After sorting through the newly delivered ores, Ryen didn't bother organizing the materials that already existed in the Minecraft world, or even those generated by the firearms mod.
He simply left them by the entrance. They wouldn't disappear anyway.
As for the Mana Crystals, he temporarily distributed them among everyone.
At present, they still lacked an Infusion Altar.
Without one, Mana Crystals could not be converted into elemental variants.
And without elemental Mana Crystals, they were of limited use.
At best, they could craft attribute-less beginner staves, which, frankly, were nearly useless.
Making a few Arcane Worktables and some magical fabrics was enough for now. Anything beyond that would simply waste resources.
In essence, the true core of the Witchery mod lay in the Infusion Altar.
Without it, countless operations could not even begin.
Worse still, the Infusion Altar could neither be crafted nor transported. It only generated within Library Ruins.
A truly frustrating design.
Fortunately, everyone already possessed at least an advanced-tier staff.
As for Master-tier staves, they could simply be obtained by exploring the Twilight Forest.
Moreover, with the Slash Blade mod now active, the urgency of developing Witchery was temporarily reduced.
For now, Mana Crystals would serve as portable "chargers."
After distributing the crystals, Ryen glanced at Dashi, who was preparing to lead his troops back out.
After a moment's thought, Ryen called out softly:
"Dashi, stay behind. Come inside."
Dashi froze briefly but quickly arranged for the others to return to the mines and continue exploration.
After all, the promise of side-effect-free Delusions depended on Mana Crystals.
Though many present were Dragon Riders or elite firearm units, the backbone of their respective nations, what Teyvat native would not desire true elemental power?
Now that there was hope, none of them would rest until they exhausted themselves mining.
Dashi followed Ryen into the manor garden, where the group gathered.
Nahida had taken Klee and Paimon to try out the flower carriage Ryen built for her.
As she explained, this was rehearsal for the upcoming Sabzeruz Festival, to prevent herself from losing composure.
She intended to ride the carriage with her favorite companions. If possible, she would have invited everyone aboard.
It was clear how deeply she valued this once-in-a-lifetime festival.
"Sit down, Dashi. No need to be so stiff."
Ryen waved casually.
Dashi forced an awkward smile but remained rigid.
How could he relax?
Before him sat Archons, Adepti, national leaders, and military commanders.
If Zhongli were present, Dashi would likely be unable to sit at all.
Still, he bore no fear of reprimand. His conscience was clear.
Seeing his tension, Ryen nudged Ningguang to take over.
Ningguang organized her thoughts and spoke calmly.
"We kept you for the next phase of development. You've heard of the Twilight Forest?"
Dashi nodded quickly.
"Yes. A new dimension in Mr. Ryen's world. Extremely dangerous, but filled with opportunities and treasures."
"Are we to lead the expedition?"
Ningguang nodded.
"We've explored it twice. The rewards surpass those of the Nether and the End."
"It is indeed dangerous. We've even expended several Totems of Undying."
Dashi grew serious.
These were peak combatants, including the Lord of this world himself.
If even they had consumed Totems, the Twilight Forest's peril needed no elaboration.
Yet he understood his role was simple: follow instructions precisely.
Ningguang handed him a notebook.
"This contains our exploration notes. Make four or five copies."
"It details valuable resources, major threats, and exact solutions."
"Pay special attention to the progression order. The magical barriers of the Twilight Forest will kill those who ignore the sequence."
"This will be the most dangerous region you've faced in this world."
"Are you confident?"
Dashi answered firmly.
"With this guide, we will safely develop the dimension."
Keqing continued:
"Operational requirements are as follows."
"First: advance steadily. Clear every region of marked ores and treasures before proceeding."
"Second: no permanent bases are necessary. After defeating the final boss, the Goblin of the Final Castle, the forest resets."
"Fortifications are meaningless."
"Third: prioritize killing Druid Mages with Looting-enchanted diamond swords, or assign the luckiest soldiers."
"We want their staves."
"Fourth: the Final Castle houses the strongest entity. Upon reaching it, send word immediately."
"It requires supervision."
Dashi recorded every word meticulously.
Among the Millelith commanders, Dashi was preferred for tasks like this.
He did not question why or how.
Given a plan, he executed it flawlessly.
That was precisely what Ryen needed.
Research and strategy belonged to Ryen, Ningguang, and Ganyu.
Execution belonged to Dashi.
No one in Teyvat understood the Minecraft world better than Ryen.
Keqing finished and looked toward Ryen.
He added:
"Every member must carry a Totem of Undying."
"Firearms fully equipped, machine guns and RPGs included."
"Coordinate accordingly."
Dashi nodded and asked:
"How many troops?"
Now everyone paid attention.
"A total of one thousand."
"Two hundred fifty from each nation."
He glanced at Jean and Ningguang.
Both nodded easily.
Mondstadt had surplus manpower. Recruitment had flourished. Three thousand reserves were in training.
Inazuma, however, was strained.
Raiden Makoto sighed.
"We lack numbers. Transferring 250 is a quarter of our forces."
"Construction, mining, overworld exploration, the Nether, the End, everything slows."
"Could we recall troops from Inazuma?"
Makoto rubbed her temples.
"Gorou still requires forces to suppress monsters."
"The Shogunate's new army cannot be withdrawn."
"Civilian recruitment may not respond…"
After a pause:
"Transfer my personal guard."
"Makoto!"
Ei protested instinctively.
Makoto smiled gently.
"I am still an Archon. I will not fall so easily."
"Increasingly, I remain here. Personal guards are unnecessary."
Kujou Sara could only bow in acceptance.
All eyes turned to the Tsaritsa.
She sighed.
"Rosalyne. Can we gather two hundred fifty?"
Rosalyne calculated.
"If we suspend construction at Base Three, yes."
"…Then suspend it."
The Tsaritsa's voice carried quiet fatigue.
Rosalyne's gaze hardened as she turned toward Scaramouche.
"And your Fatui subordinates?"
Scaramouche hesitated.
Much of his manpower had originally been assigned by Dottore.
Control of the Fatui had long shifted.
He lowered his voice.
"I will summon those I can."
"Have them inspected upon arrival."
Rosalyne snorted but accepted.
"One thousand troops will suffice for now," Ryen concluded.
"With the guide, that number is adequate."
He looked at Dashi.
"One last arrangement."
"When entering the Twilight Forest, every soldier will be issued a Slash Blade."
"If possible, against weaker monster groups, do not use firearms."
"Handle them entirely with Slash Blades."
He smiled faintly.
After all,
If one was to pass through like a wild goose,
Not even a feather should be left behind.