Chapter 92. Nahida
Nahida's eyes were filled with confusion. A line of text had suddenly appeared before her, accompanied by a voice she had never heard before.
To be honest, after being confined within the Sanctuary of Surasthana for so long, Nahida had never heard another voice inside this place.
Over the past five hundred years, people had occasionally come to see her, yet almost all of them departed with nothing more than a sigh.
But now...
"Are you willing to join the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group?"
Nahida softly read the words aloud, bewilderment flickering across her face.
Teyvat Continent Loving Family?
What is this?
The Akasha?
But the Akasha had no such function.
Over the course of five hundred years, Nahida had come to understand the Akasha thoroughly. She knew exactly what it was capable of.
If it was not the Akasha... then what could it be? Forbidden knowledge? Or perhaps something created by Dottore and Azar?
No...
That seemed highly unlikely. If Dottore or Azar truly possessed the ability to create something like this, they would never have needed to pursue the so-called God Creation Project.
After all, the device imprisoning her was no ordinary apparatus. It had once been a meditation device used by Maha Rukkhadevata herself.
Originally, the device had an internal mechanism that allowed it to be opened from within. However, five hundred years ago, the Great Sage altered its design, removing that mechanism entirely. From that moment onward, it became a prison fashioned from divine technology, one that could no longer be opened from the inside.
Just as Signora had said, if Nahida had truly wished to leave, there had actually been many opportunities over the past five centuries.
If nothing else, as the second Dendro Archon, she needed only a brief opportunity to escape the cage long enough to reveal the truth of her circumstances to all of Sumeru.
If that happened, what would become of the Akademiya? What would become of the Sages?
To imprison an Archon was, in itself, an unforgivable crime.
Because the Archons existed, Sumeru had remained stable. If the truth ever came to light—that the people of Sumeru had turned against their own Archon—then Sumeru would be plunged into chaos.
At this moment, however, Nahida's attention was focused entirely on a single choice.
[Yes]
Or
[No]
Nahida held a deep reverence for the unknown. More than anyone, she understood what had brought about Sumeru's present calamity.
Yet alongside that reverence was an equally powerful curiosity.
How had this mysterious existence managed to bypass her confinement and send a message directly to her?
After a brief moment of contemplation, Nahida finally selected [Yes].
No matter what, as the God of Wisdom, her desire to pursue knowledge remained unwavering.
To put it simply—
Ignore the risks.
Continue the installation.
Soon, the world before Nahida underwent a dramatic transformation. A translucent interface appeared before her, and lines of text began to emerge across it.
[Group Announcement: Ding!!!]
[Welcome Nahida to the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group.]
[Futsu Mitama: "It worked. Nahida joined the group. Phew... With this, everything will be easier. I honestly didn't expect Dottore's location to be close enough to invite Nahida into the group."]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Nahida, are you there?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Welcome, Lesser Lord Kusanali."]
[Eula: "Another Archon—This Chat Group is becoming more and more terrifying."]
[Albedo: "Eula, you'll get used to it. After all, this Chat Group once expelled an Archon, and you witnessed it yourself."]
[Klee: "Mhm! That's right! Sister Eula, didn't the Cryo Archon get kicked out back then!?"]
[Cyno: "@Nahida, Lesser Lord Kusanali, please forgive us. We Matra never discovered what the successive Sages had been doing over the past five hundred years. We always believed the Sages were protecting you, and that you simply preferred peace and did not wish to meet anyone."]
[Cyno: "I never imagined you had been imprisoned."]
[Venti: "Hello Nahida Nice to meet you! I'm the Anemo Archon, Barbatos~ Welcome."]
[Zhongli: "Welcome to the Chat Group. I am Zhongli, consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."]
[Azhdaha: "I'm Azhdaha. Well—you probably don't know me. Morax sealed me before you were even born."]
[Guizhong: "I'm Guizhong, the God of Dust, Haagentus. You probably don't know me either. I died even earlier than Azhdaha—but I've already been revived~ Oh, right! How are you doing now? Have you completed your first check-in? See if you can obtain an item."]
[Guizhong: "It's a newbie's benefit. If you happen to get a Special Husk Doll, that would be absolutely wonderful."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Alright, alright, Guizhong. Slow down a little. You're flooding the chat already. Don't frighten this adorable little one who's only five hundred years old."]
[Raiden Makoto: "I'm Raiden Makoto, Baal—the original Electro Archon."]
[Raiden Ei: "I am Ei, the current Electro Archon, Beelzebub."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Why did everyone suddenly start introducing themselves?"]
[Albedo: "My name is Albedo, an alchemist."]
[Albedo: "I don't know."]
[Klee: "Klee doesn't know either, but... ta-da! Klee is here! Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius!!"]
[Aila: "Actually, there's no need for everyone to introduce themselves. We'll naturally get to know each other over time."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "That's right. There's no need for introductions. @Nahida... my susccessor, you've suffered. I never imagined everything I left behind would bring you so much pain. I left too hastily. But it's not too late now. With Futsu Mitama and the others, Sumeru can still be saved."]
[Lumine: "I'm the Traveler. Hello."]
[Paimon: "I'm Paimon! Speaking of which—why isn't Nahida saying anything? It's already been a minute or two since she joined the group, right?"]
[Yae Miko: "She's probably in shock, just like I was when I first entered the Chat Group and saw Lady Makoto."]
[Raiden Ei: "That is certainly possible."]
[Azhdaha: "Hahaha! I'm really looking forward to seeing the expression on Morax's face when he joins the Chat Group."]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Nahida, are you there? This isn't fake. It's all real. Maha Rukkhadevata is truly here, and so are we."]
[Aila: "If you don't believe it, you can check the group's live stream."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Futsu Mitama is currently live streaming. You can enter and watch it."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Mhm. Don't be too surprised. Everyone reacted the same way when they first joined, but you'll grow accustomed to it soon enough."]
Within the Sanctuary of Surasthana, Nahida silently watched the translucent interface before her, her emerald eyes filled with bewilderment.
At this moment, her emotions were indescribably complicated. She didn't know whether she should laugh or cry.
As she looked at one familiar name after another within the Chat Group, she finally understood why Futsu Mitama possessed Maha Rukkhadevata's legacy.
She also understood why, despite being from Inazuma, he had journeyed all the way to Sumeru to help.
Someone had already paid the price for all of this long before he arrived.
Taking a slow breath, Nahida immediately understood what she needed to do. She was not going to ask Maha Rukkhadevata what had happened in the past, nor was she going to ask about her current condition.
She was not going to chat with Futsu Mitama and the others. Nor was she going to reveal her location and ask them to rescue her from this cage.
Instead...
She needed to save someone.
The barrier created from the last remnants of her power could only delay the Fatui Harbinger for a short time. There simply wasn't enough strength remaining within that vessel.
In the end, she had miscalculated.
Had she known the situation would develop this way, she would have used every last bit of her power to imprison the Fatui Harbinger from the very beginning.
Instead, she had chosen to seize control of the Harbinger's two subordinates, hoping to catch her off guard.
The Fatui Harbinger's decisiveness and ruthlessness had exceeded Nahida's expectations.
Perhaps, she had truly remained inside this cage for far too long.
Some forms of knowledge, no matter how thoroughly they are understood, are far more difficult to apply in practice than one might imagine.
[Nahida: "Although I have much to say, now is not the time."]
[Nahida: "Futsu Mitama, Faruzan is in danger. Please hurry and save her. Signora intends to capture her and use her to threaten you into remaining passive in Sumeru City."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Didn't you already leave Sumeru City?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Did she catch up to you? How did Signora learn your whereabouts?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Could she have been waiting for us to split up?"]
[Aila: "Unlikely. I just confirmed it with my other self. If Signora had been monitoring us, she would have been discovered the moment she used her Authority earlier."]
[Shenhe: "We're inside the enemy's stronghold. Anything is possible."]
[Cyno: "..."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "..."]
[Azhdaha: "So Sumeru City has become a sieve, huh?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "@Maha Rukkhadevata, how are you feeling right now?"]
[Guizhong: "Saving people comes first. Everything else can wait."]
[Cyno: "I'm beginning to think I shouldn't have remained in the desert. If I'd stayed in Sumeru City, many of these problems could have been avoided."]
[Albedo: "@Cyno, you'll get used to it. I felt the same way at first."]
[Cyno: "Huh?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Where exactly are you? We'll head there immediately."]
[Nahida: "Outside Sumeru City. I left a trace of my power within Faruzan, so I can roughly sense her location. La Signora is extremely powerful. Please be careful."]
[Aila: "Shouldn't Signora be the one who's careful around us?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Collecting a little interest from La Signora doesn't sound like a bad idea."]
[Shenhe: "Her strength is acceptable. She should suffice for some practice."]
[Nahida: "Th-Then... alright."]
[Guizhong: "Come, come. Compared to that, let me explain the check-in system first."]
[Raiden Ei: "Yes. That's very important."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Indeed. If you obtain a Special Husk Doll from your check-in, Inazuma will owe you an enormous favor."]
[Nahida: "Eh? "]
At that moment, Nahida's face was completely filled with confusion.
A Special Husk Doll? A check-in? Inazuma owing her an enormous favor?
Having only just joined the Chat Group, Nahida's eyes shone with the light of wisdom—
Yet she understood absolutely none of what was happening.
On the other side, after receiving Nahida's message, Futsu Mitama and the others prepared to leave the Akademiya.
"Goodbye. We'll be returning now."
Futsu Mitama had no intention of continuing his confrontation with Dottore. After dismissing Seven Thunder of Retribution: Narukami, he turned to leave.
"..."
Watching Futsu Mitama prepare to depart, the faint smile on Dottore's face gradually disappeared.
He seemed about to say something. But after weighing the possibility of provoking Futsu Mitama again, he ultimately chose silence, allowing the group to leave the reception room.
As for Azar and Firnas, both looked as though they wanted to speak, yet neither dared to.
Then Azar suddenly remembered something.
He shot Alhaitham a meaningful glance, signaling him to ask why Futsu Mitama had suddenly abandoned the idea of touring the Akademiya.
The change had been far too abrupt.
Had Futsu Mitama never intended to wander through the Akademiya in the first place? Or had something changed after his clash with Dottore?
Whatever the reason, Azar wanted an answer.
Noticing the signal, Alhaitham considered it briefly before speaking.
"So, you've decided you no longer require someone to accompany you on your tour?"
The moment Alhaitham spoke, both Azar and Firnas felt quietly satisfied.
Even Dottore spared him an extra glance.
Was he truly that loyal?
Even Dottore himself had refrained from questioning Futsu Mitama's intentions. If the latter became displeased and answered with another sword strike, the consequences would be troublesome.
"I'm going to save someone."
Futsu Mitama looked deeply at Dottore, his voice calm.
"If anything happens to her, then you can forget about continuing your experiment."
With those words, Futsu Mitama led the women out of the reception room.
Only after they had departed did Azar and Firnas finally release long sighs of relief, collapsing back into their chairs.
"This wasn't part of the plan."
Azar turned toward Dottore, unable to suppress his frustration.
"You said we'd stall for time and keep Futsu Mitama under control. How did it almost turn into a full-scale battle?"
Firnas remained silent.
He had never been part of the plan to begin with. To be honest, he was still trying to process everything that had happened today.
Originally, this had been a day of rest.
Instead, after becoming entangled in these events, he had spent the entire day under constant pressure.
"There is no such thing as a foolproof plan."
Dottore's tone remained utterly indifferent. Without even looking at Azar, he continued,
"Remember this, Azar. If I hadn't intervened, you would have been the one forced to make a decision. Futsu Mitama is not someone you can afford to underestimate. Tell me—could you have resolved the matter of Lesser Lord Kusanali on your own?"
Having said that, Dottore casually waved a hand, opening a spatial portal. Before stepping through it, he glanced at Alhaitham with mild interest.
"You're quite an interesting individual. If you're willing to leave Sumeru and come to Snezhnaya, I'll give you everything you desire."
With those words, Dottore stepped through the portal and vanished from the reception room.
"Outrageous... utterly outrageous!"
After Dottore disappeared, Azar slammed his hand onto the table, his face burning with anger.
Alhaitham remained silent.
Without saying a word, he simply watched Azar vent his fury.
He could understand why Azar was so furious. Anyone placed in his position would have felt the same overwhelming frustration and humiliation.
As the Great Sage of the Akademiya, Azar found himself without any real authority when facing Futsu Mitama and Dottore. It was an unavoidable reality. In both strength and influence, he occupied an extremely awkward position.
Strictly speaking, Azar's status within Sumeru should have surpassed Dottore's. Yet he lacked the power to challenge him, nor did he dare raise his voice in Dottore's presence.
As for Futsu Mitama, he was like an insurmountable mountain pressing down upon Azar, leaving him unable to breathe.
That was because Futsu Mitama surpassed Azar in both status and strength.
One thing Dottore had said was absolutely correct. Had he not stepped in, Azar would most likely have been forced to swear an oath on the spot.
Even Alhaitham found himself wondering whether Azar truly would have been pushed that far if Dottore had not appeared.
Just as that thought crossed his mind—
Azar gradually regained his composure. Looking at Alhaitham, he said calmly, "Do not reveal what happened today. Understood?"
"Yes."
Alhaitham gave a slight nod before replying evenly,
"Today, only the future Raiden Shogun of Inazuma—Futsu Mitama—met with you. The discussion between both parties was cordial and harmonious."
Hearing those words, both Azar and Firnas nodded in approval.
They had always believed Alhaitham to be an inflexible man, yet they had not expected him to possess such a practical understanding of handling delicate situations.
The reception room soon fell silent once more, neither Azar nor Firnas speaking another word.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Sensing that the two still had matters to discuss, and that he, as an outsider, had no reason to remain, Alhaitham politely excused himself.
"Very well."
Azar nodded before assuming his usual authoritative demeanor.
"Get some proper rest today."
Firnas also spoke up.
"You've worked hard today as well, Alhaitham."
Alhaitham silently inclined his head without another word. Turning around, he pushed open the reception room door and quietly departed.
Once he was gone, only Azar and Firnas remained.
Silence lingered between them, each seemingly waiting for the other to speak first.
In the end, Firnas was the one who broke it.
"You shouldn't have handed your authorization token over to the Fatui. They've caused this entire mess, and now we're the ones forced to clean it up."
Even now, Firnas still harbored deep resentment over Azar's decision.
Had the Fatui not possessed the Great Sage's authorization token, could they really have commanded both the Corps of Thirty and the Matra so easily?
And if the Fatui had never stirred up such chaos, perhaps Futsu Mitama would never have come knocking on their door.
"What's the point of saying any of this now?"
Azar's expression remained equally grim. He knew perfectly well that giving his token to the Fatui had been a mistake.
At the time, however, he hadn't thought much of it. Dottore had merely asked for it in passing, and Azar had handed it over without much consideration.
Back then, every thought in his mind revolved around the God Creation Project.
After receiving the token, Dottore himself hadn't caused any major problems.
Everything only began spiraling out of control after the Lady arrived.
But after witnessing Dottore's attitude today, Azar finally realized something.
Dottore had known all along that Futsu Mitama was coming.
Requesting the token had likely been part of his plan from the very beginning.
"Sigh~"
Firnas let out a weary sigh.
Azar was right. There was no point dwelling on it now.
"We have only one path left."
A fierce light flashed through Azar's eyes as he declared solemnly,
"We must complete the creation of an Archon and wash away today's humiliation. Once that puppet ascends as an Archon, the Akademiya will once again possess the wisdom and protection of a god."
"By then, neither Dottore nor Futsu Mitama will dare act so arrogantly before us."
Today's events had dealt Azar an enormous blow.
His thoughts had become completely fixated on one objective—
Scaramouche must become an Archon.
Why had both Dottore and Futsu Mitama treated the Akademiya with such blatant disregard?
Because they knew Lesser Lord Kusanali would never stand on the Akademiya's side.
That knowledge allowed them to act without restraint.
But once a new Archon was born, the Akademiya and that Archon would stand together. Should they still dare behave so presumptuously—
Then it would be their turn to witness the true power of wisdom.
"Just wait..."
Azar murmured quietly, unwavering determination burning within his eyes.
Firnas, however, remained silent.
One concern lingered in his heart. Even if the God Creation Project truly succeeded—
Would Futsu Mitama acknowledge it?
He had stated before that the only Archon he recognized was Lesser Lord Kusanali.
Furthermore, he had come to Sumeru carrying something entrusted to him by another Archon. What that item was hardly mattered.
What mattered was the implication behind it.
The Archon who entrusted Futsu Mitama with that task likewise acknowledged Lesser Lord Kusanali as Sumeru's legitimate Archon.
If the Akademiya truly created a new Archon—
Would it really have a future?
Had the previous generations of Sages truly chosen the correct path?
A faint unease settled within Firnas' heart.
For the first time, he questioned whether the future they had pursued all this time had been the wrong one.
Yet those thoughts quickly faded.
Whether their path was right or wrong no longer mattered.
The moment the God Creation Project had begun, every Sage involved had already crossed the point of no return.
There was only one road left before them.
And that road led only forward.
Soon afterward, both Azar and Firnas left the reception room.
The progress of the God Creation Project had to be accelerated.
Likewise, the Divine Knowledge Capsules recovered from the desert had to be gathered as quickly as possible.
—
Meanwhile, following Nahida's directions in the group chat, Futsu Mitama and the others raced toward Faruzan and Dehya's location.
No one attempted to stop them.
Even if someone had wanted to, they simply lacked the strength.
After all, even the slowest among them—Sangonomiya Kokomi and Kuki Shinobu—were far beyond what ordinary people could hope to stop.
Futsu Mitama remained the fastest of them all.
After stepping into the Demon God Realm, his spatial movement consumed almost no stamina whatsoever.
Had Nahida been able to pinpoint the exact location, he estimated he could have arrived in under a minute.
Instead, following only a general direction, it still took roughly three to four minutes before they reached the area she had indicated.
Unfortunately—
Signora was already gone.
Extending his perception across the surroundings, Futsu Mitama quickly located Faruzan and Dehya lying unconscious upon the grass in the distance.
"Swish!"
With a flash of spatial movement, he appeared directly before the two women. Both had already lost consciousness, and Dehya's injuries appeared particularly severe.
"They're alive."
Examining Dehya's condition, Futsu Mitama extended a hand. Pure life energy infused with Dendro power flowed into both of their bodies.
A vibrant emerald glow enveloped them.
Within moments, their wounds rapidly healed.
Slowly, Faruzan and Dehya opened their eyes, the first thing they saw being Futsu Mitama standing before them.
"Where's the Lady?"
The moment they awakened, Futsu Mitama asked without hesitation. This had been the perfect chance to kill her.
She couldn't have escaped very far.
As long as they could point him in the right direction—
Today would become the Lady's death anniversary.
After being repeatedly provoked in Sumeru City, Futsu Mitama's patience had long since run out.
This time, he fully intended to settle the score.
"She... seems to have escaped."
Dehya scratched her head before suddenly lowering her gaze toward her body.
"My... my injuries are gone!?"
Faruzan also instinctively touched her chest.
The suffocating pain that had weighed upon her only moments ago had completely vanished.
Surprise immediately filled her eyes.
"It's... completely healed?"
She stared at Futsu Mitama in astonishment.
"How did you do this?"
Just moments earlier, both of them had been gravely injured. Truthfully, the Lady hadn't even bothered capturing them.
She had simply discarded them here.
Faruzan had assumed the Lady intended to leave them to die. After all, they had been left seriously wounded in a remote wilderness. Had wild beasts wandered by—
Neither of them would have had any means of defending themselves.
Yet now...
Every injury had vanished.
It felt nothing short of miraculous.
"We can discuss that later."
Futsu Mitama looked at them somewhat helplessly.
"Did either of you see which direction the Lady fled? If you know, point the way. I'll avenge you."
"Don't worry."
"The Lady is no threat to me. She's already lost to me once."
Despite his reassurance, both Faruzan and Dehya simply shook their heads.
Neither of them knew where the Lady had gone. After being knocked unconscious, they had genuinely believed they were going to die.
Surviving at all had already exceeded their expectations.
"Sigh."
Futsu Mitama let out a disappointed sigh. It seemed he still wouldn't be able to kill the Lady today.
She truly valued her life.
Couldn't she have simply completed her mission by capturing Faruzan instead of escaping so decisively?
After all, Nahida had left a trace of Dendro energy within Faruzan. As long as Faruzan remained alive, Nahida could roughly determine her location.
That was precisely why Futsu Mitama had been able to arrive so quickly after leaving Sumeru City.
"Young Master."
"Young Master."
Aila and Black Aila arrived almost simultaneously.
Close behind them came Shenhe, Kuki Shinobu, and Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Although they were slightly slower than Futsu Mitama, their speed was still extraordinary.
Upon arriving, everyone's gaze instinctively swept across the surroundings, searching for any trace of the Lady.
"She escaped rather quickly."
A hint of disappointment flashed through Shenhe's eyes.
She had genuinely hoped to fight the Lady.
Compared to their journey through Inazuma, this expedition to Sumeru had been thoroughly unsatisfying.
Every enemy either fled or hid before they could fight.
Things had been much simpler in Inazuma. There had been worthy battles waiting from the very beginning.
Later, she had even received personal guidance from the Raiden Shogun herself.
"Indeed."
Kuki Shinobu nodded.
"If she hadn't run, I'd have started questioning her intelligence. But... She's always been decisive."
Turning toward Faruzan and Dehya, she asked curiously,
"By the way, Dehya... how did you end up here?"
Faruzan's presence wasn't surprising.
She had already mentioned earlier that she intended to leave Sumeru City and seek Tighnari's cooperation.
But Dehya? Wasn't she supposed to remain beside Dunyarzad? Had Nahida assigned her another task?
"Me?"
Dehya pointed at herself before slowly forcing herself to stand. Although Futsu Mitama had completely healed her wounds—
Her stamina had not recovered.
The battle against the Lady had exhausted nearly everything she had.
"Weren't you supposed to stay with Dunyarzad?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi also looked at Dehya with curiosity.
After all, protecting Dunyarzad had originally been Dehya's responsibility. Why had she appeared here instead?
"It's like this—"
Dehya scratched her head before beginning her explanation.
"After we split up, Faruzan planned to leave Sumeru City and find someone named Tighnari. Lesser Lord Kusanali told her that if she ever needed to contact her, she could simply use the Akasha, and she'd know immediately."
Futsu Mitama nodded slightly.
Everything up to this point sounded perfectly reasonable.
Nahida, Dunyarzad, and Dehya had all successfully concealed their identities.
The Akademiya knew nothing about them.
Faruzan, however, was different. Because she had openly assisted Futsu Mitama and the others, her identity had already been exposed.
Their immediate decision to send her out of Sumeru City had been entirely correct. Otherwise, she would likely have been placed under house arrest.
Unfortunately...
The enemy had refused to play by the rules. Instead, they dispatched the Lady herself. Although the Lady no longer posed much of a threat to Futsu Mitama—
To ordinary people even to most Vision Holder, she remained an overwhelmingly powerful Fatui Harbinger.
Dehya's injuries alone testified to that reality. She had risked everything in battle...
Yet still failed to make any meaningful difference.
"What happened after that?"
Black Aila calmly continued the questioning.
"Was that when Faruzan came under attack?"
"Yes."
Dehya nodded seriously.
"And Dunyarzad?" Sangonomiya Kokomi asked with concern. "How is she?"
After all, Dunyarzad was a patient she had personally saved.
"It's like I was saying."
Dehya scratched her head again.
"Before Faruzan contacted Lesser Lord Kusanali—"
"Nilou... that wonderful dancer... She came over to chat with the young lady. It seemed she wanted to become friends. To avoid disturbing them, Lesser Lord Kusanali and I naturally stepped aside. But at that very moment, Faruzan informed Lesser Lord Kusanali that an extremely dangerous individual had begun pursuing her."
"So, to ensure the young lady remained safe, Lesser Lord Kusanali and I immediately left for the outskirts of Sumeru City. That's where we encountered the Lady. And... I was completely defeated."
As she spoke of the Lady, Dehya's expression became exceptionally solemn. That battle had left an unforgettable impression upon her.
She had stood absolutely no chance.
The Lady had toyed with her throughout the entire fight.
It had been the first time Dehya had ever faced such a terrifying opponent.
An utterly overwhelming defeat.
Had the Lady not intentionally spared her—
She would already be dead.
"Nilou?"
Futsu Mitama hadn't expected Dunyarzad to become acquainted with Nilou during her rare trip outside.
Perhaps— It truly was fate.
Perhaps it was this very encounter that would one day lead to the Sabzeruz Festival, where Dunyarzad would provide the funding while Nilou danced with all her heart.
"Mhm." Dehya nodded. "She's someone you can trust."
Mistaking Futsu Mitama's reaction as concern for Dunyarzad, she quickly reassured him.
"Miss Nilou has an exceptionally kind personality. I could tell immediately. And when the young lady was talking with Miss Nilou, she wore a genuinely happy smile."
There was one thing Dehya chose not to mention.
She already knew Nilou personally.
Within Sumeru City, Nilou's reputation was nearly universal. The Akademiya's scholars remembered her because they looked down upon her dancing. Everyone else remembered her simply because her performances were breathtakingly beautiful.
Yet despite those differing opinions, there was one thing nearly everyone agreed upon.
Nilou was remarkably easy to get along with.
Any ordinary person would naturally come to like her.
"Mm."
Futsu Mitama nodded. He naturally knew about Nilou's situation, but now was not the time to dwell on it.
Turning to Faruzan, he asked,
"What are you planning to do now? Will you continue your mission? Why not travel with us instead? As long as we're together, neither Signora nor Dottore will be able to lay a finger on you."
To be honest, Futsu Mitama still felt somewhat guilty. Faruzan had nearly been abducted by the Fatui because of him and his companions.
Moreover, she had helped them tremendously—not only by assisting them in entering Sumeru City, but also by risking herself to help them out of their predicament.
For that reason, Futsu Mitama believed it would be safer if Faruzan remained within Sumeru City. At the very least, he and his companions could guarantee her safety.
"No." Faruzan shook her head, her expression resolute. "I'm going to find my junior, Tighnari. After this battle, I've come to realize something."
"The Akademiya has rotted from the inside out. The Thirty have already been compromised. The reason La Signora found me so easily was because of them. They deliberately obstructed my departure and secretly tailed me."
Her eyes burned with anger.
As the person directly involved, Faruzan naturally understood how La Signora had located her.
When she attempted to leave the city, members of the Thirty repeatedly stopped her under various pretexts, insisting that she could not leave that day.
Even after she finally managed to slip out of the city, they continued following her in secret, and their behavior was unmistakably abnormal.
After subduing several of them, Faruzan discovered that the members of the Thirty had already been manipulated through the Akasha. They had lost all independent judgment.
That realization immediately filled her with a sense of danger. She informed Nahida at once before heading toward a remote area, hoping to shake off her pursuers.
Unfortunately, she failed.
Had Nahida and Dehya not arrived in time, Signora would have captured her long before Futsu Mitama reached them.
"Are you certain?"
Futsu Mitama still wasn't completely reassured. Signora was like a venomous serpent lurking in the shadows.
She knew full well that Futsu Mitama intended to kill her. That was precisely why she had disappeared. He didn't believe she would simply abandon Sumeru City and leave.
After all, Dottore knew that the Anemo Gnosis was in Futsu Mitama's possession. As long as he revealed that information to Signora, she would continue carrying out his orders without hesitation.
After all, hadn't she gone to such great lengths in Mondstadt for Venti's Anemo Gnosis?
Now that her raw strength was no longer enough, deception and underhanded tactics had become her greatest weapons.
The Dottore whom Futsu Mitama had killed had most likely intended exactly this—to leave Signora hidden in the darkness as a venomous snake, waiting patiently for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Given Signora's cunning, if such an opportunity truly appeared, she might actually succeed in causing Futsu Mitama considerable trouble.
"I'm certain." Faruzan nodded firmly.
She now understood just how deeply the Akademiya had decayed. This information had to be spread to the scholars outside.
Even if it cost her life, she would never hesitate.
The Akademiya founded by Maha Rukkhadevata could not be allowed to fall into the hands of such people.
She was a senior scholar. As a senior, these responsibilities belonged to her. Besides—
In this era, there was no one left whom she truly knew.
If that was the case...why shouldn't she dedicate her life to protecting the Akademiya's future?
That was what Faruzan believed.
"Hmm..."
Futsu Mitama fell silent for a moment before turning toward Kuki Shinobu.
"Shinobu, could I trouble you with something?"
"You want me to protect her?" Kuki Shinobu had traveled with Futsu Mitama long enough to immediately understand his intentions.
She nodded calmly.
"Not a problem. Even if I run into Signora, I have ways to hold her back. You'll just have to come quickly."
Among the group, Kuki Shinobu wasn't considered one of the strongest fighters.
However, when it came to defense, escape, and survival, even Yae Miko had praised her talent, remarking that Shinobu was becoming more and more like herself. After all, Yae Miko had always excelled at preserving her own life.
"Eh?"
Faruzan blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected Futsu Mitama to assign someone specifically to protect her.
"There's really no need. I'll be traveling alone—"
"Oh, don't refuse!" Dehya interrupted before she could finish. "Aren't you planning to inform the scholars outside Sumeru about everything that's happened?"
"This mission is too important. If you fail to deliver that information, everyone outside will remain completely in the dark."
Kuki Shinobu also nodded.
"With me accompanying you, you'll reach Gandharva Ville and meet Tighnari much faster. And if we happen to encounter Signora... I'll make sure she doesn't lay a hand on you."
A peculiar glimmer flashed across Shinobu's eyes as she mentioned Signora.
She had wanted to fight Signora for quite some time. Back then, Signora had even pursued her, although her true targets had been Futsu Mitama and Aila.
How different things were now.
Neither Futsu Mitama nor Aila was someone Signora could defeat anymore.
Among everyone present, Shinobu was probably the only one Signora still stood a reasonable chance of overcoming.
Even so—
Shinobu wanted to test herself.
Back then, she hadn't been able to do anything. Now, she wanted to find out whether she could at least make Signora bleed.
"Alright."
At this point, Faruzan could no longer refuse. Nor did she have any reason to. She looked at Kuki Shinobu sincerely.
"Then I'll leave myself in your care. However, I'll pay you according to the highest guardian's rate. I hope you won't refuse. Please consider it my sincere gratitude."
Kuki Shinobu simply nodded. She had no reason to refuse free Mora.
With that settled, Faruzan and Kuki Shinobu departed together for Gandharva Ville.
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama and the others returned to Sumeru City.
Along the way, Dehya remained unusually quiet. She was still reflecting on her battle with Signora. As a warrior, she had learned a great deal from that crushing defeat.
Naturally, she had much to think about.
Futsu Mitama and the others were also relatively silent on the road.
However, the Chat Group was livelier than ever.
"Futsu Mitama: The situation has been temporarily resolved. Faruzan and Shinobu have headed to Gandharva Ville to meet Tighnari. How are things on your end?"
"Guizhong: It's a shame we didn't catch Signora. That woman is truly infuriating."
"Azhdaha: That's only natural. If she dared appear before Futsu Mitama, it would become her death anniversary."
"Kuki Shinobu: Honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing whether I run into Signora."
"Guizhong: That cunning woman probably won't appear before any of you again."
"Eula: Why do you say that? Shouldn't she still try to capture Faruzan and use her to threaten Futsu Mitama?"
"Albedo: The chances are rather low."
"Zhongli: Indeed. The possibility is quite small. Though if she actually attempted it, it would certainly become troublesome."
"Paimon: Huh? Why are the chances low? Paimon doesn't understand."
"Raiden Makoto: The reason is simple. Once her first attempt at taking Faruzan hostage failed, any intelligent person would abandon the idea of trying again. The second attempt would inevitably be anticipated. At that point, she'd likely be walking straight into a trap."
"Yae Miko: Besides, Signora isn't a fool. Everything was perfectly clear during the live broadcast. She had already captured both Dehya and Faruzan So why didn't she take them away... or simply kill one of them?"
"Shenhe: Why?"
"Klee: Klee doesn't know!"
"Yae Miko: Hehe~ Because... she's afraid."
"Keqing: Afraid of provoking Futsu Mitama and the others. If either Dehya or Faruzan had died, the balance would have been completely shattered."
"Aila: Knowing Young Master's personality—if either of them had been killed, the Fatui would certainly have paid a dreadful price."
"Kamisato Ayaka: Mm. That fits Futsu Mitama perfectly. Back then, he was forced into open retaliation because of the Kanjou Commission's threats."
"Raiden Makoto: Hahaha! That feels like such a long time ago. Thinking back to Inazuma then... I really do want to revive quickly just so I can give Ei a proper lecture."
"Raiden Ei: Eh? Sister?"
"Bosacius: That entity known as Dottore has no intention of fighting. The live broadcast made that much perfectly clear. Or rather... he intends to wait until his experiment is complete before making his move."
"Azhdaha: Hm? Bosacius, you actually joined the conversation?"
"Guizhong: Rare! You finally decided to speak!"
"Bosacius: I've actually been watching the Chat Group this whole time. I simply never knew what to say."
"Futsu Mitama: That's only natural. Compared to trivial matters like destroying Sumeru City, Dottore values his experiments far more. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stationed so many of his slices in Sumeru."
"Nahida: After today, Azar and the others will probably devote all their efforts to the God Creation Project."
"Cyno: I'm returning from the Desert immediately."
"Nahida: @Cyno, there's no need. The Akademiya is indeed operating in the Desert, so your direction of investigation was correct. The only problem was that every one of your movements was being monitored through the Akasha. That's why you found nothing."
"Cyno: ..."
"Maha Rukkhadevata: Nahida, are you able to control the Akasha now?"
"Nahida: I don't possess the main authority yet. But interfering with it won't be a problem."
"Maha Rukkhadevata: If you can interfere, that's enough. Go for it. I believe in you."
"Nahida: Mm. Thank you for believing in me."
"Futsu Mitama: By the way, Nahida... have you signed in yet?"
"Nahida: Not yet. Though I've already looked over the feature."
"Guizhong: Sign in! Sign in!!!"
"Raiden Makoto: Is it finally time for the exciting first sign-in?"
"Zhongli: Don't put too much pressure on yourself. The probability of obtaining an item from the daily sign-in is extremely low."
"Yae Miko: That's right. I've never gotten anything."
"Shenhe: Neither have I."
"Eula: Same here. It's experience points every single day."
"Maha Rukkhadevata: Sigh... I wish I could receive an item as well. If only there were something capable of eliminating forbidden knowledge... That would truly be wonderful."
"Nahida: None of you received anything... Can I really obtain an item?"
"Aila: Young Master said that first-time sign-ins have a much higher chance of rewarding an item. You should give it a try."
"Azhdaha: Exactly. You've got nothing to lose."
"Venti: That's right Go ahead and try Who knows? Maybe you'll create a miracle! Good wine!"
"Eula: Sigh~ Lord Barbatos, drinking all day isn't good for your health."
"Raiden Ei: There's no point trying to persuade him. The Anemo Archon has always been like this."
"Klee: Go for it!!! Klee believes in you!!!!"
"Kamisato Ayaka: First-time sign-ins really do have a high chance of rewarding items. Back then, Shinobu, Lord Guizhong, Klee-chan, and I all received one."
"Sangonomiya Kokomi: Even if you don't get anything this time, that's alright. Maybe your luck will come later."
"Nahida: Everyone..."
"Futsu Mitama: Did you sign in?"
"Nahida: Mm... I think... I actually received something?"
"Venti: Ah?! You're serious?!"
"Raiden Makoto: What is it?!"
"Azhdaha: Is it another Special Husk Doll?"
"Zhongli: What did you get?"
"Raiden Ei: Is it an item that can revive the dead?"
"Maha Rukkhadevata: I am happy for you"
"Cyno: As expected of Lesser Lord Kusanali!"
"Aila: Check the item's description. Every item comes with one."
"Nahida: ..."
"Futsu Mitama: What's wrong?"
"Albedo: What happened? Is the item's effect good... or bad?"
"Nahida: I think I might finally be able to leave my cage."
Within the Sanctuary of Surasthana, Nahida sat quietly inside her prison.
In her hands rested a slender scepter fashioned from an immaculate white branch, its tip adorned with a flawless crystal that glowed with a soft, sacred radiance.
A strange brilliance shimmered in Nahida's emerald eyes.
She had finally seen the item's name.
Teleportation Scepter.
Its description was remarkably simple.
It allowed its owner to teleport freely to any desired location.
In other words— it could take her out of this prison.
"Is... this really an item?"
Nahida unconsciously tightened her grip around the white scepter. Only now did she truly understand why everyone in the Chat Group had been urging her to perform her first sign-in.
This was no ordinary reward.
This... could free her from the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
As the Dendro Archon, Nahida could perceive far more than an ordinary person. The moment she held the Teleportation Scepter, she sensed an unfathomable power sleeping within it.
This was not merely a magical tool capable of teleportation.
It carried traces of an Authority.
A law governing space itself.
An Authority that even she, an Archon, found difficult to fully comprehend.
It felt as though—it had been created by another Archon.
Could it be—Spatial Authority?
Nahida lowered her gaze to the pure white crystal at the tip of the scepter, countless thoughts flashing through her mind.
Or perhaps—Had this been created by that one?
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