Upon returning to Tenshukaku, Makoto immediately handed the crate from Jiang Chen to Ei.
"Take one for yourself."
"Distribute the rest."
"More will be delivered later. Call the Shogun—I'll brief her."
Ei's gaze fell on the devices, sensing their energy.
"Buer's power...?"
Though she had primarily served as a shadow warrior, Ei recognized the Greater Lord's presence.
She had even spoken with her before.
The gentle, wise Dendro Archon had left a deep impression.
"Yes."
"She's been resurrected too."
Makoto explained the situation briefly.
Ei's eyes sparkled as she examined the Terminals.
"Sumeru's Akasha Terminal—but now it connects all of Teyvat?"
"With this, we can communicate from anywhere."
"Jiang Chen says it enables countless functions."
"You can even order goods for delivery without leaving home."
"Food, supplies—anything. And we can chat with Liyue in real-time."
Ei's eyes widened.
"Seriously?!"
Such convenience?!
Incredible!
The thought of enjoying delicacies without stepping outside thrilled her.
This is amazing!
She immediately summoned the Raiden Shogun.
The diminutive but dignified Shogun had been diligently overseeing administrative work.
Though small and adorable, her efficiency was unmatched.
No longer rigid after her reprogramming, she quickly grasped the Terminal's purpose.
"Distribute these to Inazuma's leadership."
"Future orders will be issued through them."
With that, the Shogun set off to deploy the devices.
Meanwhile, in Liyue, Ningguang had already begun distribution.
Even the little "turtle" (Shenhe) received one for easier communication.
When Ayaka was handed a Terminal, she was stunned.
Why was a Sumeru device here?
She knew of the Akasha Terminal's reputation—but never expected it in Liyue.
Registering her account, she logged into Teyvat's nascent network.
Instantly, her worldview expanded.
She could access Sumeru's information?!
And add friends?!
Fascinated, she explored the features, eventually creating her own profile.
But her contacts list remained empty.
Alone in Liyue, who could she add?
Fortunately, Ningguang—noticing her login—sent a friend request immediately.
She even referred Jiang Chen's account to her.
Ayaka's eyes lit up.
[Thank you, Lady Ningguang.]
(If emojis existed, she'd have spammed them.)
Ningguang:
[You're welcome.]
Then she returned to studying the system.
She planned to create a group chat for Liyue's leadership.
This Terminal was unbelievably versatile.
Jiang Chen, meanwhile, received Ayaka's friend request.
After accepting, he referred Makoto's account to her.
Ayaka: "Huh?!"
Inazuma already had access too?!
So fast?!
She hurriedly thanked Jiang Chen and rushed to report to her Archon.
Priorities first!
That night, group chats proliferated.
Liyue High Command. Inazuma Council. Sumeru Akademiya Elite.
Jiang Chen even created a Seven Archons chat.
He added Zhongli, Venti, Makoto, Ei, and Buer.
(Though no one spoke yet. Everyone was busy exploring.)
The next morning, Jiang Chen received a message from Zhongli.
[The Tsaritsa has arrived.]
Jiang Chen: "???"
The Cryo Archon was here?
Because he killed the Doctor?
Wait—no.
Scaramouche had already been dismantled by Ei.
Then he beheaded the Doctor.
Two Harbingers lost in rapid succession.
No wonder the Tsaritsa came personally.
To negotiate?
Demand he stop targeting the Fatui?
After a moment's thought, he checked Zhongli's coordinates.
Dragonspine.
He set down his tools and prepared to leave.
"Where are you going?"
Guizhong watched him stand, puzzled.
Lumine had left early to gather materials, leaving only Guizhong and Havria at home.
"The Tsaritsa's here. I'm going to meet her."
Guizhong's eyes sparkled.
"Take me with you!"
"I want to see her too!"
The Cryo Archon? Fascinating!
Havria also looked eager.
She'd never met the Tsaritsa before.
"Want to come?"
"Then let's go."
Jiang Chen agreed readily.
Bringing a few gods for security was perfectly reasonable, right?
As they departed, Cloud Retainer arrived—only to find them gone.
"???"
They left without me?!
Jiang Chen, Guizhong, and Havria soon arrived at Dragonspine.
The Tsaritsa's presence was unmistakable.