After Aether left Fontaine, he remained unaware of the events that unfolded in his absence. Currently, he had new matters to attend to.
Regarding the prophecy concerning Fontaine, Aether had no immediate solution. For now, he could only wait until enough energy was accumulated to implement Focalors's plan, which would ultimately free Furina. However, Aether had a nagging feeling that allowing Focalors to proceed with her plan might not be the best course of action. He was concerned that destroying the Hydro Archon's position could have unforeseen consequences, and he sensed there might be an alternative solution.
In the meantime, Aether returned to Mondstadt to seek out Dvalin. Although Dvalin had recovered from his previous afflictions, he had become more reclusive, preferring the solitude of his home over venturing out like Venti. Upon seeing Aether, Dvalin was curious:
"What brings you here? I have a feeling it's not just a casual visit."
"Come now, we're friends, aren't we?" Aether replied with a smile.
Dvalin reluctantly nodded, reminded of Venti's similar demeanor. "Yes, we are."
"Then, I need a small favor from you. You wouldn't refuse a friend, would you?"
Dvalin sighed, sensing the inevitable. "Do I have a choice?"
"Not really. You didn't think all that information about Fontaine came for free, did you? You have two options: agree to help me, or we fight, and after I win, you help me anyway."
Seeing Aether's elemental powers manifest, Dvalin realized resistance was futile. "Fine. What do you need?"
"I need you to take me to Inazuma. Traveling there on my own would be too slow."
Dvalin agreed, though he felt uneasy. He was unaware that Inazuma had enacted the Sakoku Decree, effectively isolating the nation. Transporting Aether there would require navigating through dangerous storm clouds.
Nevertheless, Dvalin and Aether set off. Upon reaching the stormy perimeter of Inazuma, Dvalin hesitated. "You're not expecting me to fly through that, are you?"
Aether shook his head. "No need. You've already been a great help." He then enveloped himself in multiple elemental shields and prepared to pass through the storm.
Dvalin watched as Aether disappeared into the tempest. He couldn't help but think, "At least he's not as unreliable as Venti."
After entering Inazuma, Aether first sought out a Statue of the Seven to attune himself to the Electro element. His next destination was to find Yae Miko. While the storm barrier was formidable, Aether's shields allowed him to pass through with relative ease.
His purpose in seeking Yae Miko wasn't to resolve Inazuma's internal issues, which were complex and couldn't be solved overnight. Instead, he aimed to obtain the Electro Archon's Gnosis. With two Gnoses in hand, he could access the Irminsul and address the lingering problems in Sumeru. Although he had previously visited Sumeru, the issues there remained unresolved.
As Aether made his way to Yae Miko, he activated several teleport waypoints and incapacitated both the head of the Kujou Clan and the Kanjou Commission's overseer, taking them with him. It was, in his mind, a fitting introduction. These individuals were not benevolent leaders; eliminating them would prevent further complications in Inazuma.
Meanwhile, Yae Miko was troubled. She had observed Raiden Shogun (Ei) becoming increasingly obsessed with her vision of eternity. Ei had not only isolated Inazuma through the Sakoku Decree but was also planning to enforce the Vision Hunt Decree, seizing Visions from their bearers. Yae Miko felt powerless, as Ei refused to see her, leaving her unable to intervene.
"Perhaps this has something to do with... no, it shouldn't be related. Even if it is, what can a mere shrine maiden do?" She sighed and decided to visit the Yae Publishing House to find a new light novel to distract herself.
Just as she was about to leave, a unfamiliar voice called out to her:
"Lady Guuji, please wait. I have something to discuss with you."
Turning around, Yae Miko saw a blond-haired youth standing before her, a gentle smile on his face. His demeanor was reminiscent of the soothing moonlight, yet his presence radiated the warmth of the sun.
He was undeniably handsome, and Yae Miko's eyes briefly sparkled with intrigue. Then she noticed the two individuals he was carrying—none other than...