On their return journey, no further danger appeared.
It was as though every hidden threat had chosen to withdraw on its own.
Zhongli remained taciturn as ever, and Shenhe was much the same. The silence between them felt natural rather than awkward, an unspoken understanding quietly taking shape. Instead of discomfort, it brought a rare sense of calm.
Before long, the familiar outline of Sumeru came into view.
Warmth rose in their hearts.
Word of their return had clearly spread ahead of time. Scholars from the Akademiya, workers responsible for construction and logistics, and even the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata herself were gathered at the gates, waiting.
The sight made Zhongli and Shenhe pause.
Idris's influence was unmistakable.
"The Great Sage is back!"
A young scholar shouted excitedly, his voice filled with reverence.
"I heard the Great Sage went to Liyue to establish formal relations. Surely there's good news!"
"Of course there is!" someone else chimed in confidently. "That's Idris we're talking about — a man who stands shoulder to shoulder with the gods!"
Zhongli and Shenhe exchanged a glance, both silently astonished.
So this is what true leadership looks like.
To these people, Idris wasn't just the Great Sage of Sumeru — he was their pillar. As long as he stood here, Sumeru would continue to prosper.
Zhongli couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
How unfortunate… such a man was not born in Liyue.
Idris accepted the crowd's enthusiasm calmly, smiling as he waved and exchanged a few words with those closest to him. Though he didn't linger, every gesture carried warmth and reassurance.
Watching from the side, Zhongli and Shenhe felt their impressions of him quietly shift once more.
Upon returning to Sumeru, Nahida became visibly livelier, chattering nonstop. Even the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled at the sight.
At last, Sumeru could hold its head high again.
Her gaze then fell on the unfamiliar figures beside Idris. They were clearly extraordinary — but since Idris hadn't introduced them, she chose not to ask.
Just then, Zhongli noticed something off.
Idris's expression had grown solemn.
"…Didn't you say Sumeru encountered trouble?" Zhongli asked quietly.
Idris nodded. "The Dragon King was injured while fighting Abyss Mages. The situation isn't light."
Shenhe frowned. "The Dragon King…?"
Nahida froze, then burst out anxiously. "But the big guy is super strong! How did he get hurt?!"
Concern spread instantly.
The Dragon King was a slumbering god of Sumeru — a being of overwhelming power. For him to be wounded meant the Abyss threat had escalated dangerously.
Urgency filled the air.
Idris, however, remained composed.
"Don't panic. Sumeru has its own medicinal resources. He's stable for now. What matters is planning our response."
His gaze sharpened.
"These Abyss Mages aren't acting randomly. Either they've gone mad… or they're preparing something bigger."
Zhongli and Shenhe exchanged another glance.
They both understood — this was not idle speculation.
"Let's discuss this inside," Idris said. "This isn't the place."
The group followed him closely.
Several of Idris's close companions were nowhere to be seen — they were already mobilizing countermeasures. Unlike before, the Abyss Mages had appeared in large numbers, launching ambushes instead of skirmishes.
That was the only reason the Dragon King had been injured at all.
Idris led them straight into a sealed chamber.
The scent of refined pills filled the room as alchemists worked feverishly. He spread a map across a stone table and tapped several locations.
"These are our defensive lines. Patrols must be reinforced immediately."
Zhongli and Shenhe stepped closer, expressions grave. Nahida clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm.
The Dragon King's injuries weren't fatal. After consuming several pills, his condition had improved noticeably — he still carried a formidable presence.
Had Idris not released him early, the outcome could have been far worse.
His weakness wasn't inherent — his strength simply hadn't fully recovered yet.
Under Idris's direction, strategies took shape quickly.
They divided forces, assigned reconnaissance teams, and reinforced Sumeru's perimeter. The goal was clear: locate Abyss Mage activity and prevent further incursions.
"But we can't catch them," Nahida said worriedly. "They have teleportation portals. They vanish the moment we engage."
Idris smiled faintly.
"Who said only they have portals?"
A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.
"If they're determined to seek their own destruction, then Sumeru will gladly help them along."
After all—
He was a man who intended to push the world to its limits.
A man who would one day challenge Celestia itself.
How could the Abyss possibly stop him?
And now, he possessed a portal of his own.
This was an opportunity.
First, probe the enemy's depth.
Then—erase them completely.
Difficult?
Perhaps.
But impossible?
Not for Idris.
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