Liyue, ten years later.
A colossal meteor blazed across the heavens, plummeting earthward and crashing into the lands northwest of Liyue.
The deafening impact echoed like the end of days, striking fear into the hearts of Liyue's people. Yet, with Elliot and Morax watching over them, their terror quickly faded.
Elliot, who already knew the truth, understood that this meteorite would mark a turning point—transforming Liyue from a society of fishing and farming into one driven by mining.
Guided by Morax and Elliot, the people journeyed across mountains and valleys until they reached the massive chasm carved open by the falling star.
The sight before them left everyone stunned.
They vaguely remembered this place as nothing more than barren wasteland, and yet a single meteor had reshaped it so completely.
At first, fear crept into their hearts—worrying whether some evil force might linger within. But with Morax and Elliot by their side, that fear vanished, replaced instead by a growing curiosity.
As they ventured deeper into the abyss, they discovered the truth: the ground here glittered with veins of ore, minerals spread across the landscape in abundance.
Though early Teyvat had no concept of "currency," its people understood equivalent exchange—trading goods of equal worth. And these minerals held far greater value than fish from the rivers or vegetables from the fields.
From that day forward, the people of Liyue began a mining tradition that would last for millennia. Merchants traveling the world would pause in Liyue, exchanging great quantities of goods for its precious minerals.
And so, Liyue's growth surged forward like a rocket. More and more houses rose from the earth. Drawn by the land's mineral wealth, merchants arrived in increasing numbers, bringing commerce and prosperity in their wake.
Inns and restaurants appeared one after another.
As he witnessed Liyue's flourishing, Morax felt a deep sense of accomplishment swell within him.
...
Liyue, fifteen years later.
After five more years of growth, Liyue had taken shape into a thriving city.
At the annual Rite of Parting, following Elliot's vision, Morax introduced a currency known as Mora. Issued exclusively from the "Golden House," it followed strict standards for both purchasing power and circulation.
Though presented as a joint decision, the truth was simpler—these ideas came from Elliot. Morax found no flaws in them, and thus he agreed.
Each Mora carried Morax's divine power, which was unique to him as a god.
Though Elliot also wielded Geo, his divine power differed completely. He could forge mora as well, but the moment one held it, the counterfeit nature would be obvious.
In other words, across all of Teyvat, only Morax could create genuine Mora. Any imitations crafted by other Geo Archons were false, easily distinguished.
As for why the currency bore Morax's name—Elliot simply had no interest in governing humanity. To him, inventing new techniques was far more worthwhile than administration.
Thus, since the founding of Liyue, Elliot had spoken with its people only on the very first day. From the second day onward, through all fifteen years that followed, he never appeared before them again. Governance and guidance fell entirely to Morax.
Morax was the light, guiding Liyue forward.
Elliot was the shadow behind that light. More than eighty percent of Liyue's advancements stemmed from his plans and proposals.
...
"Brother, do you dislike humanity?"
Morax asked this question atop the peak of Tianheng Mountain.
Fifteen years had changed the mountain completely. No longer a barren mound of earth, it was now covered in greenery—flowers, trees, and grass in full bloom.
At its summit stood the residence of Elliot and Morax. From here, one could watch both sunrise and sunset, overlooking all of Liyue in a single sweeping view.
"Why ask that all of a sudden?" Elliot replied, sipping his tea.
"You barely pay them any attention. Fifteen years have passed, and every person in Liyue speaks only of the Geo Emperor who dwells here. More and more are forgetting that Liyue also has you—the Dark Night Sovereign."
"Isn't the Dark Night Sovereign meant to remain hidden in the shadows? It's fine. If they forget, let them forget. I don't mind."
"No!" Morax's response was immediate, far more intense than Elliot had expected.
"By rights, you are the god Liyue should remember most. Without you, I would never have become Liyue's god, and Liyue would never have become what it is today.
Every proposal, every plan you gave led Liyue toward a brighter future. Over these fifteen years, your contributions have far outstripped mine. So why should I be honored and revered, while you slowly fade from their memory?"
Hearing these words, Elliot rose slowly to his feet and stepped to Morax's side.