Everything that followed proceeded exactly as Nahida had meticulously planned.
Every step, every turn unfolded with flawless precision, steering events toward the outcome she had envisioned—and, as expected, successfully awakened the long-buried guilt in Setaria's heart.
Yet unlike before, Nahida's goal this time was not merely to obtain information from Setaria.
She had Setaria serve as an informant, diverting the guards of the Eremites stationed around the Akademiya—thus initiating what would later be known as the Seizing of the Gate.
…
A few days later, Dehya arrived at Sumeru City with a group of mercenaries from her company.
To ensure the secrecy of their mission, she temporarily hid her troops outside the city, preventing their presence from being detected too soon.
…
When night fell on the day of the operation—inside the residence where Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon were staying—Dehya and Katheryne (still possessed by Nahida) joined them for a final review of the plan.
Nahida's gaze swept across the four of them. Her expression was serious as she asked, "So then—has everyone made all necessary preparations?"
Without hesitation, the four answered in unison, "We're ready!"
Hearing their resolute voices, Nahida nodded slightly, her expression firming as she began to assign tasks in detail.
"First, Miss Dehya," she instructed, "you'll be responsible for blocking the Eremites attempting to reinforce the Akademiya. All you need to do is hold the main road leading there. No need to engage directly. Once we've captured the Grand Sage, you'll issue the command for the Eremites to stand down and then take control of the city."
She then turned to Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon. "The three of you will come with me. Follow my directions during the operation, and we'll move as one."
At that, Shao Yun raised his hand. "I have a question—what about Alhaitham and Cyno?"
Nahida answered frankly, "Alhaitham will remain hidden until we succeed. First, because I'll need his help managing the scholars afterward. Second, if we fail, at least he won't be exposed, leaving us with a chance to recover."
She paused briefly, frowning slightly before continuing, "As for Cyno… I still haven't been able to reach him. But if our plan succeeds, we should be able to contact him afterward. And besides—with you here, I doubt we'll lack fighting strength."
Shao Yun glanced at the Schofield Revolver at his hip, then at Micah's Revolver matching one beside him.
"That's right. With me here, we've got more than enough firepower."
Nahida gave a small nod. "Good. Then that's settled. However, if the Second of the Fatui Harbingers—the Doctor—shows up, I'll be counting on you to handle him."
She exhaled softly. "I've always hoped to avoid bloodshed… but after running through every possible scenario, I must admit: dealing with the Doctor is inevitable."
"If we can't completely avoid conflict, then all we can do is minimize the casualties."
Shao Yun gave a faint, knowing smile. "So, you've finally come to terms with reality, huh?"
Nahida lowered her gaze slightly. "I wish there were another way. Let's just hope this mission doesn't spiral into unnecessary chaos."
With that, she ended the discussion. "Enough talk—let's move."
…
Once the plan was in motion, Dehya led her hidden mercenaries quietly into Sumeru City, swiftly securing the main route that connected the Akademiya to the outside world.
She gripped her massive Beacon of the Reed Sea greatsword with ease, smirking. "Looks like the Eremites guarding Sumeru have gone missing. My team got in without any trouble."
Paimon looked around curiously, peering at the now-empty streets. "Huh? There are way fewer people around than before. Did Setaria really make everyone go home and sleep?"
Nahida frowned slightly, her instincts sharpening. "This is strange… but since things have already come this far, we should stick to the plan."
Paimon quickly nodded in agreement. "Right, right! Fewer people might actually be better! And even if something dangerous happens, we've got Shao Yun here—so we'll be fine!"
…
With Shao Yun leading the way, Lumine, Paimon, and Nahida followed closely behind. The group advanced without encountering any resistance until they reached the plaza before the Akademiya.
To their surprise—but not entirely against reason—a crowd had already gathered outside the great doors.
The people's expressions were dazed yet joyful, as though awaiting the arrival of something—or someone—divine.
"Why are they all acting like this?" Paimon asked, bewildered.
Before anyone could respond, a calm, resonant male voice drifted through the crowd.
"Just like warriors returning triumphantly from battle…"
From behind the onlookers, a man stepped forward.
He wore a bird-beaked mask and a fur-collared coat—the unmistakable garb of a Fatui Harbinger. A blue diamond-shaped pendant hung at his neck, catching the faint glow of the city's lamps.
The blue-haired man walked forward at a deliberate pace, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Such a grand reception. I trust this welcome is to your liking?"
Nahida—through Katheryne—narrowed her eyes, recognizing him immediately. "You must be the one exiled from the Akademiya, aren't you? Your name is… Dottore."
The man gave a slight nod. "Indeed. Though most now refer to me as 'the Doctor.'"
Nahida faced him calmly, unshaken. "Where is Setaria?"
"She's in the confinement room," the Doctor replied flatly. "Didn't even notice the listening device on her. Truly careless for someone claiming to be a scholar."
Nahida showed no surprise—everything was unfolding as she had foreseen.
She glanced sideways at Shao Yun and gave a subtle wink.
Understanding immediately, Shao Yun stepped forward, smirking. "She may not be a proper scholar, but you're not exactly a genius yourself, birdman."
The Doctor studied him through the mask. "Ah… you. Yes, I've heard of you. One of my colleagues suffered quite a humiliation at your hands—and you stole fifty billion Mora from him, didn't you?"
His lips curved into a cruel smile. "Now that same colleague has placed a bounty of five trillion Mora on your head. Tell me—should I be tempted?"
Shao Yun's expression didn't waver. He replied coldly, "Here's my offer—you abandon your 'God Creation Project' and hand over your test subject to me. Do that, and I'll let you leave Sumeru alive."
The Doctor chuckled disdainfully. "Ignorant fool! Do you even realize the strength of the Fatui's top four Harbingers? We rival the gods themselves."
He stepped closer, eyes glinting behind his mask. "I'm not like Childe or Signora. You think you're special? You're just a quick-drawing outlaw—a mere pest playing hero."
At his signal, two massive, spike-like constructs appeared beside him, glowing with sinister energy as they hovered in the air, ready to strike.
"I'll give you one last chance," he said coldly. "Leave Sumeru's affairs alone, and I might spare you. Otherwise… suffer the consequences."
Shao Yun, however, remained utterly calm. His face relaxed into a faint smile. "Is that so? Good. I like it this way."
At that instant, the ticking of a clock echoed faintly in his ears.
He opened Deadeye.
In that split second, no one saw him draw his revolver—the motion was seamless, almost supernatural.
The skull ornament at his waist, embedded with a Vision, began to ooze black liquid, like serpentine trails slithering downward before dripping onto the ground with a hiss.
A flash of black light erupted from his gun. The bullet vanished into the night—
—and the two floating spikes collapsed instantly, clattering to the stone floor.
The Doctor staggered, dropping to one knee. His bird-beaked mask slipped from his face, revealing a pair of crimson eyes.
He pressed a trembling hand to his abdomen, his expression twisting as an alien sensation consumed him—not burning pain, but devouring.
Even for a modified clone famed for its defense, the blow had been catastrophic.
"I… the strongest of the defensive fragments… defeated by you…" he hissed, gritting his teeth.
Then, with a deranged laugh, he continued, "So it's true—his fears were justified. Such a curse-like power… you truly are a fascinating subject for research!"
Shao Yun spun his revolver once before holstering it, replying coolly, "You really think I only killed Childe and Signora?"
The Doctor froze—then realization dawned. His eyes widened in shock. "So, it's true… Beelzebul fell to you as well… No wonder that arrogant woman Signora never had a chance against a god-slayer…"
Shao Yun sighed inwardly. So even the Doctor fell for Yae Miko's little novel… What a ridiculous world this is.
"Enough nonsense," he said flatly. "You were a fool to show yourself before me."
He turned toward Nahida. "Now, Nahida—take care of the citizens controlled by the Akasha Terminals. Lumine and I will deal with the Grand Sage. Then we end this 'God Creation Project.'"
The Doctor clutched his wound, feeling the devouring force spread through his body—like a demon dragging him down into hell, unstoppable and absolute.
But just as Shao Yun turned away, the Doctor raised his head and smiled wickedly.
"Heh… don't get too comfortable. You think I came here alone? By now… your friends should be in serious trouble."