After spending Emotion Points to maintain the Sacred Flame, Caelus began considering ways to strengthen Natlan's overall combat capability.
Natlan's Ley Lines were indeed on the brink of instability. Even if the Sacred Flame continued to burn, Abyssal monsters would still invade.
In the original storyline, the war between Natlan and the Abyss resulted in devastating casualties, largely because many had not anticipated how swiftly the conflict would erupt.
Moreover, at that time, Mavuika had already exhausted much of her divine power to sustain the Sacred Flame, leaving her to fight only as an ordinary Vision bearer.
In other words, before Mavuika obtained the Authority of Death, Natlan faced the Abyss without the full support of its Archon.
The current situation was somewhat better.
The Sacred Flame remained stable, and Caelus still retained his full strength as the Pyro Archon.
Even if a large-scale Abyss invasion occurred now, Natlan's losses would be far lower than in the original timeline.
Even so, Caelus believed it was necessary to further enhance the people's strength.
His gaze fell on the Mass-Produced Visions in the system shop.
These were not Gnoses.
Rather, they were devices modeled after Delusion technology, enabling ordinary people to wield elemental power.
Unlike Delusions, however, Mass-Produced Visions would not harm the user.
During production, the system extracted a portion of power from the Pyro Archon's Gnosis to neutralize any backlash.
According to the system, this extracted power was renewable.
As long as Caelus rested properly, it would gradually recover.
If necessary, he could also use the system shop to temporarily enhance himself and accelerate the recovery process.
"I already have a Vision and a Gnosis. All I'm missing is a Delusion for analysis."
Earlier, Caelus had sent word to the Fatui, demanding they hand over Delusions as "rent" for operating within Natlan.
Whether Capitano would agree was uncertain.
If he refused…
Then the script would truly diverge from the original storyline.
Instead of the Captain coming to seize his Gnosis—
He would personally visit the Fatui camp and take their Delusions.
---
Meanwhile — Outside the Office of Affairs
At the entrance, a white-haired girl was loudly protesting.
"I want to see Caelus!"
"Let me in!"
Mualani was making a scene at the door.
The two guards stationed at the entrance remained unmoved.
"Mualani, please stop."
"His Excellency has given strict instructions—you are not to be allowed inside under any circumstances."
The guard spoke helplessly.
Ever since Caelus became the Pyro Archon, Mualani had come nearly every day to demand an audience.
At first, even the guards had doubts about suspending the Sacred Night of the Return of Flame.
But as the Sacred Flame remained stable—and Abyss incursions noticeably decreased—their resistance gradually faded.
They didn't understand what Caelus had done.
But they could see the results.
Natlan was more peaceful than before.
Though his methods differed from previous Pyro Archons, as long as Natlan benefited, they would follow his decree.
After exhausting herself to no avail, Mualani left in disappointment and regrouped with her companions nearby.
"Sigh… Caelus still refuses to see me."
Her usual brightness was gone, replaced by visible frustration.
"I told you," Ajaw sneered while floating midair. "He's the Pyro Archon now. Why would he bother with small fry like you?"
"If I were him, I'd distance myself too."
Before he could continue, Kinich's palm slammed down, flattening Ajaw against the ground.
"Apologies. He misspoke."
Kinich's tone was calm.
"It's fine. I'm used to it."
Mualani forced a smile—but it didn't reach her eyes.
Seeing her state, Kinich spoke seriously.
"Mualani, you should stop dwelling on the Pyro Archon."
Her eyes widened.
"Kinich… have you given up too?"
"Do you also think Caelus is right?"
Kinich answered steadily.
"Since the Sacred Night of the Return of Flame was suspended, the Sacred Flame has not weakened. Abyss incursions have decreased."
"We may not understand his methods—but the results speak for themselves."
"If this continues, more and more people in Natlan will support him."
"Mualani, you haven't been yourself lately. You should return to the People of the Springs and rest."
"But…"
She bit her lip.
"If he's right, why won't he explain?"
"Why won't he see us?"
"Weren't we partners?"
Kinich fell silent.
After a moment, he replied softly.
"Perhaps… he now carries responsibilities we cannot see."
Mualani lowered her head, saying nothing more.
At that moment, Kachina suddenly pointed ahead.
"Look—it's the Fatui!"
"The Fatui?"
Both Mualani and Kinich stiffened.
In any nation, the Fatui were viewed with suspicion.
Treating them as enemies was rarely a mistake.
"What are they doing here? Are they trying to assassinate Caelus?!" Mualani asked anxiously.
"It's a diplomat," Kinich observed carefully. "They're likely here for negotiations."
"They all wear masks—how can you tell?" Mualani asked.
"The details of their uniforms differ," Kinich replied, arms crossed. "There's no need to panic."
"But… is the Pyro Archon going to cooperate with the Fatui?" Kachina asked nervously.
She had heard countless warnings about them growing up.
"Relax," Mualani said confidently, placing her hands on her hips.
"Even I can't enter—and I grew up with Caelus."
"There's no way he'd let the Fatui inside."
"Even if it's a diplomat, the guards will throw him out."
She spoke with absolute certainty.
"But… he's already gone in."
Ajaw floated back up, pointing.
"What?!"
Mualani whipped her head around.
The doors of the Office of Affairs had opened.
The masked Fatui diplomat walked inside without resistance.
"The Fatui can enter… but I can't?"
Mualani stood frozen in disbelief.
[Emotion Points from Mualani +20]