"You, you, you, you... What is going on?!"
"Brother Thoma, how can you use Electro Elemental Power? Could it be some kind of trick?"
Seeing the completely bewildered Kuki Shinobu and Arataki Itto, Thoma couldn't help but smile.
"Of course it's not a trick, look again!"
Just as he finished speaking, Thoma threw the arc of electricity on his hand toward an empty spot, then shouted loudly.
"Blazing Barrier!"
"Boom!"
The Electro Element and Pyro Element produced a violent explosion the moment they came into contact, but the shockwave of the explosion was completely blocked by a layer of Pyro Elemental Shield.
Although they didn't experience it personally, the commotion of the explosion roughly indicated that its power was not small at all.
The commotion of the explosion attracted the attention of many people, and when they saw Thoma using two types of Elemental Power at the same time, they were immediately stunned.
Weren't their injuries already healed? How could they be seeing hallucinations in broad daylight?
"Holy cow, Brother Thoma, did you get another Electro Element Vision? Let me see it, quick!"
After Arataki Itto snapped out of it, he curiously searched all over Thoma, but he couldn't find the so-called Electro Element Vision anywhere.
"I'm not relying on the power of a Vision. This is my own control over the elements."
Hearing Thoma's words, everyone was stunned, their first reaction being disbelief.
At this point, Sangonomiya Kokomi walked over and explained.
"Thoma is telling the truth. In fact, this is the method I mentioned earlier to save everyone."
After Thoma's demonstration, she believed that the others would not take her next words as a joke, so Sangonomiya Kokomi took this opportunity to inform everyone about the Dragon Blood Potion.
Of course, it would still be best to communicate with Kujou Sara, but just moments ago, Sangonomiya Kokomi learned that Kujou Sara was held responsible for the fall of Inazuma City last time and had already been arrested and stripped of her duties.
Time is of the essence now, so they could only communicate with the commander of the Kujou Encampment first.
After everyone heard about the Dragon Blood Potion's effects, they were stunned.
Almost no side effects, yet it boosts one's own strength—this is simply like a dream!
Although the boost is not as massive as a Vision, it must be remembered that the number of people who can obtain a Vision is extremely small!
"As you've seen, the reason I can use Electro Elemental Power is precisely because I have already been injected with the Dragon Blood Potion."
"And it's not just me. All the soldiers who came from Watatsumi Island this time have been injected with the potion, and so far, not a single person has experienced side effects."
After hearing Thoma's words, everyone felt a faint sense of excitement in their hearts.
Of course, they still had some doubts. After all, the relationship between the Shogunate and Watatsumi Island was not very good. Why would Watatsumi Island simply take out such a good item for them to use?
Sangonomiya Kokomi noticed the concerns in everyone's hearts, so she told them about the impending disaster she had discovered.
When everyone heard that the area of the sea's Electro Elemental Power erosion had already spread toward this place, their expressions all changed drastically, and a wave of fear swept through their hearts.
As veterans who had been stationed at the front lines for years, they knew best about the harm caused by the Electro Element-eroded environment. There were often workers who, unable to make a living, could only gamble their lives to mine Crystal Marrow, dying in some place, or even collapsing right before their eyes, then ceasing to breathe.
Because their bodies were physically trained over a long period and they did not stay in the contaminated areas for too long, the impact on them was not too great. However, if the contamination spread to the entire Inazuma, they simply dared not imagine how many people in Inazuma could ultimately survive.
Originally, they thought that powerful enemies and a terrifying tsunami were already the entirety of the disaster, and they had almost made it through.
Only now did everyone realize that the true disaster had not yet begun.
At the same time, everyone thought about Sangonomiya Kokomi's method of saving them, and their hearts were filled with immense emotion.
If it weren't for Sangonomiya Kokomi, they would have had no chance of survival when the disaster arrived.
"Lady Sangonomiya, we simply cannot repay this kindness!"
The Marshal of the Shogunate Army was too grateful to speak, and immediately knelt on the ground, wanting to kowtow to Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Seeing this, Sangonomiya Kokomi hurriedly stopped him, yet the other soldiers also knelt on the ground one after another. This time, Sangonomiya Kokomi did not know how to stop them.
If she had only saved their lives, perhaps they would not have reacted so strongly, but Sangonomiya Kokomi's action was enough to save the vast majority of people in Inazuma, including their families and friends. She had truly won their respect.
"Everyone, please get up. As fellow Inazumans, this is what I should do!"
"Thoma, Kuki Shinobu, Arataki Itto, please help everyone up."
After the four of them busied themselves for a while, they finally got the people at the scene to stand up again. However, everyone's gaze as they looked at Sangonomiya Kokomi was filled with absolute respect.
"Please count the people here with weaker constitutions. The first batch of Dragon Blood Potions we brought is not quite enough, so let them use them first."
Upon hearing Sangonomiya Kokomi's arrangements, the Marshal immediately assigned the task, and the data was compiled shortly after.
Next came the distribution of the Dragon Blood Potions. Because the constitutions of people from Watatsumi Island were somewhat unique, the injections were initially given to only a small group. After confirming there were no side effects, the remaining Dragon Blood Potions were then injected into the rest of the people.
In the end, about one-tenth of the people mastered the use of Elemental Power. This group was overjoyed, never expecting to use Elemental Power without a Vision, while others were filled with envy and tried several more times, refusing to give up.
As for their physical fitness, it had also been greatly enhanced. An ordinary person could now easily defeat a warrior trained for years relying solely on their physical strength, completely crushing them in terms of stats.
Of course, the most important thing was the drastic increase in their adaptability to harsh environments, which would greatly improve their survival rate in the upcoming disaster.
"Everyone, there is no need to worry. If you continue to refine the Qi and Blood in your body, not only will your strength become even greater, but there will also be a second chance to master Elemental Power."
After that, Sangonomiya Kokomi also taught everyone the method of refining Qi and Blood, and instantly, everyone became even more excited.
They never imagined there was a way to continue getting stronger. To them, Sangonomiya Kokomi's kindness was like being given a new life.
At this moment, besides Raiden Ei, Sangonomiya Kokomi had already become the second most respected person in their hearts.
Just then, Gorou hurried over and then spoke in a low voice to Sangonomiya Kokomi with a nervous expression.
"Lady Sangonomiya, Daphne says a very powerful presence is approaching here."
Hearing these words, Sangonomiya Kokomi's expression instantly changed. She naturally trusted Daphne's warning, after all, Daphne's strength should be even stronger than hers.
Of course, this was just a feeling; she had not seen Daphne fight with her full power.
"Daphne, can you feel if there is hostility coming from that person?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi asked while looking at the miniature Daphne on Gorou's shoulder.
"I don't feel any. Of course, it's also possible the opponent is hiding it very well."
"Mm, then I'll go and take a look."
Sangonomiya Kokomi nodded, then led Gorou outside with her.
"Lady Sangonomiya, has something happened?"
Someone saw Sangonomiya Kokomi's unusual expression and asked cautiously.
"It's nothing, I'm just going out for some fresh air."
Sangonomiya Kokomi casually made up an excuse to avoid making others nervous.
Next, Sangonomiya Kokomi soon met the powerful presence Daphne had discovered.
Seeing that familiar figure, the expression on Sangonomiya Kokomi's face immediately softened.
"Traveler, Paimon, and Ayaka, so it's you all!"
"Kokomi!"
Paimon let out an exclamation upon seeing Sangonomiya Kokomi, then flew over and continued excitedly.
"Kokomi, why are you here?"
"And this is... Miss Hina??!!"
When Paimon saw Gorou, her tone instantly became even higher than before. Lumine and Kamisato Ayaka also looked surprised.
Of course, the level of surprise in Lumine and Paimon's hearts was definitely far beyond Kamisato Ayaka's. After all, they truly never expected Miss Hina to actually be a real person!
"H-hello everyone..."
Gorou forced a smile at the group, his heart racing with lingering fear.
Earlier, seeing Lumine and Paimon again after so long, he had been so excited he nearly shouted out loud.
If Paimon hadn't spoken faster, he would have probably exposed himself.
Paimon looked at Gorou in confusion, then turned to exchange a glance with Lumine.
Could they have been mistaken? Could it be that Miss Hina actually existed in Inazuma and wasn't just a fictional character created by Yae Miko?!
"Miss Hina? Are you really Miss Hina?"
"Uh, my name is indeed Hina..."
At this point, Gorou could only go along with Paimon's words. He absolutely could not let his true identity be revealed!
Fortunately, Sangonomiya Kokomi noticed Gorou's predicament and immediately spoke up to help him out of the awkward situation.
"Daphne said a powerful presence was approaching, which is why I was here waiting for you all. I never expected it to be you. What a pleasant surprise."
"By the way, this is Daphne, an incredibly powerful person. You'll see soon enough."
Sangonomiya Kokomi had no intention of hiding Daphne's existence from Lumine, so she immediately introduced her. Then, she turned her gaze to Enjou, who was standing to the side, her heart filled with a slight wariness.
She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she sensed an extremely malevolent Abyss Aura emanating from him.
"And who is this?"
"Kokomi, this is Enjou. He was originally with the Abyss Order, but now he's traveling with me and the Traveler," Paimon quickly explained after hearing Sangonomiya Kokomi's question.
"Enjou is actually a pretty good guy. I hope you won't mind his background."
"How could I?"
"With your and Paimon's guarantee, I certainly won't judge him by his past."
Sangonomiya Kokomi said with a smile, her wariness toward Enjou greatly reduced. She then looked at him and greeted, "Mr. Enjou, hello."
"Hello," Enjou replied somewhat awkwardly.
"Traveler, Paimon, it's been a long time since we last met. How have you been?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi turned her gaze back to Lumine and Paimon and asked.
"The Traveler and I went to Sumeru and Fontaine afterwards. The journey... let's just say adventure always comes with danger," Paimon said, finally giving up on exposing Lumine's shortcomings after keeping quiet several times.
Then, Paimon looked curiously at the miniature Daphne and exclaimed in surprise, "So this is your new friend, Daphne, Kokomi? She's so tiny and cute!"
"Who are you calling a little one?"
Hearing Paimon's "taunt," Daphne immediately flew into a rage. She leaped directly off Gorou's shoulder, and before she even hit the ground, her clay puppet body began to swell rapidly. In an instant, she grew to twice Paimon's size, then proceeded to grab Paimon's head with a "friendly" smile.
"How did she suddenly get so big?"
"Could this be Mystic Arts?!"
So far, Paimon had only seen such peculiar abilities from the Adepti.
"No, this is magic, little one!"
Hearing this, Paimon's brain went completely blank. She couldn't comprehend what the other person meant at all.
"Daphne is from another world."
Hearing Sangonomiya Kokomi's explanation, the four of them immediately understood her identity.
"Miss Daphne, you're also from outside this world!"
Paimon spoke in astonishment, while a curious expression appeared on Lumine's face. She was extremely interested in information about other worlds.
"When you have time, could you tell us about your world? Both the Traveler and I are very eager to learn about other worlds!"
"Right, the Traveler is also from outside this world. I'm sure you two will have plenty to talk about!"
"If that's the case, then we can certainly exchange some information."
Daphne, piqued by Paimon's words, nodded and spoke.
"Miss Daphne, is everyone in your world like this? Normally very small, but then able to suddenly become huge?"
Paimon asked again.
"This is just a magic called 'Clay Puppet' that Daphne uses, it's not her actual body."
Sangonomiya Kokomi explained.
"Oh, I see."
Paimon wore an expression of sudden realization.
"Kokomi, it's been a long time."
Kamisato Ayaka took this opportunity to greet Sangonomiya Kokomi. Because of previous events, the Kamisato Clan and Sangonomiya Kokomi had established a long-term partnership, and the relationship between the two parties was quite good.
"Seeing you all gives me even more confidence for the crisis that is about to come."
Sangonomiya Kokomi remarked with emotion. Lumine's appearance at this moment was simply like a godsend. The other party had already completed the seemingly impossible task of making Raiden Ei change her mind. One could say that her appearance meant the arrival of a miracle.
"Kokomi, what crisis are you talking about?"
Hearing Sangonomiya Kokomi's words, everyone was slightly stunned, then Paimon asked somewhat nervously.
"Do you still remember the Musoujin Gorge we visited before?"
"Before long, the harsh environment there will affect the entire Inazuma."
After hearing these words, everyone's expressions changed.
Musoujin Gorge was too famous, the air there was filled with visible and terrifying Electro Element, that was a Forbidden Zone for life!
If that kind of harsh environment affected the entire Inazuma, they simply couldn't imagine how many casualties Inazuma would suffer.
However, seeing Sangonomiya Kokomi's expression too calm, everyone quickly calmed down again.