Chapter 73. Faruzan
The identity of the elder from a hundred years ago that Cyno mentioned left Futsu Mitama feeling rather conflicted.
He had a vague idea of who it might be, yet at the same time, he couldn't say for certain.
Or perhaps more accurately, he simply didn't know.
That contradiction left him feeling somewhat helpless. Based on Cyno's description, the other party was most likely a character who would appear as playable character. Unfortunately, he had transmigrated too early and never had the chance to finish many of the complete story surrounding Genshin Impact.
If someone asked him about the major events before the meeting of the Shades, he could answer without hesitation.
If they asked about certain details within those events, however, his answers would probably come out fragmented and incomplete.
And if the topic shifted further into character introductions, hidden lore, or later storylines, then his response would only be:
"As long as it's before the Chasm, I know everything."
That thought left Futsu Mitama feeling both exasperated and curious.
After all, people were always fascinated by the unknown. Fear and curiosity often walked hand in hand, and although he had yet to meet this so-called elder from a hundred years ago, he had already begun looking forward to their eventual encounter.
After a brief conversation within the Chat Group, everyone gradually returned to their own tasks.
To call their days "busy" would not be entirely accurate.
In truth, it felt more like sightseeing.
After finally arriving in a completely unfamiliar land, there was no way they would obediently remain inside a cave and wait for Tighnari's return.
Once the barrier had been completed and dinner finished, everyone used Gandharva Ville as their center point and began exploring the surrounding rainforest.
The lush greenery stretching endlessly in every direction.
The uniquely shaped creatures that inhabited the forest.
The graceful maiden dancing elegantly in the middle of a pond.
The merchant caravans constantly traveling through the rainforest, transporting goods between settlements.
Everything before them was unfamiliar and fresh.
These sights, which none of them had ever witnessed before, filled Sangonomiya Kokomi with excitement. Even Shenhe's usually calm eyes occasionally shimmered with an unusual light.
Aila and Black Aila, meanwhile, quietly remained by Futsu Mitama's side. The beautiful scenery around them held little attraction for either of them. For the twins, simply accompanying their Young Master was already enough.
Kuki Shinobu, on the other hand, focused her attention on gathering ingredients.
Various mushrooms hidden among the forest vegetation. Fresh game obtained from the rainforest. And many local ingredients unique to Sumeru.
By evening, she skillfully combined the newly acquired ingredients with the Violetgrass that Futsu Mitama had ripened through the Dendro Archon's Inheritance and prepared a delicious meal for everyone.
Naturally, there was no food poisoning.
No hallucinations.
And certainly no mysterious little people appearing before their eyes.
Kuki Shinobu remained as reliable as ever in matters like these.
Thus, four or five days passed in the blink of an eye. By the time everyone realized it, they had already explored most of the surrounding rainforest.
During that period, Collei visited several times. She would chat with everyone, deliver daily necessities from Gandharva Ville, and occasionally share recent developments occurring throughout Sumeru.
Now that Collei knew Futsu Mitama and the others had come to rescue both Maha Rukkhadevata and Lesser Lord Kusanali, she had also begun secretly gathering information on her own.
Her reasoning was simple.
If Amber ever learned that Lord Barbatos had encountered danger, she would undoubtedly do everything within her power to help.
Thinking of Amber always filled Collei with strength. Every time that familiar figure appeared in her mind, her motivation seemed to increase severalfold.
Because of Collei's conscious efforts, Futsu Mitama and the others gradually gained access to more and more external information.
For example, the Eremites around Port Ormos had recently become unusually active.
Natural disasters throughout the desert region were becoming increasingly severe.
The frequency of Withering Zones appearing across Sumeru had also noticeably increased.
At the same time, information flowing out of Sumeru City was becoming scarcer and scarcer.
Even with Collei deliberately making inquiries, very little news could be obtained. It almost felt as though Sumeru City now only permitted people to enter.
Leaving, however, was becoming increasingly difficult.
Sangonomiya Kokomi carefully recorded every piece of information. As the former leader and strategist of the Resistance Army, she instinctively treated this matter with the utmost seriousness after learning that their potential opponents were the Akademiya and the Fatui.
After all, it was because Dottore had controlled her life that Yae Miko had been forced to hand over the Electro Gnosis.
Kokomi had never forgotten that humiliation.
Nor had she forgotten who caused it. If an opportunity presented itself in the future, she fully intended to settle that debt.
On the sixth day, Collei arrived once again.
"Everyone! I'm here!"
Her energetic voice echoed from outside the cave. Originally, because of Eleazar, Collei's voice had never possessed such vitality. However, during the past several days, every time she visited, Futsu Mitama would use the Dendro Archon's Inheritance to infuse her body with life force.
The vitality generated by that power temporarily suppressed the effects of Eleazar.
Although it was only a temporary treatment and not a permanent cure, being able to suppress the disease and allow Collei to live like a normal girl was already more than enough.
"Any good news?"
Futsu Mitama and the others walked out of the cave.
Six full days had passed since Tighnari departed for Sumeru City. If nothing unexpected had occurred, today should have been the day of his return.
"Yes."
Collei nodded seriously. Looking at Futsu Mitama, she revealed a bright smile before speaking.
"My master has returned. And the senior came back with him to Gandharva Ville. According to Master, she wants to meet all of you personally before deciding whether she will help you infiltrate Sumeru City and prepare your identities."
Futsu Mitama blinked. The moment he heard those words, he immediately understood something.
Tighnari had not informed the elder of their true objective.
Which was completely reasonable.
After all, before confirming the other party's position, revealing their purpose would be reckless.
What if she happened to stand on the Great Sage's side?
If that happened, every secret would be exposed immediately.
At that point, Futsu Mitama and the others would likely have no choice but to abandon all covert plans and directly rescue Nahida through force.
"Alright."
Futsu Mitama had no objections. He looked at Collei and chuckled lightly.
"Then let's get everything packed up. If nothing unexpected happens, today should be the day we leave this place and head for Sumeru City."
As he spoke, he gently placed a hand atop Collei's head. A vibrant green light flowed from his palm into her body.
Collei immediately let out a soft and comfortable sound.
Receiving life force from Futsu Mitama every day had already become something she looked forward to.
At times, she even felt as though her Eleazar had almost disappeared entirely. Of course, Collei knew better than anyone that things were not that simple.
The disease had merely been suppressed. It had not been cured.
Even so, gratitude filled her heart whenever she thought of Futsu Mitama.
Soon afterward, everyone finished packing. Their belongings were loaded onto the pack beasts, and the group immediately set off toward Gandharva Ville.
The distance was not particularly far.
After roughly an hour of travel, they successfully arrived.
Under Collei's guidance, everyone once again made their way toward Tighnari's room. However, before they could knock on the door, a pleasant female voice drifted out from inside.
"Tighnari, I truly didn't expect that even after coming to Gandharva Ville, you still haven't abandoned your research."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Have these plants mutated? Or did you cultivate them personally? The vitality contained within them is astonishing. If this had been a hundred years ago, those old fellows from the Amurta Darshan would probably have dragged you away and made you a Sage."
"It's just that now—" A soft sigh escaped the woman's lips. "I truly don't understand what the Akademiya is doing these days."
Her voice carried a trace of helplessness and emotion. It was clear that even she held certain reservations about the current Akademiya.
Tighnari's gentle and somewhat weary voice soon followed.
"Senior, you're giving me too much credit." He shook his head slightly before continuing. "These plants were not cultivated by me."
"Hmm?" The woman sounded genuinely surprised. "Not by you?"
In her eyes, the only person in Gandharva Ville capable of cultivating plants with such astonishing vitality was Tighnari.
If not him, then who else could have accomplished such a thing?
"Knock, knock, knock."
At that moment, a knock sounded from outside the door. The woman's voice immediately fell silent.
"Come in."
Tighnari's voice rang out once more.
Collei pushed open the door and led Futsu Mitama and the others into the room. The moment they entered, their gazes naturally fell upon Tighnari and the woman seated nearby.
Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi studied the woman with curiosity. According to Cyno, she was someone who had lived for more than a hundred years. Yet her appearance was astonishingly youthful.
Rather than an elder, she looked more like a refined young lady.
Futsu Mitama also examined her with interest. The moment he saw her, a thought immediately surfaced in his mind.
Isn't this that four-star character from sumeru?
Her elegant and ethereal demeanor, coupled with those distinctive twin tails, was more than enough to appeal to countless players. As for the fact that she was supposedly a person from a hundred years ago—
That wasn't important at all.
After all, wasn't the Lady also someone from five hundred years ago? Wasn't Dottore also the same old relic?
Age clearly wasn't a factor here.
Moreover, Cyno had previously mentioned that this Senior was someone trustworthy.
Although she could be sharp-tongued at times, she was like a caring elder who genuinely considered the feelings of others. As long as the matter itself wasn't evil or unreasonable, she would ultimately lend her support.
"Everyone, you've arrived."
Seeing the group still wearing masks and black robes that concealed their appearances, Tighnari showed no surprise.
Instead, he calmly introduced the woman beside him.
"This is the Senior I mentioned before. Her name is Faruzan. She is a renowned scholar of the Haravatat Darshan, an outstanding researcher from the Akademiya of a hundred years ago, and one of the founders of classical mechanics."
"Whether it's me, the Great Sage, or even the other Sages, all of us address her as Senior. If it's her, then arranging for you to enter Sumeru City without wearing Akasha Terminals won't be a problem."
After hearing Tighnari's introduction, Faruzan immediately lifted her chin slightly.
Her nearly nonexistent chest puffed out with pride.
Looking at Futsu Mitama and the others, she let out a soft chuckle.
"The rest isn't important. You may simply address me as Senior."
Then her gaze sharpened slightly.
"As for why you wish to enter Sumeru City without wearing an Akasha Terminal—I'm afraid you're planning to investigate something. May I ask for your reason?"
"If you cannot provide a suitable explanation, then I won't agree to your request."
Truthfully, if anyone else had approached her with such a proposal, Faruzan would likely have called someone over to arrest them immediately.
But Tighnari was different.
She had worked with him before. He was a junior she genuinely acknowledged. If he had brought these people here, then he must have had his reasons.
Furthermore, Collei was someone she cared for greatly. Precisely because of this, she had personally come all the way to Gandharva Ville.
She wanted to hear the answer for herself.
"A suitable reason?"
Futsu Mitama did not immediately remove his mask. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Tighnari. Tighnari understood his meaning almost instantly.
"No need to reveal your face."
He calmly replied,
"As long as you use that move, Senior will help you."
"That move?"
Faruzan blinked. Her arms folded across her chest as an interested smile appeared on her face. Now she was genuinely curious.
Exactly what kind of method could make her unconditionally assist a group of strangers?
To be honest, she wasn't fond of people who concealed their appearances. In her opinion, sincere conversations required sincerity from both sides.
And sincerity began with showing one's true face.
Therefore, she had already made up her mind.
No matter what method they displayed later, she would make things slightly difficult for them.
After all—
She was a Senior. She had dignity too. She couldn't possibly agree to everything people asked of her, could she?
"Understood."
Futsu Mitama nodded. Since Tighnari wished for them to continue concealing their identities, he had no objections.
At worst, he could simply ask for the reason later. Slowly extending his hand, he gathered Dendro elemental energy within his palm.
A moment later—
A Seed of Skandha materialized.
"!!!!"
Faruzan's pupils contracted instantly. The playful confidence on her face disappeared without a trace. Her eyes locked onto the Seed of Skandha.
Countless thoughts flashed through her mind. As someone from a century ago, her knowledge and experience were extraordinarily vast.
She was a genius.
A peerless scholar at her time.
Naturally, she could immediately sense that what Futsu Mitama was displaying was fundamentally different from ordinary Dendro elemental power.
Within that verdant light existed something deeper.
Something far more profound.
Life.
Vitality.
Authority.
Or perhaps something even greater. Whatever it was, the shock in Faruzan's heart was rapidly intensifying.
At last, she understood why Tighnari had personally traveled to Sumeru City to find her. Because the power displayed by this mysterious figure hidden beneath black robes—was unmistakably divine.
And it was a divine power overflowing with the aura of life itself.
The image of the god who had once created the rainforest and bestowed wisdom and vitality upon Sumeru immediately surfaced in her mind.
Maha Rukkhadevata.
Someone had inherited Maha Rukkhadevata's power.
Who exactly was he? Why did he wish to infiltrate Sumeru City?
Then, almost instantly, another possibility surfaced within Faruzan's mind.
Lesser Lord Kusanali.
The answer seemed almost obvious.
After all, within present-day Sumeru City, the only existence worthy of drawing the attention of a successor to Maha Rukkhadevata—was probably Lesser Lord Kusanali herself.
The young Archon who had been "protected" by the Sages for five hundred years.
Faruzan had always found that situation strange. If the purpose was to protect a newborn Archon, then a hundred years should have been enough.
Two hundred years would already be excessive.
Yet now five full centuries had passed.
And Lesser Lord Kusanali still had not truly appeared before her people.
Originally, Faruzan had not thought too deeply about the matter.
But after witnessing the divine power in Futsu Mitama's hand, countless doubts that had remained buried for years began resurfacing.
"How about it, Senior?"
Tighnari's somewhat weary voice broke the silence. Looking at Faruzan's visibly shocked expression, he continued:
"You can trust them now, can't you? For various reasons, they cannot reveal their identities. But I swear upon the name of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. They have come here for Sumeru's future. You should also be able to sense the unusual atmosphere within the Akademiya recently."
Faruzan slowly nodded.
The atmosphere inside the Akademiya had indeed become increasingly abnormal.
Anyone with normal judgment could sense it.
Moreover, the number of Fatui appearing throughout Sumeru had increased dramatically.
And the Fatui never brought good news.
Never.
It was just—
Faruzan's gaze once more drifted toward the Seed of Skandha suspended in Futsu Mitama's hand.
A trace of hesitation appeared in her eyes.
Truthfully, she had already agreed in her heart. The moment she witnessed that power, her decision had nearly been made. But if she agreed immediately—
Wouldn't that damage her dignity as a Senior?
After all—
A Senior had standards to maintain.
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