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Chapter 158: Raiden Makoto – This Time It's Really Goodbye
According to the background story of the game, Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei are twin sisters.
Although they share the same appearance, their personalities differ significantly.
The elder sister, Raiden Makoto, is gentle and serene, not skilled in combat, and cherishes a peaceful life. She embodies the essence of a soft and cute girl.
Her younger sister, Raiden Ei, excels in martial arts, taking charge of all battles, whether big or small.
In Ei's perspective, confrontation is an effective way to resolve problems.
However, Ei's personality isn't solely centered on martial prowess. Behind her stoic exterior as a cold-hearted general lies a curious and naive "country girl" who enjoys desserts and finds novels fascinating.
Together, the twin sisters governed Inazuma, with Makoto handling literature and administration while Ei took charge of military affairs. Their complementary strengths allowed them to manage Inazuma harmoniously.
But this tranquility was shattered by the Khaenri'ah War.
Makoto, sensing the impending crisis, chose to conceal it from Ei to ensure her sister's survival. Despite her lack of martial skill, Raiden Makoto took her sister's place on the battlefield.
By the time Ei arrived at Khaenri'ah, her sister was already lying lifeless on the ground, her body growing cold.
Since then, Ei had lived in perpetual guilt and self-recrimination, haunted by the memory of arriving too late to protect Makoto.
The Khaenri'ah War remained a nightmare etched into Ei's soul. If given the chance, Ei would willingly sacrifice her own life to save her sister.
---
Seeing her sister Raiden Makoto again, Ei was struck speechless.
She tried to speak several times, but no words came out.
When you miss someone deeply, meeting them again often renders you silent.
Makoto, however, smiled softly at Ei and spoke first. "Ei, long time no see."
She continued, "I left my will in the Musou Isshin. When you use this weapon to its full potential, my will emerges."
Makoto stood with her hands clasped behind her back, a faint smile gracing her face. Her gaze, filled with tenderness and affection, lingered on Ei.
"I'm sorry, Ei," she began.
"Without giving you any preparation, I suddenly entrusted Inazuma to you."
"I should have taught you step by step how to govern the land we loved."
"It was my oversight that burdened you with unexpected responsibilities."
"I imagine you must have been at a loss and panicked during those times."
"You must have poured your heart into leading Inazuma, enduring pain and hardship along the way."
Makoto's tone was tinged with self-reproach, and her eyes dimmed with sadness.
Reflecting on how all the responsibilities of Inazuma had fallen upon Ei after her departure, Makoto felt immense sorrow.
Her nose stung, and tears brimmed in her eyes.
But Ei, her expression relaxed, shook her head gently.
"Really, I don't see it as a burden," Ei said firmly.
"Nor do I think the challenges you left behind were a mess."
"Inazuma is a country we built together—it's our home."
"After you left, I followed your will and dedicated myself to making Inazuma an eternal land."
"The people now live in peace and harmony. There's no war, no sorrow—only stability and tranquility."
"What you couldn't finish, I vowed to complete."
"Because you are my sister, and we share the same heart."
Ei's voice, though soft, was resolute and powerful.
After Makoto's death, Ei had taken on her sister's role, striving to fulfill the dreams and regrets Makoto had left behind.
Hearing these words, Makoto smiled, her expression one of relief.
"Ei, you've grown," Makoto said.
"You've become the Raiden Shogun that Inazuma truly needs."
"It's a pity I can't witness Inazuma's future or walk beside you."
"But knowing you carry our shared will, I feel at peace."
Makoto's voice softened, her smile tinged with sorrow.
"This time, it's truly goodbye, Ei."
Makoto waved farewell, her figure gradually dissolving into countless cherry blossoms that floated gently in the air.
Ei reached out, desperate to grasp her sister's hand, as if holding on could prevent her departure.
But her hand passed through Makoto's form, leaving only a scattering of cherry blossom petals in her palm.
Silent tears streamed down Ei's face as she stood amidst the sea of cherry blossoms, her heart weighed down by sorrow.
Many years ago, Makoto had passed away quietly in Ei's arms.
Now, years later, Ei experienced the pain of parting once again.
How could one ever achieve the so-called eternity?
---
Watching this heart-wrenching scene, Amon couldn't bear to see Raiden Makoto leave like this.
In the game's story, the Raiden sisters had faced immense hardships. Makoto, the soft and gentle elder sister, had selflessly given everything for Ei and Inazuma.
But why couldn't their story have a happy ending?
Even now, Raiden Ei remained ensnared in sadness.
Determined, Amon sought to change things.
He considered crafting a doll to restore Makoto's presence.
However, he quickly realized that the remnants within the Plane of Euthymia were merely fragments of Makoto's thoughts, not her complete soul.
Furthermore, as the first Raiden Shogun, Makoto's power far surpassed that of ordinary gods.
It was likely that Ei had already tried this method long ago, only to fail.
Bringing Makoto back through a doll seemed impossible.
At this moment, a voice resonated in Amon's mind—the voice of the system.
"Do you wish to consume an Intertwined Fate to activate the Fool Authority and alter history?"
"Note: To maintain the stability of the current Teyvat continent, the Scholar of Yore and Miracle Invoker's ability to modify historical events is limited. Changes exceeding this limit will be deemed invalid. Any alterations made to history will remain unnoticed, supported by the Authority of Error."