Hearing Aether's dissatisfied question, Ei did not react much. She maintained her composed stance, adjusting her arms slightly to assume a more relaxed posture.
"This is not a matter of whether it's enough or not. Their purpose—she and I both know it."
She spoke indifferently.
"Then why are you still—!"
"Their goal of breaking Inazuma's unity will not be achieved. However... I do agree with their view regarding the 'Vision Hunt Decree.'"
Ei closed her eyes slightly as she responded.
"What?!"
Aether's eyes widened, disbelief written all over his face.
"Do you have any idea how much harm the Vision Hunt Decree has caused to the people?!"
His voice carried a trace of anger.
"Are you underestimating me? Of course I know about the decree."
"I'm not talking about the decree itself, but about how it affects the people. You know that too?"
Aether pressed again, exasperated.
Ei opened her eyes for a moment, glancing at his angry face, before closing them once more and speaking calmly.
"What I know concerns everything about 'Eternity.' The issuance of the Vision Hunt Decree was done with my consent. Those Fatui have already become a threat to Eternity, and we have purged them completely. As for the 'matters outside' you mentioned, the Shogun has already told me. I know everything."
As she spoke, she finally voiced what he wanted to hear. Of course she understood what he was trying to ask.
"You know everything?"
"Indeed."
"..."
Aether fell silent, his hand tightening gradually, while Ei stood there, unmoved, observing him as though nothing had happened.
"The Vision Hunt Decree is stripping people of their dreams."
Aether took a breath and tried once again to persuade her with words.
"Dreams themselves are detrimental to Eternity."
Ei had already anticipated his next argument, and she responded fluently without hesitation.
"You're wrong..."
Aether frowned, refuting her.
"Perhaps you still don't realize... that chasing dreams often makes people lose even more."
Ei deliberately ignored his rebuttal and spoke her own understanding instead. Her tone carried a complex emotion, as if she were recalling something sorrowful—not just from the distant past, but also from her recent experiences.
"Besides, the confiscation of Visions will not cost anyone their life. Those who lose their lives or something precious... are precisely the ones who stubbornly chase their dreams. Isn't that so?"
Ei took a few steps to the side, turning her back to him as she looked toward the endless, oppressive, blood-red sky. Her voice grew heavier.
That girl named Signora, too—she had lost something of herself for the sake of her dream. Such is the eternal, unchanging truth, she thought.
"..."
At this moment, Aether stared at her back, his expression filled with disagreement toward her ideals.
Ei could sense it, but she did not care. To her, it was simply because he hadn't seen enough yet.
"Traveler, you are indeed a special existence in my eyes."
She turned to face him, her violet eyes filled with a probing light, scanning him from head to toe.
"Within you lies countless uncertainty and mystery. In other words—you are the one farthest from 'Eternity.'"
This was not the first time he had heard these words—the Shogun had said the same to him before.
Ei then averted her gaze from the Traveler and looked once more to the sky.
"So, you need not understand its meaning, nor do I wish for you to. It is enough that 'this body' carries out the path of Eternity on behalf of this mortal realm."
She placed her hand over her chest, closing her eyes slightly as if feeling the presence of another within this body.
Aether, watching her with her eyes closed and hand pressed to her heart, remembered Yae Miko's words from before:
[You are going to enter Ei's Plane of Euthymia—her inner world. Be careful, it's Ei's, not the Shogun's... If you defeat her there, you may be able to change her will.]
"This space... is constructed from your consciousness, isn't it?"
He asked cautiously, just to confirm.
"...That's right. I didn't expect you to know that."
Ei's heart skipped a beat at his words. Why did he know that? She opened her eyes slightly, surprise flickering across her face.
"..."
He didn't answer.
"Never mind... You're looking for a chance to shake my resolve."
Ei shook her head lightly, almost as if giving up, raising her arm again without much concern. She didn't believe that the other's skill could possibly shake her.
"I don't want to argue with you anymore."
Crack!
Aether stepped back slightly, drawing his dull sword and taking a combat stance.
"...Then what will you do?"
Seeing his posture, Ei's eyes narrowed dangerously, her tone gradually turning cold.
"I'll defeat you directly!"
Whoosh, whoosh!
Under his precise control, the dull sword traced a perfect arc before settling into a battle-ready stance. His amber eyes burned with anger and determination. To him, this was part of the plan—no, part of Yae Miko's plan.
"Heh..."
Hearing that, Ei let out a fearless, cold laugh.
"'Those who defy Eternity'... let me see your resolve."
Throughout the process, she felt no tension at all. In fact, she seemed almost bored, squinting slightly as she addressed the Traveler before her.
"!"
Aether could tell she was looking down on him. He clicked his tongue in irritation.
"Come at me. I'm waiting."
Ei didn't even bother to draw her weapon. She simply stood there with her arms crossed, speaking casually as if he weren't worth the effort.
Aether frowned. Then, with a single step—
Boom!
Accompanied by a flash of lightning, he charged toward the woman before him!
Hmph... too slow.
Seeing his movement, Ei sighed softly and tilted her body slightly to the side, easily evading his charge. A gust of wind lifted her hair and braid as her disinterested gaze followed the Traveler passing by her side.
Tap!
Aether stepped down hard, halting his momentum, performing a perfect flip, and lunging at her again from the opposite direction!
"Haa..."
Ei exhaled lightly, seeing that he wasn't giving up. As she dodged his second strike, she finally drew her naginata, sweeping the back of the blade toward his back!
"!"
Aether reacted quickly—spinning midair to block her strike—but the impact still sent him flying backward. However, unlike before, he didn't fall. Instead, he regained his balance midair.
That much, he owed to the training Yae Miko had given him.
"..."
Ei frowned slightly at that, then dissolved into lightning and took the initiative to attack!
Crackle, crackle!
Like a dragon made of thunder, her streaks of movement crossed and intertwined, rapidly closing in on the Traveler. Aether's eyes darted about, reading her movements carefully—then, without fear, he charged straight at her!
Bang! ×N
The Plane of Euthymia filled with heavy metallic clangs. Each of Ei's attacks was intercepted by the Traveler's blade.
She began to feel something was off. No—he seemed to be predicting her movements, almost as if he already knew what she would do next. How?
"Take this!"
Aether leapt high into the air, his dull sword gathering Anemo and Electro energy before slamming downward in a heavy strike!
The violent wind pressure blew Ei's robes as she frowned sharply, then turned, sweeping her naginata horizontally!
Boom!
A thunderous crash rang out as blade met blade. The shockwave kicked up a cloud of dust, and both their elemental energies intertwined fiercely.
The two stood locked against each other, weapons pressed together, eyes clashing with equal force.
"!"
Aether pushed harder, pouring every ounce of his strength into forcing her naginata down!
"..."
Ei's violet eyes widened slightly. A divine glow flashed within them as her body began to radiate particles of lightning. Her braid shone faintly with light, and the Chakra Desiderata appeared behind her.
Boom!
With both hands, she forcefully shoved his sword away!
"Ugh!"
Aether's body was sent flying backward!
Ei seized the moment—transforming into lightning and slashing at him midair!
Exactly the same...!
Seeing her move, Aether smirked inwardly. It was identical to that 'Anti-Raiden Shogun Training' technique. As expected, she pursued!
Thinking that, he gathered Anemo energy throughout his body, halting his fall and floating midair to soften the landing. At the same time, he infused his sword with Electro energy and raised it just in time to block!
Hmph. Naive...
Seeing his confident expression, Ei sneered silently. Did he really think he could predict her so easily?
She could tell he had undergone professional training—most notably from how he seemed to anticipate her movements—but thought alone would not save him.
The moment her naginata touched his sword's edge, she instantly vanished and reappeared behind him.
"!!"
Aether was taken aback for a moment. Just seconds ago, he had thought her move was exactly the same—and now, in the next instant, he was proven wrong. Did she see through his intentions so quickly?!
He immediately tried to turn around, but it was already too late. Once a warrior like Ei spotted a flaw, counterattacking was impossible!
Whoosh!
She deftly spun her naginata, striking him across the back with the blunt edge.
Bang!
"Ugh—ahhh!!"
Pain shot through Aether's back as he cried out, his body flung forward through the air.
Whoosh!
Ei didn't give him a chance to recover. In a flash, she appeared at the spot where he was about to land and brought her foot down mercilessly.
Boom!
Another explosive impact—the Traveler was slammed hard into the ground again.
"!!"
Just as he struggled to get up, he realized Ei was already standing right in front of him. She made her move—
Aether instinctively tried to anticipate her attack using the training he'd undergone, but Ei feinted mid-motion, swiftly changing her strike. In one fluid movement, she knocked the sword from his hand, then kicked his shin sharply, forcing him to one knee. Following up immediately, she swung the naginata like an open palm, striking him across the face—exactly as the Shogun had done before.
Smack!
Blood sprayed from his mouth as he was sent flying, landing near where his dull sword had fallen.
"Cough!! Cough!"
The golden-haired boy lay on the ground, struggling to move, coughing violently as he wiped the crimson from his lips. His vision blurred.
Exactly the same, my ass!!!
He cursed inwardly.
This was completely different! Now that she had read his thoughts, she changed her moves instantly—she wasn't like that stiff 'Anti-Raiden Shogun Training Device' at all!
He was a fool. He should've realized it sooner!
Tap, tap...
Ei rested her naginata behind her back, walking gracefully toward him with measured, elegant steps. Her violet eyes were cold, detached. Throughout the entire battle, she hadn't even used her elemental power.
"So this is how you plan to 'defeat' my will?"
Her voice was calm but cutting, laced with mockery.
"..."
Aether raised his head, glaring at her with furious, defiant eyes—as if his gaze alone could pierce her.
"If you truly wish to 'defeat' me... then show me your full strength. Let me see just how much power you really possess."
Ei looked into his hardened eyes, and for the first time, the corner of her lips curved into a faint smile.
Just as Aether was about to summon all his elemental power for another charge, he suddenly noticed something glowing in his pocket. Confused, he reached in and pulled it out.
"This is... the omamori?"
The object radiating a gentle cherry-pink light was the charm Yae Miko had given him earlier. Now, it seemed to pulse with life, resonating within the Plane of Euthymia itself.
"Oh my~ you're only remembering it now?"
"!"
A soft, melodious voice—clear as an oriole's song—echoed in his ear. Aether froze, eyes widening in disbelief as he turned his head. Sure enough—
The pink-haired shrine maiden was already walking gracefully toward him. How had she entered this place?!
The manifested form of Yae Miko lowered her gaze briefly, casting him a subtle glance that spoke volumes. Aether instantly understood, shifting his focus toward Ei, who looked faintly startled by the unexpected intrusion.
Clack!
Realizing what was happening, Ei turned her naginata sideways defensively, her expression growing tense as she regarded the two before her—clearly working together.
So that was it. No wonder he had been able to predict her movements earlier—the answer was obvious now.
"Miko... so this was your scheme?"
Her tone was low and conflicted as she gazed upon her old friend—someone she had not seen in what felt like ages.
To place her bet on this outsider... using him to approach her? Was this Miko's plan—to show her how vast the wishes of the people truly were? Did she really think this Traveler alone could bear the weight of so many desires?
"Hehe~ oh, you make it sound so dramatic~."
Yae Miko replied with a teasing smile, her expression both elegant and mischievous. Her violet eyes shimmered with the familiar spark of cunning.
"Ei~ don't forget—it was you who taught me how to anchor one's consciousness into an object and eventually take form again."
Miko showed no trace of fear, even as Ei's current expression grew darker. If anything, she seemed even more playful—like an old friend bantering with a long-time rival.
"..."
Ei frowned, visibly displeased, her hand tightening on her naginata's hilt.
"!"
Meanwhile, Aether had recovered enough strength to rise once more. He lifted his dull sword, pointing it toward Ei, ready to fight again.
"Surely you don't believe that your 'wish' alone can overcome Ei's will?"
Miko chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over his bruised and swollen face.
Her words implied, You didn't think learning a few anti-Raiden Shogun tricks would actually let you win, did you? Of course, bringing him into this place had never been such a shallow plan.
"?"
The next moment, Miko's voice echoed directly in his mind. His movements faltered as he looked at her, confused.
"What do you mean?" he whispered.
"Though you stand here, their wishes have long been entrusted to you."
"Their... wishes?"
"Indeed—the wishes of all those who offered their Visions to the Statue of the Omnipresent God."
With that, Miko waved her hand lightly, and a golden light flowed from her fingertips, descending onto the Traveler before her.
Vmm~!
In that instant, Aether heard them—the voices of countless people echoing in his mind. Dreams, hopes, and ideals intertwined, all merging within him. Every desire they once held now rested on his shoulders.
Outside, the Statue of the Omnipresent God glowed in a magnificent cascade of colors, the Visions resonating together. Streams of multicolored light poured into the Plane of Euthymia—and into Aether himself.
His body brimmed with power—the power of the people's wishes. Golden radiance enveloped him, shining like the sun, illuminating the entire Plane of Euthymia. The difference from before was immeasurable.
"Hehe..."
Miko smiled softly. Her plan had succeeded. Her gamble had paid off—this Traveler was indeed extraordinary, just as she had hoped. The first half of her wager was already won. Now, it was time to see how the other half would play out.
Her eyes turned toward the distant figure of the violet-haired woman, who stood frozen, her expression dazed by the sight. How long had it been since Miko last saw such a look on her face?
Ei, now do you see it? The very thing you've been ignoring all this time—it's shining before you.
"Ugh—ahhh!"
With a shout, Aether's golden aura expanded once more, flooding the entire Plane of Euthymia in brilliant light.
"!"
What shocked Ei most was that her own Plane of Euthymia was changing before her eyes. The once-oppressive, blood-red sky and drifting dust were being cleansed by the radiant gold, transformed into a bright, clear firmament dotted with stars. The sun—symbol of hope—broke free from the clouds, casting its warm light upon the world once more.
Yes... her Plane of Euthymia had changed. Since that realm was a reflection of her will, its transformation meant that her will itself had begun to waver.
[Ei...]
'Shogun, I...'
[Your heart is unsettled. Let me take over.]
Within her inner realm, the Shogun, watching the state of Ei's domain through the cracks between their consciousnesses, began to grow worried. She feared Ei's heart might once again be wounded.
'No...'
[Ei?]
But Ei refused her.
'I'm fine. Perhaps... this is exactly what I wanted to see.'
[What you wanted to see?]
'That mortals can stand as equals to gods. I want to witness the strength born from the people's collective wishes—the power capable of shaking even my will.'
Crackle!
As she finished speaking, her body erupted with a surge of thunder far greater than before. Violet lightning gathered around her with blinding intensity. The Chakra Desiderata behind her began to spin, her braid glowed vividly, and her eyes gleamed with divine resolve. The cold wind of the plane swept her robes, and for the first time, Ei's expression held not confusion or doubt—but peace, and a faint smile of understanding.
For the first time during their battle, she was using her true elemental power—an unspoken acknowledgment of his strength and of the people's will.
[...]
The Shogun fell silent for a long moment after hearing that.
'Forgive me... Shogun. I've worried you again.'
Ei's tone softened, tinged with guilt.
[Haa... it's fine. This is your choice. No matter what happens, I will always stand by your side. No matter how hard or perilous the path becomes, I will never let you face it alone.]
Ei's heart trembled. She would never abandon her other half—never.
"!"
Her violet eyes widened slightly. The peaceful smile she wore slowly turned tender. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she exhaled softly, and when they opened again, determination shone brighter than ever.
"Come, Traveler. Show me the strength of your wishes."
Crackle!
Thunder exploded around her, lightning surging violently from her form.
"Go on, Traveler. Don't disappoint me~."
Miko, watching from a distance, blinked in surprise at Ei's expression, then smiled knowingly. She gestured for Aether to go forward.
"I understand."
Bathed in radiant golden light, Aether stepped into the open ground at the center of the realm, carrying the wishes of countless people. Facing the woman enveloped in lightning, he raised his sword.
The golden light flowed from his body into the dull blade, stirring the dust around him. Golden starlight from above was drawn toward him, strengthening his form even further.
"..."
Seeing this, Ei dismissed her naginata. Her body lifted into the air, and from her chest, blinding violet light began to shine. The hilt of Musou Isshin emerged from her heart, and she gripped it firmly before drawing it out.
Crackle!
The area around her was instantly engulfed in a dome of violet light radiating from her sword—like a divine barrier.
The next second—
Crackle!
Her form flickered, vanishing in an instant before reappearing beside Aether. A swift draw-slash followed.
"Thunderclap!"
Whoosh!
Slash!
Aether barely reacted, dodging to the side—but he realized mid-motion that his evasion wasn't ordinary movement. His body had turned into golden light, flickering through space.
Boom!
Where the blade struck, the ground split apart into dozens of deep gouges, crackling with residual electricity like the tides of a stormy sea.
"!"
Ei paused, startled by his movement. Even his evasion technique had changed? Interesting.
Sensing him closing in behind her, she spun around and slashed!
Whoosh!
The wide arc of lightning carved the air, leaving a glowing trace—but the golden light flickered to her left. She stepped back slightly, only for it to reappear to her right. Then again. Back and forth—like a darting shadow, impossible to follow with the naked eye. It was as if he intended to strike her at her most unguarded moment.
"Haa..."
Ei exhaled softly, then closed her eyes. Raising Musou Isshin above her head, she took a single light step forward with her left foot, her right foot barely touching the ground. She held that stance for several seconds, focusing entirely on the rhythm of the air—the faint disturbances caused by his movement.
Within the darkness of her mind, ripples spread across a tranquil pond—tiny pulses of motion.
Tick~
The next moment, she sensed a ripple to her right. Her sword cut through the air in a perfect horizontal arc.
Her strike ignored the very resistance of the air, so fast that even blinking could not capture it. The blade hit precisely where Aether would reappear.
"!!"
Cold sweat broke across Aether's skin as he hastily raised his sword to block.
Clang!
The violent clash rang out with deafening force. The impact drove him to one knee, the ground cracking beneath him.
"Ugh!"
Pain shot through his arms as they went numb. He groaned, barely keeping his grip.
Ei, still with her eyes closed, sensed the contact and lifted her sword again—this time, striking even faster. The second slash came almost instantly.
"!"
Aether's eyes widened. Realizing he couldn't block in time, he rolled sideways, narrowly avoiding the strike.
Boom!
The ground where he'd stood was split cleanly open, the fissure stretching all the way to the edge of the plane. When Ei finally opened her eyes again, they held no confusion—only sharp, unyielding focus as she locked onto the golden-haired boy.
"My, my..."
From afar, Miko covered her mouth in feigned surprise, her tone half amused, half impressed.
She truly wasn't holding back, was she? Ah, Ei...
Still, to predict his flickering position with her eyes closed... it seemed her swordsmanship had not dulled in the slightest.