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Watching Futsu Mitama suddenly draw Musou Isshin and activate Chakra Desiderata, Scaramouche instinctively took two steps back, eyes widening. He stared at Futsu Mitama in disbelief. In that instant, he seemed to recall the man wearing the purple oni mask in Tatarasuna.
Now, in Scaramouche's mind, Futsu Mitama and that masked man gradually overlapped.
"It's you—you!!!"
Scaramouche's voice trembled with anger and fear. He wasn't afraid of Futsu Mitama's strength.
He was afraid that Futsu Mitama could open that space—the one where Beelzebub, the true Raiden Shogun, resided.
Not the puppet in Tenshukaku. Knowing the other party could summon the true Raiden Shogun, Scaramouche naturally felt fear.
"Yes, it's me. We meet again." Futsu Mitama looked at Scaramouche's terrified expression and said seriously, "I didn't expect you to walk right into me."
"To be honest, I didn't want to meet you. Every time we meet, something bad happens."
Indeed, Futsu Mitama hadn't planned on running into Scaramouche. Yet the other party appeared before him again—just like in Tatarasuna. This time, he was merely helping the Yashiro Commission gather evidence against the Fatui.
And Scaramouche appeared again. Why must a Fatui Harbinger handle everything personally?
Couldn't he be like Signora—sending her subordinates everywhere, only showing up at the final moment to wrap things up?
Whether in Mondstadt or Liyue, her execution was impeccable. She always appeared at critical points. In Inazuma as well, until the very end—when Signora, fearing her plan would fail, entered Tenshukaku. The Traveler seized the chance, forced a duel before the throne, and that was the end of her.
Tragic indeed.
But Scaramouche? Seeing him twice in three days—and each time focusing directly on him—was absurd.
"Do you think I want to see you?!" Scaramouche's expression twisted. He'd ordered the Hiiragi Clan to investigate the man with the oni mask, wanting to know his identity. After all, anyone capable of opening the space where Beelzebub resided was someone blessed by a god.
To kill such a person meant preparing to face the wrath of Beelzebub herself. To Scaramouche, Futsu Mitama was very likely a newly chosen Retainer of the Raiden Shogun, though the Fatui lacked that intelligence.
Although he didn't understand why Beelzebub would choose a human as her Retainer, a god's will was unknowable. Scaramouche was now extremely wary of him.
"Oh?"
Yae Miko, seeing the expressions between the two, revealed a mischievous smile. Even through the screen, Kuki Shinobu and Kamisato Ayaka could feel just how wickedly amused Guuji-sama was.
Inside the Chat Group:
[ Azhdaha: "Hmm… this fox seems reliable enough." ]
[ Azhdaha: "At least she takes things seriously. You should be pleased, Baal." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "She was such a cute child. How did she turn into this after growing up?" ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "This could be useful. Perhaps we can scare this Harbinger using the Raiden Shogun. But now that Futsu Mitama's strength is exposed, trouble will come endlessly—" ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Poor Futsu Mitama, meeting a Harbinger twice in a row." ]
[ Albedo: "Not difficult. The world is vast. With the Group Leader's strength, he can avoid enemies easily." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "But Futsu Mitama is a noble. Everything he owns is in Inazuma City. If the Tenryou Commission targets him—" ]
[ Kuki Shinobu: "By law, as long as he isn't convicted, his assets won't be taken." ]
[ Kuki Shinobu: "But with the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions colluding in corruption, the Kujou Clan would likely target him, since he belongs to the Yashiro Commission." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "Yes… after that incident, our clan has been targeted continuously." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "If not for Guuji-sama pleading with the Shogun, the Kamisato Clan might have been erased from history." ]
[ Albedo: "So even if he escapes the Harbinger here, he remains in danger?" ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "It's not that dangerous. He'll simply be targeted. Besides, we still have the Resistance." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Eh?" ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "As for his assets—once everything ends, Ei can restore or even increase them with a word." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "His safety is most important. If things become irreversible, have him join the Resistance temporarily. Using the title of the Raiden Shogun's Retainer gives them legitimacy." ]
[ Kuki Shinobu: "That might not be appropriate." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "So Futsu Mitama really is a Retainer?" ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "I am the Electro Archon. If I acknowledge him, then he is." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "EH?!?!?!?" ]
[ Albedo: "I see— then the Resistance becomes a legitimate army. Until the puppet in Tenshukaku acts, no one can deny it." ]
[ Azhdaha: "A Retainer in name only, without a Retainer's power?" ]
[ Futsu Mitama: "HELLO?! I'm in a standoff here!!! Stop chatting so happily!!!" ]
Futsu Mitama glanced at the scrolling bullet messages, eye twitching, then refocused on Scaramouche.
"Little one, is this not your first time meeting him?" Yae Miko asked with a smile.
Futsu Mitama nodded slightly. "When I was in Tatarasuna—"
"Shut up!"
Before he could finish, Scaramouche suddenly realized something. His expression twisted into madness as he transformed into lightning, rushing toward Futsu Mitama. Futsu Mitama's pupils shrank. He raised Musou Isshin instantly.
Fast—extremely fast. Scaramouche's speed was more than double what it had been previously. Sure enough, he had held back before. Was it because he underestimated them last time? But now—
"Clang!!!"
Their weapons collided.
So hard.
Futsu Mitama had swung with full force, yet the feeling in his hands was like striking the hardest material in existence. Scaramouche's white hand was wrapped in dense Electro. His expression grew wilder—realizing Futsu Mitama hadn't told Yae Miko about Tatarasuna.
He didn't know why the two supposed Retainers hadn't spoken privately, but this was his chance. As long as the other party didn't open that space, he still had a chance to win. He absolutely couldn't let Yae Miko learn the truth. And he had to kill this winemaker—first.
Even if Beelzebub's gaze fell the instant he killed him, so be it.
Scaramouche's attacks grew increasingly fierce. If this were three days ago, Futsu Mitama would have been seriously injured already. But after being trained by the Raiden Shogun in that mysterious space, his strength had risen dramatically.
Though he was still on the defensive, he blocked every attack and even found moments to counter. Though his strikes could not break Scaramouche's defense, he was holding his ground.
"Impressive. I didn't expect him to fight this opponent head-on." Yae Miko watched with admiration.
She herself would not dare fight Scaramouche directly. Though capable, she wasn't suited for hand-to-hand combat.
But Futsu Mitama could.
She didn't know why Scaramouche was so afraid of him. It wasn't because of Futsu Mitama's own strength. There was only one person in Inazuma who could inspire this level of fear in Scaramouche.
Could he truly be the one Ei selected? she wondered.
The overwhelmed Futsu Mitama suddenly slashed with his tachi, drawing on Chakra Desiderata to pull Electro from the surroundings. Hundreds of lightning bolts shot toward Scaramouche, forcing him back.
"Why are you just watching, Guuji-sama?!"
Seeing Yae Miko still slacking, Futsu Mitama nearly exploded with frustration. He was fighting for his life, and she was simply spectating. Only because she seemed to be thinking about something did he refrain from doubting her loyalty.
"Oh? I just wanted to see your limit." Yae Miko smiled. "Your body seems sturdy enough to withstand my power."
"In the name of the Grand Narukami Shrine's Priestess, I grant you the power of the Fox Spirit."
A sakura-colored talisman appeared in her palm and merged into Futsu Mitama. Instantly, his physical strength rose. Scaramouche's movements seemed slower.
"Hm?!" Scaramouche noticed the change and increased his speed again. The battle continued, but now Futsu Mitama could defend more easily and even strike Scaramouche's body—though still unable to damage him.
Scaramouche glared at Yae Miko, understanding she was only stalling.
"Not bad. You're adapting quickly." Yae Miko nodded. "But the next power—don't overexert yourself."
A fox tail appeared behind her, her eyes glowing with Electro. The sky darkened, purple lightning flashing wildly. She pushed forward a purple orb of light. It became a meteor, entering Futsu Mitama's body.
Inside Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun opened her eyes. She stood, stepped outside, and gazed at the sky.
"Shogun-sama!?"
"Are you hungry, Shogun-sama?"
The guards were shocked—she rarely emerged unless something significant occurred. Ignoring them, she watched the sky. "That is the Authority I once granted Guuji—Has she encountered danger?"
A god and their Retainer shared a deep bond.
Yae Miko was the only family Raiden Ei had left. Long ago, before sealing herself inside the Plane of Euthymia, she had given Yae Miko a portion of her own power. The Raiden Shogun fell silent, confused. If Yae Miko were in danger, she could escape easily—yet she stayed, even granting her Authority to someone else. Why?
"Go and see." Raiden Ei's voice finally rang out.
Receiving the command, the Raiden Shogun stepped into the void and rushed toward the disturbance.
Shifting the perspective to Futsu Mitama—at this moment, after Yae Miko merged the purple orb of light into his body: The dark clouds overhead did not disperse; instead, they thickened, and the thunder roared even louder.
Futsu Mitama's entire body was wrapped in brilliant purple Electro light, and the aura he released made Scaramouche feel a deep, primal terror.
"Damn it! You bastard!!!"
Scaramouche had not expected this. His eyes widened as he stared at Futsu Mitama and Yae Miko, his expression twisting with shock and fear. And if one looked closely, there was unmistakable hesitation—and dread—in his eyes.
In the group live stream, discussions erupted.
[ Azhdaha: "This is—our Liyue Adepti secret art? This little fox is quite good." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "Eh? Liyue Adepti secret art?" ]
[ Kuki Shinobu: "Futsu Mitama suddenly became so strong. He was beaten one-sidedly before, but now he's overwhelming Scaramouche." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Thank goodness… Guuji-sama is incredible." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "But what is that Adepti secret art? @Azhdaha." ]
[ Albedo: "Adepti secret art? I'm familiar with it, but I didn't expect Editor-in-Chief to know it—and to use it so skillfully." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "Everyone has their own encounters. I'm grateful for this live stream; it lets me see how that little fox has grown." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Adepti secret art—to put it simply, it's temporarily lending power to another. Granting great strength without harming oneself." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Although this fox learned it well, she is using a rather extreme method. Once she hands over her power, she cannot fight herself." ]
[ Azhdaha: "During the Archon War, when I, Morax, and the Adepti fought, the Millelith fought alongside us. Their willpower was strong, but their strength lacking." ]
[ Azhdaha: "This art was developed both to strengthen Adepti fighting the Archons and to help the Millelith survive." ]
[ Azhdaha: "But no one has ever accepted such power as completely as the Group Leader. The latter part must be the Electro Archon Authority. For him to withstand it is astonishing." ]
[ Aila: "@Azhdaha, why do you say that?" ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "Because to receive power, the vessel must be strong. An ordinary person might explode even from a fraction of Yae Miko's power." ]
[ Albedo: "If an ordinary person is a teacup, then a retainer of the Shogun like Editor-in-Chief is a bucket. Pouring water from a bucket into a teacup will overflow." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Exactly. I am surprised the Group Leader's foundation is so firm. Could he have once been an Archon with sealed power?" ]
[ Ella: "Young master is not an Archon." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "Yes, that I can confirm. Futsu Mitama is just a human—even if he no longer looks like one." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Adepti secret art— granting power— @Azhdaha, can I learn it? I am the Divine Priestess; I can borrow the power of deceased gods." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Simple, but by contract, you must do something for me." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "If I can do it, I will!" ]
[ Azhdaha: "Nothing difficult—just take the Group Leader to Liyue and live stream the Rite of Descension for me. I haven't seen Morax in ages." ]
[ Kuki Shinobu: "The Rite of Descension? I've attended once." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Understood." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Then the contract is set. Those who break their word shall eat rocks. I'll upload the method shortly." ]
[ Azhdaha: "@Raiden Makoto, Beelzebub, teach me how to upload it!!!" ]
The live stream buzzed with excitement. Outside, the world mirrored that intensity. Futsu Mitama felt pure, overwhelming Electro power flooding into him. For a moment, his thoughts blurred, and he saw Raiden Ei once more—wielding her naginata, fighting for Inazuma in ancient times.
The purple glow in his eyes deepened. He raised his gaze to Scaramouche. With a single thought—
"Boom—!!!"
Dozens of bolts of purple lightning fell from the sky like divine wrath, striking Scaramouche. He was submerged in the storm. As the lightning fell, the dark clouds finally began to weaken.
"YAE MIKO——!!!!!!!"
From within the smoke, Scaramouche's enraged scream tore out.
"You deserve to die!!!!!!!"
Not only had she given her power to Futsu Mitama—she had entrusted the Electro Archon Authority to him. The jealousy he felt was beyond anything words could contain.
Why? Why could Futsu Mitama summon the Raiden Shogun? Why could he receive her Authority, even for a moment?
Whenever Raiden Ei was involved, Scaramouche lost all rationality. And now, on top of everything, he sensed that once the Authority was used—
She would come. He had to escape.
That was why his fury was so intense—burning enough to kill Yae Miko a thousand times over in his mind.
The last person who made him flee in humiliation was Futsu Mitama. Now the list included Yae Miko.
"What deserves to die?" Yae Miko watched the smoke fade, revealing an unharmed Scaramouche. She smiled playfully. "I'm standing right here. If you want to kill me, come on~"
"If you miss today, you'll have to attack the Grand Narukami Shrine next time. That's my territory. You know you can't defeat me there."
Her smile was mocking. Scaramouche trembled with rage, but he couldn't deny it. He didn't dare fight her at the Grand Narukami Shrine—it was too close to the Raiden Shogun.
As long as she stalled him, the Shogun would appear and cut him down instantly.
"Whoosh——!!"
While Scaramouche and Yae Miko exchanged words, Futsu Mitama became a streak of lightning and charged.
"Get lost!" Scaramouche, having decided to retreat, launched a powerful Electro orb. It shot forward with blinding speed.
"Pointless." Futsu Mitama clearly saw its path. He swung Musou Isshin and cleaved it apart.
"Boom——!!"
Smoke billowed, and Scaramouche seized the moment, fleeing at top speed. He knew exactly what was coming next. Fleeing twice in three days filled him with fury beyond reason—but he had no choice.
If he stayed, his enemy would stop being Futsu Mitama or Yae Miko—
It would become the Raiden Shogun.
"Trying to run?" Futsu Mitama stretched his hand forward. "Baleful Omen."
Space tore open. A giant eye appeared—not to the Plane of Euthymia, but to somewhere else. Futsu Mitama stepped into the tear.
The next moment, he appeared right before Scaramouche—Musou Isshin falling naturally, as if Scaramouche had offered his body to be cut.
"GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!!"
Scaramouche roared, trying to backhand Futsu Mitama. He didn't take him seriously. Even granting him the Electro Archon's Authority, he was still a mortal. If he wasn't trying to avoid the Shogun, he would crush both him and Yae Miko together.
"Clang——!!!"
Musou Isshin collided with Scaramouche's body—
"Crack!"
Small fissures appeared on Scaramouche's hand.
"Just as expected." Yae Miko wasn't surprised. Raiden Ei's Authority was destructive by nature.
Even she wouldn't easily damage Scaramouche's body. He was created by Ei herself, meant to rule Inazuma—an incredibly durable puppet, later strengthened by Snezhnayan technology. But none of that mattered in front of the Electro Archon's Authority.
"It worked." Futsu Mitama wasn't shocked either. He could feel clearly—the Musou Isshin formed by pure Electro had become sharper after receiving Authority.
Sharp enough to damage Scaramouche. And sharp enough to tear open space. By opening the Chakra Desiderata, he finally gained the spatial movement he had always longed for.
"Worked? WHAT worked!!! I haven't even used my full power yet! ANT!!!"
Scaramouche grabbed Musou Isshin. A terrifying aura surged, and the temperature around them plummeted. Ice spread rapidly.
"This… is the Cryo Archon's Authority?"
Yae Miko's gaze sharpened. "As expected, it's powerful. Even with my strength and Ei's Authority, that boy won't last long."
"The small trouble from back then has grown—but there's still time."
She turned toward Tenshukaku. The Raiden Shogun was coming. She could feel it. If she entrusted her Authority to someone else, Ei and the Shogun would notice immediately. She only hoped they wouldn't think she was joking around.
"MORTAL!!! Even Archons dare not tamper with my destiny! How dare YOU injure me!!!"
Cryo and Electro intertwined around Scaramouche. His body shifted subtly—his second phase awakening.
'So it's entering phase two?'
Futsu Mitama felt the overwhelming aura. Like Childe and La Signora, Scaramouche naturally had multiple phases.
"I will show you what it means to—"
He suddenly froze. Terror replaced the fury on his face. Because—
Unnoticed by them, a figure stood high in the sky. A woman. Her purple eyes were fixed on Yae Miko.
"She's here."
Yae Miko looked up, smiling. "A little slow, Shogun."
"BOOM——!!!!"
The ground split. Scaramouche, who had been gathering power, used it all to escape. Futsu Mitama stiffened. He felt an overwhelming gaze on him. He turned slowly.
The Raiden Shogun was looking at him—expressionless—but her eyes lingered on his back and the Musou Isshin in his hand.
He hadn't even noticed when she arrived. Only now did he understand Scaramouche's terror.
Even he felt fear. Would she declare him a threat to eternity and cut him down instantly?
He edged closer to Yae Miko. Against the Shogun, running was pointless. Only sticking to Yae Miko offered any hope.
"…."
The Raiden Shogun watched Scaramouche run. Knowing his identity, she drew the true Musou Isshin from her bosom.
"Buzz——!!!"
The Omnipresent God appeared behind her. Electro surged in her eyes. A giant hand formed in the clouds, bearing the Mitsudomoe.
All of Inazuma lifted their heads. On Ritou, Hiiragi Shinsuke felt dread. In the city, Kujou Takayuki trembled with devotion.
Kamisato Ayato, reunited with Ayaka, stared in astonishment. "Raiden Shogun-sama has— truly come out."
"You could have lived," the Shogun said coldly, "but attacking the Miko leaves you no escape."
She extended her hand.
"Ahhhhh——!!!"
Scaramouche fled as an Electro streak, desperately racing toward the outer islands. He knew—this time she intended to kill him.
"I AM A DIPLOMATIC ENVOY OF SNEZHNAYA!! YOU CANNOT KILL ME!!!"
He formed a massive shield of Cryo and Electro, shouting:
"If you kill me, you will provoke conflict between our nations!!! WAR will descend!!! And eternity will SHATTER!!!"
"And I DID NOT harm Yae Miko!!! I didn't even TOUCH her!!! She's not injured, is she?!!!"
The Raiden Shogun blinked, glanced at the perfectly fine Yae Miko, then said expressionlessly:
"The death penalty may be spared. But the living punishment will not."
"Boom——!!!"
The blade fell—visible across all of Inazuma.