Back with Yuki and Ei.
After hearing the full extent of the Tsaritsa's plan from Yuki, Ei's expression turned grave. "So the Fatui have been stationed in the other nations for one purpose—to take our Gnoses?" Her voice was heavy with realization. This was no trivial matter—the Gnosis was tied to things far too important, and she knew it.
The Gnosis is a god's magical organ—a higher-order elemental control hub containing immense elemental power. It is the symbol of the Seven Archons' thrones and the bridge that connects them to Celestia.
It is also the means by which the Heavenly Principles exerts control over Teyvat and its laws. In short, it was a profoundly significant object, especially for the Seven Archons. And to understand its significance, one must know its origin.
The power of the Gnosis comes from the authority of the Dragon Sovereigns of the Elements. It was created by the First Descender—Phanes, the Primordial One—and a later Descender, using the remains of the Third Descender as a vessel.]
That vessel was made to carry a portion of the elemental authority taken from the Seven Dragon Sovereigns and was then distributed to the Seven Archons as both a symbol and a tool of authority.
Such an important object, granted by the Heavenly Principles—the superior authority of the Seven—was now being targeted by the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya. This was nothing short of horrifying. In a sense, the Cryo Archon was openly defying the Heavenly Principles.
Her reason? To resurrect Nibelung, the Dragon King. But who was Nibelung, and what did this have to do with the deeper history of Teyvat?
In the earliest days, Teyvat was ruled by the dragons. Humans—and many other races—did not yet exist. Then came the First Descender—Phanes, the Primordial One. After arriving in Teyvat, Phanes waged war against the dragons.
In the end, the Primordial One defeated Nibelung, the Dragon King, and came to rule all of Teyvat. Only after that did many new races—including humans—appear across the continent.
After his defeat, Nibelung was cast out beyond the boundaries of Teyvat, banished from the world. But the Dragon King refused to accept this outcome. He soon returned, bringing with him the power of the Abyss from beyond the world.
He led the dragons in rebellion against the order established by the outsider. What followed was a cataclysmic war that nearly destroyed Teyvat, ending only with Nibelung's death.
Though Phanes emerged victorious, the Primordial One suffered grievous wounds in the battle against the Dragon King and was forced into a deep slumber. Since then, the affairs of Teyvat have been managed by Phanes's four shades.
Now, back to the Tsaritsa's goal. Why would one of the Seven Archons—someone aligned with the Heavenly Principles, someone who had received a Gnosis made from the authority of the defeated dragon kings—wish to resurrect Nibelung, an enemy of the Primordial One?
The answer was simple: to save Teyvat.
The continent had been shattered in that ancient war. The sky of Teyvat is a lie, enclosed within a massive egg-like shell. Beyond that shell lies an endless Abyss.
The power of the Abyss is constantly eroding Teyvat. If the barrier that separates the two ever breaks, Teyvat will be consumed by the Abyss and cease to exist.
The Tsaritsa refused to stand by and do nothing. She sought a way to save her world. After extensive research, she concluded that Nibelung—the very being Phanes had exiled from Teyvat—might hold the key to saving the continent.
First, when Nibelung had returned in ages past, he had brought with him the power of the Abyss. If anyone could truly understand the Abyss, it would be him—and perhaps he could find a way to counter it. Second, as the former ruler of Teyvat, it was unlikely Nibelung wished to see the world destroyed.
But most importantly, the Tsaritsa was aware that the Heavenly Principles were not in a favorable state. Even if she approached them for help, it would be futile.
If they had the power to save Teyvat, why would they have created the False Sky as a protective barrier in the first place? After much deliberation, the only viable candidate was Nibelung.
Ei already knew some of the hidden history, but she was shocked by how much the Tsaritsa seemed to know. "Can Nibelung truly be resurrected by collecting all seven Gnoses? And even if he could, would the resurrected Dragon King really be able to save Teyvat?" Ei looked at Yuki, her expression full of doubt and urgency.
The chat group, too, was curious. While Yuki explained, Ei had—on March's suggestion—started a livestream in the group, allowing everyone to listen in. March's sly intentions weren't lost on Yuki.
Seitenshi: "Even if her goal is to save the world, that Cryo Archon's actions—sending her people to interfere in other nations' affairs and sow chaos—are unforgivable."
Saeko: "I agree with that."
Akane Nishino: "Her intentions might be good, but the methods are flawed."
Athena: "Agreed."
March: "Exactly. She should have chosen a different approach."
Marika: "Alright, enough. Let's hear if the Cryo Archon's plan will even work."
With Marika's comment, the group fell silent and continued listening to Yuki.
"Yes, the power of the seven Gnoses is indeed enough to resurrect Nibelung." Yuki smiled calmly and gave a small nod. "But as for whether he can save Teyvat from its crisis… the answer is no. Nibelung simply isn't strong enough."
Yuki shook his head slightly, clearly implying that the Tsaritsa's plan would be in vain.
"So that's how it is…" Ei's expression fell with disappointment.
If the Tsaritsa's plan could have succeeded, Ei wouldn't have hesitated to hand over her Gnosis. But now that she knew it wouldn't work, the fact that the Cryo Archon and her Fatui had stirred up trouble in Inazuma was something Ei would not let slide.
She wouldn't even mind traveling to Snezhnaya herself to confront the Tsaritsa in person. The people of Inazuma were now Ei's most cherished treasure. Anyone who dared harm them would face the full force of her Musou no Hitotachi.
Watching Ei's disappointment, Yuki smiled faintly. He picked up the teapot, poured himself another cup, and sipped slowly.
If the plan had been feasible, he knew—both Ei and the other Archons would have gladly handed over their Gnoses without any need for the Fatui's machinations.
In the game's storyline, Zhongli and the others had seen no other option, so they placed their trust in the Tsaritsa—and played along with the Fatui's act. If any of the Archons had truly resisted, the Fatui would never have obtained a single Gnosis.