Genshin Impact: The God Incarnate

"This won't do! We can't make this decision ourselves. We must consult the will of the God."

Though the group of refugees appeared pitiful, the citizens of Liyue stood firm, unwilling to let them into the territory without permission.

After all, the matter involved another God, and no one knew what consequences might arise from sheltering these deserters fleeing their own God. If trouble came knocking and disturbed the God of Geo, they would bear the responsibility.

"What's going on?" Vorthis approached and asked.

Hearing his voice, the gathered crowd immediately stepped aside to make way for him. Many were already familiar with Vorthis and recognized him at once.

"It's Lord Zennos, the God of Manifestation!"

"Lord Zennos, these people have all fled from God of Sandstorm's rule. They wish to join our territory, but we fear granting them asylum may bring trouble to Liyue."

One of the nearby citizens quickly explained the situation to Vorthis.

Vorthis's gaze swept over the refugees who had fled from the God of Sandstorm Knowing he was a youthful-looking God, they trembled under his scrutinizing eyes, too scared to act recklessly.

Their fear was palpable—what if the God refused them?

A few of the braver ones knelt on the ground, kowtowing toward Vorthis and pleading desperately.

"Merciful God, please take us in!"

"We didn't mean to betray the God of Sandstorm. We were simply trying to survive!"

"We need no food or shelter—just let us live under your domain!"

Vorthis felt a twinge of sympathy for them but refrained from making a decision.

Though his words carried weight in Liyue, this land ultimately belonged to Morax. Such a matter required Morax's input.

Instead of responding directly, Vorthis used his divine power to summon Morax from his abode.

Upon understanding the situation, Morax simply said, "Since the God of Sandstorm was at fault first, it's not surprising his people chose to abandon him. Let them stay."

To Morax, the God of Sandstorm had failed his duty of care. Sandstorms, while a minor inconvenience to a God, could serve as a unique form of protection—but this power had been misused.

Hearing Morax's decision, the refugees burst into tears of joy and gratitude.

"Thank you, God of Geo! Thank you, God of Manifestation!"

"We shall devote our lives to repaying your mercy!"

With Morax's approval, the refugees joined Liyue's large family. Though resources were scarce, a little charity from everyone was enough to sustain them.

Vorthis was surprised by Morax's decisiveness, having expected him to deliberate longer.

Then again, Gods love their people—albeit each in their unique ways. For some, even harm and destruction could be interpreted as expressions of divine affection.

Back at his residence, Vorthis questioned Morax: "You accepted them so easily. Aren't you worried the God of Sandstorm might come seeking trouble later?"

"Trouble?" Morax replied calmly. "He failed his people first. If he had cared for them, this wouldn't have happened. Why would he seek trouble with me for sheltering them?"

"What if he demands their return?" Vorthis pressed.

"They are now citizens of Liyue. There is no returning them," Morax answered. "If he insists, then we fight."

Typical Morax, Vorthis thought, shaking his head.

Since the God War had yet to break out, relations between Gods were still relatively peaceful. But Vorthis chose to let it go. If trouble came, Morax could handle it.

The next day, Vorthis approached Morax with a chessboard, eager to showcase the game's charm—or, rather, to crush an opponent.

In the first game, Morax, still learning the rules, lost to Vorthis. But as the games progressed, Morax adapted like an advanced AI, pushing Vorthis into increasingly dire situations.

Toward the end of one game, Morax smirked slightly as if to say, "What now?"

"Checkmate!" Vorthis declared triumphantly, moving a piece to capture Morax's king.

"?" Morax tilted his head in confusion.

Vorthis grinned and explained, "This piece was secretly working for me from the start. It's my spy, planted to ensure your defeat!"

Morax sighed and shook his head. Vorthis's logic was as childish as ever, but it was something Morax had grown accustomed to.

"From what I know, there's no such thing as a spy in chess. You've broken the rules, so this game should be mine," Morax argued.

"Excuse me?" Vorthis retorted. "I invented chess. Who knows it better—you or me?"

"Clearly, I won!"

Seeing no point in arguing further, Morax conceded the game and suggested another round.

Vorthis waved dismissively. "Nah, I'm too good at this. You'll never beat me, and it's getting boring."

Morax fell silent once more, resigned to Vorthis's whims.