"Want to join my ranks? Why?" Elliot asked the five Yaksha before him.
"In these chaotic times, we seek to serve under a powerful and benevolent god," Bosacius said bluntly, voicing what was on all their minds.
"This isn't a place of charity, nor am I obligated to protect you. If you truly wish to join my ranks, then prove your sincerity."
Elliot's words left the five Yaksha momentarily stunned. None of them had expected such a response.
Logically speaking, their individual strength wasn't weak, and they had all come willingly to follow him. Yet Elliot's answer was, I have no obligation to protect your safety.
So, in his eyes, they were so weak that they needed protection...?
Well, to Elliot, they were indeed weak. But not that weak... right?
It seemed he had no intention of exploiting them—and even looked somewhat reluctant to take them in.
Elliot was straightforward, easy to deal with, and clearly held no malice.
That settled it—they were definitely going to follow him!
After a brief exchange of glances, the five Yaksha spoke in unison once more.
"We swear to follow you unto death, to defend Liyue with our flesh and blood!"
"Swear to follow me unto death? Those are not words to be spoken lightly."
"We've barely met. Freeing you from your master's control was merely a small gesture. You don't need to thank me this way. Return to your homes."
"Our resolve is firm. Please, allow us to follow you."
Elliot's calm words had already seized the hearts of the five Yaksha completely.
They had made up their minds—they would follow this black-cloaked god forever.
Their previous master, the Dream God, had treated them as slaves—robbing them of their freedom and forcing them to commit countless cruel and bloody acts.
By comparison, Elliot's kindness was beyond measure.
"Fine, fine. Since you're so determined, I'll trust you this once," Elliot said, sounding almost reluctant.
"We will not disappoint you," they replied joyfully, then cautiously asked, "May we know how to address you?"
"I am the God of Darkness. They call me the Dark Night Sovereigns."
"Your Majesty, we are of the Yaksha clan. My name is Bosacius," said the four-armed Yaksha who wielded Electro.
"I am Bonanus," said the Hydro Yaksha, her tone gentle but resolute.
"My name is Indarias," the Pyro Yaksha added, her eyes bright with determination.
"I am Menogias," declared the Geo Yaksha.
"Alatus," the youngest of the group spoke last, his voice calm and cold.
He was clearly the most reserved and quiet of the five.
"Bosacius, Menogias, Bonanus, Indarias, and Alatus—since you have chosen to follow me, you shall henceforth serve as Liyue's Guardian Yaksha."
"When gods invade or malevolent spirits descend, you will bear the duty of protecting Liyue."
Elliot's gaze swept across the five Yaksha, his tone solemn and steady.
"We obey!"
On the way back, Elliot briefly explained the basic structure of Liyue—its Adepti, Guizhong, Morax, and other important figures they needed to know about.
Upon reaching Tianheng Mountain, he once again used his divine power to carve out individual residences for the five Yaksha.
By now, Tianheng Mountain housed the dwellings of the Adepti, Ganyu, and Morax. At the mountain's base lay the domain of Azhdaha.
With the Millelith established and the five Yaksha assembled, Liyue had reached the peak of its strength.
Six to seven centuries had passed since the Archon War, now in its later stages. Nothing seemed capable of threatening Liyue's safety anymore.
"Your Majesty, is there anything you require of us?" Bosacius asked after they had settled in, her voice filled with concern.
"Nothing. Go rest," Elliot said as he sipped his tea calmly.
Barely two hours later, Menogias approached with the same question.
Elliot rose slowly. Seeing their restless expressions, he immediately understood.
These Yaksha were not used to such sudden peace. Those accustomed to constant struggle often grew uneasy when idle.
It was clear they had been enslaved by the Dream God for far too long—always being ordered about, never allowed true rest.
"Bring them here," Elliot said softly.
Bonanus's eyes lit up. She hurried to gather the others, and soon all five Yaksha knelt before Elliot, ready to receive his command.
"To the northwest of Tianheng Mountain, there's a clear stream," Elliot said. "Go there and catch some fish and shrimp. You are only permitted to walk normally—no using elemental power, no weapons. You must catch them with your bare hands."
Hearing Elliot's command, the five Yaksha froze, staring blankly for a moment in disbelief.
...