Previously, Renjiro had anticipated this: if Zhongli fought without using his no-cost Elemental Skill or Elemental Burst, relying instead on spells that consumed mana, spells with greater flexibility, versatility, and raw power, then even a little exertion from the Archon would create an enormous drain.
He had mentally prepared for this.
But he hadn't expected the consumption to be this high…
"It didn't quite drain me completely, but it almost made my head spin!"
Renjiro himself found it unbelievable.
How much mana did he even have?
According to feedback from the Genshin System:
[Current world 'mana' value has been analyzed up to Lv.4.]
[Mana is quantified by squaring the corresponding level, multiplying by the mana value, and summing the results.]
What does that mean in practice?
Take Xiao for example…
Currently, Xiao as a Lv.40 Anemo Genshin is the "limit of the limit" for an Lv.4 Blessing-level adventurer.
[Base stats: all 'sss-1999']
Thus, his mana is:
(1+2+4+8)×1999=29,985
Almost 30,000 MP.
Due to the system's "integrated worldview," Zhongli at the same level has similar mana, but clearly, his output ceiling is even higher… though that's another story.
For the Traveler twins, Aether and Lumine, their mana once exceeded 30,000 thanks to prior "EX-level" breakthrough boosts. Other Genshin avatars, combined with four "support backup" characters, could easily stack an extra 20,000 MP.
Compared to Renjiro's own Lv.1 body rating of s-999, and his relatively low mana after recently reaching Lv.2, all of this is basically small change.
Thanks to the mental link allowing instant mana transfer and absorption, Renjiro effectively carried multiple mana reactors on him.
Stacked together… honestly, if the four spells, Paimon Time, Genshin Descent, Starfire's Flowing Light, Primordial Magic, didn't require Renjiro's personal mana to activate, he could maintain large-scale permanent Genshin deployments around the clock.
According to system analysis, those four exclusive spells could only use his self-generated mana for a reason:
[Host mana quality is exceptionally high.]
"How high?"
Simply put:
"Right now, across all of Orario, even Riveria's personal mana isn't one-third of my total mana."
"Add in the incremental regen buffs from the Starry Abyss, and once I use the Crown of Insight to analyze native spells, I could become a humanoid artillery platform with effectively 'infinite firepower.'"
Yet…
"Even with this level of total mana, and even though the Lv.40 Archon is holding back, the consumption is still massive…"
No surprise, this is the same ancient Teyvat Archon, Morax, who could casually hurl stone spears the size of mountains with normal attacks during the Archon War.
For Renjiro…
"Adventurers or Genshin, the 'output ceiling' has always limited spell potency."
"Now, with Zhongli's participation, I can choose 'high cost, high reward' freely… and that's a good thing."
In just moments, thirty controlled stone spears cleared all nearby scorpion splits.
Wide coverage, no environmental damage, precise as a scalpel.
It looked like thirty expert marksmen from Guardians of the Galaxy unleashed super-speed "Arc Arrows" across a field. Watching those golden streaks…
"So strong."
Riveria recalled that the twins' Genshin Descent skill should only summon helpers of the same Blessing level.
But looking at this…
"This really is only Lv.3?"
(Previously lied about the level; Riveria doesn't know the twins are Lv.4, nor does she understand the concept of Genshin levels.)
Riveria, Orario's "strongest mage," had extensive magical knowledge.
The young man beside her seemed human but exuded an unusually mature, composed aura. He had only chanted two short characters, clearly super-short incantation.
Super-short → Short → Long → Super-long
Normally, super-short spells lose significant power.
Yet just now…
"This alone could seriously threaten a Lv.6."
Even Riveria herself, without the super shield, couldn't have dodged all the golden streaks with only reflexes.
Finn might manage, but the synergy between Gareth and this mysterious figure was clearly minimal.
Honestly, the figure reminded her subconsciously of a certain monster:
[Silent] Alfia
A young woman who could unleash massive spells with super-short incantation. Her Lv.7 basic attacks equaled Riveria's Lv.5 full-power strikes.
Even compared to that prodigy…
"She didn't show such terrifying power at Lv.3."
Then…
"The matter here is settled. I'll take my leave."
"Thank you, Mr. Zhongli."
After a brief mental exchange between Lumine and the mysterious figure, the latter glanced toward Riveria, nodded politely, then vanished in an instant.
Finally…
"Lumine," Riveria asked instinctively,
"That Genshin… seems extraordinary?"
She was probing, mindful of internal Freya familia secrets.
Lumine's reply, after confirming what should and shouldn't be said via the mental link:
"Mr. Zhongli is indeed exceptional."
"If I had to describe, he's akin to a 'sovereign' among some Genshin, both revered and powerful at the highest level."
Riveria understood.
"So, Mr. Zhongli is essentially Genshin royalty worthy of respect."
No wonder. The Elf royalty, long admired by their kin, expressed the same sentiment.
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