"Stop!"
The Death Archon, Ronova, roared in horror.
She wanted to run, but she couldn't. She could feel she had been completely locked onto. Once that instant-death spear was released… what awaited her would inevitably be death.
"Sir, please wait a moment!"
Mavuika flew forward anxiously, putting herself in front of Taro to block the fatal strike aimed at Ronova.
"Sir, let's talk this through. I beg you, will you at least hear me out?"
The desperation on Mavuika's face wasn't an act. It was her truest emotion.
Natlan's connection with the Death Archon was immense. Aside from the first Pyro Archon, every succeeding Pyro Archon had borrowed power originating from Ronova. Because of this, the Yaksha Kingdom, the Hymn of Flames, and the Ritual of Return were able to endure until now.
If Ronova were slain here, Natlan would lose its greatest pillar. Five hundred years of planning against the Abyss would turn to ash. Natlan itself would be destroyed under the Abyss' corruption.
This was about Natlan's very survival. How could she not be desperate?
"I'll listen, but only to what I want to listen to. Say your piece—anything else, keep it to yourself."
Taro held the Eternal Spear steady, eyes never leaving Ronova's looming crimson gaze above. He wasn't rushing to strike, and he wasn't worried about her escaping.
In YGGDRASIL, there were world-class items that could resist the Eternal Spear. But here in Teyvat? Once locked on, unless he released it… where could she possibly run? There was only one fate—death.
Besides, Taro rather liked Mavuika, so he was willing to give her this much face.
This could be big or small. It all depended on whether that thing in the sky knew how to be a "wise deity." If Ronova understood, all would be well. If she didn't… then she'd taste the tip of his spear. He'd claim a complete Authority for himself.
As for whatever chain reaction killing her might cause in Natlan? If he replaced the Death Archon, he'd take responsibility for the fallout. Even if he couldn't replace her, he had countless other ways to deal with it.
"This…"
Mavuika looked distressed, turning back toward Ronova high above. Ask her to apologize? That seemed impossible.
Bullying an honest god, wasn't it?
Yet what shocked Mavuika most was that the "request" truly was that simple.
"I apologize~"
"I apologize to you!"
Ronova's voice resounded again—without a shred of calm. Of course it wasn't calm.
Death itself hung over her. That golden spear thirsted to pierce her at any moment. Who knew when it might strike? She knew she couldn't endure it.
If she didn't at least apologize now, wasn't that just courting death? She wasn't stupid enough to be a hard-headed fool.
"..."
The gods and adepti below were all dumbfounded.
That was it? She gave in?
She was a god, one of the pinnacle beings of Teyvat's hierarchy. Shouldn't she at least show some pride? Shouldn't she unleash the fearsome majesty of the Death Archon?
Why surrender so fast? Where was her face? Didn't she care about her dignity?
(Ronova: You try it then! I'm not stupid!)
"How about I give you a chance to be iron-willed?"
"This feels too childish."
Taro stowed away the Thunder God's Hammer, rubbing his chin. Without more words, it felt boring. He'd wanted to test the full unleashed power of a world-class relic. Killing an Archon to try it out—that would've been a proper trial.
But now she was already caving in?
"No! Not childish at all!"
The crimson eye in the sky was clearly shaking, her voice hollow with dread.
Childish? Nothing childish about it. Life mattered more than anything. Once it was gone, it was gone.
As for her pride? Of course she was furious—her rage boiled over, veins bulging. But she didn't dare show it.
Her life was still in his hands.
This mysterious Descender who had come to Teyvat—his power was terrifying.
"Whew…"
"For the first time seeing Ronova bow her head, I can't help but feel… strange."
Mavuika's expression was odd, but inside, she breathed a huge sigh of relief.
As long as they didn't fight to the death, whose face was lost didn't matter to her.
"Boring~"
Taro gave a dismissive snort, recalling the Book of the Archangel. He swept it with a glance, storing it away.
Then he raised his hand again.
"Tenth Tier: Holy Light Redemption!"
The archangel's projection returned. Right in front of the Death Archon, he resurrected the fallen Minu and Fanán.
What was this? Reviving people in front of the very god of Death? Was she supposed to have any pride left?
Ronova: I'm mad, but I'm not acting on it.
She just watched in silence as the two were revived.
When the projection faded, Morax lifted his hand, pulling the two still-dazed immortals back into their ranks, guarding them behind. Yingda and Xiao each pressed down a shoulder, silently shaking their heads.
"..."
Venti inhaled sharply and didn't dare say a word.
This was pure provocation, and yet Ronova's massive crimson eye just pretended not to see it, saying nothing.
But Baal—who had spoken only three times—her eyes now gleamed, fixed on Taro's back, shining brightly.
"Now then, speak. What's this so-called cool price you're offering? If it doesn't satisfy me…"
With his mask removed, Eternal Spear in hand, Taro said calmly:
"This spear will be driven through you instead."
He had no intention of currying favor with any Archons. Those without power could only grovel. With power, he'd even make an Archon apologize.
Don't provoke me and all is well. Provoke me, and you'll bear the consequences.
Plain, naked threats.
The crimson eye in the sky trembled, clearly enraged. But could she refuse?
No.
Behind Taro stood an audience of gods and immortals—including Mavuika. None dared speak.
Neither side could be offended. One was the Death Archon, bound by rules but still capable of horrors. The other… a Descender outside Teyvat's laws, so powerful even Death flinched.
"Not speaking?"
Seeing Ronova's silence, Taro nodded.
"Looks like you're ready, then."
"Wait…"
Just as the spear was about to strike, Ronova blurted out hastily:
"What if I gave you the bones of Nibelungen?"
"…What?"
Taro blinked.
"The bones of Nibelungen," Ronova repeated.
Nibelungen? Ah yes—the Elemental Dragon King. The one whose corpse was used to seal away Abyssal power.
"Let me think…"
Taro rubbed his chin. "That thing should still contain Abyssal energy, right?"
After all, he himself had brought Abyssal power back here. That much was beyond doubt.
"Yes!"
Ronova's reply was quick.
"What the hell—you still have that?"
"Not on me…"
"You want me to fetch it?"
The Eternal Spear trembled, eager.
"It's inside the seal. I cannot enter, but you can."
"..."
Inside the seal?
Yeah… that sounded like a trap waiting to spring.
(End of Chapter)
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