Aboard the Ship of Dreams, Lumine gazed in wonder at the bizarre and otherworldly scenery, while Paimon exclaimed in rapid succession.
"Is this what the world looks like in a dream?" Paimon asked.
"But how did we get here? Are we already asleep?"
Hearing Paimon's curious questions, Nahida smiled and explained, "It's not quite like that, Paimon. When the power influencing a dream becomes sufficiently strong, it can actually overlap with reality."
"Although we're currently in a dream, everything here has become genuinely real, and we've physically come to this place."
Paimon's eyes widened in astonishment. "I never imagined the power of dreams could be so immense! Nahida, you can even do things like this? That's incredible!"
Nahida waved her hand dismissively. "Not really. With my power, I can only manifest an extremely unstable dream world. I'm still far behind Monsieur Neuvillette—he's the true powerhouse."
"Lady Nahida, you're being too modest. I lack the ability to manifest dreams into reality," Neuvillette said calmly, a quality he admired in her.
Every god possesses unique characteristics, and even those with weaker power shouldn't be underestimated. Nahida's abilities, for instance, allow her to easily gain the upper hand even against far stronger opponents.
This time, however, was an exception. While the Shouki no Kami's mental realm should have been its weakness, Dr. Edward seemed to possess countermeasures against Nahida's abilities, rendering her powers largely ineffective against the puppet god.
In essence, Nahida had been countered. Neuvillette couldn't determine whether this was a coincidence or a pre-arranged strategy.
If it was premeditated, Dr. Edward's scheming ran deeper than he'd imagined. It would mean he hadn't underestimated Nahida, even after her 500-year imprisonment by the Akademiya, and had prepared meticulously for their encounter.
Facing such an opponent meant being potentially outmaneuvered from the very start, his fate sealed before the battle even began.
It was precisely this reason that led Neuvillette to begin doubting Dr. Edward's so-called plan. Was the doctor truly revealing his plan out of sheer overconfidence, or was he concealing something?
When Neuvillette shared this doubt with the other three, they all paused, momentarily stunned.
"Do you think Dr. Edward might actually want us to stop him?" Paimon pondered aloud after a moment.
"Look, Dr. Edward hinted at this earlier. He said his identity as a doctor has never been a lie. As a doctor, how could he bear to see so many innocent people die because of him?"
Hearing Paimon's analysis, Lumine nodded in agreement.
Though Dr. Edward had concealed his true identity, though he had deceived them, spread disease, and manipulated Great Sage Azar and Dottore, Lumine still believed he was a good person at heart.
Dr. Edward's desire to save the world was genuine. He must have resorted to this drastic measure because he saw no other way. His heart was likely torn by inner conflict.
"I wouldn't rule out that possibility," Neuvillette nodded in agreement. By now, he had gained a decent understanding of this mysterious organization.
The vast majority of its members genuinely sought to save the world, but despairing of a brighter future, they resorted to extreme measures to achieve their salvationist goals.
To this end, this clandestine group had likely been plotting for over a thousand years. Ordinary members infiltrated society by sealing their memories and blending in with the common folk, while core members entered a state of hibernation through special means, only gradually awakening in recent times.
Due to their prolonged slumber, their powers hadn't fully recovered, which explained their relatively subdued actions until now.
Only now, fully prepared, had they launched their large-scale operations.
Judging by the combat prowess of its members, the origins of this mysterious organization might trace back to the era of the Archons.
After all, their combat prowess dwarfed that of contemporary individuals by a staggering margin.
Given the immense passage of time, it's no wonder so few people know of their existence.
At the same time, there were also those who opposed this mysterious organization, such as Officer Henry, who likely belonged to one of their rival factions. Officer Henry had obtained crucial intelligence through others within his faction.
From what we've gathered so far, Dr. Edward appears to be someone who, after exhausting all conventional means, was forced to resort to drastic measures—a decision that has clearly caused him immense internal anguish.
"Perhaps if we could persuade other nations to cooperate in facing the impending crisis, Dr. Edward might reconsider his stance," Nahida suggested.
"Nahida, that's a brilliant idea!" Paimon's eyes lit up. "Even in the direst circumstances, if the vast majority of Teyvat's people unite, we can surely overcome any crisis!"
Hearing Paimon's words, Neuvillette shook his head with a touch of resignation. If only it were so simple to persuade him with mere words.
"I think we shouldn't get our hopes up too much. Fontaine has already clashed with this mysterious organization multiple times. Dr. Edward is unlikely to be someone easily swayed."
After hearing Neuvillette's warning, the trio immediately became somewhat disheartened.
"More concerning than this matter itself is the nature of his abilities," Neuvillette continued. "Each Numbered Member of that organization possesses a unique ability. For example, No. 2 excels in all forms of combat, No. 5 specializes in mental suggestion, No. 6 can transfer consciousness, and No. 8 has exceptional computational abilities..."
Seeing the puzzled expressions on Nahida and the others' faces, Neuvillette elaborated.
"How could such things exist?!"
The trio's expressions shifted from shock to deep contemplation after hearing Neuvillette's words.
If what Neuvillette said was true, then what was Dr. Edward's ability?
Could it be that unprecedented, entirely new power they had witnessed?
Just then, a faint phantom of a colossal tree loomed into view, and everyone's spirits lifted with excitement.
"Is that Irminsul?"
"It's even bigger than I imagined!" Paimon exclaimed in awe.
"What you're seeing is merely a fragment of Irminsul. The vast majority remains hidden from view," Nahida explained, her expression growing serious.
"My connection to Irminsul has been intermittent all this time. Only now do I realize how severely corrupted the tree has become."
"Moreover, I sense a new force further eroding Irminsul."
"Everyone, we must hasten our pace!"
As soon as Nahida finished speaking, the Ship of Dreams immediately accelerated by about half, propelling the four travelers toward Irminsul's roots at an increased speed.
They hadn't traveled far when Nahida suddenly recoiled as if struck by a devastating blow. Her face paled instantly, and her breathing became labored.
At the same moment, the Ship of Dreams began to shake violently, sending Lumine and Paimon tumbling about. It took a long moment for the ship to stabilize, and when it finally did, they clutched their throbbing heads, desperately suppressing the urge to vomit.
Neuvillette, who had been floating mid-air beforehand, remained unaffected. He frowned deeply as he studied Nahida's ashen face.
"Nahida, are you alright?!"
Recovering her senses, Paimon immediately flew anxiously to Nahida's side, asking, "Are you alright?!"
I feel my connection to Irminsul being severed...
Nahida looked bewildered, unsure how to react to the sudden turn of events.
"Nahida, your body!" Paimon suddenly cried out in alarm. Nahida's body was beginning to turn translucent before their eyes, sending them into a panic.
A figure shot up from the Ship of Dreams and sped downward toward the base of Irminsul at incredible speed. When Lumine finally snapped out of her stupor, she realized it was Neuvillette.
Lumine immediately tried to follow him, but Nahida called out to stop her.
"Wait! This is too dangerous!" Nahida straightened herself and continued, "Without the Ship of Dreams, you could easily get lost in the dream realm."
"I'll take you there myself."
"But Nahida, are you sure your body is alright?" Paimon asked anxiously.
Nahida forced a faint smile. "I'm much better now. Don't worry."
With that, she resumed piloting the Ship of Dreams forward at full speed.
Meanwhile, having put some distance between himself and the Ship of Dreams, Neuvillette felt his vision begin to distort. Illusory images swirled before his eyes.
Yet these phantoms held little sway over him.
Soon, Neuvillette slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the illusions before him had completely vanished.
By this time, Neuvillette had arrived within a short distance of Irminsul. From afar, he could see a young man standing at the base of the World Tree.
Based on Nahida and the others' descriptions, Neuvillette immediately recognized this man as Dr. Edward, their target.
Besides Dr. Edward, No. 2, who had briefly appeared earlier, and Scaramouche, who had been rescued, were also present.
At the base of the World Tree, where the group stood, a patch of the roots had turned as black as ink.
Just then, the group noticed Neuvillette's arrival.
The moment Scaramouche saw Neuvillette, a wave of intense fear washed over him. In their brief encounter, Neuvillette had left him with a profound and lingering trauma.
But this fear quickly morphed into a burning sense of humiliation and anger. How dare he be afraid of this man!
Even Dottore had never exerted such overwhelming pressure on Scaramouche. Only Neuvillette had instilled in him a bottomless sense of despair, a feeling of helplessness that surpassed even what he had felt toward his own mother!
Scaramouche knew perfectly well that without Dr. Edward's promise to grant him sufficient power, he would never be qualified to challenge the Raiden Shogun.
But now everything had changed. As long as he completed a few tasks, he could obtain power surpassing even that cold, ruthless woman and finally avenge his old grudge!
Coincidentally, Neuvillette's sudden appearance would serve as a test to see if Dr. Edward truly possessed the capabilities he claimed.
If Dr. Edward couldn't even handle Neuvillette, it would prove that his promises were nothing but empty words, allowing Scaramouche to make alternative plans early on.
As Neuvillette approached within a hundred meters of the group, he finally stopped, casting a deep glance at Dr. Edward before slowly speaking.
"You're No. 4?"
"That's correct. I never expected to encounter Monsieur Neuvillette here. It's quite the surprise."
Dr. Edward turned around, smiling faintly at Neuvillette. His appearance made Neuvillette frown slightly.
Several black vines connected Dr. Edward to Irminsul, pulsating rhythmically like blood vessels. Dr. Edward's body also seemed somewhat ethereal, closely resembling the state Nahida had manifested in earlier.
Unlike Nahida, Dr. Edward's presence grew increasingly intense, to the point that Neuvillette felt as though the doctor had become the very essence of this world.
Neuvillette took a deep breath. It seemed Dr. Edward was responsible for Nahida's condition, though the exact cause remained unclear.
"I've heard your plan. Stop now. It's not too late to withdraw."
"As a doctor, why would you betray your principles and take the lives of innocent people?"
"And what if I refuse?"
Hearing Dr. Edward's reply, Neuvillette's expression hardened, confirming his suspicions. He wasted no further words and immediately launched into action.
"O tide, I have returned!"
Terrifying waves of Hydro Element surged from Neuvillette, instantly overwhelming the three with immense pressure.
Yet despite this crushing force, No. 2's face remained utterly impassive as he charged directly at Neuvillette, simultaneously activating the Laws of Time to their fullest extent.
In an instant, Neuvillette felt a jarring sensation—the kind where your consciousness seems to have raced a kilometer ahead, only to glance back and find your physical body still struggling in place, trapped within a ten-meter radius.
Neuvillette, possessing overwhelming power, unleashed his full strength without restraint, instantly mitigating the effects of the temporal distortion. With a single hand thrust forward, a surging torrent of water instantly engulfed No. 2.
No. 2 crashed violently into the base of Irminsul with even greater force than before, carving a deep crater into the roots. Simultaneously, No. 2's right arm twisted into a grotesque shape, rendering it essentially unusable.
In a single exchange, No. 2—wielding the Laws of Time and possessing the power of an Archon—suffered a devastating blow. The fully manifested Dragon Sovereign proved to be a terrifying force.
But No. 2 was not Neuvillette's primary target. He immediately redirected his attack toward Dr. Edward, who stood nearby, unleashing another torrent of water.
Seeing this, Dr. Edward slowly raised his hand. Countless black tendrils erupted to shield him, but the terrifying current tore through them like kindling, obliterating everything in its path before slamming violently into Dr. Edward's body.
In the next instant, Dr. Edward's body exploded under the immense force, staining the pitch-black roots with a lurid crimson. Some of the gore even splattered onto Scaramouche, who stood nearby.
Scaramouche stared wide-eyed at the spot where Dr. Edward had been standing, utterly dumbfounded.
He's... dead?!
I thought you were Challenger, but you're just a Bronze?!
Only the phrase "What the fuck?!" could capture Scaramouche's current state of mind. He had sacrificed his dignity for the man's promise, becoming his lackey, even barking like a dog!
He didn't expect the man to have the means to defeat Neuvillette, but he at least shouldn't have died so carelessly!
Damn it, was I just played?!
Scaramouche wasn't the only one stunned. Neuvillette himself frowned deeply.
His earlier attack had been a mere probe, not even a full-strength strike. Yet the man seemed to have struggled weakly before succumbing to his exploratory strike. This matter had concluded far too quickly.
"Your earlier attack was quite impressive."
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from behind Scaramouche. Mid-internal tirade, Scaramouche felt an icy touch brush the back of his neck, instantly freezing him in place.
The icy touch crept upward along his skin, coiling around his neck until it reached his front. Only then did Scaramouche realize it was a jet-black vine.
Scaramouche whipped around, only to see Dr. Edward reappear before everyone's eyes.
A faint smile played on Dr. Edward's face, as if everything that had just transpired were merely an illusion. But when Scaramouche caught the overwhelming stench of blood on himself, he immediately realized the preceding events were no hallucination.
"You're not dead?"
"I am immortal."
Dr. Edward answered Scaramouche's question, yet his gaze remained fixed on Neuvillette.
Under Neuvillette's intense scrutiny, Dr. Edward even dared to flash him a defiant smirk.
"Become foam!"
Neuvillette struck again, unleashing a torrential downpour of Hydro-infused raindrops that blanketed Dr. Edward in an inescapable, all-encompassing bombardment. Even Scaramouche, standing nearby, was caught in the crossfire, the mere residual shockwaves forcing him to cough up blood. This direct exposure to Neuvillette's overwhelming power left Scaramouche with a newfound appreciation for his opponent's strength.
As the onslaught descended, several ink-black vines erupted from the ground, lashing fiercely at the falling droplets. But their efforts were futile, and they, along with Dr. Edward, were pulverized into dust.
Yet in the very next instant, Dr. Edward reappeared unscathed a short distance away. Smiling serenely, he slowly raised his right hand towards Neuvillette. Countless black vines surged wildly towards Neuvillette's position, their tendrils snaking through the air with savage intent.
Meanwhile, No. 2, who had been severely wounded earlier, rose to his feet again. Without a flicker of emotion, he straightened his twisted arm with a crisp crack of bone, restoring full mobility to the limb that had seemed broken beyond repair.
Without hesitation, No. 2 launched another attack on Neuvillette.
This scene deepened the frown on Neuvillette's brow, and a growing sense of unease stirred within him.