Chương 337: Dionysus, Fallen

Recently, for long-term planning, Renjiro had deliberately kept the Archons operating in the field for extended periods. He had also, intentionally or not, leaked certain non-sensitive information about Teyvat to the outside world.

So, Dionysus definitely knew about the Seven Archons.

However, the information was highly misleading.

After all, the concept of wear-and-tear existed in Teyvat. Even the oldest among the Seven Archons—Zhongli—had lifespans of only a few thousand years.

Unquestionably, such "youth" was easily underestimated by gods who had existed for millions of years.

Yet, in essence…

"If not for wear-and-tear, Zhongli and other Archons are no different."

Exactly.

The birth of archons came from the personification of certain concepts or phenomena.

For instance, the Stove God Marchosius was born from sparks caused by stone collisions.

It's fundamentally no different from the origin of other gods.

"So let them underestimate me."

At that moment, Renjiro's gaze overflowed with killing intent. "Dionysus, the lower your guard, the better."

"I don't have the same perverse tastes as you, but seeing that look of regret on your face… that will be worth it."

"Prepare for a coordinated assault. Separate the Banshee from Dionysus."

"Understood!"

The brief mental instructions were delivered. Lumine, and all other participants on the battlefield, responded immediately.

I've been dying to say this classic line…"

Hovering in the sky, previously hidden and temporarily controlled by Renjiro's consciousness, Paimon raised her right hand, pointing her index finger.

"Smash Varudo!!!"

"BANG~ Vrrrrmm~"

At that instant, the ultimate power of Paimon—time stop—revealed its full potential.

Within the frozen time-space, Paimon darted to the ground below, carrying a large bundle of firestones she had prepared in advance. All strung together like Christmas ornaments, they were wrapped repeatedly around the Banshee.

In truth, under time stop, Paimon could not directly interact with the outside world.

So the firestones only hung near Filvis' body, without fully touching her.

But… does that make any difference?

The moment time stop ended, as now…

"Hum~"

Filvis' pupils constricted sharply.

In her perception, she had been breaking through with the "ball-and-chain" god in tow, when suddenly—without warning—her body was wrapped with a mass of firestones ready to explode.

Immediately…

"Damn it!"

Her Lv.7 "monster" body could withstand the firestone explosions, but Dionysus? He could not.

If the master god died, her Basic Ability would be sealed along with him.

There was no alternative…

"Swoosh~"

Filvis had no choice but to throw the "ball-and-chain" god away.

She knew the enemy's plan, but there was nothing else she could do.

"I can only survive this blast, then quickly use clone magic… no!!!"

The disadvantage in information was clear.

Renjiro knew all of Filvis' abilities, but the Banshee had no clue about the true strength of the enemies she faced.

"Hum~"

Aether's main body instantly teleported with Lumine to Dionysus' side.

They saw the black-dressed god clutching Dionysus' neck. Immediately, the space around them shattered.

Emerging from the void was a massive eye patterned with lightning—Raiden Shogun's Eye of Stormy Judgment.

Where it gazed, portals to the Plane of Euthymia could open.

In an instant…

"Let go of Diony—"

"BOOM!"

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM~"

The firestones detonated in succession.

Filvis' main body, while an upper Lv.7 with extraordinary regeneration, would not die from the explosions.

But the blast's shockwave stalled her next action.

With that tiny gap, Lumine had forcibly dragged Dionysus into the Plane of Euthymia.

Aether stood several meters away, fingertips brushing the blade. "Then he deserves equal treatment… we have to erase him completely."

"Yes. Not even ashes left behind."

Dionysus' end needed no further words.

Once Lumine, empowered by the Corrosion development ability, seized him and dragged him into the Plane of Euthymia, only one outcome remained—total annihilation.

Interestingly, through the visual data shared by Paimon, Renjiro truly saw that look of regret on Dionysus' face.

And the infinite fear reflected in his gaze.

Gods bleed in this world.

Many are willing to shed blood for their "children" in the Mortal World.

Yet, the longer they live, the more afraid of death they become.

Immortality or eternal life doesn't make one weary; it makes them cautious.

Just as ordinary people cannot understand the joy of the wealthy, mortals cannot grasp the pleasures of the long-lived or eternal beings.

And these gods hold the permission of reincarnation.

Even if they experience separation and loss with their beloved children, they can regain them later.

So Dionysus did not want to die.

He wanted to live, to continue enjoying his coveted chaotic feast.

But now…

"Good. The mortal pawn (Gnosis) +1."

"And the divine power reserve for creating 'armed puppets' has increased."

Within minutes, the original Dionysus ceased to exist.

After this burden was lifted…

"Next, we only need to deal with the remaining 'trouble.'"

Renjiro commanded from behind the scenes: "Zhongli, Venti… I'll trouble you to intervene."

"As for me…"

His eyes narrowed. "This time, I'll fight remotely instead of sending a shadow."

Now, magic reserves were sufficient.

Even…

"I can try… the 'Musou no Hitotachi.'"

…..

Completed version available on [P]atreon.[c]om/Veltoria [remove brackets]