Genshin Impact: The God Incarnate

With the immortal techniques acquired from the Adepti of Jueyun Karst, the Millelith Brigade could now be assembled.

Guizhong explained to Morax her idea of forming a human army, the name she chose for it, and its deeper meaning.

"Millelith Brigade?"

"Millelith, signifying an unyielding fortress, steadfast as a mountain range, a stronghold to repel demons and safeguard peace."

"Excellent—a name that truly embodies its purpose."

Morax carefully considered the name and its meaning, finding it perfectly aligned with the goals of Guizoli City. Thus, the Millelith Brigade was officially named.

"However, since I am already overseeing the construction of the Tianheng Mountain defensive line, the task of forming the Millelith Brigade naturally falls to you, Morax." Guizhong blinked playfully as she spoke.

Morax did not hesitate. "Naturally."

Guizoli City's growth was a collective effort. Morax, Guizhong, Marchosius, and countless others all played pivotal roles in its progress. Missing even one element could hinder its current achievements.

Once the responsibilities were divided, Morax began preparations. His first step was visiting the Civil Affairs Bureau to announce the formation of the Millelith Brigade across Guizoli City.

The news thrilled the people.

"For the first time, we, protected by our gods, will have the chance to wield weapons and protect our own lands and deities!"

"The Lord of Geo needs us!"

"Have you heard? The Lord of Geo is forming the Millelith Brigade. Recruits will even learn Adepti techniques!"

"If only I weren't the sole young man in my family, responsible for farming our fields, I'd join in a heartbeat."

"The selection process is tough, though. Only one out of ten might make it."

"Well, of course! This is the Lord of Geo's personal army, not just some city guards. It's bound to be strict!"

The announcement sparked lively discussions across Guizoli City, particularly among eligible young men eager to enlist.

Half a month later, the selection process concluded. The first Millelith Brigade cohort consisted of 5,000 recruits—a substantial number, given Guizoli City's population of merely 100,000.

Training these recruits posed a challenge. No one within Guizoli City knew the Adepti techniques, and the Adepti themselves had not formed any alliances with Guizoli City. Thus, the task fell to Morax, whose extensive martial expertise encompassed weapons like swords, spears, bows, and catalysts.

While teaching the Adepti techniques posed no difficulty for Morax, the training itself was gradual. However, once these 5,000 soldiers were trained, they would become the seeds of a disciplined army, ensuring the Millelith Brigade's legacy.

Meanwhile, Guizhong submitted a comprehensive plan for constructing the Tianheng Mountain defensive line. After a month of meticulous surveys, she devised a strategy tailored to the terrain, minimizing unexpected challenges during construction.

Human resources posed a hurdle, though. Farmers, vital to Guizoli City's food supply, were off-limits. Similarly, Marchosius's coal mining and fuel production teams were indispensable.

Even with 5,000 recruits for the Millelith Brigade, their rigorous training and duties left them unavailable for other tasks.

Thus, the manpower available for the Tianheng Mountain project amounted to only a few thousand. Guizhong remained unfazed, recognizing that her ten-year plan allowed for a gradual increase in manpower as the population grew.

Guizoli City's excellent living conditions, food supply, and infrastructure supported population growth. Besides natural growth, external populations could be absorbed by inviting nearby villages and tribes to join Guizoli City.

By presenting Guizoli City's prosperity through trade and offering invitations at opportune moments, outsiders were encouraged to integrate into Guizoli City, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Two Years Later

Under Morax's direct training, the Millelith Brigade had become a formidable force. Three thousand soldiers could march in formation and swiftly eliminate monsters. The army's systems and training methods were now self-sustaining, no longer reliant on Morax's supervision.

Stationed along major trade routes, the Millelith Brigade safeguarded commerce and eradicated threats, significantly improving safety across Guizoli City.

While Guizoli City enjoyed divine protection, even gods couldn't be everywhere. The Millelith Brigade filled this gap, embodying strength and security for the people.

Over the past two years, Guizoli City has continuously absorbed populations from surrounding villages and tribes. While this has significantly increased the city's population, it has also brought about certain pressures.

Food supply has not been a major issue.

Guizoli City is located on a vast plain with extensive arable land, and as the population grows, so does the cultivated farmland. Therefore, there is no shortage of food.

The main challenge, however, has been housing.

People migrate to Guizoli City primarily because of its appealing living conditions and environment. To address this, the city administration, after reporting to the God of Geo, Morax, decided to expand the city's boundaries. The original city became the inner city, while the newly constructed and expanded areas became the outer city.

There is no distinction in status between the inner and outer cities.

However, due to the differences in construction timing, the levels of development and prosperity between the two inevitably vary. Nevertheless, the city administration has adhered strictly to the city planning and designs set forth by the God of Feather. The outer city was built in the same style as the inner city, maintaining a consistent architectural aesthetic.

Additionally, 2,000 more personnel were sent to the Tianheng Mountain defense project. During this period, Guizhong also created another Guizhong Ballista. Guizoli City is thriving!

Three Years Later

Guizoli City presents an entirely new landscape.

The outer city is well-organized but lacks city walls. Without runes inscribed by the God of Feather, walls would offer little protection even if built. Moreover, constructing walls is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Beyond the outer city, the surrounding land is filled with fields growing various crops, stretching as far as the eye can see.

On the Tianheng Mountain front, building military fortresses on steep terrain is no easy feat. Fortunately, human ingenuity knows no bounds. Craftsmen used gears and mechanical devices to construct wooden elevators for transporting personnel and materials. The fortress is divided into two levels:

The lower level houses the living quarters for stationed personnel, prioritizing safety.

The upper level is entirely a military zone, with reserved positions for Guizhong Ballista and other artillery points.

Guizhong also plans to create smaller, simplified Guizhong Ballista. These devices, though less powerful, are faster and easier to produce, making them effective against wild beasts and minor monsters.

Once the three fortresses are completed, their positions will create a crossfire network, forming a strong defensive barrier capable of even deterring gods. Construction involves excavating mountain rock to build robust fortress walls and secure military outposts.

Six Years Later

Vorthis paused his training, stretched lazily, and glanced around. Two racks held over a hundred small nightlights, neatly arranged. Although the room was well-lit, the numerous nightlights drew attention.

During these years, Vorthis focused on enhancing his strength while also using his spare time to craft nightlights. However, he hadn't forgotten the matter of Morax encouraging Marchosius to approach him. Initially, Vorthis intended to settle accounts with Morax, but he became so engrossed in training that he forgot.

Satisfied with his creations, Vorthis left his palace and headed to Morax's palace, only to find it empty.

"Strange, where has that rock gone?" he wondered. Perhaps Morax had gone to Jueyun Karst to consult the Adepti again?

"Forget it; I'll go find Guizhong instead."

Unable to locate Morax, Vorthis turned to Guizhong's palace, only to find it empty as well. Shocked, he thought, Are they both gone? Am I the only one left in Liyue Palace?

Not believing his luck, Vorthis decided to check Marchosius's palace but found it vacant too.

"Great, where has everyone gone?" he muttered, feeling abandoned. With no one around, Vorthis resolved to fly to the Cloud Pavilion and wait for their return.

From the skies, Vorthis noticed that Guizoli City had grown significantly, with a newly expanded outer city and bustling streets. Realizing that everyone else had been advancing in their endeavors while he trained, he felt a mix of awe and pride.

At the Cloud Pavilion, he found no signs of visitors. Without the magical cleaning formations, the place might have succumbed to the passage of time. Sitting in the pavilion, Vorthis poured himself a cola, enjoying the distant clouds and reflecting poetically:

"Osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember... But where are those who share the memory?"

Though he held a cola instead of wine, the sentiment remained.

Time passed, yet Morax, Guizhong, and Marchosius did not return. Instead, Vorthis noticed something unusual. All gods raised their heads toward the sky. Above the clouds, a faint dot could be seen. A cold, emotionless voice echoed in their ears.