Chapter 12: Chapter 12
"Void Descent!" Akio's hands seemed to embrace something as endless energy poured out from the black holes.
At this moment, the entire Teyvat trembled. The sea, under the bombardment of Void energy, seemed as if it would reverse its flow.
In Liyue, Zhongli, who was enjoying a tune at the opera house, suddenly felt the ground shake. His eyes narrowed as he looked toward the distant horizon.
"Such violent energy… What kind of existence is this?" Zhongli murmured. This level of power was enough to threaten even him.
In Mondstadt, within the Angel's Share, a green-hatted bard was drinking when he suddenly paused.
"Such terrifying power. The wind tells me this energy is truly dangerous. I hope it doesn't affect Mondstadt…"
"Hey, bard! There's an earthquake, and you're still drinking? Run!" The bartender grabbed the bard and dragged him outside.
"Eh? My apple wine!"
…
In the waters of Inazuma, the Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi had already been shattered by the Void energy. The immense force sent the Shogun crashing into the sea.
"Holy cow!" Akio, seeing this, deactivated the Void form. He hadn't expected his full-powered attack to be so devastating.
He only wanted to force Ei out, not damage the Shogun! After all, Ei was his wife, and the Shogun was also his wife!
Akio's tastes weren't limited to humans, after all.
In the next moment, the Raiden Shogun emerged from the sea.
She didn't seem to be seriously injured, but her clothes had been torn by the energy, exposing large patches of skin, leaving her looking somewhat disheveled.
However, it was clear that the Shogun was exhausted, likely unable to continue fighting. She simply stared at Akio with a piercing gaze.
Akio instantly appeared beside the Raiden Shogun and said, "Shogun, let Ei come out."
"Hmph! The inner self has awakened," the Shogun coldly replied.
"…" Akio was speechless. This woman was so cold.
In the next moment, he took out a large robe from the Imaginary Space and draped it over the Raiden Shogun.
"As the Shogun, this is too undignified," Akio said. Then he noticed darkness quickly surrounding him, realizing he was about to enter the Plane of Euthymia.
Akio quickly shouted, "Shogun, I truly mean no harm to Inazuma!"
He just wanted to explain, as the puppet was so rigid and had just been beaten up. She'd probably hold a grudge.
"…" The Raiden Shogun was momentarily stunned, then returned to her cold demeanor. She tightly gripped the robe wrapped around her, lost in thought.
Inside the Plane of Euthymia, Akio saw Ei sitting cross-legged in mid-air.
"You are the deity from another world who defeated the Shogun?" Raiden Ei frowned. "What do you want with me?"
"Raiden Ei, right?" Akio said. "I am Akio, the current Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine."
"Great Divine Official?" Ei frowned. "Why didn't Miko tell me about this?"
"Ei, Miko hasn't even been able to see you. How could she tell you?" Akio retorted, exasperated.
"We don't seem to be familiar. Why are you addressing me so intimately?" Ei asked.
"What's the big deal? We'll get to know each other," Akio said. "I came to tell you that I mean no harm to Inazuma."
"I've also made a deal with Miko. Since I've arrived in this world, Inazuma is essentially my home," Akio said seriously.
"But you question eternity," Ei said.
"I question eternity because your eternity is flawed," Akio replied. "Take a look at Inazuma now. The Sakoku Decree has made life unbearable for the people."
"The Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree are the best means to test eternity!" Ei shook her head. "Even if you are a god, you don't understand my eternity. Arguing is pointless."
"Phew…" Akio almost choked on Ei's words. This stubborn woman.
"The eternity you're pursuing now is just a product of losing so many friends," Akio said. "What if I told you I could bring them back? What would you do?"
"What?" Ei instantly appeared in front of Akio, staring intently at him. "Say that again."
"I said, if I could bring back Raiden Makoto and the others, what would you do?" Akio smiled faintly.
"Impossible!" Ei shook her head. "No one can bring back the dead. Not even the Heavenly Principles can do that."
"Don't deceive me," Ei frowned.
"I can," Akio said. "I've already revived Kitsune Saiguu."
"Kitsune Saiguu?" Ei was shocked again. How could that be?
"If you don't believe me, come with me to the Grand Narukami Shrine and see for yourself," Akio said.
"During my fight with the Shogun, I had Miko take Kitsune Saiguu back to the shrine to avoid the aftermath of the battle."
"…" Ei was now about 70-80% convinced. Checking the Shogun's memories, she recalled that Yae Miko had been holding a white-haired, fox-eared figure, but the Shogun's focus had been entirely on Akio at the time, so she hadn't paid much attention.
"Ei, I told you my authority can revive them. I'm not joking," Akio said.
"If you have that power, then bring back Makoto!" Ei looked at Akio seriously.
"Of course, but I have a request," Akio nodded.
"What is it?" Ei asked, puzzled.
"You," Akio smiled. "I want you to be my woman."
"No, impossible!" Ei's eyes narrowed slightly as she shook her head. "This body is the most exalted and noble, the Raiden Shogun who rules Inazuma. How could I…"
"Ei, Miko has already pledged herself to me, so I revived Kitsune Saiguu for her," Akio said.
"But we've never even met before," Ei frowned. "Why do you want me?"
"I've observed this world for a long time, and I like you. I like everything about you," Akio said softly.
"It doesn't matter if we haven't met. We have plenty of time. Though I'm eager to have you, I have enough time to prove myself."
"A year, a decade, a century, a millennium, even eternity—I'll let you witness my love for you," Akio said earnestly. "True love will last forever."
As he spoke, the buff of Teyvat's Most Devoted seemed to activate. Akio looked genuinely deep in affection.
For someone as reserved and straightforward as Ei, directness was key. Subtlety would be lost on her.
Ei fell silent. Why did this guy suddenly seem so convincing?
"Then let's go to the Grand Narukami Shrine together," Ei said after a long pause. "If I see Kitsune Saiguu, and if you can truly revive Makoto, then I'll… I'll be your woman."