"Creating a god? What do you mean?"
Rover slightly furrowed his brows. Nahida gently tapped the Akasha Terminal near her ear, and a virtual image appeared before her eyes.
"After breaking free from confinement, I can now directly connect to and manipulate the Akasha's core. This endless cycle must end."
As her words fell, Nahida slowly closed her eyes. Rover felt a faint tremor, as if a delicate machine had finally ceased its operation. The dream enveloping Sumeru City began to dissipate.
"Though this is our first meeting, the Akasha tells me that with your help, the success rate will increase significantly."
Rover did not respond immediately, instead quietly resting his hand on his sword hilt.
"You haven't answered my question."
Nahida seemed momentarily taken aback, as if she had taken everything for granted.
"My apologies, I was incomplete in my explanation. The Doctor and the sages are using the Gnosis as a medium, along with the power they've gathered, to create a new god."
Rover was puzzled, but soon recalled Nahida's circumstances when they first met and understood.
"So, the Akademiya does not acknowledge your identity or status, is that correct?"
Nahida's expression turned somewhat dejected.
"Yes... Perhaps I am too young. They believe I am unworthy of the title of God of Wisdom... I... have tried my best..."
Rover grasped the general situation but needed to confirm a few more things.
"Aside from creating a god, do they have other objectives?"
Nahida looked up, noticing Rover's lack of intent to assist. Her gaze drifted to the side, and her hands clenched slightly.
"Yes. The Irminsul. They also wish to access the Irminsul."
Rover froze for a moment. In the next instant, he slowly drew his sword and pointed it toward a shadowy corner.
"Come out. This is not a conversation meant for your ears."
The Irminsul concerned the very fabric of this world—a secret Rover could not allow anyone else to overhear.
Applause rang out from the direction of the cold blade. A tall figure stepped into Rover's line of sight.
"You're Rover, correct? A pleasure to meet you. I am the Doctor, Second of the Fatui Harbingers."
The Doctor leisurely stood before Rover.
"I will take my leave. After all, your arrival here already signifies half the failure of my plan. However, before I go, I'd very much like to see just how much potential an artificially created god can unleash. Truly a fascinating subject for research."
The Doctor stroked his chin in thought before chuckling and pointing in a certain direction, making no move to obstruct them.
Rover merely glanced at the Doctor before walking past him, Nahida following closely behind.
"Why do you assume I would fight that false god?"
Rover halted but did not turn around.
The Doctor seemed to have anticipated this response. His tone remained unhurried.
"Because the one controlling the false god... is the Balladeer."
The Balladeer... Who?
It took Rover a moment to remember.
In his memory, it was that foul-mouthed brat from Inazuma—the one he had beaten half to death, who had fled like a drowned rat.
"Why him?"
The Doctor shrugged helplessly. Speaking of the Balladeer seemed to amuse him, and he let out another chuckle.
"Because he swore to personally torture to death those who betrayed and humiliated him. His childish obsession made him the perfect test subject. For this, he even tore out the heart of the unsuspecting Fair Lady while muttering, 'Rosalyne betrayed me.' Ah... The look in his eyes at that moment was just like a puppy's—utterly impossible to despise. Oh, and he specifically mentioned you by name. Once he becomes a god, you're the first one he's coming for. Don't you think he's just adorable?"
After listening to the Doctor's taunts, Rover strode straight toward the depths.
A hidden Fatui agent emerged, bowing low.
"Sir, what do you think the outcome will be between Lord Balladeer and that Rover? According to the Akasha's calculations, there's a 70% chance Lord Balladeer can defeat him."
The Doctor looked at his subordinate and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, his expression turning solemn.
"The Akasha's data was modified by me before being relayed to Azar and the Balladeer. Do you know what the original calculation was?"
Cold sweat dripped from the subordinate's forehead. He dared not meet the Doctor's gaze or speak carelessly, fearing he might become experimental data.
"Zero."
...
"The world... is so impatient for my birth."
Following the coordinates provided by the Doctor, the Dendro Archon used the Akasha's map to locate the Balladeer's final hiding place.
As the great doors were pushed open, an expansive space was revealed. Before them stood a colossal mechanical construct, and at its head, the Balladeer stood with arms outstretched, as if in the midst of ascension.
The Balladeer felt an unprecedented power surging through his body.
"I remember you. Buer, the God of Wisdom... and you, Rover."
Nahida grew nervous, clutching the hem of her dress.
"Be careful. I can sense he has truly become a god now."
A beam of light shone down upon the Balladeer, filling him with euphoria. He raised his hands, basking in the gaze of another god.
"So, Balladeer, is this your confidence now?"
Rover spoke calmly. The Balladeer snorted.
"'Balladeer'? That name is ancient history to me. As my spirit ascended to godhood, it felt as though I had lived through eons equal to heaven and earth. Looking back, the existence known as Kunikuzushi seems so insignificant... so wretched."
The Balladeer's eyes gradually sharpened. He pointed at Rover, then clenched the Gnosis floating in his palm as if crushing an ant.
"Every humiliation you dealt me in the past... I will repay you tenfold today!"