Under Alhaitham's guidance, the group soon arrived at the Akademiya.
Along the way, he had deliberately taken a detour.
First, to avoid the main thoroughfare, after all, a procession of this scale was far too conspicuous. Archons, foreign leaders, and high-ranking officials walking together would attract unnecessary attention.
Second, the central avenue was being prepared for tomorrow's Sabzeruz Festival. That surprise was meant for Nahida; it could not be revealed ahead of time.
Third, the longer route allowed Ryen and the others to observe Sumeru City more closely, to showcase its character and uniqueness.
Alhaitham offered no explanation, but no one present was naïve. A little thought sufficed to understand.
The city, rooted and layered upon the colossal World Tree, was indeed spectacular.
At the Akademiya, the number of scholars present was noticeably smaller than before.
Yet those who remained were unmistakably devoted academics.
One glance at the thickness of their spectacles confirmed as much.
What surprised Ryen, however, was the reception Lisa received.
The moment she entered, scholars erupted in excitement.
Even elderly academics hurried forward, faces flushed, warmly addressing her as "Senior Lisa."
It was as though,
Though she had long departed, her legend still echoed through these halls.
In practical terms, Lisa's standing within the Akademiya was equivalent to that of a Sage.
Ryen sipped his tea and teased softly,
"I didn't expect you to remain this famous after leaving for so long. Even senior scholars call you 'Senior.'"
Lisa shot him a look.
"That's because I graduated early and excelled academically. The Akademiya respects scholarship above all."
Not far away, Naphis nodded in firm agreement, gazing at Lisa with grandfatherly pride.
"She speaks the truth. In the Akademiya, scholarship is supreme. Even I once consulted her on many academic matters."
He sighed faintly.
"Had the Akademiya not been so corrupt at the time, had scholars not been reduced to slaves of knowledge, Lisa might have become a Sage."
"In hindsight, her departure showed remarkable foresight."
Lisa smiled lightly.
"You flatter me, Teacher. Though, I recall warning you that your uncompromising temperament would bring trouble in administrative circles."
Naphis waved dismissively.
"Academic rigor demands integrity. So does character. I have no regrets."
Then his eyes brightened.
"Now that the Akademiya has been purged and the Akasha temporarily suspended, scholars finally control knowledge directly."
"Lisa… would you consider returning?"
"If you agree, every scholar here would support your appointment as a Sage."
"Even Grand Sage is negotiable."
Before Lisa could respond, Ryen blinked in surprise.
"My Lisa is that impressive?"
Naphis lifted his chin proudly.
"Without question! She is the finest student I have ever taught, more gifted even than Tighnari."
"She is a legend."
"In less than a year, she mastered the entirety of the Spantamad Darshan's knowledge, innovated upon it, and revitalized the field."
"Her papers and methodologies remain required study. Even I reference them."
"Then, within another year, she mastered all six Darshans and began synthesizing new interdisciplinary directions."
"She is the finest scholar the Akademiya has produced in two centuries."
"Two years and four months to graduate. After that, her research surpassed even my understanding."
"To lose such a mind to the academic world is an immeasurable loss."
His pride was unmistakable.
Ryen understood that sentiment.
It was like a teacher once guiding someone of Einstein's caliber.
Tighnari understood it best.
After mentoring Lisa, Naphis viewed every subsequent student through that lens.
He often compared Tighnari unfavorably:
"If your Senior Lisa were here, she'd solve this in half an hour."
"She'd finish these experiments in a day."
"She'd already be reverse-engineering the theory."
"Why are you all so slow? If you had even one ten-thousandth of her intellect, your theses would pass!"
Lisa had been both nightmare and pride to the Darshan.
If she returned as Sage, Naphis himself would gladly step aside.
Lisa, however, shook her head.
"I prefer my current life."
Her eyes drifted briefly toward Ryen.
Naphis sighed with regret.
"You were born for scholarship. Your talent humbles all."
"But even if you decline the Sage position, promise you will not abandon research."
"Once we join the alliance, collaboration will be easier. We can share ideas and open new directions."
Lisa nodded gently.
"I never stopped researching. In fact, I've encountered a new problem."
At once, Naphis leaned forward eagerly.
"Do you remember our work on Vision-based magical conduction carriers?"
Naphis's eyes widened.
"Surely…"
Lisa nodded.
"Yes. Ryen helped me discover new materials and carriers. Mature magical scrolls now exist."
"I am currently exploring how to seal Vision magic and elemental abilities within scrolls."
"If successful, anyone could cast elemental spells."
Naphis clapped his hands in delight.
"Incredible! This is unprecedented research!"
"You are the hope of academia, Lisa!"
"All Akademiya records are at your disposal. Every scholar will assist you."
"If one week isn't enough, I'll bring a team to Liyue."
Lisa laughed softly.
"Teacher, you simply want to study the new world, don't you?"
Naphis coughed awkwardly.
"Well… incidentally."
He glared at Alhaitham and Tighnari.
"The scholars you previously sent were mostly paper theorists. Practical experience lacking."
"A waste of opportunity! Let me bring elite researchers."
Alhaitham sighed.
"You are still a Sage. The Akademiya needs you."
"Before a Sage, I am a scholar," Naphis replied calmly. "If necessary, I can resign."
Silence followed.
Ryen suppressed a laugh.
Lisa had not exaggerated, Naphis truly was single-minded.
After brief thought, Ryen nodded.
"After these seven days, once Sumeru stabilizes, you may come."
"There are countless research tasks awaiting scholars. Albedo cannot handle everything alone."
"He's currently obsessed with integrating Magic Crystals and Visions."
"The Time Tree remains unexplored. Your Darshan would be well-suited."
"The Transformation Tree. Magic Beans. Many others."
Naphis beamed.
"The Time Tree? A subject no scholar of life studies could refuse!"
"We require no Mora. Provide facilities and instruments; knowledge is sufficient reward."
Ryen felt faintly moved.
Even within a corrupted Akademiya, genuine seekers of knowledge had existed.
Better yet,
They worked without salary.
Such employees were invaluable.
"They all have bright futures," Ryen thought dryly.
Naphis, emboldened, added cautiously:
"I also heard you captured several gods. If permitted… might we study them?"
The room fell quiet.
He hastily clarified,
"We would never repeat Azar's crimes."
"We seek only to understand how divine law manifests."
Ryen waved lightly.
"We'll discuss that later."
Not a refusal.
Naphis's excitement grew.
Removing Azar and joining the alliance had yielded immense opportunity.
Finally, Ryen shifted the topic.
"Tomorrow is the Sabzeruz Festival."
"Nahida will formally reclaim Sumeru."
"If you have questions, now is the time."