Genshin Impact: The God Incarnate

With the coal-mining compass obtained from Vorthis, Marchosius began his daily routine of surveying and prospecting across Guizoli's vast lands.

Before long, Marchosius discovered a coal vein.

The vein was not deeply buried and contained an abundant reserve of coal.

Now that the coal deposit had been located, the next step was to initiate mining operations. However, this responsibility did not fall to Marchosius.

As the God of the Stove, Marchosius was far removed from the image of someone wielding a pickaxe to mine coal.

Thus, the task was passed along under the God of the Stove's directive to Guizoli's Administrative Bureau, the organization responsible for overseeing the region's affairs.

At this stage, the Guizoli Administrative Bureau managed all the governance of the Guizoli plains. Without a capable administration, as the plains flourished and expanded, a multitude of issues would arise in rapid succession.

However, this matter did not yet warrant the intervention of a God.

If every minor issue required the attention of the Gods, Morax and Guizhong would scarcely have time for anything else.

Upon receiving the God of the Stove's directive, the Administrative Bureau took the mandate seriously.

Mining coal and producing briquettes to address the current fuel shortage in Guizoli was unquestionably a move that would benefit the entire region.

Even without divine orders, the Administrative Bureau had no reason to oppose such a project.

A large workforce experienced in mining Mt. Tianheng's mineral veins in the Liyue region was mobilized under the Bureau's guidance.

They were sent to the site of the coal vein discovered by the God of the Stove, Marchosius, to construct mining facilities and commence excavation.

Adjacent to the mine, artisans began constructing a briquette production plant.

Following the production blueprints for briquettes, the artisans quickly succeeded in crafting prototypes. The process itself was relatively simple and required little technical expertise.

Soon, they would establish a smooth operation wherein coal excavated from the mine would be transported directly to the briquette plant to be processed.

The finished briquettes would then be transported by caravans to Guizoli for distribution.

Due to the nature of the work environment, the wages for miners and briquette artisans were among the highest in Guizoli.

This was seen as a minor expense, as the anticipated revenue from briquette sales was more than sufficient to cover these costs.

After transitioning to the Mora economy, people moved away from unpaid labor to a more structured workforce model.

Administrative projects and policies required Mora, and beyond tax revenues, the sale of briquettes presented a promising revenue stream.

On another front, the God of Dust, Guizhong, stood atop a hill, testing a weapon resembling a prototype mechanism of her design.

Infusing the weapon with a portion of her power, Guizhong activated it.

Once charged, she casually aimed it at a distant mountain peak.

A pulse of energy shot forth, instantly piercing the mountain, leaving a gaping cavern.

The inner walls of the newly formed cave glowed red-hot, emitting steam.

Satisfied with the weapon's destructive power, Guizhong inspected its durability and smiled in relief, finding no significant issues.

This weapon represented years of dedication, designed through a combination of wisdom and technical prowess. It was the first-generation defensive mechanism of its kind.

Buoyed by her success, Guizhong sought out Morax for feedback, much like a child eager for praise.

Morax, who was not as reclusive as Vorthis, often spent his time drinking tea and studying various matters while traveling between Jueyun Karst and Guizoli.

Upon witnessing the demonstration, Morax evaluated the weapon.

"So, this is your defensive mechanism?"

"Impressive. A fine piece of craftsmanship."

"Individually, it poses little threat to a God. But imagine dozens of them in concert."

"What are your plans for its deployment?"

Guizhong contemplated for a moment. Placing such weapons within Guizoli seemed unnecessary, as the city was already under the protection of two powerful Gods.

She recalled Vorthis's earlier suggestion of constructing a defensive line at Mt. Tianheng. Both she and Morax had agreed to the idea.

However, decades had passed, and Liyue's region remained neglected, with no progress on the Mt. Tianheng defense line.

"Let's use them to fortify the Mt. Tianheng Defense Line," Guizhong proposed.

Morax stroked his chin thoughtfully.

The concept had merit. Though attention had been focused on Guizoli's development, neglecting Liyue could invite opportunistic Gods to claim the territory, creating unnecessary conflicts.

Entrusting Guizhong with the defense line project seemed practical.

Guizhong nodded. The design of military fortresses, akin to large-scale mechanisms, fell well within her expertise.

Though challenging, constructing three fortresses on Mt. Tianheng would likely take a decade.

This timeframe also allowed Guizhong to refine and mass-produce defensive weapons for installation within the fortresses.

Before starting, she turned to Morax for one last piece of advice.

"Morax, I need your help with one thing," Guizhong said with a smile.

"Name it," Morax replied.

"I can't decide on a name for this weapon," Guizhong admitted sheepishly. "Could you suggest one?"

Here's the revised text with your requested changes:

"Are you asking for help in naming this weapon?"

Morax stroked his chin thoughtfully, falling into deep contemplation.

After some consideration, Morax said:

"How about calling it Guizhong Ballista? It represents your creation, Guizhong, and is a mechanical construct. Would this name work?"

Guizhong Ballista?

To be honest, Guizhong wasn't entirely satisfied with the name.

However, since it was suggested by Morax, she decided not to dwell on the matter further. Otherwise, she might spend an excessively long time overthinking it.

"Alright, let's go with Guizhong Ballista."

Guizhong nodded in agreement.

Thus, the Guizhong Ballista was born into this world.

Guizhong carefully stored the Guizhong Ballista and returned to her palace. Clearing a table, she prepared to design a military fortress.

The fortress needed to have a high level of defensive strength. At the same time, its internal passageways had to be straightforward to prevent logistical issues for personnel.

Next was the placement of defensive positions.

After about three days, Guizhong completed the blueprint for the fortress.

Designing a military fortress was far simpler than creating a mechanical construct.

The next step would be constructing the fortress.

However, Guizhong realized a new problem—after the fortress was completed, it would require personnel to garrison it.

Where would these personnel come from?

Guizhong first thought of the city guards of Guizoli City.

But these guards were ordinary people, competent in maintaining internal security but inadequate for manning a military fortress.

"Why not train a new army instead?"

The idea suddenly struck Guizhong.

Indeed, Guizoli could establish its own military force!

However, in the current era, an ordinary army would struggle to survive. They would need some means of physical empowerment.

This reminded Guizhong of what Morax had previously mentioned about the adepti of Jueyun Karst.

These adepti possessed adeptal arts, and even mortals could train in some of these arts.

If the adepti were willing to assist, the army would be well-equipped.

This matter needed further discussion with Morax.

With that thought, Guizhong immediately set out for Morax's palace and explained her idea to him in detail.

A mortal army?

An army of mortals with the power to protect themselves.

The adepti had formations, and if the army used these formations, even monsters might not be able to defeat them.

The more Morax thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed.

However, the matter of adeptal arts would need the consent of the adepti of Jueyun Karst.

"I understand the situation. I fully support the idea of mortals establishing an army to protect themselves with their own strength," Morax said.

"However, regarding the adeptal arts, we must consult the adepti of Jueyun Karst. If they are unwilling to share, then we cannot force the issue."

Morax added, "After all, even though their adeptal formations are formidable, rivaling the strength of a god, they are still no match for me.

"Still, I have always honored my promises and would never resort to such methods."

"Thank you, Morax, for taking the trouble to inquire," Guizhong said with a nod.

If Morax failed to acquire the adeptal arts, Guizhong wondered if Vorthis, the God of Manifestation, might use his authority to manifest arts with similar effects.

Meanwhile, Vorthis, deep in cultivation to enhance his strength, was unaware that a certain dust goddess had him in mind for her plans.

Morax took a sip of tea, then stood and turned toward Guizhong.

"Very well, I shall personally visit Jueyun Karst and seek the adepti's approval for the arts," Morax said.

Guizhong nodded.

Morax transformed into a golden streak of light and sped toward the adepti.

Guizhong, meanwhile, remained seated, pondering a name for the soon-to-be-formed mortal army.

Using Morax's straightforward naming approach, the army might end up being called "Mortal Army" or "Guizoli Army," which she found unappealing.

Guizhong finally understood Vorthis's comment from before—Morax was just a rock; what did he know about art?

Determined to use her creativity, Guizhong brainstormed a suitable name.

What about Millelith Brigade?

"Unyielding like a thousand rocks, fortified like an impregnable barrier, armed to defend and exterminate evil."

The more Guizhong thought about it, the more she liked the name Millelith Brigade.

Thus, it was decided.

Not long after, a golden light reappeared, this time returning to Liyue Palace.

Moments later, Morax stood before Guizhong.

"How did it go? Did you get the adeptal arts?" Guizhong asked eagerly.

Morax nodded slightly.

"Yes, the adepti were highly supportive of the idea."

"They offered several adeptal arts:

[Cloudsong Technique for strengthening the body and enhancing vitality.]

[Slaughter Spear Technique for offense.]

[Rock Climb Art for defense.]

[Seven Star Formation], which grows more powerful with more participants, perfect for an army."

Morax presented four adeptal manuals.

The adepti, upon hearing Morax's request, generously contributed arts suited for an army.

Morax deeply appreciated their kindness and vowed to repay it in the future.