[ Fairy Tale Wonderland: This Is An Independent Realm Of Eternal Joy, Devoid Of Aging or Sickness. Anyone Who Enters It Will Experience Perpetual Happiness. Its Current Size is 118 Square Meters. ]
Creating a utopian world had always been Sucrose's dream, and Nolan was pleasantly surprised to receive such a realm once her affecction reached max level.
It came at a perfect time, too—now, with this 118-square-meter space, he could venture into the wild without worrying about storage for supplies or treasures.
The reason for the exact size of 118 square meters turned out to be the combined levels of him and Sucrose: his level 82 plus her recent boost to level 36 after using Harmony and kisses with him.
Eager to explore this "Fairy Tale Wonderland," Nolan stepped inside and found a sight vastly different from the lush paradise he had expected.
Instead, it felt like standing in a boundless starry void. Stars shimmered all around, and even the ground seemed transparent, revealing an endless starry expanse below.
The space was as large as an average apartment, and within just a few steps, he could feel an invisible barrier—the edge of this small universe.
In this world, time was "eternal." Whatever age a person was upon entering would remain fixed; they wouldn't age by a second. However, unlike real-world legends of timeless realms, one could still grow stronger here, meaning training and meditation within would bear results.
In short, although the space was small, Nolan found himself very satisfied with his new wonderland.
---
After half a month of exploring Stormterror's Lair, they completed their mission and arrived in Liyue Harbor.
Today was the day Ningguang had mentioned a friend would be shipping goods to Inazuma. Since the journey required crossing the endless ocean, only a large merchant ship could handle such a task; any sudden storm could easily spell disaster otherwise.
When they reached the harbor, they spotted a massive ship being loaded with cargo. Just outside the loading bay, Nolan saw Ningguang conversing with a striking woman with long black hair.
The woman wore an eyepatch over her left eye, partially obscured by her hair, giving her an air of bold confidence. She was clad in a red qipao, the slit revealing a glimpse of her smooth, pale thigh. Below, she wore black thigh-high heeled boots with knotted decorations, giving the impression of a formidable pirate.
Of course, the woman wasn't a pirate; if she were, she wouldn't be at the harbor, let alone chatting with Ningguang openly.
Nolan had always been curious about Captain Beidou, the woman famed for slaying sea monsters even before receiving her Vision. Intrigued by her martial prowess, he discreetly activated his Eye of Judgment from a distance to gauge her strength.
> Level: 86
Impressive indeed, he thought, fitting for the famous Captain Beidou!
Beidou must have sensed his gaze, for she glanced over, then strode up to greet them with a hearty laugh.
"Ha! So, you're the 'Distinguished Citizen of Liyue' Ningguang's been talking about? I heard you're hoping to hitch a ride to Inazuma on my ship?"
"Uh-huh! Is that alright?" Paimon replied, smiling brightly.
"Heh, since Ningguang went out of her way to ask, of course I won't refuse. We're just about ready to set sail anyway, so come aboard with me!" Beidou laughed, hands on her hips, giving a quick glance toward Ningguang.
"Captain Beidou is one of Liyue's most renowned figures, famous for her easygoing spirit. Honestly, even if I hadn't asked her, you could've approached her yourselves; I'm sure she'd gladly give you all a lift," Ningguang said with a knowing smile, crossing her arms.
"Heh, you're something else. Alright then, no more chit-chat—follow me, and let's get better acquainted along the way," Beidou said, shaking her head as she started toward the ship.
"Oh, um, Captain Beidou, I promised Shenhe I'd escort her back to Mt. Aozang, so I won't be joining you just yet. I'll catch up later," Nolan explained, glancing at Shenhe.
Shenhe had little interest in Inazuma, and since it had been a long time since she'd returned to Mt. Aozang, she figured it was time to visit her master.
"Oh? Catch up later?" Beidou's eyebrows raised, surprised by Nolan's response. Once the ship set sail, how would he "catch up"? Some kind of teleportation trick, perhaps?
"Captain Beidou, the cargo is loaded. Ready to depart!" a crew member called out from the deck of the Death Omen.
"Got it!" Beidou nodded and then led Lumine and Paimon onto the ship.
Meanwhile, Nolan and Shenhe stayed with Ningguang, waving goodbye as their friends boarded the ship.
"Well, Lady Ningguang, we should be off as well," Nolan said, waving to Ningguang.
"One moment," Ningguang said, stopping him with a smile. "We've completed thorough testing on that bicycle you brought to Liyue Harbor.
"We've evaluated its cost, practicality, and public interest, and all indicators suggest it has considerable market potential. When you have a moment, come to Yuehai Pavilion, and we can formally discuss partnership details."
"Oh, it's ready? That's great news!" Nolan's eyes lit up. It meant he'd soon be raking in a lot of Mora—enough to finally upgrade his artifacts!
His artifacts were still in their raw, unenhanced state. They required a hefty amount of Mora to strengthen, something he hadn't had much of until now.
A fully upgraded set of four-star artifacts would significantly boost his abilities; they couldn't be neglected just because his strength was already formidable.
Then there was his Moonlight Greatsword, which also remained unenhanced. Currently, it wasn't as powerful as it could be, but with fully upgraded artifacts and weaponry, his combat prowess would undoubtedly soar.
"Alright, I'll leave you to it then." Ningguang nodded and, with the clicking of her high heels, walked off.
After Ningguang left, Nolan and Shenhe turned toward Tianheng Mountain, starting their journey.
Just like Mondstadt, public areas in Liyue Harbor discouraged use of wind gliders, so it would be better to reach the outskirts first, where he could let the wind element carry them back to Mt. Aozang.
With his maxed-out wind element control, they could easily speed through and make it back within a day.
When they reached the area near Tianheng Mountain and prepared to take off, they suddenly noticed a mysterious girl with a pointed witch's hat sitting on a large rock up ahead.
Mona? Nolan thought, glancing up at the mysterious figure with some surprise.
The girl's outfit and face were identical to those in the game, making her instantly recognizable to him.
But why was she here? Was she waiting for them?
—End of Chapter/VOLUME 3: The Jade Chamber—