Episode 180: Bus Crash Turmoil, Shameless Great Sage
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Is something really happening?" ]
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "How could this be…" ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War) "How annoying! Day after day, always getting disturbed." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai) "In the end, it should be fine, right?" ]
[ Fu Xuan (Honkai: Star Rail) "Not necessarily. That previous side story might have been a metaphor for these very events." ]
[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): "…" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "Lord Kusanali, how could I and…" ]
[ .....]
『 The two stopped, quietly approaching, trying to catch the distant conversation.
Immediately after, a stern voice of reprimand came.
A sharp female voice said to Nilou, "There's long been a ban on performances of this type. You are not allowed to hold them without approval. Were you unaware?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano) "That voice, she doesn't sound like a good person." ]
[ Setaria (Genshin Impact): "…" ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Exactly, exactly! Her voice really rubs me the wrong way, too." ]
[ .....]
『Upon hearing this voice.
Not only were the audience members very confused.
Even Paimon in the scene was very surprised.
"Someone over there is scolding Nilou. What's going on?" Paimon asked, utterly bewildered, looking at Nilou being criticized on stage.
Paimon didn't recognize any of those people, especially the female scholar who spoke. Though her words were calm, the displeasure she exuded was quite unsettling.
At this moment, Dunyarzad looked at another figure not far away, her eyes full of astonishment: "Am I seeing things? Is that the Grand Sage of the Akademiya? Why is he here?"
As the highest authority of the Sumeru Akademiya, the Grand Sage's appearance was indeed unbelievable.
How could he personally handle such a trivial matter?
Even his secretary, Setaria, had an extremely low probability of appearing here.
After all, the event they were preparing wasn't anything world-shattering.
Yet, even so, it still managed to attract such a high level of attention from the Akademiya?
As a native Sumeru resident, Dunyarzad knew that the Akademiya had always been reluctant to promote the Dendro Archon, which naturally included the Sabzeruz Festival, the celebration of the Dendro Archon's birthday. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "It's the Grand Sage! Why are they here!" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "This Sabzeruz Festival won't end in disaster, will it?" ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano) "The Grand Sage of the Akademiya? He really meddles in a lot of things." ]
[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): "It's alright, Dunyarzad, there will be other opportunities." ]
[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): "Am I not right here?" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "Lord Kusanali!" ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Traveler, you absolutely must teach this person a good lesson. I can't stand it." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "I will." ]
[ Azar (Genshin Impact): "I am the Grand Sage. Who dares to touch me?" ]
[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "The Grand Sage? Interesting... Did you hear that, Screwllum? " ]
[ Screwllum (Honkai: Star Rail): "A self-proclaimed title of 'Grand Sage' holds negligible statistical significance outside of its originating jurisdiction. Analysis of his declarative statement suggests a high probability of either a localized position of authority or a manifestation of the Dunning-Kruger effect. I suggest we initiate a low-energy scanning sequence to establish his parameters." ]
[ Polka Kakamond: "Oh, a 'Grand Sage.' Such a mundane label for such a potentially intricate mechanism." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Sage? What's that? Can it withstand one of my punches?" ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura) "Excellent. With our conviction, teach that fellow a harsh lesson in the future." ]
[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "If you need me, I can help too." ]
[ Genos (One Punch Man): "Sensei, please don't. You'd wipe him out in an instant." ]
[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "Oh." ]
[ .....]
『 Just as everyone was lost in thought, Nilou's anxious voice came from afar.
"But the Dance of Sabzeruz is one of the key parts of the Sabzeruz Festival. If we can't perform it..." Nilou was full of grievances, still wanting to plead further.
They had been preparing for this for a long time.
Though she didn't understand why Azar, the Grand Sage of the Akademiya, would personally show up, this news was simply unacceptable.
"This so-called Sabzeruz Festival of yours…" The female scholar Setaria's eyes flashed with a hint of seriousness upon hearing the name: "I recall that privately holding such large-scale divine worship events is strictly forbidden, isn't it? The right to host has always been held by the Akademiya."
Setaria stared at Nilou with a serious expression.
"If you insist, then we can only order a thorough investigation of all Sabzeruz Festival organizers." Setaria's tone carried a warning: "The Grand Sage has already shown great leniency. Please conduct yourself appropriately."
As these words fell, the elderly Grand Sage Azar beside her nodded silently in agreement.
Perhaps this was one of his purposes for this trip?
"This, how can this be!" Nilou complained, full of grievances.
Not only was Nilou, who was facing them directly, furious, but even Dunyarzad, observing from the nearby steps, subtly changed her expression.
"Originally, the Sabzeruz Festival should be handled by the Akademiya, but they've been negligent for years," Dunyarzad grew increasingly angry the more she thought about it, and was about to go forward to argue: "No, I must go and demand an explanation from them."
"Absolutely don't go," Lumine was quick-witted, grabbing Dunyarzad, who was about to act: "At this moment, the initiative is in their hands. What if they do something extreme out of guilt?"
If the situation hadn't escalated, there might have been room for a scheme to make them hoist by their own petard.
After all, Lumine alone naturally had no fear, but it would be difficult for the organizers of the event, like Dunyarzad, Dehya, and Nilou.
Now that things had come to this, there was no room for haste. Confronting them directly was by no means the best strategy.
"I understand, but…" Dunyarzad, held back, sighed helplessly: "Though it pains me, you're right. My impulsiveness will only make things worse."
As a young lady from a prominent family, Dunyarzad, though not having experienced many hardships, understood that it was not appropriate to act rashly in this situation.
Lumine's words were like a sedative, quickly calming her down.
Even if the event couldn't be salvaged, at least no one else should suffer for it. A direct confrontation would not only be unhelpful but would also lead to unnecessary sacrifices.
Therefore, at this moment, Dunyarzad could only suppress the unwillingness and indignation in her heart.
Just then, the Grand Sage Azar, who had remained quiet, suddenly began to speak.
"Art, dance… In this nation of wisdom and reason, to pursue these frivolous and empty things, do you not feel shame?"
"Our Archon created the utopia that is Sumeru City for all scholars who sought validity, verity, and truth... "
As the Grand Sage Azar spoke, his eyes sharpened, sweeping over Nilou and everyone present with utter contempt.
"While people like you wish to defile it. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Yun Jin (Genshin Impact): "????" ]
[ Yae Miko (Genshin Impact): "???" ]
[ Barbara (Genshin Impact): "????" ]
[ Xinyan (Genshin Impact): "???" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "????" ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "????" ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "????" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "????" ]
[ Osakabehime (Type-moon): "????" ]
[ Ai Hoshino (Oshi no ko): "????" ]
[ Serval (Honkai: Star Rail): "????" ]
[ Woody (Toy Story): "????" ]
[ Other Artists: "???" ]
[ .....]
『 In the scene,
Hearing the Grand Sage Azar's disdain for art, even Lumine almost couldn't hold back, but to avoid implicating her friends, she suppressed the urge.
Every word from the Grand Sage Azar revealed a deep contempt for art, as if art would defile the sacred Sumeru City.
But they seemed to have forgotten that this City of Wisdom belonged to its people, not just the Akademiya.
"No, I believe the gods have never abandoned art." Nilou still wanted to argue, "Just as the God of Flowers once danced for the gods, it was beautiful."
"Given your knowledge, I do not believe you are qualified to debate with me. What you should do now is to quickly find someone to remove these ridiculous arrangements." The Grand Sage Azar dismissed Nilou directly.
After speaking, the Grand Sage Azar, accompanied by the female scholar Setaria, strode away.
Nilou and Dunyarzad, on the distant steps, stared blankly at their retreating figures.
Once the two reached a secluded spot, the Grand Sage Azar whispered to the female scholar: "When we return, have the Scribe draft an ordinance before the next Jnagarbha Day that prohibits public art performances. We will announce it to the public later via the Akasha."
"Yes, I understand. I will attend to it immediately." Setaria nodded in response.
Having handled all this, the Grand Sage Azar glanced disdainfully at the people gathered backstage.
"Hmph, the Sabzeruz Festival... Go celebrate the birth of that god to your heart's content."
After speaking, the Grand Sage Azar and the female scholar left the bustling Grand Bazaar without looking back.
Behind the stage, Paimon and the others took advantage of the Grand Sage's departure to gather around a dejected Nilou.
"Nilou, are you alright?"
Nilou was staring blankly at the fading figures when the sudden greeting startled her.
"Huh?" Turning to see Dunyarzad, her small face immediately filled with grievance: "Dunyarzad, did you see? The Grand Sage actually told us to stop the performance."
"Hmm…" Dunyarzad also couldn't hide her disappointment, nodding softly.
"Otherwise, let's go perform somewhere else, find a place where the Akademiya won't find us! Ah… but how do we inform the audience? The atmosphere and set design too…"
"No, or rather, we should just find people to stop them all, so they don't affect our performance. Uh… no, they just threatened us, and want to investigate the organizers… if we're found out…"
At this moment, Nilou was burning with anxiety, thoughts popping up one after another, only to be self-negated one by one. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "There must be a way. Let's think harder. Traveler, can you help me?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Nilou, do you want me to just raze the Akademiya?!" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "That would solve the problem." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Traveler, your idea is very dangerous." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Rationally speaking, this operation is feasible." ]
[ Raiden Ei (Genshin Impact): "I, too, agree." ]
[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): "Everyone, please don't do that." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "Oh, benevolent God of Wisdom!" ]
[ Azar (Genshin Impact): "Hmph! Weak gods. How could Sumeru have such a god!" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "????" ]
[ .....]
『 Witnessing Nilou's distress, Dunyarzad stepped forward and gently comforted her: "It's alright, Nilou, truly, I'm fine."
"But Dunyarzad, you had such high hopes for this Dance of Flowers. I know this Sabzeruz Festival means so much to you. I really don't want you to have any regrets…" Nilou still wanted to continue.
But Dunyarzad interrupted her, standing firmly between the two: "It's alright, Nilou. I'm already very content that you consider me so much."
"But if we insist on continuing this celebration, the risk is simply too great. I don't want everyone to be implicated because of me."
Looking at Dunyarzad's resolute attitude, Nilou could only nod helplessly.
"Alright. Then next time, next Sabzeruz Festival, you can still sneak out of your house, right? We'll definitely find a way to make the next Sabzeruz Festival a success!"
"Okay, next time we'll make sure everything is foolproof, it's settled! We'll definitely achieve a grand slam victory!" Dunyarzad imitated Nilou's tone, making a firm promise.
But whether she could actually sneak out of her home as wished, that was something only Dunyarzad herself probably knew.
Not to mention, how all of this would unfold was also an unknown.
At that time, whether her physical condition could handle it now seemed like an unsolved mystery.
After bidding farewell to Nilou, Dunyarzad and Lumine quickly left, moving further and further away from the bustling Grand Bazaar.
"It's truly unexpected that things would turn out this way. Those unromantic Sages…"
On the other side, Paimon was still unwilling, pondering what else could be done: "We can always think of something, right? Try again?"
"Forget it, Paimon. There's no need to force it. Sometimes things are just so helpless." Dunyarzad sighed softly, a hint of resignation flashing in her eyes:
"Speaking of which, not being able to see Nilou's Dance of Flowers with my own eyes, it really leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."
The Sabzeruz Festival concluded with this sense of regret, and the group returned to rest.
A day of celebration quietly drew to a close with this unfulfilled wish.
Lumine and Paimon headed back, embarking on the journey to their lodging, longing for a good rest.
"Sigh, today's journey, we really went through so many twists and turns, but in the end, it still ended unsatisfactorily."
"Nilou and Dunyarzad made a promise that next year's Sabzeruz Festival would be spectacular, but… Dunyarzad's physical condition…"
"Dunyarzad herself knows perfectly well that some regrets might be impossible to fill."
"That's true, sigh…"
Amidst these sighs and conversations, the two gradually composed themselves, preparing to fall asleep.
Today's regrets were indeed heavy, especially missing the legendary Dance of Flowers; it felt like a stone weighing on their hearts.
But such is life; sometimes it's beyond one's control.
Who knows what the future holds? It's not something to worry about today.
After all, today is over, right?
So, despite today being full of regrets, let the past be the past. Time doesn't flow backward, does it?
Having understood this, Lumine and Paimon, with this sense of relief, climbed into bed, ready to embrace sleep.
At this moment, a strange male voice followed closely, deep and mysterious, like a whisper piercing through time and space, making everyone present tense.
The screen suddenly darkened. Just as everyone's thought of "this might be the end" surfaced, a strange sound abruptly drilled into everyone's ears.
" Beep "
Like an electronic voice from a future world, calm and mechanical: " "To ensure all connections are secured, the highest-grade stability framework is being built.""
Immediately after, a tense atmosphere subtly spread, and the electronic voice announced again: " "The operation is about to enter its most critical phase. Power has begun to flow from __." " 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Mitsuha Miyamizu (Your Name): "This (beep) sound, is it the product of that… plan?" ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "In my humble opinion, this should be the sound of some device starting up." ]
[ Tighnari (Genshin Impact): "Why do I feel like these sounds are a bit familiar?" ]
[ .....]
『 The screen changed.
The screen lit up again.
Lumine and Paimon found themselves once again standing in that familiar small room in the scene.
Still looking as if they had just woken up.
"Oh dear! (Yawn~) It's all your fault for oversleeping. Now we're definitely late." Paimon grumbled, then turned to Lumine with a new plan.
"Alright, no more delays. Let's hurry and meet up with Dunyarzad!"
Since they were already late, the most pressing task now was clearly to quickly rendezvous with Dunyarzad, their pre-arranged friend.
As soon as they left the small house, the two immediately found Dunyarzad, who was still patiently waiting.
"Good morning!" Paimon bounced up to Dunyarzad, greeting her with a wide smile: "Dunyarzad, we're so sorry, we're late again. Hehe, please don't mind us."
"It's alright. Actually, I arrived early without realizing it." Dunyarzad still soothed them with her gentle voice, as if everything was fine.
However, today Dunyarzad seemed even more exhausted than yesterday.
Ah, speaking of yesterday…
This feeling, where had she experienced it before?
At this moment, a strange sense of familiarity welled up in Lumine's heart, as if something important was about to be reawakened… 』
『 .....』