Lumine asked, "So you are no longer clinging to the past?"
Ei nodded. "When I toured Inazuma with you earlier, I witnessed centuries of progress and humanity's potential. Everything surpassed my expectations."
"Advancement brings loss, but it also creates new encounters."
"Take that soldier from earlier, for example. He faced great loss, yet he still chose to fight for progress."
"The sacrifices of that era, the future they desperately pursued, the scenery that existed in their hearts—perhaps it was not the eternity I once hoped for."
[Furina: Becoming human was also the dream of the people of Fontaine.]
[Keqing: The people of Fontaine got their wish.]
[Lumine: That is wonderful. Let us move forward together.]
[Ningguang: The future holds infinite possibilities.]
[Ei: Next, I think the first thing I must do is listen. How should I collect the opinions of the people?]
[Yae Miko: The opinions of countless people? That would take a very long time to go through. Besides, everyone may want something different. As a deity, you are not a wish-granting machine for the people.]
[Ei: Then what should I do?]
[Ningguang: Simply establish a system that encourages openness and innovation. Once the canvas is prepared, the people will naturally create the most beautiful painting upon it.]
[Furina: That is amazing. Why could I not think of that?]
[Paimon: Furina, all you think about are little cakes, are they not?]
[Furina: That is not true. I actually also...]
[Lumine: Also light novels.]
Lumine said, "Eternity is truly not what humanity desires."
Ei's gaze grew firm. "As Inazuma's deity, it is time for me to answer their hopes."
She looked up at the sky and spoke solemnly. "Those warriors who shed their blood once more, your brilliant souls have already merged into this land."
"I will not forget your efforts."
[Yae Miko: A festival is a good idea. Ei, have you thought about it?]
[Ei: I will leave that matter to the Yashiro Commission.]
[Kamisato Ayato: I will begin preparations now.]
Paimon murmured, "Ei seems so heavy."
Ei looked at Paimon. "Let us go. We still need to continue investigating the damage to the Sacred Sakura."
They encountered more monsters along the way. Ei defeated them, but not as effortlessly as before.
Paimon looked at Lumine. "Does Ei seem a bit off?"
Lumine asked directly, "Ei, are you not in good condition?"
Ei turned around. "Why do you ask?"
Paimon said, "Normally, you would draw your blade cleanly and shatter them in an instant, would you not?"
[Yae Miko: Do these types of monsters consume energy to defeat? Ei, is that the Shogun?]
[Ei: I do not know what will happen in the future either. Let us continue watching.]
[Paimon: What is happening? I suddenly do not understand.]
[Ei: I cannot explain the details either.]
[Lumine: But it must be something serious. Ei's power has been greatly limited.]
Ei answered seriously, "Do not worry. I am just trying to conserve some energy."
"Although I have some information in advance, unexpected situations can arise at any moment."
"I must be prepared. Even if there are larger monsters lurking nearby, I need to have enough strength to deal with them."
Paimon nodded, half understanding. "I see. As expected of Ei, a general who has fought a hundred battles."
"The damage to these roots seems severe. We should also report this to the Yashiro Commission..."
As they spoke, another light appeared on the ground, and a phantom emerged.