Phanes Is Basically a Slave Driver
Across all seven nations of Teyvat, the Statues of the Seven ceased glowing and returned to their original state. The dazzling aurora that had enveloped the skies also gradually faded away.
The once-fractured and deteriorated environment of Teyvat had been restored to a pristine state.
The people of the Seven Nations were still in shock over the monumental changes, especially those who had been granted salvation under the radiant auroras.
"I can feel it. As the Heavenly Principle, my authority has grown stronger. My reach is no longer confined to the boundaries of the Teyvat world."
Seated on the Throne of Heavenly Principles, Noah rested his cheek on one hand while crossing his legs, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. In his other hand, he held a projection of two interconnected worlds, their orbital trajectories clearly displayed.
The Primordial Ring of Law behind him now bore new laws, signifying his enhanced power. The Demon Slayer World and the Teyvat World had formed a self-sustaining, interconnected system.
It was as though Teyvat were the primary planet and the Demon Slayer World its satellite.
The Demon Slayer World continuously supplied World Power to Teyvat, while Teyvat, in turn, fed back its superior energy to promote the growth of the Demon Slayer World.
This arrangement was not one of unilateral exploitation.
For instance, the Ley Lines now forming within the Demon Slayer World were a vital resource capable of nurturing divine beings equivalent to Archons.
In cultivation worlds, these Ley Lines would be considered spiritual veins, while in magic-based worlds, they would resemble a magical weave.
"All the accumulated issues plaguing Teyvat have been cleansed under this baptism of World Power. It's time to reward those who contributed."
Noah rose from the Throne of Heavenly Principles.
Unlike the previous Heavenly Principle, Phanes, he was not a ruthless taskmaster. While the Demon Slayer World task had been no more than a baby-step effort, he couldn't deny the contributions of Raiden Ei, Yae Miko, and the others.
Asmoday, the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, opened her golden eyes, her heart brimming with joy.
As Teyvat's caretaker, her very existence was intertwined with the state of Heavenly Principles. Now that the system had grown stronger, she too benefited.
She could sense the presence of the satellite world orbiting Teyvat.
The once-crumbling Teyvat World had been revitalized by the influx of World Power from the satellite world, regaining its former vitality in an instant.
As Noah stood up from his throne, Asmoday quickly straightened and adopted a respectful demeanor.
"Master, are you preparing to begin the assimilation of the second world?"
The benefits gained from assimilating the first foreign world were enormous.
She could only imagine how much more powerful Teyvat would become after absorbing a second world, especially one far stronger than the first.
If the process succeeded, Teyvat might not only recover to its pre-Cataclysm state but could even surpass it, ushering in a new era.
However, as she gazed into Noah's eyes, her own golden irises brimming with fervent devotion, Noah waved his hand dismissively, a look of resignation crossing his face.
"Asmoday, moderation is key. We've just assimilated a world, and Teyvat has already gained an additional six thousand years of lifespan. On top of that, the satellite world will continue to provide a steady supply of energy to extend its lifespan further."
"Time," he added with a smirk, "is no longer something we lack."
Asmoday tilted her head in confusion. "That may be so, but Teyvat still has many unresolved issues. Shouldn't the Four Archons immediately move to conquer the next world?"
Noah's lips twitched in mild frustration. "Are you saying we shouldn't reward their efforts in stabilizing Teyvat and aiding the assimilation process?"
Her expression turned icy, her tone questioning. "Reward them? Why? It is the duty of the Seven Archons to toil for the prosperity of this world. If they fail to fulfill their roles, then they should be replaced with more capable gods."
Noah stared at her, momentarily speechless. While he had always known that Asmoday had a cold and pragmatic nature, her words left him utterly dumbfounded.
"From the sound of it, my predecessor treated the Seven Archons as nothing more than tools. No wonder they either feared them to death or stabbed them in the back at every opportunity."
Asmoday tilted her head in confusion. "Master?"
Noah waved his hand and pressed his palm against his forehead with an weary sigh.
"You're absolutely not a good leader, Asmoday. Just listen to me from now on, alright? I'm not here to turn the Teyvat pantheon into some cold and soulless system like the Biblical one."
He wanted to create something more akin to the pantheon of Greek mythology—a divine family filled with character and emotion. Of course, he wasn't about to let it devolve into a soap opera of scandals and betrayals. If there were to be such drama, it'd only be his to orchestrate.
Still frowning in thought, Asmoday seemed confused by the reference to a "Biblical pantheon." Before she could inquire, Noah redirected the conversation.
"Alright, I'm giving you a mission, Asmoday."
The mention of a task caused Asmoday's expression to turn serious in an instant. "Please, give your orders."
"Now that the satellite world has been integrated into Teyvat, it'll need a bit of oversight to help with its growth. I'm leaving that task to you. After all, it aligns with your role, doesn't it? Just focus on that and don't worry about the rest."
Noah put on a deliberately serious expression, though his internal thoughts were far less solemn. "If I let you handle Teyvat, you'd probably end up running it like a plantation overseer."
Asmoday nodded solemnly. "Understood. Your will is my will."
"Alright then, off you go," Noah waved dismissively. "Oh, and just to be clear—it's supervision only. Do not interfere with the natural operation of that world."
"Yes," Asmoday replied firmly before disappearing from the throne in an instant.
As the Ruler of Space, her authority extended not only across Teyvat but also to its satellite world as it was now officially a part of the system.
Noah sighed and clicked his tongue while glancing at her empty throne.
"Tsk, tsk. No wonder my predecessor treated Archons like tools, pampered humans to the extreme, and ran the gods like disposable labor. Who wouldn't rebel under such conditions?"
His expression softened into a smug grin. "But I'm different. I'm a leader who knows how to reward as well as punish."
In his vision of the Teyvat pantheon, the gods would be a close-knit, harmonious family. No slave-driving policies here. He wasn't about to replicate his predecessor's mistakes, lest he risk rebellion from the Archons.
Sure, their rebellion might not pose any real threat to him, but it'd be a major headache nonetheless.
Meanwhile, in Inazuma, at the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Yae Miko had just returned from the Demon Slayer World. Stretching her arms dramatically, she rubbed her shoulders with exaggerated motions, as though utterly exhausted.
"Oh my, finally! Such a grueling mission is complete. Ei, your poor, overworked retainer has been tirelessly toiling away. Don't you think I deserve some sort of reward for all my efforts?"
Standing to the side, Kamisato Ayaka and Kamisato Ayato both bowed their heads respectfully toward the figure standing beneath the Sacred Sakura Tree.
"Greetings, General."
The expression of the Raiden Shogun softened slightly. In a moment, her stern gaze transformed into the calm warmth of Raiden Ei as her consciousness took over.
"Miko, I believe you've been far from 'tirelessly toiling.' If anything, you've spent most of these days drinking tea and chatting with others."
Raiden Ei's tone carried a subtle edge of disbelief—she clearly wasn't buying Miko's theatrics. She'd been keeping an eye on her ever since the mission began.
Yae Miko immediately put on a wounded expression. "What? I wasn't just drinking tea and chatting! I was spreading influence, thank you very much. Besides, I had to hastily set up that massive barrier at the end. Doesn't that count for anything?"
Raiden Ei raised an eyebrow. "You mean the barrier you powered with my divine energy?"
Pouting, Yae Miko huffed dramatically. "Hmph. Seems like this retainer is fated to work without thanks."
Just then, a teasing, melodic voice interrupted their exchange, making everyone's nerves tighten in an instant.
"Oh? So what kind of reward does this little fox want? If you can suggest something amusing enough to make me laugh, perhaps I'll grant it on a whim~."
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