Chapter 143. Someone Always Has to Be the Bad Guy
Futsu Mitama was hesitant at this moment, because the plan Naphis had laid out was simply too ruthless.
Yes, it was a bit too ruthless, as it listed many plans for collecting mora.
The milder ones included making the Scholars responsible for their own research funds, which would significantly reduce mora expenditures.
Another was to use the Akasha System to create a contribution leaderboard, where only those who made contributions could receive funding.
These two points combined would make the Akademiya Scholars stop pursuing the so-called [Wisdom] and instead start working diligently.
Want funding and support? Then you must do things! If you don't do things!
Even if you develop something, unless its value is extremely high, don't expect to receive Akademiya support.
One must know that in the past, as long as you were willing to research, you could receive a considerable sum of mora even if you did nothing.
This funding depended on your research results; if they were good, the Akademiya would apply for more mora for your use.
If the research was not good, and was deemed [taboo] or [useless] by the Akademiya, then the Scholars could simply move on to the next project.
If this plan were implemented, it would likely take a long time to see results, but in the long run, it would be beneficial for Sumeru's overall direction.
Of course, if this plan were made public, most Scholars would probably not be able to accept the current situation.
Because they were accustomed to luxury, if their research funds were cut off at this point, a group of people would likely explode.
But even if they exploded, it would be useless. The Akademiya higher-ups, after meeting Maha Rukkhadevata, were now united in their resolve to change the Akademiya.
Unless someone among them held more authority than Maha Rukkhadevata, this plan was essentially set in stone and could not be altered by others.
This was still the mildest plan; the latter two were the most crucial, and Futsu Mitama couldn't help but say after reading them:
"How about we just forget it? We don't need to be that desperate."
Why?
Because it stated that the deceased Sages and Scholars had evidence of corruption, bribery, and large amounts of mora from [unidentified sources].
This evidence was enough to prove that the deceased Sages and Scholars had a lot of mora in their homes, as well as valuable jewels, antiques, and other items.
There was even incriminating evidence of Scholars collaborating with the Fatui and Eremites.
As long as Futsu Mitama gave the order, allowing Cyno to lead the Matra, or the core members of the Thirty to raid their homes.
Then the current Akademiya deficit problem, if not entirely solved, would at least allow people to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Futsu Mitama didn't dwell on where this incriminating evidence came from, because the Akademiya Scholars were all intelligent people.
Before the God Creation Project, there must have been internal power struggles.
Otherwise, why would an excellent Scholar like Tighnari be disappointed with the current Akademiya and go to Gandharva Ville to become a Forest Ranger?
So, the fact that they possessed so much incriminating evidence was probably premeditated; it hadn't been brought out before because those people hadn't been overthrown yet.
The Scholars judged by Nahida were highly influential figures within the Akademiya at the time.
They were either exceptionally capable Scholars, trusted confidantes of the Sages, or veterans like Faruzan.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to participate in the God Creation Project. The Akademiya higher-ups who didn't participate in the God Creation Project were all imprisoned.
Although confiscating assets has historically been the best way to accumulate wealth, Nahida had already executed these people during her judgment.
Regardless, the deceased are to be respected.
Is it not a bit too much to carry out such actions after they have died?
Secondly, the final plan was that the Scholars, led by Naphis, intended to sell everything they had researched in their lives.
The Akademiya Sages and renowned Scholars selling everything they had researched in their lives would definitely fetch unimaginably high prices.
It is believed that no matter which nation, they would reach out to Naphis and others, asking how much mora they would need to sell these items.
Although Sumeru's [Wisdom] had not progressed for five hundred years, the things researched by the Akademiya Scholars were highly sought after in all nations.
Among other things, Sumeru Scholars, Fontaine technicians, and Snezhnaya weaponry were renowned throughout the continent of Teyvat.
Many Sumeru Scholars abroad had assisted various nations in many endeavors, so one can imagine how many good things they possessed.
If all these things were sold, then the deficit caused by the God Creation Project would likely disappear.
The first parts were future plans, but only the last two points—confiscating assets and selling research items—made Futsu Mitama particularly hesitant. These were no longer matters he could decide.
Futsu Mitama informed Maha Rukkhadevata and Nahida of Naphis's plan to see how they viewed the matter.
Naphis, seeing Futsu Mitama's expression, said calmly, "It's fine. We will bear all the blame."
"I will publicly state, in the name of a Sage, that I am responsible for all of this. I just need your token, so I can get the assistance of the Matra and the Thirty. I am already old and cannot leave this trouble for the next generation to worry about."
"Furthermore, the things we have researched are not precious items. If these can recover the losses from the God Creation Project, then it is a good thing for the Akademiya."
Clearly, this was the result of discussions among the Scholars.
They used their wisdom and insight to create this plan, aiming to resolve the God Creation Project's deficit crisis as quickly as possible.
To allow a new Sumeru to welcome the return of Lesser Lord Kusanali and Maha Rukkhadevata.
Otherwise, if the divine beings were to take over this matter entirely, the benevolent divine beings would absolutely not do it this way, because even an [outsider divine being] like Futsu Mitama showed hesitation.
One can imagine how much trouble the benevolent Lesser Lord Kusanali and Maha Rukkhadevata would have with this matter.
Having anticipated this, Naphis and the Scholars immediately decided on this matter.
"..."
Futsu Mitama remained silent, still awaiting Maha Rukkhadevata and Nahida's replies. If they objected, he would also voice his opposition.
But Futsu Mitama felt this was a necessary choice, because a simple truth is that to change the current Sumeru and Akademiya, mora is essential.
Perhaps mora isn't everything, but without mora, nothing is possible.
All aspects of the plan require mora for support. The current era is no longer the one where faith and a full stomach were enough.
Perhaps there are noble-minded individuals within Sumeru willing to selflessly contribute, but these are merely a minority.
Inazuma half a year ago was similar. Due to the Tenryou Commission and Kanjou Commission's arbitrary actions, Inazuma experienced a brain drain, financial shortages, and so on. If not for Yae Miko secretly maintaining a balance, with Raiden Ei and the Shogun suppressing things from above, plus Raiden Makoto having already laid out plans for Inazuma's recovery—
Then Inazuma's fate at that time would probably not have been much better than Sumeru's.
Sumeru's biggest problem was that the voices of the authorities and high-ranking officials at the time converged, and they collectively poured an enormous amount of funds and resources into the God Creation Project.
Otherwise, with the Akademiya's ability to attract money, it would not have led to the current awkward situation.
Soon, Maha Rukkhadevata replied. Her reply was noticeably slower this time; she clearly hadn't anticipated this situation.
That Sage, Naphis, would make such a bold decision.
"Are you truly ready?"
Futsu Mitama looked at the elderly Sage, Naphis, and said.
"I am not a Sumeru native; I am merely an outsider who accepted Maha Rukkhadevata's commission to help."
"The wealth-gathering plan can be handed to me; I have no problem bearing all the blame. You know, you will probably retire in a few years. If you implement this plan at this critical juncture, you will likely bear unimaginable infamy, and countless people will resent you."
If Azar and the other Sages and Scholars had not died, then carrying out the asset confiscation plan would have been seen as only natural by everyone.
But now, with everyone dead, if you carry out a post-mortem settlement, it would appear to others as an act of ruthless extermination.
Nahida must have known about the Akademiya's deficit. As Lesser Lord Kusanali, she naturally received firsthand information.
At that time, she was probably very troubled by this issue, but even so, she hadn't thought of confiscating assets, or selling Scholars' research items and results to patch this loophole.
She was merely using her wisdom to slowly fill this huge gap. For this, she even spent an entire night preparing a ten-year plan.
This is also why Nahida was so exhausted before entering the Irminsul.
There were too many things to do, and she had no choice but to slowly fill this large hole.
Naphis must have also seen that ten-year plan, but he was unwilling to wait ten years. Instead, he intended to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
However, while this method was efficient and could acquire a large amount of mora in a very short time, the cost was also quite heavy.
At the very least, Naphis and the Scholars who took on this burden would be hated by some people in the future, even if Maha Rukkhadevata spoke on their behalf.
Naphis understood Futsu Mitama's meaning, but he nodded seriously, saying without regret,
"Our generation made mistakes, and we should bear the burden. Instead of passing the responsibility to the divine beings and the next generation, this is our collective request, and also... a form of atonement."
At this point, Naphis sighed. Some things could deceive others, but they could not deceive oneself.
Although these people did not agree with the God Creation Project, their attitude towards Lesser Lord Kusanali was consistent with that of Azar and others.
The Akademiya imprisoned Lesser Lord Kusanali for five hundred years, causing Maha Rukkhadevata's plan to fail and the Irminsul crisis to worsen.
Their self-important actions ultimately required the successor of a divine being from another nation to help resolve them.
Now that they finally had an opportunity to atone and do something, if Futsu Mitama were to take this task from them, they would truly be [achieving nothing].
"Alright."
Futsu Mitama nodded in agreement, saying nothing more.
Naphis also smiled slightly and handed the plan document to Futsu Mitama.
Afterward, Futsu Mitama also took out his token and gave it to Naphis, allowing him to mobilize the Matra and the Thirty to assist him in his work.
"Regarding the things you have researched, do you need me to help you find a good buyer?"
Futsu Mitama said casually after handing the items to Naphis.
"The Liyue Qixing, the Inazuma Tri-Commission, the Mondstadt Knights of Favonius. If you're willing, I can even connect you with the Fatui. Although those Snezhnaya people aren't great in all aspects, they certainly don't lack funds."
Futsu Mitama wasn't criticizing the Fatui of Snezhnaya, because in terms of funds, after the Fatui gained the Harbinger Regrator, the mora they acquired skyrocketed.
There was a reason why Fatui Harbingers like Tartaglia, La Signora, and Kunikuzushi did not lack funds.
But in terms of financial reserves, Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma were also not lacking.
In Mondstadt, Jean and Diluc both had mora, and the Knights of Favonius themselves were not short of mora.
Liyue, needless to say, was the birthplace of mora, the richest nation in Teyvat!
Inazuma, after half a year of recuperation, the Tri-Commission and Yae Miko would certainly be very willing to pay to acquire the things these Scholars had researched.
"If possible, then I'll trouble you to introduce them, but as for Snezhnaya, let's forget it."
Naphis agreed, but he shook his head regarding the Fatui.
Because Naphis had not forgotten what the Fatui had done. He would rather destroy what he and his colleagues had researched than sell it to the Fatui!
After a brief discussion of details with Futsu Mitama, Naphis also left the office.
"Sumeru is also having a tough time."
Watching Naphis leave, Futsu Mitama also sighed, feeling the weight of the documents in his hand.
This reform in Sumeru was even more brutal and severe than in Inazuma.
In comparison, Inazuma's reform was more like a minor skirmish; it seemed tumultuous, but in reality, once Raiden Shogun appeared, everything was resolved.
Sumeru, on the other hand, still needed to undergo a bloody reform for everything to improve.
"Indeed." Faruzan looked at Naphis's retreating figure and couldn't help but sigh. "But he is worthy of the title of Sage."
"Bearing the sins himself, he paves a beautiful tomorrow for Sumeru's future, at the cost of his lifelong reputation being ruined."
Faruzan was somewhat emotional, but she also knew that this was a situation the people of Sumeru had to face.
Someone always had to be the bad guy. Originally, Futsu Mitama was prepared to be that person, but Naphis stated that it should be done by the elders of the Akademiya.
And not by Futsu Mitama, the next Raiden, who rescued Lesser Lord Kusanali and assisted in Sumeru's reform, to be the bad guy.
"zzzzzz ~ ~ ~ ~"
At this moment, a steady breathing sound arose.
Futsu Mitama and Faruzan looked over simultaneously and found that Layla had fallen asleep at some point.
Kokomi next to them was secretly smiling. What did she say? She knew she would fall asleep.
"Ah ~"
But soon, Layla seemed to wake up. She opened her eyes as if she had become a different person, smiling at everyone and saying,
"It seems this child is tired and fell asleep. Well then, next, I will help everyone with their tasks. Hmm... let me see, what's next?"
Kokomi looked at the awakened Layla and her rather lively tone, blinking her eyes, which were filled with confusion.
—
Time flew by, and three months passed. Futsu Mitama served as the Acting Dendro Archon for a full three months, and the amount of things he had to handle was unimaginably vast.
At this moment, Futsu Mitama finally realized why Zhongli wanted to retire, Barbatos had already retired, and Raiden Ei could be so happily lazy.
In the Great Sage's office, even though Futsu Mitama could rely on Aila, Black Aila, Kuki Shinobu, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Faruzan, and Layla (in a sleeping state) to help with most matters—
The tasks that landed on his desk were still unimaginably numerous, making Futsu Mitama's head ache. But because he had accepted the responsibility, he had no choice but to do them.
Fortunately, he had the Chat Group. Futsu Mitama could rely on Maha Rukkhadevata for guidance to handle some more difficult matters.
For example, the hostility from the Desert, and the internal conflicts within the Akademiya, which could not be resolved by force, all occurred within these three months.
Maha Rukkhadevata could very cleverly find perfect solutions for Futsu Mitama to implement.
However, even the most perfect plan could go awry, and Maha Rukkhadevata and Nahida could not be in the Chat Group all the time.
Over these three months, Zhongli, Albedo, and Raiden Ei made significant progress in their research on Irminsul materials.
According to the latest research, the "special husk doll" created from the newly improved Irminsul materials went from being useless against Archons to being reluctantly usable by Archons.
This breakthrough delighted Zhongli, Albedo, and Raiden Ei.
After exchanging experiences in the Chat Group, they returned to their seclusion.
Because of this, Maha Rukkhadevata and Nahida frantically 'farmed' the Irminsul, obtaining a large amount of Irminsul materials and handing them over to them.
But the cost was that they were constantly repairing the Irminsul, restoring it with their own power.
Well, Maha Rukkhadevata had very little power to use. After all, she was just a remnant soul, and it was a miracle she survived at all.
Nahida was different; she was a living Archon, the main source of power, and she carried The Dendro Gnosis. Therefore, for these three months, she was basically working overtime frantically.
But after learning about everything Futsu Mitama had experienced, Nahida also expressed her gratitude to Futsu Mitama in the Chat Group, saying that if she had to go through all that, she would probably suffer from "erosion" at a young age.
Well, this was Nahida's unique metaphor. Simply put, while repairing the Irminsul within the Irminsul was busy, for her, it was just a period of seclusion.
With Maha Rukkhadevata's guidance and the complete Dendro Archon's Inheritance, Nahida's overall strength had greatly improved.
From being unable to defeat anyone, she can now use the Gnosis to barely fight against the "Aila" in her memory.
Well, her strength could be said to have improved by leaps and bounds.
She originally thought she was very busy, but when she had some free time and started chatting in the group, she saw Futsu Mitama's message.
Hmm~ Nahida thought it was quite good to stay in the Irminsul. At least, those troublesome matters were being handled by someone else.
At the same time, Nahida felt guilty. These matters should have been handled by herself, but Futsu Mitama took them over and assigned people to resolve them.
Judging from the current progress, by the time she left the Irminsul, Sumeru's overall environment would be more or less stable.
With this feeling, Nahida's speed in restoring the Irminsul increased, and her speed in 'farming' also increased significantly.
"Today is another day full of hope."
Futsu Mitama sat in the Great Sage's office, looking at the countless documents that needed to be processed, sighing.
"Keep it up, Young Master." X2
Aila and Black Aila said in unison. They were also processing documents, and their expressions were quite serious.
Because they knew that one day in the future, they would eventually assist the Young Master with these matters.
After all, the Young Master would eventually become a Archon. At that time, no matter which nation it was, besides fighting, their ability to handle political matters also needed to improve!
"Let's take it slow. There's no rush anymore. The most anxious time has already passed."
Shinobu took a sip of tea. She was very calm, as if these matters were no trouble for her. She felt a bit novel because she had finally surpassed Futsu Mitama and Aila in some aspect!
She used to only watch the two of them, with similar strength to her own, rapidly improve at an unimaginable speed.
Although Shinobu's strength had also improved significantly, even Sara, who she used to fight to a draw, couldn't defeat her anymore.
But compared to Futsu Mitama and Aila, her strength could be said to be quite weak. But in handling these matters—
Hmm, Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Black Aila, all three combined, could barely keep up with her speed.
This made Kuki Shinobu feel a bit pleased, and her speed in handling matters also increased significantly.
"Yes..."
Layla still looked like she was about to fall asleep. She yawned.
She had slept for quite a while, but why did she feel like she had worked all night again?
Sangonomiya Kokomi looked at Layla helplessly. She felt a bit envious. Over these three months, she had already witnessed how capable Layla's "second personality" was.
When Layla's "second personality" emerged, her work efficiency increased by more than three times.
And Layla's own sleep state would inexplicably improve a lot. Her perpetually sleepy appearance was because she had very little sleep time.
Simply put, in a short while, she herself would wake up from sleep, and then the "second personality" would disappear.
What replaced it was a Layla who couldn't seem to wake up no matter what.
"Sigh, when will these days end?"
Futsu Mitama sighed. He looked to the side; Faruzan was no longer in the office.
After she finished handling the most troublesome matters within these three months, she naturally threw herself into the work in the Desert.
She was a senior, so she naturally had to lead by example. If she hadn't taken the lead to help, the plan probably wouldn't have gone so smoothly.
But her departure meant Futsu Mitama had even more documents to process.
Although he had enough rest time every day, Futsu Mitama inexplicably wished he could leave this damned Sumeru right now.
He had never been so serious about work in Inazuma. What was even more helpless was that Raiden Makoto approved of Futsu Mitama's attitude towards work.
Zhongli and Venti also said, "Futsu Mitama, you can't escape. This is fate~"
The implication was, "You want to escape work after becoming the next Archon? It's not that easy! This is a good opportunity to temper you!"
But these almost miserable three months were not entirely without benefits for Futsu Mitama.
Because over these three months, the winds of reform in Sumeru spread from the Rainforest to the Desert region at a visible speed.
First, Naphis's plan succeeded.
The Akademiya successfully obtained a huge amount of mora, and the deficit risk was more than halved.
At the same time, the Scholars led by Naphis were secretly called ruthless beings.
Even though those people had committed suicide to atone for their sins, the "legacy" they left behind was still liquidated.
Naphis was simply a Scholar without emotions.
But because of this huge amount of mora, various plans in Sumeru also began to proceed.
When the people in the Desert learned that their children could enter the Akademiya to study and become Scholars, all their hatred vanished instantly.
In addition, some Scholars, due to the new contribution point system, went to the Desert to help the local people resist various natural disasters and friendly build various structures.
Some Eremites, who used to be malicious and focused on robbery, spontaneously protected these Scholars without any reward at this moment.
Because they had all heard that Azar and a group of Sages and Scholars had fallen from power.
Lesser Lord Kusanali took office and went into the Irminsul to resolve the disaster that had plagued Sumeru for five hundred years.
Futsu Mitama, the Raiden Shogun's Retainer, became the Acting Dendro Archon, temporarily taking over the Dendro Archon's duties to help Sumeru.
As long as the Eremites had some insight, they knew this was a great thing. There was no discrimination, no malicious resistance. The Scholars were there to help them build a better home.
They naturally protected these Scholars immediately. Even some radical "King Deshret's followers" disappeared at this moment, not daring to show any signs of activity.
Because this was the general trend. In the past, the Eremites and the people of the Desert were hostile to the people of the Rainforest.
It wasn't because they couldn't eat enough or dress warmly, and under the suppression of the Akademiya, they had no chance to rise, only living a bitter life on the edge of a knife.
Now that Azar and others had finally stepped down, the people of the Desert and the Eremites naturally embraced the Scholars who went to the Desert, and at the same time praised Futsu Mitama and Lesser Lord Kusanali.
For a time, the Desert and the Rainforest seemed to have returned to the glorious era years ago when King Deshret and the Dendro Archon were allies.
As one of the people involved, Futsu Mitama, although he sat in the office every day, also received a continuous stream of power of faith.
The power of faith here was produced by the people of the Desert. They knew suffering, so they were naturally very grateful to Futsu Mitama and Nahida, who pulled them out of suffering.
Coupled with the continuous power of faith from Inazuma and the daily "experience" from the Chat Group—
Futsu Mitama's strength was visibly increasing every day. This could be said to be suffering and enjoying at the same time in some sense.
So, although Futsu Mitama sighed now, wishing he could leave Sumeru immediately, he probably wouldn't be able to escape this bitter sea until Nahida emerged from the Irminsul.
And after Zhongli, Albedo, Raiden Ei, and others created the "special husk doll."
Just as Futsu Mitama was diligently starting his work, good news suddenly came from the Chat Group.
[Raiden Ei: "I made it."]
[Albedo: "Hmm?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Really?! Can I escape this bitter sea?!"]
[Azhdaha: "Was the 'special husk doll' created?"]
[Yae Miko: "Or was the main material created?"]
[Zhongli: "It seems you are still superior in puppets."]
[Albedo: "Can you elaborate?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "As expected of my sister!"]
[Raiden Ei: "Hmm, @Yae Miko, the main material was created. I conducted a large number of experiments on the Irminsul materials. The material I have now has a 99.8% similarity to the main material of the 'special husk doll.'"]
[Raiden Ei: "Although it was successfully created, there is still a 0.2% risk."]
[Raiden Ei: "Futsu Mitama, give me some more time, and I will definitely be able to 100% replicate the main material of the 'special husk doll.'"]
[Raiden Ei: "Also, Albedo, Zhongli, your main direction was wrong. Irminsul materials possess unimaginable vitality; they can encompass all things. It is precisely because of this that I integrated many materials into it, using the Irminsul's unique inclusiveness to gradually transform it."]
[Albedo: "Not mutation? It seems I thought too much."]
[Zhongli: "I see. If that's the case, then it will be much simpler from now on."]
[Azhdaha: "If it's only 0.2% difference, there shouldn't be any problem. This is already infinitely close to success."]
[Guizhong: "It's better to be cautious. It's only 0.2% off. Even we don't know if we'll stumble on that 0.2% chance. Azhdaha, think about it, if there was a 0.2% chance of me dying during the resurrection process, what would you do?"]
[Azhdaha: "Hmm~ I understand. But you were indeed unlucky during the Archon War. Logically speaking, you were in an absolutely safe position, and nothing should have happened no matter what, but you— Sigh~"]
[Bosacius: "That was an extremely small probability, but Lord Guizhong still encountered it."]
[Guizhong: "Don't mention that, and we're still good friends!!!"]
[Venti: "Yes, don't gamble on unknown possibilities."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Ah, how touching. My lovely sister has finally grown up."]
[Raiden Ei: "I've always been growing."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Raiden Ei, regarding the fusion of materials, in these three months, you must have tried all the materials on the continent of Teyvat, right?"]
[Raiden Ei: "Hmm, but there are still a few places I haven't been. I plan to go to the Abyss."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Hmm?! I'm going too!!!!!"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Why go to the Abyss when you're a perfectly good Acting Dendro Archon?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Sumeru should be fine recently. It shouldn't be a problem to let Futsu Mitama go. And last time you all caused a ruckus in the Abyss, the beings there might still be hostile towards Ei."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "There aren't many things to do recently."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "And the Chat Group is so convenient. If anything happens, you can be told immediately."]
[Aila: "Leave Sumeru to us."]
[Cyno: "..."]
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