Chapter 131. Black Aila Reappears
Even now, Futsu Mitama did not move.
That stillness stirred a faint tremor of unease within the Abyss Lector. Such immobility was no fear-induced paralysis. It was intent. A trap. The Lector refused to believe Futsu Mitama would stand idle before a lethal strike.
Realization flashed. Without hesitation, the Abyss Lector withdrew his force, preparing to retreat.
"Good awareness," Futsu Mitama remarked, a trace of surprise flickering through his gaze. "But it is too late."
His surprise was genuine—but understandable. Abyss Lectors were rare. When Aether had once intervened, this very Lector had withstood Musou no Hitotachi head-on and even confronted Zhongli from afar.
Its combat awareness was exceptional—easily counted among the strongest beneath the Adeptus, capable of explosive power in decisive moments.
The Abyss Order possessed such elites. But not many.
"However—"
Futsu Mitama pressed the button on the Broken Pocket Watch. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his original position.
"You are still one step too late, Abyss Lector. You have already entered my attack range."
A voice—cold and distant as a whisper from the abyss itself—echoed all around.
"And I will not allow you to leave so easily."
A crushing sense of crisis erupted within the Abyss Lector's chest.
Death.
If he could not withstand the next strike—He would die. He would absolutely die.
Before the thought had fully formed, Futsu Mitama appeared behind him like a wraith.
"Buzz—!!!!"
Violet lightning blazed within Futsu Mitama's eyes. Musou Isshin thrummed in his grasp as a chilling, absolute power gathered along its edge.
The Authority of the Electro Archon descended. To prevent even a dying counterattack, he pushed that Authority to its utmost limit.
"Now," he declared, "it is time for annihilation."
Musou Isshin fell. This was his full-powered Musou no Hitotachi. Even against Dvalin, he had not unleashed such resolve. Second only to the dual-Authority strike— He refused to believe this would not suffice.
"Agh—ah ah ah ah!!!!!!"
The Abyss Lector felt the blade's intent before it landed. Twin Hydro blades crossed before him as Abyssal Power surged violently, merging with raging Hydro to form a defensive barrier.
"Clang—!!!"
Musou no Hitotachi collided with the barrier. Lightning and abyssal currents screamed against one another. Futsu Mitama's violet-lit eyes regarded the Lector without emotion.
"Crack."
A fracture. Then—
"Crack! Crack, crack, crack!!!"
In less than a second, fissures spidered across the barrier, spreading at terrifying speed.
"Ah ah ah ah!!!"
The Abyss Lector poured even greater force into the defense. As though glimpsing his own end, he roared:
"I will not die!!! The Archons' curse cannot end me!"
"How can I fall here—before overthrowing the Heavenly Principles?! I am immortal!!!!"
With that roar, the barrier seemed to harden.
"Pitiful," Futsu Mitama said coldly. "Since you claim immortality—then I shall sever the immortal."
Lightning flared brighter. He increased his force.
"Swish—!!!"
Like a blade through melting frost, Musou Isshin cleaved through the barrier.
The Hydro-Abyssal defense shattered. The strike split the Abyss Lector in two.
"Abyss—Rebirth—Ugh—ah—!"
The final syllables dissolved into nothing. Its bisected body struck the ground heavily. Then, astonishingly, it dissolved into dark matter, fading from the battlefield.
Only a crimson, single-eyed statue remained—radiating ominous energy.
"This is? From A Gloom Statue?"
Futsu Mitama regarded it with mild surprise. He had not expected materials to remain after an Abyss Lector's death. When Abyss Mages perished in Teyvat, their bodies did not transform in such a manner.
But this was the Abyss. Common sense held little authority here.
He picked up the Gloom Statue and placed it within his pocket. He would examine it later with Raiden Ei, Venti, and Zhongli. If anyone knew its purpose, it would be the three Archons. For now, the priority was clear—
Leave this accursed space. Then eradicate the remaining Abyss Order members.
Yet when he looked into the distance—The other Abyss Lector and the Abyss Mage had vanished.
"…." He glanced once more at the place where the Lector had fallen and sighed. "In a sense, your actions bought them an extension of life."
He could not help but admire their decisiveness. Recognizing their comrade's defeat as inevitable, they had abandoned him without hesitation.
Cold-blooded. Efficient.
The surviving Lector and Mage would continue serving the Order—and carry information about this place.
Futsu Mitama admired their resolve.
And despised it.
"Forget it. I'm leaving."
He gripped Musou Isshin.
Teleportation via Chakra Desiderata was impossible here. Flight was equally restricted. This region was no ordinary Abyssal layer. It had likely been constructed to counter the Anemo Archon specifically.
Moreover, Venti, Raiden Ei, and Zhongli had been within the Abyss for some time. The prolonged entanglement here was likely meant to delay information flow.
This layer could block connection.
Futsu Mitama transformed into a streak of violet lightning and surged toward the exit. He was unfamiliar with the Abyss. The only reference he possessed was the concept of Spiral Abyss Floor 12.
Yet this place differed from his understanding.
He would consult the Chat Group once outside.
—
Elsewhere, in the ancient city—
The battle raged on. Within the Abyss, reinforcements arrived without end. Once it was confirmed that the enemies were the three Archons and the Anemo Archon's familiar, Dvalin—
Only the strongest were dispatched. Colossal machines. Terrifying Dark Beasts. Ancient elemental lifeforms that had once ravaged Teyvat. They surged forth. And then—
There was no "then."
Zhongli, expressionless, invoked Planet Befall. Meteor after meteor descended. A true rain of celestial judgment.
Massive machines were crushed.
Dark Beasts obliterated.
Elemental lifeforms erased without residue.
Were such forces unleashed upon Teyvat, they could topple nations and resurrect the Abyssal Tide of five centuries past. Yet here—
They were but powerless creatures before Morax.
Aether watched with tightening chest. But he was kinda powerless too. Raiden Ei pressed him relentlessly; none could aid him.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, Raiden Ei ceased her assault. She sensed it. A trace of joy flickered across her expression.
"Hoo… hoo…"
Aether steadied his breath. He understood.
"Can we speak now?" he asked. "We were in the wrong. I have no intention of being your enemy. The Order's goal has always been the Heavenly Principles. In a sense, that aligns with yours."
"Capturing Futsu Mitama was an accident. We do not want him."
The Abyss Order possessed extensive intelligence. Since the catastrophe five centuries ago, most Archons' attitudes toward the Heavenly Principles had shifted.
Even Tsaritsa opposed them most resolutely. Though she bore resentment toward the Abyss and had sent Harbingers within, Aether restrained conflict with the Fatui.
The Abyss was not solely the Order's domain.
Raiden Ei did not respond. She returned to Morax and Barbatos.
"Barbatos. Did you sense it?"
She had felt it—the surge of Electro Authority.
Futsu Mitama was not on this layer. He was deeper. Rather than annihilation, her sole thought now was rescue.
The Abyss held too many variables. Too many taboos—even for them.
Alone, she would pay dearly.
"Yes," Venti nodded solemnly. "I sensed it. He is not on this layer. However, that Prince should provide information. Otherwise—your secret may not remain secret for long."
He approached beside Zhongli, smiling at Aether.
They had fought. They had made their statement. The lesson was delivered. The Abyss Order had suffered immense losses. Should they dare target Futsu Mitama again—The consequences would not be so restrained.
Aether fell silent. He looked to Zhongli.
Zhongli's gaze shifted toward the central palace.The structure most heavily guarded.
He could shatter it. He was confident. But doing so would sever all pretense. And here, within the Abyss—That would serve neither side.
Still, threat did not require execution. What Aether had done was excessive. Dvalin's weaponization was Barbatos' concern. But dragging Futsu Mitama into the Abyss—
Unforgivable.
Not merely because he was Zhongli's heir and friend. But because he was the Group Leader of the Chat Group. There many unknown and benefits before him.
The Abyss was perilous.
Even at Adeptus level—
Even at Archon level—
One did not enter lightly. As the oldest Archon, Zhongli knew more than most. Hence the stone mask.
The Geo Spear.
The lesson.
If Futsu Mitama perished—The living might endure.
But Maha Rukkhadevata. Baal. Azhdaha. Guizhong—Consequences would ripple.
The Chat Group itself might collapse. That possibility alone warranted intervention.
Raiden Ei—Perhaps she simply valued him too deeply.
Aether's heart tightened under Zhongli's gaze. After a glance at the palace, he spoke:
"I will give you the location and coordinates. He is there."
He relented.
Morax was the last Archon he wished to provoke. The God of War was no empty title.
Morax could overturn the board. He simply chose not to. If necessary, he might contend for the shades or replace it.
Aether provided the location in detail, warning that the region lay closer to Spiral Abyss Floor 11—where even he remained wary.
The three Archons showed no gratitude. Only acknowledgment. They departed the ruined ancient city.
All buildings had collapsed. Machines lay shattered. Countless corpses of Order members littered the ground. The ancient city was now truly ruined. Yet—
Despite the devastation, despite exposed strengths and heavy losses—The Abyss Order had still achieved its objective.
—
"As long as that thing is intact, that's all that matters. Tell them not to kill Futsu Mitama."
Aether descended lightly to the ground, his gaze settling on the Abyss Lector who had survived—though barely—his robes torn and body battered beyond dignity.
Killing Futsu Mitama was no longer feasible. Transporting that "thing" would already prove troublesome enough. Should the Three Archons descend upon them once more, even Aether himself could not guarantee he would endure.
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Abyss Lector bowed his head and immediately transmitted the order. After a brief hesitation, he added in a lowered voice, "Before the battle began, I had already sent word for them to withdraw."
"It's just…Lark may act on personal grievances."
Lark—the Abyss Lector in question—was infamous within the Order. His enmity toward Futsu Mitama was no secret. After all, he had nearly perished at Futsu Mitama's hands and survived only through His Highness's intervention. For a long time afterward, the stronger members of the Abyss mocked him mercilessly.
The Order forbade internal strife. Thus, even if resentment burned within him, he could vent it only toward Futsu Mitama. And by cruel coincidence—it was Futsu Mitama who had been cast into the Abyss this time.
The reporting Lector feared that vengeance would outweigh reason.
"Move quickly."
Aether offered no further commentary. The plan had always been clear: prioritize relocating that thing.
Whether they fought or retreated would depend on circumstance. Moreover, the Three Archons had lingered in the Abyss long enough. Their clash had stirred dormant horrors in its depths. Those beings possessed no rationality. Once they identified prey, they would attack without hesitation.
That chaos would buy them time.
"Yes."
The Abyss Lector understood at once. If personal grudges interfered, then speed would be their only remedy.
But moments later, a tremor entered his voice.
"What?! How is this possible?!"
Aether's eyes narrowed slightly. "?"
"Your Highness," the Lector reported swiftly, "Lark is dead. Not only him—Carlisle and four mages as well. Their final transmission stated that a bomb—cute in appearance—caused catastrophic casualties. It looked harmless—but its destructive force defied imagination."
"And Futsu Mitama…" The Lector swallowed. "After enduring continuous assaults from Dvalin before, and the now Rifthound Whelp, and a Geovishap, his stamina did not diminish. It increased. Lark remained behind to cover their retreat. The others escaped."
Silence settled.
After a moment, Aether spoke gravely. "Alice. Only she would possess such twisted humor—fashioning a weapon of terror in the shape of something adorable."
"But she has no known dealings with Futsu Mitama. Could it be her daughter? If so—why would she gift him a bomb crafted by her mother?"
Aether pressed his temple lightly. Beyond the Three Archons, now even Alice's daughter was entangled.
She, too, was among the most troublesome beings in Teyvat—second only to The Seven.
Given the choice, Aether would sooner face Archons of the ancient war than confront Alice herself.
"Never mind. Futsu Mitama lives. That alone benefits the Abyss Order."
He offered no rebuke for the failed operation. The plan had been bold: if successful, they would have gained Dvalin.
Instead, Dvalin remained free, and their elite forces suffered grievous losses. The cost had been severe. Around him, members of the Abyss Order gathered, shame etched into their expressions.
They understood what had transpired. His Highness alone had borne everything.
He withstood the Electro Archon's fury. He was restrained by both the Geo and Anemo Archons. Each time the Order revealed a trump card, Morax suppressed it with effortless authority.
For many, this battle etched into memory the true weight of Liyue's God of Contracts—the one who ended the Archon War in his nation. To subdue them without exerting full strength—he truly deserved his title as A War God of The Seven.
As for the Anemo Archon—he seemed almost leisurely, allowing Dvalin to shoulder the burden.
"Commence the next phase." Aether's gaze turned toward the distant palace structure.
"The Primo Geovishap must be created. We will use it to locate the long-slumbering Dragon King. To oppose the Heavenly Principles, we require the strength of the Seven Dragon Kings. This will anger the Geo Archon again—but if we restore the Dragon King's sanity, he may hold his silence."
Erosion was dreadful. But Aether possessed power capable of resisting it—temporarily.
The cost was steep.
Still, to drown the Heavenly Principles in the Abyss, greater strength was indispensable.
The Dvalin plan could wait. Liyue could not.
"Yes."
The surviving members bowed in unison. Their trump cards were depleted. Their strength must be replenished. Some among them burned with defiance.
Geo Archon, you dared step into the Abyss to challenge us? Then do not blame us for stepping into Liyue—and dragging your Old Friend into the Abyss Order.
Thus, the Abyss Order set a new scheme into motion.
—
Deeper still within the Abyss, Futsu Mitama found himself in a thoroughly exasperating predicament.
"Roar—!!!"
Before him stood a dragon—not especially large—its body shrouded in black matter, crimson eyes blazing. Scorching flames erupted from its maw.
"Buzz—!!"
Futsu Mitama raised Musou Isshin, invoking the Anemo Archon Authority. A violent gale dispersed the inferno instantly.
In the next instant, he pressed the broken pocket watch. Space fractured. He vanished—reappearing behind the dragon's neck.
Lightning gathered along the blade, profound principles converging. Without invoking Musou no Hitotsachi, he struck.
The dragon's head fell.
Like the Abyss Lector before it, the corpse dissolved into black matter. Unlike the Lector, nothing remained.
"Damn it! That's the fourth!"
He exhaled sharply. After emerging from that strange realm, Venti had stated in the Chat Group that he sensed him—told him to remain where he was.
Remaining still, however, only revealed the Abyss's hostility.
This was the fourth battle. Three minutes.
His stamina had not recovered—it had drained. He had even tried Kamisato Ayaka's hidden aura cloak.
It was useless.
Even with his aura concealed, his existence did not belong here. In the Abyss, he shone like a firefly in absolute night.
Eventually, he returned the cloak. Ayaka expressed regret.
Futsu Mitama did not blame her. The Abyss defied common logic. Still—four battles in three minutes. Even he felt a headache coming. Then—
Something enormous appeared. A body like a small mountain.
A turtle? Some ancient beast? Larger than a Primo Geovishap. Slightly smaller than Dvalin.
It wandered aimlessly. It had not noticed him. Yet the aura it emitted made him frown. Its presence rivaled one of the Dottore's.
If he fought at full power, victory would not come swiftly. He chose to avoid it.
Once the Three Archons arrived, such a creature would fall in moments.
"Roar!!!"
It noticed him instantly. As though scenting prey, it charged—its speed grotesquely mismatched with its size.
"Bang bang bang bang—!!"
Destruction followed in its wake. Futsu Mitama activated Chakra Desiderata, vanishing skyward.
With Anemo authority, he floated freely. With Chakra Desiderata, he traversed space.
But the beast would not relent. Black energy gathered in its maw.
"Bang—!!"
A beam tore through the sky.
"Slash—!!"
Lightning cleaved it apart. He ascended higher. It could not fly. Only a fool would fight it head-on. Then—
Dark eagle-like creatures emerged in the distance. They noticed him too.
"F*ck!"
Six battles in four minutes?! The creatures screeched and dove.
"There's no choice. I'll deal with these first."
He tightened his grip on Musou Isshin. But—
Black tentacles erupted from below, swatting the eagles from the sky.
"Roar!!!"
The mountain-like beast howled in pain. It was ensnared.
"Young Master, what are you waiting for?"
A familiar voice. An opportunity. Lightning flashed. He appeared atop the monster's head.
"Buzz—!!!"
Musou no Hitotsachi descended once more, empowered by Archon authority. The strike severed its head.
Silence.
Black matter.
Gone.
"To be honest—I didn't expect you to appear."
He turned. Behind him stood a young woman in a maid's attire. Long black hair cascaded like a waterfall. Blood-red eyes reflected his figure coldly.
Black Aila.
She had leapt into an Abyssal rift in Snezhnaya. Vanished. The Doctor had claimed she would rush toward Liyue. If unimpeded, she would clash with Aila.
Only one would survive. Futsu Mitama had been troubled by that knowledge. He had not expected to meet her here. Nor to be saved by her.
"I also didn't expect you to appear here, Young Master." Her voice was calm.
"And you are reckless. To step into the Abyss without Abyssal Power—you will be hunted. In Snezhnaya, those who enter the Abyss are equipped to avoid being targeted by terrifying existences."
Then she paused.
"By the way, Young Master—would you say I saved your life?"
He tilted his head, confused. She continued as if reasoning with herself.
"Since I saved you—then you should give yourself to me. Hand this body over to me. To put it simply—mating."
Futsu Mitama froze.
In the Chat Group livestream.
[Aila: "I refuse!!!!!!!!!!"]