Inside an elegant and tranquil *Washitsu* filled with Inazuman style.
Raiden Makoto—the former Electro Archon, gentle yet possessing majesty—was looking helplessly at the "humanoid object" on the floor, which was still occasionally twitching, completely charred, and looked as if it had just been pulled out of the core of a thunderstorm—
This was none other than Mr. Er Kang, who had courted death by provoking the Dog Author (and the readers), resulting in a brutal application of divine justice.
"So... this is what happened to him?"
Raiden Makoto picked up her teacup, gently blew on it, her tone mixing amusement with a sense of déjà vu.
After all, dealing with these four visitors from another world for so long required strong resilience.
Zane crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby pillar. Even his metal mask couldn't conceal the calmness (or perhaps numbness) in his voice: "Don't worry, he's thick-skinned and his life is harder than Teyvat's ancient bedrock. This level of 'education' will, at most, keep him quiet for a few days. He won't die."
As if to confirm his words, the "charcoal" on the floor timely spat out a small, burnt-smelling black ring.
Jesse sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, unceremoniously picked up a piece of Inazuman specialty Sakura Mochi, stuffed it into his mouth, and asked indistinctly while chewing: "Speaking of which, during the time we were taking refuge... err, during the time we were away, how is Inazuma now? Is everything going smoothly?"
"About that..."
Raiden Makoto set down her teacup, a gentle and satisfied smile appearing on her face.
"Thanks to all of you, and the... hmm, the 'Intelligent Processing Unit' left behind by that distinguished one from another world named 'Guilliman,' Inazuma is now fully back on track."
"Most of the tedious governmental affairs and documents are handled efficiently by that 'AI.' Ei, Yae Miko, and I actually don't have much work now; it's mostly symbolic decision-making and... enjoying this hard-won peace."
Her words conveyed the relief of having a heavy burden lifted.
Imagine, in a corner of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko is lazily basking in the sun, reading the latest Light Novel, with piles of fried tofu and desserts next to her instead of documents;
And nearby, Raiden Ei might be enjoying the newly developed "three-color dango MAX Pro" version while using her Musou no Hitotachi... to peel an Apple?
Matt's massive body carefully sat on a specially widened cushion, afraid of damaging the delicate tatami mat.
He interjected in a booming voice, asking: "What about Balladeer? How is he doing now? Also, we heard Little Doolin is traveling with the Raiden Shogun?"
Raiden Makoto answered patiently: "Balladeer, well... he has opened a small forge on the outskirts of Inazuma City and become a craftsman."
"I must say, he truly has Talents in blacksmithing. The blades he forges are sharp and resilient, and are quite popular among some Samurai. Although his personality is still a bit prickly, at least he has found a way to calm down."
At this moment, inside a certain forge, the Kabukimono · former Sixth Fatui Harbinger · now blacksmith Scaramouche, was stripped to the waist, sweat dripping as he hammered a piece of glowing Tamahagane, perhaps still muttering words like "boring" or "mortals," but his gaze was intensely focused.
"As for Little Doolin."
Raiden Makoto's smile softened even further.
"He and the Little Shogun get along very well. The Little Shogun is responsible for his safety and 'common sense' education, while he takes the Shogun to experience the customs and scenery of various places in Teyvat."
"The two of them went traveling together. A few days ago, they even sent a letter and local specialties from Liyue, saying they listened to one of Miss Yun's operas there, and Little Doolin almost started singing along, startling the surrounding tourists."
"As for Ei and Yae Miko."
Raiden Makoto thought for a moment.
"I estimate they're probably reading a newly released Light Novel somewhere, or perhaps researching new dessert recipes."
"Kitsune Saiguu, on the other hand, spends most of her time at the Grand Narukami Shrine, staying with Hanachirusato."
"Having experienced loss, they cherish this tranquility now that they can be reunited."
Just in this peaceful atmosphere, the "charcoal lump" on the floor suddenly twitched violently and let out a hoarse groan: "Water... give me water..."
Everyone's eyes immediately focused on him.
They saw Elliot struggling, swaying precariously like a worn-out doll as he tried to sit up.
The charring on his body began to crack and peel away, revealing new skin underneath, like a snake shedding its skin.
This process was accompanied by soft cracking sounds and the rustling fall of black ash, looking both eerie and slightly disgusting.
Zane expressionlessly handed him a water flask.
Elliot took it, ignoring his appearance, and gulped down several large mouthfuls, then let out a long sigh, as if he had come back to life.
He shook his head, and more charred fragments fell from his hair.
"I... I survived..."
His voice was still hoarse, but it had regained its characteristic, slightly punchable vigor.
"Damn it, that Dog Author... he's ruthless! And those readers! Their hearts are smaller than a needle's eye! All I did was speak the truth!"
Jesse retorted coolly: "You call that the truth? You were courting death! The Dog Author went easy on you by not writing you directly as the female lead!"
Elliot argued defiantly: "Why not! I'm so masculine and mighty! If anything, I should be written as a Doujinshi... *cough cough*!"
Realizing Raiden Makoto was still present, he quickly stopped himself, coughing awkwardly twice.
Raiden Makoto smiled, acting as if she hadn't heard anything strange, and gently said: "It seems Mr. Er Kang recovered quickly. Since everyone is safe and sound, why not stay in Inazuma for a few more days? Although it is not as free-spirited as Mondstadt, nor as bustling as Liyue, the Inazuma of today certainly possesses a unique, tranquil charm."
Just then, the Wolf King's calm mechanical voice came from outside the courtyard: "Encrypted communication request detected from Liyue Harbor. Sender is labeled 'Wang Sheng Funeral Parlor consultant.'"
the quartet (including the newly "resurrected" Elliot) instantly brightened up!
Grandpa Zhongli contacting them personally? It must be good news (or huge trouble)!
It seems Inazuma's peaceful routine was about to be broken once again.