Elliot stayed on Narukami Island for a while.
These became the happiest days of his eighth life.
Of course, it wasn't simply because he wanted to rest.
He didn't have that luxury. This was already his eighth life, and with only one left before completing the nine reincarnations, he couldn't afford to waste too much time here.
More importantly, Elliot had realized something crucial about this life.
The system had not assigned him any detailed missions this time. It hadn't even specified with whom he was supposed to enter the Khaenri'ah War.
All it had said was one line:
"Defeat Orobashi, participate in the Khaenri'ah War."
In other words, this was a free life.
He could have left Inazuma altogether—gone to Mondstadt, Liyue, Snezhnaya, or even directly to Khaenri'ah, living quietly until the war broke out.
But if this was meant to be a free life, then the system surely wouldn't grant him a dignified exit.
This time...
He would have to choose his own path.
And he had already decided.
That was why he returned with Zebul.
...
"I found it..."
Elliot's eyes lit up as he opened an ornate box. Floating inside was a purple object—the Gnosis of Baal.
Its shape resembled the King in chess.
Elliot knew that every Gnosis was modeled after a chess piece.
Venti's was the Queen—able to move in any direction without limit, the freest piece on the board, just like Venti himself.
Zhongli's was the Rook—also called a fortress in chess, symbolizing indestructibility, which fit Zhongli perfectly.
Baal's was the King.
Most of its body was smooth and rounded, while above it stood a sharply defined cross.
To Elliot, the rounded body seemed to represent Baal herself—gentle, soft, without edges, without thorns, her nature occupying the greater part of who she was.
The sharp cross above it, however, brimmed with power and authority. That, he thought, represented Zebul—symbolizing absolute rule and overwhelming strength.
In chess, the King could move in all directions, but only one step at a time.
Perhaps this reflected Zebul's nature as well—someone who preferred to stay close to home, never wandering far.
"You came after all."
A gentle voice spoke from behind him.
Elliot froze, then turned to see Baal standing there with a faint smile, as if she had expected this moment.
"Lady Baal..." He hadn't thought she would anticipate him coming here.
"Don't be nervous. I haven't told anyone."
At her words, Elliot finally let out a quiet breath of relief.
He had found the Gnosis only thanks to the games he had played with them these past days on Narukami Island.
During one round of Truth or Dare, Baal had lost and chosen dare.
Elliot had seized the chance, asking to see what a Gnosis looked like.
Without hesitation, Baal had returned to her room and brought it out.
That single action told him everything—Baal didn't keep her Gnosis on her person, but stored it somewhere at home.
Even so, Elliot hadn't acted immediately. He had waited over ten days before finally making his move.
But even then, he hadn't expected to be caught by Baal herself.
"How did you know I'd come here...?" Elliot asked, genuinely curious.
He had thought he'd covered himself well. His excuse back then had been mere "curiosity."
Chiyo had even chimed in, saying she wanted to see it too.
And besides, two weeks had already passed since that game—surely she would have forgotten by now.
"Intuition?"
"Mm... something like that." Baal answered with uncertainty.
"You've been waiting here all these days?"
"Yes."
"..."
Hearing her response, Elliot couldn't even complain. He had been caught fair and square—Baal had deliberately kept watch here every day.
So much for thinking a thief within the family would be hard to guard against.
"Then... what do you plan to do, Lady Baal? Tell the General? Or hand down some serious punishment?"
"No."
Baal dismissed the idea immediately, without even a pause. Then she added, "I only want to know—what do you intend to do with it?"
Her question made Elliot falter. He hadn't planned to reveal the truth and was ready to spin an excuse.
"It's because I want to—"
"To be honest, I don't think you're Sasayuri."
Before he could finish, Baal's words struck him like a thunderclap, leaving him rooted to the spot.
"Why do you say that?" He forced his voice steady, asking slowly.
"I know him. He wouldn't have lost an arm just to protect the civilians of Yashiori Island. And he certainly wouldn't be so consumed with guilt over failing to protect them."
"Joking around to make girls laugh—that I could take as growth. But risking his life to protect civilians? That kind of action is carved into the bones. And I know Sasayuri better than anyone. He is not that kind of person."
...