"Even I can't beat her, and you think you can take on Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi? Maybe in your dreams," Kazuha said with a laugh, spreading his hands.
Kazuha had visited the Musoujin Gorge before—just one slash had carved out a massive canyon. That level of power was already beyond what mortals could comprehend.
Not even an adeptus could brush the hem of the Seven Archons' robes.
For a mere mortal to claim they could withstand Musou no Hitotachi—was it fearless ignorance or just delusion?
"You're breaking my heart. What, people aren't even allowed to dream these days?" Elliot said pitifully.
"Beat me first, then you can dream all you like."
"I'm just going easy on you this time. Once I get used to things, beating you will be a piece of cake."
"Yeah, yeah, you're amazing."
Seeing Elliot so full of confidence, Kazuha humored him half-heartedly.
"Ugh, you really don't believe me, do you?" Elliot grumbled.
"Hard to believe, honestly."
"Give me a week. I'll take you down for sure."
During their journey, the two had grown steadily closer.
While resting, Kazuha lay on the grass, enjoying the gentle breeze brushing against his face and the endless blue sky above, sunlight filtering through the leaves and dotting his body in patches of warmth.
Meanwhile, Elliot clung halfway up a tree trunk, bursting with energy as he furiously did inverted sit-ups.
Each rise sent a burning sensation through his abs, sweat flying from his body.
In Teyvat, physical recovery was much faster than on earth.
So even after high-intensity exercise, he could bounce back quickly.
"Isn't the point of traveling to enjoy the scenery and the thrill of the unknown? Why are you always training?" Kazuha asked lazily, chewing on a blade of grass.
"You... have a point..." Elliot panted, struggling mid-exercise.
"But... only by becoming stronger... can I have the right... to protect others..."
"Phew... I'm dead tired."
After finishing another set, Elliot flipped off the branch and landed lightly on the ground.
But he didn't stop—he picked up his wooden practice sword and began working on his blade techniques.
Kazuha crossed his legs and watched Elliot train intensely, clearly amused.
"Feels like a waste not to nap in weather like this."
Kazuha lay under a tree's shade, shutting his eyes in leisurely comfort.
As for Elliot...
After his sword drills, he scanned the area, found a big rock, hefted it onto his shoulder, and began squatting until his legs trembled from strain.
"Still not enough... not even close..."
"If I fought my old self right now, I'd probably get knocked out in three moves."
Elliot knew he might never reach the heights of his past self, but he had to get as close as possible.
He knew the game's storyline—technically, this life should be easier.
As long as he followed the main quest path, things should go smoothly.
But something told him it wouldn't be that simple.
To prepare for the unknown and clear the road ahead, he had to power up while he could.
His mission with Kazuha was to dismantle the Vision Hunt Decree. Since it hadn't begun yet, now was the time to train and prepare thoroughly.
...
At dusk, Kazuha slowly opened his eyes.
"You sure took your time with that nap."
Elliot opened his eyes from meditation as well.
"Ahhh... that felt amazing."
Kazuha stretched with a satisfied yawn—it was clear he'd slept very well.
"You didn't sleep at all?" he asked.
"I'm more of a nighttime sleeper," Elliot replied.
"If you never nap in the warm midday sun, you're missing half the joy of the journey."
"Guess that just means we're on different paths."
"So your journey's all about training nonstop wherever you go?"
"It's called cultivation," Elliot corrected.
"Then we really are different. My journey's just to roam the world and experience nature."
Since Kazuha was up, they resumed traveling.
Neither had plans to find a place to stay—wandering was the essence of their journey.
They reached the seaside and lit a bonfire. Elliot kicked off his shoes, rolled up his pants, and waded into the ocean.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Sizzle...
Before Kazuha finished, crackling purple lightning burst from Elliot's hand.
"Catching dinner. What, you wanna go hungry tonight?"
He plunged his electrified hand into the water.
Moments later, fish floated to the surface, bellies up.
"Whoo! Jackpot!"
Elliot excitedly grabbed all the fish he could.
"What are you standing around for? Get over here and help!"
He looked back with a grin—only to see Kazuha frozen in shock, eyes locked on the fish.
Elliot's smile twitched hard.
At Kazuha's waist, a sharp blade materialized. He slowly unsheathed it and stepped forward.
"Heh... Kazuha, I can explain."
"Let's talk this out. No need for violence—swords are dangerous..."
"I'm allergic to freshwater fish. Sea fish are fine."
"You believe me, right? Have I ever lied to you?"
Elliot backed away as he spoke—but behind him stretched only endless sea.
"Mm-hmm, go on. I'm listening," Kazuha replied with a sunny smile.
"Don't come any closer! If you do, I swear I'll throw myself into the sea!"
Elliot glanced over his shoulder at the vast ocean, sounding half-threatening, half-desperate.
"Oh? Even better. Go ahead."
"Look! It's Raiden Shogun!" Elliot shouted suddenly, pointing off to the side.
Kazuha instinctively turned to look.
By the time he realized it, Elliot had already turned into a streak of lightning and bolted.
"Damn it!" Kazuha cursed, transforming into a gust of wind in hot pursuit.
Lightning sped ahead, wind chased close behind.
After several laps around the beach, both were exhausted, panting like old men, barely able to move.
"It's just a few fish... totally not worth it..."
"Let me slash you once. Just once."
"Not happening... not even one cut..."
Eventually, both collapsed on the sand, staring up at the false sky.
...
...
Silence fell between them.
Kazuha broke it first.
"The people you're trying so hard to protect—are they family?"
"Probably," Elliot replied.
"Probably?"
"They're all important to me."
"Yeah... that makes sense."
If they weren't, he wouldn't be bearing so much pain.
But just then, Kazuha suddenly frowned.