Tempest in Teyvat: Rimuru's Elemental Odyssey

As the Grand Sage and the Matras departed from the Grand Bazaar, the once lively atmosphere of excitement and anticipation faded into disappointment. The crowd that had gathered in hopes of witnessing the festival of the Lesser Lord began to disperse, their faces downcast. The echoes of the argument still lingered in the air, and even the dim glow of the lanterns couldn't lighten the heavy mood that had settled over the square.

Rimuru watched as the people murmured among themselves, some expressing their sorrow, others their frustration at the Akademiya's actions. He sighed internally—this was a clear abuse of power, yet he had held back from intervening.

Aether, standing beside him, broke the silence. "It's a good thing you didn't push any further, Rimuru. Things could've gotten really ugly."

Paimon nodded in agreement, crossing her arms. "Yeah! Even though those Matras outnumbered us, they wouldn't have stood a chance if we actually fought back."

Rimuru chuckled softly but shook his head. "That may be true, but that's exactly what they would've wanted. If we had retaliated, the Grand Sage would've had the perfect excuse to accuse the followers of the Lesser Lord of inciting violence. That would've given them an even stronger reason to shut down the festival permanently."

Nilou and Dunyarzad, who had been watching from nearby, hurried over to them. Nilou, her expression still tinged with worry, gave them a grateful smile. "Thank you for standing up for us."

Rimuru waved a hand dismissively. "It was nothing. I just said what needed to be said."

Dunyarzad sighed, looking down. "But still... all our preparations... all our efforts... they've gone to waste."

Nilou turned to her friend, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't say that. We'll make sure the next festival is a smashing success!"

For a brief moment, Rimuru caught a flicker of sadness in Dunyarzad's eyes. He knew all too well that her condition—Eleazar—was worsening. There was a chance she might not even be around to see the next festival. But she quickly forced a smile, nodding. "You're right. We will."

The crowd slowly dissipated, people returning home with a heavy heart. Rimuru, Aether, and Paimon also decided to leave, making their way back to their rented house.

As they walked through the dimly lit streets, Paimon huffed, crossing her arms. "Those old geezers really know how to ruin the fun."

Aether sighed. "It's frustrating... but the Akademiya is powerful. Going against them directly won't be easy."

Rimuru, however, remained silent, deep in thought. He had been observing the Grand Sage closely during their confrontation. Something about him felt... off. Almost like he was hiding something. His mind drifted toward a possible connection between the Akademiya and the strange events occurring in Sumeru.

Aether noticed Rimuru's quiet demeanor. "Rimuru? You're thinking about something, aren't you?"

Rimuru stopped walking for a moment, then looked at them. "Yeah. I'm going to investigate something near the Sanctuary of Surasthana."

Paimon nearly jumped. "Wait—WHAT?! You're going near the place where the Grand Sage lives?! Are you serious?!"

Aether frowned. "Rimuru, that's dangerous. The Akademiya is already on alert. If they catch you snooping around..."

Rimuru raised a hand, cutting him off. "Relax. I'm not going inside. I just want to take a look around and see what's actually going on. Nothing more."

Aether and Paimon exchanged uneasy glances.