Chapter 149.
The journey to the Abyss was faster than expected. Futsu Mitama originally thought that he and Raiden Ei would need a long time to go to the Abyss.
Because of all sorts of materials, even though Raiden Ei and Futsu Mitama possessed terrifying Archon-like strength, the Abyss was so vast and its environment so complex.
To find all these materials would take at least half a month, and the quantity wouldn't be that much either.
At this moment, Futsu Mitama truly sighed. Although he didn't know which Abyss Order member had opened a rift between the Inazuma sea area and the Dark Sea.
Futsu Mitama really needed to thank him. If it weren't for him, then he and Raiden Ei wouldn't have been able to collect so many materials all at once.
After leaving the Abyss, Futsu Mitama and Raiden Ei naturally returned to Tenshukaku, where they saw Yae Miko sitting in the Shogun's seat.
"Miko?"
Raiden Ei looked at Yae Miko, who was sitting in the Shogun's seat, with some confusion, not understanding what was wrong with her.
Why was she suddenly sitting in the place the Shogun often sat? Did she want to try out the Shogun's position?
There was nothing good about that seat.
"Ah? You're back so soon?"
Yae Miko was a little surprised that Raiden Ei and Futsu Mitama had returned so quickly.
In her estimation, even if the Abyss Order fully assisted them in getting abyssal materials, it would still take some time to collect everything.
Yet, in less than an hour, they were back? The Abyss Order's speed and efficiency were too high!
"Yes, they were faster than we expected."
Futsu Mitama nodded, looking at Yae Miko with a smile and asking,
"How does it feel to sit in the Shogun's seat? Is it comfortable?"
"Not comfortable." Yae Miko stood up, rubbed her backside, then stretched and said, "It's not comfortable at all. It's not as comfortable as my exclusive seat at Grand Narukami Shrine and Yae Publishing House."
"This seat is too hard; my butt is a little numb from sitting. Little one, do you want to help me rub it?"
Yae Miko blinked, starting to tease Futsu Mitama again.
But Futsu Mitama only showed an awkward yet polite smile. He didn't make any move, because if he really touched her, Yae Miko would probably run faster than anyone.
Even if she was willing, this was Tenshukaku, the place where Raiden Shogun resided, and Raiden Ei was also watching.
Such things were not suitable to do here.
"I'll leave this to you two."
Raiden Ei, however, didn't bother with Yae Miko and Futsu Mitama's matters. She said calmly,
"I'm going to try out the materials obtained from the Abyss. Futsu Mitama, you don't need to return to Sumeru for now. If this succeeds, Buer should also emerge from the Irminsul."
Raiden Ei's implication was that he shouldn't go back to Sumeru to help with work. Once Nahida emerged from the Irminsul, she should take over the mess created by the Akademiya.
Although most of the mess created by the Akademiya had been resolved by Futsu Mitama, while the big problems were solved, small troubles naturally continued.
The mora and numerous jewels obtained from confiscating assets allowed the Akademiya to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
However, selling the research items that the Scholars wanted to sell in large quantities proved to be somewhat difficult.
Although Futsu Mitama had connected the Scholars within the Akademiya with the representatives from Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma, to truly sell the items and acquire a large amount of mora, both sides still needed to haggle constantly and reach an agreement before a final decision could be made.
So, after three months, the research items sold by the Akademiya were very few, and the mora obtained was much lower than expected.
Futsu Mitama couldn't directly interfere either. After all, he could only make connections; he should interfere less in other aspects.
Ultimately, he was only the Acting Dendro Archon, not the true Dendro Archon.
Raiden Ei also knew about this, so she asked Futsu Mitama to stay in Inazuma for a while longer. If it succeeded, then the Irminsul materials wouldn't need to be divided into three parts for trial and error; they could be given to her all at once.
In that case, Raiden Makoto might be resurrected today, and Nahida could also emerge from the Irminsul and officially begin managing Sumeru.
Hmm, if that were the case, then Aila, Black Aila, Kuki Shinobu, and Sangonomiya Kokomi could return to Inazuma.
Inazuma could also usher in a true golden age!
For civil affairs, there would be Makoto, Miko, Twin Aila, Kuki Shinobu, and Sangonomiya Kokomi, Kamisato Sibling.
For military affairs, there would be herself and the Shogun, Futsu Mitama, Twin Aila, and Kunikuzushi.
Leave Makoto's out, even if she is an Archon, I don't want to her to leave again.
Five Archon-level combatants, including Kunikuzushi who could enter the Demon God Realm in a short time.
Just thinking of that scene made Raiden Ei's lips curve upwards. This was also why she wanted to create the special husk doll quickly.
On one hand, it was to resurrect Makoto, and on the other hand, it was to make Inazuma better.
She could also openly give this body to the Shogun, letting her manage Inazuma, while she herself entered the special husk doll, stayed by Makoto's side, and bought some desserts to eat whenever she felt like it.
"Okay."
Futsu Mitama naturally wouldn't object, because even if Raiden Ei asked him to return to Sumeru, he would find an excuse to stay.
The reason was simple: he didn't want to only rest for a short while and then have to go back to work overtime!!!
Just thinking about the mountain of things in Sumeru made Futsu Mitama's head ache. Indeed, he was not naturally suited to handle such matters.
He could fight, but when it came to dealing with these miscellaneous things, he'd rather be killed.
Just like that, Raiden Ei nodded slightly, then she retreated into the Plane of Euthymia and disappeared from her original spot.
If Futsu Mitama hadn't been there, she would have left the Shogun in Tenshukaku to guard against malevolent beings intruding into Inazuma.
Now with Futsu Mitama present, she could confidently and boldly use her body to begin a new round of Irminsul experiments.
—
Seeing Raiden Ei retreat into the Plane of Euthymia, Yae Miko stopped playing around. She crossed her arms and came beside Futsu Mitama, saying with some concern,
"Do you think it will succeed?"
Futsu Mitama shook his head slightly. He wasn't sure either, as no one knew how much time and effort the final 0.2 would require.
It was like a certain video downloading software in his previous life; let alone being off by 0.2, it would very likely get stuck at 99.9!
Even being off by 0.1 wouldn't work! The file would be corrupted not even possible to play!
Plus, Raiden Ei had once lost Raiden Makoto, so she would definitely strive for perfection.
Because Raiden Makoto now had no second life; if she died, she would probably truly be dead. Under this premise, how could Raiden Ei dare to gamble on that 0.2 chance?
"It's okay. If it really doesn't work, we'll wait ten or so years. Once my strength reaches its limit, I'll take action. If that still doesn't work, we'll see how lucky everyone in the Chat Group is. I refuse to believe that checking in won't produce a similar item."
Futsu Mitama was very confident about his future. With the Chat Group as a cheat, he could basically be said to be an invincible existence on Teyvat.
And, in ten years, it's impossible that everyone in the group wouldn't check in and get an item similar to a special husk doll, right?
If that were the case, then their luck would be truly unparalleled.
Anyway, no matter what, Futsu Mitama had great confidence in the Chat Group!
"That's true."
Yae Miko also smiled slightly upon hearing this and said nothing more.
Just like that, in Tenshukaku, Yae Miko and Futsu Mitama remained silent for a moment.
Finally, Yae Miko looked at Futsu Mitama and chuckled,
"By the way, did you forget something?"
"What?"
Futsu Mitama looked at Yae Miko with some confusion. He didn't understand why she said that at once.
He had just been chatting in the group, and he had told Lumine everything Aether said, word for word.
Everyone in the group was still analyzing why Aether couldn't see Lumine.
Futsu Mitama was also planning to participate in the discussion, but Yae Miko suddenly spoke, which made him a little confused.
What did he forget? Why didn't he remember?
"Oh dear~ It hasn't even been an hour yet~ You really are a busy person with a short memory."
Yae Miko looked at Futsu Mitama's somewhat confused expression and specifically reminded him,
"Don't you want to know what that troublemaker and the Kaedehara Clan boy experienced?"
"Oh~~, that."
Futsu Mitama suddenly remembered that Yae Miko seemed to have intended to tell him about this not long ago.
Futsu Mitama nodded, looking at Yae Miko and asking,
"What did he and Kazuha experience? Can you tell me?"
Hearing Futsu Mitama's words, Yae Miko also smiled, and she couldn't help but puff out her ample chest, saying,
"Actually, they experienced quite a lot."
"For example, Kunikuzushi, his initial area of activity was Inazuma City. Here, he encountered quite a lot of hostility. Even with Sara sending people to escort him, the sins he committed still made the common people unable to help but dislike him."
"Of course, besides dislike, there was also jealousy. After all, he was a puppet personally created by Ei. Even if he was deceived by others, he shouldn't have done such things. So, even if most people knew everything about him, and even if they had sympathy, they wouldn't openly help him, only treating him as an invisible person."
In Yae Miko's description, the Kunikuzushi, or Kunikuzushi's, initial experiences after losing most of his memories, seemed particularly bad.
After losing most of his memories, besides knowing his name was the Kunikuzushi, he only knew that he had committed unforgivable sins and needed to atone for Inazuma.
As for what sins he was atoning for, what wrong things he had done, he knew nothing at all.
After losing so many memories, the Kunikuzushi's nature leaned towards good. When he saw passerby in trouble, he naturally instinctively wanted to help.
But others rejected his help, even directly scolding him, telling him to stay away from them and not to approach them!
This made the Kunikuzushi feel very, very wronged, but he had no way to do anything about it.
He wanted to help others, but others didn't need his help. The people around him rejected him, but he didn't know what to do.
At this point, it was time for Yae Miko to step in, as this was also a task Raiden Ei had given her.
In fact, Yae Miko was also secretly observing at the time. Once the Kunikuzushi reached a certain level of confusion, she was supposed to appear and take him out of Inazuma City, first educate him a bit, and then give him tasks.
But at this very moment, Kazuha appeared. He called out to the confused Kunikuzushi. He didn't tell the other party his identity.
He merely told him that the people of Inazuma City were currently full of rejection towards him because this was a city of judgment.
Most of the common people recognized his appearance, and coupled with the fact that he was a judged criminal, the people here naturally disliked him.
The Kunikuzushi asked Kazuha what he should do.
Kazuha then said,
"I have a friend who needs your help. Are you willing to help him?"
The Kunikuzushi, who was already eager to atone, naturally nodded repeatedly, stating that he would do anything.
Then Kazuha took the Kunikuzushi to Yae Publishing House to find Miss Hina. She was his good friend, and recently she had encountered a great crisis at Yae Publishing House.
She urgently needed help from others. If the Kunikuzushi was willing to come and help, he would definitely gain her favor.
"Wait!"
At this moment, Futsu Mitama suddenly interrupted. He looked at Yae Miko with a very strange expression and said,
"Miss Hina? Who?! Kazuha doesn't have any female friends."
Of course, Futsu Mitama wasn't complaining about Kazuha's lack of female connections, but rather, he knew who Miss Hina was, which was why he showed such a strange expression.
Logically speaking, wasn't Gorou diligently working on Watatsumi Island after the Resistance ended?
How was he tricked by Yae Miko into becoming an idol at Yae Publishing House?
This was truly novel!
Seeing Futsu Mitama's reaction, Yae Miko pursed her lips and chuckled,
"How rude. Miss Hina is naturally a beautiful young girl, but... this is a beautiful young girl in fantasy. You also know her identity; she is that great general of the Resistance, Gorou."
"..."
Futsu Mitama showed a rather complex expression upon hearing this. He looked at Yae Miko as if to say, your heart is truly dirty.
You didn't spare Kokomi, nor Gorou.
The two most prominent figures from Watatsumi Island have both been roped in by you.
Although Kokomi, on the surface, is the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island and cannot be heavily relied upon in Inazuma, Yae Miko, on the surface, is also an existence that cannot interfere with Inazuma's internal affairs.
But do you think she has interfered little?
So, in the future, besides managing Watatsumi Island's affairs, Kokomi will inevitably be busy with many internal matters in Inazuma.
Gorou, an individual with decent combat prowess and a good hand at leading troops, was tricked by Yae Miko into becoming a "beautiful young girl" at Yae Publishing House.
"Alright, let's continue."
Yae Miko chuckled and resumed her story.
Led by Kazuha, the Kunikuzushi naturally arrived at Yae Publishing House and met "Miss Hina," who was Gorou working at Yae Publishing House.
At this moment, Gorou was handling the "Monthly Miscellany" column, answering readers' submitted questions.
Seeing Kazuha and the Kunikuzushi arrive, Gorou was quite surprised.
Learning the cause and effect, Gorou, like Kazuha, didn't have a particularly good or bad attitude towards Kunikuzushi.
Knowing that the other party was here to help him, Gorou handed over the tasks at hand to Kunikuzushi, and for fear of him messing things up, he patiently guided him.
But to his surprise, Kunikuzushi's learning ability was extremely fast. Gorou just casually said a few words about how a task should be done, and he learned it instantly!
This surprised Kazuha and Gorou, because they knew that the Kunikuzushi in front of them was not the Fatui Harbinger—Kunikuzushi—they knew.
His memories had been erased by Raiden Shogun; besides knowing his own name and the sins he carried that required him to travel Inazuma to atone for, he knew nothing else.
Under these circumstances, his learning ability was surprisingly fast.
This left Kazuha and Gorou quite surprised and also a little emotional.
An existence with such strong learning ability, even if he lost his memory, could probably master a large number of skills in a very short time if he was willing to learn.
With Kunikuzushi's help, Gorou quickly finished the tasks at hand. Afterwards, he suggested that if Kunikuzushi truly wanted to atone for his sins, he could first leave Inazuma City and go to Ritou to see.
Ritou was in a developing stage and had many things to do.
Although Inazuma City was also accelerating its development, this was, after all, the city where he was judged.
With the people's hostility towards him undiminished, no matter how much Kunikuzushi wanted to help others, it would ultimately be in vain.
It would be better to first retreat from public view, go to Ritou to help, and then go to other islands to help the people of Inazuma, to build up his reputation first.
Kunikuzushi smiled at Gorou and nodded in gratitude.
Later, Kazuha took Kunikuzushi and left Inazuma City to go to Ritou for business. Along the way, they met Thoma.
With Thoma's local connections, they took on many jobs, such as helping people move goods, selling merchandise, punishing petty thieves, and assisting the Kanjou Commission in dealing with wild beasts and escorting goods for the International Chamber of Commerce.
Many interesting things happened along the way.
For example, Kunikuzushi alone did the work that would normally require more than thirty people, leaving the people working on the sea dumbfounded.
When escorting goods for the International Chamber of Commerce, some reckless Nobushi came to ambush them. Among them, a roaring Kairagi was sent flying by a wave from Kunikuzushi.
At that time, the other guards of the International Chamber of Commerce stared wide-eyed at Kunikuzushi, not understanding why someone as slender as a woman possessed such terrifying monstrous strength.
Kazuha, however, said nothing, because he knew Kunikuzushi's true identity. Even if he had lost his memory, he was not someone that Kairagi or similar beings—even him could deal with.
And so, after many interesting incidents in Ritou, Kazuha continued to travel with Kunikuzushi, leaving their stories all over Inazuma.
Kazuha merely acted as a guide, leading Kunikuzushi to do good deeds and quietly observing his changes.
As for what he intended to do, Yae Miko had also privately gone to ask him.
Kazuha merely told Yae Miko that everyone deserves a chance to choose. He himself was once wanted in Inazuma.
At that time, he was rescued by the Kamisato Clan, Futsu Mitama, and the Resistance.
Later, he joined the Resistance, determined to change Inazuma, also because he saw a certain possibility.
Now, after seeing the amnesiac Kunikuzushi, Kazuha felt he needed to do something, so he did it, giving him a chance to prove himself.
Thus, Kazuha, who was supposed to travel to Liyue and wander Teyvat, ultimately chose to accompany Kunikuzushi on a new journey in Inazuma.
"This really is—" Futsu Mitama couldn't help but sigh. "This really is Kazuha's way of doing things."
Back then, facing the powerful Kunikuzushi, Kazuha immediately drew his sword and attacked him. He had seen the other party's brutal side.
But he never expected that after Kunikuzushi underwent judgment and became Kunikuzushi, it would be Kazuha who chose to guide him.
"If we're counting time now, they should be traveling to Watatsumi Island."
Yae Miko, seeing Futsu Mitama's sigh, smiled even more brightly.
She continued, "If nothing unexpected happens, those two should be causing some trouble on Watatsumi Island by now. If you stay here for a few days, you'll probably get new information."
Clearly, Yae Miko was very curious about what the ultimate outcome of Kunikuzushi's journey would be.
Would he revert to the Kunikuzushi who would burn everything for revenge and drag Dottore to hell?
Or would he become Kunikuzushi, who, after completing his atonement and revenge, would dedicate himself wholeheartedly to Inazuma?
From a practical standpoint, Yae Miko hoped for the latter, which was why she did not stop Kazuha from guiding Kunikuzushi.
It wasn't that she wanted to slack off, but rather that doing so would bring greater benefits to Inazuma, so Yae Miko did not stop it, simply watching everything with a smile.
"Watatsumi Island, huh?"
Futsu Mitama showed an indifferent smile, because with Kazuha accompanying him, essentially nothing would go wrong.
More than that, he was also curious about how Kunikuzushi would be influenced by Kazuha after all this.
—
As Futsu Mitama and Yae Miko chatted about Kunikuzushi, time slowly ticked by.
That evening, after finishing dinner in Inazuma and preparing to return to Sumeru for work, Futsu Mitama was suddenly mentioned in the Chat Group.
This prompted Futsu Mitama to enter the Chat Group, where he saw a shocking scene.
[Raiden Ei: "It's a success. The main material for the special husk doll, 100% similarity!"]
[Zhongli: "It seems the Abyss material is very important."]
[Albedo: "Just one trip to the Abyss raised the similarity to 100%?"]
[Albedo: "It seems I'll have to go to the Abyss someday if I get the chance."]
[Yae Miko: "Really?!"]
[Cyno: "Doesn't this mean—Greater Lord Rukkhadevata can also be saved!!!"]
[Nahida: "No, even with the special husk doll, Maha Rukkhadevata cannot be revived for now."]
[Eula: "Why?"]
[Cyno: "Yes, why? Is Greater Lord Rukkhadevata in a remnant soul state? Does she need some time to revive?"]
[Paimon: "It shouldn't be, right? I think it's most likely that forbidden knowledge thingy."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Yes, it's because of the forbidden knowledge that I cannot revive for now. If I were to revive, it might make Sumeru even worse, and Teyvat would also fall into an inexplicable crisis because of me. However, even if I cannot revive, with Nahida's help, I can manifest a projection and temporarily leave the Irminsul."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "But revival will still require some time."]
[Cyno: "Some time?"]
[Venti: "It will probably be much longer than you imagine, oh dear oh dear~ In a sense, it's quite troublesome. Forbidden knowledge and all that, fortunately there's the Chat Group, you can slowly wear those things away."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Yes, that's right, I'm not in a hurry for now, but Baal should be able to revive, right. Through the Chat Group, she has been nurturing her soul for a very long time."]
[Azhdaha: "Not just her, Bosacius can also revive."]
[Bosacius: "My current state isn't particularly good. I'm afraid I'll have to wait some time to revive."]
[Guizhong: "It's fine, just like me back then, a few condensed resins will fix it."]
[Yae Miko: "Can she really revive?! That's wonderful!!!! When?"]
[Raiden Ei: "Maha Rukkhadevata, I need Irminsul materials. The main material for the special husk doll has been created, I need a large amount of Irminsul materials to forge it. That's no problem. Today's Irminsul materials haven't been sent out yet."]
[Zhongli: "My Irminsul materials haven't been used up yet."]
[Albedo: "Mine are used up, but let's give them to Raiden Shogun first. If she can forge the special husk doll, then Raiden Makoto can revive."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Good, then I will give the Irminsul materials to Raiden Ei. I hope today is the day Raiden Makoto revives. If I revive, my first action will be to sign in!!!!"]
[Raiden Makoto: "My luck was always good in life, why is it so bad after death? I haven't even signed in an item."]
[Venti: "Is there a possibility that your luck is just really bad!"]
[Azhdaha: "Hmm, you know, I haven't signed in anything either."]
[Paimon: "Don't worry about it too much~ Being able to revive is a great thing, although... I haven't signed in anything either."]
[Lumine: "More than that, I think it's better to prioritize revival, and also to do a good job of protection."]
[Zhongli: "Indeed."]
[Raiden Ei: "With Futsu Mitama here, no one would dare to invade Inazuma City. If anyone dares to come and cause trouble at this time, then don't blame me."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Then I won't return to Sumeru for now."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "No worries, most of Sumeru's affairs can be handled by others."]
[Aila: "Young master, you just need to stay in Inazuma. If anything happens in Sumeru, or if you encounter an Archon-level enemy, Black Aila and I will merge."]
[Nahida: "Demon God Realm enemies aren't that common... rest assured."]
[Raiden Ei: "Then, I will officially begin forging the [special husk doll]. I hope it succeeds in one go."]
[Raiden Ei: "@Futsu Mitama @Yae Miko, I'll leave the rest to you. I need to focus entirely on refining the [special husk doll]. If anything happens in Inazuma, I might not be able to react in time."]
[Yae Miko: "Leave it to me. I will directly issue orders to the heads of the Tri-Commission to be on high alert."]
[Futsu Mitama: "What about the Thunderstorm protecting Inazuma?"]
[Raiden Ei: "Oh, that, you can use the Gnosis and my Electro Archon Authority to control the Thunderstorm."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Okay, I understand."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "If it succeeds in one go, then Nahida will also be able to leave the Irminsul and officially take over Sumeru's affairs."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Yes, if it succeeds in one go, Ei will probably continue to slack off."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Is the beautiful era of 500 years ago finally going to reappear in Inazuma?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "If the first Electro Archon revives, then Inazuma will usher in a truly prosperous age."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Oh dear~ Oh dear~ For your prosperous age, I'll probably have to work hard. However, I hope no one comes to cause trouble during this time."]
[Guizhong: "Do you need my help? I've fixed shouki no kami, the prodigal. Didn't Kunikuzushi also pledge allegiance? If he's willing to help—we can give Shouki No Kami back to him and let him contribute."]
[Azhdaha: "Although I don't think things are that serious yet, we can ask Futsu Mitama and Yae Miko for their thoughts."]
[Yae Miko: "Hmm~~ not for now. It's just about creating the [special husk doll]. As for that menace, we don't need to bother with him for now. If an accident truly occurs, I'll call him back immediately."]
[Futsu Mitama: "I'm going to Tenshukaku to stand guard. Talk to you later."]
—
This was incredibly explosive news, explosive to the point of madness: the main material for the special husk doll had been created.
This also meant that the special husk doll could be created.
Albedo, Zhongli, and Raiden Ei had all said that the other materials for the special husk doll were not difficult to find, even common throughout Teyvat.
But only the main material was extremely important; without it, creating the [special husk doll] would be a joke.
Now, the main material had been successfully created by Raiden Ei, so, if nothing unexpected happened, the [special husk doll] could also be successfully created.
"It seems the revival is truly just a few days away."
Futsu Mitama looked in the direction of Tenshukaku, teleported, and disappeared from his spot, reappearing inside Tenshukaku.
From now on, Futsu Mitama was the acting Raiden Shogun. He also took out the electro gnosis and fully activated the Electro Archon Authority.
In an instant, all the Thunderstorms surrounding Inazuma were taken over by Futsu Mitama's authority. These Thunderstorms constantly warned the powerful beings around Inazuma.
Raiden Ei also received a large amount of Irminsul materials from Maha Rukkhadevata at this moment, and she began to concentrate wholeheartedly on creating the special husk doll.
Raiden Ei was more serious than ever, because the revival of [Makoto] was in her hands.
If Makoto revived, then...
Thinking of this, Raiden Ei couldn't help but show a smile at the corner of her mouth. She took a deep breath, forcing herself into a meditative state.
Time passed by minute by minute. In the Plane of Euthymia, Raiden Ei's heart gradually calmed down.
But soon, Raiden Ei suddenly opened her eyes. She had adjusted her state to the best possible.
Special Husk Doll! Begin production!!!!
While Raiden Ei was busily producing the [special husk doll], Yae Miko secretly summoned the heads of the Three Commissions.