Chapter 70: Master~ What About the Promised Reward?
After merging with a new world and being bathed in the energy of this new world, Teyvat slowly ceased its transformation.
The prismatic auroras that had continuously driven Teyvat's evolution gradually faded.
Teyvat had evolved from a broken bubble world into a complete initial-level high-energy planar world.
It now operated in harmony with its subordinate worlds under a unique set of rules—a supreme order governing the operation of these worlds.
Noah sat on the Throne of Heavenly Principles, legs crossed, studying the star chart in his hand.
The star chart, like a 3D projection, depicted the spherical Teyvat world at the center, with two smaller spheres orbiting it.
Noah named this order the Supreme Order.
The star chart was not merely a representation of the order; it also functioned as a control panel. Through it, he could adjust the positions and trajectories of the subordinate worlds relative to Teyvat and directly manipulate their rules.
Of course, this chart was also part of the Primordial Law Ring, functioning in tandem with the Human Realm Force System and the Constellation System.
The star chart's greatest capability, however, was granting authority over the World Power of Teyvat and its subordinate worlds.
World Power represented the lifeblood of a world—an ethereal and profound force. The more abundant, stronger, and higher-quality a world's energy, the more powerful the world became.
Currently, however, Teyvat lacked excess World Power for discretionary use. Moreover, the World Power could not be tampered with lightly—it was the life essence of the world, and any usage would deplete it permanently.
The planar barrier functioned as a seal for this life essence, ensuring it circulated exclusively within the world.
In simpler terms, it was like a lock-blood cheat: as long as this lock remained intact, the world could endure indefinitely.
"Teyvat's existential crisis has been completely resolved."
Noah stored the star chart within the Primordial Law Ring.
"With the planar crystal wall in place, nothing can enter Teyvat without my permission, nor can anything leave. As for those already here~"
Heh, buddy, you're here? Since you've come, why not stay? Let's build a harmonious Teyvat family together, isn't that great?
What? You don't respect me, the great Lord Heavenly Principle, the Creator and Supreme God?
Ah, you don't want to be reasonable? Well, I'll just have to help you be reasonable. You wouldn't mind, right?
What? You do mind? Keep it to yourself—your objections won't reach me anyway.
On the divine seat beside Noah, Asmoday opened her eyes, her golden pupils radiating majesty and joy.
Her authority had grown stronger, her power increasing by thirty percent compared to before.
Her strength was a reflection of her master's power, which had also surged.
At the same time, she sensed the transformations in Teyvat.
All of the world's afflictions had completely vanished, and not only that, Teyvat had grown unimaginably powerful. Her gaze toward Noah grew even more fervent.
At that moment, a resentful voice emerged from the divine seat on Noah's other side.
"Hey, Master, isn't it time to give me back the time authority~?"
Istaroth leaned on the armrest of her throne, puffing her cheeks like a little squirrel.
Her master, always full of excuses, had promised to return the time authority once they reached Fontaine, yet he hadn't followed through.
Noah reached out, flicking Istaroth's forehead, sending her tumbling off the armrest.
"Stop looking all pitiful. With the world expanding so much, your abilities are definitely needed."
"If I had to oversee everything myself, how would I have time to, uh… think of great plans to merge other worlds?"
Istaroth muttered under her breath, "You were going to say slack off, weren't you?" Yet she kept up the act, clutching her forehead with teary eyes.
As the most intellectual of the Four Shades of Phanes, she knew exactly how to play into her master's whims.
Noah smirked as he separated the time authority from the Primordial Law Ring, holding it in his hand.
"Heh, now I'm going to slot it back in. Hmm, where should I insert it?"
"No, Master!"
"You can scream all you want; no one's coming to help you~."
"Ah! It's in!"
Asmoday, seated nearby, watched the interaction with mild confusion. Her dignified golden eyes reflected a growing sense of curiosity.
After regaining her time authority, Istaroth's small sprite-like body rapidly transformed into that of a young woman.
In the blink of an eye, she matched Asmoday in height and figure.
Her appearance was identical to Asmoday's: white hair, a statuesque frame, and striking blue eyes that shone with a lively brilliance.
The only difference was in demeanor—Istaroth lacked Asmoday's icy composure, her blue eyes brimming with mischief.
After all, the Four Shades of Phanes were created as identical beings.
"Ah, finally back to normal~" Istaroth patted her chest in relief, then turned to Noah.
Seeing his amused gaze fixed on her, a playful smirk curled at her lips.
"Oh my~ Master, my figure is exactly the same as Asmoday's, you know~. How about trying it out right here on the throne?"
"And it could be with both me and Asmoday~."
Asmoday's piercing golden eyes turned toward her sister, her voice cold and commanding: "What do you mean, both of us?"
Noah immediately straightened his posture, his expression turning serious.
"Are you trying to defy Heavenly Principle, Little Istaroth?"
Istaroth froze, her playful demeanor faltering as tension crept into her face.
"D-defy Heavenly Principle? I wouldn't dare, Master. Are you angry?"
Noah raised her chin with his hand, speaking with mock seriousness. "It's not a servant's place to seduce her master. This time, I'll let it slide. But next time…"
Istaroth gulped. "There won't be a next time!"
"No, next time, you'll have to try harder."
Istaroth: "…"
At that moment, the World Gate connecting Celestia to the subordinate worlds opened.
From it emerged a pair of polished boots, followed by a figure with long, icy blue hair cascading to her thighs.
Her figure rivaled Asmoday's in every way, and even surpassed her in certain areas, radiating an aura of regal dominance.
The new arrival was none other than Esdeath, freshly returned from completing her mission.
Upon seeing Noah, her icy demeanor melted instantly into the pure, lovestruck expression of someone utterly smitten.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she spoke, her voice tinged with anticipation.
"Master, I've returned. Now… about the reward you promised…"
Esdeath had seen the sky, where the colossal Noah, larger than the world itself, lightly tapped his finger, manipulating the entire world as if it were a toy. She couldn't contain her instinctual love and admiration for her overwhelmingly powerful master.
Eager to claim the reward her master had promised for her devotion and loyalty—bearing his children—she hastily returned to Celestia through the World Gate.
Asmoday glanced at Esdeath indifferently, her demeanor unaffected. In contrast, Istaroth pouted slightly at the sight of Esdeath.
Hmm, so this is Master's new subordinate. Eight parts Ice Rule and two parts Time Rule in her God's Core.
Currently, she wasn't yet fully personalized as a rule-based entity and would require significant time to become a true subordinate of Heavenly Principle.
However, even at her peak, she would only reach about 60% of the power level of the Four Shades.
As subordinates of Heavenly Principle, their potential strength depended entirely on the growth of their master, Noah. The power gap between them would remain constant unless Noah chose to distribute additional energy to one of them.
Esdeath approached Noah's throne, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she knelt, resting her head on his lap like an affectionate kitten. Her icy blue eyes sparkled with a moist sheen as she gazed up at him.
Noah raised his hand and gently stroked Esdeath's head. She closed her eyes, savoring the touch like a contented feline.
What a contrast, he mused. Out on the battlefield, she was a ruthless, domineering war goddess who crushed her enemies without mercy. Yet, here in his presence, she transformed into a love-struck, innocent sweetheart.
The disparity was utterly endearing.
"Master~ my reward~," Esdeath urged impatiently.
Noah chuckled at her eagerness. She was even more impatient than he was. He reached out, pulled her into his arms, and wrapped his hand around her slender waist.
"Well, I did promise you a reward, didn't I? And I never go back on my word."
With that, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss.
Asmoday watched the scene unfold before her, her dignified golden eyes widening ever so slightly. Despite her naturally stoic nature, even she couldn't remain entirely unaffected. A faint blush crept across her radiant, commanding features.
"Oh~," Istaroth exclaimed, covering her face with her hands. Of course, her fingers were spread wide, leaving her eyes completely unobstructed.
As the Ruler of Time, she had witnessed countless moments like this throughout the ages while overseeing the growth of human civilization during the First Era.
But this was different. These weren't mere mortals; this was the supreme creator, the Heavenly Principle, engaging in such a display.
"Wow, hers is bigger than mine~."
"And look, Master is like a baby~."
Noah shot a displeased look at Istaroth before reaching out and pulling her over.
"You're joining in too!"
"Ah! Master!"
"And you, Asmoday."
Asmoday hesitated momentarily before nodding with uncharacteristic shyness. "Y-yes… I understand, Master."
...
Seven cycles of day and night passed across the Teyvat Continent.
After the celestial phenomena surrounding Teyvat's transformation faded, life among the seven nations gradually returned to normal. Aside from some lingering discussions, the people resumed their routines.
After all, when the heavens crumble, the gods will hold it up, they reasoned.
...
In the divine hall, there were now three thrones flanking either side of Noah's Throne of Heavenly Principles.
The thrones were arranged in a circular formation, with Noah's seat of power elevated above all others at the apex.
Noah's vassals served as regulators of the world, embodying the highest divine authority.
The first circle of thrones was designated for primary gods, akin to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.
However, Noah anticipated that the number of primary gods in his divine order would continue to grow in the future.
Behind the thrones of the primary gods, there were secondary thrones for their subordinate deities.
The Hall of the Gods only allowed true gods to claim thrones. As for demigods, immortals, or other beings who had yet to ascend to divinity, they were unqualified to set foot on Celestia, let alone occupy a seat in the Hall of the Gods.
On the Throne of Time, Istaroth had reverted to her small pixie-like form, sprawled lifelessly on her seat, her expression utterly drained.
"I give up… I was wrong… Please, no more, Master..." she groaned, her voice tinged with defeat.
Noah, seated regally on his throne, smirked mischievously. "What's this? Where's that sharp tongue of yours now?"
On the Third Throne, Esdeath was sound asleep, a silly smile on her face. Meanwhile, Asmoday maintained her usual cold and detached demeanor, though a rare glimmer of weariness shone in her golden eyes.
Noah rose from his throne, his robes flowing elegantly as he turned to Asmoday.
"Asmoday..."
She stiffened, ready to act upon his command, but he shook his head.
"Actually, never mind. Knowing you, you'd overwork yourself like a machine without rest. Take a break. I'll delegate this task to Esdeath instead."
With that, Noah gently stroked Esdeath's head, implanting his command into her consciousness as she rested.
Her mission? Once she was fully recovered, she was to head to the former Dark Sea, now transformed into Teyvat's Space, and hunt down the gods who had succumbed to the corrupting influence of the Sea of Quanta. These fallen deities, now twisted into evil gods, had to be eradicated.
Only after their deaths could Noah recover the Primordial Fragments they possessed.
Teyvat's space now spanned 37% of its total dimensions, equivalent to the combined area of Teyvat's land and seas. However, this new space was far from empty.
Noah had transferred the moon from the Akame ga Kill world into Teyvat's orbit, supplementing Teyvat's artificial moon with a genuine celestial body.
The countless Constellation Stars populating Teyvat's heavens included not only the fates of Teyvat's people but also those of the two newly merged worlds.
Destiny must remain concentrated and untouchable, Noah thought. To ensure its protection, every corrupted god had to be purged.
"Next, it's time for the usual… recognizing achievements and granting rewards."
...
Instead of appearing directly at the Palais Mermonia, Noah chose to stroll leisurely through Fontaine's bustling streets.
On Sixth Avenue, ladies in elegant gowns walked their dogs, and joyful Melusines skipped about. Families enjoyed tea outside patisseries, and Fontaine's patrol team, accompanied by mechanical constructs, maintained order.
Noah paused before a shop called Rococo Toys, its display showcasing plushies inspired by the Seven Nations.
The prices, however, were exorbitantly high.
Behind the counter, a young woman in a blue witch's hat, looking no older than twenty, yawned lazily.
Noah's lips curled into a knowing smile. The moment he laid eyes on her, her secrets unfolded before him.
This seemingly ordinary woman possessed a mortal body yet wielded a fragment of Destiny's Authority. She had frozen her life at a single moment in destiny, achieving a unique form of immortality by halting the passage of time.
Her identity? A member of the Hexenzirkel, codenamed B—better known as Barbeloth, the Goddess of Prophecy. She was the teacher of Mona and a master of divination and fate manipulation.
Noah approached her with an amused expression, his tone teasing as he spoke.
"Boss Lady, can I really purchase all the toys here?"
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