Aether traveled to Fontaine, which had become the most developed nation since Liyue's economic crisis. In terms of economy, military strength, technology, and industry, it was the most advanced. During the colonial period, Fontaine was also the most determined in its resistance. Their industry had essentially entered a semi-automated production era, with productivity on par with Earth's Industrial Revolution.
Fontaine possesses a type of combat robot powered by precise mechanical engineering and an energy source known as "Desolate Light Energy"—a substance similar to a Vision but usable only on machines. This energy was the most heavily traded commodity during the period of negotiation between Earth and Teyvat and played a critical role in boosting Earth's productivity. In Fontaine, this energy is widely used in both manufacturing and as a power source for machines.
Fontaine's mastery over machinery has nearly reached perfection. Their robots use no electronic components whatsoever, yet they outperform anything Earth can produce. Each has 400 degrees of freedom, whereas Earth's best robots can only reach 300. Because of this, Fontaine became the strongest resisting nation. At the height of the conflict, their battlefield casualty ratio reached 1:6, rivaling even the campaign against the Western Asian Republic. However, Earth's guided missiles and close air support ultimately forced Fontaine into surrender. The bombings and missile strikes left Fontaine devastated.
What stands now is a rebuilt Fontaine. Despite its mechanical prowess, the nation is still referred to as the "Nation of Water." The previous Hydro Archon, Focalors, was dismissed after it was revealed she had only impersonated the true Archon for nearly five centuries. The current Hydro Archon possesses the ability to manipulate Desolate Light Energy. According to UN findings, her emotions seem to affect the weather. Since her capture, it has rained almost constantly. However, when granted certain concessions, the weather clears. This persistent rainfall led humans to construct vast networks of drainage systems across Fontaine.
Aether saved Fontaine—alongside the former Hydro Archon—a truly remarkable achievement. Five hundred years ago, Teyvat's fate had decreed that this nation would be erased. Thanks to Aether's intervention, that destiny was averted. Without him, all the people of Fontaine would have been dissolved into water. The UN imprisoned the former Hydro Archon just like the new one, and the populace still harbored strong desires for rebellion.
In response, Miller adopted a gentler strategy. He offered local Fontaine citizens certain benefits: allowing them to use recreational drugs, building theaters for sensory-driven films, and generally creating distractions so overwhelming that they no longer had the will to resist. Under Miller's rule, some even came to believe it was a good thing—perhaps they simply wanted to be slaves who didn't have to think.
Aether had now saved five nations. His deeds had even reached Natlan.
Natlan is an anarchic state—or more accurately, a theater-state. The only time they truly unite is during the annual "Flame's Return Night Parade." Despite having no formal government, they are remarkably cohesive, having withstood both the Archon War and the Abyss invasion. In this nation exists an ancient naming rite—a sort of spiritual inheritance. After saving the nation, Aether was granted such a title, something that traditionally no outsider could ever receive. What more could he possibly not have?
There was a knock at Miller's door. "Come in," he said.
An elderly man stepped in slowly, his eyes full of hope as he looked at Miller. Miller recognized him almost instantly and exclaimed, "Dupont?! My God, I can't believe you're still alive!" As he spoke, Miller rushed forward and embraced him. "Good Lord, why do you look so old?"
"That's a long story," Dupont replied. "Let's sit and talk for a while."