As the sun set and the stars filled the sky, night came once again.
After dinner, Fischl bid everyone farewell and left, and Hifumi returned to her own world. Riku and Vanir also headed to the Mondstadt Library to study.
On the soft lawn, Hiroshi and Kuroneko sat close together, looking up at the Milky Way in the night sky. They chatted about the interesting things that had happened during the day.
Gently pulling Kuroneko into his embrace, Hiroshi whispered, "I've almost filled in the gaps in my knowledge that were holding me back. Tonight, I'm planning to start a new phase of training."
"Mm."
Kuroneko rested her head on Hiroshi's chest, closing her eyes as she replied softly.
Feeling her heartbeat, Hiroshi couldn't help but hold her even tighter.
"Brother Hiroshi, are you and Sister Kuroneko playing a hugging game?"
A small head appeared in front of Hiroshi, blocking his view.
Klee beamed at Hiroshi, her eyes filled with joy. "Brother Hiroshi, I want a hug too!"
Seeing Klee's reflection in his eyes, Hiroshi smiled, lifting Klee and placing her beside Kuroneko, holding them both in his arms.
"Ruri, at this moment, I suddenly feel like I don't want to deal with anything else."
"Mm, I know. But I also know that in the end, you'll still go."
In the silent night, Klee wiggled her way out of Hiroshi's arms, moving in front of him. She blinked her big eyes and asked, "Brother Hiroshi, are you worried about something? You can tell Klee, and Klee will make you feel better."
Hiroshi gently stroked Klee's cheek and smiled. "Brother is just scared—scared of losing you all."
"But Klee won't leave Brother."
Klee looked at Hiroshi in confusion, as if he were saying something strange. She giggled and pressed her face against his.
Hiroshi rubbed his face against Klee's and said with a smile, "Mm, I know."
After spending some time together, Hiroshi took Klee, who had begun to nod off, back to her room. He gazed at her adorable sleeping face and gently rubbed her small nose, whispering, "Good night."
He turned, closed the door quietly, and took Kuroneko's hand, leading her to his room.
Opening the chat group, Hiroshi smiled at Kuroneko and clicked to enter the training area.
The mist-covered mountain peak once again welcomed familiar guests.
Hiroshi and Kuroneko appeared at the mountaintop. Not far away, a house stood tall on the peak.
The two exchanged a smile, holding hands as they walked towards the house. They pushed the door open, revealing shelves filled with books.
Each moved towards their target. Hiroshi and Kuroneko each went to a different bookshelf and began flipping through books.
In the chat group, most members lacked proper training in their respective worlds. The stat panel guided them, allowing them to gain tremendous power seemingly overnight.
But upon reaching the legendary stage, they faced a harsh reality. The experience required for each level increased immensely, and they soon realized that the common monsters from their worlds no longer provided sufficient experience. Moreover, having gained their power so quickly, many of them had significant weaknesses, and no proper path for further training.
At this point, they had two choices: either start from scratch, systematically learning various training techniques, which was made possible because they had grown with the guidance of the stat panel and lacked the limitations others faced, or they could challenge stronger enemies, actively participating in missions to continue leveling up. Of course, being intelligent adults, most chose to do both—except for a certain water goddess whose wisdom often didn't follow reason.
After reaching the legendary level, each path offered different choices. Many of the books here were techniques that Hiroshi had asked Infinite to bring from Luo Xiaobai's world.
Hiroshi had already mapped out his future growth path. As a legendary-level warrior who had advanced quickly, his combat power was good, but he still had many gaps, whether in comprehensiveness or knowledge. When the chat group introduced the training area, he borrowed a large collection of books on cultivation from Infinite. With his legendary-level attributes and Infinite's guidance, Hiroshi quickly absorbed the necessary knowledge.
Now, Hiroshi had finished studying the basic foundational knowledge and could formally start training in the abilities he needed. He had a clear plan for his cultivation.
On the other side, Kuroneko flipped through a magic book in her hands—books that Hiroshi had obtained during his first mission and while saving Mondstadt. After discussing it with the group, they had chosen these extraordinary books from Teyvat. The magical knowledge within provided more resources for those pursuing the path of magic and served as reference material for those on different paths.
Holding a book in his hand, Hiroshi looked at Kuroneko, who was focused on her studies, and smiled. "Ruri, I've decided on the ability I want to train in."
"Mm, good luck, Hiroshi."
Kuroneko brushed her hair away from her face, looking up at Hiroshi to encourage him.
"Mm, you too, Ruri."
Hiroshi turned and walked outside, breathing deeply as he gazed at the drifting clouds in the sky. In one step, he moved to a distant mountain peak.
Opening his attribute panel, Hiroshi used all the experience points he'd gained from the last mission to level up.
A large amount of spiritual energy began to gather. In the training area, the fluctuations of various laws grew more apparent.
With an increase in his level and attributes, Hiroshi was determined to build a solid foundation for his future growth in one go. After all, the next world would be a battleground of gods.
Various pieces of knowledge flowed in his mind, and with each level gained, Hiroshi's attributes improved. A new divine power was taking shape.
At this moment, Hiroshi's mind grew more attuned to the world around him. With the blessing of his physique, the world around him opened up to him completely.
In the past, lacking formal training in extraordinary knowledge, Hiroshi could still gain insights during each level-up due to his affinity with the world, though they were minimal. As his level increased, those insights deepened, but he had been drifting along without direction.
Now, a clearer understanding guided Hiroshi as he explored this treasure trove of endless possibilities, moving towards his goal.
Pure white light bloomed from Hiroshi's body, and a domain extended from him, enveloping the entire mountain peak.
At the window of the house, Kuroneko glanced out at the distant mountain where various phenomena had started to manifest. She picked up the book she had put down and continued her studies. The blue panel in front of her displayed the Mondstadt Library, where Vanir was conducting a live lecture.
Since the last mission ended, most group members had reached the legendary stage, and Vanir and Infinite, the two demigods, had started nightly live lessons at Hiroshi's suggestion, guiding each member striving to become stronger.