"Such a big tree! Is this Sumeru City?" Fairy Ely's sweet, childish voice echoed as she looked up at the giant tree reaching towards the sky and the city built upon it, her voice filled with awe.
Just as Fontaine's size had increased proportionally after becoming reality, so had Sumeru. After crossing the vast desert and wasteland, they could see Sumeru City, a landmark of Sumeru.
Compared to the game's scaled-down design, the Sumeru City before Jiang Qiao was dozens, even hundreds, of times larger.
"It's indeed much bigger than Fontaine." Focalors, within Jiang Qiao's body, could also see the scenery. For her, imprisoned for five hundred years, this was the first time witnessing Sumeru's landscape—it was a novel and exciting experience.
Furina, to solve the prophecy problem, had collected a lot of information about the six nations, but the more important reason was that Sumeru was the closest nation to Fontaine, with frequent trade between them. Therefore, Jiang Qiao also found some information not recorded in the game within this body's memories.
"That's probably because Sumeru has a large population."
Sumeru was based on Egypt and India. The former aside, the latter was undoubtedly a populous country. Influenced by this, the desert regions, based on Egypt, had a relatively small population, but the resource-rich rainforest areas were densely populated.
Of course, there was another more important factor—Sumeru's civilization was among the oldest and most well-established in Teyvat, giving it a significant advantage.
After the Cataclysm and the subsequent cleansing, the initial human civilizations in other nations had mostly disappeared. Fontaine, for example, had been completely wiped out, with Egeria and her Oceanid dependents impersonating humans.
When other nations began developing feudal systems, Fontaine was still stuck in a tribal slave system—the most advanced was the ancient kingdom, but ironically, its founder, Remus, was the loser of a Sumeru competition, having fled to Fontaine after being defeated by King Deshret.
"Sumeru probably has the largest population among the Seven Nations," [Furina] said, looking at the lush scenery.
This data seemed to be from hundreds of years ago, when Furina was reviewing Fontaine's government affairs, so it might not be entirely accurate now.
But considering that Liyue had experienced a devastating Archon War, it should be more or less correct.
"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata did a great job."
"Fortunately, Fontaine is doing quite well now." Egeria looked at the "Tree of Wisdom" created by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, a hint of envy in her voice—for an Archon of love, the more humans, the better.
It was like looking at cute pets, the more, the merrier.
However, after obtaining some of Furina's memories from Jiang Qiao, she also saw the current state of Fontaine. Although it couldn't compare to Sumeru or Liyue, under Neuvillette's five-hundred-year rule, it was also quite prosperous.
The only problem was its small population, the smallest among the Seven Nations. This couldn't be helped, as Fontaine's citizens, essentially Oceanids, couldn't reproduce like the citizens of other nations.
Everything in Sumeru City seemed orderly and organized. Although it had a primitive aesthetic, it wasn't dirty or chaotic—the Akademiya, which valued wisdom, although its current members were somewhat lacking in character, hadn't let Sumeru, based on India, actually become India.
"Please wait…" As they were about to enter Sumeru City, the Akademiya Scribe Pana—the tool person who gave the Traveler the Akasha Terminal in the main storyline—appeared.
Seeing him, Jiang Qiao was surprised and puzzled.
According to Furina's intel, Sumeru was quite exclusive about sharing the Akasha. The reason they had been so generous in the storyline was because they had ulterior motives, wanting to use outsiders' dreams to create a new god.
And according to the Traveler's journey, even the Mondstadt storyline had just begun, let alone the Inazuma storyline about the Electro Archon's Gnosis. That place was still in self-imposed isolation.
The Raiden Shogun wasn't even around, probably either at the Fatui headquarters in Snezhnaya or wandering around somewhere else.
So… was it Dottore?
Jiang Qiao pondered.
Dottore was originally from Sumeru, and this land, closely connected to the Irminsul trees, was also relevant to Snezhnaya's plans. Considering the questionable character of the current Six Sages, they had probably already made deals with Dottore. In that case, distributing Akasha Terminals wasn't surprising.
After all, who would complain about having too many test subjects?
Sharing knowledge… the Akademiya elders wouldn't be willing to give anything away, but tricking foreigners into participating… that was perfectly acceptable, very Sumeru.
Jiang Qiao wasn't interested in listening to this tool person's lengthy explanation—Skip!
He had suffered enough in the game, he wasn't going to listen to it again in reality!
"So this is Sumeru's terminal device…" [Furina] looked at the leaf-shaped earpiece in her hand with curiosity.
Egeria wasn't surprised. Five hundred years ago, during the Kaenri'ah Cataclysm, she had fought alongside Greater Lord Rukkhadevata,
And had witnessed the previous Dendro Archon using this device to access the collective wisdom of Sumeru. But Focalors hadn't.
And from Jiang Qiao's perspective, perhaps he might have been amazed by this in the past—after all, this was a "VR" device that hadn't yet appeared in his world.
But after obtaining Elysian Realm Elysia's memories, such things were no longer novel.
Experiencing, witnessing, and feeling… he could do all of that himself, without needing such a device.
"Alright, let's go directly to the Sanctuary of Surasthana."
He put it down without wearing it. Although the Akademiya's little tricks were meaningless to him, [Furina] clearly didn't have this ability, so there was no need for him to use the Akasha Terminal.
Focalors was surprised:
"Eh? Aren't we going through diplomatic channels?"
"Why would we need to?" Jiang Qiao asked in return.
"…I'm the Hydro Archon! Of Fontaine!" Focalors said anxiously, pointing at herself.
As Fontaine's Archon, [Furina] was essentially a symbol of Fontaine, her every action representing Fontaine's stance.
And Fontaine happened to be a nation that valued procedure.
"But this is Sumeru."
"And as a god, sometimes there's no need to be so concerned about such things." Jiang Qiao raised a finger and said naturally.
"Then why were you so law-abiding before…"
"Because I'm currently the Hydro Archon, of Fontaine." The "girl" said, as if it were a matter of course.
In Fontaine, using this body, out of consideration for Fontaine's situation, she had to be more restrained.
After all, if she was too reckless, it would make things difficult for Neuvillette, the Chief Justice.
Fontaine was a nation where even gods were subject to the same laws as mortals.
As for Sumeru…
Why would a Fontaine Archon abide by Sumeru's laws?
Did she need their permission to visit their Archon?
If it were Liyue, with its relatively clear political landscape, she would give Morax some face, since it was his territory.
But Sumeru's Akademiya…
Stay away!
"But using this appearance might not be appropriate…"
"Then let's disguise ourselves a bit." The girl muttered to herself and nodded. A stream of water enveloped her body—as the most flexible element, at the Archon level, changing her appearance wasn't difficult for the current [Furina].
The water dispersed—her blue and white hair turned pink, and her body's features also transformed into those of a girl with Elysia's… "proportions."
Seeing her body's state, Focalors was undoubtedly displeased.
This appearance…
What did he mean, transforming her body into that Elysia girl's appearance?!
Sharing a body with her, and yet thinking of another woman—he was too much!
"It's just a disguise… It's not that I can't transform into other appearances, it's just that I'm more familiar with this face." Jiang Qiao looked at himself in a water mirror, nodded in satisfaction, and said calmly.
Using Egeria's appearance would also work. After all, she had been dead for over five hundred years; no one would recognize her.
Or, for a more mischievous approach, using Lumine's or Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's appearance would also be good.
But considering his reputation, Jiang Qiao abandoned the mischievous idea and used this most familiar face.
"Who's there?!"
"Trespassing in the Sanctuary of Surasthana is punishable by death!"
The guards outside the Sanctuary of Surasthana immediately became vigilant upon seeing the approaching pink-haired girl.
The Akademiya elders probably also knew that imprisoning an Archon would be a big deal if exposed, so even though having guards watch over a god was ridiculous, they still took strict precautions.
[Furina], disguised as Elysia, simply smiled. With a wave of her hand, the guards collapsed along with their spears.
Only her flowing ponytail swayed in the wind.
"Click."
The heavy doors slowly opened.
With light steps, [Furina] entered the cage-like Sanctuary of Surasthana and immediately saw the most conspicuous "birdcage" and the small, child-like figure within.
That was undoubtedly the second generation Dendro Archon, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's successor, Lesser Lord Kusanali—Nahida.
"..." Egeria looked at the Dendro Archon, silent, her emotions complex.
Although she had learned from Jiang Qiao that Lesser Lord Kusanali was imprisoned, seeing the Dendro Archon, a god, locked in a "cage" like this, she felt a mix of emotions.
"She doesn't seem to have noticed our arrival." Focalors said, puzzled.
With such a commotion outside, and Jiang Qiao's blatant actions, the current Dendro Archon was like she was asleep, completely unaware.
"She hasn't inherited Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's power, and this cage itself is a 'place of meditation' custom-made by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata for herself. Inside, all external perceptions are blocked."
"The Sages modified this device, making it impossible to open from the inside…" As she softly explained, a divine glint appeared in her heterochromatic eyes. [Furina] held the Splendor of Tranquil Waters in reverse grip and swung it at the cage.
"Break."
Crack, like shattering glass,
The "cage" imprisoning Lesser Lord Kusanali crumbled like mud washed away by water.
Then, the girl turned and swung her sword.
"Clang!"
Metal clashed, and a faint wave of Anemo power rushed towards her.
Looking at the boy with tanned skin and a dog-head mask standing close by, Jiang Qiao increased her strength without changing her expression.
A surge of Hydro power sent the spear-wielding newcomer flying.
And behind him was an elderly man with white hair and glasses, dressed as a Sage.
The current Grand Sage of the Akademiya—Azar.
"Tch, they came quickly." Seeing this old man, [Furina] curled her lip.
From her intrusion into the Sanctuary of Surasthana to breaking Nahida's cage, it hadn't even been a few minutes.
"Hmph, audacious thief, daring to trespass in the Sanctuary of Surasthana and disturb the divine!"
"Seize her!"
Seeing the seal broken and Nahida freed, Azar was nervous and angry, but quickly regained his composure, giving orders in his usual arrogant tone.
Although imprisoning a god was indeed a grave sin, and Azar had always been worried about this useless Archon causing trouble and kept her under strict surveillance,
Just like when they brought her back, Azar didn't think there was any point in this useless god being free.
After all these years, the Akademiya's control had completely fallen into his hands.
As for this god… did she dare to defy him, the Grand Sage?
As for this outsider…
Looking at [Furina], disguised as "Elysia," Azar was furious.
He hadn't expected such a thing to happen while he was planning his "create a god" project.
The important Sanctuary of Surasthana had been inexplicably breached by this unknown person. Fortunately, he was nearby and reacted quickly. Otherwise, if the Dendro Archon was truly taken away, who knew what kind of chaos would ensue.
Jiang Qiao sighed, glancing at the slightly dazed green and white-haired girl, and couldn't help but say, "Aren't you going to say anything? Buer?"
"I'm not interested in meaningless fights."
"Mmm… Stop!"
Nahida, her mind still slightly fuzzy, came to her senses, hearing these words, and called out to Cyno and the guards who were charging forward.
Her consciousness had been wandering outside. After all, in Nahida's opinion, she wasn't a qualified Archon yet and needed to study hard.
But suddenly, the cage had shattered, and her consciousness was pulled back to reality. And unlike the Raiden Shogun in the Inazuma storyline, who had a plan, Nahida was completely bewildered.
However, this didn't prevent her from stopping the impending conflict. After all, it was this person who had freed her from the "cage."
Cyno instantly stopped, his expression uncertain.
And the other guards also hesitated.
"What are you waiting for?! Seize her!"
"Lesser Lord Kusanali has been deceived by this thief!"
"I'm perfectly clear-headed!"
"This…" Seeing the guards still not moving, Azar was furious. He walked over to a guard and kicked him, "Attack! Attack her! I order you in the name of the Grand Sage! Seize the thief! Are you defying the Akademiya's orders?!"
"And you, Cyno! As the General Mahamatra, facing a thief who trespassed in the Sanctuary of Surasthana, do I need to teach you what to do?!" The Grand Sage was fuming.
He had thought that after so many years in power, he had won over everyone's hearts, but the moment that useless Dendro Archon spoke, they all froze, unable to move. Damn it!
This useless Dendro Archon was truly Sumeru's greatest threat!
Cyno looked at Azar coldly—he had never liked this tyrannical Grand Sage.
But it was true that the pink-haired girl had trespassed in the Sanctuary of Surasthana… The law-abiding General Mahamatra was now in a difficult position.
He could only look at Nahida, both curious and seeking her opinion.
To be honest, this was also Cyno's first time meeting their Archon.
"Mmm… apprehend Azar first…"
Honestly, Nahida's resentment towards Azar wasn't that strong yet, after all, everything hadn't started, but she had been observing this tyrannical Grand Sage all these years.
Whether it was his character or his actions towards Sumeru, it was clearly better to apprehend this increasingly desperate Grand Sage first.
After Nahida gave this order, Cyno instantly knew what to do.
The guards, after a moment of hesitation, turned their spears towards Azar.
The latter was dumbfounded:
"You… you…"
The old man felt a wave of despair, and Jiang Qiao's gaze held a hint of amusement and mockery.
For nations ruled by The Seven, an Archon's orders were practically absolute.
Even in the most free-spirited Mondstadt, if Barbatos appeared in the name of the Anemo Archon, the Knights of Favonius would instantly become obedient—of course, if he caused trouble or acted like the tyrannical Decarabian, the people of Mondstadt wouldn't hesitate to rebel again.
And Sumeru, this nation with a strong academic atmosphere, practically raised by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata…
Their attitude went without saying.
The desert region, with its followers of King Deshret, was another matter, but the people in the rainforest region only had one attitude towards their Archon—loyalty.
This old man was only able to cause trouble and flaunt his authority while the Dendro Archon was absent. Once Nahida appeared, he instantly became powerless.
And he was even more helpless now than in the storyline.
At least back then, he had created a giant mecha and had half of a new god to support him. Even standing against the Dendro Archon, Azar had been confident.
Now… facing the Archon's orders, he could only sweat profusely.
"Lesser Lord Kusanali, please listen to my explanation…" The panicked old man, seeing the situation turning against him, immediately tried to feign loyalty—at least to escape this predicament.
After dealing with this annoying General Mahamatra, and then mobilizing a group of "gilded brigades" from the desert, perhaps he could still turn the tables.
Unfortunately, Nahida didn't respond at all.
Thus, the old man became a jailed old man.
The once prestigious Grand Sage was now singing the blues behind bars.
And Nahida was picked up by [Furina].
"Mmm~ So soft and fluffy, so cute."
[Furina], nuzzling her, had a blissful expression—well, this definitely wasn't Jiang Qiao wanting to feel Nahida's soft skin, but simply Focalors and Egeria, seeing the small Dendro Archon, wanting to cuddle her.
Cyno, watching this scene, hesitated to speak.
… He wanted to apprehend this audacious thief.
How dare she treat the Dendro Archon like this…
But seeing the Dendro Archon being cuddled, like a hostage, he didn't dare to move.
Forget it, I'll just add this guy to the blacklist for now… Cyno, staring at [Furina], as if wanting to memorize that face, similar to the pink floating companion, thought to himself, then escorted Azar away.
Although he wanted to stay, such an important criminal like Azar required his personal escort.
And order was restored within the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
"Who are you…?"
Nahida, struggling free from the cuddle, looked at [Furina] with suspicion.
As the Dendro Archon, although weak in combat, she possessed the ability to read minds.
This ability was an Archon power, only nullified by beings of equal or greater power.
And yet, she couldn't read the mind of this "pink," slightly "fake" girl.
And that power, it was undoubtedly at the Archon level!
"Mmm… how should I put it?"
"Explaining would be too troublesome…" [Furina] looked slightly troubled—and hearing this phrase, Focalors instantly became vigilant: "Stop!"
"Don't tell me you're planning to do something to the Dendro Archon?!"
"Do I look like that kind of person?"
"You don't even look human."
"Mmm… that hurts a little."
"Tch, swear it!"
"Alright, alright~ I swear, I absolutely won't do anything strange to Lesser Lord Kusanali." Jiang Qiao sighed helplessly.
Really, this prejudice and misunderstanding was too much! How could he possibly do anything to a girl of Nahida's size? That would be too much!
Focalors, although highly suspicious, still believed him.
Jiang Qiao, slightly amused and helpless, put the Akasha Terminal to his ear.
"Actually, there are many ways to communicate efficiently~"
"So~ Bad Me deliberately chose that method~" Fairy Ely said with a smile, her childish face incredibly amiable.
"How could that be…"
"Alright, I'll transmit the 'data' to you through the Akasha…" [Furina] fiddled with the Akasha Terminal, intending to use it, but the next moment, he frowned.
"Wait… this feeling…"
The girl removed the Akasha Terminal, sighed, and looked at the figure outside the Sanctuary of Surasthana:
"…Although I guessed you would be monitoring Sumeru, you're really good at timing, aren't you?"
"Fatui Harbinger."