"Since you've accepted my proposal, there's something else I'd like to ask of you. I trust you won't refuse?" Elliot said with an easy smile.
"..."
Hearing this, the Lord of the Netherworld—who had been quite pleased just moments ago—instantly froze, his expression stiffening.
"Normally, that line's reserved for Morax."
"This time, I can't ask him for help." Elliot spread his hands helplessly.
"Sigh… fine, out with it. I knew there's no such thing as a free favor."
The next moment, a third "Elliot" separated from his body.
"I've imbued this shadow with all my powers—life, death, time, space, and more."
"The only thing I can't give it is the power of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles."
"After I announce the Seven Archons tomorrow, my task will be complete. I want this shadow to remain in this world and continue protecting it. As for me, my ninth reincarnation will have reached its end."
"But I don't know whether the system will reclaim this shadow along with me."
"If it doesn't, this shadow can not only safeguard the peace of this world, but also serve as an anchor point—allowing me to return to this Ninth World from anywhere."
"But if it's taken away, then this world's Sustainer of Heavenly Principles will cease to exist. When that happens, I want you to inherit this power and become the new Sustainer of Heavenly Principles."
Upon hearing this, the Lord of the Netherworld shook his head so hard it looked like a rattle, clearly rejecting the idea.
"Don't mess with me. I've no desire to become some useless Sustainer of Heavenly Principles. I'm fine being the God of the Underworld—why would I want to be that?" he said flatly.
"These two roles aren't mutually exclusive. You can be both—the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles and the Lord of the Netherworld," Elliot tried to persuade him.
"No way. I don't want to deal with all that trouble. I couldn't care less about that power. I just want to live my quiet life. If you need me to lend a hand occasionally, fine—but don't ask me to take that position."
Clearly, the Lord of the Netherworld had no interest in getting involved. He wasn't concerned with Teyvat's affairs—more precisely, he had no interest in governing it.
Like Elliot, he was tired.
They had both endured thousands of years, hidden within Elliot, and now that vengeance had been achieved, it was time to rest—to wander freely, to live in peace.
Who would still have the heart to serve as some so-called Sustainer of Heavenly Principles?
Elliot understood him perfectly. He had no intention—nor the right—to force the Lord of the Netherworld into anything.
So, he continued gently, "Being the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles doesn't mean you'll have to do much. Tomorrow, I'll tell the Seven Archons about certain taboos."
"All I need from you is this—stand as a visible guardian of this world, so no one believes it's an abandoned land. That alone will suffice."
"Your presence alone is a deterrent to invaders. That's all I'm asking. You won't have to handle anything troublesome."
The Lord of the Netherworld raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Just so you know—if any real trouble comes up, I'm not dealing with it."
"Deal. You just hold the title. Nothing else." Elliot nodded firmly.
"Then fine, I'll agree to it." The Lord of the Netherworld crossed his arms, pretending to sound noble.
Elliot chuckled softly.
There were only a few circumstances that required the intervention of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles:
When technological advancement reached a level that attracted forces from beyond this world.
When mortals actively sought powers foreign to Teyvat—like Khaenri'ah's pursuit of Abyss knowledge.
When something emerged that posed a direct threat to the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.
Of these, the first two were the most likely to occur among mortals. The third was exceedingly rare—nearly negligible.
As long as the first two were strictly contained, Teyvat would remain safe and stable.
At present, the only great calamity Elliot knew of—Khaenri'ah—had already been destroyed by his own hand.
Tomorrow, he would issue a decree forbidding the development of advanced technology. And to make the warning absolute, he would ensure that all of Teyvat saw and understood the terror of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles—the catastrophe that awaited should they defy that order.
Only through fear could they discipline themselves, keeping their nations' technological growth in check.
The previous Sustainer hadn't done this. Instead, they had acted directly—by involving the Seven Archons in the Khaenri'ah War and forcing them to witness the fall of a prosperous civilization.
Elliot, however, intended to use a subtler, more effective method—one that would make them abandon the path of technology altogether.
Without technological advancement, they would have no means to delve into the Abyss, nor would they summon external calamities upon the world.
Of course, that was only the worst-case scenario.
If all went well, perhaps the shadow he created wouldn't be reclaimed by the system, but remain within this Ninth World of Teyvat.
In that case, he could entrust the task of surveillance to the shadow—his guardian and his anchor, a link that would always allow him to return.