"Your teacher??"
Gu Sanqiu found himself feeling genuinely bewildered for what he hoped was the last time that day. Sucrose's teacher… that could only mean—
"Yes."
A calm, expressionless voice sounded from the doorway, interrupting his thoughts.
"Albedo. Captain of the Investigation Team, Knights of Favonius."
A young man stepped into the room, fixing his gaze upon Gu Sanqiu. "Pleased to meet you."
"I'd be more pleased to meet you if you'd just untie me first," Gu Sanqiu grumbled, "instead of leaving me here to talk like this. This pose isn't exactly dignified."
"Ahem," Albedo answered plainly, "rest assured, your clothing is intact. I was only concerned you might catch a chill at night, so I draped a new blanket over you. Freshly purchased—never used before."
Gu Sanqiu: ??
"Oh, should I be thanking you, then?"
He exhaled sharply. "Alright, then, Captain Albedo. What's the reason behind all this? I think I deserve an explanation."
"There's a great deal of research value in your body."
Gu Sanqiu: …What?
Did he just get a… duel invitation?
Why did he keep getting wrapped up in such bizarre scenarios these past few days?
"Research value?"
"Precisely. Through my observations, your physical condition far exceeds that of any normal human I've encountered. Additionally, it radiates an extraordinary amount of life force."
Albedo held out a clipboard, displaying his notes for Gu Sanqiu to see.
"Based on these visual approximations, my analysis suggests that, if you so desired, you could likely wrestle with the Geo Hypostasis and come out unscathed."
Visual estimations? Gu Sanqiu's mouth twitched.
Albedo was no ordinary person. As an artificial human created by Rhinedottir, the Chalk Prince's observations were probably more accurate than any advanced instrument could produce.
With his mix of natural medicines and high-quality ingredients, Gu Sanqiu's body had naturally strengthened over time, becoming highly resilient. This much he'd anticipated.
"Hm, but if you wanted to create a physique like this, couldn't Mondstadt do the same? With sufficient resources, building a similar constitution shouldn't be too difficult."
"That would be unwise. Creating one exceptional individual may be feasible, but for the general population, this would be a wasteful use of resources on a tactical level."
Albedo lowered the clipboard. "Your body holds an impressive vitality. Yet, certain bodily functions appear to have developed a form of self-sealing."
"For example, it seems you haven't had proper rest in quite a while."
Gu Sanqiu's eyes narrowed. "So, you noticed that… and decided to take advantage?"
"Indeed. Considering the impact a battle would have on Mondstadt, this approach was the most suitable. By using an alchemical compound to awaken dormant physiological needs, I created a toxin that would be nearly impossible for you to guard against."
Albedo continued without a hint of guilt. "I'm fully aware of who you are—the head representative of Liyue's delegation for this cultural exchange. Once this is complete, I'll accompany you back to Liyue to seek an audience with your governing authority and accept responsibility."
"Accept responsibility?" Gu Sanqiu grinned. "I have a better idea. Want to hear it?"
"By all means."
"First, answer me this—what exactly are you hoping to study?"
"Life force," Albedo replied. "It's unusual, yet perfectly intertwined within your body, offering immense academic value for my research."
"And, in truth, your existence has even greater significance to me."
"I see."
A slow smile spread across Gu Sanqiu's face. "In that case, why don't I let you experience some of this unique power firsthand?"
He strained his limbs, and purple bolts of electricity crackled from the ends of the chains. But as the lightning surged towards him, his Dragon Scale Shield materialized, floating just above him and effortlessly absorbing every trace of the incoming electricity.
The chains shattered one after the other, fragments scattering as Sucrose gasped in shock. Albedo stepped forward, shielding her from the debris.
"T-Teacher, is… is that kind of strength truly attainable for a human?" Sucrose stammered. "These chains are strong enough to hold down powerful creatures, yet they can't contain him?"
"I told you," Albedo replied. "With his level of physical prowess, he could likely fight a Geo Hypostasis head-on. Even with chains crafted from high-quality alloys, holding him would be a challenge."
"No, no, if the esteemed Captain of the Investigation Team were to act, even I would find it difficult to break free," Gu Sanqiu said, rolling his shoulders. "I've heard tales of a genius alchemist here in Mondstadt, skilled enough to infuse alloy chains with elemental fragments—a level most people can only dream of reaching."
"You flatter me," Albedo replied, crossing his arms. "But it's Liyue's depth in alchemical studies that I admire. Open workshops in public spaces indicate a culture that values knowledge-sharing and practical skill, embodying a unity of academia and practice."
"I've also heard of three esoteric arts practiced by Liyue's adepti—pill refining, talisman crafting, and exoteric arts—each of which is rich in potential for discovery."
"Knowledge that is embedded in the daily lives of the people—that, I believe, is the kind that truly flourishes."
"Hm… there's truth in that. The people's creativity and life force breathe new light into science. While this philosophy isn't exactly rigorous, it has its place."
Sucrose looked on, utterly lost as her teacher and Gu Sanqiu began to talk in earnest.
By all accounts, Albedo should have infuriated this man by dragging him here in chains, so why were they now calmly having a debate?
"Sucrose."
"Ah! Y-yes, teacher?"
Albedo adjusted his glasses. "You should leave."
His gaze shifted to Gu Sanqiu, now radiating an intense aura. "The next part of this conversation could get… damaging."
"Of course, Teacher."
Just before she left, Sucrose turned to Gu Sanqiu. "Please understand, Sir. Albedo's social skills aren't the best. He may act strangely, but he has a good heart."
"Ah, I know."
Albedo, son of chalk.
A lone soul, not unlike myself… an existence marked by contradiction.
Gripping his shield, Gu Sanqiu raised a longsword in his right hand.
"So I'll leave him in one piece."
"One question, though—if we're going to fight here, I'm not responsible for covering property damage, right?"
"Not at all. As long as I remain, everything can be restored."
"Perfect."
Gu Sanqiu lightly tapped his shield with his sword, a clear "ding" ringing out.
"Then… let's fight!"
With a deafening boom, Albedo's eyes widened in surprise. Before him, Gu Sanqiu had launched forward, shattering the air in his wake like a charging beast.
Not daring to hesitate, Albedo summoned his own sword, aiming straight for Gu Sanqiu's vital points!
---
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