Hanamizaka.
The liveliest part of Inazuma City, bustling even deep into the night. Izakaya and street stalls still brimmed with customers.
Inside one tavern, four people sat around a table, drinking merrily.
"This fish's flavor's actually pretty good."
"Shame the chef's skills aren't. If Xiangling made it, it'd be way better."
"Right? Toss in some Jueyun Chilis, pour hot oil over it—just imagining it makes my mouth water…"
"The best is still Gods' Temptation."
"Yeah."
"Ugh, now I'm craving Gods' Temptation again."
"Same here."
"Another couple drinks, then let's head to the internet café."
"Yeah, yeah… huh?"
At that moment, both Venti and Azhdaha froze mid-drink, turning toward the tavern entrance.
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver followed their gaze, spotting a familiar figure.
Xia Zhen?
No—the aura wasn't Xia Zhen's gentle one. This presence radiated sharp killing intent.
It had to be his sister, Ei.
Venti grinned at her, raising his glass. "Yo! Long time no see!"
He didn't say Beelzebul's true name aloud, only mouthed it silently.
Even so, his greeting drew the other patrons' attention, heads turning toward the door.
Then came the gasps: "Shogun!"
Expressionless, Ei said, "No need to panic. I'm only passing through."
With that, she walked toward their table.
Azhdaha lifted his cup with a smile. "Been a while."
Ei gave him a small nod. "It has."
The table was already full, but Mountain Shaper quickly stood and scooted over to share a bench with Moon Carver, freeing a seat for the new arrival.
"Please, sit here!"
Ei sat down without hesitation. "Thanks."
She was a warrior—straightforward and unpretentious.
Mountain Shaper replied quickly, "You're too polite!"
Moon Carver, equally considerate, poured a fresh cup for her. "Have this one!"
"Much obliged."
"Of course!"
Ei lifted the cup, took a sip, then asked casually, "You all came this morning?"
Venti chuckled. "Yep. Even mooched breakfast at the shrine, then wandered the city. Shame you weren't around."
Ei nodded. "I was at Tenshukaku."
Azhdaha nodded too. "We figured. Makoto mentioned it. So what brings you out now?"
Ei answered simply, "Sister's taken over at Tenshukaku."
Venti smirked. "Then things are about to get easier for you."
After a few words of small talk, Ei turned serious. "I have a question for you."
Venti popped a peanut into his mouth. "Shoot."
"Do you remember the Sacred Sakura always being in Inazuma?"
Venti blinked, then smiled. "Well… what do you think?"
"I remember clearly. Five hundred years ago, there was no Sacred Sakura. It appeared suddenly. But everyone else seems to think otherwise."
Venti nodded. "You're right."
Ei's eyes sharpened. "So you remember too. Azhdaha, what about you?"
Chewing peanuts, Azhdaha said, "I was sealed away early, but… yeah, I remember Inazuma didn't have one back then."
Ei's gaze shifted to the two adepti, silently asking.
The two exchanged looks, puzzled. "No Sacred Sakura? But… hasn't it always been there?"
Azhdaha snorted. "Means you two are too weak."
The adepti fell silent. "…"
Ei looked back at Venti, baffled. "If both of you remember, then why don't Greater Lord Rukkhadevata or my sister remember…?"
Venti said cryptically, "It's not that they don't remember. Maybe they just can't say."
"Can't say?" Ei echoed.
He left it at that. "Sometimes, the reason behind something isn't as important as its existence."
Ei looked down at the sake in her cup, thoughtful.
If even three Archons were keeping their silence, then the answer was already clear.
It was [a higher power].
And in all of Teyvat, only a handful of beings could stand above the Seven.
After a long silence, Ei murmured, "You're right."
Venti raised his cup. "Forget it. Long time no see. Let's drink."
Ei joined them for two more cups.
Azhdaha noticed her expression hadn't changed. "If you find drinking boring, why don't we spar outside instead?"
Ei's brows lifted. "Spar?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I heard you cut down the great serpent with a single strike, and it set my blood boiling. But because of erosion, I was sealed underground and never had the chance to fight you. Now I finally do."
That was one of the reasons he'd agreed to come to Inazuma for construction work.
Like Ei, he was a warrior at heart, who craved battle with worthy opponents.
Ei's eyes flickered with memory. "The serpent…"
Azhdaha's gaze burned with fighting spirit. "So? Will you fight?"
Ei set down her cup. "I will."
Azhdaha laughed heartily, slapping the table. "Good! Let's go!"
In the next instant, both vanished.
Venti leapt up, grinning. "Come on, let's watch!"
The adepti didn't object. Battles between gods were rare sights now.
They rose too.
Although Venti had shouted earlier that drinks were on him, Mountain Shaper dutifully headed to the counter. "Boss, this table's on me!"
Venti's eyes gleamed with approval.
It wasn't about the money—it was the thought. No wonder people said Mountain Shaper's wisdom ran deep.
Outside, Venti summoned a breeze, carrying them to the open sea.
From afar, they could already sense the violent clash of power.
Watching the storm clouds and lightning flashing in the distance, Venti said, "This is close enough. Any nearer and you'd get caught in the crossfire."
The adepti nodded. "Understood."
Venti grinned slyly. "Still, just standing around watching is boring. How about a little wager—Azhdaha or Beelzebul, who wins?"
Moon Carver mused, "How much?"
Venti scratched his head—he'd been drinking too often lately, and most of his flower-selling money was gone. "Just a few ten-thousands of Mora, for fun."
Mountain Shaper thought it over. "Isn't it too dull if only the three of us bet?"
Venti raised a brow. "Meaning?"
Mountain Shaper suggested carefully, "Why not start a small group, pull in everyone who knows their identities, and let them all bet?"
Venti considered it. "Might work."
Mountain Shaper whispered, "Mr. Xia would definitely be interested. Maybe he'd even bet a Gods' Temptation…"
Venti's eyes lit up. "Genius! I was wondering how to get my friend to make another one… Though winning this bet won't be easy… unless…"
Moon Carver muttered uncertainly, "A fixed match?"
Venti shook his head. "No way. With Azhdaha and Beelzebul's personalities, they'd never agree. They live for the joy of battle… But still, worth a shot."
He pulled out his phone and dialed.
Out at sea, Azhdaha and Ei were clashing fiercely.
Suddenly, Azhdaha's pocket chimed with a ringtone. He held up a hand. "Wait a sec—someone's calling."
Ei frowned slightly, but stopped.
Azhdaha fished out his phone and glanced at the screen. "Barbatos? What the hell… calling me now? Doesn't he know I'm fighting?"
Baffled, he answered.
"Hello? What is it? Don't tell me you're out of money again."
"…What? A betting pool? Just open it yourself…"
"What? A fixed match? Are you kidding me? No way in hell… Never! I, Azhdaha, would sooner die—die under Beelzebul's blade—than throw a fight!"
"…What? Mr. Xia? Gods' Temptation? …"
"Damn it. You're impossible. But you're my best friend. If it's for you, and if it's for Gods' Temptation… fine."
He hung up, wearing a strange expression.
Turning to Ei, he looked awkward. "Uh, Beelzebul, can we… discuss something?"
When she heard him out, Ei's eyes filled with contempt. "For the sake of a single dish, you'd disgrace the honor of battle with a fake match?"
"You don't get it. If your sister were me, she'd agree in a heartbeat."
"Impossible."
"Hold on. I'll call her and ask… Hey, Baal? Got a question…"
A moment later, Azhdaha hung up, grinning teasingly at Ei.
She fell into silence.
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