Chapter 146. Aether….
Aether was truly shocked now, because he knew how difficult it was to enter the Demon God Realm.
While traveling across Teyvat, Aether had also encountered individuals with astonishing talents, and they too were approaching the Demon God Realm.
But without exception, almost all of them failed to enter this realm, and even if they did, it was only at specific times and locations.
Only through a stroke of luck could they possess battle prowess comparable to an Archon.
Or it was simply the Archon's power being bestowed upon them, allowing them to temporarily break through their limits and thus briefly possess Archon power.
Another type was already a powerful individual below the Demon God Realm who obtained too much Abyssal Energy and thus fell, which would also cause the person to transform.
However, this transformation had negative effects, such as with the Abyss Order, due to the Abyssal Energy.
Although their overall strength increased, they also became more extreme, irritable, and bloodthirsty to a certain extent.
Aether was well aware of this situation; every day, he would infuse purifying energy into the core members of the Abyss Order to alleviate their suffering.
But this was merely treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Aether could alleviate their pain, but he couldn't cure them.
Yet, those Abyss Order members felt that this was enough; their benevolent Prince had gone to such lengths for them, and they should repay his kindness.
(In the story, what Lumine used against Stormterror, the author here sets it as being able to alleviate the pain caused by Abyssal Energy.)
The power Futsu Mitama currently possessed, judging by its aura, was unlike any of the above.
This power showed no signs of instability; clearly, he had entered the Demon God Realm as a human.
And Aether could distinctly sense a hint of danger from Futsu Mitama.
In other words, the current Futsu Mitama could pose a threat to him?
This was an astonishing phenomenon.
Aether was well aware of his own strength; only powerful Archons, or Archons whose strength had reached its peak like Raiden Ei, could pose a slight danger to him.
This was incredible. How old was Futsu Mitama?! How much time had he spent?!
Yet he had already stepped into a realm many people or Archon Families yearned for.
One must know that even Demon Gods born as such had varying strengths.
Futsu Mitama had now entered the ranks of powerful individuals in the Demon God Realm. Although neither side had made a move yet, Aether trusted his intuition.
At this moment, Aether recalled what Morax had secretly said,
Futsu Mitama possessed power beyond that of the Archons, and if it were him, he might even be able to enter the realm of [that one] high above.
And... if his sister really did get involved with him, it seemed like it wouldn't be a bad thing after all.
Countless thoughts flashed through Aether's mind; clearly, this news was too shocking, causing his brain to overload a bit.
"A lucky breakthrough,"
Futsu Mitama said with a chuckle. He tightened his grip on Engulfing Lightning, looking at Aether with a hint of eagerness.
"How about we have a sparring match?"
After reaching the Demon God Realm, Futsu Mitama hadn't had a proper fight. If he could spar with Aether this time, it would be a good thing.
Because Aether was a Traveller who had reached the end of his journey; the power he wielded was absolutely terrifying.
When he was in Liyue, Zhongli had subtly reminded Futsu Mitama more than once that Aether was very powerful, and if possible, it was best not to provoke him.
With the Heavenly Principles as his target, who knew what power or trump cards he might unleash.
"..."
Raiden Ei said nothing; she quietly tightened her grip on Engulfing Lightning. Having fought Aether before, she knew how tricky he was.
But today was different. If she teamed up with Futsu Mitama, even if they couldn't defeat Aether, who had the home-field advantage, they certainly wouldn't be easily defeated.
"You've come here, presumably not just to spar with me."
Aether silently took a few steps back. He didn't intend to fight Futsu Mitama, because once a battle between Archons level began, it wouldn't be a mere "spar."
For those of their caliber, even a little seriousness would likely lead to an extremely fierce confrontation.
That would be a battle in the true sense, and he wasn't confident he could hold back like before against Futsu Mitama during such an intense fight.
Due to the unique nature of this area, Aether had to go all out. If he released what was here, it would be harmful, not beneficial, to the Abyss Order.
There was even a great danger of annihilation!
But then another problem arose: if he accidentally severely injured Futsu Mitama here, Beelzebub next to him would surely go berserk and fight him.
If they fled, Zhongli and Barbatos would probably also get involved and come to help Futsu Mitama.
If these two Archons went all out, it would not be a good thing for either himself or the Abyss Order.
If it were any other place, Aether would be very willing to spar with them a bit, but not here.
It was just like when Zhongli encountered Aether in Liyue Harbor; his first choice wasn't to fight, but to deter.
"Hmm, it's not simply to spar with you."
Futsu Mitama saw Aether retreat, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes. He knew this fight wouldn't happen.
It was a bit of a shame, but also reasonable, as Futsu Mitama sensed a dozen or so auras rapidly flying up from below.
The arrivals were naturally Abyss Lectors, Abyss Heralds, and Abyss Mages.
When these people saw Futsu Mitama and the aura emanating from him, they exclaimed repeatedly, clearly shocked.
"You?! Futsu Mitama?!"
"And Beelzebub!!!"
"What?! It's Futsu Mitama?!!!"
"Damn it, why is Beelzebub here again!!!!"
"That Futsu Mitama who hindered our Order's plans! He looks so young."
"His aura is terrifying; has he reached the Demon God Realm?! How is that possible!"
"Impossible! The intelligence says he's only eighteen!!!"
"No, he's nineteen. He just had his birthday a few months ago. But even if it's him, he reached the Demon God Realm in such a short time?"
"Age is no longer important now. How did he enter the Demon God Realm in such a short time? With external help? No... the aura doesn't seem like it at all."
"Is that intelligence true then, that Dottore at his peak, and Kunikuzushi who possessed Archon-level strength, were both defeated by him?"
"Damn it! It should have been false intelligence, but I didn't expect it to be true! I thought Futsu Mitama was exaggerating!"
"What?! Since you knew this intelligence, why didn't you report it earlier?!"
"Because it was too fake!! A nineteen-year-old Archon! Have you ever heard of that?!"
They discussed animatedly, clearly not expecting that this seemingly fake intelligence was actually true!
This truly opened the eyes of the Abyss Order members, and at the same time, they realized that the Futsu Mitama before them probably couldn't be an enemy.
Demon Gods and below them were completely two different concepts; the former couldn't be overwhelmed by numbers, while the latter could still be forcibly killed by numbers.
The Abyss Herald who had initially angrily questioned the Abyss Lector was now momentarily speechless.
Because this news was too explosive. Defeating Dottore and Kunikuzushi wasn't an uncommon occurrence.
Dottore had varying strengths, and as for Kunikuzushi, he was merely a top-tier powerhouse below the Demon Gods. It was normal for Futsu Mitama to overpower both of them.
So when the intelligence from Sumeru was transmitted back, the core members of the Abyss Order who received it simply treated it as a joke.
They didn't deny Futsu Mitama's potential to become an Archon, but that would at least take another four or five years at least.
How could this boundary be broken through just like that? So the Abyss Order members collecting intelligence in Sumeru didn't take this matter to heart.
They only grasped the key points: Futsu Mitama had dealt with the troublesome Dottore and Kunikuzushi, and Futsu Mitama was not in Mondstadt, Liyue, or Inazuma.
Also, there was the suspicion that Futsu Mitama was trying to sideline Lesser Lord Kusanali.
They could use this situation to stir up some trouble in Sumeru.
Now, after truly seeing Futsu Mitama in person, these core members of the Abyss Order finally realized one thing.
That is, the intelligence was REALLY true?! This seemingly fake intelligence was actually true, not false intelligence deliberately released by Futsu Mitama to boast.
"I remember now."
At this moment, Raiden Ei suddenly spoke. She looked downwards, her tone calm.
"This is a very important base for you."
Yes, at this moment, Raiden Ei remembered that she had fought Aether fiercely here for quite some time.
Morax and Barbatos had also assisted her in launching an attack, inflicting devastating damage on this place.
But the core members of the Abyss Order here retaliated fiercely, as if something important was hidden here.
Judging by Aether's state at the time, he was also very nervous about Morax's involvement, and thus became somewhat hesitant in his fight with her.
"An important base?"
Futsu Mitama also looked at Aether. At the same time, he glanced around at the surrounding Abyss Order members.
He briefly sensed the auras of these Abyss Order members; their auras were all quite powerful, and any one of them could be considered an elite.
They were gathered here, so it seemed this was a rather important base for the Abyss Order.
In an instant, Futsu Mitama seemed to think of something, and a strange smile appeared on his face.
"!!!" X*
At this moment, all the core members of the Abyss Order, seeing Futsu Mitama's smile, immediately had a very bad feeling.
On the intelligence snatched from the Fatui, there was one very accurate description of Futsu Mitama: if he smiled at you for no reason, it meant he was up to no good.
In addition, it also said not to casually sign contracts with Futsu Mitama, nor to casually engage in transactions with him, because he was very likely to take all the benefits for himself and push all the disadvantages onto others.
"I want to make a deal with you."
Futsu Mitama spoke. After learning that this was an important base for the Abyss Order, he suddenly had a bold idea.
"No! We don't want to make a deal!"
The Abyss Herald quickly shook his head. He adopted a fighting stance, staring at Futsu Mitama and Raiden Ei.
"You must leave here quickly!"
"Otherwise, Stay Here Permanently!!!"
Refuse to deal! Refuse to communicate! Get out of this area quickly!
"Yes! Futsu Mitama and Beelzebub, I acknowledge your power, but this is not Teyvat, but the Abyss!"
The Abyss Herald also stated his position. Although he didn't want to fight Futsu Mitama and Beelzebub.
But they were unwilling to suffer losses. Futsu Mitama's smile clearly meant no good, and they absolutely couldn't let him succeed!
The Abyss Order member whom Futsu Mitama had never met looked at Aether and asked,
"Your Highness, what do you think?"
Clearly, this one was still relatively rational; his name was the Sinner's Baptizer.
He was a powerful existence above the Abyss Lector and Abyss Heralds, but even he had not reached the Demon God Realm, merely being a top-tier powerhouse below the Archon.
Futsu Mitama and Raiden Ei also looked at Aether. They didn't care about what the Abyss Heralds and Abyss Heralds said.
Because they were not the real decision-makers; Aether was the true master of the Abyss. If he agreed.
Then the other core members of the Abyss Order could only obey.
"Let's coexist peacefully."
Aether looked at Futsu Mitama and Raiden Ei, and slowly said.
"You leave this place, and I'll pretend I never saw you, how about that? As for deals, let's forget about it. Futsu Mitama, your reputation in that regard is quite well-known."
Aether spoke rather tactfully. He knew a little about the Fatui being ruthlessly scammed by Futsu Mitama, so to avoid being scammed by him, he chose not to trade.
"You won't agree?"
Raiden Ei raised Engulfing Lightning in her hand, purple lightning flashed in her eyes, and a terrifying Archon's pressure emanated from her body.
Although Raiden Ei didn't know what Futsu Mitama's plan was, or what he intended to trade with the other party, she knew it was her turn to act now.
Just like when she acted with Makoto back then.
Makoto was responsible for persuading the other party. If Makoto couldn't persuade them, then it was her turn to draw her sword.
The opponent was indeed a difficult one, but now she had undergone a transformation, knowing that Makoto had not truly perished.
And the Musou Shinsetsu that Futsu Mitama wielded with the people of Inazuma gave Raiden Ei a clearer understanding of her own path.
Coupled with the hidden effects of the Chat Group, her "erosion" had also recovered significantly.
So she was even stronger than when she last fought Aether!
Seeing Raiden Ei ready to face the opponent, the helplessness in Aether's eyes became even more apparent.
He didn't want to fight, especially not here!
The core members of the Abyss Order on the side, seeing Raiden Ei ready to make a move, also shouted to protect the "His Highness" and then prepared to grab their weapons and fight.
Even if the opponent was the Electro Archon, one of The Seven Archons, the Abyss Order had no fear!
For the Prince! For their great cause!!! They would absolutely not yield to Futsu Mitama!!!
"Everyone, stop!"
Aether quickly called out to the group. He looked at Futsu Mitama with a headache and a sense of helplessness, saying,
"You tell me first, what do you plan to trade? Let me tell you in advance, if the trade content isn't too outrageous, then I'll agree. But if it's too outrageous—"
Aether stopped speaking at the end. If the trade content was too outrageous, exceeding his bottom line—
Then this fight today would have to happen, whether he wanted it or not.
Although Aether was very unwilling, the situation was stronger than him. Even if he was confident, he could severely injure Raiden Ei and Futsu Mitama, but the thought of the cost made his head ache.
Raiden Ei glanced at Futsu Mitama, and seeing him nod, she silently put away Engulfing Lightning and the divine pressure emanating from her body.
At this moment, Raiden Ei felt an inexplicable sense of comfort. Indeed, as long as she brought Makoto, Futsu Mitama, and Miko, she wouldn't need to think.
Just like in the past, like a Kagemusha, she only needed to wield her weapon.
Thinking too much didn't suit her personality.
Futsu Mitama chuckled and looked at Aether, saying,
"Actually, the trade content is very simple. It's just that Ei and I came to the Abyss for a purpose."
Aether nodded slightly. He naturally knew that Futsu Mitama and Beelzebub coming to the Abyss definitely had a purpose.
Who would come to a dangerous area like the Abyss without a purpose? The Abyssal Energy alone here was enough to cause unimaginable suffering to intruders.
"We came to the Abyss together to collect materials from within the Abyss,"
Futsu Mitama stated directly, revealing their objective for coming to the Abyss.
Aether frowned slightly. He looked at Futsu Mitama and Beelzebub with some confusion.
Collecting Abyssal materials? What were they trying to do?
One should know that most Abyssal materials represented 'ominous' and 'evil'.
Furthermore, Abyssal Energy could cause conflicts with the elemental energy of Teyvat. The materials born here probably weren't suitable for them.
So he was a bit curious, but Aether didn't speak, merely watching Futsu Mitama, signaling him to continue.
Futsu Mitama continued,
"We need all the materials from within the Abyss for an experiment. We don't care about anything else. Therefore, the trade I'm proposing is for your Abyss Order to assist us in collecting all the large and small materials within the Abyss and handing them over to us."
"So, if you agree, then this will be a win-win situation."
Raiden Ei nodded, indicating that what Futsu Mitama said was what she wanted to say.
At this moment, an Abyss Herald seemed to have noticed a blind spot. He looked at Futsu Mitama and asked,
"Win-win? What win-win? If we hand over the materials to you, what compensation do we get?"
Hearing this, the other entities of the Abyss Order also looked at Futsu Mitama.
Yes, if we help you collect all the large and small materials from the Abyss, what benefit do we get?
Aren't all the benefits yours?
"You temporarily gain our friendship and trust,"
Futsu Mitama said, spreading his hands and looking at the Abyss Order members.
"This way, we won't attack your base. You should know that if we were enemies, with everything your Abyss Order has done to me in the past, do you really think it can be so easily brushed aside?"
The Abyss Order members were furious. They understood now; Futsu Mitama was planning to get something for free!
HIS SO-CALLED WIN-WIN! WAS HIM WINNING TWICE!
"So, what do you say?"
Futsu Mitama turned his gaze to Aether, his tone quite serious.
"Are you planning to fight me and Ei, exposing the secrets within? Or will you cooperate with me obediently? I think you'll make the right choice~"