Time returned to the present.
Lynn briefly explained to Aveline how his abilities differed from a Vision.
Aveline clicked her tongue in amazement.
"So basically, you now hold authority comparable to the Pyro Archon… making you another Pyro Archon?"
"Uh…"
Lynn paused.
That wasn't exactly how he had explained it. Aveline's understanding was a bit off.
But thinking about it more carefully… in some sense, she wasn't wrong.
It was well known that every Pyro Archon of Natlan had been human. The succession method involved competing in the Sacred Flame Arena, where the strongest would inherit the throne and obtain the portion of Pyro Authority tied to the divine seat.
Lynn was also human, and he now held half of the Pyro Authority.
Round it off a little, and how could he not count as another Pyro Archon?
So he simply smiled.
"Then Marani and the others will be thrilled."
Aveline laughed as well.
In most nations, something like the authority of a ruling god no longer being unique would undoubtedly cause concern.
But Natlan was different.
Their war with the Abyss had lasted for centuries, even millennia. The people of Natlan wanted nothing more than greater strength—enough to push back the Abyss entirely.
What? You're worried that divided divine authority might cause problems?
That's a problem for later.
But as he smiled, a trace of regret and reluctance flickered in Lynn's eyes as he looked in the direction of Natlan.
'It's a shame… I still can't go back yet.'
He hadn't forgotten the real reason he left Natlan.
Running out of phlogiston had only been an excuse.
No matter how isolated Natlan was, it was still one of the Seven Nations. Over the past year, Lynn had built quite a foothold there. Acquiring Primordial Seawater through Natlan's channels wouldn't have been impossible—it would just have taken time.
But precisely because he had done so well…
The Abyss had taken notice of him.
Thinking back on that past year, Lynn's expression grew distant.
He hadn't even intended to go to Natlan.
Playing the game was one thing—but actually living there? Who would willingly choose a place where Abyss gates could appear anytime, anywhere?
But he hadn't had a choice.
After a shipwreck, he had been rescued by members of the Flower-Feather Tribe. He couldn't exactly resent them for saving his life.
That was just who Lynn was.
He believed in repaying kindness and settling grievances clearly. He wouldn't treat his survival as something owed to him, even if his bad luck had put him in danger to begin with.
And they had treated him with genuine goodwill—healed him without asking for anything in return, simply wishing to form a connection.
What else could he do?
If it had been Mondstadt or Liyue, he would have gone straight to the higher-ups and shared everything he knew—the story, the future, the hidden truths.
Even in Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, or Nod-Krai, he could have selectively revealed certain information.
It wasn't about personal gain.
If someone treated him sincerely, he wanted to help them become better.
As for himself, he had a ability. His current struggles were temporary. He didn't need to cling to such information as leverage.
But Natlan was different.
The Abyss had already infiltrated even the Night Kingdom—the realm of souls. Information could leak through countless channels.
If he spoke, the worst-case scenario was that the Abyss would know immediately.
And if that triggered the final war ahead of time?
Natlan, as it was now, lacked the Six Heroes and key figures like Dumeny. How could they possibly win?
In Natlan, knowing the future meant nothing.
Only strength mattered.
So Lynn focused on building instead—improving infrastructure, easing the strain of constant war, and strengthening logistics to support Natlan's resistance against the Abyss.
With his foresight, making money was easy. Combined with his unique abilities, it didn't take long for him to attract the attention of Natlan's leadership.
Everything began with goodwill, and he returned that goodwill.
The attention he received came with the same sincerity.
Step by step, his ventures expanded. His influence grew. His status in Natlan rose higher and higher.
That was how he came to know Marani and the others.
And how he met Aveline.
But all of it came to an abrupt halt not long ago.
The Abyss had targeted him.
They seized an opportunity and unleashed a wave of Abyssal monsters near him, intending to eliminate him.
It wasn't surprising.
War was fought on logistics.
On the surface, Lynn was merely improving livelihoods. In reality, he was strengthening Natlan's ability to resist the Abyss.
Of course they would target him.
He didn't even suspect it was his bad luck acting up.
He had been building his operations for nearly a year. Even excluding the early stages, it had been close to six months.
If anything, the Abyss had acted slowly.
But it was enough to make him realize—
It was time to leave.
Not out of fear.
He believed Natlan could protect him. After all, he had become important enough that Mavuika herself had arranged a residence for him—right near the central authority, even close to her own quarters. Security was as tight as it could get.
Perhaps Liyue Harbor would have been safer overall.
But what about the journey there?
This was Teyvat. The situation spoke for itself.
He left for another reason.
He didn't want his friends in Natlan to suffer unnecessary sacrifices for his sake.
Perhaps… that, too, was a kind of arrogance born from foresight.