"My goodness! Ei, who knew you could be this adorable!?"
Raiden Makoto scooped the tiny Raiden Ei into her arms.
Since childhood, the two sisters had relied only on each other— their bond deep, unshakeable.
But seeing Ei in such a small, soft form... Makoto unexpectedly felt a surge of maternal instinct.
Had it been anyone else holding her like this, Ei would never have tolerated it.
But this was Makoto.
So, just like when Su Ran once held her in that small form, Ei allowed herself to be embraced.
"What is this?"
Yae Miko, who had long grown used to tiny-Ei, was instead puzzled by the giant egg occupying the room.
Since when did the Tenshukaku have such a... thing?
Her surprised exclamation drew everyone’s attention— Makoto, Ei, and Kamisato Ayaka all looked toward the enormous egg.
"That’s the replicated shell of a Propagation Aeon ssenger."
"ssenger?"
Most people present had never heard the term.
But Ei had.
She had heard the stories of "ssengers"— existences who served the Aeons.
"I rember you said you were a ssenger too.
So the life-form inside this egg is on the sa level as you?"
Ei’s words shocked everyone present.
Su Ran’s strength was already beyond dispute— they had all seen how he instantly killed the Old General.
If another being existed on his level... just how terrifying would it be?
"That’s right.
Even as a replica, its stats and strength are fully restored.
Among ssengers there are differences in power, but our tier is the sa."
Even if the creature looked horrifying, its rank was undeniable—
a true ssenger of Propagation.
Though among the brood, Su Ran found the Star-Devouring Broodlord Skaracabaz surprisingly aesthetic.
At least better-looking than the other bugs.
"Could I beat it?"
Ei asked quietly.
Compared to Su Ran, she was far weaker.
But if ssengers had power differences, she might at least beat one, right?
"No.
One hit from it is enough to wipe Teyvat from history."
Yae Miko, who had been curious enough to try poking the egg, imdiately snatched her hand back.
This... this thing could erase Teyvat!?
"ssengers must be extrely rare, right?"
Makoto asked, still shocked.
She originally assud soone like Su Ran was one of a kind.
Who would have imagined he’d leave once and return with another ssenger?
"For most Paths, ssengers are few.
Except Propagation.
But fortunately, the Aeon of Propagation is already dead.
Otherwise, we’d have far more to deal with."
The Cosmic Swarm Disaster had engulfed entire galaxies.
If ssengers were scarce, how could it have wiped out so much?
Tayzzyronth, the fallen Propagation Aeon, had sought kin after his species died out—
thus walking the Path of endless breeding.
He would never hesitate to bestow his gaze upon "family."
"Aeon...?
Is that like a god?
Like a demon god?"
The three Inazuman won asked together.
"Very strong.
All you need to know is— an Aeon could crush just like I could crush a demon god."
Su Ran didn’t bother explaining further, but the image was enough.
Soone of Su Ran’s level— a being who erased a resurrected demon god with a snap was to an Aeon what a bug was to him.
Raiden Shogun, the witness to that event, knew better than anyone how terrifying that ant.
Ei, being her essence, understood too.
"I’ll call soone.
We’re all going together."
Liyue. On the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang had been enjoying a late-night bath when a knock sounded at the door.
"My apologies for disturbing your rest.
May I co in?
If not—just cough or sothing."
Hearing the voice, Ningguang reflexively shrank deeper under the water.
"A late-night visit... Is sothing urgent?"
Her reaction felt unnecessary, but propriety was propriety— especially when staying in soone else’s place.
...Though the Jade Chamber technically wasn’t hers anymore.
"There’s been progress on the space station construction.
I’m taking a few people there for a look.
Since you’re the station master I chose, you should see it as well."
Sleep?
Gone.
Instantly.
She rembered that "pie" he drew for her... It really hadn’t been long since he promised it.
And already she could take a bite?
"Give a mont—I’ll change at once."
"Need help?"
Su Ran’s voice outside the door sounded a bit too eager.
Ningguang’s expression darkened.
Had it been anyone else, she might have teased them for fun.
But this man— was her benefactor.
And soon, her boss.
She did not dare tease recklessly.
One wrong move, and she might truly have to offer herself as compensation.
Though...
Once that thought crossed her mind—
Would that... actually be a loss?
If she made him take responsibility, then she wouldn’t need to be so hired manager anymore.
She could be... the boss’s wife.
Now that was a promotion worth taking.
"...Then I’ll trouble you."
Su Ran outside the door froze.
Wait— wasn’t he supposed to be the one teasing her?
Why did it suddenly feel like she was teasing him instead!?
"I imagine the space station must be far more attractive than I am, Lady Yae Miko of Narukami Shrine."
Ningguang’s attention shifted to Yae Miko, who was practically plastered to the doorfra, observing her.
This fox... was soone she had to be careful of.
A woman who’d lived for centuries was not soone to underestimate.
"I’m simply curious.
What kind of woman could earn Su Ran’s approval as the future station master?"
Yae Miko examined Ningguang up and down.
"Now that I’ve seen you...
Aside from so appearance, there’s nothing particularly remarkable.
Don’t tell he chose you for your beauty?"
The yin-yang in her tone was not subtle.
Ningguang heard every layer of it.
"Yae Miko-mam, there’s no need to belittle yourself.
Your looks are... adequate."
Yae Miko’s eye twitched.
Oh?
So this one wasn’t a soft persimmon.
She actually dared to bite back.
—------------------------------
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