Vorthis observed Morax and Cloud Retainer chatting and laughing together, exuding a harmonious aura.
For a moment, he regretted accompanying Morax. It felt like he was a third wheel. However, it wasn't a big deal. They could discuss their topics while he minded his own business.
Vorthis activated his Manifestation Authority and conjured a table, setting it up on the spot. Next, he placed a plate of Sweet Madame, a dish of Golden Shrimp Balls, Almond Tofu, and a few other side dishes on it. The table was soon filled with an intoxicating aroma.
Sitting down, Vorthis poured himself a glass of chilled cola, picked up a pair of chopsticks, and began his laid-back, indulgent meal.
What is that smell?
"Morax, do you smell something delightful?"
Cloud Retainer, who was engaged in a conversation about mechanisms with Morax, suddenly caught a whiff of an enticing aroma—a scent so alluring it could captivate even birds.
An aroma?
Hearing the mention of it, Morax turned his head toward Vorthis' direction. Sure enough, this fellow had set up a table and was feasting on delicious dishes he had somehow conjured out of thin air. Cloud Retainer also turned to look, clearly intrigued.
"These mundane mortal foods are surprisingly tempting," she remarked, already captivated by the irresistible aroma.
Noticing their gaze, Vorthis looked up and smiled warmly, waving at Cloud Retainer and Morax.
"Cloud Retainer! Morax! Care to join me for some delicacies?"
He grinned as he spoke, promptly manifesting two chairs in the vacant spots, with inscriptions reading Reserved for Cloud Retainer and Reserved for Morax.
"I didn't expect mortal foods to be this exquisite," Cloud Retainer mused, clearly impressed. She added with a chuckle, "Today, I've truly broadened my horizons, following the God of Manifestation."
Morax interjected, "These aren't ordinary mortal foods; they're creations of Zennos, brought forth by his Manifestation Authority. Perhaps one day, mortals will achieve such culinary excellence, but that day is still far off."
As the God of Geo, Morax was well aware of humanity's current struggles. For now, survival itself was a challenge; simply having enough to eat and drink was a luxury. Considering how to make food delicious was a distant concern.
"Haha, Morax is right. One day, humanity's wisdom will lead them to these seemingly impossible achievements," Vorthis replied with a smile.
As a transmigrator from Earth, Vorthis was well aware of humanity's boundless potential. But at this time and in this world, humans were in a state akin to the primitive era. Furthermore, with Gods protecting them, humans had little incentive to harness their own intelligence for self-sufficiency.
Vorthis' statement differed greatly from Morax's philosophy. While Morax believed in humanity's potential, he also recognized that they currently lacked the ability to grow independently and still required the shelter of divine wings.
"How about it, Morax? These dishes are the result of countless experiments I painstakingly conducted to perfect them!" Vorthis quipped while munching on a Golden Shrimp Ball.
His claim of extensive experimentation was a complete fabrication. These recipes were staples in Teyvat's future, and Vorthis had merely imagined their flavors before manifesting them with his authority. As a food enthusiast from Earth's Western culture, Vorthis naturally had a knack for good food.
"Hmm, it's indeed remarkable," Morax admitted. Only someone like Vorthis could dedicate such effort to culinary experiments.
"Um, Zennos, would there be any chance you could spare some of these dishes?" Cloud Retainer asked hesitantly. "I'd love to share them with the other adepti in Jueyun Karst, if that's acceptable."
Hearing her polite request, Vorthis laughed and waved dismissively.
"Oh? There are other adepti in Jueyun Karst?"
"But of course, these are merely dishes. It's no trouble at all. Please convey my regards to the other adepti."
With that, Vorthis used his Manifestation Authority to conjure twenty containers filled with a variety of delicacies. Since he wasn't sure how many adepti resided in Jueyun Karst, he erred on the side of generosity. Given that this was an ancient era, with the Archon War yet to begin, the number of surviving adepti was likely considerable. However, those close to Cloud Retainer likely numbered fewer than twenty, considering her discerning nature.
"My deepest thanks to the God of Manifestation!" Cloud Retainer exclaimed joyfully.
Vorthis grinned. "Just call me Vorthis."
"Alright, Vorthis, thank you," she replied with a warm smile.
Vorthis chuckled to himself. At this point in time, Cloud Retainer wasn't yet the eloquent, sharp-tongued adeptus she would become in the future. Time was indeed a mighty force, capable of erasing and reshaping everything.
He wondered what he would become in a few millennia. Would he end up as a laid-back drifter like Venti or a dignified yet idle figure like Zhongli?
"Haha!"
But as the God of Manifestation, one thing was certain: he would never lack Mora.
After parting ways with Cloud Retainer, Vorthis returned to Liyue with Morax. Perhaps due to Vorthis' previous efforts of honing his combat skills on the monsters around Liyue's borders, the number of threats to Liyue had drastically diminished. During their absence, the protective barriers Vorthis had set around Liyue remained undisturbed. Upon returning, Vorthis dispelled the barriers to conserve his energy.
Life returned to its usual rhythm: training, honing his authority, experimenting with new recipes, and teasing Morax for amusement.
Walking along the muddy streets of Liyue's human settlement, Vorthis observed the bustling preparations for winter. In these primitive times, survival revolved around gathering, hunting, and occasional small-scale cultivation. Staple crops like wheat and rice had yet to be discovered.
Suddenly, Vorthis overheard a commotion up ahead.
"Please, take us in!"
"We escaped from the domain of the God of Sandstorm!"
"You ask why? Because survival there is impossible! The land is perpetually engulfed in sandstorms, and people rarely live past thirty-five before succumbing to suffocation!"
"This winter, the God of Sandstorm has intensified the storms for some reason. We had no choice but to flee. Otherwise, we would never dare commit such blasphemy against a god."
Intrigued by their desperate pleas, Vorthis approached the crowd to investigate further.