Atop Mt. Aocang, the golden giant dragon regarded the Raiden Shogun with unruffled calm. He was Morax—the Eternal Guardian of Liyue, who had stood watch over the land for countless millennia. As the oldest and most formidable among The Seven, his mere presence was enough to anchor the nation. So long as Morax remained, Liyue would never descend into chaos.
When Morax appeared, the Raiden Shogun halted as well. She faced the ancient Geo Archon without a trace of fear, for she had not come seeking battle.
"Should I address you as Baal, Beelzebub… or the Raiden Shogun?" Morax spoke, his tone steady, as though confirming a long-held understanding.
The Raiden Shogun inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Call me the Shogun. This body was born to safeguard eternity. The names Baal and Beelzebub bear no relevance to it."
"This, too, is Beelzebub's will—and I honor that will."
Her meaning was unmistakable. She was neither Baal nor Beelzebub, but the Raiden Shogun alone—a being created to uphold Inazuma's eternity. That had been Raiden Ei's purpose when she forged this body.
"Then," Morax continued, his gaze subtly shifting aside as though observing something unseen, "what brings you to Liyue?"
"I came for Futsu Mitama." The Raiden Shogun did not notice Morax's momentary glance. Her eyes lowered to the figure below. "He is Inazuma's future Eternal Guardian. I am here to guide him. Though you may consider this excessive, this is also Beelzebub's will. He is of great importance—he possesses both the qualification and the potential to inherit 'this body.'"
The weight she placed upon Futsu Mitama surprised Morax.
He was aware that the Group Leader possessed respectable strength, yet for both the Raiden Shogun and Beelzebub to value him so highly—high enough to warrant weekly personal guidance—was beyond expectation.
This, in turn, reminded him of something else.
Within the Chat Group, Raiden Makoto had warned Azhdaha more than once not to set his sights on Futsu Mitama—he belonged to Inazuma. She had even proposed formalizing the matter with a contract. Under Raiden Makoto's insistence, Azhdaha had refused outright, insisting that contracts should never be entered lightly.
In truth, Azhdaha likely had his own interest in Futsu Mitama. Having joined the group late, he knew little of what had occurred in the past—what had driven both Beelzebub and the Raiden Shogun to value the young man so deeply.
Yet now, it was clear that this regard was not limited to Inazuma alone. Futsu Mitama seemed to harbor a potential even Morax could not certain yet.
"Morax?" Seeing him fall silent, the Raiden Shogun spoke again. "May I descend and guide Futsu Mitama? I require only a few hours. Once finished, I will return to Inazuma. It will not take long. I merely wish to see how much stronger he has become during this time."
Morax considered her words, then gave a slight nod. "You may. However, to prevent damage to Liyue's land, the battle must take place within a domain I shall create."
"Agreed." The Raiden Shogun raised no objection. Within another nation's borders, adherence to its laws was mandatory—this, too, was etched into her design.
While the two Archons spoke, Futsu Mitama continued streaming to the group, watching the exchange unfold above. Those within the Chat Group bore witness to a moment that would one day be etched into history.
[ Kuki Shinobu: "It looks like nothing happened. They didn't fight—Thank goodness. I really thought I was about to die." ]
[ Kamisato Ayaka: "So this is the Geo Archon—the oldest of The Seven. I can't believe I'm seeing him with my own eyes." ]
[ Sangonomiya Kokomi: "I'm so envious~ No—once the Resistance matters are settled, I want to travel across the nations with Futsu Mitama too." ]
[ Albedo: "Traveling with the Group Leader requires exceptional composure. After all, upon arriving in Liyue, he encountered a Primo Geovishap of that level." ]
[ Albedo: "He has met the Qixing, fought a Fatui Harbinger, and now stands before the Adeptus—and Morax himself." ]
[ Raiden Makoto: "Morax—it has been a long time. Even after all these years, he still protects Liyue. And yet, I exist now only as a remnant consciousness, barely sustained." ]
[ Azhdaha: "Hahahahah—much the same here. Erosion drove me to attack the people of Liyue. If not for my body instinctively rushing toward The Chasm, allowing Morax to seal me at the final moment. I fear that I, the founder of Liyue, am about to become Liyue's sinner" ]
[ Azhdaha: "But… Morax, it has been a long time. Even if you have yet to join the Chat Group—still… hm? Wait!" ]
[Azhdaha: "@Futsu Mitama, hurry! Try it—see if you can pull Morax in!" ]
[Yae Miko: "This… this isn't right. Why would we suddenly pull Morax in?!" ]
[Raiden Makoto: "I object!" ]
[Azhdaha: "Objection overruled!" ]
[Raiden Makoto: "What?! I haven't even pulled my own sister in yet! That's far too shameless!" ]
[Azhdaha: "Shameless? The only reason you haven't pulled her in is because Beelzebub's current condition isn't suitable. Dragging her in now would only cause more harm than good." ]
[Futsu Mitama: "I'll give it a try." ]
At that moment, high above, Morax felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding.
'Could it be…that he was about to be exposed by the Group Leader?'
After all, if the invitation list included the Raiden Shogun and the others—but not him—would that not be rather awkward? Just as Morax suspected his concealment was on the verge of unraveling—
Futsu Mitama indeed opened the invitation interface, attempting to see whether "Morax" could be summoned. After all, the one previously drawn in was Zhongli. What did that have to do with Morax?
Centered around Futsu Mitama, a series of selectable avatars appeared: Shenhe, Cloud Retainer, the Raiden Shogun, Raiden Ei, unnamed commoners, and more. Yet "Morax" was conspicuously absent.
It seemed that once Zhongli had entered the Chat Group, "Morax" could no longer be invited.
After confirming this impossibility, Futsu Mitama returned to the Chat Group and relayed the outcome to Azhdaha with some regret.
[Futsu Mitama: "Sorry. I'm not close enough. I can't pull the Geo Archon into the group at all." ]
[Azhdaha: "That's fine. I estimate Morax will descend soon enough. You can pull him in then." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "I can already picture Azhdaha and Morax greeting each other warmly in the future. Truly something worth celebrating." ]
[Yae Miko: "And yet… for some reason, there's a faint sense of displeasure in my heart. After all, Ei hasn't even joined the Chat Group yet." ]
[Azhdaha: "Hahahahaha! I can't help it. I thought I'd only be able to pull Morax in at the Rite of Descension—but I never expected him to appear so soon." ]
[Azhdaha: "Mm. In that regard, I should thank the Raiden Shogun. She's done well." ]
[Zhongli: "Congratulations. Truly." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "I remain unconvinced. The Resistance must grow stronger—far more quickly." ]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Impossible. Absolutely impossible. The Resistance is in a delicate phase—new recruits are still training, and veterans are testing newly acquired armaments." ]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Even if we push our limits, it would take at least half a year!" ]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Poor Kokomi…Guuji Yae and the Raiden Makoto-sama are already growing impatient." ]
[Albedo: "I understand the sentiment. If possible, I would also like to pull Sucrose into the Chat Group. With her assistance, many matters would become far more convenient." ]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Enough chatter—look. The Raiden Shogun is descending." ]
Outside, the Raiden Shogun slowly stepped down from the sky, descending one measured step at a time.
Upon sensing Lord Rex Lapis's presence, Shenhe quietly lowered her spear. She understood that the figure before her was no enemy—but the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma herself. Though she could not comprehend why Inazuma's Archon would suddenly appear in Liyue—
Her gaze drifted subtly toward Futsu Mitama.
'It is likely because of him.'
And yet, the situation felt utterly unreal. How could a god leave her protected domain to cross into another nation—simply to seek out her retainer?
"Futsu Mitama."
The Raiden Shogun approached the three of them, her voice calm as ever. She was about to speak—
When, from a nearby cave, a crane's head suddenly emerged.
"Raiden Shogun's retainer, I have something to—"
"!!!!!!!!!!"
In that instant, Cloud Retainer felt an overwhelming pressure descend upon her.
'What…was she seeing?'
The Raiden Shogun of Inazuma stood outside her cave—and this was no illusion. With countless years of experience, Cloud Retainer recognized her immediately. Only one being could exert such presence.
One of The Seven.
As she stared, her senses caught something else. Cloud Retainer raised her gaze skyward and exclaimed—
"Lord Rex Lapis?!"
Her thoughts froze. She had returned to her abode only moments ago—yet in that short span, two Archons had arrived? What in the world had transpired? Had she missed something monumental?
"Cloud Retainer."
From above, Morax regarded his old friend calmly. He could clearly sense her shock and confusion. Truth be told, even he had not anticipated events unfolding to this extent. Yet in a way, so long as he remained aloft, he would not be dragged into the Chat Group by the Group Leader.
Thus, Morax had already resolved himself: he would not descend. As Lord Rex Lapis, there was no need for him to personally converse with the Raiden Shogun's retainer. Upon hearing his call, Cloud Retainer flapped her wings and ascended. Casting a glance at the Raiden Shogun below, who stood before Futsu Mitama, she lowered her voice.
"Lord Rex Lapis… what is happening? Why has the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma come to Liyue? Is this person not her retainer? Did she somehow seize the Shogun's authority by force? That cannot be…"
"I sense no malice, and his strength does not appear overwhelming. He seems rather weak—Shenhe could defeat her."
Cloud Retainer was utterly perplexed.
The Seven Archons rarely met after their initial gathering. Even when they did, it was by prior arrangement—never like this. This was unprecedented across all of Teyvat.
"There is no need to overthink it," Morax replied, his voice calm yet imbued with authority. "The Raiden Shogun is merely visiting. She will offer guidance to her retainer and depart once finished. And that maid—how fares her condition? You should have perceived something."
Cloud Retainer's expression grew solemn. She nodded.
"The situation is more troublesome than expected, Lord Rex Lapis. Are we certain we should intervene? The one responsible is unlikely to be weak. It may be the work of Abyssal scoundrels—or those who have grasped fragments of Forbidden Knowledge."
"While I am confident I can restore her, is it truly worth the cost?"
She asked him plainly. For the talisman of everlasting morality Aila presented was not an old relic—it had been personally crafted by Lord Rex Lapis himself, recently. Others might fail to discern it, but Cloud Retainer knew. The Adeptus power within it was abundant and fresh. It had been made specifically for this girl.
"She is from Liyue," Morax said calmly.
"Eight years ago, a couple sought the Adeptus with a talisman of everlasting morality, searching for their missing daughter. The contract went unfulfilled. Five years ago, an Inazuman youth found an amnesiac girl on a snowy night."
"Perhaps fate intervened—guiding the lost child back to Liyue Harbor. Thus, I sent someone to grant her the talisman and lead her to you."
Understanding dawned upon Cloud Retainer's face.
"No wonder you crafted it yourself, Lord Rex Lapis…so that is the truth. In that case, I have no reservations. Mountain Shaper was searching everywhere for this child—he even entrusted me to create contraptions to aid him."
This matter was well known among the Adeptus. Mountain Shaper had accepted the couple's plea, yet after half a month, even he had failed. The captor was no ordinary being. Now, after so many years, she had returned.
"Fate…" Cloud Retainer murmured.
Since the girl was Liyuean—and bound by an old contract—Cloud Retainer resolved to help her without hesitation. And since Lord Rex Lapis had entrusted her with the task, she would see it done perfectly. Still, she hesitated, glancing down.
Mt. Aocang was her domain. To neglect the Raiden Shogun would be discourteous.
"Leave this to me," Morax said. "Attend to your task. I will remain here. Whatever occurs, I can handle it."
Reassured, Cloud Retainer turned to depart—
"Wait!"
Futsu Mitama called out. "True Lord—what were you about to tell me earlier?"
"Nothing of consequence," Cloud Retainer replied calmly, glancing at the Raiden Shogun. "Only that the young girl's condition is precarious. After recovery, her appearance and temperament may change slightly. I meant to warn you—but did not expect to witness this instead."
She departed without another word.
"Are you finished?" The Raiden Shogun regarded Futsu Mitama patiently. "You have grown stronger. It seems you have not squandered these seven days."
Her keen gaze missed nothing. This pleased her greatly. She had feared he might misuse the Authority—but now, those concerns were dispelled.
"Yes. Thank you for your concern," Futsu Mitama replied respectfully. Not out of reverence—
But fear.
For even in legends, such a meeting between Archons was unheard of. And yet, the Raiden Shogun had crossed nations in mere minutes—for him alone.
Such resolve was—terrifying.
There was no helping it—the power wielded by gods was, indeed, terrifying. Once deities clashed upon their own land, regardless of victory or defeat, the consequences alone were enough to reshape mountains and seas. After all, Musoujin Gorge in Inazuma and Liyue's Guyun Stone Forest were not mere legends.
"..."
Hearing Futsu Mitama's words, the Raiden Shogun gave a faint nod, her expression unchanged. She lifted her gaze toward the golden dragon coiled high above and spoke evenly:
"Very well. Create the arena, Morax."
"Understood."
The moment his voice fell, six colossal Geo Pillars descended from the heavens, landing around Futsu Mitama and the Raiden Shogun with thunderous precision.
A gentle yet irresistible force pushed Shenhe and Kuki Shinobu aside.
From the pillars, warm Geo energy spread outward, weaving together into an earthen barrier of muted gold that sealed the two combatants within.
"Then," the Raiden Shogun said softly, a faint glow of violet lightning igniting within her eyes, "let us begin. Show me what you have learned in Liyue."
As her words faded, Musou Isshin manifested in her grasp, arcs of purple lightning dancing along its blade.
"Huh?!"
Kuki Shinobu and Shenhe's eyes widened simultaneously. This was supposed to be a spar—yet the Raiden Shogun had drawn her weapon and invoked elemental power?!
But Futsu Mitama remained composed.
Though Raiden Ei and the Raiden Shogun were alike, their methods differed. When Ei guided him, she demanded he unleash everything—his own strength and the Authority of the Electro Archon alike.
'If one does not wield all the power at their disposal' she had said, 'how can one surpass oneself?'
The Raiden Shogun, however, believed that only strength earned by one's own hands could be trusted. Should the Authority fail him one day, and he faced a foe stronger than himself, that would be nothing short of a death sentence. Her use of elemental power was deliberate—to engrave pain into memory, so that his body would never forget where it had been struck.
"I'm coming!"
Futsu Mitama manifested Musou Isshin in response. Chakra Desiderata flared to life, and he charged forward without hesitation.
"Clang—!"
The clash erupted. Calling it a battle would be generous.
It was a crushing, one-sided assault.
Though Futsu Mitama had grown stronger through relentless nightly torment, he was still utterly outmatched. He could barely parry, forced into constant retreat beneath the Raiden Shogun's unrelenting pressure.
No counterattack found its mark.
The disparity was simple—while he had improved, the Raiden Shogun had never once fought in earnest.
Hours passed.
Within the arena shaped by Morax himself, Futsu Mitama finally staggered, breathing heavily, his strength spent.
"Not bad."
The Raiden Shogun did not sheath Musou Isshin. She regarded him calmly.
"You are stronger than before. Frankly, this exceeds my expectations. At your level, most mortals slow their progress—relying on external aids, or refining themselves only through the passage of time."
"But you continue to advance."
Her surprise was genuine. Originally, she had doubted Ei's decision to send him out in search of materials for a companion weapon. Now, however, she saw the necessity. At his current pace, it would not be long before elemental weaponization ceased to be a boon—and instead became a burden.
Of course, to gods, not long meant years.
Companion weapons were not forged lightly. Three or four failures would be considered normal.
"You flatter me," Futsu Mitama replied, steadying his breath. "Shogun-sama, there is one more move I wish for you to guide."
Despite the instinctive fear she inspired, he knew this opportunity was rare. No one understood Musou no Hitotachi better than her. The strike he had used against the Primo Geovishap earlier was born from countless defeats—his body had learned it through pain, not theory.
"Hm?"
The Raiden Shogun paused. She had already intended to conclude the session. Futsu Mitama had clearly reached his limit; his progress was evident. And she needed to return to Inazuma soon—Yae Miko could not be left unattended for long.
Still, seeing his resolve, she nodded.
"Come. Show me."
She remained poised, Musou Isshin still in hand, her gaze focused.
Outside the barrier, Shenhe and Kuki Shinobu watched in silence. Even Shenhe understood what it meant—to spar with the Raiden Shogun. Such a sight was rarer than legends.
"It's nearly over," Kuki Shinobu murmured.
Shenhe nodded, glancing toward the darkening sky—and then toward Cloud Retainer's abode. A flicker of concern crossed her eyes. Her master had never taken so long to treat anyone before.
"Wait," Kuki Shinobu said suddenly. "Something's wrong—he's raising his weapon again."
"He's asking for assessment," Shenhe replied calmly. "That's natural."
Above, Morax watched with quiet interest. 'Is he refining his martial arts?'
He remained aloft, resolute in not descending.
Within the arena, Futsu Mitama drew several steady breaths. Purple lightning crackled around him as Chakra Desiderata shone brilliantly.
"Excellent recovery," the Raiden Shogun observed.
"Shogun-sama" Futsu Mitama said, gripping Musou Isshin tightly, his voice resolute. "Please watch carefully."
In the next instant, he moved. Lightning exploded outward as his blade descended.
No thought.
No hesitation.
Musou no Hitotachi.
Violet light drowned the world.
The pressure surged toward the Raiden Shogun—but she ignored it entirely. The gap between them was absolute.
Yet—
Her eyes widened.
"This?"
She did not counter. Instead, she reached out and caught the blade barehanded.
A strike that had grievously wounded a Primo Geovishap—halted effortlessly. Even without the Authority, this blow rivaled Ei's charged strike.
And yet, it was stopped.
The Raiden Shogun was silent, staring at him.
"Shogun-sama?" Futsu Mitama asked carefully. "How was it?"
"I learned it after witnessing you strike down Scaramouche and the Fatui Harbinger."
A shameless lie—but the only viable one.
"Very good." Her shock faded, replaced by composure. "This technique is excellent—but impure."
"To refine it further, you must deepen your martial foundation. Were you in Inazuma, I would confine you to Tenshukaku until you achieved minor mastery."
She glanced skyward. But this was Liyue.
Thus, she continued, "Seven days from now, I will return."
"Until then, temper your martial arts. This strike is not singular—it is the culmination of countless techniques, forged through endless refinement. And your heart remains restless. Calm your mind."
She paused, then shook her head.
"That is enough."
"I will see your progress in seven days."
Perhaps realizing that she had already said enough—and that further words might instead become a burden—the Raiden Shogun chose to remain silent.
In the next moment, her gaze lifted toward Morax in the sky.
Morax understood at once. With a mere thought, the stone pillars enclosing Futsu Mitama and the Raiden Shogun dissolved into countless motes of golden light, dispersing quietly into the air.
"Then I shall take my leave," the Raiden Shogun said calmly. "I hope that when we meet again, your strength will have advanced further."
With those words, she rose into the sky, her figure ascending in a streak of violet light as she joined Morax above. Before returning to Inazuma, she intended to exchange a few more words with the Geo Archon.
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