Before today, over the past several days, Renjiro had performed 'nine' consecutive summons.
His overall gains were: a book titled Dodoco Tales, Amber reaching her first ascension, and seven three-star Genshin weapons.
As for now…
"The Sword of Descension?"
If Renjiro remembered correctly, this four-star Genshin weapon was a special edition exclusive to "console players" back on Earth before his transmigration.
It was essentially a Traveler-exclusive weapon… because it only granted a 66 attack boost when wielded by the Traveler.
However, because the sword's stats were so underwhelming and it couldn't be refined, many Genshin enthusiasts jokingly called it: a "three-star weapon with a four-star rating."
This even gave rise to a meme:
"A five-star written, four-star read Traveler, wielding a weapon labeled four-star but actually three-star… how could they possibly beat the Teyvat-employed Queen?"
Hem hem.
In short, if judged solely by its stat panel, the Sword of Descension was basically useless.
But…
[The key to unlocking the "World" has already been placed in your hands~]
Renjiro (Aether) vaguely heard the Genshin System's prompt.
However, why did this message sound so… quirky in both content and tone?
Naturally, he wanted to question it further.
But at that moment, the Genshin System selectively went deaf.
Helpless…
"The key to unlocking the 'World'?"
During his temporary mid-break, Renjiro could only summon the unique Sword of Descension and examine it carefully in his hands.
In Genshin's original design, each weapon has its own backstory.
For instance, the well-known three-star critical bow, Sharpshooter's Oath.
Sounds impressive, right?
But because its story was so ridiculous, players nicknamed it the "stinky-foot bow."
As for the Sword of Descension…
Its backstory went like this,
"Emmmm~"
Renjiro (Aether) was slightly confused.
These descriptions sounded grand, lofty even.
But the key information available for deduction? Barely any.
At this moment…
"Traveler, do not be perplexed."
Sitting on a nearby stone, sipping tea, the Imperial Lord suddenly spoke up:
"You can't perceive its true nature because this sword isn't truly a weapon of your current self."
"Thus, its real power and true form cannot be activated in your current state."
"After all…"
Zhongli said meaningfully, "This sword may be the key to unlocking the 'World'… but it is just a key."
"A key exists for a corresponding door, and for the room behind the door."
"If there is no fundamental 'room' (world), what could the key possibly open?"
After hearing this…
Got it.
Renjiro (Aether) took a deep breath.
"So, this sword is actually a weapon exclusive to my true self."
"Then…"
A small smirk curled on his lips, eager to try it out.
No time to waste. Let's see what it can really do.
That night, after Lumine relocated the teleport anchor originally on the 39th floor to the Large Tree Labyrinth Borderline within her camp, she temporarily left the military encampment.
She first summoned Xiao, utilizing his bug-like teleportation, to a remote, uninhabited valley.
Then, Renjiro (Aether) used the passive effect of the Statue of The Seven skill to teleport there using his mana.
For the first time outside of Oraria, he detached his "Starfire's Flowing Light" split form.
That night, shortly after Renjiro gripped the Sword of Descension, he attempted to activate its hidden truth…
At the same time, the Moon Goddess resting in the Hermes familia's camp was abruptly awakened.
The Orion's Arrow by her side began radiating light, the divine inscriptions etched on it restless and flickering.
She wasn't the only one.
The goddesses capable of perceiving soul radiance, Freya, Aphrodite, Ishtar, also saw this extraordinary, invisible light shining from the southern continent.
Almost all gods descended to the mortal realm sensed a subtle wave of energy.
Then…
"Cough, gah!"
In a remote, monster-free valley, Renjiro sprawled across the grass, gasping for air.
This time, the effect of attempting to unlock the "World" was even more terrifying than when the Imperial Lord had deliberately restrained him before.
Just over two seconds… that tiny fraction of time nearly knocked him out.
Clearly, it was a precursor to entering a state of mental exhaustion.
Yet, even in that fleeting moment, he clearly saw the Sword of Descension transform.
And finally understood what it truly meant to be the key to the "World."
All he could say…
"Heh. With this move, you're done, Antares."
"HAHAHAHA~"
Though still lying on the ground, Renjiro laughed freely like a child, finally feeling the weight he had carried for so long lift.
"This world… will never be destroyed."
"I said it!"
One week later, 3:00 p.m…
At the Large Tree Labyrinth Borderline encampment.
"Phew~ finally arrived."
A group of elf girls chatted excitedly in the Loki familia's camp.
"Riveria-sama, this journey has been so exhausting QAQ."
"Enough, Anju, you've just been spoiled by Lumine-san."
"You too, weren't you complaining about the rations and leaky tents the whole way here?"
Indeed, as the girls said, the first half of the trip had been like a pleasant hike with Lumine taking care of everything.
But without her, everyone now looked disheveled and travel-worn.
Still…
"Luckily, Riveria-sama's Elf Mage Unit is already in position."
Meanwhile, Lumine coordinated with six officers inside her camp regarding next steps.
Artemis, Hermes, and the Hermes familia's current leader, the Asfi, were present.
"We can't wait any longer," Lumine said, looking at the Moon Goddess with blue hair and eyes. "Artemis, you're in poor condition. Considering the long journey ahead in the Large Tree Labyrinth, we must depart immediately."
"But Orion (Barbara)…"
The young girl had trained diligently but was only usable now, not reliable for a final decisive blow.
For others, this was the only feasible solution.
No choice.
As for Renjiro…
I trust my people. They won't falter at a critical moment.
His will was conveyed through Lumine:
"And the situation in the Kaios Desert isn't promising either."
As she explained…
Even adventurers would struggle to survive in such conditions.
And yet, Antares exploited this, turning the desert into a hidden passageway for its splitting scorpion army.
Even if they wanted to establish a blockade, they simply couldn't.
With countless Lv.1 potential scorpion minions attacking daily, even with Lagria's army aiding them, the forces were stretched to the limit.
So, nightly, Lumine deployed Xiao to mitigate threats in the desert.
But this was merely a stopgap, a temporary measure.
Clearly…
"If Antares isn't eliminated quickly, the 'scorpion minions' will only multiply and grow stronger."
Lumine's tone was serious.
"By noon tomorrow, I'll contact Riveria-sama, finalize the 'Joint Subjugation Force' roster, and depart as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this…
"Agreed."
"No objections."
"Let's do it."
All six Freya familia officers supported Lumine's plan.
Artemis wanted to insist she could continue but kept silent.
As for Hermes and Asfi…
"We'll follow your lead," said the traveler-god, lowering his hat. "We aren't the main force this time anyway."
"Hmm?"
Asfi's face immediately changed, she suspected something devious.
She waited until Lumine left to summon Riveria for the joint operation meeting before quietly asking Hermes:
"You just said 'we'? Could it be, "
"Yes. I'm joining Lumine's 'Joint Subjugation Force' too~"
What the hell. I really want to hit him.
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