chapter 14

Chapter 14: General Raiden Took Action and Fell

Although Mondstadt boasts capable individuals like Eula, Jean, Lisa, and Noelle, Su Ran's thoughts lingered elsewhere.

What he truly wanted was to meet the renowned figures of Inazuma: the Yae Goddess, General Raiden, and Kamisato Ayaka.

He was particularly curious about the famous Raiden Mei. Although he wasn't certain if General Raiden bore a 100% resemblance to Mei, the prospect of seeing her was enticing.

More than that, he wanted to witness how General Raiden operated. A doll infused with divinity? Such technology existing in Teyvat was a novelty to him.

As for the Heart of God? It had never been his goal. The Fatui would inevitably collect it, so there was no need for him to intervene.

"Goodbye, Inazuma~" Su Ran said with a mischievous smile, winking at the Lady before vanishing into thin air.

"Damn b*d!"

Rosaline stomped her foot in frustration as she watched him disappear.

The Fatui members accompanying them didn't dare say a word, let alone comfort the infuriated Lady. She was known for her temper, and they feared becoming the targets of her wrath.

Left with no choice, the group continued their journey to Mondstadt as though nothing had happened.

"Even without you, I can still claim the Heart of God," Rosaline muttered through gritted teeth.

While Su Ran's departure was infuriating, it wasn't entirely fruitless. At least now she knew the true form of the Anemo Archon, Barbatos. Capturing him wouldn't require the elaborate tricks they had initially planned.

A Thunder Firefly Warlock hesitantly spoke up.

"Lady, since the Genius abandoned the mission, should we report this to the Jester?"

The Jester, Piero, was the leader of the Fatui Harbingers and commanded all the executives. Su Ran's decision to deviate from the mission was a serious dereliction of duty—grounds for punishment. Even the former second-ranked Harbinger, the Doctor, had never taken such liberties.

Rosaline's gaze turned icy as she glared at the Warlock.

"Report? And what exactly do you think Piero can do? Do you believe his head is harder than Capitano's helmet?"

The Warlock immediately fell silent.

Even if they reported it, what could Piero do? Capitano, renowned for his unmatched combat prowess, wouldn't stand a chance against Su Ran. Piero, for all his cunning, was no exception.

In truth, Su Ran's title as an executive was more of a political gesture. It wasn't to grant him authority within the Fatui but rather to ensure no other nation could claim him.

Even the Queen of Snezhnaya herself couldn't compel Su Ran to act.

"Move faster! We must reach Mondstadt!" Rosaline commanded, her anger now directed toward Barbatos.

If she couldn't deal with the Genius, she could at least channel her frustration into capturing the powerless Wind Archon.

---

A streak of light tore through the skies of Inazuma, cutting through its perpetual thunderstorm.

The disturbance immediately caught the attention of General Raiden, who was meditating in the Tenshukaku.

Grabbing her naginata, she ascended into the storm to confront the intruder.

Purple lightning clashed with brilliant white light, the explosive collision reverberating across Inazuma.

On the ground below, the people of Inazuma stared upward in shock.

"How dare you intrude upon my Inazuma without permission!"

General Raiden's voice was sharp, her gaze piercing as she faced Su Ran. Cloaked in purple lightning, she exuded an aura of divine authority.

Su Ran, however, appeared unfazed, his eyes curiously roaming over her.

"I could be bolder, General. Would you like to see?" Su Ran replied lightly, his tone playful.

Raiden's expression darkened, interpreting his wandering gaze as an insult.

"Lecher!"

Without another word, she raised her naginata and struck.

Su Ran smirked. "Perfect. This will be my first true battle. Let's see how powerful the so-called Demon Gods of Teyvat really are!"

Though he had enhanced his body and gained the power of a commander, Su Ran had yet to test his full capabilities in combat. This was the perfect opportunity.

With a surge of power, he countered Raiden's strike. Their weapons clashed, and with a single palm strike, Su Ran sent her flying.

Purple lightning scattered across the sky as General Raiden was blasted thousands of meters away, crashing into the sea with a deafening splash.

For a moment, Su Ran stood motionless, staring at the horizon with a look of disbelief.

"…Huh?"

He blinked, processing what had just happened.

"I barely used 10% of my strength. Did she… lose already?"

Su Ran frowned, skeptical. "Maybe she's transforming? Boss fights usually have a second phase, right?"

He waited, watching the calm surface of the sea. Minutes passed, and there was no sign of Raiden returning.

"I didn't… kill her, did I?"

Panicking slightly, Su Ran dove into the water to search for her.

---

Meanwhile, Inazuma descended into chaos.

The people, having witnessed their god falling into the sea, were in shock. The purple lightning that once symbolized their protector had vanished.

At the Narukami Shrine, even Yae Miko was stunned.

"The General… just lost?"