Having obtained two Moon Marrow and applying his truly exquisite scientific expertise, he artificially synthesized a third — the missing one. It was no true artifact, imperfect by nature, yet this substitute proved more than sufficient.

With their power, he split Teyvat’s false sky apart. The firmament cracked like glass, and beyond its fractured, crimson-glowing edges emerged the true Frost Moon.

Manipulating time and space, he created a platform — something between a mechanism and an illusion — upon which you soon found yourselves. In the very next instant, it lurched upward, flinging you far above the level of the clouds.

There was no time to hesitate. You struck first. And — oh, what a surprise — you lost.

One by one, almost mockingly flaunting his superiority, he sent each of your companions into a vacuum dimension from which escape was nearly impossible unless he allowed it. And then there were only two of you left. One on one.

So much time. So much effort. So many sacrifices. And that bastard didn’t even have a scratch. It was time to activate Sandrone’s plan.

Mm? What’s this? Oh. The plan failed? You see the surprise on his face?

Dottore attacked when you were barely able to stay on your feet. The world swam before your eyes. And in that very instant, Sandrone — heroically, foolishly — threw herself in front of you. The blow pierced straight through her.

Strength without intellect. Splendid! Truly admirable!

A faint smile touched Dottore’s lips as he observed this display of 'self-sacrifice' from his former acquaintance. Casually, via telekinesis, he flung her body toward the edge of the arena, as if discarding something no longer worthy of attention, and turned his gaze to you.

"Ahem. How... amusing, I must admit." His voice was even, almost languid. "How touching — to witness a soulless Marionette suddenly rushing to protect someone like you."

He slowly clenched and unclenched his fingers. Massive magical darts hovered around him — dense clusters of bluish energy, all aimed directly at you.

"Up until now, we never quite managed to speak like... reasonable individuals. Do agree — your friends were constantly interrupting us."

Still levitating several dozen meters above the platform, he descended smoothly. The soles of his boots touched the surface without the faintest sound. "I genuinely fail to understand," he continued, tilting his head slightly, "why you so vehemently refuse to take my side. You see what power I wield. What authority. Why not make use of such a splendid opportunity? What could these mortals possibly offer you that I cannot?"

When silence was your only reply, he exhaled sharply through his nose and shook his head. Raising his right arm, bent at the elbow, he gestured toward the shattered false sky. His gaze flicked upward for a brief moment. "I know where your relative is. Is that not your ultimate goal? To find them. To obtain answers to every question that has tormented you since the very day you awoke in this world."

He lowered his head, abruptly clenched his fist — and the magical weapons hovering around him disintegrated into shimmering dust. "I can bring them here. Right now." A pause. "In return, I ask for only one thing — cooperation. What does it truly cost you? Are you not tired? Day after day, carrying out the same errands, running about at the beck and call of ungrateful people, saving a world that is not even capable of appreciating your efforts?"

He took a single step forward. "Imagine how your life would change. No more pointless quests, endless commissions, or hollow promises to 'help' you. I, on the other hand, guarantee results." His lips curved into a thin smile. "This is your final chance to reconsider, descender."