Yae Miko didn't mind.
Makoto wouldn't mind.
Ei wouldn't either.
Jiang Chen and Guizhong certainly wouldn't—after all, they got front-row seats to the drama.
Yae Miko and Jiang Chen exchanged glances, reaching a silent understanding.
If Ei shows up, so be it. It'll be a perfect chance to watch the older sister discipline the younger one.
Yae Miko had her own grievances with Ei.
Look what you've done to Inazuma!
If you can't govern properly, hand it over to someone else. What's with this obsession with "eternity"?
Even the Raiden Shogun you created is a blockhead.
Unbelievable.
If she didn't get her revenge, she wouldn't be a fox.
And foxes never forget a grudge.
The banquet was lively, with everyone eating and drinking to their hearts' content.
Once the feast ended, Jiang Chen and the others stayed overnight at the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Even Kamisato Ayaka remained.
She and Lumine had quickly become friends.
A single meal was enough to bond them.
Lumine had a very favorable impression of the young noblewoman, which explained their fast friendship.
After dinner, Jiang Chen retired to the room Yae Miko had prepared.
Once freshened up, he took out the Gnosis.
Without hesitation, he began channeling its power.
Soon, Jiang Chen gained control over Electro.
Feeling the surge of elemental energy, he couldn't have been more satisfied.
Now, he could proudly declare those iconic lines:
"The divine thunder is here—come forth!"
"Witness it, mortals—the descent of the Thunder God!"
"Only my Railgun!!"
"Call me… the Railgun King!"
Jiang Chen was ecstatic upon mastering Electro.
But just then—
Click.
The door slid open abruptly.
Lumine stood there, having overheard everything.
Paimon floated behind her, equally stunned.
Lumine stared at Jiang Chen with an odd expression.
"You… have a chuunibyou phase too?"
Had Jiang Chen just succumbed to second-hand embarrassment?
Wow. Just… wow.
Paimon, meanwhile, looked genuinely concerned.
"Jiang Chen… are you okay?"
Jiang Chen's eye twitched.
"What are you talking about?"
"I was just expressing my excitement."
"Don't tell me you've never wanted to fire off a Railgun?"
"Did you forget about Misaka Mikoto?"
"Now that I've got Electro powers, how could I not try the classics?"
He gave Lumine a deadpan look.
"Aren't you going to experiment with it? Super Electromagnetic Cannon, man!
This is the dream!
How are you not tempted?"
Lumine sighed, kicking off her shoes before plopping down on the floor.
"Wanting it is one thing. Actually doing it? That's another story."
"You think it's that easy?"
Of course, she was tempted.
Who wouldn't want crackling lightning at their fingertips?
To demonstrate, she raised a finger—
Zap.
Electricity flickered around it.
But here was the problem: How do you actually fire it as a projectile?
"I can control Electro. Now what?"
Jiang Chen smirked.
"How about we practice in the Heroic Spirit Realm?"
Lumine's eyes lit up. She immediately turned to Paimon.
"Paimon, you stay here."
"Go get some sleep."
"We might accidentally hit you during practice."
Paimon blinked.
"Huh?!"
Wait, what?
They're ditching her?!
She looked utterly betrayed.
Why were they suddenly kicking her out?!
Lumine crossed her arms.
"Unless you want to come?"
"We'll probably be up all night. Don't blame us if you're exhausted tomorrow."
Her tone was dead serious.
Practicing the Railgun would be loud.
Paimon wouldn't get a wink of sleep.
Better to leave her behind.
Hearing this, Paimon quickly nodded.
"O-okay!"
"I'll go rest then."
"Have fun… practicing…?"
She floated off, still confused.
Eh, whatever.
If they want to train, let them train.
Paimon's tiny brain couldn't fathom why Lumine and Jiang Chen would practice Electro projectiles in the middle of the night.
And so, she left without another thought.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen whisked Lumine away into the Heroic Spirit Realm—
For some intensive Railgun training.
The night passed without incident.
Morning arrived swiftly.
Yae Miko was already awake—or rather, she hadn't slept at all.
Today was the day Makoto would be resurrected.
The thought of seeing her and Lady Saiguu again kept her too excited to rest.
Kamisato Ayaka was also up early, eager to witness the return of the first Electro Archon.
The two women exchanged glances, neither showing signs of fatigue despite their sleepless night.
While waiting for Jiang Chen to wake, they settled into conversation.
Yae Miko also ordered breakfast.
Judging by last night's feast, Jiang Chen's group wasn't picky—so she had the shrine maidens prepare traditional Inazuman morning dishes.
Jiang Chen emerged from his room, freshly washed.
"Good morning, Mr. Jiang Chen."
Ayaka greeted him politely.
"Morning."
He returned the smile.
Yae Miko studied him, relieved.
"You seem well-rested."
"That's good to see."
"Very comfortable, actually."
Last night's "training" with Lumine had been a success.
They'd finally nailed the Railgun.
Lumine had only returned to her room in the early hours, utterly exhausted.
"Do you need anything prepared?"
"If so, I'll arrange it immediately."
Yae Miko was all business now.
Once breakfast was over, they'd begin summoning Makoto.
If any materials were required, she'd secure them at once.
"No need."
"I've got everything."
"As for the catalyst—you've already prepared it, right?"
Jiang Chen's Inventory Space was stocked with summoning materials.
The only thing left was Yae Miko's chosen relic.
She nodded.
"Then everything is ready."
"The rest is up to you."
With that, Yae Miko bowed deeply.
Her demeanor was uncharacteristically humble.
If it meant bringing Makoto and Lady Saiguu back, she'd pay any price.
In the past, she'd had no choice.
Now? She'd move heaven and earth to revive them.
When asking for a favor, humility solves 80% of the problems.