If Zhongli and Venti were to come, Rukhadevata might also follow. Would her Abyss truly be capable of facing all Four Gods at once?
Yes, of course it was. But there was no need.
Though the Emotional Feedback was substantial, she couldn't afford to squander it so recklessly.
The Archon War had just ravaged Sumeru. Staging another one in Inazuma would undoubtedly yield diminished emotional responses from the players.
Moreover, Zhongli and Venti intervening at every turn would cheapen their presence.
Let those old geezers rest for once.
If they truly recovered by then and still planned to come to Inazuma...
Jiang Mumu had other methods at her disposal.
Now, it was time to execute her Plan.
In the deep waters off Yashiori Island, a colossal serpent slowly swam by, its massive scales gleaming faintly beneath the surface.
Many players who witnessed this scene felt their blood run cold, triggering primal fears deep within them.
The black-robed figure snapped its fingers, and the serpent reared its colossal head from the sea.
The serpent opened its jaws and spewed torrents of Black Fog.
The fog billowed upward, then spread rapidly, soon enveloping the entirety of Yashiori Island. The black-robed figure's location was instantly plunged into utter darkness.
-
Across the skies of Narukami Island, black fog drifted in from elsewhere, gradually engulfing the entire island.
It was still afternoon, yet the once-bright sky suddenly darkened. The Inazuman populace, already panicked by recent events and the Shogunate Army flooding the streets, now dared not even step outside their homes.
Grand Narukami Shrine.
As the saying goes, "Those who stand high see far." The moment the black fog began to surge toward them, everyone at the shrine noticed it, their hearts sinking with dread.
Currently present at the shrine were Raiden Ei, Yae Miko, Yuna, Kuki Shinobu, Itto, and Chu Xi. The others had already departed at Ei's command.
Ei's gaze pierced through the black fog, sensing an even greater malice beyond.
She turned to Yae Miko, who nodded slightly.
At Mt. Yougou, within the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko's abilities were amplified, giving her a better chance of protecting Yuna.
Without hesitation, Ei's body erupted in crackling Electro energy. The Engulfing Lightning polearm materialized in her right palm, and she surged horizontally into the Black Fog.
"Miko Sister, we—"
Yae Miko glanced back. "You all should stay here. That fiend won't give up easily, and a fierce battle is likely to erupt here soon as well."
Itto immediately drew his Claymore and slammed it into the ground with a resounding thud.
"If it dares show its face, this Great One will make sure it never returns!"
Kuki Shinobu silently unsheathed her daggers.
Yuna drew her Whatever Claymore, while Chu Xi... retrieved the same bludgeon Silaya had used to ambush the Great Sage.
A black-robed figure materialized on the beach.
It first gazed up at the towering Mt. Yougou, then raised Its right hand.
Five Abyss Gates materialized behind It. After a moment's thought, the black-robed figure closed four of them and reopened them in different locations. It wouldn't do to have all its eggs in one basket.
With the Abyss Gates now open, monsters characteristic of Inazuma surged forth, led by Lawachurls of various elemental affinities.
The black-robed figure slashed down a Lawachurl with a single stroke and nodded in approval.
Not too strong, it mused. Otherwise, the Shogunate Army won't be able to hold them back.
Hmm, how very kind of me.
-
Outside Inazuma City.
A large contingent of Shogunate troops, led by Kujou Sara, stood in formation outside the city walls, ready to fight at the General's command.
Inazuma, a nation frequently embroiled in war, had only recently ceased hostilities between the Resistance and the Shogunate Army. Most of these Shogunate soldiers were seasoned veterans.
Kujou Sara stood at the vanguard, her sharp gaze sweeping across the battlefield. As a General of the Shogunate, she was well-informed about the Abyss incursions occurring in other nations and had trained her soldiers specifically to combat Abyss Gates.
The ranks included numerous Vision holders tasked with destroying the Abyss Gates. Members of the Shuumatsuban, the Kamisato siblings, Yoimiya, Thoma, and others were also present.
After returning from Grand Narukami Shrine, Kujou Sara delivered the General's orders: all Shogunate forces in Inazuma were to prepare for war, and every Vision holder of suitable age was to join the battle.
Soon, the earth began to tremble, and the thunderous trampling of monsters echoed through the mist ahead.
The Abyss Monsters had arrived!
Ayato turned to Ayaka beside him. "Ayaka, take care of yourself."
"You too, Brother."
Ayato had initially opposed Ayaka's participation in the battle, but he couldn't dissuade his sister. Better to have me watching over her than for her to fight alone, he reasoned.
During the Archon War five centuries ago, Inazuma's yokai had suffered grievous losses, yet a considerable number still remained. When the Black Fog enveloped Narukami Island, countless reclusive yokai emerged from their secluded retreats, hurrying to the battlefield.
-
Watatsumi Island.
The black-robed figure's target wasn't here, so there was no need to open an Abyss Gate.
However, the Black Fog descended impartially, engulfing the island.
Sangonomiya Kokomi immediately dispatched Gorou to investigate, but it would take some time to obtain information.
-
Sumeru.
Lumine and Paimon ultimately decided not to risk disturbing Zhongli and Venti. Instead, they told Nahida to inform them about the situation in Inazuma after they had completed their healing.
They emphasized the black-robed figure who had appeared on the Sumeru battlefield.
Upon hearing that the black-robed figure had survived, Nahida took the matter very seriously. Learning that Lumine and Paimon were returning to Inazuma, she recharged the small mechanical dog they had created during the battle against Shouki no Kami, the Prodigal, and entrusted it to Lumine.
"You must be careful," Nahida urged. "If you encounter formidable enemies, prioritize your own safety above all else."
Lumine and Paimon nodded in agreement before swiftly returning to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
-
The sea.
Ei descended in a flash of lightning, her powerful Thunderbolts instantly dispelling the Black Fog.
A colossal serpent emerged from the depths, torrents of seawater cascading off its scales. Though its massive form dominated the ocean, Ei stood her ground, the Electro aura radiating from her body creating a zone of clear air that allowed her to confront the beast from a distance.
The serpent radiated an aura rivaling that of a top-tier Archon, and Ei dared not underestimate it.
When Jiang Mumu had created this colossal serpent, her primary goal was to delay Ei for as long as possible. Thus, its defenses were absurdly robust, knowing Ei's notorious offensive power. If Ei could obliterate it with a single strike, her plans would unravel.
Every moment Ei was stalled here granted the black-robed figure more room to maneuver elsewhere.
The serpent roared and lunged at Ei. In an instant, she teleported behind it and slashed!
The powerful blade glided across the serpent's back scales, leaving only a white scratch.
Stung by the attack, the serpent's massive tail erupted from the depths, crashing down toward Ei.
Ei's gaze remained cold as she sidestepped the blow.
The serpent's tail missed its target, sending colossal waves crashing.
The serpent twisted its massive body, baring its cavernous maw, and unleashed a barrage of black energy beams at Ei.
Ei weaved through the onslaught with agile grace, her Musou Isshin blade shimmering with Electro energy. Seizing an opening, she charged toward the serpent once more.
With a mighty strike, Ei slammed her blade into the serpent's neck. Blade and scale collided, producing an ear-splitting clang.