With the final seal in place, the perpetual thunderstorm over Yashiori Island vanished.
Sunlight, a rare sight in this region, bathed the landscape.
Standing near Tatarasuna, Sangonomiya Kokomi watched the clouds break. "It seems Lord Orobashi's resentment has truly dissipated."
"Yes..." Gorou muttered beside her.
"Gorou? You seem distracted. Is something wrong?"
"Cough... nothing, Your Excellency." Gorou clutched a small pendant in his hand—the transformation device Su Han gave him. "I was just thinking... if sacrificing my dignity helps Watatsumi Island prosper... perhaps 'Miss Hina' should make more appearances."
Kokomi tilted her head, confused. She had no idea her General was contemplating a career change to full-time idol.
[Yashiori Island – The Serpent's Head]
With the Tatarigami gone, construction could begin.
Although the Mikage Furnace was destroyed, Orobashi's Skeleton remained a treasure trove of Crystal Marrow—a high-grade forging material.
Craftsmen from three nations gathered at the Serpent's Head.
Su Han stood at the peak, surveying the massive bone structure that spanned the entire island.
"We will process the materials on-site," Su Han ordered. "Inazuman smiths are skilled, but they lack experience in dismantling god-corpses. The Liyue team will lead—they have experience with Chi and other ancient beasts."
"Understood!"
Hanachirusato (Saiguu) nodded in approval. "This island is perfect. It has rail access for transport, it's defensible, and the raw materials are right here. It will become the greatest arsenal in Teyvat."
"Exactly," Su Han said. "With weapons forged from a God's remains, our army's strength will skyrocket."
Raiden Ei watched the workers, a rare look of anticipation on her face. "I wish time would move faster. I want to join the Mission Group."
"Patience," Su Han smiled. "The next mission is in two days. Four more missions, and the group levels up. Thirteen days total. Then you can join."
As Su Han's directives were issued, the machinery of war began to turn.
Liyue's engineering corps, bolstered by Rosalyne's defected Fatui researchers, set up the factory.
"Hurry up! The Lords are waiting for the first batch!"
"Cutting team, start with the ribs! Smelting team, ready the furnaces!"
Saiguu watched the organized chaos. "You really have built quite an empire. Liyue scientists, Fatui researchers, Inazuma resources... you use everyone."
"I prefer the term 'resource optimization'," Su Han smirked. "Speaking of resources..."
He looked at the sky.
A massive transport ship arrived, carrying a sealed container from Seirai Island.
Inside was the physical body of the Thunder Manifestation (Thunder Bird).
Without its soul (which was purified), it was just a massive ball of Electro energy. Thanks to Albedo and Sucrose's modifications, it had been converted into a biological battery.
"Lord Su Han, the payload is here."
"Good."
Su Han flew up, using his telekinesis to lift the massive bird corpse. He placed it gently into the core of the new factory.
"Hook it up to the grid. This will power the smelters for the next century."
The Industrial Revolution of Inazuma had begun.
[Two Days Later]
Su Han spent the downtime helping the group master their new Zanpakuto.
Yae Miko, however, had a question.
"Why don't you use a Zanpakuto?" she asked during a break. "With your soul strength, your blade should be terrifying."
Su Han shook his head. "A Zanpakuto is the manifestation of the soul. My soul... is too dense. An Asauchi can't handle it. Even Ei crushed hers when she tried."
"Besides," he added, "relying too much on a weapon creates a weakness. If someone steals your Bankai—like the Quincies—you're defenseless. I prefer to be the weapon."
[Multiverse Mission Chat Group]
The group was buzzing with energy.
Hu Tao: "Woohoo! Mission time! My spear is thirsty!"
Xiangling: "Me too! I haven't been on a mission in ages! My Mera Mera no Mi is ready to burn!"
Yae Miko: "Let me go! Please! I need to escape this house!"
Jean: "Is Saiguu still bullying you?"
Yae Miko: "Bullying?! It's torture! I'm practicing the Hakushin Secret Art (the arousal dance), right? And do you know what that woman did? She plastered the walls of my room with shirtless photos of Su Han!"
Ningguang: "..."
Ganyu: "..."
Lisa: "Oh my. That sounds... stimulating."
Yae Miko: "It's hell! I'm trying to concentrate, and she's flooding my senses! I can't leave because of the barrier! @Su Han, why did you revive her?! She's a demon!"
Su Han: "Hey, you were the one crying for her return."
Yae Miko: "I regret everything! Just let me go on the mission!"
Beidou: "Guys! The mission is up!"
[Ding! Mission Alert!]
[Mission 26: The Legend of the Sky Trace.]
[Location: World of Xuanyuan Sword (Sky Trace).]
[Objective: Defeat the Black Dragon King. Assist Chen Jingchou in retrieving the Kongtong Seal.]
[Difficulty: 4-Star (Hard).]
[Time Limit: 1 Hour to Accept.]
[Team Limit: 10 Members.]
[Condition: Protect the Diren Queen and Chen Jingchou. If either dies, the mission fails.]
The group went silent.
Sky Trace.
Su Han had warned them about this world. It was a world of high-tier cultivation, Ancient Artifacts, and immortals.
Xiangling: "Wait... Ten Great Artifacts? We have to get one? And save the Diren (Mermaid) Queen?"
Beidou: "Difficulty is 4-Star... that's a jump. The Black Dragon King sounds tough."
Lisa: "It shouldn't be that hard if the limit is 10 people. The System usually balances the difficulty."
Su Han looked at the screen.
The Kongtong Seal.
Legend said it granted eternal youth and immortality.
"This is it," Su Han typed. "The artifacts are in play. Prepare for battle."
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