Morax was, quite frankly, confused—deeply confused.
He could not understand why Raiden Makoto, Raiden Ei, and Yae Miko were all so eager—almost impatient—when it came to talent.
After all, in his memoryLiyue had never lacked capable individuals.
The Qixing alone were numerous and competent, each governing their domain with precision. The Exorcists continued to flourish, guarding against malevolent forces. The Adeptus each fulfilled their respective duties without fail.
Not to mention disciples like Shenhe.
If one were to speak of human potential refined to an extreme, Shenhe herself stood as a living example.
And Inazuma? By Morax's estimation, it should not be short on talent either.
"…Cough."
Perhaps sensing that her attitude had been a little too forceful, Raiden Ei felt a rare trace of embarrassment.
That said—her stance would not change.
She intended to secure both Futsu Mitama and Aila.
They were not merely promising. They were exceptionally good seedlings.
The last time she had seen Aila, Raiden Ei had only judged her to possess moderate potential. But now, having personally entered the consciousness space and witnessed Aila's "Individual"—
She realized that this maid's latent potential was far greater than expected.
No matter which side ultimately prevailed, the victorious "Aila" would remain at Futsu Mitama's side, serving him.
From Raiden Ei's perspective, this was practically equivalent to gaining a high-potential talent at no additional cost.
Even if Aila was, by origin, a citizen of Liyue—and even if Morax himself regarded her as such—
Raiden Ei still wished to try.
If there was even a chance to secure such talent for Inazuma, she would not let it pass.
"Since the matter has been resolved, I shall take my leave."
Morax was the first to propose departure.
With the immediate danger eliminated, there was no reason for him to remain. Moreover, his schedule was not light.
The Rite of Descension was only a few days away.
At that time, he would need to ensure that he did not interact with the Group Leader while appearing publicly from the heavens.
This year still required restraint.
Next year—he could begin implementing his plans in earnest.
"Very well."
Raiden Ei nodded. She did not continue discussing Futsu Mitama or Aila, but after a brief pause, she seemed to recall something and turned toward Morax once more.
"Regarding the Raiden Shogun's unauthorized intrusion into Liyue… I offer my apologies."
She spoke calmly, without pretense.
"However, Futsu Mitama is of great importance to Inazuma. Should there be anything you require my assistance with, I will provide it."
The implication was clear.
She was entrusting Futsu Mitama to Morax's care—at least while he remained in Liyue.
As the future Eternal Guardian, the potential Futsu Mitama displayed was sufficient for Raiden Ei to personally address Morax and request his attention.
"It is of no consequence."
Morax replied in an even, businesslike tone.
"As long as he does not cause trouble within Liyue, I will naturally protect him."
There was no embellishment in his words—only responsibility.
Yet this response caused Raiden Ei to nod faintly, satisfied.
As the oldest of the Seven Archons, Morax's strength was beyond measure. Even before losing her Gnosis, defeating him would have been difficult.
Now, it would be nothing more than wishful thinking.
As for the Gnosis itself—
Raiden Ei had no desire to touch it again.
Her wish was simple: to protect Inazuma.
Nothing more.
With that, she transformed into a bolt of violet lightning and vanished from the mental space.
Moments later, Morax likewise dissolved into golden light, departing in silence.
The consciousness space finally returned to calm.
After leaving the mental realm, Morax observed Cloud Retainer outside the cave dwelling, where she continued to channel adeptal power inward without pause.
"I have entered," he said evenly. "The Raiden Shogun has already resolved the matter."
"?!"
At the sound of the Archon's voice, Cloud Retainer's body trembled slightly.
"The Raiden Shogun?" she exclaimed in surprise. "Why has she appeared again?"
"Speaking of which—that 'individual' truly possesses remarkable influence, to draw two gods to intervene on her behalf."
Cloud Retainer did not doubt the Archon's words. Her surprise stemmed only from the unexpected appearance of the Electro Archon, and the fact that she had so casually resolved the crisis. She could not help but wonder what that 'individual' must have felt upon seeing both the Electro Archon and the Geo Archon arrive.
In any case, Cloud Retainer was in high spirits now.
Her disciple's safety was worth more than anything else. This incident, she knew, had also stemmed from her own negligence as a master. She had known that the other party shared a connection with Aila, yet she had not anticipated that the other could remotely invade Aila's mental space and seize control of her body.
This was her oversight.
But she would not make the same mistake again.
Should that existence dare to intrude into Aila's mental space once more, she would summon several old companions and act together.
"Mm," Morax said calmly. "She followed the Authority carried by Futsu Mitama. It is an effective method—swift and decisive. I shall take my leave. Aila is entrusted to you for guidance. Should anything occur again, I will intervene."
With that, Morax vanished from Mt. Aocang.
There was no need for excessive words—his intent had already been made clear.
Watching the Archon depart, Cloud Retainer felt a surge of pride.
To be so favored by the Archon—as expected of the disciple she valued.
Indeed, with a destiny of wealth and nobility, Aila's future would be anything but ordinary.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Futsu Mitama and Shenhe quietly opened their eyes.
Aila did the same.
They had returned from the mental world.
"You've returned?" Cloud Retainer withdrew the golden adeptal power into her body. She regarded the three and nodded slightly. "It appears you succeeded."
"Master."
Shenhe looked at Cloud Retainer and spoke, her voice steady.
"The Electro Archon appeared suddenly and saved us. And that junior sister—she is very strong. Exceptionally strong."
Even now, a trace of lingering fear remained within her. She had not expected that junior sister—bearing a different appearance—to wield such overwhelming strength.
Even working together, she and Futsu Mitama had been unable to defeat her.
Even when they killed her—it felt as though she had allowed herself to be killed. As if to tell them that within that space, no matter how strong they were, it was meaningless.
"That is only natural," Cloud Retainer replied calmly. "That 'individual'—though this adeptus has not seen her personally—should have already grasped the power of a god."
"How she achieved such mastery within a human body, this adeptus does not know. But one thing is certain."
"In the mental space, that is their domain."
"Aila's cultivation is not yet complete, and she has never learned combat techniques related to the mental realm. Defeat, therefore, is entirely expected."
"Defeat within the mental space—if it is an outsider, it matters little. But if it is the same 'individual,' or the same existence—"
"They will plunder one another."
At this, Cloud Retainer turned her gaze calmly toward Aila.
"You plundered a portion of her. And she, likewise, took something from you."
Futsu Mitama looked at Aila. Her figure had returned to normal, her appearance restored—save for her hair. A corner of her snow-white long hair was now dyed black.
"It's nothing."
Sensing his concern, Aila shook her head lightly.
"I instinctively plundered her power—and certain things. It was simply that I could not bear her power—or rather, this body could not. So within the mental space, I asked the Raiden Shogun to expel the Demon God remnants and Abyssal power."
As she spoke, Aila stood. She looked at Futsu Mitama and the others, her gaze clear.
"However, my state of mind has advanced greatly."
Three days of seclusion had not significantly increased Aila's raw strength. But the breakthrough in her mental state allowed her Mind's Eye to reach perfection.
In every action, she could now maintain perfect calm.
No enemy—no matter how strong—could shake her heart or expose flaws. Though her cultivation had not broken through, her combat ability far surpassed what it had been three days prior.
Now, it was time to formally improve her strength.
"Mm."
Cloud Retainer was already aware of this. She turned to Futsu Mitama and Shenhe.
"Very well. You may leave. This adeptus will now teach Aila various adeptal arts. If you wish to remain and learn, this adeptus is not—"
She was about to say that it would be no trouble.
After all, Futsu Mitama possessed an immortal destiny, and Shenhe was her own disciple.
Yet before she could finish—
Futsu Mitama and Shenhe immediately exited the cave dwelling.
Because once they had confirmed Aila's safety, Futsu Mitama had already contacted her through the Chat Group.
Aila, having been in seclusion for three days and inactive during her breakthrough, immediately reported her safety upon returning.
She also signed in.
Seventy-five experience.
[Aila: "Sorry to make everyone worry."]
[Azhdaha: "It's good that you're safe. Hah~ I didn't expect Beelzebub to be the one who intervened."]
[Yae Miko: "Perhaps she sensed Futsu Mitama using the Electro Archon's Authority to enter another's mental space. Ei likely grew uneasy and came to see for herself."]
[Raiden Makoto: "This is a good outcome. The battle within the mental space surprised me somewhat. The superposition of two wills was not inferior to that of a weak god."]
[Albedo: "Could it be that the 'Black Aila' herself is exceptionally strong?"]
[Aila: "Yes. She is very strong. Even after activating the Mirror's Reflection of Tranquility, I couldn't defeat her. All three of my strikes were blocked."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Wait—three strikes? Then didn't you fall in the mental space?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Wait? Defeated after three strikes? What principle governs that?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Aila shouldn't be that weak…"]
[Futsu Mitama: "No. Those three strikes were Aila's absolute peak—her all-out attacks. Her new technique compresses all her strength to the extreme. After unleashing three strikes, she is completely exhausted."]
[Zhongli: "Extremely risky. But in special circumstances, such a technique may yield unexpected results."]
[Aila: "It was strange. I didn't fall immediately. In that space, it felt as though my power was endless."]
[Aila: "But it gradually changed. Each time she blocked my attack, my strength weakened slightly. After only ten or so minutes, despite maintaining my peak, I was defeated. My power seemed to be taken from me."]
[Aila: "If Young Master and Shenhe hadn't arrived in time—I fear the worst."]
[Azhdaha: "Is mental space combat truly that terrifying? I've never experienced it."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Who would dare drag you into such a battle? Your existence is too stable—your mental domain nearly unassailable."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Rather than invade your mind, it's far easier to destroy your body."]
[Yae Miko: "I'm rather curious myself. If someone entered my mental space—what they'd face would be quite terrifying."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "I see. In that case, I understand. Guuji-sama, are there talisman arts that can defend against mental domains?"]
[Yae Miko: "Oh? Feeling the pressure already? How interesting~ Then I'll guide you properly. After all, you are still—at least formerly—a shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Please guide me."]
[Albedo: "I've also conducted some research on mental domains. We can discuss it later."]
[Zhongli: "Mm…so have I."]
As the conversation continued, Futsu Mitama and Shenhe stepped outside.
Keqing and Kuki Shinobu approached to greet them.
Kuki Shinobu, having followed everything through the Chat Group, remained calm.
Keqing, however, asked immediately, "How is it? Has the matter been resolved?"
"Mm."
Futsu Mitama nodded.
"It's resolved. Aila is fine. Next, she will enter a period of rapid growth. Until the Rite of Descension, we likely won't meet again."
As he spoke, Futsu Mitama looked toward Liyue Harbor.
"Before the Rite begins, I also need to resolve a troublesome matter."
He was referring to Dottore. That man had followed him from Inazuma to Liyue, lingering with unclear intent. Though Futsu Mitama did not yet know what Dottore sought, such prolonged attention could not be ignored. If it was merely the wine formula—
As long as the price was sufficient, he would not refuse.
Ten billion mora sounded fair.
After all, the International Chamber of Commerce had earned over seven million in a short time in both Inazuma City and Ritou. But Futsu Mitama feared that what Dottore wanted was not the recipe—
But him.
Or Aila.
"Do you need help?" Keqing asked.
She harbored no goodwill toward the Fatui. Though their contributions in The Chasm were acknowledged, and the Millelith had treated them well, their covert actions had not gone unnoticed by the Qixing.
Suspicion and wariness remained.
"No need."
Futsu Mitama shook his head.
"If something happens, I'll inform you immediately. For now, let me handle it."
Kuki Shinobu nodded silently. She had already gained insight from Yae Miko. Martial prowess would not improve quickly, and the Delusion she possessed had its limits.
Thus, her path lay in onmyodo arts—and the one to consult was Yae Miko.
"Alright."
Keqing said no more, but she committed Dottore's behavior to memory. Once she gathered sufficient evidence, she would act. Even if he was a Harbinger—this was Liyue.
Soon after, Keqing departed.
Futsu Mitama and Shenhe exchanged a glance.
They resumed sparring.
Kuki Shinobu drew talismans nearby as they honed their combat skills.
Meanwhile, after an Electro Cicin Mage relayed the message to Tartaglia in Liyue Harbor—
Every Fatui present turned to her with a warrior's gaze.
"Excellent!"
Upon hearing that Futsu Mitama intended to dine at Xinyue Kiosk and meet Dottore, Tartaglia was overjoyed.
"Make the arrangements. Whether they fight or not is irrelevant—just ensure they meet. Inform the Ministry of Civil Affairs that whatever Dottore does next has nothing to do with us."
Tartaglia despised Dottore's timing.
For someone like Dottore, not causing trouble was impossible. To preserve the Fatui's standing in Liyue, Tartaglia chose to preemptively report Dottore.
This approach—suggested by Zhongli—had no drawbacks for the Fatui.
As for Dottore?
Tartaglia didn't care.
"Lord Harbinger—isn't this inappropriate?"
"Inappropriate?" Tartaglia replied calmly. "Remember our objective. Dottore acts for himself. Even if this reaches Her Majesty, I have justification."
Silence followed.
Orders were issued.
The next day arrived swiftly.
After breakfast, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu descended Mt. Aocang.
By noon, they had arrived in Liyue Harbor.
Soon after, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu arrived at Xinyue Kiosk.
Two Fatui stood at the entrance, seemingly tasked with welcoming guests. The moment they caught sight of Futsu Mitama, however, they stepped forward without hesitation.
"Mr. Futsu Mitama. Miss Shinobu. Am I correct?"
Their tone was courteous—almost deferential.
Futsu Mitama gave a slight nod, as did Kuki Shinobu. Without further pleasantries, the two Fatui turned and led them inside, heading straight for the upper floor.
Along the way, the staff of Xinyue Kiosk paid them no mind. It was as though the guests who had dined here only days ago were complete strangers once more.
They were brought to a private room.
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu stepped inside. The Fatui halted at the threshold, remaining outside.
"Should I say— 'nice to meet you for the first time'?"
A voice, low and faintly magnetic, sounded from within.
Both of them looked over.
A middle-aged man sat at the table, his face largely concealed by a mask. He was leisurely pouring himself a glass of wine. Lifting his gaze toward Futsu Mitama, he spoke with calm familiarity.
"It's curious. Though this is our first meeting, it feels as though we have known one another for a very long time."
The Second of the Fatui Harbingers—Il Dottore.
One of his slices.
He raised the glass, took a measured sip, and let out a quiet sigh.
"The flavor is still not quite right."
"..."
Futsu Mitama offered no response. He walked over and took a seat opposite Dottore, his gaze steady.
"Why did you summon me?"
Kuki Shinobu followed and sat down as well. Her eyes remained fixed on the man before them.
He was strong.
No—strangely strong.
From him emanated an unsettling sensation, as though something fundamental was missing. Incomplete. Yet overwhelmingly powerful.
She was certain of one thing: she stood no chance against him.
Her heart sank slightly. So this was the Second of the Fatui. Even as a mere slice, his presence alone carried oppressive weight.
"What am I seeking?" Dottore mused, falling briefly silent. His eyes returned to Futsu Mitama.
"Strictly speaking, nothing in particular."
"This meeting stems from personal curiosity. I have a few questions for you. Whether my interest persists afterward will depend on your answers."
He set the glass down, interlaced his fingers, and rested them before his masked face. Only his eyes remained visible, studying Futsu Mitama intently.
It was clear—this was merely a prelude.
"Why should I answer you?" Futsu Mitama replied coolly. "I came to speak of matters, not to be interrogated."
A faint scoff lingered unspoken.
Second Harbinger or not, did Dottore truly believe that granted him the right to question him at leisure?
Had this been the Cryo Archon herself, Futsu Mitama might have humored her wishes.
But Dottore?
"Very good."
Dottore nodded, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You are more intriguing than most. Even so, I will ask."
"For instance…what are your thoughts on knowledge? Or, to be precise—wisdom."
Futsu Mitama frowned slightly.
An odd question.
He knew Dottore's reputation well—a Sumeru-born researcher whose achievements were unparalleled, whose crimes were immeasurable. A mad scholar whose experiments had stained his hands with blood beyond counting.
And yet… this was what he chose to ask?
"Knowledge?"
After a brief pause, Futsu Mitama answered evenly, "Knowledge benefits the people. Wisdom guides them toward a better future."
"People?"
Dottore's lips curved faintly, tinged with mockery.
"Those ignorant masses rarely cherish either. Still—regarding wisdom, our views align. Wisdom does lead toward a better future. At least—that is what I believe I am pursuing."
He seemed ready to continue.
"It's my turn now, isn't it?" Futsu Mitama interrupted.
Dottore's brows knit slightly. He disliked interruptions—especially when he was the one asking questions.
"Hmm?"
Lightning flickered within Futsu Mitama's eyes.
A subtle yet unmistakable pressure spread through the room—the authority of the Electro Archon stirring to life.
To interrupt him now was, in a sense, to show disrespect toward the Raiden Shogun herself.
At least, that was how it would appear to any observer.
"Speak."
Dottore fell silent for a moment.
In the end, he relented. After all, the one before him bore the authority of Inazuma's Archon. Their standings were—equivalent.
Moreover, the answer he had just received was satisfactory.
"I want to know," Futsu Mitama said, his voice calm, "what you truly seek from me. Wine? Or something else entirely?"
He did not finish the sentence. The lightning in his gaze grew brighter.
The reason was simple—he did not yet know what Dottore was after. Himself? Aila? Or something beyond both?
So he waited, allowing ambiguity to force the truth into the open.
"Oh?" Dottore chuckled softly. "You will have your answer soon enough."
"As for wine—I have long since replicated its properties."
"And as for you—I am merely assessing whether you possess the qualifications to become our companion."
"Companion?"
Kuki Shinobu spoke up, her tone measured. As a negotiator, she knew silence alone would yield nothing.
"You mean the Fatui?"
"Silence." Dottore lifted his gaze. His uncovered eyes locked onto her, devoid of warmth. "You have no place in this conversation. Speak again, and I will kill you."
The words were delivered without hostility.
Without emotion.
As though he were stating an inevitable outcome.
"You wish to fight?"
Futsu Mitama's expression hardened.
Threaten Kuki Shinobu, and he would not remain idle. Within Liyue Harbor, he had nothing to fear.
The Qixing. Lord Rex Lapis. Even the contracts of this land itself stood as silent witnesses.
"..."
Dottore regarded him for a moment, then shifted his gaze back to Kuki Shinobu.
"Yes. The Fatui. We pursue grand ideals. We gather the strong, and the wise, from every nation."
"Futsu Mitama possesses both. His strength rivals that of a Harbinger. He is qualified—to stand among us, and to witness the opening of the greatest prologue."
With that, he dismissed Kuki Shinobu entirely. Turning back to Futsu Mitama, he continued,
"Second question. What are your views on the Archons?"
Futsu Mitama paused.
After wisdom—Archons.
An abrupt leap.
Still, Dottore had offered answers in return. Courtesy, if nothing else, demanded restraint.
"Powerful existences," Futsu Mitama replied. "Nothing more."
Dottore smiled.
Satisfied.
"Then allow me to ask this."
"What if I told you I could make you an Archon?"
"Or even…a true god."
"Would you cooperate with me?"
"I have already perfected the method. The success rate is ninety percent. All that remains is a single, indispensable catalyst."
Silence fell.
Kuki Shinobu's pupils contracted.
"Impossible."
Dottore scoffed. "Impossible? It is precisely such thinking that renders the world so unbearably dull. If no one ever defied impossibility, how would truth be uncovered?"
Still, Kuki Shinobu shook her head.
"Artificial Archons do not exist. Even forced fusion with demon remnants yields nothing but monsters."
"Archons wield authority. They are embodiments of fundamental concepts—disasters given form."
"Lord Rex Lapis. The Raiden Shogun. Barbatos. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. The Tsaritsa."
"They are not constructs."
Dottore studied her, faintly amused.
"A clever fool," he remarked.
Then, his gaze shifted.
"To you."
Futsu Mitama had remained silent all this time.
Kuki Shinobu turned toward him.
"Is it…truly possible?"
She trusted him. If he said it was feasible, she would believe him—no matter how absurd it sounded.
"Yes."
Futsu Mitama nodded.
"It is feasible."
But even as he acknowledged it, he knew the truth. This path was not meant for him.
Not yet.
If he truly pursued godhood, then he would likely be seized by the Doctor and subjected to endless modifications—his body reshaped, dismantled, and reconstructed—until he became what Dottore deemed worthy of the word "god." As for the indispensable catalyst Dottore spoke of—
There was little doubt.
A Gnosis.
"Indeed."
Unaware of Futsu Mitama's thoughts, Dottore smiled once more. He brought his hands together in a light clap, his tone almost delighted.
"Without a single piece of evidence. Without seeing any of my research. And yet—you believe the God Creation Project is feasible. For a moment, I truly thought I had encountered a kindred spirit."
He paused, then added casually,
"Frankly speaking, turning you into a mere god would almost be an insult."
The arrogance was unmistakable. Both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu felt it clearly. To call godhood itself a slight—what else could that be but hubris?
Even the weakest of gods wielded authority.
Authority was the manifestation of divinity itself, a power that eclipsed the vast majority of mortals beyond question. This was a fact acknowledged across Teyvat.
Yet Dottore dismissed it as insufficient.
"How about this?"
His gaze sharpened, his interest in Futsu Mitama now undisguised. He was convinced that this man would understand.
For years, ever since the God Creation Project had taken shape in his mind, he had spoken of it to countless individuals—sages cloaked in wisdom, scholars praised for their learning, adventurers who had crossed nations, explorers who claimed to have seen the truth of the world.
All of them reacted the same way.
They recoiled.
They denied.
They called him mad.
Not one had believed that he could succeed.
Yet Futsu Mitama did.
Not with blind fanaticism, but with calm certainty.
That simple acknowledgment—it is feasible—was enough to shift Dottore's evaluation of him.
His voice lowered, carrying an unmistakable sincerity.
"Become my second-in-command, Futsu Mitama."
"Stand beside me."
"Together, we will witness the future of this world—"
"And the true meaning of 'Truth.'"
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