The four spells revealed so far lacked direct lethality.
However, these non-lethal incantations proved far more terrifying than outright destructive ones. At the very least, a heavy resistance to the mind-control spell hung palpable in the air, evident in the rigid postures of the onlookers.
This spell had no business being classed as Advanced. Wielded correctly, even Master-tier magic would pale in comparison.
"The final spell."
Ryen's voice cut through the silence. Endis and the others shuddered, their bodies instinctively retreating to seek cover behind Aether's back.
Ryen rolled his eyes.
"Relax. The last one is a damage spell. You won't be the test subjects."
He stepped into an isolated enclosure holding a dozen cows, sheep, and pigs. He paused, scanning the perimeter to ensure a safe distance from the crowd.
Raising his staff high, Ryen's voice rang out.
"Corrupt!"
In full view of everyone, a ten-meter radius centered on Ryen warped instantly. The ground morphed into a foul, pitch-black swamp. In a heartbeat, the dark mire swallowed the animals.
The onlookers watched as the livestock unleashed agonized shrieks, their limbs thrashing weakly in the thick sludge.
Ryen strolled forward at a leisurely pace. With every step, the corrupted zone beneath his boots spread wider. The black swamp expanded continuously alongside Ryen and the thrashing, rotting animals.
The crowd instinctively shuffled backward.
Fifteen seconds later, the animals dissolved into puffs of green smoke. Not a single scrap of flesh remained.
The corruption faded, returning the earth to its original state.
Ryen walked out of the empty pasture.
"Advanced Necromancy. Corruption."
"It creates a zone of decay on the ground. Any biological entity that touches it begins to erode and rot."
"In this world, it might not look particularly dreadful. Just a swamp, right?"
He paused, letting the silence stretch.
"But in Teyvat... the rotting effect ensures total putrefaction."
"Flesh, bone... a single touch of the corrupted ground initiates the decay."
"You don't die outright. Instead, you watch your own body rot away step by step."
"In agony, you watch your flesh and bones slough off inch by inch, melting into a puddle of putrid black mud."
"It is a magic of extreme, malicious cruelty. It brings death, but only after inflicting supreme torment and despair."
Deep creases formed on the onlookers' foreheads. Ryen's graphic description left a heavy, nauseating weight in their chests.
"To make life rot away... too malicious," Ei said, her voice heavy and low.
"This is no true battle. It is the humiliation and torture of life itself."
"This magic revels in the wails of the living. Malicious, filthy, evil."
Her posture radiated a stark rejection of the necromantic art.
"I spent five hundred years in the Abyss and wandered the sea of stars for millennia. I have never seen a spell so venomous," Aether muttered, his gaze locked heavily on the staff in Ryen's hand.
Zhongli exhaled a long breath.
"From the moment I heard of necromancy, I knew it to be cruel. Yet I never imagined it reaching such depths."
"Finding joy solely in the suffering of life. The focus is not to kill, but to torture. It shatters the absolute bottom line of morality."
Ryen shrugged.
"Perhaps. But against enemies who possess no moral bottom line of their own, wouldn't you say such torment is highly effective?"
Diluc froze for a split second, then gave a firm nod.
"If used against The Doctor, I see absolutely no issue."
At Diluc's words, a wave of agreement rippled through the group. For a monster stripped of humanity like Dottore, this spell seemed perfectly tailored.
"The true terror of Corruption lies in its spread," Ryen continued.
"You saw it just now. As I walk, the corruption expands. I become a walking plague, a natural disaster."
"And those affected by the rot will spread it further as they move. Anyone they touch will also begin to decay."
"It is an expansive, wide-area plague spell."
"Therefore, I advise you to use it sparingly in Teyvat. If you must, prepare thoroughly."
"Once unleashed, aside from the caster, the corruption does not distinguish between friend and foe."
Ningguang's brows knit tightly together.
"If possible, I would prefer no one ever casts such a spell in Teyvat."
"It plays with life. It crosses too many lines."
Ryen shrugged again.
"That covers the five spells of this Master-tier Necromancer Staff. They look venomous, but they are controllable and highly effective."
"Crucially, it lacks that bizarre possession spell. Otherwise, I truly wouldn't dare hand it over to you."
Possession?!
Baizhu's heart gave a violent lurch. If the spell's actual effect matched its name, this staff could hardly be considered a mere reward. Taking over a body carried terrifying implications.
"This staff has two spell cooldown enhancements. Paired with the Necromancer set, its strength is quite formidable for a Master-tier weapon."
"A rather excellent reward, don't you think?" Ryen chuckled.
Yae Miko fixed him with a helpless stare.
"Only you would dare offer such a sinister staff as a prize."
"It's fine. Not a big deal," Ryen laughed, his tone turning coaxing. "The spells are dirty, but... this is a Master-tier staff."
"A sixty percent boost to necromantic abilities. It offers no elemental amplification, but necromancy governs the resilience of the soul and beyond."
"The buffs it provides are undeniably potent."
Glances were exchanged. After a long moment, Lisa offered a teasing smile.
"I see no issue. If darling is willing to bring it out, it means that while we find it evil, it matters little to him."
"Power holds no inherent alignment of good or evil. Wielded properly, even necromancy can become a force of salvation."
"From a purely practical standpoint, this staff perfectly balances defense, control, disruption, curses, and damage."
"It is a flawlessly composed weapon, well worth pursuing."
Her words left the group in thoughtful silence. The spells were cruel, but the outcome ultimately depended on the wielder's hands.
"Would you be willing to use it, Miss Lisa?" Miko asked, a smile playing on her lips.
Lisa's eyebrows arched upward.
"While I wouldn't mind, I already have the Master-tier Lightning Staff darling gave me."
"..."
Miko's composure cracked. A long, resentful glare fixed itself on Ryen.
She was an Electro user too!
So what if she arrived a little later! This man had taken advantage of her completely, yet hadn't even thought to prepare a decent gift.
Sensing the thick resentment radiating from the kitsune, Ryen reached out with a helpless sigh, gently rubbing her ears.
"Master-tier staffs are hard to come by. The next suitable one I find is yours."
Only then did Miko's temper subside.
"In terms of universal principles, the magic is undeniably vile. However, the staff itself holds no moral stance," Zhongli stated softly.
"Despite its venomous nature, its utility more than lives up to the Master-tier title."
"Overall, as long as restraint is exercised, it is worth fighting for."
Zhongli's gaze lingered on the Necromancer Staff, his silence heavy. He already possessed a healing staff. If he added necromancy to his arsenal...
Holy light in his left hand, plague in his right.
Facing the Heavenly Principles with dual Master-tier buffs would finally give him the power to fight back.
The others quickly reached the same conclusion. The staff was dirty, yes. But against mortal enemies... as long as it killed, what need was there for mercy?
Strategically and practically, the Necromancer Staff was an exceptional prize.
Worth taking!
Venti blinked his emerald eyes, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Looks like this might be my first Master-tier staff."
"Where does your confidence come from?" Diluc deadpanned.
Venti immediately puffed out his chest.
"Isn't it obvious? I pulled off three spectacular, history-making plays today!"
A heavy silence blanketed the group.
Finally, the Tsaritsa spoke, her tone chillingly flat.
"Did you forget that the five of us are forbidden from participating?"
"..."
Venti's confidence shattered instantly. But the true blow was yet to come.
Seeing Zhongli's clear interest in the staff, Xiao stepped forward without hesitation, his voice resolute.
"If Rex Lapis desires it, I will fight with everything I have to present this staff to him!"
The corners of Zhongli's lips quirked upward. He made no move to reject the Yaksha's loyalty. He truly did want that staff.
"I will secure this staff for Her Majesty!" La Signora pledged immediately.
The Tsaritsa gave a satisfied nod. It wasn't a Cryo staff, but the utility of necromancy rivaled any elemental weapon. Claiming it would be a massive victory.
"Lord Buer, do you desire it?" Alhaitham asked calmly.
Buer shook her head.
"I have no fondness for this weapon. If you obtain it, dispose of it as you see fit."
Alhaitham had expected as much. Nahida wasn't participating, and with Buer leading, a staff reeking of death would never earn a second glance from her.
"Bring this staff back. We need greater power to protect ourselves," Ei commanded, her voice dropping an octave.
Kujou Sara and the Inazuman forces gave firm, heavy nods.
Suddenly, all four Archons who were barred from fighting had champions vying for the prize.
Venti's eyes burned with envy. He turned to Diluc and the Mondstadt contingent, waiting for them to offer the same pledge. If Venti wanted it, they would fight for it. Success didn't matter, it was the attitude that counted!
Unfortunately... Venti severely overestimated his prestige as the Anemo Archon.
Diluc didn't even spare him a glance. His calm eyes swept over Kaeya and Jean.
"To each their own."
"Works for me," Kaeya smiled. "Who knows, maybe I'll skip your Advanced staff and grab a Master-tier right out of the gate."
"Hmph," Diluc scoffed, ignoring the jab.
"Dammit! Aren't you supposed to act like Xiao and say, 'If Venti wants it, we'll get it for him'?!" Venti grabbed handfuls of his own hair, staring at them in pure disbelief.
Diluc finally cast a slow, deadpan look at the bard.
"I highly doubt you could draw out its true power even if you had it."
"Besides... who the staff goes to is a matter of freedom. Wouldn't you agree, Lord of Freedom?"
In that moment, Venti finally understood the bitter taste of giving his people entirely too much freedom.