Jean was surprised. "Lisa's talent is so strong that her body can't bear it?"
She knew that Lisa was a genius not seen in the Order for two hundred years, but she never imagined that her talent could be so powerful it would harm her.
Silver light appeared in Takumi's hand, and a bead formed with the power of the human realm appeared in his palm.
"All the answers lie in the 'Seat of Fate,'" Takumi explained.
"The hourglass seat symbolizes time, knowledge, and equivalent exchange. Lisa has exchanged a significant amount of allowed 'knowledge' with the world, but everything comes at a price."
Jean understood. "The price is Lisa's life?"
Takumi played with the bead formed by the 'Human Realm Force.' "That's right. The sand in the hourglass is constant. Each grain that falls represents Lisa trading her life for knowledge.
"It's very simple to stop this flow of life—you just need to lay the hourglass flat and return to an ordinary life. But Lisa, already fascinated by endless knowledge, is unwilling to do that.
"Fortunately, she is a sensible person and hasn't fallen into the abyss." Takumi added, "All gifts from fate are marked with a price; you must remember this."
He placed the bead formed with 'human realm power' on the table.
"This bead can replenish Lisa's life force that she has used up—three times. But it can only be used three times." He looked at Jean with a hint of curiosity. "Besides, I want to see where such a powerful talent can take her."
Takumi was genuinely looking forward to seeing how far Lisa could go. The notion of an equivalent exchange for knowledge was already beginning to touch the mysteries of alchemy. If one were to become a god, the rule of 'equivalent exchange' could be as powerful as an original law.
Suddenly, the door to the office opened, and Lisa entered holding a cup of drink she had made herself.
Lisa was a peerless genius that hadn't been seen for two hundred years. Apart from fighting and strategizing, she had dabbled in many different fields, always achieving excellence. Even if she had decided to open a beverage shop, it could easily become famous.
To Lisa, the world had become almost magical. The realm of Teyvat had become a universe, still expanding by devouring other worlds. A few days ago, her good friend Jean had been sent to a different world by Lord Tiali of Sky Island—the powerful entity behind Teyvat's growth—to carry out a plan to assimilate the new world.
Her heart was filled with curiosity about these other worlds. The knowledge Jean brought back, especially on topics like biology and physics, fascinated her.
Lisa had intended to ask Jean more about that world, but unexpectedly, the 'World Master' himself—disguised as an ordinary human—had appeared here. A being mentioned only in ancient records had shown up right before her eyes.
However, Jean had told her that Lord Tiali was gentle and caring. Even when Klee mistook him for her father, he hadn't denied it, and was happy to play with her. This made Lisa curious, rather than afraid.
Lisa walked into the office and found only Jean there. She asked in confusion, "Jean, where is that Lord Tiali?"
Jean smiled kindly. "He's left, Lisa."
Lisa felt both relief and a pang of regret. "He didn't leave because of me, right?"
Jean shook her head and handed over the bead in her hand. "He left this for you. It can restore your vitality, Lisa."
Lisa didn't reach for the bead immediately. Instead, she looked at Jean seriously. "Jean, could this be your wish? You must have known the real reason behind my loss of life force." She sighed. "I can't repay such a favor."
Her 'Vision' glowed as it seemed to tell her the bead could restore her vitality—three times. It was like gaining three additional lives.
Jean responded gently, "We are friends."
Lisa finally took the bead. "I won't say thank you insincerely. Whenever you need my help, I will never refuse."
Jean nodded. "Yes."
They needed no more words; friends understood each other's feelings without too much explanation.
---
**Inazuma**
*Narukami Island*
Takumi brought Nahida and Klee, who had quickly become friends, to the largest seaport of Inazuma, "Narukami Island." The streets were bustling with merchants of different styles—caravans from Sumeru, Liyue, and Mondstadt often came here to trade.
Nahida looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. "The people of Inazuma seem to live happily here."
Klee's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. "Wow! So this is Inazuma! I often hear Brother Kaeya telling stories about it. He said there are lots of monsters here."
Klee looked around eagerly. "Where are the monsters? Brother Kaeya said they look like animals—like Sister Diona, with cat ears and tails."
Alice, overhearing her daughter, puffed out her chest in pride. "There are fewer monsters in Inazuma now, but there are still quite a few. The last time I was here, there was a tengu girl named Kujou Sara who accompanied me. I accidentally lit some modified Naganohara fireworks while making a flying potion, and I think I accidentally plucked some of her feathers."
Takumi folded his arms, shaking his head. "You're not ashamed, are you? You're proud of it."
Alice sighed, sounding nostalgic. "Hey, the little girls I used to know have grown up. I miss the days when I could make them cry so easily. The last time I had a drink with Yae Miko, I tried to get her drunk so I could rub her tail, but I ended up being the one who got drunk—and she teased me for it." Alice frowned. "It made me look like an old woman embarrassing herself. The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get. No, I need to get my revenge this time."
Takumi watched Alice ranting, a look of surprise crossing his face.
Suddenly, his expression changed, and he opened the 'Blueprint of the Gods,' his eyes widening in excitement.
"Without my intervention, someone lit up the six destiny stars and became a god!" He laughed. "The seeds I planted long ago have finally borne fruit!"