First and foremost, Nolan's efforts were rewarded with a significant increase in affection from the girls around him.
For example, he frequently visited Acting Grand Master Jean's office, where he often encountered Noelle and Ellin, who worked as her secretaries. When they weren't busy, he would share swordsmanship techniques and insights with them.
Naturally, both girls were very grateful for his guidance, and that gratitude inevitably led to increased affection.
Currently, their affection levels toward Nolan were as follows:
- Noelle's Affection Level: Lv. 5 (450/500)
- Ellin's Affection Level: Lv. 5 (350/500)
Although the affection gained wasn't enormous, it was understandable, as he didn't have the opportunity to teach them every day due to their busy schedules as secretaries.
While he was there, it was hard to pass up the chance to visit Lisa in the nearby library for some playful banter.
However, mature women like Lisa were always a bit tricky to handle.
Especially since Lisa was well aware that his attentiveness was merely a ploy to win her over. Hmph, as if she would let this flirtatious man have his way so easily!
As a result, Lisa's affection grew more slowly. Over the course of a month, it had only increased by about 300 points, bringing her to Lv. 8 (750/800). Despite the slow progress, she was close to reaching the maximum level.
Amber and Eula were not around much, so he didn't have many chances to boost their affection, which remained unchanged for the time being.
Speaking of which, they had promised to be his maids for a few days, and now that a month had passed, that opportunity still hadn't come to fruition. Nolan toyed with the whimsical idea of asking Jean to give them a few days off for that purpose.
Meanwhile, Mona came to the "Wonderland" almost daily for her research, which meant he had to prepare meals for her, essentially making him her de facto caretaker. This role paid off, as her affection increased significantly.
Her affection level rose from Lv. 5 (200/500) to Lv. 6 (500/600), nearly reaching level 7!
This "caretaker" role was well worth it.
In Liyue, Nolan spent time with Hu Tao, Shenhe, and Yun Jin whenever he could, even if it was just casual conversation.
Spending time together naturally led to some affection gain, though not substantial—only a few hundred points.
Their affection levels toward Nolan were:
- Hu Tao's Affection Level: Lv. 7 (360/700)
- Shenhe's Affection Level: Lv. 7 (230/700)
- Yun Jin's Affection Level: Lv. 6 (320/600)
These were the main changes in affection among the girls. As for levels, Jean's level only increased by one, despite Nolan frequently sneaking kisses to gain an advantage. It had been an arduous process.
Jean's level reached 83.
As expected, the closer her level was to Nolan's, the more "harmony energy" was required for her to level up.
Sucrose made significant progress, reaching level 40 and hitting the threshold for advancement. She could now apply to Jean for breakthrough materials.
The greatest improvement, however, was seen with Lumine.
Before Nolan joined the Alcor crew, Lumine had already been training and battling monsters, raising her level from 60 to 65.
Once Nolan arrived, sharing a room with her, they would sneak into the "wonderland" after Paimon fell asleep and Mona left for the night after her research.
Because of this, Lumine's power recovered even more rapidly, reaching level 70 in just over half a month.
When Lumine found herself troubled by the breakthrough process due to having already used up the materials she had previously obtained at the Wangshu Inn auction, Nolan suddenly remembered that "harmony energy" from his specialty was a versatile source.
It might just substitute for breakthrough materials.
Though Lumine was skeptical, she had no immediate way to acquire the specific materials she needed, so she decided to give it a try.
The experiment proved successful. However, the amount of "harmony energy" required for a breakthrough was significantly greater than what was needed for leveling up, and it had to be absorbed in large quantities within a short timeframe to break the bottleneck.
When the energy stored in the "battery body" was exhausted, even Nolan himself felt rare fatigue.
Only then did Lumine finally succeed in breaking through.
Although she managed to break through, it took her half a day to fully recover, and this was already with the fatigue-relieving properties of the "harmony energy."
Nolan wanted her to rest for a few days.
To his surprise, she refused. If she couldn't handle him alone, wouldn't adding a second person make a difference? So, she called on Fischl for help.
Yet even with both of them, they were still far from being able to defeat Nolan.
A month passed in this manner.
Fischl's strength increased by four levels, reaching level 57, and Lumine gained another two levels, making her level 72—partly due to her regular training and battles.
After sailing for half a month, the Alcor exited Liyue's Guyun Stone Forest and entered the vast, endless public waters of Teyvat. Another half month later, they approached the waters belonging to Inazuma.
However, this was where the real trouble began.
The challenge lay in the stormy seas surrounding Inazuma. It was these storm zones that made it difficult for people inside Inazuma to leave and for outsiders to enter, achieving a true isolationist policy.
Only large ships like the Alcor had the basic capability to cross the storm zone, and even then, powerful individuals had to be present on board.
Otherwise, if lightning struck and pierced the hull, no size of ship would be sufficient.
"We're about to enter the storm zone! Hurry and lower the sails!" Beidou shouted commands to the sailors from the higher platform by the ship's wheel.
"Understood, Captain!"
The crew responded and swiftly sprang into action.
Besides the chaotic lightning strikes, the storm zone also brought fierce winds. If the sails weren't lowered, there was a risk of the entire ship being capsized!
"It's restless indeed, even the wind here carries a tinge of 'spicy numbness,'" Kazuha remarked as he gazed at the distant storm.
"Wind has a flavor?! Paimon don't feel anything," Paimon exclaimed, her starry eyes wide with surprise.
Kazuha's cryptic comment piqued her curiosity!
"Just a metaphor. Don't mind it," Kazuha replied with a gentle smile and a shake of his head.
"Hmph! Mysterious guy!"
Paimon stomped her foot in annoyance, crossing her arms and turning away from Kazuha.
Kazuha scratched his head, unsure of what he had done to upset her.
"Heh, Paimon's a big food enthusiast and very sensitive when it comes to flavors. If you mention the wind having a 'spicy numbness,' of course she would be curious," Nolan said, amused. Lumine couldn't help but nod with a smile.
"I see," Kazuha said, understanding now. He was about to speak further when Captain Beidou interrupted, "No more chatting! The wind's picking up quickly, and we don't have time to pull in the sails! Get over there and help!"
(End of Chapter)
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