The Millelith was just like that; even if they used their bodies as shields, they could protect the myriad lights of homes behind them, fighting desperately even against Archons.
Thus, the Millelith's achievements were never in killing, but in guarding.
They were not sharp rock spears, nor piercing rock halberds; they were unyielding barriers!
At the very beginning, the Millelith was merely a force spontaneously formed by the people of Liyue; the Lord of Geo had never intended for those he protected to fight.
It was they who followed in the Lord of Geo's footsteps, but the moment they raised their weapons, shouted their slogans, and faced powerful enemies without retreating, they were no longer merely following his footsteps—they stood beside the Lord of Geo.
The Lord of Geo's 'arms' could not shelter all of Liyue, so the Millelith became the 'extension' of his arms.
In that moment, Zhongli realized that the people of Liyue were no longer the weak ones he protected, but 'friends' who advanced and retreated with him, 'comrades' who would never collapse.
Perhaps in that moment, the seed of 'retirement' had already been planted in his heart.
Because he realized this matter earlier than Beelzebul—the 'resilience' of humans.
Thus, today he could confidently return Liyue to the people of Liyue.
"Guest advisor, why do I feel like your mood is a bit off?" Hu Tao's small face suddenly appeared in Zhongli's field of vision.
Zhongli's sitting posture while reading was very proper, and the distance to the book was quite far; Hu Tao just suddenly appeared between him and the book.
That cute little face was full of smiles, a row of nice teeth completely unhidden.
Zhongli was helpless; the somewhat sentimental mood was alleviated quite a bit by Hu Tao's antics.
"Thank you for your concern, Hall Master; it's just that at my age, I like reminiscing about the past." Zhongli closed the book and then used it to block Hu Tao's face.
Hu Tao took the book and stood up. "I see. If you want to talk about it, this Hall Master can be your listener."
She was indeed concerned about Zhongli's mood; after all, Zhongli rarely showed emotions, so suddenly having them naturally caught Hu Tao's attention.
Even if Zhongli didn't show his emotions on his face, Hu Tao could still tell.
Zhongli smiled and shook his head. "No need; the story in the book is enough."
Hu Tao could see Zhongli's mood, so how could Zhongli not see Hu Tao's?
Talking more might make Hu Tao unable to smile anymore; better not.
Yes, the story in the book was enough—Venti felt the same way.
Like Zhongli, what moved the Anemo Archon was also those 'ordinary people' of Inazuma.
When the catastrophe occurred, not only was the Electro Archon absent; gods like them were also not there. Surviving the catastrophe relied on these 'ordinary people'.
The wind would tell the Anemo Archon everything, naturally including their names.
In Venti's heart, they were not collectively called 'Knights of Favonius', but 'Mondstadters' with names.
Thus, the world's best bard wrote story after story for them, telling the world of their existence.
If everyone is satisfied, please offer them a cup of wine in tribute.
In Sumeru, Nahida was similarly moved by this story. She was a god very willing to believe in people, so she was genuinely happy for her predecessor Beelzebul stepping toward the future.
'Makoto and you are Inazuma's indispensable 'past' and 'future'.'
Yae Miko's words made Nahida fall into thought: she and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata—weren't they in a similar relationship?
They were also Sumeru's 'past' and 'future'. Even if she was just the 'moon', with light not as dazzling as the 'sun', she had to become the light illuminating the 'future'.
In comparison, Furina and Focalors didn't distinguish between 'past' and 'future'; both were Fontaine's 'present'.
It's just that most people currently didn't know of Focalors's existence, because she wanted Furina to become the Hydro Archon, letting the world completely 'forget' her.
Speaking of which, opposite to Fontaine's god creating humans, in Natlan, humans remade a god.
In this land without leylines, possibly abandoned by the Heavenly Principles, surrounded by dragons, humans seized every opportunity and created their own 'god'.
Natlan's humans sent a voice to the world, proving that humans are not 'weak'; they could survive even without a god's protection!
The Heavenly Principles defined order for all things and peoples under heaven, yet made us aware that we are merely your puppets!
Thus, the first Pyro Archon ascended to godhood as a human, bestowing 'rules' unique to Natlan—'rules' independent of the Heavenly Principles.
It was not you who created all things, but humans who remade you!
Makoto and Ei were Inazuma's 'past' and 'future', while Mavuika charged from the 'past' to aid the 'future'!
Natlan's 'past', 'present', and 'future' would all have her firelight illuminating the path ahead.
Whether past or future, she would fight for Natlan until the end of her life—this was the 'war' pursued by the Pyro Archon!
But for Mavuika, the one who could save Natlan was not I, but we—the heroes of every era!
This is not my 'war'; this is our 'war'!
Compared to the sentiments of the various gods, ordinary people thought more simply, simply moved by it.
Moved by the human emotions and familial love in the story, also moved by the great love and small loves in the story.
What was different was Mondstadt's Mona; at this moment, she was frowning, racking her brains in thought.
Why? Why could it be prophesied in such detail?
Even leyline information could be prophesied? Things happening in chaotic spacetime could be prophesied? And this was a god's Plane of Euthymia!
Did you cheat? Exactly why could it be prophesied so accurately?!
I don't care! I want to cheat too! Because you cheated first! Hurry and tell me where to buy the 'hack'!
Mona felt like she was thinking so hard she was losing hair, but unfortunately, she still couldn't figure it out.
Though she didn't react at first, the current Mona had already realized one thing: that guy Lucian, besides tricking her, didn't say anything proper.
So she could only think herself, but couldn't figure it out, so she had to look at Lucian's next prophecy book, hoping to glean something from it.
Yes, Mona picked up the second book—the story of Tsurumi Island.
Everyone, after finishing the first story, slowly composed their emotions and planned to read the second.
Just hope this one isn't as heartbreaking as the Raiden Shogun's story; tell a slightly gentler story, okay?
Lucian, my big bro is asking you? Okay or not!?
The previous Klee island story was so beautiful! Lucian, you do know how to write such 'fade spot essence' stories!
Everyone turned the pages of this book with hopes of being 'healed'.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Mavuika: Regarding 'War'
"War is not my pursuit; ending war is.