Alhaitham's expression turned solemn. He raised a hand to his chest, knelt on one knee, and said in a low voice, "The Sumeru Akademiya shall forever follow Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Lesser Lord Kusanali!"
As he knelt and swore his oath, the other sages also expressed their loyalty to Sophia and Nahida.
"We humbly obey the commands of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Lesser Lord Kusanali!"
"Then take action, everyone. Sumeru's city defenses, the resettlement of its people, and measures for responding to disaster all need to be prepared," Sophia said, looking at them with a satisfied nod.
After being purged, the Akademiya had once again returned to what it had been when she was still there.
That was the true Akademiya, one that upheld fairness and stood unwaveringly for Sumeru and for knowledge.
After Alhaitham led the sages out of the Sanctuary of Surasthana, Sophia opened her arms. Emerald light shimmered in her hands.
The light slowly drifted from her palms into the surrounding space, while some of it fell to the ground and seeped into the earth. Nahida could sense the flow of energy spreading outward from Sophia as its center, expanding across all of Sumeru.
In an instant, Sumeru's plants began to spread. The Wall of Samiel gradually peeled away and collapsed, and the domain of vegetation slowly extended toward the desert. The sand filling the sky fell silent beneath that vast power, unable to stir even the slightest disturbance.
"It's... Greater Lord Rukkhadevata!"
The Aranara sensed the power Sophia had released. Every Aranara turned toward Sumeru City, gazing up at their queen across mountains and rivers.
As Sophia's power bloomed, Apep, who had returned to the desert, also sensed it. She stood atop a cliff, looking out toward the distant rainforest. Only after a long while did she turn around.
Before her, many of her followers were waiting for her command.
"Move out. Cooperate with Sophia," Apep said to them.
"Yes!" The followers nodded, then scattered.
After all of them had left, Apep sighed and muttered to herself, "Great Dragon King... I truly never imagined there would come a day when I would join forces with these gods."
"But compared to those revived gods who may not even be sane anymore, these little girls are still easier on the eyes..."
...
Just as Makoto and the others returned to Tenshukaku, Yae Miko walked out from inside.
She had been explaining some of Inazuma's affairs to Kamisato Ayato, and when she looked up, she saw everyone descending from the sky.
"We're back. Did you miss us, Miko?" Makoto smiled and waved at Yae Miko.
Kamisato Ayato bowed respectfully to everyone, but Yae Miko crossed her arms, gave a cold snort, and said, "I did not miss you at all! I was even thinking that if you did not come back soon, Inazuma might as well belong to me."
"In that case... how about letting you sit in the Electro Archon's seat for a few days?" Makoto laughed after hearing Yae Miko's words, then took a step forward and asked.
"I have no objections." Ei shook her head.
The Shogun's gaze fell on Yae Miko. After a moment of silence, she said, "That should be fine."
"You actually agreed just like that?" Scaramouche looked at the three of them in shock, frowning as he said, "Then why not let me sit there for a few days?"
"Do not speak," the Shogun said, turning back to Scaramouche.
Scaramouche: "..."
Yae Miko looked at them and frowned. "Forget it. The way you three are acting is making me uneasy..."
"Your Excellency, I will take my leave for now," Kamisato Ayato said with a smile, bowing slightly to Makoto.
Makoto shook her head and said to him, "Do not be in such a hurry to leave. I have something to discuss with you. Also, Miko, go summon the people from the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission. In addition, invite the people from Watatsumi Island as well, if possible."
"Hm?" Hearing Makoto's words, Yae Miko instinctively felt that something was wrong. She asked, "What exactly did you all do in Liyue? Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
"You will know once everyone arrives. Hurry and go," Makoto urged her.
Although Yae Miko did not know exactly what was going on, she still went to contact the others first.
Before long, everyone Makoto had named had been brought over by Yae Miko.
"Oh my, you have no idea how exhausting it was to bring someone over from Watatsumi Island. I had to put in so much effort." Yae Miko set Sangonomiya Kokomi down on the ground, then spoke to the others.
Makoto looked at Kokomi's wind-tossed hair and said helplessly, "Is that how you brought her here?"
"I'm not as powerful as all of you. If I'm bringing someone with me, of course I can only carry them and fly," Yae Miko said helplessly, spreading her hands.
Sangonomiya Kokomi had not yet understood what was happening. She looked blankly at everyone in front of her, then bowed to Makoto and asked, "May I ask, Your Excellency... what exactly is going on?"
"I apologize for suddenly bringing you here from Watatsumi Island, but I can guarantee that what comes next will surprise you even more," Makoto said slowly, looking at Kokomi.
"Is this really something worth keeping in suspense?" Scaramouche said with a frown.
Kujou Kamaji and Kujou Sara represented the Tenryou Commission, Hiiragi Chisato represented the Kanjou Commission, Kamisato Ayato represented the Yashiro Commission, and Sangonomiya Kokomi represented Watatsumi Island. All of Inazuma's current highest authorities were now present.
Makoto looked at everyone and said slowly, "Since everyone is here, I will not waste words. Sangonomiya Kokomi, I need Watatsumi Island to open all of its borders to the Shogunate and allow the Shogunate army to station troops there. As for the militia under Watatsumi Island's jurisdiction, I will also permit them to be incorporated into the Shogunate army."
Once Makoto said this, everyone was somewhat surprised.
"Y-Your Excellency, may I ask why?" Sangonomiya Kokomi frowned tightly and stared at Makoto.
In her view, if the Electro Archon truly wanted to bring Watatsumi Island fully under the Shogunate's rule, Watatsumi Island had absolutely no ability to resist.
But since Makoto was willing to explain the matter to her first, that proved there had to be a reason forcing her to do this.
"Because of the abnormal movement of the Ley Lines, the gods who died in the past are going to awaken. However, after awakening, those gods will most likely be fundamentally different from who they were before. They may no longer love humanity and may only carry anger and resentment."
Makoto looked at everyone and calmly told them what was happening. "There is also the Dark Sea. Many gods who fled Teyvat are there, and they will also use this opportunity to return. If Watatsumi Island remains outside Inazuma's order, it will be very difficult for us to coordinate an effective resistance."
Against a war of this scale, a unified command structure was extremely important.