"Grand Sage Azar: Hmph, never underestimate Sumeru's scholars. Compared to the geniuses in the universe... perhaps we've just been exposed to too little."
"Grand Sage Azar: Lisa, the former genius of the Akademiya. It seems you have completely fallen now. You don't even have the self-confidence a genius scholar should possess."
"Lisa: Grand Sage Azar, you are as arrogant as ever."
"Dottore: I agree with the Grand Sage's idea. Compared to the geniuses in the universe... our perspective is simply too narrow. If we had their perspective... we should also be able to achieve impressive accomplishments in technology."
"Tighnari: Is it really just a matter of perspective?"
"Nahida: I think Miss Lisa is probably right. Teyvat is so tiny in the face of the universe. So, perhaps Teyvat's geniuses are also very tiny in front of the universe's geniuses."
Even the God of Wisdom herself did not consider herself clever compared to the universe's geniuses, even though she had not yet witnessed any. That being said, those arrogant Teyvat "geniuses" were unwilling to admit they were mediocre. Even with Lisa's statement, they stuck to their arguments. Seeing that the discussion was affecting everyone's viewing of the IPC recruitment advertisement, Takagi finally spoke in the forum.
"Takagi: I will later take Teyvat's passengers to a Space Station owned by a cosmic-level genius named Herta. Within the Herta Space Station, there are also some introductions to true geniuses. At that time, you will be able to properly compare and see if you are truly a genius."
"Lisa: A true genius, Herta? How exciting."
"Grand Sage Azar: Esteemed Takagi, please be sure to give me a ticket."
"Dottore: A genius from the universe, huh? If I could communicate with her, I would surely benefit immensely."
With Takagi's intervention, the forum finally quieted down. Those uninterested in the debate focused on the recruitment advertisement. As departments such as the "Building Material Logistics Department," "Strategic Investment Department," "Talent Motivation Department," and "Traditional Projects Department" were displayed, everyone was beyond surprised. People discussed which department was better. However, the most discussed topic was the Aeon of Preservation, the Amber Lord, who flashed across the screen during the video.
Join us, and climb higher. You will influence the fate of countless worlds, making the history of the galaxy a footnote written by you. The Amber Lord's great hammer has fallen, and no one can remain unaffected. Now, the primordial stones containing infinite possibilities—we are waiting for you!
Passionate words came from the projection. At the same time, everyone saw the Amber Lord appear once again. He swung his massive golden stone hammer, seemingly bringing it down toward the main perspective. This scene instantly stunned the Teyvat people.
[Albert: I'm going to die! Don't let that hammer fall here!]
[Ei: Is this... the Aeon of Preservation?!]
[Kaeya: The spaceship in the video is like an insect in front of Him... no, maybe even less than an insect.]
[Diluc: Is that a planet next to the Aeon of Preservation? He is dozens of times larger than a planet?!]
[Noelle: The Aeon of Preservation is indeed very great!]
[Albedo: Although I only saw it through the video, the Aeon is indeed very astonishing.]
[Azhdaha: Impossible! How could such an existence exist!]
[Aether: There cannot be such an existence in the universe. If it truly exists, it's impossible for me to have not heard anything about it.]
[Furina: Ri... Right! How could there be such a huge god? If it's real, wouldn't this guy be even bigger than Teyvat?]
[Neuvillette: It seems now that the Aeon of Preservation is indeed much larger than Teyvat.]
Fontaine.
"Neuvillette, you're joking, right? You don't really think such a huge creature exists, do you?" Hydro Archon Furina stood beside Neuvillette and spoke anxiously.
Neuvillette: "In terms of common sense, such a creature indeed should not exist."
Furina: "Right, right! You agree with me after all."
Neuvillette: "However, I can't think of a reason for Takagi to fake it. Moreover, Path power has already been proven."
Furina shook her head: "Even if the Path is proven, the Aeon hasn't been! Even if there really is an Aeon, it shouldn't be that huge. If that stone hammer were to fall on Teyvat, wouldn't we all be finished?"
Neuvillette: "Since it is an Aeon from the universe, it is reasonable for it to possess such power."
Furina: "Why do you have to believe that Takagi? He just played an advertisement, didn't he?"
Neuvillette: "I am just not denying the possibility. More importantly, I think you should go and comfort the citizens."
Furina: "Comfort the citizens?"
"Yes." Neuvillette stood up and walked to the window. "Many people in Fontaine have also seen the image of the Aeon of Preservation. Many are unable to maintain their inner peace. In such a situation, the crime rate will increase. Since you are the god of this country, you should go and comfort them."
Hearing this, Furina nodded. "Yes, everyone needs me at this moment. I'll go and tell them not to believe in that Aeon. At least, don't imagine the Aeon of Preservation to be that great!"
Neuvillette: "It's better not to speak so absolutely..." He looked at Furina, who had already run out the door, and shook his head.
Liyue. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Guest, what do you think?" Hu Tao skipped over to Zhongli and asked curiously.
"Is the Director referring to the Aeon of Preservation?" Zhongli took a sip of tea and spoke leisurely.
"Besides Him, who else could it be? It can't be about joining the IPC and working for them, can it?" Hu Tao said with a smile.
Zhongli: "In terms of universal rationality, since it is a god from the universe, it is not strange for the Aeon of Preservation to have that size."
Hu Tao: "That's truly incredible! Wouldn't He be much more powerful than our Rex Lapis!"
Zhongli: "I think Rex Lapis has never compared himself to an Aeon from beginning to end... Hmm?!"
Hu Tao: "What's happening? An earthquake?!"
Zhongli frowned, stood up, and walked toward the door.
"Zhongli, where are you going?" Hu Tao steadied herself and called out.
"Going out to see if there's anywhere I can help." As soon as he finished speaking, Zhongli had already disappeared. In an instant, he arrived at the place where Azhdaha was sealed.
"Old friend, can't you calm down either?" Zhongli felt the vibrations coming from the seal.
Not just Liyue and Fontaine, almost the entire Teyvat continent was in an uproar. Before this, no one had imagined that merely a recruitment advertisement could achieve this. This was true for mortals, Vision holders, and even Archons. High-ranking officials of various countries looked at Takagi in the live stream with some helplessness; because of him, they now had to work overtime to comfort the people. That being said, thinking of the power Takagi might possess, few people felt resentment towards him.
Belobog.
"I really didn't expect to see the Aeon of Preservation in the video. I wonder if I'll have a chance to gain strength from Him in the future," Paimon said with deep emotion.
"If someone like you, who only hides behind others, can step onto the Path of Preservation, the past Supreme Guardians of Belobog would probably cry," Takagi retorted.
"Hehe, I was just saying. Oh, right, Takagi—if I were to join the IPC, which department should I join?" Paimon asked.
Takagi: "What, are you planning to work for the IPC?"
Paimon: "This advertisement is just too good, so the thought popped into my head, hehe."
Takagi: "An advertisement is an advertisement. People who actually go to the IPC might not necessarily enjoy good treatment."
Paimon: "But doesn't the IPC have a Talent Incentive Department that cares about its employees?"
Takagi: "You also know it's called the 'Talent' Incentive Department. Ordinary employees probably only get exploited." Thinking of the low-level employee in the game who joined after 17 interviews, Takagi deeply doubted the IPC's welfare. Recalling the skills related to performance points and assessments of the IPC enemies in the game, Takagi had no intention of working for them.
"Speaking of which, why aren't you moving, Serval?" Takagi looked at her in confusion.
"N-nothing... I was just surprised to hear the Amber Lord's name here. So the IPC, like Belobog, believes in the Aeon of Preservation," Serval shook her head. Then, she looked at Takagi again. "Moreover, I even saw such a vast world in this advertisement. If I have the chance, I really want to see the world outside. Oh, right, Takagi—you said both Belobog and the IPC believe in the Amber Lord. Why didn't the IPC help Belobog deal with the Stellaron? There should be people in the IPC who can handle it."
Hearing this, everyone present looked over curiously. Takagi smiled and said: "There are indeed powerful individuals in the IPC who can handle the Stellaron. However, such individuals are a minority, and there are countless worlds in the universe. Those figures might not necessarily notice Belobog. In fact, when the Stellaron crisis first arrived, there were people from the IPC on this planet. Before they left, they did lend some resources to the first Supreme Guardian. It was precisely because of those resources that Belobog was built and has preserved the people of this world for so many years."
Serval nodded in understanding. "So that's how it is. Although the IPC didn't completely resolve the Stellaron, they did help this world. Indeed, the IPC is a rather good organization." Seele and Natasha also nodded.
Takagi: "After Belobog's Stellaron crisis is over, you might not think so."
Serval: "Huh?"
Takagi: "It's nothing. Keep leading the way, Serval." He took the initiative to walk forward.
"Wait! You should explain yourself first." Serval quickly grabbed Takagi's arm.
Takagi: "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know."
Serval: "If you don't say it, how would you know I wouldn't want to know?"
Natasha: "Takagi, is there some problem between the IPC and Belobog?"
Takagi raised his eyebrows at Natasha. "You want to know too?" She nodded silently.
Seele: "And me. I always feel like you have something hidden in your words."
Takagi looked at the three and shook his head. "The Stellaron crisis has not yet been resolved, and I originally didn't want you to worry about other things. But since you want to know so much, I can tell you. I just hope you don't blame me after you know."
Seele: "Could there be something more important than the Stellaron? Takagi, just say it."
Takagi shrugged. "Although this matter is not as important as the Stellaron, it is enough to affect Belobog's future. Remember I said before that the IPC had lent resources to the first Supreme Guardian?" Everyone nodded. Takagi continued: "If you borrow, you have to repay—and with interest. As far as I know, the repayment period for this debt has not yet passed. And this debt has been around for 700 years."