And so, Nahida led Lumine and Paimon to the Divine Innovation Workshop deep within the Sanctuary of Surasthana, where they were utterly astonished by this massive and hidden experimental facility, jointly constructed by the Fatui and the Akademiya.
Their shock wasn't just at the technological sophistication and the immense human, material, and financial resources expended, but more so at the chosen location for the experimental facility.
Perhaps no one would have imagined that at the very top of the Sanctuary of Surasthana, not only was Lesser Lord Kusanali, the God, hidden, but also a new God they themselves created, concealed within the underground workshop of the Sanctuary of Surasthana. This was truly a case of 'the darkest place is under the lamp.'
On their way to meet Balladeer, to prepare for various situations that might arise later, Nahida thoroughly questioned Lumine and Paimon for more information about Balladeer, to understand what kind of person he was. After all, the more information they had, the more targeted they could be in handling problems.
Finally, after navigating many twists and turns, the three of them arrived outside the door of their destination. A simple iron door could no longer conceal the unparalleled aura that Balladeer inadvertently exuded.
Just then, Nahida took out a strange creature that floated in the air, just like Paimon.
Lumine: "What is this floating little thing? Is it a work-utility machine like Paimon?"
Paimon: "What do you mean 'like me'? There's clearly a huge difference, isn't there?"
Lumine: "Sorry, I was just trying to ease the tension, but at first glance, they both float, and they're both small…"
Paimon: "Hey—!"
Nahida laughed: "Hehe, this is a little something I made in my spare time. You can think of it as an upgraded Akasha Terminal. A difficult battle might be waiting for us later, and it should be helpful in certain situations."
Paimon: "Nahida, aren't you nervous? A Fatui Harbinger with the power of a Gnosis… I can barely imagine how difficult he will be to deal with…"
Nahida: "To be honest, I am also very nervous. This should be the first time since my birth as a God that I have directly faced a calamity of this magnitude. But despite the tension, I am a little curious about our fate.
In my opinion, wisdom is everything that can be felt in the world, everything that can be known, everything that has happened to people, everything that can certainly be understood.
Only fate, which has not yet happened to people, constantly piques my curiosity. Fate is the ultimate wisdom, but so far, I have only been able to satisfy my curiosity by observing the fates of others.
Now, I am finally no longer just an observer; I will personally experience my own fate, together with you all. How exciting that is!"
Paimon: "So that's it. Hearing Nahida's words, I feel less nervous now."
Lumine: "I'm looking forward to it too! We won't lose!"
Facing the closed door, Nahida, Lumine, and Paimon, the three of them, pushed open the tightly shut iron door together, choosing to face their destiny.
Beyond the iron door, a magnificent mecha suddenly appeared before their eyes. Even as it stood silently, the three of them felt a suffocating pressure emanating from it.
shouki no kami, the prodigal, the Secret Lord of Seven Nights' Resplendence—this was the name of this new God.
And at the head of the mecha, Balladeer, linked as one with the mecha, was meditating, as if the arrival of the three of them were merely three ants, posing no threat to him.
Seeing this, Nahida decided to strike first, extending her left hand. A pure Dendro elemental power emanated from her hand, spreading towards Balladeer.
However, in Balladeer's eyes, this act was nothing short of contempt for a God. He merely didn't want to bother with them; it didn't mean he hadn't noticed them.
Balladeer, who was in meditation, instantly opened his eyes. There seemed to be electric arcs still leaping between his brows. The boundless pressure, along with his awakening, was completely unleashed, not only completely dispersing the Dendro elemental power released by Lesser Lord Kusanali, but also instantly pushing the three of them back more than ten meters.
Balladeer: "This world is so impatient for my birth. As my spirit sublimates into a God, it feels as if I have already lived through ages equal to heaven and earth. Looking back from this body, the existence named Kunikuzushi is so insignificant, so ugly!
I remember you, Buer, the God of Wisdom, and you, Traveler. Your act of walking into a trap, in my eyes, is the most foolish behavior in the world!"
Paimon said in horror: "This feeling of majesty is indeed God-level. It reminds me of facing Osial. But compared to the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, he seems to be a bit lacking. And the appearance of this mecha gives me a familiar feeling…"
Unexpectedly, Paimon hadn't even finished speaking when a giant mechanical hand swiftly slammed down towards Paimon's position. With just one slap, the entire experimental workshop seemed to experience an earthquake. The huge, sturdy sky-bridge was directly snapped. Fortunately, Lumine quickly retreated with Paimon, finally landing steadily and dodging this earth-shaking blow.
Balladeer: "Insignificant creature, know your place! Your words just now were an insult to a God!"
As soon as Balladeer said this, he completely lost the imposing aura he had previously cultivated. Lumine laughed: "Sure enough, you're still the same Balladeer as before."
It was no wonder Balladeer broke his composure. Paimon's words just now were practically dancing on Balladeer's head, saying that his strength was inferior to Beelzebul's, and that his cool mecha was a knock-off of someone else's. With his foul mouth and terrible personality, it would be strange if he could endure it.
Balladeer sneered: "Balladeer? That is merely a distant codename for me, a piece of history I have left behind. Now I have ascended to godhood. I prefer the world to call me [shouki no kami, the prodigal]—the Secret Lord of Seven Nights' Resplendence!
Buer, the God of Wisdom, I remember you. It turns out there truly are Gods in this world who do not crave power. This is the first time I have seen it with my own eyes, a God who presides over wisdom. No wonder even your own people would abandon you!"
Lumine loudly retorted for Nahida: "But from now on, Nahida will have more and more followers of wisdom!"
Balladeer scoffed sarcastically: "Hmph, your judgment is as weightless as your existence. This is where it ends, Buer. You should know that wisdom cannot solve all problems. Just like now, you only have one choice: to fight me.
Since you have walked into a trap, then come! Let us reenact a corner of the Archon War, to legitimize my birth as a God!
Since Dottore said I lack God-knowledge, then I will obtain it directly from your dendro gnosis!"
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