Alhaitham said, "This plan is specifically aimed at those who have long relied on the Akasha."
"From your perspective, all of this is hard to believe. But for people who have always depended on the Akasha, whatever appears in their minds is the truth."
"Imagine if you'd worn an Akasha Terminal since birth—always providing support and help whenever you needed it. After a long time, what would you become?"
Paimon thought for a moment and said, "A glutton? An idiot?"
Alhaitham said, "A slave to commands."
[Ningguang: In Liyue, many children of wealthy families often lose the ability to do business for themselves.]
[Paimon: If someone has walked with a crutch since birth, they won't know how to walk without it—even if they're perfectly healthy.]
[Nahida: Yes, that's a very apt metaphor.]
[Furina: I never expected little Paimon to be this clever.]
[Paimon: Hehe! I'm growing too.]
"That's also why rules are so important."
"Furthermore, those who understand the rules can draw boundaries and identify gray areas."
Paimon spread her hands. "Then why do you want to identify gray areas?"
Alhaitham replied, "I just find those ambiguous areas interesting. And they bring additional benefits."
Paimon half understood. "This guy is interested in such strange things. Are all Sumeru scholars like this?"
Alhaitham paused for a moment, then said, "Enough idle talk. Next, I need those two tainted helpers to do some minor work. You two can go to Caravan Ribat and help prepare for the next steps."
Paimon was a little confused. "Minor work?"
Alhaitham said, "Next, I'll be making some small alterations to the Akasha."
[Paimon: Alhaitham is really impressive. How does he seem to know everything?]
[Lumine: Because Alhaitham never stops reading.]
[Ningguang: Alhaitham is a dedicated scholar.]
[Paimon: Good thing we have Alhaitham. Otherwise, rescuing Nahida would be really difficult.]
With that, Lumine and Paimon arrived first at Caravan Ribat.
There, they saw the mercenary who had been talking with Alhaitham earlier, now chatting with General Mahamatra Cyno.
Rahman asked in confusion, "The plan was already arranged. How can you change your mind at the last minute?"
Cyno explained, "The approach is too aggressive. It could easily cause casualties. I've considered it... and I still can't agree."
Rahman urged, "But this is the plan with the highest chance of success right now. You used to be a Mahamatra—you should have a broader perspective. Surely you can see the advantages."
Cyno was still concerned. "I do see them. That's exactly why I'm more aware of the risks behind those advantages. Alhaitham's plan is even harsher than I imagined."
[Yae Miko: So what exactly is the plan's content?]
[Paimon: Yes, what is the plan's content?]
[Lumine: Alhaitham's plan must be incredibly clever.]
Lumine and Paimon walked over.
Paimon said, "Hey? Why are you two arguing?"
Rahman said, "My friend, help me convince Cyno. He's opposing our plan."
Cyno said, "In our meeting, we agreed to come up with a plan, and leave the execution to those most familiar with the local situation. But you went to Alhaitham for advice..."
"If I'd known Alhaitham would give this kind of suggestion, I would have opposed it from the start."