Chapter 1. Raiden Makoto
On the island of Ritou, within the nation of Inazuma, a young man with sharp eyes and a faint smile was in the middle of a business discussion.
"Chairman Kurisu, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you again this time."
The young man's tone was polite, yet his confidence was unmistakable. Across the table, the man in a top hat—Chairman Kurisu—sighed softly.
"Not at all, Sir Futsu. If anything, we're the ones indebted to you."
The International Chamber of Commerce was struggling. Since the Sakoku Decree had been enacted, "outsiders" were trapped on Ritou, watched and restricted by the Shogunate's men.
But thanks to this mysterious young noble who could negotiate with the officials, they managed to survive.
More than that—the wine he sold them was exquisite. It wasn't just good; it was exceptional. Even if seventy percent of the profits went to the young man, the Chamber still flourished. That was how valuable his product was.
Just then, a white-haired girl in a maid's uniform approached.
"Young Master. All preparations are complete."
Her voice was calm, emotionless, yet strangely reassuring.
"Excellent work, Aila. Then, Chairman Kurisu—until next time."
"Won't you stay for a meal?"
"No need. Your hospitality is enough."
And with that, Futsu Mitama and his maid Aila left Ritou.
Chairman Kurisu watched them go, shaking his head in admiration. "Such remarkable youth," he murmured.
On the road back toward Inazuma City, Futsu Mitama stretched and exhaled.
"Hah… Brewing wine really is better business than forging weapons. Less politics, more profit."
"Indeed," Aila replied softly.
Mitama smiled. If all went well, he thought, he'd soon have enough Mora to live comfortably forever. Then—when either Aether or Lumine arrived—he could make connections and simply wait.
Wait for the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree to be lifted. Then he'd travel—Mondstadt, Liyue, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, Nod-Krai, Sneznaya – all over the world.
Because truth be told, Futsu Mitama wasn't from this world. He'd been a university student back on Earth, a gamer spending his nights on Honkai Impact, FGO, Azur Lane, Arknights—and finally Genshin Impact.
That night, after finishing his dailies, he'd felt his eyelids grow heavy and when he woke up, he was here—in Teyvat. And by some cosmic joke, his new life came with wealth: three houses in Inazuma City and a noble title with no authority. (Futsu is a real clan in Inazuma, it is an old school of blacksmith but already gone)
Not a bad start… if it weren't for the isolation and the politics. Still, he wasn't completely alone. He had Aila—and his "cheat."
"Young Master. You haven't signed in today."
"Ah! Right!"
He raised his hand, and a faintly glowing, transparent screen appeared before his eyes. A simple message blinked at the top:
[Sign-in Successful] Experience Gained: +10
"Ten again… just my luck."
The "Chat Group"—his supposed cheat system—looked more like an old social app than divine technology. He could video call, voice chat, share files, even send emojis.
The kicker? A daily sign-in system that usually rewarded him with… experience points.
Once in a while, though, he'd get something good. A rare wine recipe. A blacksmithing manual. Even a guide titled How to Be a Perfect Maid—which Aila had memorized instantly.
Currently, the Chat Group had just two members: himself, and Aila.
It was stuck at Level 1, and upgrading it required "experience" from daily sign-ins.
He'd been doing this for five years.
Five long, lonely years.
Until now. A notification suddenly echoed in his mind.
Ding!
Welcome [] to the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group!**
Welcome [] to the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group!**
Welcome [] to the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group!**
Mitama froze mid-step. "Aila. Did you hear that!?"
"Yes, Young Master."
"Three! Three new members! After five years!!!"
His heart pounded. Finally—finally, there were others.
He typed quickly:
[Futsu Mitama]: Welcome, everyone! I'm the Group Leader. Please change your display names so you can chat freely!
[Aila]: Welcome to the group.
One by one, the newcomers renamed themselves.
[Raiden Makoto]: Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group? What is this?
Mitama nearly dropped his screen.
"...Raiden… Makoto?!"
The name alone sent shivers down his spine.
The first Electro Archon. The ruler of Inazuma before Raiden Ei. The god who died in the Khaenri'ah Cataclysm five hundred years ago.
"No way…! Why would she…?"
Aila tilted her head. "Young Master?" Mitama gulped and typed.
[Futsu Mitama]: Um… are you sure about your name? That's not a joke, right?
[Raiden Makoto]: Naturally not. I'm quite curious who created this Chat Group—something powerful enough to summon even a fragment of my consciousness.
[Raiden Makoto]: Still, I'm impressed you recognized me from just my name.
"This is insane," Mitama muttered. "She's dead! How can she be here…?"
Aila simply nodded, as calm as ever.
Before Mitama could recover, two more names appeared.
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Chat Group? What is this thing?
[Kuki Shinobu]: Sangonomiya Kokomi… the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island?
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Indeed.
[Kuki Shinobu]: Huh. Didn't expect to meet you here.
Mitama blinked. A literal god. A strategist priestess. And the Arataki Gang's reliable second-in-command. All in one chat. He gave a brief explanation of the Chat Group—its functions, the sign-in feature, and the mysterious "upload" ability.
Kokomi was fascinated. Makoto was intrigued. Shinobu was suspicious.
And then—Makoto spoke again.
[Raiden Makoto]: Tell me—how is Inazuma now? Are my people well?
Mitama hesitated. Aila looked at him, wordlessly asking whether they should tell her. He sighed.
"We might as well be honest."
[Futsu Mitama]: Inazuma… isn't doing well. The Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree have made life difficult for the people.
[Aila]: Many risk their lives to flee the nation. The Vision Hunt affects fewer, but Sakoku… has choked Inazuma's heart.
[Raiden Makoto]: I see… as I feared.
For a moment, no one typed. Even through the screen, they could sense the sorrow behind those words. Then, Kuki Shinobu broke the silence.
[Kuki Shinobu]: Some have started to resist. Rumor says there's a Resistance forming on Watatsumi Island.
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Not to defy Her Excellency—but to appeal for change. To convey our people's wishes.
[Raiden Makoto]: Oh? Fascinating. Then… may I join the Resistance?
The chat fell silent.
[Futsu Mitama]: …What?
[Aila]: …Eh?
[Kuki Shinobu]: You're joking, right?!
Mitama covered his face. "This Chat Group… is going to destroy the balance of Teyvat, isn't it?"
Aila smiled faintly for the first time. "Indeed, Young Master. But it will be entertaining."
Silence.