Chapter 2: Raiden Shogun

"Oh, Lord Shogun, did you have a reason for bringing me back?" Liam asked. The Raiden Shogun certainly hadn't brought him back for no reason. However, since she said he hadn't interfered with eternity, she likely wouldn't harm him.

"Yes, I indeed have some questions for you. What is your identity? Why did you release such a strong attack? And what's the story behind your weapon?" The Raiden Shogun nodded slightly and then voiced her inner questions.

Hearing the Raiden Shogun's questions, Liam was taken aback for a moment, but then he recalled that Teyvat had so-called "descenders." He supposed he could count as one of them.

After considering his words, Liam replied, "My name is Liam. I'm essentially a traveler from another world. The weapon I used is called the Judgement of Shamash. When I first arrived in this world, I was attacked by a group of wild creatures. I was very scared, so I launched an attack."

After hearing Liam's explanation, the Raiden Shogun fell into thought. Those wild creatures must have been Hilichurls. To release such a powerful attack against a group of Hilichurls seemed rather excessive.

After discussing it with Ei, the Raiden Shogun spoke again, "In that case, we won't pursue the matter further. Fortunately, no harm was done. Could you let me examine your weapon?"

Liam hesitated for a moment when the Raiden Shogun requested to see the Judgement of Shamash, but then he took it out. The Judgement of Shamash was currently in its greatsword form. Liam placed it on the small table in front of the Raiden Shogun.

The Raiden Shogun carefully examined the Judgement of Shamash. Suddenly, Liam saw a flash of purple light in her eyes.

"This weapon contains incredible power. Can you tell me more about the Judgement of Shamash?" The Raiden Shogun's tone softened, and she smiled slightly.

This obvious change didn't escape Liam's notice. He realized that it was probably Ei taking control. He breathed a sigh of relief, finding the gentle Ei easier to deal with than the stern and serious Raiden Shogun.

With this shift, Liam felt more at ease. He approached Ei and said, "Heh, Lord Shogun, are you interested in the Judgement of Shamash?"

Ei noticed Liam's change in attitude. He had seemed cautious earlier, but now he was more relaxed. How odd!

"Such a powerful weapon must have an interesting story. Please, tell me about it," Ei said, not too concerned about Liam's shift in demeanor.

"Ha, the Shogun is right. This weapon indeed has a fascinating story. But if I were to tell it all, it would take days and nights. How about I come by every day to share a bit with you?" Liam suggested with a bright smile. The stories from Honkai were extensive, and he was happy to share them with a character he liked.

"Ah, is that so? This weapon seems to have quite a history. The more storied it is, the more intriguing it must be," Ei's eyes sparkled with excitement. She loved reading light novels, and now there was an otherworldly story waiting for her. How could she not be thrilled?

"Haha, its history is indeed significant. The Judgement of Shamash has witnessed the rise and fall of one civilization and the rise of another," Liam said, growing more animated as he talked about the Honkai story. He wasn't exaggerating. The Judgement of Shamash was created after the pre-civilization's battle against the Herrscher of Flames. The pre-civilization was thriving at that time, only to fall after a failed campaign against the Herrscher of the End. The weapon eventually returned to Kevin and witnessed the efforts of modern civilization to overcome the Herrscher of the End. The Judgement of Shamash's journey was truly legendary.

"Oh!" Ei exclaimed, looking at the uniquely designed flame greatsword with some surprise. She hadn't expected the weapon to have such a storied past, somewhat mirroring her own quest for eternity.

"May I touch this weapon?" Ei asked, her eyes filled with curiosity. She was eager to try out such a legendary weapon.

Liam consulted the system, "System, Ei wants to try the Judgement Of Shamash. Will there be any issues?"

[Ding~! Answering the owner's query]

[There will be no issues. Items produced by the system are bound to the owner by default, but others can use them with the owner's permission!]

Understanding this, Liam nodded to Ei, "Lord Shogun, please go ahead. But do not channel any power into the sword, or who knows what might happen!"

Liam cautioned. Even a weakling like him could unleash significant power with the Judgement Of Shamash. Who knew what would happen if Ei, with her immense power, used it?

"Oh, alright. I understand," Ei replied, seeing Liam's serious expression. She then stood up and grasped the handle of the Judgement Of Shamash, lifting it.

As soon as Ei held the Judgement Of Shamash, she felt its terrifying power. She understood why Liam had been so serious. Holding the sword, she felt like she could challenge even the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles. After a few casual swings, Ei returned the Judgement Of Shamash to Liam.

"This is an incredible weapon. I can tell its true power hasn't been fully unleashed yet. You're still too weak. The attack you unleashed that day only utilized a fraction of this sword's potential!" Ei said, her sensitivity to power as a pure warrior being exceptionally sharp.

"Haha! The General is indeed perceptive. This greatsword form is just the first stage of the Judgment of Shamash. I still have a long way to go!" Liam admitted. If not for the system's modifications, he wouldn't even be able to use the basic form of the Judgement of Shamash. But even so, the later stages of the weapon were beyond his current reach.

"I see that although your physical condition is good, you lack the signs of martial training. Since you've descended in Inazuma, you are one of my people. Would you consider becoming my disciple?" Ei asked. Although their time together was short, she sensed that Liam wasn't a malicious person.

Moreover, considering Liam possessed such a powerful weapon, she didn't want him wandering around Inazuma unchecked. If someone tried to harm Liam and he had to use the Fire of Execution in self-defense, it could cause significant trouble.

"Become a disciple?" Liam lowered his head, contemplating the offer. It seemed like a good idea. By becoming Ei's disciple, he would be connected to the General and wouldn't have to worry about her suddenly attacking him. Besides, while Ei might not excel in other areas, her martial skills were undeniably top-notch.

After weighing the pros and cons, Liam decided to accept Ei's proposal. He raised his hand and bowed respectfully.

"Disciple greets Master!" Liam said seriously. Since he was formally apprenticing, he knew he had to show proper respect.

"Mm! Hehe, since that's settled, I'll call you Little Liam," Ei said, looking at her new disciple with interest. It had been a long time since she had interacted with anyone. If Liam hadn't been so unique, she wouldn't have left the Plane of Euthymia to take him as her disciple.

Although her main purpose for taking a disciple was to keep Liam close to avoid any potential harm to Inazuma, since she had accepted him, she would certainly teach him well.

Liam noticed Ei's gentle demeanor and faint smile, realizing she had become even kinder towards him.

"Little Liam, now that you are my disciple, will you listen to your master?" Ei asked, her eyes filled with excitement.

"Of course, Master. Whatever you need, just let me know. I won't refuse as long as it's within my capability," Liam replied, nodding. He was curious about Ei's sudden excitement but reassured her that he wouldn't shirk his duties.

"Well then, tell me some stories from your other world!" Ei said, pleased with Liam's responsiveness.

Raiden Shogun: "Ei, shouldn't you be reflecting on eternity? Listening to stories won't help with that. I can handle teaching the disciple."

Ei: "These aren't just ordinary stories. Didn't you hear Liam say they are about the rise and fall of two civilizations? We might gain some insights!"

Raiden Shogun: "… Fine."

Liam hadn't expected that his new master was eager to hear stories. He thought it might be something important!

"I won't refuse to tell stories, Master, but I haven't eaten a single meal since arriving in this world. I'm starving!" Liam said, his face showing his distress. His stomach growled loudly in agreement. Despite merging with a Herrscher core, his body was only somewhat stronger than an average person's. He could potentially release a burst of power in a secluded place, but Honkai energy was too dangerous for Teyvat. It might trigger a catastrophic chain reaction if released.

Hearing his stomach growl, Ei felt embarrassed. As his master, she shouldn't let her disciple starve while asking for stories. It was quite neglectful of her.

"Ahem! Someone, come here!" Ei called out.

"What are your orders, General?" A cold female voice responded, accompanied by the sound of the door opening.

Liam turned to see a tall woman with a stern expression. She wore a black vest and a modified pure white haori, her bare thighs visible. A Tengu mask adorned her head, and her dark golden eyes were filled with determination.

Kujou Sara! Liam immediately recognized the devoted general. Her commanding presence was undeniable.

Kujou Sara was surprised to see a man beside the General. She scrutinized Liam, noting his handsome features and black hair and eyes, giving him a distinctive aura.

After examining him, Kujou Sara respectfully bowed to Ei.

"What are your orders, General?"

"Ah, Sara, let me introduce you. This is Liam, my newly accepted direct disciple," Ei said, pointing to Liam.

"The General's direct disciple!?" Kujou Sara was taken aback, looking at Liam again with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and envy. Although confused, as the General's top aide, she would never question Ei's decisions. She immediately bowed to Liam.

"Kujou Sara greets Lord Liam!"

Liam hadn't expected Kujou Sara to accept him so easily. He quickly responded, "There's no need for formalities. I'm only a disciple because Master saw potential in me. If you don't mind, I'll call you Sara. You can just call me Liam."

He scratched his head with a sincere, honest expression, which made Kujou Sara view him more favorably.

"In that case, I will address you as Liam," Kujou Sara agreed.

"Now that you've met, Sara, take little Liam to have a meal and prepare a room for him near mine in Tenshukaku. Also, inform the Shogunate. Tomorrow, I will announce little Liam's identity to all the retainers," Ei said in her usual calm tone.

This tone... is it the Raiden Shogun? Liam wondered, sensing the shift. Had the Raiden Shogun taken over from Ei?

"Yes, General!" Kujou Sara replied without hesitation, then led Liam away.

As they walked, Liam tried to make conversation. "Sara, has anything significant happened in Inazuma recently?"

"Significant? What kind of events do you mean?" Kujou Sara asked, noting that he was easy to talk to.

"I mean, has Master issued any important decrees lately?" Liam clarified.

Sara gave him a suspicious look as if questioning how a direct disciple of the General wouldn't know about her decrees.

Liam understood her look and laughed, "Haha, my situation is a bit special. I only have a vague understanding of Inazuma's current state."

Kujou Sara: "…"

Seeing Liam's awkward smile, Sara felt a bit exasperated. This silly expression reminded her of someone else she knew. Was this new disciple really reliable?

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(Raiden Shogun)

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(Kujou Sara)

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