"This view… it's truly breathtaking. Standing at the summit, you can take in the entirety of Narukami Island," Noah remarked, his tone brimming with satisfaction as he strolled along the stone-paved path adorned with blooming sakura blossoms.
"I'm glad it pleases you, Lord Noah," Yae Miko responded perfunctorily before questioning with a hint of curiosity, "What is it about the Grand Narukami Shrine that has caught your interest?"
"What am I here for? Naturally, to accomplish something that will leave the entire world of Teyvat in awe. If you're curious, Miko, I could tell you—but it will cost you an ear." Noah's playful grin gleamed as he observed the clever and calculating fox priestess trying to draw out his intentions.
As expected of a fox, she was sly, astute, and shrewd, the other half of Inazuma's mind alongside Ayato Kamisato. Together, they could be called the "Hidden Dragon and Phoenix" of Inazuma.
"An ear? Are you planning to cut off one of my ears?" Yae Miko's expression shifted to alarm as her fox ears, already drooping slightly, pressed flat against her head.
"I'm not that cruel. Why would I mar a lovely fox like you? No, I simply meant I'd like the right to… touch one of your ears. Just one. That's the price for learning a secret that would shake Teyvat to its core. It's a bargain, really." Noah's smile widened, the mirthful glint in his eyes making Miko suspicious.
"Touch my ear? A secret that could shake all of Teyvat? And it's tied to Narukami Island and the Grand Narukami Shrine?" Yae Miko's violet eyes narrowed slightly, her skepticism wrestling with her curiosity.
Could it be true? Coming all this way just to fabricate such a pretense seemed beneath even this playful god.
"Of course, it's directly tied to Inazuma. Why else would I be here? Now, I'll count to ten. After that, the offer's off the table."
Noah began counting down nonchalantly, his tone one of utter indifference, though his teasing grin betrayed his amusement.
"Ten… Nine…"
Yae Miko's mind raced as she weighed her options. A secret tied to Inazuma, revealed atop Yougou Hill at the Grand Narukami Shrine—a place perhaps even Ei didn't fully understand. Was it worth trading away the dignity of her ears?
Her ears, which only Ei, Makoto, and the great Kitsune Saiguu had touched, were now to be bartered away to this celestial troublemaker. Miko's usually composed face flushed slightly, a rare display of vulnerability.
"Two… One…"
Noah reached the final number, preparing to shrug it off with mock disappointment.
"Alright, I agree," Miko blurted out at the last possible second, her voice almost instinctual. After realizing what she'd just said, a pink hue spread across her face, and her ears twitched nervously.
"Such a decisive choice! The deal is sealed. Let the heavens bear witness—those who break this pact shall face the wrath of the earth's own stone." Noah chuckled triumphantly.
"Go ahead… get it over with." Yae Miko tilted her head forward, her ears twitching shyly, resembling a cat's ears after being brushed by a breeze.
For Inazuma… for the secret… for the future, she chanted inwardly. This was worth it.
Noah's grin widened as he reached out and gently grasped both of her soft, fluffy fox ears. Miko instantly let out an involuntary sound—a soft moan—before clamping her hands over her mouth, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Her ears were far too sensitive. Just this light touch made her mind feel like it was floating away.
"Ah, remarkable texture. Fox ears really are something else," Noah murmured with satisfaction, relishing this rare moment. He quickly withdrew his hands as Miko's ears grew hot to the touch, stopping before she completely lost her composure.
"No need to overdo it. There's plenty of time ahead," Noah thought to himself.
"You really are a god brimming with awful hobbies, Lord Noah," Yae Miko muttered, her cheeks still rosy as she tried to regain her dignity. "Now, where is this secret? Or was this all just a ruse to toy with a little fox like me?"
"I wouldn't break my word," Noah replied with a chuckle, tapping her forehead lightly.
Immediately, a cascade of knowledge flooded Miko's mind: the details of the "World Assimilation Plan," information about the Demon Slayer world, the construction of a dimensional gateway at the Grand Narukami Shrine, and a collection of texts titled Mythological Tales of Takamagahara.
Miko's expression shifted from bewilderment to shock, and finally to outright horror.
"A plan to assimilate another world? This… this is insane!"
The enormity of it all made her feel as though the ground beneath her had vanished. It was audacious, grandiose, and utterly beyond her comprehension.
She didn't doubt its veracity. After all, Ei's departure from her Plane of Euthymia and her journey to Celestia had already hinted at something monumental.
As the knowledge settled in her mind, Miko looked at Noah with a mix of astonishment and resentment.
This secret wasn't really a secret at all—for her, as Ei's familiar and confidante, it was something she would inevitably learn. The only thing Noah had done was exploit her curiosity and playful nature.
"This was a secret for now, Miko. I didn't deceive you," Noah said with mock sincerity, the corners of his mouth curling mischievously.
"Truly, a god of dreadful habits—bullying a poor maiden like me," Yae Miko replied, her tone dripping with indignation. Yet behind her complaint lay a resignation that she could do little against such a cunning god.
Her thoughts briefly drifted to a certain woman whose spirit seemed to mirror his.
The two continued onward, exchanging barbs until they reached the heart of the Grand Narukami Shrine. There, they stood before the Sacred Sakura, its roots entwined with Inazuma's very lifeblood.
Without it, Inazuma's Ley Lines would collapse entirely. The consequences of such devastation were unthinkable—Celestia would descend the Divine Nails to freeze the land's fate eternally.
"Enough jesting. It's time to construct the World Gate."
Noah's expression shifted to seriousness as he silently activated his system.
[System: Location set—Sacred Sakura before the Grand Narukami Shrine. Construct the World Gate.]
[Ding!]
[Location confirmed: Inazuma, Grand Narukami Shrine.]
[Initializing construction of the World Gate.]
[Connecting to dimensional coordinates of the Demon Slayer world.]
In an instant, a massive golden pillar of light erupted from the peak of Mt. Yougou, piercing the sky. The column expanded rapidly, enveloping the entire mountain in radiant brilliance.
The golden pillar of light piercing the heavens was visible across all of Teyvat.
"The light is enveloping all of Mt. Yougou! What's happening?"
"You idiot! That must be the Shogun! Who else could possess such divine might?"
"Exactly, it's the Shogun!"
"Eternity shall prevail! All Hail Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami no Mikoto!"
Inazuma's citizens stared fervently at the immense light connecting heaven and earth, their voices rising in unison with boundless reverence.
At the Kamisato Estate
Kamisato Ayato, who had been discussing the Shogun's summons with his sister Ayaka, stood frozen by the window, gazing at the light that illuminated all of Narukami Island.
"Brother, with the Shogun clearing out Inazuma's deep-seated corruption, we will surely follow her will of 'Eternity' and make Inazuma even more prosperous than Liyue," Kamisato Ayaka declared. Her gaze was firm, her tone unwavering.
"We will. The Kamisato family will rise alongside Inazuma's renewal. If Father and Mother were still here, they would surely be proud." Ayato's warm smile belied the determination in his voice.
In Liyue
From atop the Jade Chamber, a woman with flowing white hair that reached her waist and a dress of golden embroidery gazed across the sea at the column of light.
"It has begun. How exciting," she murmured.
"Indeed. If the Lord of Geo hadn't told us himself, who could have imagined?" A younger woman, her hair tied in cat-like twin buns, commented with wide-eyed amazement. Her expression was as serious as ever.
On the summit of Mt. Aozang, Zhongli stood with his hands clasped behind him, his golden eyes fixed on the distant marvel.
"The transformation of Teyvat has begun. Let us hope everything proceeds smoothly."
"Hmph. Inazuma got the honor of the first world assimilation. How fortunate for them," snorted Mountain Shaper, stepping up behind Zhongli.
"Indeed. The first world is a relatively simple one. Frankly, any of the Seven nations could have succeeded. Inazuma did get lucky," Moon Carver agreed with a nod.
"You two always find something to complain about. The world assimilation tasks are assigned based on cultural and mythological alignment. This was a decision made by Rex Lapis and the other gods together," Cloud Retainer retorted with an exasperated shake of her head.
"For instance, the Akame ga Kill world was assigned to Fontaine due to its alignment with the values of the God of Justice. Its corruption required precise intervention."
"And the Inuyasha world, being far stronger and filled with youkai akin to archon-level threats, naturally fell to Liyue, the mightiest of the Seven Nations." Cloud Retainer lifted her head proudly, her crane-like posture emanating confidence.
Zhongli shook his head at the bickering Adepti. While their words often seemed harsh, he knew their bonds ran deep. Beneath the surface lay unwavering camaraderie.
His golden eyes reflected a trace of longing.
"If the third world grants Teyvat the power of reincarnation, perhaps those we have lost could return," Zhongli mused silently.
Elsewhere
In Mondstadt and Fontaine, as well as every nation aware of Celestia's World Assimilation Plan, those who understood its significance regarded the light with mixed emotions—anticipation, unease, and awe.
In nations oblivious to the plan, confusion, curiosity, and even excitement filled the air.
Walking into Liyue Harbor, a blonde-haired traveler with sparkling golden eyes froze at the sight of the radiant spectacle.
"Whoa, Lumine! Look at that huge pillar of light—it's so bright it's lighting up the whole sky! What is that?!" Paimon shrieked, tugging at Lumine's hair.
"Ow! Quit pulling my hair, Paimon! I can see it just fine!" Lumine swatted Paimon's hand away before muttering, "Across the sea… Inazuma, huh? That power—it must belong to a god."
Her gaze darkened slightly as she added, "Looks strong. Back when I wasn't sealed, could I have matched that? Gods sure vary in power. Venti's leagues below Inazuma's deity. I wonder how strong Liyue's god is."
Meanwhile, in the Demon Slayer World
Under the cover of night, an abandoned mountain once revered as the domain of Takemikazuchi was abruptly engulfed by a colossal pillar of blue light.
Purple lightning crackled within the column, roaring like a storm and lighting up the heavens.
Rumble!
The light turned the night into day, its radiance so blinding it woke people from their slumber. Windows flew open as villagers stared in awe at the divine miracle unfolding.
At the base of the unnamed mountain, a demon sinking its teeth into a watchman's shoulder screamed in agony. It released its prey, howling in pain as its body began to smoke and crackle with blue lightning.
"Ahhh! Help me! A demon—"
"Ahhh! Lightning! It hurts! I'm going to die! I don't want to die!"
The demon writhed as the lightning seared through its body, black smoke billowing from its charred flesh. Finally, it crumbled into a pile of ash, its cries silenced forever.
The watchman, saved by what could only be described as divine intervention, fell to his knees, trembling.
"That's Mighty Thunderbolt! Lightning! It must be Takemikazuchi-no-Kami! Thank you, O Kami-sama! Thank you for saving me!"
Nearby, members of the Demon Slayer Corps who had rushed to intervene froze in their tracks, stunned by the celestial spectacle.
"Sister, is that a god? Has a god descended?" A young, sharp-eyed girl tugged at her older sister's sleeve, her voice filled with excitement.
"It must be a god. The lightning… the thunder… This morning, the villagers mentioned that mountain was once home to a shrine dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Kami," said the elder sister, her butterfly-patterned haori catching the faint glow of the light. Her pale violet eyes gazed at the ruined shrine atop the mountain, now illuminated like a divine beacon.
She had doubted the existence of gods before. But now, she believed.
"Quick! We must inform
In a nearby town, at the headquarters of the Paradise Faith Cult, chaos erupted.
"Master! A divine miracle has appeared outside! A massive pillar of light descended from the heavens—it's brighter than daylight!"
A follower burst into the room, pulling back the curtain to let the golden light flood the space.
Sitting cross-legged, his hair as red as fresh blood and his iridescent pupils shimmering, the cult leader smiled faintly.
"I see. I shall go witness this so-called miracle for myself," he replied softly.
Inside, he scoffed. A god? Ridiculous. He had ravaged countless shrines and devoured their priestesses without consequence. To humans, he was the only god they needed.
As he stepped outside, his mocking smirk froze. His eyes widened in sheer terror as he beheld the pillar of light connecting the heavens and the earth.
A primal fear clawed at him, as though immense, unseen hands were reaching for his very soul.
Crackle.
Tiny arcs of purple lightning danced across his skin, sizzling.
"What is this?! Blood Demon Art—"
His voice faltered as the lightning scorched his flesh. Smoke rose from his charred body, and to his horror, he realized he couldn't regenerate. His movements slowed, his limbs paralyzed.
"No… this light…!"
Just as he thought his end had come, the lightning faded, leaving him trembling. The pillar of light receded, revealing the faint silhouette of a massive torii gate hovering above the mountain's peak.
It was as if a gateway to Takamagahara, the realm of the gods, had opened.