Nahida stared at Takumi, then slowly said:
"Next, I plan to shut down the system and restore the World Tree."
"You should know that the World Tree is polluted, right?"
"Even the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata couldn't solve the affliction."
"I'm going to settle the matter."
"However, I don't know what might happen."
"So I'm here to ask you for help."
Hearing this, Takumi was a little surprised.
"Say it."
He was curious.
What did Nahida want from him?
Solving the World Tree's affliction didn't seem dangerous.
Takumi performed a quick divination and found that if Nahida went, she wouldn't face danger.
He was certain of this.
His divination combined the methods of most of Teyvat, so his results were reliable.
Besides, without Fatui interference, Nahida would be safe.
Nahida would never put herself in reckless danger.
She knew that much.
"I hope to borrow your strength."
"If, while I'm at the World Tree, something goes wrong—"
"I want you to take over Sumeru."
"I will inform the others. They will cooperate with you."
Hearing her words, Takumi was silent for a moment.
"Are you… explaining your funeral?"
Good grief. Her tone sounded like a farewell letter.
Was she serious?
Nahida shook her head.
"No."
"Although I know it shouldn't be dangerous, I have a feeling."
"When this is over, some strange things may happen."
"So it's best to be prepared."
"Will you help me?"
Even if the scenario should be safe, she was still worried.
Preparation was necessary.
She truly didn't know what awaited her.
If something happened to her, she could only rely on Takumi.
And she believed that if something did go wrong, Takumi would help.
That was why she asked him.
If she didn't return, she wanted him to watch over Sumeru.
This journey might take a day, two days, or even longer.
Preparing for every outcome was better.
Takumi sighed helplessly.
"Fine."
"In that case, I'll lend you Nuwa."
"With Nuwa's help, Sumeru shouldn't face any issues."
Expecting him to govern Sumeru personally? Impossible.
Takumi would never stay here indefinitely.
Nahida blinked in surprise at the name.
"You mean that presence spread across the network?"
"It seems to be something created by Baal—"
"That's fine."
"I've studied the system your side uses."
"To be honest, I want one for Sumeru as well."
"So if you're willing to lend it… that's acceptable."
She tilted her head and acknowledged Nuwa's usefulness.
Takumi smiled.
"If you need it, I can help you design a terminal system for Sumeru."
"Inazuma already has the Raiden Shogun automaton."
"When the time comes, Sumeru can have its own. It'll ease your burden."
As they talked, the topic shifted naturally.
Nahida didn't object.
She honestly didn't enjoy being confined to her position.
She preferred being outside, talking to people, exploring.
After chatting for a while, Takumi got to work.
He let Nuwa connect into Sumeru's systems.
Workers in Sumeru each received access to Nuwa's terminal.
When Nahida returned from the World Tree, she could adjust the core system as needed.
Nuwa could manufacture the new system, and Nahida could shape it.
They discussed many details.
When everything was settled, Takumi stood up.
"Then go."
"If something happens, I'll retrieve you immediately."
He paused, thinking.
"How about this? I'll lend you the other Gnoses."
"Maybe they'll be useful."
He pulled several Gnoses from behind him.
Dendro, Electro, Anemo, Geo.
The four Gnoses floated before her.
Nahida hesitated, but accepted.
After all, the Gnoses in Takumi's hands could be recreated at any time.
"Alright."
She put them away.
After final preparations, she said:
"You should head back first."
"I'll finish arrangements and depart soon."
Takumi nodded.
No need for more words.
If something happened, he would rush to her immediately.
The World Tree…
Takumi was curious.
And this matter likely related to the former Dendro Archon—
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
Glancing at Nahida thoughtfully, he left.
Perhaps something interesting would occur.
But he didn't dwell on it.
Since Nahida didn't ask him to come along, he wouldn't force it.
Still, if things went wrong, White Night could always intervene.
He had already placed a spatial mark on Nahida.
Reaching her would be effortless.
Nahida watched Takumi leave.
Then she began preparations.
She studied the terminal that appeared on her phone.
She asked Nuwa to send instructions.
She notified Sumeru's senior officials one by one.
If she didn't return, they were to seek Takumi for guidance.
Takumi would assist.
When Tighnari, Cyno, and the others received her message, they felt uneasy.
This tone sounded like a farewell letter.
Was the Dendro Archon going into danger?
Tighnari and the others rushed toward the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
But Nahida had already left.
She was on her way to the World Tree.
At this time, Takumi had returned to Liyue.
He didn't worry too much about Sumeru's affairs.
However, the people of Sumeru immediately sent him messages.
They asked about Nahida.
Seeing Tighnari and Cyno's messages, Takumi smiled.
After thinking, he replied:
[Your Dendro Archon is going to handle the World Tree.]
[Don't worry. If something happens, I'll take action.]
After sending the message, Takumi stopped paying attention.
He simply waited.