Just like Klee, the other three little ones, having played themselves into a state of utter exhaustion, were now fast asleep in their own boats. Even Nahida, the five-hundred-year-old "little one," was no exception. Perhaps it was the daily experience of being raised as a daughter by Ryen and spending time with actual children like Klee that had awakened Nahida's own latent childhood innocence.
Ryen rowed his boat while keeping a watchful eye on them. The four little figures were curled up in the boats, tucked away in peaceful slumber, their expressions relaxed as if they were deep in pleasant dreams. Especially Yaoyao, who usually acted like a miniature adult, in her sleep, she had shed all pretenses, rolling over to wrap her arms around Ganyu's waist and nuzzling her cheek.
Ganyu was practically melting from the cuteness, and Ryen was no different. He swore to himself that he had never before felt that a small boat was so inconvenient. If he only had a larger vessel, he could bring Qiqi and the others all together. He imagined what a joy it would be to row while the four little ones slept around him. What a life of bliss that would be.
He let out a soft sigh and began calculating which mod involving transportation would be most suitable. Based on the industrial age foundation, there were plenty of transportation mods. There were even rockets. But researching those mods was a task of a scale equal to a small technological revolution. Even if the system provided him with every flowchart and detailed guide, it would still take years of dedicated study to master them.
Years just to research the industrial age? Ryen decided it wasn't worth the cost. At least, not right now. The MC world was still in a phase of rapid development; there was no need to waste precious time and human resources on the industrial age.
Besides... there was a much better-suited mod.
The One Piece Integration Pack! Not only could they build their own ships, but as long as the ships were fitted with a rudder, they could be navigated freely. But in the One Piece mod pack, the ships themselves were merely incidental trinkets. The true treasures were the magical resources found within that integration: various powerful weapons, the systems of Haki and Doriki, the wide array of professions and their unique skills, and, of course, the most important of all: Devil Fruits!
By comparison, this mod offered the highest return on investment. If they could activate it, the time required would be short, but the boost to everyone's combat capability would be formidable. While Zhongli and the others might not find the Devil Fruits particularly earth-shattering, they would at least constitute a new attribute-based power.
When he looked at it, there were plenty of powerful and interesting mods. The "Primordial Cultivation," "Classic of Mountains and Seas," and "Titan" mods were all top-tier. Unfortunately, the appearance of these mods was entirely beyond his personal control. Ryen couldn't exactly expect that rigid system, which hadn't shown its face in ten thousand years, to let him pick and choose.
The voyage was far from dull. For everyone, it was more like a sightseeing trip. Beneath the waves, slow-moving sea turtles glided past, and schools of colorful tropical fish swam in tight formations. Above, clouds drifted lazily. Thanks to the unique properties of the MC world, in this part of the ocean where the clouds were sparse, no one felt the bite of the sun.
Regrettably, even with the ocean teeming with fish, Zhongli hadn't caught a single one since they departed. Ryen felt that in another moment, Zhongli would fly into a rage and drop a meteor on the sea.
The others chatted and laughed. The small boats of the MC world were easy to maneuver, and they could enjoy the scenery while rowing. As long as the oars were moving, it was fine. Ningguang and the others clustered around Ryen, whispering among themselves. From time to time, more small dolphins appeared, acting very friendly toward the humans, fulfilling Lumine's wish to play with them. They even took the initiative to guide the group toward shipwreck treasures.
Unfortunately, perhaps because Lumine had taken so many treasures from the Ocean Monument earlier, she had exhausted all her luck. Most of the shipwreck treasures they found afterward were useless piles of gold and diamonds. The only things of any value were two spell books, sadly, just "Magic Missile" and "Summon Zombie," the two most basic Apprentice-level spells.
Still, it was something.
After exploring four more shipwrecks and finding no further treasure, the group was content to relax. At this rate, they would reach the New Continent by noon.
Aether pondered this, steered his boat toward Lumine, and with a glint in his eye, whispered, "Congratulations on getting a wand that's about to upgrade to Master level."
Lumine paused, then shot Aether a look of disdain. "The way you're trying to make conversation is truly clownish."
Aether's face darkened, and the topic he had painstakingly prepared withered instantly.
"What do you want?" Lumine huffed. "If you're looking to see my wand, no way."
Aether took a deep breath, feeling his annoyance rise. If it weren't for the fact that he needed something from her, he would have fired a shot at her boat and sent her butterfly-swimming in the ocean. He forced a smile and chuckled. "Can't I just be concerned about you?"
"Your concern is a bit late," Lumine retorted. "If you'd shown this concern when I was looking for you back then, it might be a different story. But unfortunately, you missed your chance. Spit it out, what is it?"
Aether didn't want to waste any more breath. He pursed his lips and said in a low voice, "Since you've already got a wand that's hitting the Master level, your old wand..."
Lumine's eyes lit up as she realized his intent, looking at Aether with a meaningful gaze. "So you want a wand... no way!"
Aether was getting annoyed by Lumine's teasing. "Why do you need so many wands? It's a waste!"
"Ha? What does it have to do with you how many wands I have?" Lumine pouted. "Even if I hide them all away just to look at them every day, that's my business! This is my wand, why should I give it to you? Besides, would you ever complain about having too many wands?"
Aether fell silent. After a long moment, he huffed and signaled for Endis to speed up and leave. Every moment spent talking to Lumine pushed his patience to the breaking point. If they talked any longer, he might just smash her boat.
Fontaine.
As the first nation in Teyvat to step into the Industrial Revolution, the city of Fontaine was filled with steampunk aesthetics. White, grayish smoke billowed into the clouds, and even in the quieter streets, one could hear the hum of massive mechanical gears turning.
In a magnificent, majestic building sat the highest seat of power in Fontaine, and the seat of absolute impartiality. It was the most feared place for any citizen: the Opera Epiclese.
There were not many trials in court today, leaving the blue-haired, blue-eyed girl sitting on the high seat directly opposite the Chief Justice feeling somewhat bored. She rested her cheek on one hand, idly holding a photo that was slowly burning away, though her gaze was elsewhere. In the embers of the fading photo, one could faintly see the scenery of a Lantern Rite.
Opposite her, the white-haired, purple-eyed Chief Justice quietly flipped through the documents in his hand. There were always trials to be held in the Opera Epiclese, varying in number but never zero. Whether it was the unlucky scientists from the Fontaine Research Institute who had failed to produce results, or the remnants of the old Hydro Archon's faction that were captured from time to time, the daily trials were enough to keep Lady Furina entertained.
The next trial was for an unlucky scientist from the Narcissenkreuz Ordo. He had applied for 500 million Mora for kinetic machinery research but had failed to produce a single result. The verdict was a foregone conclusion: either handed over to the Marechaussee Phantom or sent to the guillotine.
Furina had watched this kind of predictable farce for years and never grew tired of it. She enjoyed the process of court rulings, the theatricality of the court, just as she herself had said, she even wanted to judge the Seven.
Suddenly, Furina asked a random question. "The Fatui force led by that Harbinger, the Knave... have we figured out their movements within our borders?"
Below, Chief Justice Neuvillette paused before replying calmly, "They are still heading toward Sumeru. The Special Security and Surveillance Patrol is following from a distance, and the reports confirm it is indeed the Fatui Knave's faction blocking them."
Furina gave a light laugh, her tone still indifferent. "The forces under that Tsaritsa are truly chaotic and disordered..."
"I don't believe we are in a position to say that," Neuvillette said, picking up the next file. He added softly, "Should we intervene?"
"There is no need to waste extra strength on those who cannot be judged." Furina rested her cheek on her hand, her gaze unfocused, lost in thought.
Suddenly, she asked, "Do the remnants of the old Hydro Archon's faction have any contact with them?"
Neuvillette stopped and finally looked up at the girl sitting across the chamber. After a moment of silence, he shook his head. "The Patrol has not reported any. It is unlikely, as the Knave's group needs to reach Sumeru immediately. They have no intention of interfering in Fontaine's internal power struggles."
Furina nodded casually. "I suppose that's true. Occupied with opposing the Heavenly Principles, they wouldn't have the time to meddle in Fontaine's internal chaos. And besides, the Abyss Order..."
Before Furina could finish, Neuvillette continued, "It is confirmed. The Abyss Order has collaborated with Snezhnaya, or more precisely, with the Five-Nation Alliance."
Furina felt a bit dazed, recalling the unmatched divine power of the Heavenly Principles she had seen that day. Ever since then, she had firmly believed one thing: in this world, even the Seven could be judged, but only the Heavenly Principles could never be opposed.
Silence descended upon the Opera Epiclese for a moment. Suddenly, water ripples blossomed from Furina's fingertips, extinguishing the burnt remains of the photo. Coming back to her senses, she waved a hand, and the ash scattered.
"Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Snezhnaya... and the Abyss Order? Or should I say, Khaenri'ah?"
"If they unite, can they resist the Heavenly Principles?"
Furina shook her head dismissively. "It would only lead to more blood and fire. If the Pyro Archon knew of this, she would certainly be delighted to join the fray."
"Perhaps one day, I shall even judge those who judge on behalf of the Heavenly Principles. Judging the Seven... just thinking about it is fascinating, isn't it?"
Seeing that their god of amusement had uttered such shocking words, Neuvillette frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "It would be best not to let such talk spread. The Five-Nation Alliance is powerful, and with the support of the Abyss Order... while I am unsure of the true strength of these 'Heavenly Principles' you speak of, we in Fontaine certainly lack the power to resist them."
"Besides, the rumors say that the Geo Archon has not passed away, but is merely healing. Furthermore, the adepti of Liyue have returned, and that Azhdaha is not any weaker than the Geo Archon himself."