However, would that shut-in who'd isolated herself for five hundred years—upon seeing Lumine manipulate elemental power without the use of a Vision—still regard her as an eternal threat?
Would she cut down Lumine right in front of me?
Finally, Shao Yun opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and reached out to take the revolver from the Man with a Top Hat's hand.
He gazed silently at Raiden Makoto, expressionless, and said, "I'll treat everything that happened today as nothing but a dream."
Raiden Makoto stared at him in disbelief, asking in confusion, "Why? You clearly have the chance to change everything—why give that up?"
Shao Yun gripped the revolver tightly, the cold metal pressing into his palm, thoughts racing in his mind.
He looked closely at the revolver—Micah's revolver—reading the line of letters etched on the barrel: "Vengeance is hereby mine."
His eyes firmed. He spoke with calm indifference, "There's no need to say more. We can't go back. I've tried to give up halfway before. But this time… I won't turn back."
Raiden Makoto furrowed her brows, visibly anxious, earnestly advising, "If you go through with this, it will doom everyone. The consequences will be catastrophic." Her voice was filled with worry and urgency.
Shao Yun lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her purple pupils, his stare as firm as steel. He replied with resolute conviction, "As long as Lumine is alive, nothing else matters."
His words held unwavering determination—leaving no room for negotiation.
After speaking, Shao Yun slowly stood up, brushed the dust off his clothes, and readied himself to leave.
He turned to the Man with a Top Hat and asked with firm eyes, "How do I get out of here?"
The Man with a Top Hat smiled faintly and pointed into the distance.
In that instant, a radiant white rift tore open in the darkness, like a blade slicing through shadow.
The Man with a Top Hat's voice echoed softly, "Walk through the rift. Go find that so-called 'righteous path' in your heart."
Shao Yun gave a slight nod and stepped forward without hesitation.
Raiden Makoto stood up, her eyes shimmering with earnestness. She pleaded once more.
"Please reconsider your choice. I beg you."
Her voice carried helplessness and deep longing. She simply couldn't understand why he'd refuse.
Shao Yun stopped, turned back to glance at her, and shook his head—declining.
His expression was cold and unyielding. His decision had been made, and no one could shake it.
"There's no need for more words. My actions will be judged by the Archon."
With that, he turned and left, leaving Raiden Makoto standing in stunned silence.
She watched him go, then turned to glare at the Man with a Top Hat, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow. "Letting Inazuma head toward ruin—what do you gain from that?"
The Man with a Top Hat slowly turned around, folding his hands behind his back, his tone relaxed and detached.
"Killing Baal doesn't mean destroying Inazuma. Truth is, it's what she created that dragged Inazuma into this disaster. It has nothing to do with me—or him."
Raiden Makoto lowered her head, eyes resting on the sleeve of her kimono. She sighed softly, saying with resignation, "Then please… don't tell him about the deal between the little fox and the God of Cataclysm."
"If Baal dies, Inazuma's future can only rest on the little fox's shoulders."
She dared not imagine what would happen if even Yae Miko were to die—Inazuma would be doomed.
The Man with a Top Hat feigned difficulty, replying, "Whether that fox woman lives or dies is up to her. If she insists on dying alongside Baal, then there's nothing I can do."
He glanced sideways at Raiden Makoto.
After a moment of silence, she spoke slowly, "According to our earlier agreement, I now hand over the seed of the Sacred Sakura—the very foundation of Inazuma—to you."
As she spoke, she extended her hand, offering the Sacred Sakura seed to the Man with a Top Hat.
He took the seed casually and stuffed it into his pocket. Then, he smiled faintly and said, "In that case, let's play a little game."
Raiden Makoto looked at him in surprise, confused. "What game?"
The Man with a Top Hat raised his hand, pointing toward the distant white rift, his tone lighthearted.
"Let's bet. Will that man come back here? If he does, then all will be negotiable. But if he doesn't…"
He paused, then pulled the Sacred Sakura seed from his pocket, continuing, "Then I'll plant this seed in the past, so the Sacred Sakura may grow and continue guarding Inazuma's ley lines."
A flicker of hesitation passed through Raiden Makoto's eyes.
But seeing how this game posed no real loss, she eventually nodded in agreement.
Still, she couldn't help asking the question on her mind.
"Why are you being so kind? Why offer a condition that benefits Inazuma?"
The Man with a Top Hat had expected this. Calmly, he met her gaze and said, "If Inazuma truly collapses, the one writing stories in the sky will awaken. When that happens, we'll all be affected."
Raiden Makoto furrowed her brows. She understood now.
"You mean… Celestia?"
The Man with a Top Hat said nothing. He merely clenched the Sacred Sakura seed tightly in his hand, silently staring toward the white rift.
…
Elsewhere, in Kujou Encampment.
Lying on the ground, Shao Yun was suddenly flooded with a string of system prompts.
[You have acquired Micah's Revolver]
[Initiating Legend of the East Challenge VII Final: Duel of Legends]
[You will face Raiden Baal head-on—tread upon her corpse to become the true Legend of the East.]
[Warning: Becoming a 'Legend' comes at a high price. Yet, you still have a chance to change your fate. You may choose to return to the original Raiden Shogun boss domain at Yashiori Island and accept Raiden Makoto's help.]
[No matter your choice, the final reward will be granted.]
[Reward: Legend of the East Set]
…
Lying there, Shao Yun slowly opened his eyes, staring powerlessly up at the sky.
The once-deep and tranquil blue sky was now blanketed in an intense, ominous purple.
The Mikage Furnace explosion in Tatarasuna had triggered this catastrophe, plunging the world into an apocalyptic nightmare.
The sun had lost its warmth, its dim rays barely piercing through the thick clouds of soot, painting the world in eerie shades of purplish-red.
The earth groaned beneath him, the skies wailing in agony, as sorrow and fear choked the air.
The shockwave from the explosion roared like a beast, shaking Inazuma's ley lines to their core.
Beneath the dark sky, the distant buildings of Inazuma City teetered on the brink of collapse, debris scattered, and panicked civilians ran in all directions.
People watched in horror—was this Orobashi's judgment made manifest?
Many fled Inazuma City in desperation, seeking refuge.
Some rushed to Tenshukaku, falling to their knees, praying for the Electro Archon to save them.
Beside him, Shao Yun saw Yoimiya and Teppei, both covered in dust, kneeling wearily at his side.
He had shielded them during the explosion, saving their lives—others in the Kujou Encampment weren't so lucky.
Yoimiya, seeing Shao Yun awaken, wiped the dust from her face, voice trembling with emotion. "Mr. Shao Yun, you scared me half to death. I thought you were gone."
Shao Yun pushed himself up and stood. "I'm alive. But now, I have something I need to do."
The explosion had unleashed Orobashi's lingering resentment.
Teppei, without a Vision, was already suffering from the corrupted air in the region.
He coughed twice, speaking weakly. "Cough… General Shao Yun, it's just us three now. The rest… they're gone. The air here is thick with divine corruption. We need to retreat."
Shao Yun picked up his black gambler's hat, placed it firmly on his head, and cast a sharp glance toward Inazuma City.
Then, he looked at the ruins of the encampment—nearly leveled.
Turning to Teppei and Yoimiya, he said, "I understand. Teppei, I have a task for you. Take Yoimiya and head to Watatsumi Island. I'll go to Narukami Island and end this war."
Teppei's face clouded with worry. "But General Shao Yun—"
Shao Yun cut him off, his voice commanding, "That's an order. Carry it out."
Yoimiya immediately objected, pointing toward Narukami Island, voice urgent. "No! I have to go back to Inazuma City! My dad's still at home!"
Seeing her resolve, Shao Yun considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. New plan. Teppei, you head to Watatsumi Island. I'll take Yoimiya to Inazuma City."
Then he let out a sharp whistle.
Moments later, Boadicea came galloping over from nowhere, stopping in front of them.
Shao Yun patted Teppei's shoulder, gently wiping dirt from his face, easing the tense mood.
He grinned. "You're lucky. Few ever get to ride my horse. Today, you're one of them."
Teppei stared at the chestnut steed and gave a helpless smile. "General Shao Yun… I don't even know how to ride."
Shao Yun pointed at the saddle. "Then just lie on it."
With that, he hoisted Teppei like a sack and tossed him onto the saddle.
Teppei flopped forward, nearly falling off.
Shao Yun walked to Boadicea, stroked her forehead, and whispered, "Take good care of Teppei, alright?"
Boadicea gave a soft whinny, seeming to understand.
Shao Yun patted her neck, stepped behind her, and smacked her flank with a shout. "Go! Take him to the Resistance camp on Yashiori Island!"
Boadicea neighed loudly, reared up, then thundered off like an arrow, carrying Teppei away.
Watching them disappear into the distance, Shao Yun silently prayed they would reach safety.
Then he turned to Yoimiya. "Alright. Now let's head back to Narukami Island."
Yoimiya nodded, and the two of them set off.
…
Shao Yun and Yoimiya arrived at Narukami Island, now in utter chaos. People fled the city in droves.
Shao Yun took the lead, carving a path through the crowd.
They pushed through the fleeing masses and entered Inazuma City.
What had once been a place of peace and order had descended into turmoil.
The Tenryou Commission's soldiers no longer maintained order—they fled with the citizens.
Eventually, Shao Yun and Yoimiya reached the Naganohara Fireworks Shop at Hanamizaka.
From afar, they saw Naganohara Ryuunosuke locking up, about to head toward Kujou Encampment to find his daughter.
Yoimiya immediately spotted him and ran forward, shouting, "Dad!"
Ryuunosuke turned around quickly.
When he saw she was safe, a relieved smile spread across his face, though concern still lingered.
"Yoimiya! You scared me half to death—I thought—"
"I'm fine, Dad. Are you okay?" she asked, worry in her eyes.
He shook his head gently. "I'm alright. I thought one of our fireworks had gone off, but… it was Tatarasuna. I was so worried!"
Shao Yun, seeing Yoimiya safely returned, let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Still, he asked cautiously, "Do you have a basement or something similar here?"
Yoimiya turned to him and nodded.
Shao Yun relaxed. Pointing at the house, he said, "Then if you won't evacuate, at least hide down there."
"And thank you—for what you did for Lumine."
With that, he turned and walked toward Tenshukaku.
Along the way, he passed panicked civilians fleeing from the city.
They ran past him, screaming of Orobashi's judgment.
From his inventory, Shao Yun retrieved Micah's Revolver, gripping its cold handle tightly.
As he walked, he thought carefully about his next move.
Suddenly, a system prompt appeared—its final attempt to guide him down another path.
[You still have a chance. Go to the domain at Yashiori Island. Seek out Raiden Makoto.]
Shao Yun stopped, took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.
His eyes hardened, voice low and emotionless.
"May the Archon forgive my sins. And if I'm beyond redemption… then cast me into the seventh layer of hell."