Super-tier magic.
It was the highest grade of magic in the game.
Stronger than super-tier, only world-class items existed.
Of course, for someone like Taro who had already broken past the limits of the game, there might one day be even greater powers. But for now, this was the second-strongest force he could wield.
If even super-tier magic could not revive a god…
Then he would have no choice but to use a world-class item.
Each one was immensely powerful.
And among them, The Twenty were said to easily reshape the world.
"Don't force me to use my trump card."
Holding the Book of the Holy Angel in his hands, Taro silently awaited the outcome.
The three stood in stillness as the chains of order wove themselves into a vast array. A divine radiance fell from above, enveloping the salt blossom at the heart of the hall.
A faint stir.
Within the light where nothing had been, a figure curled upon herself—an elegant woman with flowing white hair, clad in a simple gown of pure white.
A faint, oppressive weight spread outward.
The aura of a god.
"Havria…"
Zhongli's tense hand loosened. His golden eyes fixed firmly on the reborn Archon, gone for over two millennia. That aura could not be mistaken.
"Did it… work?"
Madame Ping trembled with emotion, her heart unable to stay calm.
If another god could be revived by Taro, then… Guizhong's return was no longer a dream.
Snap.
The book closed on its own.
Super-tier magic had taken effect.
Resurrection… success!
Taro smiled faintly and stored the Book of the Holy Angel.
Good. All that effort wasn't wasted. This one had truly struck it rich—snatching a second chance at life from him for free.
"Mmm…"
A faint murmur escaped.
The divine light faded. Havria's godly body unfurled. Slowly, her crimson eyes fluttered open, awareness returning as she scanned the hall with faint confusion.
"I… did not die?"
Her gaze fell on the countless salt statues. Sorrow flashed in her crimson eyes. Then she froze—her aura clashing against another's.
Her gaze locked on Zhongli.
Her entire being tightened, retreating a step, eyes wide with dread.
"Morax… Was this your doing?"
Really, backing away like that? But it was no surprise. In those days, his reputation had struck terror across the central battlefield. For someone of Havria's temperament, fear came naturally.
"There is no need for alarm."
Zhongli's voice carried calm, though tinged with melancholy.
"It has been over 2,500 years since the Archon War. It was not I who brought you back—it was through the hand of my friend, Taro."
"…What?"
Havria blinked in shock.
"The Archon War… is over? This is… 2,500 years later? Then… my people…"
"No worry."
Zhongli's lips curved faintly. "All who came under my protection were treated as my own. Many of your descendants live in Liyue today, and their lives are not poor. Though… some remnants of history have been somewhat misunderstood."
My people… their line continues?
That is enough.
Relief washed through her heart. At last, she turned her gaze to the youth standing at the fore.
So… it was him?
No godly aura emanated from him. Yet to restore a slain god two millennia later—the level of his power could not be low.
An angel? Or a Sovereign?
Lifting her gown, Havria bowed lightly.
"I am Havria, Archon of Salt. I give my thanks. May I know your command?"
She was gentle, but not foolish.
She had never lacked will to fight—only the power to stand her ground.
Now, her only path was to submit to the one who had brought her back.
"I don't have any commands."
Taro shook his head, smiling.
"You were unlucky before, but now you are lucky. Congratulations—you live again."
"…Eh?"
Havria froze.
Unlucky… lucky…
Her mind whirled. Was this fortune—or yet another cruel twist?
Sighing softly, she bowed once more.
"Your grace is beyond repaying…"
"Oh?"
Taro stroked his chin.
"Next line—is it 'I'll offer myself to repay you?'"
After all, in the stories:
If beautiful, it was 'I can only give myself to you.'
If ugly, it was 'I'll be a beast of burden in the next life.'
"???"
Everyone fell silent.
Zhongli and Ping glanced at each other, laughter flickering in their eyes.
Havria stood frozen. To reply, or not to reply?
What answer could she possibly give?
"Ahem."
Zhongli coughed, breaking the silence.
"Havria. Now that you live again… what do you plan to do?"
"…I?"
Her crimson eyes dimmed. She shook her head.
"A remnant of a bygone age. I know not if this world still has a place for me."
Her people long gone. Her lands no longer hers.
No family. No nation.
2,500 years later—where could she go?
Zhongli and Ping turned in unison toward Taro.
"…Hm?"
Taro raised a brow.
"Why are you looking at me? Don't tell me you expect me to arrange her future?"
"Taro brother~"
Ping chuckled softly. "Since you restored her, why not let her stay at your side? Both of you are strangers to the times—having someone to accompany you would be fitting."
At her words, Havria's crimson gaze returned to Taro.
This man decided her fate now. She had only just been restored—she had no wish to vanish again so soon.
"…Well."
Taro thought a moment, then nodded.
"Fine. I was planning to open a shop in Feiyun Slope. If you're willing, you can be my shopkeeper. Help me run it."
Having a god run a storefront for him… now that would save effort.
And a beauty was certainly easier on the eyes than some gruff old man.
The only question was—would she humble herself so far?
"…I will do as you command."
Havria lowered her head without hesitation.
No trace of divine pride remained.
So obedient?
(End of Chapter)
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