the Archons could gain access to the island. The people who had migrated there started their new lives free of persecution. In that new world, towns and cities were built, technologies thrived and cultures from all over the world blended. Different regions were created, government bodies were established, and people made use of an abundance of unique resources like plants, ores, and animals. This haven became known as “Teyvat”, an Ark for the believers of Archons.
Guilds and organizations were established to recruit anyone willing to venture out of Teyvat to rescue and provide aid to any new vision-holders that appear outside. Teyvatians were capable of leaving and entering their land as they desired, albeit they needed to hide that they were residents of Teyvat with forged documents and IDs. Teyvatians worked inconspicuously and secretly as quirks became the new norm and hero society developed.
Two schools were established. One dedicated to Vision's mastery, Teyvat Academy, was established by the Seven and Teyvat’s people on the Gateway Island. Another is an institute of advanced learning for those who seek further knowledge, established by the Dendro Archon of Wisdom, located in Sumeru, one of the nations in Teyvat.
Records of the Seven, Visions, or the Heavenly Principles were destroyed and erased in the mainland. Eventually, the anti-Archon populace were satisfied with the Archon believers no longer existing in the mainland anymore and ceased their attempts at invading Teyvat.
And so, the Archons and their history became forgotten on the mainland for decades. The population of quirked and quirkless people became the opposite after the migration to Teyvat, with the quirked now becoming a majority.
Several years passed and we are now in the 22st century. Hero society is at its peak. The streets are rampant with glamorously dressed Heroes, working to keep their cities safe and free of Villains. Even schools for training Heroes-to-be were established. In Japan, the most prominent one is U.A. High School. Designed with curricula dedicated to preparing future heroes with all the resources they need and supporting them to become full-fledged Heroes once they graduate.
Today, the population rates are 80% quirked and 20% quirkless. The disappearance of many quirkless people contributed to this fact but the context had eroded with time. Nowadays, everyone assumes that the quirkless are dying out by themselves. They are, to some extent, but it is mainly due to the development of a quirk society on the mainland. With the majority of people living on the mainland being pro-quirk, it was natural for those without quirks to be targeted, which led to increased suicide rates and shorter life expectancy.
As the 22st century rolled along, the world remained apprehensive of Teyvat, although the country had not made any attempts to contact the outside world.
The quirkless saw Teyvat as a beacon of hope or a safe sanctuary. Others saw it as a potential threat to the world, fearing the unknown and its inhabitants’ immense and never-seen-before powers.
Many Heroes and elite government agents were sent to infiltrate Teyvat, but they all came back with no memories and only 1 message.
“Never attempt to break into our home again.”
Amidst the growing tensions, diplomatic representatives from Teyvat reached out to the leaders of the world, offering to negotiate a peace treaty that would ensure a peaceful coexistence between Teyvat and the rest of the world. After months of delicate negotiations and diplomacy, an agreement was reached and Teyvat officially became a legal sovereign nation. Although, outsiders don’t actually know where Teyvat is located. They only know that the only way to get there is in Gateway Island.
Due to fear, the world leaders had agreed to this peace treaty with the condition that Teyvat would be able to remain closed off to the world, with strict policies regarding access and entry. Those who were able to gain entry were heavily monitored and scrutinized.
Conspiracies and theories about Teyvat became widespread across the globe. People relied on vague rumors and the miniscule amount of knowledge of Visions.There was a rise in propaganda intended to put a bad impression on Teyvat. This was due to many factors, such as fear of Teyvat’s powers, jealousy of its prosperity and isolation, or political agendas seeking to discredit or control the nation…
“And that is a summary of Teyvat’s history. Remember that this will all be on the quiz next class. There will be multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions. I have faith that you all will receive passing scores.” A handsome man with brown hair tied to a rat’s tail that fades to an earthy orange stands in front of a classroom full of students.
A student with brown hair with red and orange streaks face planted onto her desk. “Ugh ... .I really suck at history class…I can’t remember all of these dates and events!”
A boy with blue hair and asymmetrical bangs next to her pats her back in sympathy. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, Xinyan. It’s not as bad as you think. You passed the last quiz, remember?”
Xinyan looked up to glare at him with no real heat. “Easy for you to say, ya bookworm! Not everyone has a photographic memory like you do. And I barely got the passing score last time!” She lets out a long, frustrated groan.
The blue-haired boy gives a smug grin. “Well, what can I say? I’m just very good at studying—Ow.” The boy was interrupted with a chop on top of his head. He turned to playfully glare at the boy sitting behind him with light blue hair and pale skin.
“Chongyunnie~! How cruel! Hitting your beloved boyfriend like that!”
Chongyun sighs with exasperated fondness, giving a small smile. “Stop teasing Xinyan like that, Xingqiu. She’s already behind on 2 assignments in this class.”
“Hey! It’s been a busy week ok? I had extra band practices because our public performance is coming up soon!” Xinyan complains.
Xingqiu looks at her, deadpan. “Yunjin has dance practices and she still manages to finish her assignments on time.”
“Wha–How?! Well, it’s different!”
“How is it different?”
“Well–”
“Ahem.”
The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted the debate.
Xingqiu and Xinyan stop their yapping and face towards the front of the class, where their teacher is staring at them. He raises his eyebrow.
“Sorry Mr. Zhongli…” The two students said in unison.
Zhongli nods and turns back to the rest of the class. “I’m sure you all must suspect why we are reviewing the history of Teyvat, am I correct?”
Several people nod and look at him expectantly.
“Principle Ningguang had instructed all teachers to inform you all that in a few weeks, Teyvat Academy will be hosting an exchange program with U.A. High School—”
He was interrupted by an outroar from his students.
“U.A.?! The hero school from Japan?! As in the OUTSIDE?!”
“Oh, this is going to be terrible…I can already feel my blood pressure rising.”
“Mr. Zhongli, are you sure this is a good idea? You know how they view us!”
“They think we’re in a cult when we actually have legit evidence of our gods! Heck, Mr. Zhongli, YOU are an Archon!”
“I’m not looking forward to this…”
“I will have order.”
The noise died down at those four words.
Zhongli gives an exasperated sigh, albeit there’s a hint of fondness. “Yes, I know this decision contains risks. But, as time goes on, we have to ensure peaceful relations with the outside world. This program intends to hopefully improve our reputation and foster a good relationship between us and them.”
His words hang in the air, but the skepticism in the classroom remains palpable. Some students exchange uncertain glances.
A young girl with short, wavy, light-green hair raises her hand.
“Yes, Collei?”
Collei furrows her eyebrows. “I know it’s good to have a good relationship with the outside, but what if something goes wrong? We can’t afford to let our guard down, especially when outsiders are usually prejudiced against us…”
Several people nods in understanding, including Mr. Zhongli.
Zhongli nods solemnly, agreeing to her point. “You are right, Collei. That’s why we must approach this exchange program with caution and vigilance. We must be prepared for any challenges that may occur and ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.”
“But do remember to be civil, we are trying to establish friendly connections, not assess them like enemies.”
A blonde girl with green eyes and an eyepatch scoffs, “In truth, it is they, the denizens of UA High School, who shall likely be the first to descend into the abyss of incivility! With their woefully flawed perceptions of us Teyvatians, they shall undoubtedly succumb to baseless prejudice and ignorance!”
“Fischl is, sadly, right.” A girl with white hair tied up to a high ponytail spoke with a gentle voice, frowning. “We’ve all had a fair share of prejudice before we all received our visions and moved to Teyvat. As quirkless individuals, we are often targets for discrimination. But we should not let their biased views get the best of us. Fighting fire and fire should be our last resort should problems arise.”
“Well said, Ms. Kamisato. Now, I hope that this experience will be an opportunity for all of you to face prejudice head-on and come out victorious. Maybe you will all make new friends, who knows.”
The students gain determined and hopeful looks on their faces. Maybe this is the start to end quirkist and visionist ideology.
“Class is dismissed. Ad astra abyssosque.”