Genshin x Minecraft: Building the Temple of Virtue

Chapter 721 - 721: 721: The Dragon’s Gambit

"A brilliant display of sacrificial play!"Even Ryen couldn't suppress a note of genuine admiration as he watched Tighnari's final move. While a double elimination wasn't usually a cause for celebration, one had to consider Sumeru's dire straits. Surrounded by three hostile nations and battered by the Raiden Shogun, Tighnari had been a breath away from death. Had it not been for the constitution shared through his bond with Ryen, the Shogun's blade would have ended him ten exchanges ago.

To drag a full-health Ayaka into the abyss while at death's door was nothing short of a tactical masterpiece.

"At the very moment the Shogun forced him to the brink, Tighnari and Dehya pivoted with perfect synchronization," Ryen explained to the crowd. "They didn't just allow Dehya to escape the pressure; they turned Tighnari's inevitable fall into a weapon, trading a nearly-depleted life bar for a primary enemy combatant."

"It's clear that despite their late entry into these games, Sumeru has been studying the mechanics. That grapple-hook play was a masterclass in timing and precision. We finally have our second 'highlight reel' moment of the match."

Ryen led the applause, a wide smile on his face. "This proves that even against the martial prowess of a god, you are never truly out of the fight. Skill, timing, and a bit of audacity can level any playing field. However," he added, his tone shifting to a more analytical note, "Sumeru and Inazuma have both lost a pillar of their strength. Inazuma, in particular, has lost Ayaka's full vitality and her Cryo utility. They'll have to be exceptionally cautious from here on out."

As he spoke, two massive dragons crested the horizon, banking sharply toward the spectator stands. Tighnari and Ayaka stepped off, returning to the world of the living.

Ayaka walked toward Raiden Makoto, her head bowed low, eyes fixed on the floor. "Forgive me, Lady Guuji... I was careless. I let the team down."

Makoto reached out, her touch gentle as she smoothed Ayaka's hair. "Do not carry that weight, Ayaka. You fought well. The battlefield is a living thing; no one can predict every ripple in the water. Tighnari seized a brilliant opening. This is an exhibition, a chance to learn. Remember the feeling of this loss, and carry it as a shield in the future."

Ayaka nodded, though the guilt clearly lingered. By being traded out, she had left Inazuma vulnerable. If the Shogun couldn't secure Sumeru's resources quickly, Inazuma would be the next target for the scavengers.

Nearby, Nahida sat small and quiet beside Ryen, her chin resting in her hands. "Ryen... is there any hope left for Sumeru?"

Ryen sighed softly. "As I always say, Nahida, the war isn't over until the last bed is broken. But realistically? Sumeru's back is against the wall. They've lost Tighnari, their island is half-demolished, and their survivors are bleeding. Snezhnaya and Inazuma are already on their shores, and Mondstadt is lingering like a vulture."

He didn't mention Liyue, who remained a silent, golden shadow in the distance.

Back on the decimated Sumeru island, the Raiden Shogun's expression had turned to stone. Ayaka's elimination was a stain on her tactical record. Had she pressed the attack a fraction faster, Tighnari would never have found the breath to throw that line.

She took a deep breath, letting her frustration melt into cold, focused intent. She raised her Katana, and the air around her began to hum with static. She surged forward once more, her strikes becoming a blur of violet light. Anyone in her path, Sumeru defender or Fatui interloper, was swept aside like chaff.

But even a god's martial skill had limits in this world. The Sumeru soldiers fought with the desperation of the doomed, and the Fatui were relentless in their interference.

Not far away, Childe watched the chaos with a newfound sobriety. The ease with which he and Scaramouche had been pressuring Cyno vanished the moment he saw Ayaka fall. He caught Scaramouche's eye and gave a subtle signal. They widened their circle around Cyno, refusing to let the General Mahamatra get close enough for a grapple or a final tackle.

While Sumeru burned, Liyue remained an island of tranquility. Zhongli sat at his tea table, occasionally loosing a single, harassing arrow into the fray, his demeanor as unruffled as a mountain lake.

"My Lord, shouldn't we move?" Beidou asked, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. She was clad in full iron, itching for the fight. "They're on the verge of breaking Sumeru's bed. If we wait, Inazuma or Snezhnaya will take the spoils."

Zhongli shook his head slowly. "Patience, Captain. They are not yet truly trapped. We wait for the moment of absolute desperation."

"In a cornered dog, what do you see?" he asked.

"Lashing out?" Cloud Retainer offered.

Zhongli's lips twitched. "A bit blunt, but accurate. When Sumeru realizes there is no path to survival, they will stop defending and start tearing pieces off their attackers. And Diluc... he will not sit by and watch the other two nations grow fat on Sumeru's bones. He will commit his fresh troops soon."

He looked out at the three-way brawl. "The moment Mondstadt enters the melee, they will all be too deep to retreat. That is when we strike. We can move on Snezhnaya, Inazuma, or the center at our whim."

"But what about the Bard?" Xiao asked, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Venti is still missing."

Zhongli's gaze lingered on the empty sky for a moment before turning back to the battle. He saw Diluc finally give the signal for the Mondstadt bridge to extend. He saw the fire in Alhaitham's eyes turn from defensive to suicidal.

Zhongli stood up, the tea set vanishing. The calm scholar was gone, replaced by a presence that seemed to weigh down the very island they stood upon.

"Now," Zhongli commanded. "Xiao, hold the center. Beidou, take Snezhnaya. Cloud Retainer, pin Mondstadt."

He raised a hand, and a golden spear of pure energy flickered into existence.

"Execute."