After being driven to Enkanomiya by Zebul, the Great Serpent helped a child fulfill a wish and, together, they overthrew the rule of the Sun Children. From that point on, the Great Serpent became the god worshipped by the people of Enkanomiya.
Under his leadership, Enkanomiya entered an era of true prosperity and peace, even establishing ties with both Khaenri'ah and Inazuma.
In this arrangement, the eastern part of Inazuma remained under the control of the Electro Archon, while the western part came under Orobashi's rule. The two sides kept out of each other's affairs.
But things took a turn when Orobashi discovered the forbidden text—"Before Sun and Moon."
Because of that, he was sentenced to death by the Heavenly Principles.
Knowing what awaited him, Orobashi sent scouts to investigate the surface repeatedly.
Eventually, he laid a path of coral across the sea and constructed Watatsumi Island, bringing all the people of Enkanomiya to the surface.
However, with such a large population, Watatsumi Island quickly became too cramped.
So Orobashi began preparing for war—an invasion of the east.
That's why, even knowing he stood no chance against the Electro Archon, he invaded anyway.
First, because his fate was sealed regardless.
Second, because his people desperately needed space to survive.
Elliot's previous incarnation, Sasayuri, had died trying to stop that invasion—cut down by the Great Serpent himself.
Now, Elliot would never let that tragedy happen again.
...
After a full night of rowing, Elliot finally arrived at Yashiori Island just as the sun began to rise.
This island was destined to be the most devastated place in all of Inazuma.
Because of its flat terrain and its position between the Electro Archon and Orobashi's forces, it had always served as the primary battlefield—both in this era and during the Vision Hunt Decree.
But Elliot would not allow history to repeat itself.
He would protect this island—just as he protected Inazuma, and everyone in it.
To destroy war itself—
That was his mission in this life.
After landing, Elliot spent nearly a full day trekking to the island's westernmost edge—closest to where the Great Serpent resided.
It was here that he would face Orobashi... and slay him.
The fire crackled steadily in the background.
Elliot grilled a few fish over the flames and boiled a pot of water. Sitting cross-legged, he began to recite the Meditation Mantra.
Even while roasting fish and brewing tea, he didn't waste time.
After finishing his simple meal and sipping his tea, he meticulously rinsed his cup, wiped it spotless, and placed it gently back into its box.
"It's time to continue..."
With that, he resumed his training—just as he always did.
...
"Huh...?" Zebul dragged out her words, clearly baffled. "He went all the way to Yashiori Island to rest?"
"Think he's avoiding us on purpose? Did someone make him mad recently?" Chiyo was also confused. Why would he suddenly run off to that godforsaken place to rest?
Yashiori Island was severely underdeveloped, with only a few tiny villages. Sure, it was quiet—like an untouched forest—but still...
"I didn't bully him," Kitsune Saiguu quickly chimed in, trying to clear herself of suspicion.
Since Kitsune Saiguu hadn't done it, and Chiyo was the one asking the question, that only left—
Zebul.
She clutched the little fox in her arms, twitching at the corners of her mouth.
"You're not seriously suspecting me, are you?"
Chiyo and Kitsune Saiguu exchanged a glance—
Then nodded solemnly.
"I didn't bully him. The little fox can vouch for me."
Zebul grabbed the little fox by the scruff of its neck.
The groggy little fox blinked in confusion at her.
"You can't grab a fox like that! It's... indecent."
Kitsune Saiguu, also a member of the fox clan, couldn't take it anymore and quickly rescued the little pink fox from Zebul's grasp.
"Huh? Why? Isn't this how you're supposed to hold them?"
Zebul looked genuinely confused.
"Well... I mean, technically yes, you can grab us like that. But it feels weird—like all your strength just drains away. It's better to hold us properly."
Kitsune Saiguu cradled the little fox in her arms as she explained.
"And also..."
But before she could finish her sentence, her body suddenly froze. Her whole form stiffened—
Then collapsed weakly to the ground.
"It's real! That's amazing!"
Chiyo had grabbed Kitsune Saiguu by the back of her neck—eyes wide in disbelief.
She had only wanted to test if that sensitive spot still worked after shapeshifting... but to her shock, it had an immediate effect.
"You can't just go grabbing people like that..."
As Chiyo slowly let go, Kitsune Saiguu regained movement and glared at her, clearly not happy.
But—
Before she could finish her complaint—
Grab.
"Hahaha!"
Grab.
Zebul was laughing uncontrollably.
"It's real! This is too much fun!"
She hadn't expected Kitsune Saiguu to have such a hilarious weakness. It was like discovering a whole new world.
"I..."
Grab.
"You..."
Grab.
Zebul let go—then grabbed her again. Over and over.
Each time, Kitsune Saiguu could barely get a word out before being frozen again.
She was getting completely toyed with.
Finally, the next time Zebul let go, Kitsune Saiguu transformed into a white fox and bolted out of the room at full speed.
"Hey—Kitsune Saiguu, I'm sorry!"