"No!"
"No, no, there must be someone. Otherwise, why would I write all this and put it into the Mingxiao Lantern?"
"I can't remember..."
"Who could it be? Someone important enough for me to write into the Mingxiao Lantern."
"He must have been very important to me..."
"Who? Who could it be...?"
Morax clutched his head in pain, his brows furrowed as he paced back and forth, struggling to recall the figure that didn't exist in his memories.
Yet his efforts were doomed to fail. Not only could he recall no features or personality, but not a single trace of memory related to Elliot remained.
"Morax, stop overthinking. Maybe you left that blank on purpose—to place your emotions somewhere, to release them."
"That empty space might represent those former allies turned enemies you met during the Archon War."
"Even if we assume such a person truly existed and was important to you, it's impossible you'd forget every detail—especially someone powerful enough to become one of the Seven Archons."
"Morax, think about it carefully. Doesn't that make sense?"
Guizhong spoke softly beside him, trying to comfort him. She had gone through her own memories but found no trace of any other god—only the companions standing before her now.
"Yes, Lord Morax," one of the Adepti said. "Lady Guizhong is right. If such a person existed, you'd remember something—how tall they were, what they wore, their habits, or even a catchphrase. Surely there'd be something left."
"I agree," another added. "The empty space you left, Your Majesty, is likely meant to honor the friends who perished in the Archon War."
"Yes, Lord Morax, don't trouble yourself too much."
Their words surrounded him, gentle and sincere, but they also sowed seeds of doubt in his heart.
Yes, if such a person truly existed, how could there be not a single trace of them left behind?
Morax looked down at the note in his hand, his gaze fixed on the blank space.
"Perhaps... you're right."
He began to believe it himself—that this empty space was simply meant to commemorate those who had fallen in the Archon War.
"Your Majesty, the Lantern Rite has begun!"
Everyone turned toward Liyue Harbor. The vast sky was filled with drifting lanterns, each carrying countless wishes.
Under the deep night, the glowing lanterns resembled a celestial river, stretching across the stars.
"Let's begin as well," Guizhong said with a gentle smile.
Hearing her voice, Morax looked once more at the words on his note.
"May Liyue forever enjoy peace and prosperity, with its people living in contentment and happiness. May return soon, so we may conquer Mondstadt together and become one of the Seven Archons."
He stared at the blank space in silence for a while before slipping the note into the lantern and releasing it slowly into the night sky.
From Tianheng Mountain, the Adepti and the Yaksha also released their own lanterns.
Everyone watched with serene smiles as the sea of lanterns floated upward. Across Liyue, joy and peace illuminated every face.
...
At that very moment, two identical figures stood at the edge of Celestia. The only difference between them was their hair—one white, one black. In all other respects, their features and attire were identical.
They both stood in silence, gazing at the radiant sea of lanterns below.
"This golden age—was it as you desired?" The white-haired man smiled faintly, his tone light and teasing.
"Yes. As I desired." The black-haired man's voice was gentle, his expression calm.
"How ironic," said the Lord of the Netherworld. "The one who built this golden age for them is forgotten by all."
"It's fine. Perhaps it's better this way—if they don't remember."
"You know what I hate most about you?" the white-haired man said, voice sharp. "You never think about yourself. Can't you care, even a little? You really want to play the nameless hero again?"
"What else could I do? Return to them, only to vanish again before their eyes?"
"You could at least say goodbye, instead of disappearing without a word."
"I could. But what would that change? I'd still have to leave in the end. It would only bring them sorrow—nothing more."
"Their memory of you would be meaning enough!"
"Rather than remembering me, it's better that they live on happily. Besides, my departure would only wear down Morax."
"He's lived for thousands of years! He fought through the Archon War—his heart isn't fragile anymore. You think your absence would break him?"
"But wear is irreversible. Every bit adds up over time. Even dripping water can wear away stone."
"Damn it, I can't argue with you. Fine, do whatever you want."
The Lord of the Netherworld turned away in frustration, muttering as he left.
Elliot remained there, quietly watching the final Lantern Rite of the Ninth Reincarnation.