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SO : 9 Archon
🕑 Added 2024-09-05 02:57:50 +0000 UTCMorax gazed downward at the peculiar black piece of paper in his hand, remaining silent.
This item had been obtained by him quite accidentally not long ago.
Several months prior, Morax had witnessed an unusual star crossing the false heavens of the eastern sky and falling to the earth below.
Responding to his intuition, he, along with his friend, Azhdaha, an ancient Earth Dragon, traveled to the site where the star had fallen and discovered this black card.
As Geo Archon, Morax had existed on this land for nearly three thousand years.
Being one of the oldest of Archons, he was well-versed in many matters.
Yet even so, Morax had never encountered the kind of energy emanating from this black card.
It was a force that did not belong to the continent of Teyvat, nor to the dark seas beyond.
Although the residual power on the black card was minimal,
Even after three millennia of steadfastness, Morax felt a profound and unnerving fear stir from the depths of his soul upon sensing this power.
If even the steadfast rock could tremble before such inconceivable might, what of other beings?
Even the Heavenly Principles could not evoke such a perception within him.
"Morax!"
Seeing Morax's focus return to the black card, Azhdaha, concerned, spoke up again.
As an elemental life born beneath the earth, with a mysterious connection to the Seven Sovereigns, Azhdaha was also formidable in its own right.
Naturally, it too could perceive the strangeness and terror of the black card.
Just a hint of its power made it clear that, compared to the card's true master, both it and Morax were like fireflies to the moon—insignificant.
Such a terrifying and mysterious presence was best avoided if possible.
Azhdaha feared that Morax might be enchanted by the power of the card and thus issued a warning.
It wasn't that Azhdaha doubted Morax's strength,
But rather that an existence could cause even immortal beings to suffer mental breakdowns and loss of rationality over time, leading to a complete shift in their thoughts, as though they had become a different person.
Thus, caution was necessary.
"Do not worry, old friend. I am not swayed by the power of this card."
Morax examined the black card more closely. Aside from its pitch-black surface, it bore a strange symbol.
The symbol resembled an eagle in flight, or the radiant burst of the sun, with a profile of a woman's face above it, appearing extremely resplendent.
"I have walked the earth for thousands of years and have never seen such a symbol."
Morax said, before temporarily stowing the black card away.
"Morax, this item is too dangerous. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could cause great disaster. It would be wise to seal it away."
Seeing Morax put away the black piece of paper, Azhdaha still felt uneasy and spoke up once more.
"This power does not belong to this world. Sealing it recklessly might bring about unforeseen consequences. It is unwise."
"…Moreover, I have a feeling that this object might prove useful in the future. Let me keep it for now."
Upon hearing Morax's words, Azhdaha ceased its urging. It held absolute trust in Morax, its friend who had shared its sight, established their pact, and journeyed through the land for three thousand years.
The archon and the dragon stood on the mountain, gazing into the distance.
Below the mountain, villages were scattered like stars.
In the villages, men worked the fields, women wove silk, elders rested by the fields, and children laughed and played—a scene of happiness and peace.
As an Archon Morax, who loved his domain, also harbored affection for the people.
Under this starlit sky, natural disasters were frequent.
Humankind, being frail, sought protection from the Archons.
The villages at the foot of the mountain were under the protection of the Geo Archon, Morax.
The land where these villages were gathered was known as Liyue. The people led by Morax had settled here, making them the original inhabitants of Liyue.
However, the fertile land of Liyue could not be monopolized by the Geo Archon alone.
Numerous Archons, each with their own protected people, resided here, and for centuries, they had coexisted without conflict, maintaining a rare peace.
Yet Morax, with his foresight, understood that such peace would not last forever.
The current peace was merely due to the vast land and sparse population, with ample resources.
However, should a day come with natural disasters, overpopulation leading to resource shortages, or external forces intervening, the land would inevitably fall into turmoil.
"Ah well, though I have no intention of hunting game, if that moment truly arrives, I will protect my people's well-being."
Morax thought to himself.
This was the covenant he had made with the people of Liyue. Even if the heavens fell, the covenant must be fulfilled.
His gaze sharpened as he noticed people from other villages at the foot of the mountain, trading goods. He pondered aloud:
"Barter, while it meets individual needs, is inefficient and unfair."
"If there were a common equivalent, circulation would be more convenient and equitable."
"…What do you think, old friend?"
Morax asked Azhdaha.
After a moment of silence, Azhdaha responded, "...Hmm, you are right. I will observe with my eyes."
For a moment, both fell silent, with an awkward breeze between them.
Azhdaha, being merely an elemental life and not an Archon, had no particular affection for humanity.
However, the covenant made with Morax had fostered a protective instinct toward Morax's people.
Yet, beyond this, understanding the complexities of human societal development or culture was beyond its capacity.
As the awkwardness lingered, a gentle female voice interjected, easing the tension between them.
"Morax, so you're here."
The voice carried a tone of surprise, mingled with a hint of laughter.
Morax's expression remained unchanged as he kept his back to the newcomer, responding simply, "...It has been a while, God of Dust!"
"Oh, I call you Morax, but you refer to me as God of Dust. Isn't that a bit too formal?"
The owner of the voice seemed quite familiar.
Morax had no choice but to turn around, his expression as unyielding as rock, and replied with the same unwavering tone, "...It has been a while, Haagentus!"
...
Not far away, a group of birds and beasts watched the scene, numbering over a dozen.
"That woman is pestering the Emperor again, always claiming she has something to ask. To me, her excuses are truly laughable."
One of the cranes, observing Morax and Haagentus in conversation, spoke up.
Another crane beside her asked, "...Oh? What is Cloud Retainer's insight?"
Cloud Retainer spread her wings and spoke with a leisurely tone, "...There is a term among humans that describes the Emperor's current situation perfectly."
"What term?" the others inquired.
As if waiting for this question, Cloud Retainer raised her beak and declared, "...It is that the Emperor is unromantic!"
At her words, many of the birds and beasts took a step back. Seeing this reaction, Cloud Retainer became incensed, "...Is it possible that this deity is wrong?"
'No, you are right, you are absolutely right! The more you speak, the better!'
The others internally grumbled.
"Alright, let us leave the Emperor's matters to him. The Emperor is far-sighted and must have his reasons; we need not speculate!"
"...Instead, we should focus on our own power and fulfill our covenant with the Emperor!"
A stag stepped in to defuse the situation, and the others, accepting this, ceased their discussions.
...
In the Great Hakurei Barrier, within a Japanese-style cabin nestled in the interstice, a beautiful woman with golden hair and purple eyes suddenly opened her eyes wide. Her expression was serious as she called out loudly, "...Ran, are you there?"
