Chapter 51: Things More Terrifying Than Death
Qin: "Be careful, Mr. Aiden!"
Ningguang: "As a Harbinger of the Fatui, La Signora possesses power granted by the Cryo Archon. Her strength is likely on par with that of an Adeptus."
Zhongli: "From a rational perspective, a Fatui Harbinger is considered a direct subordinate of the Cryo Archon and indeed wields strength comparable to an Adeptus. However, it is a pity..."
The messages in the chat group were transmitted via thought, making them much faster than spoken words. Even though the conversation had been extensive, Aiden's battle with La Signora had only just begun.
---
As La Signora struck with her clawed hand, Aiden extended his left hand, which glowed with golden light, and caught her attack effortlessly.
"This power? Your strength? Damn that fool Tartaglia—he truly is nothing more than an idiot!" La Signora exclaimed in disbelief as she struggled against Aiden's grip.
The sheer density of this power, the immovable force of rock—if she didn't already know who the true vessel of Morax was, she might have mistaken Aiden for an incarnation of the Geo Archon himself.
When had such a monstrous existence appeared in Liyue?
Rumors claimed he was a traveler from another world. But as someone who had served under the Cryo Archon for centuries and gathered intelligence on the other Archons, La Signora found that explanation hard to believe.
Would Morax truly teach his techniques to an outsider? No, the so-called "traveler from another world" must be a deception. Aiden was likely a disciple of Morax—an unknown Adeptus!
For a moment, she wavered. If Aiden was truly an Adeptus, then he could not possibly be the heartless playboy the rumors suggested. The claims about his affairs with Keqing and Ningguang must have been fabrications.
That fool Tartaglia had been deceived!
---
"Since you have chosen to attack me..."
Aiden's voice carried an unmistakable authority. "Out of respect for the Cryo Archon, and considering that you once fought to defend Mondstadt during the Cataclysm alongside Barbatos, I won't kill you. But punishment is necessary."
Golden energy erupted from his body, illuminating the battlefield.
"You will remain here as a stone statue for three days. Do not resist—struggling will only make things worse. And next time, I won't be so lenient."
Under the astonished gazes of all present, La Signora's body gradually turned to stone. Yet, within her petrified form, a faint ember flickered—wrapped in the chilling embrace of Cryo.
Aiden narrowed his eyes. That ember... it was likely the lingering flame of Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter, the once-proud Crimson Witch of Flames. The Cryo element surrounding it was unmistakably the power of the Cryo Archon, gently shielding her.
When Aiden had attempted to seal La Signora, that power had resisted. However, sensing that her life was not in danger and that the seal would only last three days, it eventually withdrew without a struggle.
"Interesting," Aiden mused, before turning to the nearby Fatui soldiers.
Instinctively, they took a step back, their faces pale with fear—as if staring at a force more terrifying than death itself.
"She will return to normal in three days," Aiden said casually. "Make sure to take good care of her."
With that, he waved to Barbara. "Come on, Barbara. Let's go."
"Ah?" Barbara blinked in confusion, glancing between the petrified La Signora and Aiden before quickly following him.
Not a single person—not the Fatui nor the Knights of Favonius—dared to stop him.
---
Keqing: "I'm so envious. The Geo Archon's sealing technique is incredible. If only I could learn it too."
Ningguang: "Immortal techniques are not something one can master so easily. The requirements are too high. Even if you could learn them, you wouldn't be able to wield them like Aiden."
Venti: "He's so powerful… I'm starting to suspect that Aiden is actually Morax in disguise! @Zhongli, what do you think?"
Zhongli: "From a rational standpoint, Aiden's sealing technique is at most 30% as refined as that of the Geo Archon."
Madame Ping: "It does feel familiar. However, Aiden's technique relies more on raw elemental power to suppress his opponent rather than intricate sealing mastery. He still has much to learn."
Aiden: "Well, I only recently picked it up, and this is my first time sealing someone. Besides, if I extended the seal for too long, unforeseen complications might arise.
Moreover, the Cryo Archon's power withdrew once it sensed I had no intent to harm La Signora. Otherwise, things might have been far trickier.
Honestly, I wasn't sure how to restrain her without either destroying Mondstadt or killing her outright."
Jean: "Aiden, earlier you mentioned that La Signora once protected Mondstadt. Can you explain? This is very important to me."
Aiden: "She was once the Crimson Witch of Flames. She sacrificed everything to save Mondstadt, but in the end, she was betrayed by the people she fought to protect."
Jean: "...I see. Thank you."
Venti: "I didn't expect you to let her live!"
Zhongli: "For someone as proud as La Signora, being petrified and displayed in public is a fate worse than death."
Aiden: "Exactly. This is social ruin. She may be able to endure humiliation in foreign nations, but to be disgraced in Mondstadt—this is true suffering. Death is often an easy escape. Enduring shame is far more difficult."
---
As they walked, Barbara turned to Aiden in awe. "Mr. Aiden, I didn't expect you to be this powerful."
"It's not a big deal," Aiden waved dismissively. "Longing is the emotion farthest from understanding. Whether it's me or Jean, don't put us on a pedestal."
Barbara pondered his words before nodding with a bright smile. "I understand now, Mr. Aiden!"
---
Meanwhile, Jean found herself unable to focus on slaying monsters. The revelation about La Signora weighed heavily on her mind.
Diluc, too, was lost in thought. He had once fought La Signora and knew firsthand how powerful she was. Though he had managed to escape their battle unscathed, he could sense that she had been holding back a terrifying power.
The power of the Crimson Witch.
Yet Aiden had effortlessly sealed her without allowing her even a moment to fight back.
Just how strong were the gods?
Zhongli had stated that Aiden's sealing abilities were only 30% as refined as Morax's. Though that assessment referred only to technique, it left Diluc wondering—
Was Morax truly stronger than Aiden?
After all, the Geo Archon was known as the strongest among the Seven.
What level of power did Aiden truly possess?