Under the influence of the Imaginary Construct's remains, a Hilichurl berserker nearby rapidly aged, quickly turning into dust and vanishing into thin air.
A tree not far away began to grow frantically.
"As expected, it's the power of time," Istaroth sighed in awe. She reached out, emerald-green light enveloping the tree affected by the Imaginary Construct's remains, but it had no effect at all.
"Its temporal authority surpasses mine?" Istaroth exclaimed in astonishment.
"The Imaginary Construct's remains embody the rules themselves, representing the law of time. Naturally, your power can't affect it," Akio nodded and explained.
"What a terrifying monster..." Istaroth said with a sense of relief. "Fortunately, we have you here, Akio. Otherwise, this would have been truly difficult."
Shortly after, Asmoday had finished completely repairing the boundary rift and flew over.
"There shouldn't be any problems in the short term," Asmoday spoke softly. "This world has become far too fragile. I don't know how much longer it can hold out..."
"Child of humanity, grow quickly," Asmoday sighed, turning her gaze to Akio. "Akio, I've noticed that child of humanity seems to have become your woman."
"Please protect her well until the day she ascends to godhood," Asmoday said seriously.
"Aren't you two supposed to be enemies?" Akio asked curiously.
"We were never enemies. If it means saving this world, a few misunderstandings don't matter," Asmoday took a deep breath, looking seriously at Akio.
"Akio, Istaroth and I have nearly recovered to our peak condition. So, is there anything you need us to do?"
"Of course," Akio smiled slightly and whispered something into the ears of Asmoday and Istaroth.
"I see, we'll keep an eye out for you," Istaroth nodded.
"Then shall we head back to Celestia? The World Tree has quite a few records on matters similar to human reproduction. We can study them," Asmoday spoke calmly.
"You two head back first; I'll join you later," Akio nodded. After all, he had promised to spend the evening with Lumine.
"Very well," Asmoday and Istaroth nodded, unconcerned about such trivial things.
"Study hard—your husband will thoroughly check your progress later," Akio teased with a mischievous grin.
"Understood. We'll be going then," Asmoday and Istaroth turned around, tearing open space and disappearing.
Watching them leave, Akio turned towards the Imaginary Construct's remains, stretched out his hand, and absorbed it into the Imaginary Space.
"Since I promised Kokomi, I should help her renovate Enkanomiya," Akio murmured softly, sensing the elemental energy that, despite the dispersal of Imaginary Energy, remained highly concentrated.
"Domain of Life, activate!"
In an instant, overwhelming life energy enveloped all of Enkanomiya. The dense elemental energy within was immediately dispersed, and waves of life force cleansed the entire region.
The lingering impurities vanished instantly, and even the stale air became fresh and invigorating.
Observing the transformed Enkanomiya, Akio nodded with satisfaction, then turned and disappeared from the spot.
Meanwhile, inside Sangonomiya Shrine, Sangonomiya Kokomi had just summoned Gorou to arrange evacuation procedures when suddenly, cheers erupted outside.
"What's happening?" Kokomi and Gorou hurriedly rushed outside, witnessing an astounding sight.
The previously barren land had miraculously transformed in an instant. Plants that had withered away suddenly sprang back to life and grew vigorously!
"It's a miracle! A divine miracle! It must be the Great Omikami of Watatsumi answering our prayers!"
...
Countless villagers knelt on the ground, tears streaming down their faces, bowing fervently. The curse of soil degradation had tormented them for far too long.
"No! This isn't the work of the Great Omikami of Watatsumi!" At that moment, Kokomi, who had been silently observing, suddenly stepped forward and declared loudly.
"Lady Kokomi?" Gorou glanced at her, puzzled.
"?" Everyone's gaze turned toward the young leader, Sangonomiya Kokomi.
"This is indeed a divine miracle—but not from our Great Omikami! This is a blessing bestowed upon Watatsumi Island by the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven, out of compassion for our suffering!" Kokomi proclaimed loudly, insisting that the truth should not be distorted.
"The Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven?" The kneeling villagers exchanged bewildered glances. Wasn't that Inazuma's deity? Wasn't he aligned with the Raiden Shogun?
Would he truly care about the fate of Watatsumi Island?
"That's right! It truly is the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven." Kokomi clasped her hands together solemnly. "Let us offer our gratitude to the Great Divine Sovereign for this blessing!"
Many villagers deeply trusted their young leader, as she had always worked tirelessly for Watatsumi Island. Yet, some still found it hard to believe—would Inazuma's deity truly care for them?
At that moment, radiant light poured forth from Enkanomiya's entrance, immense vitality bathing the island in gentle warmth. Even the island's inhabitants felt refreshed and invigorated.
A figure bathed in radiant light slowly emerged, hovering in mid-air, looking down upon the crowd kneeling below.
"It's the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven!" someone recognized the figure within the radiant glow—it was Akio!
Those who had previously doubted immediately prostrated themselves, fervently chanting the Great Divine Sovereign's name.
"???" Akio, who had just flown out, was momentarily confused by the scene before him. However, seeing the sincere devotion on everyone's faces and Kokomi's expression, he quickly grasped what had occurred.
With a gentle thought, Akio slowly moved forward, gazing upon the people below. His voice echoed through the sky:
"People of Watatsumi Island! I have resolved the issue of soil degradation. From now on, may you live peacefully and prosperously, becoming as one family with all of Inazuma."
"The Great Divine Sovereign is merciful! We shall humbly follow your teachings!"
The villagers of Watatsumi Island all heard clearly and responded reverently in unison.
...
After the crowd dispersed, Kokomi and Gorou returned to Sangonomiya Shrine.
As soon as they entered, they saw Akio idly playing with a pearl.
"Lord Akio~" Kokomi swiftly stepped forward, rushing into Akio's embrace under Gorou's astonished gaze.
"Thank you, Lord Akio~ Thank you for solving the soil degradation and reviving our people's crops," Kokomi spoke emotionally, nestled in Akio's arms.
"I've witnessed the hardship of Watatsumi Island. Their lives have indeed been difficult, and it pains me," Akio gently stroked Kokomi's cheek. "Now that they have enough to eat, there shouldn't be any more troublesome thoughts, right?"
"There won't be," Kokomi shook her head earnestly.
"That's good," Akio smiled contentedly.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 60+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol