[Paimon: "It feels like the atmosphere in the air suddenly got so oppressive… Is this the pressure from the Raiden Shogun…?"]
Lucian drew an illustration from the Traveler's perspective: a purple sky, the air seemingly filled with crackling Electro elements, the scene blurry and dizzying.
[Paimon notices the Traveler's condition isn't right: "Snap out of it… Let's hurry and leave. I have… a bad feeling."]
["Speaking of which… When she struck down Signora, that move, 'Musou no Hitotachi,' was truly unbelievably powerful…"]
In fact, it wasn't the "Musou no Hitotachi," because the one who swung the blade was the Shogun, not Ei. The Shogun's demeanor carries a strong sense of intimidation, and her tone when speaking is quite serious. But Ei is different—her demeanor lacks that intense pressure, and her tone isn't serious; it has a somewhat aloof, icy quality. Regardless of who it was, the overwhelming force of that single strike that reduced Signora to ashes was immense. It truly gave off an invincible aura, so Paimon was understandably flustered, her words coming out faster than usual.
["I remember Yae Miko told us to go to the Statue of the Omnipresent God to enter the 'Plane of Euthymia' again…"]
To re-enter the "Plane of Euthymia," to face the Raiden Shogun again, to confront that terrifying strike, that unmatched lightning… Let alone whether they could face it, the question was whether the Traveler, in their current state, could even make it out of the Tenshukaku. Good news: the Statue of the Omnipresent God is just outside the Tenshukaku. Bad news: they might not make it out of the Tenshukaku.
As the Traveler and Paimon approached the exit of the Tenshukaku, they heard a commotion outside. Upon reaching the entrance, they saw that the resistance army had somehow defeated the leaderless Shogunate forces and had already reached the Tenshukaku's doorstep.
The people of Inazuma were stunned. What's going on? The resistance was getting crushed at Tatarasuna, so how are they suddenly storming Narukami Island? It wasn't surprising that the Shogunate forces couldn't stop them—after all, Kujou Sara had already taken down the capable fighters when she stormed in, leaving the rest unable to hold the line. But the real question was: the resistance was losing ground at Tatarasuna, so how did they make it to Narukami Island? This… this doesn't add up! They were racking up kills at the front, but turned around to find their base stolen by super minions?
Before readers could process the resistance's situation, the next page's illustration left them dumbfounded. The Raiden Shogun appeared behind the Traveler, her unmatched blade swinging down, purple light flashing, the very space trembling. Due to the perspective, the Shogun's blade took up a third of the image, looking as if it were already pressed against the Traveler's neck. As for the Raiden Shogun appearing large in the image? That was no surprise—she's always larger than life. She's the Electro Archon, after all!
In the illustration, the Raiden Shogun's expression is impassive, her blade swinging coldly, utterly disregarding the Traveler and the resistance. This strike seemed to overwhelm even the fabric of space, causing cracks and fractures. The image left readers in a daze—this was the most oppressive scene they'd encountered in the story so far, and the closest the Traveler had ever come to death. The sheer power of this strike made it feel impossible to face. Just looking at the illustration killed any thoughts of resistance, let alone confronting it. This was the domain of a god! No mortal could stand against it!
Yet, there will always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow!
In the next page's illustration, Kaedehara Kazuha's eyes gleam with lightning, the world slowing down in his vision. The Raiden Shogun's blade—was this the kind of attack his friend faced back then? This time, can I… No, this time I will make it in time!
Kaedehara Kazuha's brows are furrowed, his gaze filled with determination. The dim Vision at his waist lights up, the "Electro" symbol on it resonating with Kazuha's "wish." The rekindled Vision is the aid sent by his friend. Electro elemental power envelops him, carrying the speed of lightning. In an instant, Kaedehara Kazuha dashes in front of the Traveler, his blade already swinging, meeting the "god's" strike head-on!
This time, he made it! He wasn't a step too late, not even a fraction off. His blade connected! Not only did it reach the "domain of the gods," it touched the past! He wouldn't watch another friend die before his eyes!
He proved to the world that this strike wasn't unattainable! The domain of the gods could be touched by mortals! With the aid of two Visions, Kazuha parried the Raiden Shogun's blade.
The Raiden Shogun, previously impassive, finally showed a hint of surprise. Though it was only a fleeting moment of shock before she regained her composure and knocked Kazuha back, that instant of surprise was captured by Lucian, etched into "Eternity."
Not only was she stunned—readers in reality were left speechless, jaws dropped. They couldn't tell whether the one swinging the blade was the Raiden Shogun or the Electro Archon herself, but regardless, her strike wasn't something ordinary people could block. Even Vision holders would lack the courage to face such a blow. Through earlier illustrations, Lucian had depicted the Raiden Shogun's overwhelming presence, instilling a sense of invincibility in readers who had never seen her in person. Just looking at the illustration of this strike made their hearts race, yet this boy dared to face its brilliance head-on!
Kazuha didn't just block the strike—he shattered the "fear" behind it. With this single strike, the boy named Kazuha was enough to make a name for himself across Teyvat!
At the Kamisato Estate, everyone's gazes turned to Kazuha. Even Kujou Sara felt a trace of admiration for him. She revered the Raiden Shogun above all, but Kazuha parrying her blade didn't feel like an insult to the Shogun's martial prowess—it was a testament to Kazuha's skill. She had to admit, Right now, you're stronger than me.
Kazuha, facing everyone's stares, was a bit shy. "Please don't look at me like that. These are things that will happen in the future. The current me isn't worthy of such honor." His humble attitude only made everyone like the boy even more.
Meanwhile, at the Delusion Factory, Scaramouche stood up excitedly, laughing like Sasuke. "Haha! Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahaha!!!" After reading Lucian's book for so long, I finally see something good! That shocked expression! That deflected blade! Quick, frame it in my room!
To Scaramouche, whether it was his sister or his mother, they all looked the same. This was the expression he wanted to see! Staying in Inazuma was the best decision ever. He wondered if he'd get the chance to witness this scene in person. But that seemed unlikely—Lucian had already made plans, so such a thrilling moment probably wouldn't happen again. What a pity.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Raiden Ei: About Kaedehara Kazuha
"The heir of the Kaedehara Clan… If I'm still alive in the future, let it be you who comes to strike me down."