Electro Element — Acquired!
Feeling the surge of new power within her, Lumine was more than satisfied.
But her attention quickly shifted to the sword in her hand.
Compared to elemental abilities, this Noble Phantasm was far more exciting.
Seeing her excitement, Paimon couldn't resist floating closer.
"Lumine, is that sword really strong?"
She was curious—what made this weapon so special?
"Of course it is!"
"With this, my brother won't stand a chance next time!"
"Plus, now I have another element."
"With this sword's buffs, I could probably take on Osial solo."
Lumine's confidence was sky-high.
The weapon's enhancements were insane.
At this point, she was practically Archon-level in combat.
"Wow!"
"Really?!"
Paimon's eyes widened.
That much of a boost?
No wonder Lumine was so thrilled.
"Noble Phantasms are incredible."
Jiang Chen understood their power better than anyone.
Giving Lumine one was a solid move.
After testing the sword a bit longer, Lumine sheathed it with a grin.
"Thanks!"
"I'll put it to good use!"
Her mood was elated.
Now, she had nothing to fear.
Even if she couldn't win a fight, she could always escape.
"Good."
"Now, let's get moving."
"First, let's explore Inazuma."
"We're already here—might as well enjoy it."
"The rest can wait."
Jiang Chen wasn't in a hurry.
Play first, work later.
Resurrecting Makoto? Easy.
No need to rush.
Hearing this, Paimon lit up.
"Are we eating?!"
Finally—foreign cuisine!
She'd been waiting for this.
"Yes, yes."
"But patience."
"It's not even noon yet."
"Let's wander first."
With that, Jiang Chen led the way downhill.
They'd landed on Ritou—the gateway to Inazuma.
The Grand Narukami Shrine loomed ahead, but Jiang Chen ignored it for now.
Exploring Ritou came first.
Unlike the game's tiny version, real Ritou was massive.
And the statue's location was far more secluded.
It took them a while to reach the docks.
As Inazuma's only international port, Ritou was naturally bustling—
—though the Sakoku Decree had drastically reduced traffic.
Still, the occasional smuggler's ship slipped through.
The authorities pretended not to notice.
These ships brought precious food supplies.
Inazuma was an island nation—
—dependent on imports for many essentials.
With the borders sealed, domestic production couldn't meet demand.
Without some outside food, starvation would run rampant.
And it already had.
The lockdown had scared off most merchants.
Only smugglers chasing sky-high profits still dared come.
Even then, weaker ones got extorted ruthlessly.
This deterred even more traders.
Only the strongest—like Beidou—could operate freely.
No one dared mess with her.
During the Sakoku Decree, Beidou had profited massively.
One trip = several times the usual earnings.
Why wouldn't she come?
And with Watatsumi Island also needing supplies?
Money flowed like water.
But these smuggled goods couldn't solve Inazuma's crisis.
Thus, the people suffered.
Corrupt officials exploited the chaos, pushing the nation toward collapse.
Lumine's heart ached at the sight of malnourished citizens.
This country was dying.
She tugged Jiang Chen's sleeve, whispering:
"Why haven't they rebelled yet?"
"They're starving!"
Some paid just to wait for smuggled food.
Others were too weak to even stand.
How could they not revolt?
Lumine itched to lead an uprising herself.
"They have."
"Just not here."
No rebellion? Please.
Kokomi's resistance was already in full swing.
"Huh?"
"Really?"
Lumine's eyes sparkled.
Someone was fighting back?
Could she join?
"Absolutely."
As they chatted, Jiang Chen noticed eyes on them.
They'd been spotted.
New faces stood out instantly in Ritou.
And newcomers = easy targets.
Thus, the Shogunate soldiers moved in.
Several blocked their path, weapons drawn.
"Halt!"
...
Jiang Chen expected this.
But he wasn't the type to cooperate.
Weapons pointed at him?
Fair game to retaliate.
The soldiers assumed they'd comply—
—then bribe their way out to avoid jail.
But instead, Jiang Chen pulled out his own weapon.
"You Inazumans are so rude."
"Think foreigners are easy prey?"
"Did no one teach you not to provoke strangers?"
His voice dripped menace as energy radiated from him.
Like he was charging a Noble Phantasm.
Lumine and Guizhong stared.
Wait—was he seriously about to nuke the island?!
"Hold on—don't!"
Lumine grabbed his arm.
Was he trying to sink Ritou?!
The soldiers collapsed, terrified.
Across Ritou, everyone felt Jiang Chen's aura.
Well… those guys fucked up.