Chapter 121. Three Archons Meet!
In that instant, Futsu Mitama understood Raiden Ei's intention—to seek out Zhongli and Venti.
He was not surprised.
After all, the Geo Archon appearing in Mondstadt was an exceedingly rare event. The Anemo Archon's presence in Mondstadt was commonplace—almost habitual—but the Geo Archon was another matter entirely. Raiden Ei was most likely going to catch up with them.
—Most likely.
He only hoped that the three Archons would not end up fighting.
After all, Kuki Shinobu was still within Mondstadt City.
"However, before I go."
Raiden Ei turned her gaze back toward Futsu Mitama. She gave a slight nod, acknowledging him calmly.
"You are very good. Your battle with the Shogun just now was extremely impressive."
"To be honest," she continued evenly, "even Yae Miko, residing within the Grand Narukami Shrine, would likely be unable to defeat you in your current state."
"However, Yae Miko does not walk the path of strength. She treads a different road—one not meant for confrontation, but for protection and retreat."
Raiden Ei's evaluation of Yae Miko was composed, impartial, and utterly devoid of personal sentiment.
Futsu Mitama's mouth twitched faintly. He knew well that Yae Miko's raw combat power was not particularly high. Yet she was, without question, the second strongest individual in Inazuma—openly surpassed only by the Archons themselves.
And yet, according to Raiden Ei's words, once she left the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko would be unable to defeat him?
Come to think of it, Scaramouche had once said something similar. If Yae Miko remained within the Grand Narukami Shrine, then there was nothing he could do to her.
And who was Scaramouche? He was the Sixth Fatui Harbinger. His strength was far from weak. If not for the Raiden Shogun's presence in Inazuma, given both his power and temperament, he would likely have acted with far fewer restraints.
Yae Miko herself had once said that Scaramouche had become a serious menace—and that she could not deal with him on the Raiden Shogun's behalf.
It was not that she was unwilling. It was that she truly could not. Yae Miko did not wish to fight Scaramouche to the death. Because if it truly came to that—
She would most likely lose.
"You flatter me."
Futsu Mitama inclined his head slightly toward Raiden Ei. He was fully aware that he still possessed many shortcomings. Even though his strength had stepped into the realm of the Adepti, that was all it was—strength alone.
His techniques and martial skill had yet to keep pace. There was still much he needed to learn, and far more time he needed to invest.
"Hm."
Raiden Ei nodded lightly. Her tone was earnest.
"The Shogun was correct. You have learned too many miscellaneous disciplines. To specialize in a single path can greatly amplify one's strength. The Geo Archon's legacy and the Anemo Archon Authority are both valuable," she said calmly, "but remember this—every truly strong individual walks a unique path of their own."
She paused briefly.
"Before you forge such a path for yourself—" Her gaze settled steadily on him. "…my path may be borrowed by you—for now."
Raiden Ei's voice was calm, yet beneath that composure lay an unmistakable implication. She was subtly telling Futsu Mitama to set aside both the Geo Archon's legacy and the Anemo Archon's Authority.
Those two paths were, in her eyes, ill-suited to him. Her own legacy—her own power—was far more appropriate.
"This…"
Futsu Mitama still wished to say something.
However, Raiden Ei had already drawn Musou Isshin. Her tone remained tranquil as ever.
"Before I go to catch up with them, I will first teach you the deeper mysteries of martial combat. Feel them with your body, Futsu Mitama. With your talent, you will grasp them quickly."
The moment her words fell, Raiden Ei raised Musou Isshin and struck.
"I—!"
Futsu Mitama truly wanted to say that he had already exhausted his strength.
But seeing Raiden Ei charge forward without hesitation, he could only force a helpless smile and raise his hand, condensing Musou Isshin in response.
This was not a clash of elemental power. It was the refinement of pure martial arts.
Raiden Ei did not employ lightning. She did not invoke divine authority. She simply swung Musou Isshin.
Even so, Futsu Mitama was driven steadily backward.
He understood this clearly—Even without elemental power, Raiden Ei could still overwhelm him completely. After all, Musou no Hitotachi was the pinnacle of martial transcendence.
And she was the one who had fully comprehended that singular strike. How could her martial arts possibly be weak?
Moreover, Raiden Ei had lived for thousands of years. She had witnessed countless geniuses and prodigies—each forging their own profound techniques across the span of their lives.
Now, she was sparring with Futsu Mitama, compressing that accumulated wisdom into the shortest possible span of instruction.
Futsu Mitama was utterly exhausted. Yet he had no choice but to endure in silence, forcing himself to absorb and learn every technique Raiden Ei demonstrated.
The sparring lasted half a day.
When it finally ended, Futsu Mitama collapsed onto the ground, consciousness slipping away. This was the first time he had ever been exhausted to the point of unconsciousness. Not merely physical fatigue—but mental collapse.
The myriad martial mysteries and divergent schools of technique displayed by Raiden Ei were things not recorded within Raiden Style · Martial Arts. Futsu Mitama had forcibly memorized them all, attempting to integrate them—
And then there was no "after that."
He fell.
Before losing consciousness entirely, Futsu Mitama finally understood why the Raiden Shogun had once called those techniques outdated.
Over the past five hundred years, Raiden Ei had never ceased pursuing power. Within the Plane of Euthymia, her martial understanding had continued to evolve, refined endlessly through time itself.
—
Gazing at Futsu Mitama lying unconscious upon the ground, Raiden Ei nodded faintly.
A trace of appreciation flickered within her eyes. She had seen countless beings blessed with extraordinary talent who nonetheless succumbed to laziness.
Futsu Mitama was different. He possessed both talent and diligence.
"Strive to grow," Raiden Ei said softly, "and become a guardian of eternity."
She bent down, lifting Futsu Mitama into her arms in a princess carry.
Her expectations for his future were profound. Raiden Ei knew better than anyone—With such talent, he could one day stand on equal footing with gods, even as a mortal.
In a thousand years, this was the first time she had encountered such a peculiar human. And the Geo Archon and Anemo Archon bestowing their legacy and authority upon him—
They, too, must have seen something extraordinary within him.
Holding Futsu Mitama, Raiden Ei turned her gaze toward Mondstadt City. With a slight wave of her hand, a portal of lightning unfurled before her.
She stepped into it, carrying him with her.
—
Within Mondstadt City, Kuki Shinobu was gathering Fatui intelligence. She sat quietly, holding a non-alcoholic beverage in one hand and a small notebook in the other. The notebook recorded the Fatui's movements throughout the day. As she read through the notes, her brow furrowed in contemplation.
Their behavior was strange—abnormally so.
According to her intelligence, the Fatui had been highly active prior to the Dragon Crisis, inserting themselves into numerous affairs. Yet once the Dragon Crisis began, they abruptly quieted. They remained within the hotel, or dispersed through Mondstadt merely to collect daily necessities.
"But Lady Signora is being so high-profile—Venti said it was to draw the attention of Futsu Mitama and the Knights of Favonius. But wouldn't that only benefit the Abyss Order?"
"—Or is she attempting to seize an opportunity?"
As Kuki Shinobu studied her notes, a vague conclusion formed. The Fatui likely knew that the dragon involved in the crisis was Dvalin. But their intentions remained unclear. Did they not claim to be unaffiliated with the Abyss Order? Or were they leveraging the Abyss Order's actions to indirectly accomplish their own goals?
As she pondered this—
A portal of lightning silently manifested behind her. Still lost in thought, Kuki Shinobu was startled when a female voice spoke from behind.
"You are…a miko of the Grand Narukami Shrine?"
In an instant, Kuki Shinobu's hair stood on end. She reflexively drew the tachi at her waist—then froze. Before her stood Raiden Ei, holding the unconscious Futsu Mitama.
"S-Shogun-sama?!"
Kuki Shinobu immediately knelt on one knee, sheathing her blade at once.
"How did you come here?! And what happened to Futsu Mitama?"
Her reverence toward gods was deeply ingrained. Though she could converse freely with gods within the group, standing before one in reality invoked instinctive deference.
And seeing Futsu Mitama unconscious only deepened her concern. To her knowledge, this was the first time he had ever fainted.
"He fainted," Raiden Ei replied calmly. "During training, he was exhausted. When he awakens, I will return. I will leave him in your care. I must go see an old friend."
Raiden Ei remembered Kuki Shinobu well. She had been Futsu Mitama's maid—one who had left Inazuma alongside him. She had seen her at Mt. Aocang.
The Shogun Puppet's perceptions were shared with her own.
Thus, she recalled Kuki Shinobu clearly. Whether the woman was a miko or a former miko was irrelevant. What mattered was that she could take care of Futsu Mitama. That alone was sufficient.
"Understood."
Kuki Shinobu nodded, carefully accepting Futsu Mitama into her arms. Seeing his condition, she already knew she would need to return early.
"Your talent is excellent," Raiden Ei added. "Yae Miko also seems to be heading to Mondstadt. When she arrives, I will have her teach you."
A hint of surprise flashed through Raiden Ei's eyes. Kuki Shinobu's strength had grown considerably since leaving Inazuma. The maid within the mental space had also improved significantly. Had all three of them encountered fortuitous opportunities after departing Inazuma?
"Thank you," Kuki Shinobu replied respectfully. "If Guuji Yae Miko arrives, I will study diligently."
Raiden Ei nodded. She gazed briefly toward a distant direction—
Then, in a flash of lightning, vanished.
"Wait—!"
Kuki Shinobu suddenly remembered something. Holding Futsu Mitama, she turned toward where Raiden Ei had disappeared and shouted—
"Raiden Shogun-sama! I am not a miko of the Grand Narukami Shrine!!!"
But the god had already gone. Unable to explain further, Kuki Shinobu could only carry Futsu Mitama away.
—
From a distant corner, an Electro Cicin Mage observed silently. Her legs trembled uncontrollably.
It was terrifying—utterly terrifying.
When the Raiden Shogun's gaze had swept over her earlier, she had felt certain—
Any trace of hostility would have resulted in her immediate death. Fortunately, Lady Signora's orders were clear: observe only.
At that moment, she was profoundly grateful she had obeyed. Otherwise, she would already be dead. Even as Lady Signora's personal guard, her status meant nothing before a god.
After ensuring Kuki Shinobu had fully departed, the Electro Cicin Mage leaned against a wall, taking deep breaths until the fear subsided.
Then she vanished.
—
She rushed toward the Goth Grand Hotel. The earlier sparring between General Raiden and Futsu Mitama had caused far too much disturbance. Lady Signora had grown uneasy and ordered a full investigation.
Fatui operatives poured out of the city. Elites like the Electro Cicin Mage focused on internal surveillance. She had never imagined she would uncover the presence of a god. And Futsu Mitama's condition—
She dared not dwell on it.
—
"Swish—!"
Lightning flashed as she appeared inside Lady Signora's room. Lady Signora was pacing, her expression dark. The residual pressure of the Raiden Shogun's power unsettled her. Her old wounds had yet to heal. If Raiden Shogun intended to kill her—
She would be doomed. For the first time, fear had taken root within her heart. Not of death—
But of dying before completing the Tsaritsa's plan.
Seeing the Electro Cicin Mage, Lady Signora asked calmly,
"Did you find anything?"
"Lady Signora… I—I saw—"
The mage's voice trembled as she lowered her head.
"Saw what?"
Lady Signora's premonition worsened.
"Inazuma's… Raiden Shogun. The Electro Archon."
Lady Signora staggered back two steps. Knowing she was in Mondstadt was one thing. Confirming her presence within the city was another entirely. Had she come because of this morning? Had she come…to kill her?
The thought alone was chilling.
The mage recounted everything. Futsu Mitama's unconsciousness. General Raiden's appearance. Her departure.
A contemplative glint appeared in Lady Signora's eyes.
"The battle earlier was likely sparring," the mage added. "But…now is a good opportunity. Futsu Mitama is unconscious. His aura is weakened."
She made a cutting gesture.
Lady Signora fell silent.
The losses inflicted by Futsu Mitama were undeniable.
Inazuma.
Liyue.
The Fatui had suffered greatly. Especially now—
This opportunity could change everything. Although Futsu Mitama was said to have assisted the Childe in Liyue, that relationship was reportedly transactional rather than an alliance.
There was no obligation to show him mercy.
Viewed from this angle, regardless of what had transpired earlier, Futsu Mitama was now severely injured. This was, undeniably, an excellent opportunity. If he were killed now, would it not eliminate one of the Fatui's greatest enemies in one stroke?
"Foolish."
Lady Signora's voice cut through the Electro Cicin Mage's suggestion without hesitation.
"If Futsu Mitama were killed in open battle," she said coldly, "then even if the Raiden Shogun were furious, she would have no grounds to interfere."
"But a sneak attack?" Her eyes narrowed. "If that were exposed, it would invite the unrestrained wrath of a god."
No one on the continent of Teyvat wished to bear the fury of an Archon who had emerged victorious from the Archon War.
Lady Signora was a master of rules.
She understood the leverage they provided—and more importantly, the catastrophic consequences awaiting those who trampled them carelessly. Furthermore, she could not ignore another possibility. Was Futsu Mitama truly unconscious? Or was this merely a feigned weakness?
The Electro Cicin Mage had clearly stated that before the Raiden Shogun departed, her gaze had swept over the surroundings.
If they acted rashly now, would they not be stepping directly into Futsu Mitama's trap?
Countless thoughts surged through Lady Signora's mind. Yet amid that storm of calculations, she quietly exhaled. Because one conclusion was already clear. The intelligence brought back by the Electro Cicin Mage proved one thing beyond doubt—
The Raiden Shogun had not come for her. She had come for Futsu Mitama.
That realization brought Lady Signora a subtle sense of relief. At the same time, curiosity bloomed within her. What had happened between Futsu Mitama and the Raiden Shogun? A sparring match?
But the scale of that disturbance was far too great.
Doubt. Confusion. Curiosity.
These three emotions now filled Lady Signora's heart. She needed to know the truth. Because the Raiden Shogun's sudden departure from Inazuma represented a deeply unstable variable in the plan to seize the Gnosis.
After all, the Gnosis resided with the gods. If the Raiden Shogun could leave Inazuma so freely, did that not mean her arrangements there were no longer absolute?
After a moment of contemplation, Lady Signora spoke, her tone grave and deliberate.
"The Raiden Shogun has likely already left Mondstadt. She cannot remain outside Inazuma for long. Although I do not know why she came here to discipline Futsu Mitama, that reason must be uncovered."
"Continue monitoring Futsu Mitama closely. If he makes any movement, report to me immediately. I will seek him out for negotiations at the earliest opportunity."
Lady Signora understood this well—Speculation without evidence was worthless.
She needed another chance to speak with Futsu Mitama. Even if today's encounter had been unpleasant. This time, she would present him with a piece of intelligence he could not refuse.
An exchange. Intelligence for intelligence.
The same method the Childe had used. And one she was confident would succeed.
"Yes."
The Electro Cicin Mage bowed, accepted the order, and vanished. At that moment, the Fatui within Mondstadt City began to stir.
—
Meanwhile, within Mondstadt—inside Albedo's Alchemy Workshop.
Zhongli had brewed a pot of fragrant tea. Venti, at some unknown point, had procured several cups of dandelion wine and set them upon the table.
Albedo himself was nowhere to be seen. He knew what was coming—and had chosen to leave early.
With a flash of lightning, Raiden Ei appeared. Her violet eyes settled upon Zhongli and Venti.
"Morax. Barbatos."
Her voice carried a subtle restraint. Strictly speaking, these two possessed a status even more ancient than her own.
Among The Seven Archons, generations had changed. Only the Geo Archon of Liyue and the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt had remained unchanged since the end of the Archon War.
If possible, for the sake of eternity, Raiden Ei would have preferred not to interact with them. Yet she had come nonetheless. Her purpose was clear.
Zhongli inclined his head slightly.
"Beelzebub. It has been a long time."
"Hmm~ What should I say?" Venti pretended to ponder, then lifted his dandelion wine with a grin.
"Want a drink?"
Their casual greetings failed to ease Raiden Ei's expression.
Instead, it grew more restrained.
She walked forward, took a seat, and spoke calmly.
"You both know why I am here. Let me be clear—Futsu Mitama is a talent of Inazuma. I do not know why you would bestow your inheritance and authority upon him, but this is improper."
Inazuma was suffering from a severe shortage of capable individuals—especially those able to shoulder great responsibility.
Raiden Ei was not ignorant of this. She simply chose seclusion, knowing full well it was a form of cowardice. But turtles lived long. And that, she once believed, was enough.
Most people in Inazuma did not understand eternity. Even she herself had misunderstood it—mistaking stagnation for permanence.
Until she met Futsu Mitama. From him, she learned another meaning of eternity. A perspective that felt like a door opening before her. For the first time, she understood the path she should walk. Coupled with his astonishing talent, she saw hope.
Hope for Inazuma's future.
That was why she entrusted him with the forging of the life-bond armament. Why she allowed him to leave Inazuma and witness the world. With the Electro Archon Authority upon him, other gods would show restraint for her sake.
A Retainer of the Raiden Shogun carried privilege.
Yet now—Futsu Mitama had only traveled to Liyue and Mondstadt. And he had returned with Rex Lapis's inheritance and the Anemo Archon Authority. Those facts alone spoke volumes.
Raiden Ei stared at Morax and Barbatos.
Were they trying to take him from her?
Absurd.
Did their nations lack capable people?
Inazuma, of all places, could not afford such losses.
"Do not misunderstand," Zhongli said calmly. "I gave him my inheritance only because I require his help in the future."
"Yes, yes!" Venti nodded eagerly. "I need him to help resolve Dvalin's matter. That's why I gave him the Anemo Archon Authority. If I wish to reclaim it, I can. And if anything happens to him, I can intervene."
Their explanations eased Raiden Ei's suspicion.
Morax was the God of Contracts.
Barbatos, though carefree, had never been deceitful in such matters.
After a moment, Raiden Ei retrieved a skewer of tricolor dango from the Plane of Euthymia and took a bite.
Now, three gods sat together in Albedo's workshop.
Tea.
Wine.
Sweets.
Having spoken her purpose, Raiden Ei found herself unsure what else to say. She had come to question them—and their answers bore no flaws. Having chosen to believe them for now, she now waited in silence, eating dango.
—
Meanwhile, Zhongli and Venti were conversing within the Chat Group.
Venti: "Isn't this kind of dangerous? @Raiden Makoto"
Raiden Makoto: "What is?"
Venti: "Shouldn't we let Futsu Mitama bring Ei into the group?"
Azhdaha: "Oh? You met?"
Kuki Shinobu: "Did Shogun-sama come to you?"
Venti: "She startled us. Mr. Zhongli is still here."
Yae Miko: "Zhongli hasn't left? What about Albedo?"
Albedo: "I went to gather materials. Dvalin's poison is troublesome."
Azhdaha: "Zhongli met an Electro Archon, then."
Zhongli: "She questioned Barbatos the moment she arrived."
Raiden Makoto: "I'm relieved Ei still sees Futsu Mitama's value. But let's postpone bringing her into the group."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "Why?"
Guizhong: "I'm curious too."
Raiden Makoto: "I want Ei to face my death, and the people's aspirations."
Zhongli: "Indeed."
Klee: "So this is about growing up like Master Jean said?"
Guizhong: "The dead should not interfere with the living."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "Hope before certainty only breeds despair."
Azhdaha: "Morax would go mad otherwise."
Zhongli: "…So it is said."
Venti: "What a pity~ I joined first."
Raiden Makoto: "Careful. She's right beside you."
Aila: "How is Young Master now?"
Azhdaha: "He's been silent for half a day. And didn't Beelzebub go to your side?"
Venti: "Futsu Mitama? Wait, I'll ask her."
Kuki Shinobu: "No need. Futsu Mitama has already been sent to me. He seems to have fainted from exhaustion. It's quite remarkable—I've never seen him like this before."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Exhaustion?! That's terrifying—Even when I deplete myself, a short rest is usually enough. And yet, under the General's guidance, Futsu Mitama has become this strong, and he can still be driven to exhaustion. I truly didn't expect that."
Yae Miko: "The little one is strong, yes—but not enough to rival an Archon. At most, he's on par with me."
Yae Miko: "@Venti, speaking of which, Anemo Archon~ Could you subtly mention me, so my General can come pick me up from the ship and bring me to Mondstadt?"
Venti: "Ehe~"
Yae Miko: "What does your 'Ehe' mean?!?!"
Venti: "Ehe~~~~~~~~~"
Venti: "@Raiden Makoto, since you say so, I'll respect your will. But is there anything you need me to do on your behalf? From the looks of it, Beelzebub doesn't seem inclined to leave for now. She's even sitting here eating desserts."
Kamisato Ayaka: "Eh? Didn't the General return to Inazuma after our last spar?"
Raiden Makoto: "She probably feels a sense of urgency and plans to stay for a while. That's normal. As a warrior, her thinking is simple—but that simplicity allows her to see the essence of things."
Raiden Makoto: "More importantly, please take good care of her before Futsu Mitama wakes up. At the very least, let her sample Mondstadt's gourmet food and desserts. Those are her only hobbies."
Venti: "Understood~"
After the conversation in the Chat Group concluded.
Venti watched Raiden Ei as she ate dango. He took a sip of dandelion wine, his gaze drifting about, and let out a soft chuckle. "By the way, Beelzebub."
"There's no need to be so formal," Raiden Ei replied calmly when she heard him address her that way. "Just call me Ei."
"Alright," Venti said easily, without ceremony. Raising his dandelion wine, he looked at her and chuckled. "Then you can just call me Venti. Barbatos or anything like that tends to draw too much attention when spoken aloud."
"Are you interested in Mondstadt desserts? I happen to know a good dessert shop. I could take you there to try them."
A trace of surprise flickered through Raiden Ei's eyes at his words.
Mondstadt desserts? She was indeed interested.
Still, to preserve her dignity as an Archon, she maintained a composed expression. "Since it's an invitation from you, Venti, I'll go and take a look."
"What about you, Zhongli—the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant?" Venti asked with a smile, turning toward Zhongli, who was quietly drinking tea nearby.
"Very well." Zhongli nodded slightly. After taking another sip of tea, he rose to his feet and said unhurriedly, "Coincidentally, there are matters I wish to discuss with you both as well. If we go for some refreshments, we can talk while we eat."
Zhongli did indeed have matters to discuss with Venti and Raiden Ei. As for what they were, he intended to explain them upon arrival.
As the three Archons prepared to head toward the dessert shop, Zhongli turned to Raiden Ei and reminded her, "My current identity is not that of the Geo Archon, Morax, but Zhongli of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I am in the midst of a plan that requires my identity to remain concealed for the time being. If possible, please do not reveal it— not even to Futsu Mitama."
Hearing this, Raiden Ei gave a slight nod and said nothing further, signaling her understanding.
Compared to concealing Morax's identity, what occupied her thoughts more was a simple curiosity: how would Mondstadt's desserts compare to those of Inazuma—and which would emerge victorious?
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