Ei gritted her teeth, originally intending to completely sever Miko's connection to the Plane of Euthymia in a single decisive strike.
Yet, driven by some inexplicable impulse, she injected even more conscious energy into the fray, catalyzing the mental link and forcing it to expand.
Instantly, the ambient sounds grew incredibly clear. She could even borrow Miko's line of sight, catching glimpses of hazy, shifting imagery.
Ei pressed her lips into a thin line. After a moment of intense internal conflict, her resolve crumbled.
"I... will merely take a single glance. Ryen belongs to me regardless. I will inevitably witness this sooner or later..."
"No! I have already witnessed it numerous times!"
"This is unacceptable! I cannot do this, it is entirely too shameless!"
After thoroughly reprimanding herself for several minutes, Ei still found her willpower lacking. She stealthily extended her consciousness forward for a peek.
"I am... merely studying in advance. When the time comes, I must ensure my performance is flawless."
"Yes, studying in advance! Ryen will surely appreciate my dedication!"
"It is nothing to be embarrassed about!"
Having sufficiently bolstered her own courage, Ei carefully and completely linked her awareness to Miko's senses.
An instant later, Ei collapsed onto the floor of her meditative plane, her face burning with an intense, crimson flush.
Through Miko's eyes, Ei received a crystal-clear view of Ryen's silhouette.
Sweating profusely, shouldering the weeping willow, he advanced heroically.
Beneath the rhythmic cadence of a symphony of fate, she even caught sight of the critical point of connection.
In that fleeting moment, it felt as though Ei had become Miko herself, intimately experiencing the very breath and the soul-piercing proximity of the encounter.
The fox tail swaying rhythmically against Ryen's shoulder did not belong to Miko; it felt as though it belonged to her.
Even the shapeshifting weapon within Ryen's grasp felt as though it had become the scabbard of her own Musou Isshin.
Sensing the sudden intrusion of Ei's consciousness, the corners of Miko's lips curled upward, revealing a smile brimming with wicked amusement.
She offered Ryen a gentle pat. Understanding the silent cue, he rose, shifting Miko into a different angle.
Flicking her tail, the Guuji cast a profoundly meaningful glance into the empty air, meant exclusively for the Shogun.
Ryen drew a sharp breath and continued his relentless advance.
"Such a... such a location! Is that even permissible?"
Ei covered her eyes in sheer disbelief, yet the imagery flowed directly from her consciousness. Physical barriers offered no defense.
"Ryen..."
The Shogun murmured softly from the floor, her own body beginning to shift in a slow, agonizing rhythm...
That night, Ryen and Ganyu's group spent a sleepless night engaged in serious, pressing matters.
As for Ei...
She had been thoroughly, ruthlessly outplayed by Miko.
...
The rigorous exertions did not conclude until precisely noon, at which point Ryen and Ganyu finally ceased their activities.
Ganyu and the others were so completely drained they could not even pry their eyes open. Consequently, after Ryen thoroughly bathed them, he tucked them in and allowed them a full day of undisturbed rest.
Falling into a deep, heavy slumber spared them from worrying about the ongoing war for the remainder of the day.
Since Guizhong was scheduled to garrison the MC world alongside Ryen, her involvement the previous night had been kept relatively mild. At the very least, she retained the physical strength to move freely.
Once she had rested, washed, and stepped out of the room, Ryen proceeded to bid Ganyu and the others farewell with a gentle kiss, instructing them to sleep well.
Naturally, the prerequisite for those parting kisses was that Ryen had rigorously brushed their teeth and cleansed their mouths first.
It was not a matter of disgust. Given the transcendent physical constitutions Ganyu and the others possessed, skipping a single day of hygiene would hardly cause any actual issues.
It was simply that...
They had been quite verbally active the previous night, and without proper cleansing, Ryen felt a lingering, psychological unease.
It was a difficult sentiment to articulate.
Just as Ganyu and the others never showed the slightest disgust toward him, possessing an enthusiastic fondness for a certain noble phantasm and utilizing their mouths with profound joy.
Yet, if the roles were reversed and Ryen attempted to reciprocate without cleaning himself first, they would vehemently refuse to let him kiss them.
It was a bizarre contradiction. In such intimate matters, one rarely felt disgust toward their partner, yet harbored immense reservations about themselves.
Stepping out of the courtyard, Ryen found Ei, the four little ones, and Paimon waiting patiently for him.
While the four young girls were exceptionally well-behaved and sensible, it was still Ei's very first time managing children. Traces of flustered exhaustion were visible in her posture.
Upon seeing Ryen emerge, Ei let out a long breath of relief. Immediately after, a dark flush crept up her neck, and she shot him a fierce, mortified glare.
Ryen rubbed his nose, a flash of guilt crossing his features. He was fully aware of Ei's predicament.
Caught in the heat of the moment last night, he had failed to notice the psychic intrusion. However, once the dust had settled, Miko had gleefully confessed everything.
The revelation had left Ryen quietly pondering the implications.
In a certain abstract sense...
Did that count as a blending of souls?
Before Ryen could offer any explanations to Ei, Klee and the other three girls spotted him. With bright, joyous cheers, they launched themselves directly into his arms.
"Big Brother Ryen!"
Qiqi wrapped her arms tightly around Ryen's leg, tilting her head up with a gaze overflowing with pure attachment.
Recently, Qiqi's emotional expressions had grown increasingly vivid. It was a clear sign her recovery was progressing flawlessly.
Ryen chuckled softly, scooping Qiqi up in one arm and playfully lifting the small talisman affixed to her forehead.
The talisman still served a practical purpose.
Qiqi's small frame currently housed an unfathomable reservoir of sealed adeptal energy. Given her current capacity, she could not control such vast power on her own.
Keeping it suppressed with the talisman remained the most optimal solution.
Perhaps in a few months, once Qiqi mastered the adeptal arts and fully evolved into a proper young adeptus, the talisman could be permanently discarded.
Privately, however, Ryen found the talisman to be one of her most adorable features.
Looking at her flushed, rosy cheeks, Ryen could not resist leaning in and taking a gentle bite.
Her skin was no longer stiff and freezing cold. The baby fat on Qiqi's cheeks was now soft, fleshy, and radiating a comforting warmth.
It was the exact physiological state a normal human girl should possess.
Qiqi was truly no longer a little zombie.
"Big Brother Ryen!"
Qiqi mumbled bashfully, raising a small hand to wipe the saliva from her cheek.
"Qiqi's body is getting healthier by the day."
Ryen smiled brightly. Holding Qiqi in one arm and Yaoyao in the other, he felt Nahida and Klee unceremoniously vault onto his back, clinging to him like small koalas.
Marching briskly toward the stone table, Ryen sat down, smoothly rearranging all four girls so they rested comfortably in his lap.
The greatest happiness in the world was waking up with a loving wife on the pillow, and stepping outside to find four adorable daughters waiting.
Ryen had successfully unlocked the ultimate achievement of human happiness.
"Big Brother Ryen, are you going to take Klee fish blasting today?"
Klee tugged at Ryen's collar, standing up on his thighs and staring at him with wide, expectant eyes.
Ryen offered a wry, apologetic smile, gently ruffling Klee's hair.
"Not today, little spark. I need to inspect the situation at Redstone Tech City. Once the matters there are settled, I promise to take all of you out to play for a few days. How does that sound?"
A fleeting shadow of disappointment crossed Klee's crimson eyes, but she quickly nodded her head in obedient understanding.
"Klee understands! Klee will be a good girl and wait patiently for Big Brother Ryen!"
"Klee is the absolute best, most perfectly behaved treasure."
Ryen tightened his embrace affectionately.
"And Nahida, Qiqi, and Yaoyao as well."
"What about Paimon! What about Paimon!"
Paimon hovered nearby, puffing her cheeks out and glaring at Ryen indignantly. Ryen reached out and pinched her small nose.
"Paimon is the universe's most exceptional flying pet."
Hearing the title, Paimon wrinkled her nose, muttering under her breath.
"Honestly! Given how sincere you sound, I suppose I can accept being the ultimate flying pet..."
After spending a few more minutes chatting with the children, Ryen gave Qiqi's back a light pat, signaling them to go play on their own.
Watching the young girls run out of the courtyard amidst a chorus of giggles, Ryen felt a profound sense of peace settle over his heart. Today was destined to be an excellent day.
With a soft sigh of contentment, Ryen shifted his gaze to Ei sitting beside him, a teasing glint in his eye.
"This was your first time managing children. How was the experience?"
Ei's face immediately scrunched up into a mask of pure exhaustion.
"It was significantly more draining than fighting a war of attrition against a supreme demon god... I understand that Klee and the others are very sensible, but I am truly, fundamentally unequipped to handle children..."
"That will not do. You must dedicate time to learning."
Ryen smiled, pulling Ei securely into his embrace and letting his hand trace a slow, deliberate path across her waist.
"When we eventually have children of our own, you cannot simply refuse to take care of them, can you?"
Ei's face flushed a brilliant shade of red, the memories of the previous night's telepathic link crashing violently back into her mind.
She delivered a vicious glare toward Ryen, clamping her mouth shut.
Yet...
When the topic of children arose.
Ei could not deny the deep, quiet yearning blossoming within her own heart.
Family was the singular concept Ei valued above all else in existence.
She had her sister back. If she could one day hold a child of her own, her happiness would be absolute and untouchable.
Ei's gaze softened, drifting into the distance as a profound, warm anticipation filled her chest.
Ryen spent a little while longer chatting with the two women before they collectively crossed back into the MC world.
Naturally, the dimensional portal was securely sealed the instant they arrived.
Leaving it open during the day was usually harmless, but Ryen harbored genuine concerns that Klee or Ganyu might attempt to sneak through to assist with the war effort.
It was exactly the sort of reckless, well-intentioned stunt they were capable of pulling.
The soldiers passing by on the streets were moving with heavy, sluggish steps, their faces drawn tight with deep mental fatigue.
The battle the previous night had not placed them under any extreme tactical pressure, given the sheer volume of overwhelming firepower they had unleashed.
Yet, when all was said and done, the zombie siege they faced was entirely immune to the cleansing light of the sun.
They had spent the entire night engaged in relentless, mechanized slaughter, exterminating well over a hundred thousand undead.
The few units that still appeared somewhat alert had likely slept in localized shifts throughout the morning.
Numerous platoons were marching toward the outer walls and Residential District Three. The structural repairs for Redstone Tech City had to be completed before dusk.
Their labor would not cease until the sun began to set.
Ryen sighed quietly. The allied army was enduring a truly grueling crucible.
After dispatching a quick message to Zhongli, Ryen led Ei and Guizhong toward the City Lord Manor.
They had barely taken their seats and poured a cup of tea before Zhongli and the other commanders strode briskly into the hall.
Their spirits, at the very least, appeared highly resilient.
Ryen offered a casual, sweeping wave.
"Good morning."
"..."
The commanders cast a collective, deadpan glance toward the blazing sun stationed at the zenith of the sky. Ryen's perception of time was becoming increasingly difficult to accept.
They harbored no doubts that this man had stayed awake the entire night, busy manufacturing the next generation of humanity.
"How did the zombie situation progress after my departure last night?"
Unbothered by the heavy silence, Ryen casually pivoted the topic.
Zhongli suppressed his internal urge to critique Ryen's lifestyle, his tone returning to a steady, authoritative calm.
"The perimeter remained entirely under control. When you withdrew, the horde had been thinned to roughly ten thousand."
"The remainder were systematically eradicated by the standing infantry."
"However, during the final hours, the undead scattered widely across the terrain, making the mop-up operation a rather tedious expenditure of time."
"The final straggler was not eliminated until mid-morning."
Ryen arched an eyebrow, a knowing smile touching his lips.
"It seems you have verified my theory. The zombies truly no longer fear the sun."
Makoto shook her head gently in correction.
"That is not entirely accurate. Only the mutated variants spawned directly by the cataclysm possess immunity to sunlight. The standard zombies native to this realm still burn upon daybreak."
Ryen spread his hands in a helpless shrug.
"Is there any practical difference? Ordinary zombies will not lay siege to the city."
"...I was merely ensuring complete accuracy."
Makoto looked at Ryen with a fond, amused expression, adding further context.
"Additionally, the exact expenditure of our ammunition reserves from last night, along with the supplies gathered from the fallen zombies, has been fully cataloged. Would you like to review the ledger?"
Ryen shook his head.
"As long as you all have a clear grasp of the numbers, that is sufficient. If any massive discrepancies arise, simply notify me."
...
"Rex Lapis, you need not worry. For Liyue, certain sacrifices are inevitable. As long as we can secure victory, everyone is more than willing to participate in this operation."
"This is the approach that guarantees the absolute minimum loss of life. If we fail to eliminate the mutant zombies, the pressure bearing down on Redstone Tech City will multiply, and far more people will die."
"Sacrificing a select few to guarantee the safety of the many is a highly rational tactical exchange."
"Furthermore, the mutant zombies may not even resurface. And even if they do, we possess Totems of Rebirth to reverse the ultimate outcome."
"Rex Lapis, give the order."
The illuminated adepti averted their gazes, their eyes flickering with profound reluctance.
The captain of the special operations squad was Xiao...
The Yaksha who had been rescued by Zhongli during the Archon War, who had fought on the blood-soaked frontlines for millennia without a single day of rest, purging the lingering embers of fallen demon gods across the lands of Liyue.
Now, he was being asked to march into the dark and lay down his life for the grand strategy.
While they knew resurrection was guaranteed, how could the brutal, agonizing process of dying be casually accepted?
Bosacius clenched his fists, his voice thick with heavy resolve.
"Rex Lapis, permit me to take his place."
Before Zhongli could formulate a response, Xiao furrowed his brow, his tone turning sharp and unyielding.
"I already explained this last night. Bosacius, you are unsuited for this mission."
The majority of the illuminated adepti excelled in grand, frontal warfare, or possessed mastery over complex arcane mechanics.
The Yakshas, however, were pure, unadulterated instruments of slaughter.
Yet even among the Yakshas, distinct classifications existed.
As the Electro Yaksha, Bosacius utilized a combat style that was broad, explosive, and devastatingly loud. Menogias, the Geo Yaksha, specialized in impenetrable defense.
Indarias and Bonanus, wielding Pyro and Hydro respectively, were the younger sisters of the family.
Their raw kinetic output was not necessarily overwhelming, and they were fundamentally unsuited for deep-penetration tactical strikes.
Only Xiao...
As the Anemo Yaksha, he was swift as the wind and sudden as lightning. During the cataclysmic era of the Archon War, he had survived by piercing through enemy lines at breakneck speeds, causing defensive perimeters to collapse from within.
Xiao's mobility was unmatched among the Yakshas, and arguably the fastest among all the adepti, a trait that remained fully intact even within the MC world.
His single-target lethality was equally terrifying.
Combined with his extensive historical experience in executing deep-strike sabotage operations behind enemy lines, there was no debate.
He was the absolute, undeniable choice to lead the special operations squad.
Yet Bosacius refused to accept the logic.
"Whatever the case, I am your eldest brother. As long as I draw breath, this burden does not fall to you!"
Bosacius glared fiercely at Xiao, his face flushing with anger.
"You are being completely unreasonable!"
Xiao snorted, his voice thick with frustration.
"For Liyue, what does death matter? Centuries ago, this was already my destiny, my sworn duty!"
"Furthermore, with the Totem of Rebirth in my possession, I will not truly perish!"
Bosacius grabbed Xiao by the collar, his fury boiling over.
"Just because you will not permanently die does not mean you will not experience the absolute despair of being torn apart!"
"It is my duty! It is none of your concern!"
"I am your elder brother, it is my natural right to govern your actions!"
"When you abandoned me, venturing into the Chasm alone to die, I searched for you for five hundred years! Did you ever once consider my position as your brother?"
"I... I did it for you... for Liyue!"
"Ridiculous! If you can march to your death for Liyue, why am I forbidden from doing the same? I have followed Rex Lapis longer than anyone!"
"You stubborn fool... do you want to be beaten?"
"I am not necessarily weaker than you!"
As the two Yakshas clashed, their tempers flaring like exposed powder kegs, Zhongli abruptly turned around. His voice cracked like stone.
"Enough!"
Both of them flinched. They immediately broke apart, lowering their heads in rigid silence.
Zhongli stared quietly at Xiao. After a long, agonizing moment, he let out a heavy sigh.
"Lead the way. Let us go see your squad."
Xiao nodded hastily, leading Zhongli and the others at a brisk pace toward a secluded plaza on the western flank of the city.
The plaza was currently empty, save for ten Millelith soldiers armed to the absolute teeth.
Dashi stood prominently among them, flanked by the most seasoned, elite veterans of the vanguard.
Seeing Zhongli and the adepti approach, the men immediately snapped to attention, offering crisp salutes.
"Rex Lapis, the special operations squad stands at exactly ten men. All members are present and accounted for."
Dashi stepped forward, his voice low and steady.
Zhongli's brow furrowed slightly.
"You are deploying as well? You must fully comprehend the nature of this unit."
Dashi nodded firmly.
"I understand perfectly. However, as the Supreme Commander of the Dragon Knights, my personal combat strength ranks highest among the Millelith. In operations of this magnitude, it is my duty to lead the charge."
"As for the broader tactical command, Commander Fengyan is fully capable of assuming my duties."
Zhongli remained silent for a long moment before offering a slow, heavy nod.
He allowed his gaze to sweep quietly over the ten men standing before him. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of mountains.
"You are fully briefed on your objective."
"Utilize the absolute minimum margin of loss to eliminate any mutant zombies that may surface, and reverse the momentum of the siege. Speaking with absolute candor..."
"Nine out of ten of you will not return from this march."
The soldiers' expressions did not waver in the slightest. They kept their eyes locked respectfully on Zhongli.
The Geo Archon's heart contracted with relentless sorrow.
These men represented the absolute pinnacle of the Millelith, the finest warriors Liyue had ever produced. Tonight, they were marching directly into the jaws of death.
How could a god ever bear to send his most devoted children to such a fate?
"For Liyue, we march toward death without a single regret."
Dashi replied, his voice echoing with absolute conviction.
Zhongli let out another long, weary sigh.
"While the Totems of Rebirth guarantee you will not permanently leave this world, the physical process of dying is an abyss of despair."
"Have you truly considered the consequences? You will be plunging into an ocean of tens of thousands of enraged undead. No reinforcements will be capable of reaching you."
"You will be physically torn to pieces by the horde. I will offer you one final opportunity. If you wish to withdraw, you may step down now without dishonor."
The Millelith veterans did not flinch. Their eyes remained burning with an unshakeable, resolute fire.
"From the very first day we donned the armor of the Millelith, we understood that our lives belonged to Liyue. If trading our lives ensures the survival of countless brothers behind the walls, it is a worthy exchange."
"If our deaths can secure the integrity of this fortress, then dying is an honor."
"Furthermore, we will not permanently perish. It is merely a fleeting moment of insignificant agony. Rex Lapis, we humbly ask that you place your absolute faith in the iron will of the Millelith!"
Dashi's declaration rang out like struck steel.
Zhongli offered no further arguments. He swept his gaze across the faces of his soldiers one final time.
"Xiao will serve as your captain. During tonight's operation, you are to follow his command absolutely."
Having delivered his final mandate, Zhongli turned and walked away, his posture sagging with a profound, quiet devastation. He left Xiao and Dashi to finalize their tactical synergy.
For Zhongli, issuing this order was no different from personally executing his own children.
Xiao had stood by his side for millennia, viewed by Zhongli as a son in all but blood. The Millelith were the beloved citizens of his cherished Liyue.
This was undeniably the most agonizing strategic decision Zhongli had ever made in his endless life.
Yet, if the mutant zombies were not eradicated, the entirety of Redstone Tech City would fall.
If the walls were breached, the casualty count would not be limited to a mere ten men.
Bosacius stared at Xiao's back, his chest tight with a chaotic storm of emotions. After a long silence, he withdrew his gaze and let out a heavy, defeated sigh.
He could not override Zhongli's decree, nor could he alter Xiao's unyielding will.
In his heart, he knew Xiao was the only logical choice for the mission. But understanding the logic and accepting the reality were two entirely different realms.
As the elder brother of the Yakshas, he had been forced to watch his siblings succumb to karmic debt, slaughtering one another in a haze of madness.
Now, he was forced to stand by and watch Xiao march alone into the abyss.
To Bosacius, this felt like his ultimate failure as an elder brother.
The only fragile solace he could cling to was the absolute certainty that Xiao would not permanently die.
It was the only thought keeping his mind from fracturing entirely.
Zhongli walked aimlessly through the bustling streets of the city, the illuminated adepti trailing silently in his wake.
The group did not exchange a single word. Throughout the course of the afternoon, they wandered across the vast majority of Redstone Tech City.
Despite the looming terror of the apocalyptic siege, the military personnel repairing the city remained overflowing with absolute confidence.
They did not harbor a single shred of doubt regarding their ability to hold the walls.
Immersed in the surging, indomitable spirit of his army, the heavy melancholy weighing upon Zhongli's chest began to slowly dissipate.
The hours bled away until the sun sank below the horizon, and the cold, pale light of the moon blanketed the earth once more.
The guttural, unending roar of the undead began to echo across the plains, instantly devouring the fragile tranquility of Redstone Tech City.
The cataclysm had returned.
Zhongli rendezvoused with the rest of the high command, ascending the heavy stone steps to the battlements.
Even having grown accustomed to the horrifying spectacle of the zombie siege, staring out into the darkness still sent an involuntary chill down their spines.
Over a hundred thousand undead were currently surging toward the walls in a tidal wave of rotting flesh and bone. The sheer visual terror and soul-crushing kinetic impact of the horde was beyond the capacity of human language to describe.
Ryen stepped up to the parapet and drew a long, steady breath.
"The fifth-to-last day of the cataclysm... has begun."