Chapter 136. Obtaining the Power of Time
Although the agreement had been made to spar with Jean, the Knights of Favonius were drowning in affairs both large and small. Thus, the appointed hour was set for around three in the afternoon.
Coincidentally, that was also when Futsu Mitama intended to have lunch.
Within one of Mondstadt's more popular restaurants, Futsu Mitama, Kuki Shinobu, and Albedo gathered at the same table.
For the past several days, Albedo had been collaborating with Zhongli in Mondstadt, researching the special husk doll. The matter of condensed resin had already been resolved; what remained was the final component—the Power of Time—which Venti had personally gone to retrieve.
As for the core material required to construct the special husk doll, neither Albedo nor Zhongli had yet found a definitive answer. Only Raiden Ei appeared to hold some insight.
Yet because of Raiden Makoto's circumstances, a tacit distance remained between Zhongli and Raiden Ei. Trust was measured, deliberate. For now, the special husk doll would not be placed in her hands for study.
If Raiden Ei were to enter the Chat Group, and if Raiden Makoto's resurrection were truly confirmed beyond doubt, then perhaps Zhongli would reconsider. But at present, speculation was meaningless.
So they ate.
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu had already arrived and placed their orders. A short while later, Albedo entered the restaurant. The moment he reached the table, he inclined his head slightly.
"My apologies. Matters within the Knights of Favonius detained me."
Both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu shook their heads. No explanation was necessary. In fact, given Mondstadt's current situation—understaffed and pressed on all sides—it would have been stranger if Albedo had arrived early.
After the meal began, Kuki Shinobu glanced toward Albedo with mild curiosity.
"Where is Mr. Zhongli? I've been moving about Mondstadt all day and haven't seen him once."
Zhongli had neither appeared in the Chat Group nor been sighted within the city.
"Mr. Zhongli has temporarily left Mondstadt to gather alchemical materials for me," Albedo replied evenly. "Recently, aside from 'that' project, we've also begun research into methods of improving luck."
He paused, calm as ever.
"There has been measurable progress. Once the Knights' immediate matters are settled, I intend to begin large-scale production."
Kuki Shinobu accepted this without much surprise. Zhongli had been lingering in Mondstadt for quite some time—drinking tea, listening to bards whose performances never quite suited his taste. It was only natural that he would eventually seek more purposeful engagement.
"You're quite occupied," she remarked lightly. "Returning to Mondstadt only to juggle Knights' affairs and multiple research projects at once."
Albedo smiled faintly. To him, this was neither burden nor inconvenience. The special husk doll, condensed resin, and the luck-enhancing devices were all subjects of profound academic value. Compared to those, administrative matters within the Knights were straightforward.
"Speaking of which," Albedo said, turning his attention to Futsu Mitama, "has there been any unusual reaction—from that?"
He did not need to clarify. He meant the Gnosis.
Venti had deliberately entrusted it to Futsu Mitama, even stating that should he encounter danger, Futsu Mitama could use the Gnosis to rescue him. Such words were unlikely to be idle.
Maha Rukkhadevata and Raiden Makoto had both affirmed that a Gnosis amplified the authority of the Seven. Zhongli had privately added that it possessed further, less obvious applications.
Venti's intentions were transparent enough. On one hand, he wished Futsu Mitama to inherit the mantle of the Anemo Archon. On the other, should matters spiral out of control, Futsu Mitama would serve as a contingency.
Futsu Mitama shook his head.
"Nothing abnormal."
Over the past few days, he had studied the Anemo Gnosis repeatedly. Yet unless he deliberately invoked the authority embedded within it, the Gnosis would merely stir faintly from time to time—like a dormant heart twitching in uneasy sleep.
Meanwhile, Yae Miko—soon to arrive in Liyue—had suggested transferring the Electro Gnosis in her possession to him. By strength alone, Futsu Mitama now surpassed her; he possessed the qualifications to safeguard it. Raiden Makoto had voiced her agreement.
Futsu Mitama refused.
"When it comes to escape, Yae Miko is superior," he had stated plainly. "She should retain it."
One Gnosis already pressed heavily upon him. Adding another would not double the pressure—it would multiply it.
A single Gnosis was sufficient to attract a Harbinger-level operative.
Two? That would likely invite multiple Harbingers at once.
His current strength had not yet reached the threshold of an Archon. Even Ai-chan—Black Aila—at her peak adeptal power had admitted she could not act recklessly among the Fatui Harbingers.
In the world he once knew, Harbinger ranks were determined by combat strength.
If he had already attained the level of an Archon, then the Fatui would hold no terror for him. Let them come. Whoever flinched would concede defeat.
But he had not.
And prudence was not cowardice.
"Is that so?" Albedo nodded slowly.
He did not press further. If the matter were truly simple, Zhongli would not have departed Mondstadt personally. The Geo Archon's destination was the small island rumored to contain traces of the Power of Time.
He intended to confirm one thing. Whether Venti had, in fact, fallen into danger. And if that were the case—Then Zhongli would not remain a distant observer.
After a brief exchange of information and a simple meal, the three parted ways.
Albedo returned to the Knights of Favonius to resume his duties, ever composed despite the mounting workload. Kuki Shinobu dispersed into the city once more, her attention fixed on the Fatui's increasingly abnormal movements.
As for Futsu Mitama, he made his way toward the training ground Acting Grand Master Jean had mentioned.
Yet the moment he stepped onto the grounds, a faint sense of déjà vu stirred within him.
Why did this place feel so familiar?
The small training yard lay adjacent to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Wooden stakes were planted firmly into the earth; weapon racks stood neatly arranged; protective gear hung in orderly rows. It was modest, practical—clearly intended for routine drills rather than grand displays.
And yet, to Futsu Mitama, it felt as though he had stood here countless times before.
"Hm? Who are you? Why are you—Eh?"
A clear, youthful voice cut through his thoughts.
He turned.
A young girl stood not far away, a sword hanging at her waist. Her pale features were momentarily frozen in surprise, blue eyes fixed squarely on him.
"You—"
Her attire, her bearing—something clicked. Isn't this Mondstadt's strongest warrior in the making…who was it again?
In his previous life, he had completed more than enough of her commissions to recognize her immediately. This was her training ground—no, rather, one of the public grounds used by the Knights of Favonius. When duties allowed, knights would gather here to hone their skills.
But lately, the Knights had been overwhelmed with affairs. Few had time to train.
Thus, at present, only Futsu Mitama and her occupied the field—aside from Acting Grand Master Jean, who would soon arrive.
"Hon—Honorary Knight!!! Raiden Shogun's Retainer!!!"
Ellin suddenly dashed forward with astonishing speed, stopping just short of him. Her eyes sparkled, excitement barely contained.
"You're the one who defeated Stormterror alongside Dvalin and conveyed the will of Anemo Archon Barbatos, right?!"
"I admire you greatly! I only just learned about you from the Knights, but please believe me—I truly do!"
Her enthusiasm was unrestrained, almost radiant. Futsu Mitama regarded her with a subtle expression.
An NPC who once handed him daily commissions now stood before him in flesh and blood, brimming with admiration. The sensation was—peculiar. Unreal.
At the same time, he couldn't help but acknowledge the efficiency of the Knights of Favonius. They had already disseminated news of his deeds while he was merely having lunch?
After her initial outburst, Ellin blinked and tilted her head.
"But…why would someone like you come here?"
Her gaze swept across the modest equipment. This was a basic training ground. It lacked the refinement or scale befitting a renowned hero. She came here daily to sharpen her fundamentals, to pass the Knights' selection, to one day master Acting Grand Master Jean's Wind Blade.
But Futsu Mitama?
"I invited him."
A gentle yet steady voice entered the field. Jean approached, faint fatigue lining her features. Clearly, the hours since they last parted had not been restful ones. Even now, wind currents seemed to gather instinctively around her, responding to her presence.
"Yo," Futsu Mitama greeted lightly, though his gaze lingered on the tiredness in her eyes.
She truly compressed her schedule to the extreme.
Ganyu and Keqing, no matter how diligent, still preserved intervals of rest. Jean, by contrast, filled every minute with obligation.
"Acting Grand Master Jean!"
Ellin's entire posture stiffened, then trembled with excitement. She turned, eyes wide, as though beholding a vision long admired from afar.
To Ellin, Jean was more than a superior—she was an ideal. "Mama Jean" was not a title given lightly in Mondstadt. Respect for her ran deep.
For Ellin, seeing both of her admired figures standing together felt almost surreal.
Jean offered her a warm smile. "Hello, Ellin."
She remembered this earnest girl—the one striving to become her right hand. Though not yet formidable, her resolve was unmistakable.
Ellin clutched at her chest as though struck by an invisible arrow.
Seeing her reaction, both Jean and Futsu Mitama exchanged subtle, knowing smiles.
"Shall we begin?" Futsu Mitama asked.
Surprise at meeting Ellin could wait. What he sought now was clarity. He wanted to measure the strength of Mondstadt's strongest blade on the surface.
"Yes."
Jean unsheathed the Knights of Favonius Sword. Her expression sharpened immediately.
"I have half an hour. After that, I must go to the Goth Grand Hotel to meet a Fatui Harbinger."
Her tone grew firmer.
"Their recent movements have been unusual. A warning is necessary."
Futsu Mitama exhaled softly. Even sparring had a time limit.
So be it.
He extended his hand. Violet light coalesced—Musou Isshin formed within his grasp, crackling with Electro.
"Ellin, please stand back," Jean instructed gently. "Though this is a spar, accidents can happen."
The next instant, Jean stamped forward. Pale cyan Anemo surged around her form as she lunged.
Clang—!
Steel met steel.
Electro and Anemo collided in a burst of light.
Clang, clang, clang—!
Their blades struck in rapid succession, sparks scattering across the field. In mere heartbeats, their figures blurred—advancing, retreating, intertwining.
To Ellin, it was overwhelming.
As expected of Acting Grand Master Jean—and as expected of the Raiden Shogun's retainer! From the very first exchange, the battle was intense. Jean had limited time. Futsu Mitama sought an honest measure of her strength.
And after only a dozen exchanges, his conclusion was clear.
She was strong.
But that was natural.
Jean was a genuine prodigy. To inherit the title of Dandelion Knight at such an age was no accident.
In a true, unrestricted battle, Futsu Mitama knew she would not surpass him.
But reputation mattered. Even without invoking divine authority, he would not remain at a disadvantage.
Clang!
After a sharp exchange, he stepped back.
"Thundercurrent: Baleful Omen."
Electro flared. Behind him, Chakra Desiderata manifested—radiant, intricate, humming with restrained divinity.
Jean's lips curved faintly.
"So you're becoming serious."
She had never believed his strength so shallow. He had twice subdued Dvalin alone—a feat she would not dare claim for herself.
Purple lightning crackled through the air.
The tide shifted instantly. Where before Jean pressed forward, now she retreated—blade flashing as she struck at seemingly empty space.
In the next breath, arcs of violet manifested precisely where she cut.
Not precognition.
Instinct.
Her sixth sense was astonishingly sharp.
Yet Futsu Mitama vanished. Like a phantom, he appeared behind her—Musou Isshin descending.
Clang!
She blocked.
He disappeared again—reappeared in her blind spot.
Clang!
Now her parries demanded visible effort. Another flash—he materialized before her, blade falling.
Her eyes narrowed. Suddenly, Futsu Mitama sensed it.
Something was wrong. He withdrew, intending to shift positions—
But Jean seized the moment.
Anemo surged along her blade.
"Wind Blade!"
Compressed wind erupted forward in a violent arc.
Ellin's breath caught.
This was Acting Grand Master Jean's signature technique!
But—
"Wind Walk."
Maple leaves spiraled as Futsu Mitama invoked Anemo himself. His figure lifted lightly, riding the currents, evading the Wind Blade by a hair's breadth.
Jean's eyes flickered with surprise.
Electro. Anemo.
Was he now wielding three elements?
In midair, violet lightning converged along Musou Isshin.
"Impregnable—"
The battlefield held its breath. Just as Jean's thoughts turned to that startling possibility, Futsu Mitama clasped his hands together.
Golden light surged outward.
Geo energy condensed around him in a precise, angular lattice—forming a Jade Shield that shimmered with quiet authority.
He landed lightly upon the training ground, dust scattering beneath his boots.
"Well then," he said evenly, violet eyes steady upon Jean, "let's begin the next round."
His tone was calm—almost inviting.
"Do you have any other moves? Use them all. I'm very much looking forward to your strength."
Jean tightened her grip on the Knights of Favonius Sword, fingers interlaced upon the hilt. Her expression sharpened into pure resolve.
"I won't disappoint you." A faint wind circled her form. "In the name of the Anemo Archon, I will give it my all."
Then, after the briefest pause, she added with restrained awkwardness—
"Likewise… please give it your all as well. Just… without destroying Mondstadt City."
The memory of Starsnatch Cliff lingered vividly in her mind. The devastation of that battle had been severe enough in the wilderness. If such force were unleashed within city walls—
Half of Mondstadt might not survive.
Originally, she had considered relocating their sparring to the outskirts, where neither would need restraint. But here, within the city's bounds, the limitation applied far more to Futsu Mitama than to herself.
It was, in truth, a subtle weakening of his full potential.
"Of course." He nodded simply.
So long as he refrained from Musou no Hitotachi and Starfall—and avoided invoking divine authority—his destructive range remained controlled.
Steel clashed again.
This time, the exchange carried greater intensity.
Electro crackled against Anemo in spiraling arcs; golden Geo shimmered as it absorbed the aftershocks. Jean's blade moved like a gale—precise, disciplined, relentless. Futsu Mitama countered with layered elemental interplay, each transition seamless.
From the sidelines, Ellin's eyes shone brighter than ever.
Today truly was her lucky day.
To witness this level of combat—this fusion of mastery and conviction—felt like standing at the threshold of legend.
Minutes slipped by.
Neither yielded.
Neither faltered.
At last, as the sun dipped lower and the allotted half hour concluded, both fighters disengaged almost simultaneously.
Jean exhaled softly, lowering her sword.
"Phew~" A genuine smile surfaced. "Thank you for sparring with me. I've gained a great deal from this."
Her gaze shifted toward the city proper.
"But I must go. The Goth Grand Hotel awaits."
Lady La Signora.
The meeting could not be delayed.
"It's fine," Futsu Mitama replied, dispelling Musou Isshin. The Chakra Desiderata dissolved into motes of violet light; the Jade Shield faded into golden dust.
He, too, had gained insight.
Jean's fundamentals were very good. Her Anemo manipulation was refined to near perfection; her swordsmanship bore the polish of relentless discipline since childhood.
Her one shortcoming?
A decisive killing move.
Beyond that, she possessed no obvious flaws.
And her stamina—It was quite astonishing.
Her energy reserves bordered on excessive. With her physical conditioning, she could likely sustain combat for an entire day and night without collapse.
Perhaps that was why she could shoulder endless civic burdens without regressing in strength. Where others might deteriorate under such strain, she only tempered herself further.
Jean nodded once more.
"We'll spar again."
Then she turned, offering Ellin a warm smile before departing—her figure straight-backed, resolute, the very image of Mondstadt's pillar.
"Acting Grand Master Jean…"
Ellin watched her go, admiration blazing in her eyes. I will become someone like that.
Futsu Mitama, meanwhile, prepared to return to his villa. There was still much to study—much to refine.
"Lord Futsu Mitama!!!" Ellin suddenly spun and bowed deeply. "Could I trouble you for a moment?!"
He blinked.
"I can. What do you need?"
She hesitated briefly, then spoke with earnest intensity.
"I've been training to break multiple wooden stakes within two seconds. My current limit is three."
Her cheeks colored faintly.
"It's too slow. After watching your sparring… I realize how weak I still am. I was hoping—if possible—you might offer some technical guidance."
Futsu Mitama fell silent.
Instinctively, he glanced above her head.
No purple exclamation mark.
And yet—a daily quest had found him regardless.
"Alright."
He nodded.
"I'll teach you."
What followed was not a brief correction—but a full instructional session.
He dissected angles of force, timing windows, pivot mechanics. He adjusted her stance by degrees; corrected muscle engagement; refined blade trajectory to eliminate wasted motion.
Two hours passed.
Then three.
Dusk painted the training ground in amber light before Futsu Mitama finally stepped away.
Behind him, Ellin stood frozen—eyes wide, comprehension dawning.
"So that's the solution… That's incredible…"
She immediately resumed practice, movements sharper, cleaner.
Futsu Mitama departed quietly. Teaching, he discovered, was unexpectedly exhausting.
Back at his residence, he washed quickly before sending a message in the Chat Group. He was too tired to venture out again—could someone handle dinner?
The response was immediate.
Kuki Shinobu offered to bring food.
Kamisato Ayaka proposed a sukiyaki.
Keqing mentioned she was near Wanmin Restaurant and could pack several dishes.
Even Aila chimed in—declaring that from Mt. Aocang, she could prepare something for "young master."
Futsu Mitama's answer was decisive.
He wanted all of it.
As his strength increased, so too had his appetite. Provided he did not eat himself to death, quantity posed no issue.
Thus, through gifts, cuisine from Inazuma and Liyue arrived in Mondstadt.
He held the "Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine" in one hand, chopsticks in the other, casually monitoring the Chat Group's discussion.
Concerns for Venti dominated.
Speculation.
Anxiety.
Then—
Venti appeared. His tone lacked its usual playful cadence.
He spoke directly. Briefly.
"Time flowed abnormally where he was. The Chat Group remained unaffected—but he himself was constrained."
He would package the Power of Time and send it via gift function.
Silence followed. No one dared speak.
On Starsnatch Cliff, Zhongli gazed toward the faint silhouette of the time-laden isle. He could feel it—the island's temporal authority weakening.
He sighed.
Then—
[Ding!]
A crisp notification rang. Three exclusive gifts.
Recipients: Futsu Mitama. Zhongli. Albedo.
No one else could claim them. The contents required no explanation. The Chat Group remained frozen in anticipation.
Then—
[Raiden Makoto: "He succeeded."]
Maha Rukkhadevata's voice sounded first within the Chat Group, gentle yet unmistakably solemn. "It seems it truly succeeded."
Azhdaha followed, his tone thick with incredulity. "I didn't expect it… Barbatos is actually this reliable now."
Yae Miko did not bother to conceal her urgency. "@Albedo, quickly!"
"I understand." Albedo's reply came without delay. "The primary materials are already prepared. I will begin the condensation process immediately."
"I shall arrive at once," Zhongli added.
"I'm coming too," Futsu Mitama said at once. "Wait for me."
"Me too!!!!" Kuki Shinobu's message appeared with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
Yae Miko's next line carried a weight rarely heard from her. "This is no ordinary experiment. Condensed resin capable of healing erosion… this will be the first of its kind."
A heartbeat later, another message appeared from her. "A historic moment is about to unfold, and I've just arrived in Liyue!!! Ah—! I need to get to Mondstadt immediately."
Albedo responded dryly, "You finally understand my suffering."
"@Futsu Mitama @Kuki Shinobu," he continued, "this is the location of my Alchemy Workshop."
"Understood."
"Got it."
Keqing's calm assurance followed. "@Yae Miko, Ganyu and I will come to escort you. Whether you witness the process or not is secondary. The result is what matters."
"Mm! Yes!!!" Sangonomiya Kokomi added brightly. "With condensed resin, I can continue working overtime."
Kamisato Ayaka sighed faintly. "Why does that make me feel a little sad? Eating condensed resin—only to work overtime more efficiently."
The Chat Group swelled with animated discussion, excitement layered over anticipation.
—
In Mondstadt City, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu moved swiftly through the streets, heading straight toward Albedo's Alchemy Workshop.
When they arrived, Zhongli was already present, standing in composed silence. Albedo, meanwhile, had prepared nearly twenty vessels of condensed resin—perfect in external structure, crystalline and flawless, yet empty.
Only one step remained. To infuse them with the Power of Time.
"You've arrived," Albedo said quietly.
He inhaled slowly. Even his steady voice carried a tremor. "To be honest, even after simulating this thousands of times—I am still unable to suppress my excitement."
With a subtle motion, he activated a mechanism. Pure Geo elemental light radiated outward, forming a protective field around the workshop. The air thickened with solemnity.
What they were about to attempt was unprecedented.
Condensed resin capable of healing erosion—something that defied the natural decay of gods and dragons alike—was about to be born by mortal hands.
"I, too, am… curious," Zhongli said, his gaze resting upon the vessels. His tone remained tranquil, yet heavy with implication. "But whether this is success or failure depends entirely upon the next step."
He paused.
"I hope for success. Yet we must not deny the possibility of failure. Therefore—"
He did not finish the sentence. He did not need to.
If this experiment failed, the consequences would not be trivial. The Power of Time was not something to be squandered lightly.
Albedo nodded once, resolve sharpening in his eyes. "Then I will release the Power of Time."
He opened the Chat Group interface and selected the gift Venti had sent.
A silent click.
"Whoosh—!!"
In an instant, a profound energy burst forth, centered upon Albedo. It was neither elemental nor adeptal. It was others—subtle yet vast, like the ticking of an unseen clock spanning millennia.
Futsu Mitama felt it immediately.
It was not elemental power.
And yet the Anemo Archon authority within him stirred violently, resonating as though recognizing something primordial—something that predated even the Seven.
Zhongli observed in silence.
The Power of Time.
Authority once left upon Teyvat by the Archon of Time herself.
The energy spiraled around Albedo before shifting course, drawn irresistibly toward the prepared condensed resin vessels.
One by one, they began to glow—soft white light blooming from within, as if something fundamental was rewriting their very structure.
The transformation was not violent.
It was quiet.
Precise.
Inevitable.
Most of the Power of Time flowed into the vessels.
But not all.
A fragment lingered in the air, wavering, searching for a suitable host.
The resin vessels were already saturated. There was no more room.
Without hesitation, Zhongli raised his hand.
Golden light flared.
No longer concealing his authority, he compressed the remaining fragment of Time itself—Geo power stabilizing and containing it with absolute force. Then, with calm efficiency, he sealed it and returned it via the Chat Group's gift function.
"The quantity exceeded our preparation," he said evenly.
The Power of Time Venti had provided was simply too abundant.
Silence followed.
The Geo barrier hummed faintly.
"Is it…done?" Futsu Mitama stepped closer, eyes fixed on the glowing resin. Astonishment colored his voice.
Had they truly replicated a Chat Group artifact in reality?
"I cannot confirm yet." Albedo lifted one vessel carefully and handed it to Zhongli.
No hesitation.
Zhongli consumed it.
He closed his eyes.
The workshop fell into absolute stillness.
Moments stretched.
The faintest ripple of ancient erosion within him—subtle, immeasurable to mortals—met the newly infused power.
Time did not reverse. It did not rewind. It simply… stabilized.
A correction. A mending.
Zhongli opened his eyes. He gave a slight nod.
In that instant, relief and exhilaration erupted across the faces of Albedo, Futsu Mitama, and Kuki Shinobu.
Success. True success.
The condensed resin capable of healing erosion… had been successfully created.
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