At the point where all gazes converged,
a pair of enormous, blood-red eyes suddenly snapped open.
The violent, pitch-black madness that surged out made Dainsleif's heart skip a beat.
His instincts forced him to take a step back.
It wasn't directed at him just the innate ferocity buried deep inside the creature's body. But when the dragon's gaze passed over him and instead fell upon the woman beneath it, its eyes unexpectedly softened revealing reverence, affection, even childlike dependence. Meeting its gaze, Rheindottir wore an expression full of satisfaction and gentle pride, murmuring words no one else could hear.
"My lovely child Just as rain flows to the rivers, just as trees reach for the sunlight
go forth to beautiful places, and proudly show the world your brilliance." A deep, resonant dragon cry answered her. The powerful shockwave shattered several nearby incubation chambers, sending viscous green fluid splattering across the ground. The dragon seemed a little apologetic, instinctively quieting itself, as if trying to explain something. Then an overwhelming drowsiness washed over it.
Unable to resist, the creature slowly closed its eyes again, falling back into slumber. Rheindottir didn't show the slightest concern over the damage. Seeing that the dragon had returned to rest, she simply turned and walked deeper into the laboratory. "It's not time for you to awaken fully.
But soon. Be patient, my child Durin." Only now did Dainsleif snap back, quickly calling after her:" You still haven't answered my question!" Without stopping, Rheindottir's voice drifted back like a whisper "It is already too late.
You will understand in the future." Dainsleif froze. Another person speaking in riddles. He felt lost. Thinking over her words, he didn't even realize how he had exited the laboratory. By the time he came to his senses, he was already standing amidst the bustling crowds of the city. "What did she mean…?" Unable to make sense of it, he suddenly caught sight of something in the crowd A pair of golden-haired siblings, smiling as they walked through the flow of people.
Inazuma — Tenshukaku
As Takamine Kōbamaru left with the orders he had received, Raiden Makoto turned to Mikoshi Chiyo and issued more instructions. She revealed part of the message from Kanriah's envoy and calmly arranged the next steps. Normally, such matters would be a chance to train Ei but this was no time for lessons.
The situation demanded urgency. Seventy percent of the Shogunate's forces were already spread throughout the islands, leaving only essential troops stationed in the city. This arrangement had been Luo Li's suggestion. He hadn't explained why, but Makoto chose to trust his judgment. "Such a large military movement…
Not since the Archon War has Inazuma mobilized like this." Chiyo was startled. She was right only during the Archon War had such massive deployments occurred. To see it happen again meant something grave was looming. Makoto ignored her murmuring and looked solemnly at her sister. "Ei i trust the defense of Inazuma to you."
The moment she spoke, guilt flickered in her heart. Since founding Inazuma,
every battle, every frontline charge had been Ei's burden while she, the elder sister, remained behind the scenes. Objectively, Makoto's weakness in combat would only hinder the front lines. But relying on Ei to face danger again and again was never what she wanted. So this time she would go to the most dangerous place herself. Raiden Ei couldn't read her sister's thoughts. She replied immediately: "Anyone who wishes to harm Inazuma must first taste my naginata."
Makoto added gently, "It won't be too dangerous.
As long as you remain on Narukami Island and stay cautious, you'll be fine." Seeing Ei so confident, Luo Li spoke lightly to calm them both: "You don't need to be tense." "I'm not tense," Ei said proudly. "Even the demon god Orobashi fell beneath my blade. Mortal foes mean nothing to me." Hearing her bold declaration,
Luo Li and Makoto exchanged a brief glance their eyes meeting for a heartbeat before turning away.
They both agreed: as long as she didn't face the true source of the catastrophe,
Ei was more than capable. Saiguu chimed in with a teasing tone:
"I agree Ei is strong. So I'll stay home and wait for good news." Her playful remark eased the atmosphere, even making Makoto relax. At that moment, the little Yae still holding Luo Li's hand spoke up brightly:
"Your Highness! Lady Saiguu! Is there going to be a war?
I want to join too!" Her crisp, childish voice and firm tone made Raiden Makoto laugh helplessly. "You should stay and learn your clan's arts properly." Rejected outright, little Yae puffed her cheeks baby fat stretching adorably but since the Shogun herself had spoken, she could only obey. Only now did Ei and Chiyo notice the tiny pink-haired girl hiding behind Luo Li,their curious gazes turning toward her. Perhaps due to natural maternal instinct,they happily took turns holding Yae while Luo Li retreated into thought
Considering every possible move Kanriah might make next.
Surviving this would require caution not just toward Kanriah but toward the Heavenly Principles as well. A knife in the back was not impossible. By Luo Li's estimation, each of the Seven Archons was roughly comparable to a single Herrscher.
Some stronger, some weaker, but none too far off. The "Original Shadow" however…
she was more difficult to measure. If one assumed Aether and Lumine possessed fusion-warrior-level power, then the Crimson Moon Goddess who crushed them effortlessly was beyond even his current ability to face directly. And above her Phanes, the creator of mankind and the being who split the Four Shadows. Foreign invaders were countless. Not just the Two Thrones but many other outsiders had come to Teyvat. This world was unimaginably deep. Luo Li sighed inwardly. Even wielding twelve core Herrscher powers was still not enough. Unless he drew something on the level of the Final Herrscher or higherhe had no intention of clashing with beings of the Thrones' caliber. Especially when their allegiance remained unclear. Accidentally killing an ally would be… awkward.
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