Lucian had been staying at the Kamisato Estate in Inazuma for a few days without doing anything particularly productive. His days were mostly spent chatting with the Kamisato siblings. Occasionally, he would go up the mountain to talk with that sly fox, but it was all just casual conversation.
Originally, before coming to Inazuma, Lucian had wanted to visit Tenshukaku and the Statue of the Omnipresent God. But now that he was actually here, he found himself feeling somewhat lazy.
In contrast, Lumine was the one who loved going out. Ever since arriving in Inazuma, she hadn't stopped adventuring outside every single day.
There was another reason Lumine was always out and about instead of returning home—she had read Ayaka's story. If these events had happened in reality, it might not have been a big deal. But reading about them in a book before even getting to know Ayaka properly created an indescribable feeling.
Fortunately, thanks to Lucian's chatterbox tendencies facilitating their interactions, Lumine and Ayaka had already moved past the awkward phase during this time.
Today, Yae Miko arrived at the Kamisato Estate to deliver books. The copies of Lucian's books had been finished printing these past few days, and today was the official release date.
Actually, when Yae Miko had visited the Kamisato Estate a few days prior, Ayaka and the others had been rather puzzled. The Yashiro Commission's stance on "opposing the Raiden Shogun" had already been quite evident. So why was the Grand Narukami Shrine's Guuji, who was the Raiden Shogun's close friend, not only refraining from reprimanding them but even joining their side?
Lucian hadn't revealed the later parts of the story yet, so they didn't know—Yae Miko was actually the vanguard of the "anti-Raiden Shogun" movement.
To that end, she had even specially crafted an "Anti-Raiden Shogun Training Device," which showed just how dedicated she was.
Meanwhile, Lumine, who was still in Inazuma City enjoying food with Paimon, had no idea that the version of her in the book was about to be wanted by the authorities again. Thoma, who was temporarily acting as their tour guide, was equally unaware that he was about to be arrested.
"Act II: Omnipresence Over Mortals"
This part of the story tells of how, after adventuring in Inazuma for some time, the Traveler finally reached the time for the "next phase of the plan."
On this day, the Traveler arrived at Komore Teahouse as agreed, only to find it completely empty—save for Taroumaru barking furiously.
This was highly unusual. Even if others weren't present, at least Thoma should have been there to meet them. For there to be no one at all… could something have happened?
Sure enough, Kamisato Ayaka rushed into Komore Teahouse in a fluster, her first words filled with worry.
"Have either of you seen Thoma?"
"On my way here, I heard that Thoma was arrested by the Tenryou Commission."
"The Raiden Shogun will hold the 'Vision Hunt Decree Ceremony' for the 100th Vision in front of the Statue of the Omnipresent God."
It was clear that the 100th Vision belonged to Thoma.
"This is bad—I have to warn Thoma!" Ayaka was deeply concerned, even considering going to find Thoma herself. She genuinely regarded Thoma as a friend.
"No need to rush~ I've already read the story. Thoma will be fine." Yae Miko placed a hand on Ayaka's shoulder, smiling reassuringly.
However, there was one thing Yae Miko didn't mention—fate had a way of converging. Thoma would most likely still be captured.
"Is that so?" Ayaka relaxed slightly, then remembered that Lumine was currently with Thoma. Logically, nothing should happen.
The Tenryou Commission was responsible for this "Vision Hunt Ceremony," but due to Kujou Sara's sudden "defection," their operations were significantly slower.
Before the Tenryou Commission could finish their preparations and inform the Shogun, Thoma would remain unharmed.
More importantly, Lumine was carrying one of Lucian's Portable Waypoints. If anything happened, she could immediately call for backup.
At that point, Lucian could just bring a whole squad to help, ensuring Thoma's safety.
After Lucian explained the situation to Ayaka, she finally set her mind at ease, and everyone continued reading.
In the story, just like in reality, Ayaka was extremely worried about Thoma and wanted to personally rescue him.
But in the story, it was the Traveler who stopped her. If Thoma's capture was fate, then Ayaka being stopped must also be part of that fate.
The reason for stopping Ayaka was her status—the Yashiro Commission's "Shirasagi Himegimi." Openly defying the Raiden Shogun would bring endless trouble.
And that was exactly the kind of trouble the Tenryou Commission would love to see.
However, in reality, thanks to the prophecy books, many Inazumans already understood what the Yashiro Commission was truly "opposing," and they silently supported them.
Even if trouble arose, there would still be people standing by their side.
But in the story, without the prophecy books, the people of Inazuma had no way of knowing whether the Yashiro Commission opposed the Vision Hunt Decree or the Raiden Shogun herself. If they mistakenly believed it was the latter, things would take a turn for the worse.
The Ayaka in the story also realized this and was persuaded by the Traveler.
Once Ayaka was convinced, the Traveler set off to rescue Thoma. By the time they arrived, Thoma was already bound in front of the execution platform.
An illustration showed Thoma on the left, kneeling and looking up at the "god," while the Raiden Shogun stood on the right, high upon the platform of the Statue of the Omnipresent God, looking down with an indifferent expression—not even glancing at this mortal.
A Vision hovered between them. Thoma's gaze was fixed on the Raiden Shogun, while the Shogun's eyes were only on the Vision.
The puppet Shogun's focus was solely on the tasks Ei had assigned her. She cared nothing for this mortal.
Seeing this illustration, the people of Inazuma felt a pang of sorrow. In the eyes of their god, it seemed "they" did not exist.
Just as the Vision was halfway through the air, the Traveler suddenly struck, snatching it away and forcing the Shogun's gaze to shift from the Vision to the "person."
The guards on-site tried to stop the Traveler, but they were no match. With a mere flick of lightning, the Traveler knocked them all to the ground.
But when the Traveler tried to free Thoma, the Raiden Shogun intervened.
Interestingly, the Shogun did not attack Thoma or the Traveler—instead, she struck the ropes binding Thoma, preventing the Traveler from untying him.
Two more illustrations depicted the Raiden Shogun descending gracefully through the air, her steps slow and deliberate, exuding the overwhelming pressure of a god.
The first illustration focused on the Shogun's legs, emphasizing her elegant, mid-air stride.
The second zoomed in on her face, her expression calm as she spoke:
"To wield elemental power without a Vision..."
"You are an exception. Exceptions... are the enemy of eternity."
The Shogun's presence was so overwhelming that even readers who saw her as the enemy from the Traveler's perspective couldn't help but marvel at her might.
"Walking down from the sky like that… so cool!"
"That aloof, dismissive gaze… so beautiful!"
"And those legs… so pretty! Are eggplants really that white inside?"
"Wait, why does Shikikan have so many illustrations that start with legs?"
Lucian could only sigh at this question. It wasn't his fault—the scenes in his memories just happened to frame things that way.
"I don't create fan service. I'm just a messenger of the camera angles."
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Lucian: About Yae Miko
"She said she'd give me a reward next time we met, but it was all a lie. I went up the mountain to find her, and she didn't give me anything."