Chapter 164. Kujou Takayuki Angered
Terrifying—this attack could only be described as utterly terrifying.
In this state, Scaramouche's power had already reached the level of a top-tier adeptus, perhaps even comparable to a weaker Archon.
Indeed, with the authority of the Cryo Archon and the body and power bestowed by the Electro Archon, anyone wielding both could unleash such dreadful strength.
When the violent energy finally dissipated, a massive crater remained where the attack had landed.
And that had only been a casual strike.
"…"
Futsu Mitama's expression turned slightly solemn.
He had always known Scaramouche was strong, but now that the opponent had entered his second phase and displayed such combat power—The difference was unmistakable.
At this moment, Futsu Mitama was certain of one thing: if Shenhe were not standing beside him, this battle would become difficult.
"Be careful."
Shenhe's expression had also grown serious. She could clearly feel the terrifying aura radiating from Scaramouche. Even with their unusual physiques, if they took such an attack head-on, their lives would likely be in danger.
Shenhe believed they could defeat Scaramouche.
But confidence in victory did not mean recklessness. No matter how strong her body was, she was not arrogant enough to withstand such a strike directly.
After all, they were still mortals.
And mortals must remain cautious.
"Impregnable."
Futsu Mitama did not respond to Scaramouche's provocation. Instead, he calmly invoked the Geo element.
Golden light condensed instantly, forming a Jade Shield that enveloped both him and Shenhe.
At the same moment, Aila—who had already realized how terrifying Scaramouche had become—quietly withdrew from the battlefield.
If she stayed any longer, she would only become a burden to her Young Master and Senior Sister.
Though unwilling, Aila understood one thing clearly.
When you lack strength, the correct choice is to retreat immediately—not remain stubbornly in place and hand the enemy an opportunity.
Above them in the sky, Scaramouche narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Methods of the Geo Archon."
A trace of jealousy flickered in his voice.
"You, who have gained the favor of two gods—let me see just how strong you truly are."
The moment his words fell, the luminous ring behind him—resembling the Chakra Desiderata—began to glow.
Electro elemental energy gathered rapidly into the ring.
"Buzz—!"
In an instant, countless purple energy bullets burst forth from the ring, raining down toward Futsu Mitama and Shenhe below.
"No, no, no—it's three gods."
Futsu Mitama corrected him calmly.
At the same time, a gentle breeze began to stir around him. Futsu Mitama knew very well that against Phase Two Scaramouche, he could no longer hold anything back.
Except for the Gnosis, he would have to use every trump card he possessed.
"Whoosh—"
The breeze grew stronger.
Futsu Mitama invoked the authority of the Anemo Archon.
The soft wind quickly transformed into a raging gale, spiraling into a tornado that rose from the ground. Although its scale was smaller than the tornadoes summoned by Dvalin, it was more than enough to intercept Scaramouche's barrage.
The countless purple energy bullets slammed into the swirling wind—but none could break through the tornado's defense to reach Futsu Mitama and Shenhe.
"Damn it! This isn't what the intel said!"
Scaramouche's expression immediately darkened.
Since when had Futsu Mitama obtained the authority of the Anemo Archon?
Why had he never heard of this?!
The realization twisted his emotions even further.
Futsu Mitama had already inherited Raiden Ei's power.
Even after nearly five hundred years, Scaramouche's feelings toward Raiden Ei remained complicated—she had created him, yet she had also abandoned him.
He had always wanted to prove himself. To prove he was not inferior to that puppet.
Yet now—Not only could he not surpass the puppet—
The one acknowledged by Raiden Ei had also gained the recognition of the Geo Archon and the Anemo Archon.
And that person had accepted both of their gifts without hesitation.
What kind of charm did this man possess to earn the favor of three gods?!
The more Scaramouche thought about it, the more twisted the jealousy in his heart became.
His elemental power surged violently. If the tornado stood in his way, then he would simply destroy it.
"Boom—!"
Thunder roared. Under the violent surge of power, the tornado conjured by Futsu Mitama shattered.
"Swish—!"
The moment the wind barrier collapsed, Shenhe—who had been hidden behind it—struck.
Calamity Queller flashed coldly in her hand. Eighteen talismans circled around her as she thrust her spear directly toward Scaramouche.
Illusory wind swirled beneath her feet, allowing her to hover in the air.
"An ant."
A chilling light flashed in Scaramouche's eyes. An icy aura erupted from his body.
"Creak… creak… creak…"
The freezing wind surged toward Shenhe, attempting to lock her in place.
Shenhe did not retreat. One of the talismans beside her suddenly ignited, transforming into blazing flames that collided directly with the incoming frost.
"Clang—!"
A sharp metallic sound rang out.
Scaramouche's hand, wrapped in both Electro and Cryo power, had seized Futsu Mitama's blade—Seven Thunder of Retribution: Narukami.
His voice was cold.
"Do you think I can't sense spatial fluctuations?"
"How ridiculous. I told you already. The current me—is the most noble existence."
"What if you have the favor of three gods? I wield the power granted by two gods. And even the gods themselves dare not interfere with my destiny!"
As he spoke, Scaramouche tightened his grip, attempting to crush the Seven Thunder of Retribution: Narukami. Unfortunately, the only result was a sharper pain spreading through his palm.
"Gods dare not interfere with your destiny?"
Futsu Mitama laughed softly. His gaze toward Scaramouche turned cold.
"The Cryo Archon used you."
"The Electro Archon spared you out of mercy."
"And you still believe yourself to be some important existence?"
"You were nothing more than Dottore's experimental subject—and you still call yourself noble?"
Those words struck directly at Scaramouche's deepest wound. Fury exploded in his chest.
"Rumble—!"
Lightning erupted wildly around Futsu Mitama, striking down toward him. But Futsu Mitama had already activated the Chakra Desiderata, vanishing from his position in an instant.
Scaramouche's attack struck only empty air.
At that same moment—
Shenhe broke through the freezing wind. Her expression was cold as ice. Calamity Queller pierced forward without hesitation, aimed directly at Scaramouche's head.
"Get lost—!"
Scaramouche glared at her and condensed another Electro spear in his hand before hurling it forward.
This time, Shenhe did not evade. She chose to face the attack head-on. The spear in her hand glowed faint blue, while the Cryo Vision at her waist shone brilliantly.
"Boom!"
A violent explosion erupted in the sky.
Smoke instantly engulfed Shenhe's figure. But a moment later, she emerged from the smoke completely unharmed.
The Jade Shield surrounding her had dimmed considerably, but she herself remained untouched.
"Heh."
Scaramouche sneered coldly and waved his hand. Several circular spatial portals opened around Shenhe.
Dazzling Electro beams shot out from them simultaneously, striking her squarely.
"Now let's see if that turtle shell finally breaks!"
Scaramouche's sneer widened.
He refused to believe that someone who had only recently inherited the Geo Archon's power could possess such mastery over defensive techniques.
After all, a person's energy was limited.
Futsu Mitama had already cultivated the Electro Archon's inheritance to such a terrifying degree—there was no way he could have done the same with the Geo Archon's techniques in such a short time.
And yet—
Shenhe still stood there, completely unharmed. The Jade Shield around her was now riddled with cracks, as though it might shatter at any moment.
"Damn inheritance of the Geo Archon—"
Scaramouche cursed under his breath, preparing to continue the assault.
But suddenly—
A sharp sizzling sound came from behind him. And in that instant, Scaramouche was forced to abandon his position.
"Whoosh—!"
With the aid of the power beneath his feet—the glowing Hand-Eye—Scaramouche vanished from his original position in an instant, leaving only a flicker of lightning behind.
The sudden movement neatly avoided the pincer advance of Futsu Mitama and Shenhe. Though he possessed overwhelming power, Scaramouche was not foolish enough to allow the two of them to close in and surround him. Against opponents of their caliber, once they seized the initiative at close range, even he would find the situation troublesome.
And Scaramouche hated troublesome things.
Therefore, he would never allow them to approach so easily. After teleporting away, his gaze briefly shifted toward the ruined factory below—the one that had been crushed earlier by the descending meteorite.
A faint hesitation flashed across his eyes. For a brief moment, it seemed as if he were considering whether to retreat into the factory ruins.
But that hesitation vanished just as quickly.
Arrogance resurfaced in his gaze.
Scaramouche looked down again at Futsu Mitama and Shenhe, his voice cold and filled with disdain.
"Come."
"If your strength amounts to only this much—"
"Then today, neither of you will leave this place alive."
He stared down at them indifferently, like a god observing mortals struggling beneath his feet.
"Heh."
Futsu Mitama only responded with a faint sneer.
Shenhe remained expressionless, completely unmoved by Scaramouche's provocation.
—
Meanwhile, inside the Chat Group livestream:
[Azhdaha: "What an arrogant brat. He dares to look down on the Adeptus?!"]
[Guizhong: "Hmph. The child does have some skill, but he isn't qualified to disregard the Adeptus entirely. In a one-on-one fight it might be uncertain, but if Cloud Retainer and I joined forces, suppressing him wouldn't be difficult."]
[Guizhong: "And even without Cloud Retainer—Ping and I together could suppress him. If that still wasn't enough, we could call the Conqueror of Demons."]
[Zhongli: "It is not quite so exaggerated."]
[Keqing: "No, it is necessary."]
[Keqing: "How much have the Adeptus sacrificed to protect Liyue? The Fatui truly are detestable!! No. I need to inspect the Northland Bank today. Tartaglia has also been acting strangely lately—sneaking out of Liyue Harbor every few days. I don't know where he's going."]
[Keqing: "If he's doing anything harmful to Liyue, I will bring him to justice. Are all Fatui Harbingers this strong? If they're all like this… I may need to call for reinforcements."]
[Aila: "Young Master said Tartaglia has two trump cards. His overall strength is similar to the Lady's. But he's very young. In the future, he will likely become extremely powerful."]
[Aila: "@Yae Miko, @Kuki Shinobu, should I head to your side now? I can't help Young Master here. With a battle at their level, I probably cannot intervene."]
[Aila: "Sigh… after training for so long, I still couldn't help Young Master."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Aila, don't feel discouraged. Futsu Mitama's talent is simply too extraordinary. You will catch up eventually."]
[Raiden Makoto: "He is an Archon-level genius who appears perhaps once in ten thousand years. Previously evaluating him by the standards of an Adeptus was still an underestimation."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Now… there are probably some Demon Gods who are not as strong as he is."]
[Guizhong: "Like me~ I'm still recovering my strength. Those old friends are worried I might perish again, so they've begun crafting defensive artifacts for me."]
[Guizhong: "Sigh~ Am I really that fragile?"]
[Azhdaha: "Better safe than sorry. If necessary, once your soul stabilizes further, you could split a portion of it and place it within the Memory of Dust."]
[Guizhong: "Mm, I plan to do that too~"]
[Yae Miko: "Nothing unusual on my side for now. I haven't detected any Fatui movement. Perhaps our earlier guess was wrong. How is the frontline situation?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Still negotiating. Kujou Takayuki doesn't seem eager to start the battle. He appears to be waiting for something."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Gorou is also patiently talking with him. Kazuha and I have already led elite squads to flank their formation."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "The Shogunate Army seems to have noticed, but they didn't stop us. They simply let us act."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "It's strange. Very strange."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Since I'm not present, I cannot judge the situation clearly. But if the Shogunate Army is behaving like this…perhaps everything is still within their plan?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Perhaps we are overthinking the matter?"]
[Yae Miko: "That possibility exists. But another possibility is that the Fatui intend to counter-encircle the Resistance If they launch an attack from both inside and outside, the Resistance could suffer severe losses."]
[Yae Miko: "Fortunately, you have the portable capture mechanisms and Jumpy Dumpties. If things go wrong, just throw those out."]
[Guizhong: "I can craft several high-quality capture devices right now. How about I make a few first? Once someone arrives on your side, see if you can capture Kujou Takayuki."]
[Guizhong: "If he's captured, the Shogunate Army would lose its leader, wouldn't it?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "That is indeed feasible… but only Kuki Shinobu is there."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "With Talisman Arts, I can reach Kujou Takayuki quickly. However, too many loyalists and masters surround him. I'm not certain I could capture him."]
[Klee: "Klee is still making Jumpy Dumpties! But Klee is almost out of materials!!!"]
[Yae Miko: "Hmm… employing child labor is illegal. Originally Kokomi should have been the one playing the villain here, but she disappeared somewhere."]
[Yae Miko: "Sigh~ I suppose I must take the role."]
[Yae Miko: "Little Klee, what materials do you need? I'll send supplies from Watatsumi Island later."]
[Klee: "Um… wait a moment! Klee needs to check the bomb materials list!"]
[Albedo: "Sigh… what else can I say. Guuji Yae, you are breaking the law."]
[Yae Miko: "It's fine. Inazuma's laws do not apply to me."]
[Venti: "Then you'd better watch out for Alice~ She might come after you for letting Klee do things like that."]
[Zhongli: "From a universally rational standpoint, that would indeed be likely."]
[Yae Miko: "…This… hmm…"]
[Yae Miko: "Klee, are you doing this voluntarily?"]
[Klee: "Yes! Klee is very happy as long as she can help everyone!"]
[Yae Miko: "Good girl~ After the operation ends, big sister will give you the trendiest novels to read. And they'll include Albedo's personal illustrations."]
[Albedo: "Didn't you say you would withhold my illustrations next time? Why the sudden change?"]
[Yae Miko: "Heh heh heh."]
[Aila: "So… where should I go?"]
[Yae Miko: "Head to Kuki Shinobu's side. The main battlefield needs you more. Nothing has happened here yet."]
[Yae Miko: "If something does happen, I will—"]
[Yae Miko: "Heh. So it's here."]
[Raiden Makoto: "?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "It seems the Fatui have chosen to attack that side."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Things are getting complicated."]
[Aila: "Do you want me to come immediately?"]
[Yae Miko: "Yes, little one. Come over. I can probably hold out for four or five hours. That should be enough time for you to arrive."]
[Aila: "Understood."]
[Yae Miko: "@Kuki Shinobu Stop wasting time negotiating with the Shogunate Army."]
[Yae Miko: "End the battle quickly."]
[Yae Miko: "These people have already sold out the Shogunate Army."]
[Guizhong: "Can you stall just a little longer? I'm rushing to finish the capture device!"]
—
Outside the Chat Group, at Tatarasuna.
The commanders of the Resistance and the Shogunate Army were still locked in negotiations.
At this moment, Gorou showed remarkable patience.
He stared toward Kujou Takayuki in the distance and shouted loudly:
"You refuse to fight, yet you also refuse to retreat! What exactly are you trying to do?!"
"Our request is simple!"
"We only wish to convey our voices to the Raiden Shogun!"
"If you agree to this, the Resistance will disband immediately!"
"Why are you stalling like this?!"
"Are the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree truly that important?!"
For the Resistance, these demands represented their core belief.
In truth, aside from Vision bearers, most of those who joined the Resistance fought primarily to abolish the Sakoku Decree.
That decree had driven society to extremes.
The wealthy grew obscenely rich, while the poor sank deeper into poverty.
Meanwhile, the Kanjou Commission amassed wealth without restraint, enforcing the cruel saying:
"Those who follow the US prosper. Those who oppose it perish."
Anyone with clear eyes could see how harmful the Sakoku Decree had become. Yet no one dared to speak out—because there had been no leader.
Now the Resistance had appeared. And countless people finally had an organization they could rally behind.
On the battlefield, Gorou spoke these truths not only to shake the morale of the Shogunate Army—but also to strengthen the resolve of his own soldiers.
"These are laws enacted by the Raiden Shogun."
Kujou Takayuki replied calmly, deliberately stalling.
"This old man has no authority to grant your request. Furthermore, you Resistance members are all rebels. What right do rebels have to request an audience with the Raiden Shogun?"
"If you truly wish to see Her Excellency, surrender now and return to Inazuma City with me. I will report your request to the Raiden Shogun."
"Whether she chooses to see you… will depend on your fate."
Hearing this, Gorou shook his head repeatedly.
The old man must have lost his mind.
If they truly surrendered and returned to the capital, the only outcome would be imprisonment until death. They would never meet the Raiden Shogun.
Nor would the will of the Resistance ever reach her.
But the more futile the conversation seemed, the more Gorou needed to continue speaking. Every moment he delayed allowed the Resistance forces more time to complete their encirclement.
While Gorou continued negotiating—
Kujou Takayuki frowned slightly.
"Still nothing?"
He asked quietly to a loyalist standing beside him.
"No signal from the Fatui yet?"
"They said they would eliminate the Resistance together. Why haven't they given the signal? It should be about time."
The ninja-clad loyalist shook his head.
He did not know either. According to the original plan, the Fatui should have sent the signal by now. Once that happened, both sides would attack simultaneously and catch the Resistance completely off guard.
No matter how elite an army was, once surrounded and deprived of battlefield control, defeat was inevitable.
Unless their commander possessed the ability to reverse a hopeless situation.
"Never mind. We'll wait a little longer."
Kujou Takayuki decided to continue waiting.
But then—His gaze shifted toward the sky.
"Bang—!!!"
A brilliant firework suddenly exploded above the battlefield.
Both armies at Tatarasuna saw it clearly.
Gorou, who had been about to continue speaking, immediately stopped.
That was not a signal from his side.
Realization flashed across his face.
"Prepare for battle!!!"
"Prepare for battle!!!"
"Stay alert on all sides! The enemy may already be close!!!"
Gorou's battlefield instincts were exceptionally sharp.
He instantly drew his bow.
But instead of aiming at Kujou Takayuki, he scanned the surroundings.
If any enemy appeared—his arrow would be released immediately.
"Damn it!"
Kujou Takayuki cursed angrily under his breath.
"Are the Fatui idiots?! Couldn't they use a more discreet signal?!"
"I should have made it clearer to that fool last night. He's ruining my entire plan!"
Then he clenched his teeth.
"But no matter. The signal has been fired."
"Kill!"
Kujou Takayuki abandoned hesitation.
If the signal had been released, it meant the Fatui had arrived.
Now was the time to strike first.
"Charge!!! For the Raiden Shogun!!"
A Kujou clan general immediately drew his tachi and shouted loudly:
"Exterminate these Resistance rebels!!!"
Seeing their commanders move, the Shogunate soldiers raised their voices in unison:
"The Shogun's path is grand—Narukami is eternity!!!"
"The Shogun's path is grand—Narukami is eternity!!!"
"The Shogun's path is grand—Narukami is eternity!!!"
The battle cries echoed across the battlefield.
Most of the soldiers understood the complicated truth behind this war.
But they still held their own faith.
As long as the Raiden Shogun stood behind them—
No matter who stood before them—
They would draw their swords without hesitation.
"To lift the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree!"
Gorou raised his voice, his tail bristling as he surveyed the battlefield. Seeing no sign of the Fatui forces that should have appeared, his gaze hardened when the Shogunate Army began charging toward them.
"Everyone! Form up! Charge with me!"
"Our ideals lie ahead! Defeat the Shogunate Army! Overthrow the Tenryou Commission—that parasite!"
"Only then will we have the right to speak with the Raiden Shogun!"
"Oh—!!!!"
"Kill!!!!"
"The Shogun's path is grand, Narukami is eternity!!!"
The Resistance's morale surged just as fiercely. Even while opposing the Shogunate Army, some soldiers shouted the same slogan as they rushed forward.
For a moment, the battlefield descended into chaos as the two armies clashed.
Meanwhile, on the mountain peaks flanking the Shogunate Army, two squads quietly appeared.
They were the teams led by Kuki Shinobu and Kaedehara Kazuha.
Their units had sailed around earlier, taking a long detour before silently reaching the surrounding high ground. Strangely enough, there had been no patrols nearby.
Whatever the Shogunate Army had been planning, the lack of guards made things far easier for the Resistance squads.
Both teams carried mechanical devices…along with a number of Klee's Jumpy Dumpties.
"Throw them all at once," Kazuha instructed calmly. "Aim for the densest clusters."
He knew the devices would not kill—only knock enemies unconscious.
But if they were thrown directly into packed formations, they could blast open gaps large enough for the main force to charge through. Once that happened, the battle would already be half decided.
Still, a trace of doubt flickered in Kazuha's eyes.
Where were the Fatui mentioned in the intelligence reports?
Had Futsu Mitama and Shenhe truly intercepted them?
Earlier that morning, Futsu Mitama had admitted he wasn't confident he could completely stop the Fatui.
If the enemy chose to retreat rather than fight—and if they were led by someone troublesome like Scaramouche—
Even with Shenhe's help, they might only be able to stall Scaramouche himself.
Intercepting the elite Fatui troops afterward would likely fall to Aila.
But Aila had also warned them.
If a small Fatui team desperately tried to delay her, they might actually succeed.
Unless she unleashed her full power. But if she did that, she would only be able to cut down large numbers of enemies in a short burst before exhausting herself… leaving her vulnerable to being surrounded.
Despite these concerns, Kazuha did not hesitate. He ordered his subordinates to throw the Jumpy Dumpties.
As for himself, he focused his attention on several Shogunate generals below. His plan was simple—wait for the right moment, then drop Jumpy Dumpties directly onto them.
The Resistance's intelligence network had done its work thoroughly.
Kazuha knew the structure of the Shogunate Army well.
Aside from Kujou Sara, several other generals were extremely capable commanders. If those individuals were neutralized, the Shogunate Army would quickly collapse into disorganized chaos.
If this entire force could be defeated—Then the decisive battle that had been brewing for more than half a month might end far sooner than expected.
But was victory really going to come so easily?
Unless Lord Takayuki was truly incompetent, the Resistance should not be winning this smoothly. Just as that thought crossed Kazuha's mind—
A streak of Electro light suddenly shot toward Kujou Takayuki.
"Hmm?"
Kazuha's eyes widened slightly.
That flash of lightning belonged to Kuki Shinobu.
What was she planning?
Capture Kujou Takayuki alive?
But the capture devices they carried could only restrain ordinary soldiers temporarily.
Against Vision holders—or Delusion users—they would not hold for long.
Assassination? Impossible. There had never been such a plan.
To assassinate Kujou Takayuki within an army of thousands, someone like Futsu Mitama, Shenhe, or perhaps even the Guuji herself would be required.
Even Kazuha knew that attempting such a feat himself would be suicide.
Yet Kuki Shinobu continued forward. A small spherical object appeared in her hand as she fixed her gaze on Kujou Takayuki.
"Go!"
She hurled the sphere forward. At the same time, she tossed a talisman beneath her feet, stabilizing herself mid-air so she could observe the outcome.
The sphere descended rapidly. The powerful guards around Kujou Takayuki immediately reacted.
"Careful!!!"
"Protect Lord Takayuki!!"
"A bomb? Interesting! Let me test my tachi on it!"
Several samurai shouted and drew their blades.
But none of them actually stepped forward.
The explosions already happening across the battlefield—and the soldiers collapsing unconscious—were enough proof that the Resistance had created terrifying "bombs."
Though those who fell seemed unharmed, on a battlefield unconsciousness was equivalent to death.
So the samurai only shouted warnings while remaining where they stood.
After all—why risk their lives for the Kujou Clan?
The clan had given them little more than empty promises. Only by surviving could they hope to gain anything.
Watching this, Kujou Takayuki's face turned red with anger.
These men who usually bragged about their bravery were suddenly shrinking back now?
"Swish—!"
An arrow shot through the air.
A ninja-clad retainer had fired it with perfect precision, striking the sphere mid-flight.
Two other masked retainers grabbed Kujou Takayuki and immediately dragged him away, fearing he might be caught in the blast.
Several alert samurai also rushed after them, shouting about protecting their lord.
"Bang!"
The arrow struck the sphere—
But there was no explosion.
Instead, a massive net suddenly unfolded from the air, dropping down over dozens of soldiers.
"Heh."
A samurai with an Electro Vision sneered.
Drawing his blade, he infused it with Electro and leapt upward, slashing toward the net.
Other samurai brightened when they saw the opportunity.
If they destroyed the net, they could claim credit before Lord Takayuki.
But the first samurai was faster than them all.
Just as his blade came down—
The net tightened instantly.
Dozens of elite samurai were bound together at once. The net contracted rapidly, trapping them completely.
Kujou Takayuki had narrowly escaped thanks to his retainers.
But his expression darkened when he saw the scene.
"Rescue them immediately."
A retainer stepped forward silently and slashed at the net.
"Clang—!"
The blade struck the net—And chipped.
The retainer stared at the damaged tachi in stunned silence.
"This…?"
Nearby samurai were equally shocked.
"Try again," Kujou Takayuki ordered another soldier—this one carrying a Pyro Vision. "Use elemental power."
The samurai nodded solemnly. Flames ignited along his blade as he swung.
"Swish—!"
Another slash landed.
Another chip appeared in the sword.
The samurai stared in disbelief.
"How is this possible…?!"
"This tachi has accompanied me for three years. Even monsters couldn't damage it!"
"Why today—?!"
Kujou Takayuki frowned deeply.
Even elemental attacks couldn't cut the net.
What kind of material was this?
Looking at the trapped soldiers struggling helplessly inside, his expression turned extremely grim.
At that moment—
"Boom boom boom—!!!"
Explosions echoed across the battlefield.
More and more Shogunate soldiers collapsed unconscious.
Several skilled generals were among them.
Behind the lines, more spheres fell from the sky, releasing nets that captured large numbers of troops.
The same chaos unfolded on the front lines.
Bomb blasts.
Soldiers falling.
Others trapped in nets and dragged away by the Resistance amid shocked cries.
The battlefield situation was rapidly deteriorating.
And Kujou Takayuki suddenly realized something.
Where were the Fatui?
Where were the Fatui who were supposed to appear on this battlefield?!
"Where are they?!"
"Where are the Fatui?!"
His eyes turned red with fury.
They had signed a contract.
A contract sworn in the names of Morax, the Geo Archon of Contracts, and the Cryo Archon.
Such a contract could not be broken. No one dared violate an agreement made under Morax's name.
Then—
Only one possibility remained.
Kujou Takayuki's expression turned ashen.
He had been trapped.
The Fatui had honored the contract.
But not here.
They had appeared on another battlefield.
They had fulfilled the agreement—without ever explaining the details.
Without the Fatui's support—and with the battlefield collapsing around him—the outcome was already clear.
Unless the Resistance suddenly retreated, defeat was only a matter of time.
Even if Kujou Sara rushed here from Inazuma City immediately—She might still be unable to reverse such overwhelming momentum.
"DAMN IT… DAMN THE FATUI!!!"
Overwhelmed with rage and despair, Kujou Takayuki spat out a mouthful of blood.
His vision darkened, and he collapsed unconscious.
With that fall, the Kujou Clan's century-long ambitions… and his own reputation… crumbled to dust.
"Lord Takayuki?!"
"What happened?!"
"Where's the medic?!"
"Quickly!"
His collapse shattered what little morale the Shogunate Army had left.
Their commander was down.
Most capable generals were unconscious.
Though their numbers were still large, without leadership they were little more than a disorganized mob.
Some junior officers attempted to restore order, shouting commands desperately.
But it was already too late.
Gorou did not fully understand what had happened. He didn't know where the Fatui had gone. But he knew one thing.
This was the perfect opportunity.
He would break the backbone of the Shogunate Army in a single strike.
Unless the Raiden Shogun herself appeared on the battlefield—Victory would belong to them.
Excitement surged through Gorou as he raised his voice.
"CHARGE WITH ME!!! BROTHERS!!!"
"VICTORY IS WITHIN REACH!!!"
"OH!!!"
The Resistance surged forward like an unstoppable tide. The once-dominant Shogunate Army began retreating step by step.
Meanwhile, Kuki Shinobu returned to her earlier position. She looked toward the distant direction of Watatsumi Island, worry evident in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
Kazuha asked, noticing her expression.
"You seem… uneasy."
After spending time together, Kazuha knew Shinobu was extremely decisive. Now that they held the advantage, she should be pressing the attack.
Instead, she was staring toward Watatsumi.
Something was wrong.
Had something happened there?
Kuki Shinobu finally spoke.
"Something has happened…on Watatsumi Island."
Kazuha's pupils shrank slightly.
He was no fool.
The Fatui missing from this battlefield—
And Shinobu's words.
A troubling possibility immediately formed in his mind.
The Fatui had never intended to appear here. Their real target—Was Watatsumi Island.
If something truly happened on Watatsumi Island, it would deal a severe blow to the Resistance's morale.
More precisely, Gorou would have no choice but to dispatch a large number of elite soldiers back to Watatsumi Island.
Watatsumi Island was the root of the Resistance. If the root were destroyed, what meaning would victory on the battlefield even have?
"It's fine. Lady Guuji and the Divine Priestess are there—they must have already planned for everything."
Kazuha reassured himself. In his mind, with the mysterious Lady Guuji and the ever-composed Divine Priestess present, no matter what happened, preparations would surely be in place. There was no need for him to worry excessively about Watatsumi Island.
"Mm."
Kuki Shinobu gave a small nod, tacitly agreeing with Kazuha. In truth, she didn't know the situation on Watatsumi Island either.
Lady Guuji had stopped speaking in the Chat Group.
And Kokomi had yet to wake up.
However, Aila had already rushed over at full speed. With her strength and speed—she should surely arrive within an hour.
—
Watatsumi Island.
Sangonomiya Kokomi (Yae Miko) narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the three Fatui ships in the distance.
Three ships in total. It was impossible to know how many Fatui elites were aboard them—and more importantly—Would the possibility the little one feared most come true?
There might not be just a single Fatui Harbinger in Inazuma, but two. Or perhaps even three.
If that were the case, the situation would likely become extremely dire.
At present, Watatsumi Island had very few defensive forces remaining. Just moments ago, following Sangonomiya Kokomi's orders, Ruko had already begun evacuating the civilians.
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