Within the Abyss Order headquarters.
Ever since Aether departed the Minecraft world, he had swiftly led his Khaenri'ahn followers back to this shadowy domain. Truthfully, since his encounter with Ryen in Liyue Harbor some time ago, Aether had largely abandoned his visits to the Abyss. They now possessed a secure foothold in the Minecraft world, the very soil upon which the future Khaenri'ah would be reborn. At the very least, Liyue Harbor offered a safe haven free from the watchful eyes and hostilities of the Seven Nations.
With such promising alternatives, returning to this desolate, barren wasteland felt completely absurd. Aether kicked a loose, jagged rock, his nose wrinkling at the suffocating, stale air. Even after residing in the Abyss for five hundred years, he would readily admit that this environment was utterly unfit for human habitation. The realm was devoid of sunlight and crawling with lethal hazards.
A firm decision settled in his mind. With the threat of the Seven Nations no longer looming over Khaenri'ah, maintaining a base in the Abyss Order was pointless. He planned to purchase property in Liyue. His days would be spent overseeing the Minecraft world, waiting for the first batch of Khaenri'ahn pioneers to finish their training, and personally delving into the mechanics of Redstone technology. His nights would be spent in Liyue Harbor, wandering the bustling streets, absorbing the lively atmosphere of the mortal realm, or simply resting in a proper, comfortable room.
That was what it meant to truly live. It was infinitely superior to rotting in the Abyss Order, where even a soft sofa was an impossible luxury.
Aether was not alone in this sentiment. The Khaenri'ahns who had recently shed their monstrous forms and regained their humanity mirrored his actions, save for those currently undergoing mandatory training in the Minecraft world. They had acquired residences in Liyue Harbor, slipping seamlessly into the daily rhythms of ordinary citizens.
To the rest of Teyvat, such an existence might seem remarkably mundane. To a Khaenri'ahn, however, it was a miracle. Living as humans within human society, working from sunrise to sunset, dining at local eateries. Listening to the chaotic clamor of the streets, browsing merchant stalls, strolling through the markets, and sitting down to listen to a storyteller weave tales.
These simple acts formed a utopian dream they had not dared to envision for five centuries. They clung fiercely to their restored humanity. In their own words, having reclaimed their human forms, they could no longer tolerate lingering in a foul, monster-infested abyss. As humans, they belonged to human society.
Had Aether not summoned the Order's elites for an official assembly today, not a single one of them would have willingly returned. This cavernous lair, their home for five hundred years, now smelled suffocatingly putrid. Endis and the others frequently exchanged bewildered glances, silently questioning how they had managed to endure such squalor for half a millennium.
Fortunately, their nation's revival within the Minecraft world was imminent. That dimension was vastly superior for human settlement, promising an endless era of urban expansion and prosperity. The assembled group remained largely silent, their minds drifting to a brighter future as they waited for the rest of their comrades to arrive.
The most critical attendees were the Iniquitous Baptists. They represented the absolute pinnacle of the Abyss Order's combat prowess. Even during the golden age of Khaenri'ah, these individuals stood as the apex of martial strength. They typically ventured deep into the Abyssal flames, suppressing threats across various sectors. Safety was an alien concept in the Abyss. Even the Order itself constantly remained on high alert against spontaneous monster surges.
In the lower tiers of the hall, the rank-and-file members of the Abyss Order locked their gazes onto Endis and the front line of transformed elites. Compared to the vast majority of Khaenri'ahns still trapped within their monstrous bodies, these individuals standing proudly in human form were starkly conspicuous. An intense, undeniable yearning radiated from the crowd.
And this gathering lacked the fifteen hundred vanguard troops currently stationed in the other world. Had that massive host of restored humans been present, the Abyss Mages would have undoubtedly clawed at their own masks in sheer envy.
The ceaseless chorus of spatial rifts tearing open finally subsided.
Slumped upon his throne, Aether slowly opened his eyes. His calm gaze swept over the gathered forces of the Abyss Order before he spoke in a measured tone.
"Has everyone assembled?"
Endis quickly ran through a mental tally before respectfully bowing her head.
"Aside from those currently suppressing monsters in Inazuma, and the units integrating the remaining Khaenri'ahn remnants across the Seven Nations, all capable forces have returned."
Aether's brow furrowed slightly. Catching the subtle shift, Endis immediately asked, "Your Highness, shall I recall them as well?"
Aether tapped his finger against the armrest, falling silent for a moment before shaking his head.
"Forget it. Our current numbers will suffice. Do not disturb their tasks. Let us proceed to the main agenda."
Aether rapped his knuckles lightly against the throne.
"I have summoned you all here today because a matter of utmost importance requires your immediate attention. Ryen's world currently demands a deployment of Khaenri'ah's absolute strongest combatants."
The massive cavern erupted into a chaotic clamor of overlapping voices. Even the usually stoic Iniquitous Baptists leaned forward, their eyes burning with intense anticipation as they fixed their gazes upon Aether.
The deployment schedule for the Abyss Order's transition into the Minecraft world was rigidly set. The initial vanguard of fifteen hundred was already in place. The next wave was not scheduled for several months. By all logistical estimates, full integration would take an entire year.
A single year was barely a blink compared to the five centuries they had already endured. Yet, the tantalizing prospect of regaining their human forms hung heavily in the air. Not a single soul wished to remain trapped in their grotesque, monstrous shells for another agonizing year if an earlier escape was possible.
"Silence."
Aether's commanding voice cut through the noise like a blade. The Abyss Order instantly quieted down, the cavern returning to absolute stillness. After a brief pause, Aether continued.
"That world is currently preparing for the Lantern Rite Bedwars Tournament. The grand finals commence in just a few days. Due to the overwhelming concentration of elite combatants within Liyue's ranks, the competitive balance has been severely disrupted. To rectify this, the other nations require foreign aid to bolster their forces."
"Currently, Khaenri'ah is the only faction possessing a sufficient number of high-tier warriors to fulfill this demand. The responsibility of restoring the balance has fallen to us. To be completely thorough, we require two hundred of our absolute strongest warriors. They will be dispatched to that world immediately for specialized training. Following this, they will be distributed among the various nations to participate in the final Bedwars matches as mercenaries."
The moment he finished speaking, an Abyss Herald raised a heavily armored arm, his voice echoing with absolute seriousness.
"Your Highness, will those deployed as foreign aid be permitted to permanently remain in that world following the conclusion of the event?"
Aether turned the question over in his mind. He was fully confident Ryen would not bat an eye at an additional two hundred permanent residents. He offered a firm nod.
"Yes. Once the Bedwars tournament concludes, you will formally transition into permanent residents. However, this comes with a strict condition. You must overwhelmingly demonstrate the sheer might of our forces. The true objective here is to force the other five nations to witness Khaenri'ah's undeniable strength. As we proceed with our nation's revival and the ongoing development of that dimension, we must ensure they recognize us as indispensable allies."
"By displaying our worth on the battlefield, we will secure highly lucrative diplomatic and civil partnerships moving forward. Therefore, your performance in Bedwars will dictate our future standing."
The ranks of the Abyss Order surged with renewed, frantic energy. Two hundred slots might have seemed small, but they were incredibly precious tickets to salvation. With the vanguard forces still undergoing strict training, no one had dared to hope for an expansion of the quota. Seizing one of these two hundred spots would require ruthless competition.
"Your Highness, what exactly does this 'Bedwars' entail?" An Abyss Lector raised a hand, locking his gaze entirely on Aether.
Aether leaned forward, detailing the mechanics.
"Bedwars is a siege-based conflict. Every combatant is equipped with a Totem of Undying and deployed onto suspended sky islands. The five nations will engage in a massive free-for-all. The last team standing claims absolute victory. Within this arena, you are permitted to employ any means necessary to obliterate your opponents. Your primary objective is the total destruction of the enemy's main island base at all costs. The finer tactical details will be drilled into you during tomorrow's training."
"The most crucial factor is the Totem of Undying. It provides absolute immunity to fatal blows. Therefore, you are to cast aside any concept of restraint or morality. You will launch relentless, suicidal offensives until your enemies are completely crushed."
"However, while operating as mercenaries, I strongly advise against consuming your tournament-issued Totems."
"Our infrastructure in that world has not even begun to take shape. Totems of Undying are incredibly scarce and vital strategic assets for our people. Whenever possible, you must actively avoid triggering the artifact's protective magic. If you find yourself cornered and facing certain elimination, hurl yourselves into the void instead. By preserving a single Totem, you contribute to the accumulation of our nation's most precious resources."
This was a calculated piece of strategic hoarding on Aether's part. Liyue possessed such an abundance of Totems they could afford to toss them around like cheap trinkets. Khaenri'ah, starting from absolute zero, viewed every single Totem as an invaluable lifeline. A fully sponsored Bedwars tournament was a rare opportunity to siphon high-tier equipment completely free of charge. Ningguang and the other leaders possessed far too much wealth to notice a few missing artifacts anyway.
"So, this is essentially a genuine war masquerading as a festive game?"
The blood of every Khaenri'ahn present began to boil.
The people of Khaenri'ah possessed an inherent thirst for battle. A grand clash against the absolute pinnacle of Teyvat's martial strength, completely stripped of the paralyzing fear of true death. To a Khaenri'ahn, no prospect could possibly be more exhilarating. It was a perfect stage to exact a measure of vengeance for past grievances, all while securing a permanent visa to the Minecraft world.
It was a golden opportunity served on a silver platter.
"Your Highness, I request immediate deployment!" an Iniquitous Baptist roared, entirely unable to contain his battle lust, slamming a fist against his chest.
This singular outburst acted as a catalyst, plunging the entire cavern into a frenzy of volunteers. Deafening shouts echoed off the stone walls as everyone fiercely fought to offer their services.
Aether's brow pinched tightly. "Silence!" he commanded, his voice laced with elemental weight.
His absolute authority reigned supreme. In a fraction of a second, the chaotic uproar vanished, leaving behind absolute stillness.
"Only the strongest two hundred will be selected. I do not care if you resolve this through internal duels or drawn lots. Have the final roster submitted to me before the day concludes. The chosen warriors will be transported to the other dimension tomorrow morning to begin their Bedwars training."
"Furthermore, bear in mind that you will not be fighting alongside me in this tournament. Your specific national assignments will be determined by the allied commanders upon your arrival."
"Let me make one thing absolutely clear. Every single one of you must treat Bedwars as a genuine, life-or-death war. You are to secure victory for your assigned faction by any means necessary. Even if you find yourselves facing me on the battlefield, you are forbidden from holding back. Khaenri'ah does not tolerate disrespect toward the art of war!"
Not a single murmur of dissent arose. When it came to combat, every Khaenri'ahn was ruthlessly pragmatic. Once deployed on the battlefield, enemy status superseded all previous loyalties. If Aether stood across from them, they would unleash their full destructive might to strike him down. It was the unyielding martial doctrine of their fallen nation.
"Even if you are spilling blood for the glory of another nation, you will strike with absolute intent to win. Do you understand?"
"Understood!" the cavern roared in perfect, thunderous unison.
Aether gave a satisfied nod.
"You will be completely unfamiliar with both the world's mechanics and the intricate strategies of Bedwars. Simply follow the tactical directives of your assigned team captains."
"This is a critical opening. By executing our martial superiority and demonstrating Khaenri'ah's unyielding spirit, we lay the groundwork for our future. Once our entire population migrates to that dimension, the other five nations will be forced to treat us with the utmost respect. This will yield significant leverage in all future collaborative negotiations."
"Therefore, anyone who shames me, or brings disgrace to the name of Khaenri'ah, will be immediately banished back to this rotting abyss! Employ underhanded sabotage, execute brilliant ambushes, or crush them in direct confrontation. I do not care what methods you utilize. Force them to witness the terrifying spectacle of Khaenri'ah at war!"
Aether's ruthless speech poured oil onto a raging fire. Participating in a grand war was thrilling enough. Being granted explicit permission to completely abandon all moral constraints and unleash absolute tactical savagery? Such a battle had not occurred even during the chaotic era five hundred years ago. This was an unprecedented, blood-pumping opportunity. Anticipation for the Bedwars tournament reached a fever pitch.
"One final matter," Aether announced, rising slowly from his throne, sensing the morale had peaked.
"The single Khaenri'ahn warrior who achieves the highest overall performance during the Bedwars tournament will be heavily rewarded. Following the formal restoration of our nation, that individual will be appointed as the governing administrator of Khaenri'ah's second newly constructed city."
With that single sentence, the entire Abyss Order completely lost their minds.