The sky was dark. Though it was daytime, Inazuma City was shrouded in ominous clouds, and an uneasy tension permeated the air.
"They've made their move."
Yae Miko observed the changes in the Sacred Sakura before her. The cracks on its trunk deepened relentlessly. Rover knew it was time for them to step forward.
...
On the beaches of Narukami Island, a patrolling Shogunate soldier rubbed his eyes. In his dazed state, he seemed to notice vast, shadowy figures looming ahead.
"W-Wait... What is this...?"
Before his terrified voice could finish, the soldier felt a sharp pain in his chest. In an instant, a claw had pierced through him, staining his clothes crimson with blood. Like a kite with its string cut, he was flung aside by a Rifthound.
"It's a beast tide! Alert the others!"
Chaotic shouts erupted one after another. After some time, the news finally reached Inazuma's higher-ups.
Yet, the Raiden Shogun did not move. She sensed the situation outside Inazuma City but deemed it nothing more than a matter of a few slashes—hardly worth fearing.
Thus, she watched from above as the battle between Aether and Kujou Sara unfolded. Only when her own Vision Hunt Decree enforcer was defeated did she finally turn her gaze fully upon Aether.
"You've won. Originally, you were an enemy of eternity, but I shall allow you to leave Inazuma City unharmed."
Aether shook his head, tightening his grip on Rover's blade as he pointed its edge at the Raiden Shogun. He could feel countless eyes upon him.
"Abolish the Vision Hunt Decree."
Those five cold words rang out with piercing clarity in the deathly silence of Inazuma City, reminding its people of a certain ronin who, not long ago, had climbed onto a dueling platform and willingly faced the Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi—only to have his life extinguished beneath the supreme lightning.
Hearing this demand, the Raiden Shogun's expression turned even colder. Thunderclouds gathered overhead, lightning crackling in a display of her fury.
...
Within the enclosed space of a cave, atop massive roots, numerous Abyss Mages stood. Lumine seemed to sense something and turned toward the exit.
"It seems we meet again."
Her voice was cold as she regarded Rover, while the Abyss Herald behind her tensed as if facing a dire threat.
"If this is the full extent of the Abyss Order's plans, then let this end here."
Hearing Rover's words, Lumine couldn't help but smile.
"Do you know why I knowingly walked into this trap?"
A sense of foreboding rose in Rover's heart. Behind him, Dainsleif seemed to realize something, his gaze snapping toward Lumine, his voice trembling slightly.
"You... don't tell me you—"
Lumine took the blade offered by the Abyss Herald beside her and slashed it across the roots. The Abyssal energy clinging to the weapon immediately seeped into them.
"You're strong. I know these measly tricks alone can't deal with you. But... can you save everyone in Inazuma?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Lumine raised her hand and clenched her fist, the Abyssal energy in her palm surging violently. The ground trembled instantly. Dainsleif's expression darkened, and the group quickly turned their attention toward the exit.
A familiar figure emerged on the horizon of the sea—but that wasn't all. The creature's once-organic tentacles had been reforged into mechanical limbs, radiating an eerie fusion of Abyssal energy and divine power. At its center stood a corrupted Statue of The Seven, emanating malice.
"An artificial god—Osial... You should know that without the mechanical core from the prototype, it could never shake the foundations of Celestia."
Dainsleif stared at Lumine as if she were a madwoman.
"Dainsleif, it's been so long since I've seen that look on your face. Yes, after you took the mechanical core ahead of me, this was already a discarded plan. But for attacking Inazuma, it's still a fitting use."
Lumine smirked, pointing a finger at Rover. Osial, hovering over the sea, received the command and gathered energy once more, firing a beam toward him.
The laser was a swirling mix of violet and black, unsettling to behold. Yet Rover remained calm. Raising his hand, he unleashed a golden barrier of Spectro light. The laser struck the wall—then vanished without a trace, as if swallowed by a void.
Indeed, after the battle in Liyue, Rover had deepened his understanding of Spectro. It wasn't just about stillness—it could also halt incoming attacks and dismantle them at a molecular level.
"Then let me see if you can save Inazuma."
While Rover defended against the assault, Lumine opened a portal. Meanwhile, Changli and Yae Miko ignored her, focusing instead on cleansing the roots of monsters before inspecting them thoroughly.
"How bad is it?"
Changli looked at Yae Miko, whose expression grew increasingly grave.
"The damage is severe. Worse, the Abyssal energy is preventing the roots from regenerating. It'll take time..."
Time was the deadliest factor—they had no idea how long Inazuma's defenders could hold out.
Yae Miko sighed and stood.
"It seems we must resort to the final method."
She walked leisurely to Rover's side.
"The Sacred Sakura's roots were formed by Makoto. All these years, I believed she must have left a contingency—our last hope to heal the tree."
...
"There are too many... We're going to die! We're going to die!"
Fear spread like wildfire across the frontlines. The endless tide of beasts began their charge, and the soldiers prepared for a hopeless battle against the monstrous horde.
"Fire!"
Upon the churning sea, Beidou stood at the bow of her ship, braving the fierce winds as she swung her arm forward. Dozens of vessels turned in unison, cannons loaded. A barrage of shells rained upon the beasts.
Just as the horde began to falter, two flanks of soldiers launched a pincer charge. The Shogunate troops were stunned to see their sworn enemies—the resistance forces—fighting alongside them.
"What are you waiting for? Charge with them and encircle the enemy!"
The frontline soldiers hesitated, turning toward the one who had given the order—none other than Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island.
Yet they did not move—because the one commanding them lacked the proper authority. But the next moment, a short-statured kunoichi appeared on the frontlines, holding the very orders they needed.
Once the ninja handed the orders to Kokomi, the soldiers obeyed without hesitation, following her battle formations as they clashed with the beast tide.
Just as the situation seemed to improve, the turbulent sea erupted in towering waves. When the waters settled, an enormous figure loomed before them all.
A god—a slain god had returned to the mortal realm.
The divine pressure of the Archon made every soldier on the frontlines tremble. Some could barely stand.
"Osial, the Vortex God..."
Kokomi murmured before swiftly issuing new orders.
"All troops, form defensive lines!"
...
Within the Plane of Euthymia, Ei gazed at the Traveler before her, then at the sea of stars shimmering above—each one a wish she had personally seized.
Countless starlights poured into the blade in Aether's hand. Rover's sword had become a weapon forged from the wishes of all Inazuma's people. Aether could feel their fervent, sincere desires—and his resolve hardened. In this moment, it was as if everyone stood beside him.
"Raiden Shogun, do you see the people's plea? Is an Inazuma ruled solely by the divine will truly the paradise you envisioned?"
Ei remained silent. The unwavering conviction she once held had long since faded. Yet she still tightened her grip on the Musou Isshin.
"Then come. Show me through battle just how powerful your wishes truly are."