A few days before the festival, Idris deliberately stayed behind in Sumeru to finish all pending matters.
Though the nation was now stable and prosperous, there were still two issues that required his personal attention.
The first came from Alhaitham.
The second—
A message from deep within the desert, sent by the sealed Grass Dragon King, Apep.
According to the message, Apep's strength had largely recovered. She was ready to fight Idris at any time.
If Idris won, she would willingly become his mount and submit to his command.
Before heading to Liyue for the Lantern Rite, Idris decided to settle both matters properly.
After all—
you couldn't celebrate the New Year with loose ends hanging.
Sumeru — Beneath the Sanctuary of Surasthana
Inside the underground factory beneath the Sanctuary of Surasthana, Alhaitham greeted Idris with a respectful clasp of his fists.
"Greetings, Grand Sage."
"I heard the firearms are finished. How did it go?" Idris asked.
Alhaitham nodded calmly.
"Very smoothly. The blueprints provided by Fontaine were extremely complete."
"We can't replicate Fontaine's Pneuma–Ousia energy system, but we replaced it with conventional gunpowder."
"While individual shots lack overwhelming power, the advantage lies in sustained fire. The suppression effect is excellent."
As he spoke, Alhaitham picked up a rifle and handed it over.
The design vaguely resembled a QBZ-95—
unsurprising, since Idris had provided the reference schematics himself.
After examining it, Idris nodded.
"Low single-shot power isn't a flaw."
"You can develop anti-materiel sniper rifles—large caliber, heavy structure. Their destructive power might exceed even Vision wielders."
"Or shoulder-mounted rocket launchers."
"If firearms are tools, then variety matters. A force armed with only one type will always be limited."
"Our funds and time are abundant. Experiment boldly."
After all, Fontaine's money was funding research based on Fontaine's own schematics.
Morally questionable?
Maybe.
But as long as Sumeru benefited, Idris didn't care.
Alhaitham accepted the advice without argument.
"Have you conducted real combat tests?" Idris asked.
"I mean actual battlefield simulations."
"Not yet," Alhaitham replied.
"We only collected preliminary data with the Royal Guard."
Idris nodded.
"Then issue live-fire trials. One hundred firearms. Plenty of ammunition."
"Test them against monsters—not beasts or wildlife."
He paused briefly, then added inwardly—
Having monsters really was convenient.
Endless training targets that never protested.
Perfect.
Alhaitham acknowledged the order and moved on.
"What about the super-scale floating battleship?" Idris asked.
"How's progress on the design?"
Alhaitham exhaled slowly.
"We're confident we can eventually outperform Fontaine's factories."
"But a vessel of this scale requires time."
"I'm not rushing," Idris replied.
"Just make sure we finish before anyone else does."
"If you're not slacking, I'm satisfied."
Alhaitham nodded.
"We can't build the full ship yet… but we've produced a partial structure."
He led Idris deeper underground.
Before long, an enormous metallic stern section came into view.
Even incomplete, its scale was staggering.
Silver plating reflected the light coldly, radiating an unmistakable sense of dominance.
Idris studied it in silence—then smiled.
"Excellent."
"This exceeds my expectations."
"I'll assign my black-and-white avatars to assist. Speed up construction."
His clones were no longer needed for alchemy or cultivation.
Putting them to work on a floating warship was far more efficient.
"We won't disappoint you," Alhaitham replied.
The Desert
After leaving the factory, Idris returned to his office, donned his gear, picked up Nahida, and headed straight for the desert.
Before departure, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata happened to arrive.
Like a gentle, considerate wife, she adjusted Idris's collar with practiced ease and smiled.
"Dress well," she teased.
"If you look more handsome, she might submit more readily."
Idris rolled his eyes.
"What—does Apep care about looks now?"
Nahida blinked.
"She… actually is female."
"…Right."
Idris recalled her voice.
She was, indeed.
Still—
his sword didn't discriminate.
Deep within the desert, Idris arrived clad in the Golden Desert Divine Armor.
After months of adaptation—and with the Crimson King's authority imprint—he had finally mastered Geo.
The armor no longer burdened him.
It amplified him.
Only the Golden Sacred Spear still felt unfamiliar.
He preferred Frostmourne.
Setting Nahida down on a nearby dune, Idris formed seals with both hands.
The ancient seal shattered.
From beneath the sands—
A massive azure dragon rose once more.
But this time, Apep did not radiate arrogance.
Only vigilance.
"Human," she thundered,
"are you prepared to challenge me?"
Idris smiled.
"No. You're the one challenging fate—for freedom."
Apep let out a cold laugh.
"Arrogant. Among all humans I've witnessed across countless ages, you are the most insolent."
"Thank you."
Idris gestured toward her colossal form.
"So—is this your true body?"
Proudly, Apep lifted her head.
"Yes. My fully restored form."
"If you fear me, surrender now. I'll even grant you a request."
Idris calmly drew Frostmourne.
"No need."
"My only demand is this—"
"You, Dragon King, will become my mount."
"A symbol of the end of the Dragon Sovereigns' era."
"And a test of my newly acquired power."
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