Chapter 25 - Chapter 25

[Age 73: Under your and Yae Miko's careful guidance, Tamamo-no-Mae grew into a healthy child, showcasing remarkable talent.]

[Age 78: The calamity's influence once again spread among the yokai, driving many powerful creatures to madness due to the Abyssal Black Tide.]

[Leading your Onmyouji and shikigami, you quelled the ensuing chaos.]

[This disaster further solidified the belief among yokai that the calamity targeted their kind specifically, reinforcing the perceived necessity of the "Night of Yokai."]

[Of course, no one suspected that this so-called "calamity" was secretly orchestrated by you, achieving your intended goal.]

[Age 82: The Night of Yokai had quietly become one of Inazuma's most significant festivals, alongside the Summer Fire Festival.]

[Ironically, this ritual meant to punish yokai had gained immense popularity within their own ranks. They had begun to regard participation as a mark of honor, forgetting its origins as a form of sacrifice.]

[The surviving champions of each year's event were even revered as heroes by the yokai, an outcome that even you had not anticipated. Lambs willingly offering themselves to the slaughter—how convenient.]

[Age 85: While investigating Seirai Island, you detected a powerful force emanating from the area, potentially linked to the remnants of the Thunder Bird, Kapatcir, who had once devastated Tsurumi Island.]

[The Thunder Bird had been slain by Raiden Shogun in her fury, and her power sealed at Seirei Island. To maintain the seal, the Asase Shrine and the surrounding settlements of Koseki Village had been established.]

[Now, this force stirred once more. If successfully absorbed, it could greatly aid in reviving Kitsune Saiguu.]

[As the Onmyou Bureau's head, you could not directly interfere with the seal. However, through your investigations, you discovered that its guardian was none other than Asase Hibiki, a shrine maiden who had once studied under Kitsune Saiguu.]

[Hibiki, having devoted herself to isolation on Seirai Island, had extended her life significantly through spiritual training.]

[Your research also revealed that following the calamity, the islanders of Seirai had turned to piracy for survival. Their leader, Ako Domeki, and his flagship, Seiraimaru, had become sources of pride for the islanders.]

[Domeki shared a close bond with Hibiki, a friendship that transcended their age difference. With no children of her own, she likely saw him as the son she never had.]

[To break the seal, you deployed a Shogunate fleet to eliminate Domeki's pirates. While prior attempts to subdue him had been half-hearted, this time you personally led a contingent of elite forces, accompanied by your shikigami, in secret.]

[Domeki's group was pushed to the brink, and as you anticipated, Hibiki intervened.]

[You knew Hibiki better than anyone. Her unwavering determination had driven her to defy Raiden Shogun, to sever ties with you, and to guard Seirai Island in solitude for decades.]

[To repel the Shogunate forces, Hibiki broke the seal, unleashing the wrathful remains of Kapatcir, manifesting as the Thunder Manifestation. The creature summoned tempests and tidal waves, wreaking havoc upon the sea.]

[This immense power overwhelmed ordinary soldiers, forcing you to rely on your two guardian shikigami, the Great Tengu and Shuten-Douji, to subdue the Thunder Manifestation. After a grueling day-and-night battle, you emerged victorious.]

[You absorbed the Manifestation's energy, gaining the following ability:]

[Ability Acquired: Thunder Manifestation]

Effect: Increases the damage of all Electro-elemental abilities by 30%.

[Domeki and his surviving crew were executed publicly. Hibiki, accused of abusing her position and endangering Seirai Island, faced severe punishment.]

[This marked your first and final encounter with Hibiki after many decades.]

[Though her techniques had kept her youthful, her face showed hints of age. The complex bond between you two had finally reached its conclusion.]

["You've caused a disaster this time," you said coldly. "But out of respect for our past, I'll spare your life."]

[Hibiki, however, ignored your words and asked calmly, "Did you kill Domeki?"]

["That young pirate? Yes, of course," you replied dismissively. "And what of it?"]

[Upon hearing your response, Hibiki's lips curled into a faint, inscrutable smile. She spoke evenly: "Do you know why I was willing to risk Seirai Island's destruction for that boy?"]

[In the original narrative, Hibiki's actions had drawn heavy criticism. Her reckless decision not only sank Shogunate and pirate ships alike but also left the island shrouded in thunderstorms. Critics called her selfish and foolish for risking so much for a mere "acquaintance."]

["It was a gamble, nothing more," you said indifferently. "And you lost. To sacrifice so much for one pirate—Hibiki, was it really worth it?"]

["And to sacrifice tens of thousands of lives to resurrect one person—is that worth it?" Hibiki's retort caught you off guard.]

[For the first time, her words left you momentarily speechless.]

["Let me tell you why I saved him," Hibiki continued, her voice steady. "Domeki… was my grandson."]

["Impossible!" you exclaimed, visibly startled. "Who was your husband?"]

["I never married," she said, her expression triumphant. "Guess who his grandfather is."]

[As you opened your mouth to demand answers, Hibiki spat out a mouthful of black blood and collapsed. She had taken poison. Even as you checked her body, her faint smile suggested her final victory.]

[With Domeki's body already cremated, you had no way to confirm her claim. Perhaps it was merely a spiteful trick, her final revenge against you.]

[For decades, your plans had been flawless, yet now, a humble shrine maiden from a remote island had outwitted you.]

[To revive Kitsune Saiguu, you had treated both human and yokai lives as disposable. But Hibiki's parting words planted an unfamiliar seed of doubt within you.]

[Age 86: You fell gravely ill, but upon recovery, your demeanor grew colder and more detached. From then on, no sacrifice—human or yokai—would ever trouble you again.]

[Age 99: A cursed sword, Muramasa, wreaked havoc in Inazuma City.

[After subduing it, you transformed it into a shikigami named "Youtou-hime."]

[Age 112: Tamamo-no-Mae, now a yokai, participated in the Night of Yokai and emerged victorious—only to be severely reprimanded by Yae Miko.]

[Age 123: Villagers conducting a "Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai," a Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales accidentally opened a gate to the underworld, summoning the fearsome yokai "Aoandon," who caused massive casualties. Tamamo-no-Mae defeated and bound her as your shikigami.]

[In the game of Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai, when the last story is told and the last light extinguished, something is said to appear from the darkness. For some people, that "something" had a name—Aoandon, the Blue Lantern Ghost.]

[Age 134: Shuten-Douji, drunk for the forty-eighth time, stormed into your chambers threatening to kill you. As usual, she was tossed out by morning, clutching her bloated stomach and muttering, "I can't… drink another drop…"]

[Age 145: With your approval, Teruyo established a new swordsmanship school, the "Iwakura Style," attracting countless disciples. Occasionally, you visited her dojo to spar.]

[Ability Acquired: Iwakura Style Mastery]

Effect: Full proficiency in Iwakura sword techniques. Swordsmanship skill increased by 20%.

[Age 162: A Hannya mask, steeped in malevolent energy over centuries, transformed into a yokai. It attached itself to both humans and yokai, manipulating its hosts to wreak havoc while feeding on their power. By switching hosts, it steadily grew stronger.]

[A vengeful spirit who became a demon due to intense jealousy and resentment. The mask is said to embody the complexity of human emotions, particularly the destructive power of unchecked jealousy and anger.]

[The mask infiltrated the Night of Yokai, controlling its host to slaughter other yokai and absorb their energy. It ultimately emerged victorious in the tournament. Fascinated by your immense power, the mask latched onto your face.]

[However, its ability to dominate minds had no effect on you. Overwhelmed by your spiritual strength, the Hannya mask was forced into submission and became one of your shikigami.]

[Age 165: To commemorate the 100th Night of Yokai, you lifted previous restrictions, allowing past winners to participate. The winner of this grand tournament would earn exemption from future Nights of Yokai and a substantial reward.]

[The rule change drew an unprecedented number of powerful yokai. To immortalize this special occasion, you commissioned a renowned artist to depict all participants in a grand painting.]

[Unexpectedly, the painting absorbed yokai energy and came to life, pledging itself to you as a shikigami. You named it the Hyakki Yagyō Scroll.]

[Hyakki Yagyō, or the "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons," is a fascinating concept in Japanese folklore. It refers to a procession of supernatural creatures, known as yokai, that march through the streets at night. According to legend, these creatures, including demons, ghosts, and otherworldly beings, are drawn to festivals and parades, where they revel in chaos and revelry.]

[By this point, you—accompanied by Shuten-Douji, the Great Tengu, Tamamo-no-Mae, wielding the Aoandon, carrying the cursed blade Muramasa, donning the Hannya mask, and standing atop the Hyakki Yagyō—had reached the zenith of your power. You were truly "second only to the gods, unbound by any laws."]

 [The extraordinary strength of this year's participants also brought you a considerable harvest of yokai energy.]

[It seemed everything was proceeding as planned. Over the past century, the yokai energy you gathered through the Night of Yokai and the Thunder Manifestation had almost reached the threshold needed to revive Kitsune Saiguu.]

[Yet, as the final moment approached, an unfamiliar anxiety took hold of you. This was your ultimate hope, the purpose that had sustained you through the years. You couldn't imagine what you would do if the plan failed.]

[Age 170: Perhaps overwhelmed by stress, you decided to step away from your duties and revisit an old promise—to free Qiqi from her amber prison. With your current strength, you far surpassed your former self.]

[Arriving in Liyue after a century, you found that much had changed. Yet, some things remained the same. You soon found Ganyu, who, as an adeptus descendant, was virtually untouched by time.]

[She informed you that after your departure, Mountain Shaper had been furious, isolating himself for a decade. But with time, his anger faded, and he occasionally inquired about your well-being.]

[This touched you deeply. Much of your success was due to Mountain Shaper's teachings, and you felt a pang of guilt for having betrayed his trust.]

[You returned to Mt. Hulao, now shrouded in even denser mists, perhaps as a reflection of Mountain Shaper's desire for solitude.]

[The thick mist was no obstacle to you now. A simple spell dispersed it with ease.]

[Guided by memories, you found the valley where Mountain Shaper had sealed Qiqi in amber.]

[Encased in translucent yellow crystal, the girl appeared as if merely asleep, her face serene and rosy.]

[Though you had known Qiqi for only a few years, her innocence and kindness had brought light to your dark journey. Now, a century later, her loved ones were surely gone. Resolving to bring her back to Inazuma, you prepared to break the seal.]

[As you chanted an Onmyoudo incantation, a crane descended from the sky, landing gracefully before you. It was none other than Mountain Shaper.]

[Reunited after a hundred years, you, the revered Onmyou Bureau Chief of Inazuma, felt like a child once again before your old master.]

["Qiqi's madness has not yet subsided," Mountain Shaper warned. "Her seal must not be undone."]

["Master!" You knelt immediately, only for him to lift you gently with a wing.]

["There is no need for such gestures. We are no longer master and disciple," he said calmly. "I have heard of your deeds in Inazuma. To revive that fox, you have stirred quite the commotion."]

["I am close to success," you replied confidently. "Do you disapprove of my methods, Master, for taking so many yokai lives?"]

["What happens to Inazuma's yokai is of no concern to me," Mountain Shaper replied, shaking his head. "I only wish to tell you this: your methods cannot bring Kitsune Saiguu back. All your efforts are in vain."]

[Had anyone else said this, you would have flown into a rage. But you knew your master did not speak lightly. Even so, your resolve remained unshaken.]

["I cannot turn back now," you said firmly. "No matter the outcome."]

["Foolish child," he sighed. "Very well. I will aid you, so you may see the truth sooner."]

[Mountain Shaper handed you a pearl brimming with pure adeptal energy.]

["This is the energy I have accumulated over the years," he said with a hint of pride. "It surpasses the chaotic yokai energy you've gathered by far."]

[You knew him well enough to understand that beneath his detached demeanor, he cared deeply. Accepting the pearl, you bowed three times in gratitude.]

["Thank you, Master," you said sincerely.]

[As you turned to leave, he added softly, "You carry too many burdens, my foolish disciple. Perhaps... it is time to let some go."]

[His words struck a chord deep within you. For the first time in a century, tears streamed down your face.]

[Age 171: Mountain Shaper's adeptal energy became the final piece of your resurrection plan. Over the past century, you had gathered more than 100,000 memory fragments of Kitsune Saiguu scattered across Inazuma. Though not entirely complete, it was enough to reconstruct her soul.]

[Everything unfolded as you had envisioned. With sufficient energy, the puppet serving as her vessel showed its first signs of life, its face breaking into an expression.]

[Kitsune Saiguu was revived.]

["Sister Saiguu..." Your voice trembled, desperate for her response.]

[She blinked, then smiled warmly. Just as before, she pinched your cheek playfully. "Ashan, it's been a while."]

[In that moment, emotions buried for over a century erupted. You collapsed into her arms, sobbing like the lost seven-year-old boy she had comforted during the summer festival so long ago.]

[Age 172: Though Kitsune Saiguu's resurrection was successful, she was not entirely the same. The incomplete memory fragments left gaps in her recollections.]

[But this mattered little to you. You were wholly immersed in the joy of her return.]

[Now that Kitsune Saiguu was back, the oppression of the yokai was no longer necessary. Yet dismantling the system entirely would take time. The first step was to abolish the Night of Yokai.]

[You announced that the calamity had been eradicated, and the ritual was no longer needed. Unexpectedly, this declaration faced significant opposition—ironically, most of it from the yokai themselves.]

[Once a system is established, even its creator may struggle to undo it.]

[Still, you had no energy left to address these matters. After years of toil, you decided to devote the rest of your life to yourself and your loved ones.]

[As promised, you arranged your affairs and retreated to Narukami Shrine with Kitsune Saiguu, Yae Miko, and your seven shikigami.]

[Age 173: Your "retirement" was blissful, though a subtle unease lingered. While Kitsune Saiguu appeared to be her old self in every way, something felt... off.]

[Her appearance, voice, habits, and even her favorite foods and mannerisms were all as you remembered. She spoke as she once did, down to her endearing quirks and the timing of her words.]

[Even in your most intimate moments, she echoed her past self with uncanny precision.]

[Yet, a persistent doubt gnawed at you, an unshakable feeling that something vital was missing.]

----

[Age 176: At first, you thought you were overthinking it. But as you spent more time living together, this strange feeling only grew stronger.]

[She felt like a machine loaded with a "Kitsune Saiguu template." Her reactions to the world around her were not instinctive but seemed guided by some "program," with its database being Kitsune Saiguu's memories.]

[It was akin to the "Ship of Theseus" paradox. What you had recreated from fragments of Kitsune Saiguu's memories was not, and could never be, the true Kitsune Saiguu.]

[Gradually, you began to understand Mountain Shaper's warning—reviving the dead was a futile endeavor.]

[You wanted to deceive yourself, to accept reality and force yourself to believe that this "replica" was the real Kitsune Saiguu. Yet every interaction with her only deepened your discomfort.]

[You confided your anguish to Yae Miko, and through your reflections, you finally identified the source of your obsession. It wasn't about bringing Kitsune Saiguu back to life—it was your inability to accept the humiliating way in which she had been consumed by the Abyssal Dark Will.]

[Yae Miko, as always, listened quietly to your woes. After a long silence, she suggested a way to truly bring Kitsune Saiguu back to life: reversing time and rewriting causality.]

[Reversing time? This was a path even you had never considered. Not even The Seven of the Current Era, the strongest beings of the world, possessed such power.]

[In all the texts you had studied, there was no mention of time-manipulation magic. Only Mountain Shaper had alluded to it in passing, warning that reversing time was the most forbidden of taboos, one that could invite intervention from "higher forces."]

[But if time could be reversed, if you could return to the moment when Kitsune Saiguu was swallowed by the Dark Will, perhaps your current strength would be enough to fight it off and save her!]

[The concept was simple enough. But the act of traversing time was another matter entirely. Yae Miko admitted she didn't know how to reverse time but said she was aware of a phenomenon created by time reversal.]

[That phenomenon was none other than the Sacred Sakura Tree at Narukami Shrine. You were puzzled by its connection to time manipulation. After all, the Sacred Sakura had always been a protector of Inazuma's people.]

[But Yae Miko revealed an astonishing truth: the Sacred Sakura was a product of time reversal. Raiden Ei's elder sister, Raiden Makoto, had planted its seed in the past through time manipulation. This altered history, leading everyone to believe the tree had always been part of Inazuma's land.]

[If the Sacred Sakura was a product of time reversal, perhaps it could reveal a method for you to achieve the same. Using Onmyoudo, you detached your spirit from your body and entered the Sacred Sakura, seeking answers within its roots, which connected to the leylines of the land.]

[The process of probing the Sacred Sakura's will was as arduous as finding a needle in an ocean.]

[Time flowed differently in this mental realm. What seemed like mere moments in reality stretched into centuries within this consciousness.]

[Finally, perhaps moved by your persistence, an ethereal voice responded to your spirit.]

["I am Istaroth, the Ruler of Time. What you hear is but an echo of my lingering consciousness, embedded within the Sacred Sakura. Ignorant mortal, why do you seek me?"]

[Image here]

[The voice resonated directly in your mind. You conveyed your purpose: to reverse time and return to the moment when Kitsune Saiguu was consumed by the Dark Will.]

["I can grant your wish," Istaroth replied, "but you must pay the corresponding price. Become my apostle, eternally bound to my will. In your mortal terms… a contract."]

[Faced with the Ruler of Time's proposal, your response was…]

[1. Accept]

[2. Decline]

"I accept"

["The contract is sealed. Time shall be reversed."]

[Entering Immersive Mode]

[Mission: Save Kitsune Saiguu]

When Lucas opened his eyes, barren land stretched endlessly before him.

His chest still bore the deep scars of his battles with the calamity, but they were old wounds, reminders of struggles fought long ago. Or perhaps, for him, not yet. The realization struck: he had truly traveled back in time.

Before him loomed the Abyssal Dark Will, its malevolent energy coalescing into a gaping maw that seemed eager to devour all life. Suspended above the chaos, a white-haired fox-eared sorceress hovered, her expression unyielding as she stood against the tide.

It was Kitsune Saiguu.

Lucas's heart pounded. He instinctively reached out to summon his shikigami for aid but was met with an unsettling emptiness. They were gone—all seven of them.

Of course. If time had rewound to before their bonds were forged, they would have no connection to him now.

His mind raced. Without their power, how could he hope to stand against the tide and save Kitsune Saiguu?

The scene before him began to replay the fateful moment he had tried so desperately to change.

"So go on, dark will of abyss.," Kitsune Saiguu murmured, her voice steady despite the despair that laced her words, "" I have no strength left to resist. You may take my Kitsune blood as you please."

No! Lucas's resolve hardened. He could not let history repeat itself.

Channeling the last remnants of his spiritual energy, he surged forward. His leap was clumsy, his form unrefined—but it was enough. He collided with Kitsune Saiguu, shoving her out of harm's way just as the Dark Will began its assault.

"Ashan!" Kitsune Saiguu gasped, her voice filled with shock and disbelief as she stared at the man before her.

Lucas smiled faintly. There was no fear in his gaze, only quiet satisfaction. "At last…" he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I see you again…"

Before he could finish his sentence, the tide surged forward, engulfing him in its abyssal grasp.

But Lucas did not die.

When his eyes opened once more, he found himself in a strange, surreal space. The surroundings shimmered with an otherworldly glow, colors and shapes constantly shifting like a kaleidoscope.

Was this… the interior of the calamity?

"So, you willingly offer yourself as my meal?"

A shadowy, amorphous figure began to take shape before him, its voice a mixture of mockery and disdain. "How pointless. Your sacrifice changes nothing. I will still devour her. And this land as well."

The figure radiated an overwhelming aura of malice. Lucas understood immediately—this was the calamity's will given form.

Perhaps, he thought, Kitsune Saiguu had faced this very entity when she sacrificed herself to delay its advance.

"You are the will of the calamity?" Lucas asked, his voice calm despite the oppressive presence before him. "I am…"

"A dead man."

The entity showed no interest in his identity. A black spear materialized in its hand, and with a single swift motion, it pierced Lucas's chest.

He staggered, his body wracked with pain. In this moment, stripped of his power, Lucas was no longer the invincible Kamuna Harunosuke. Against the calamity's strength, he was utterly powerless.

But even as his vision began to blur, a faint smile crossed his lips. "Istaroth… my lord," he whispered, blood staining his lips. "Your loyal apostle has one final request. Please rewind time… by ten seconds…"

The words had scarcely left his lips when the world around him began to shift.

Colors bled into one another, and the scene seemed to unravel. Time itself rewound at a visible pace. The spear withdrew from Lucas's chest, and the gaping wound that had marked his end vanished without a trace.

No—it wasn't healing. Time had simply reverted to the moment before the spear had struck.

Lucas straightened, his voice steady and unwavering this time. "Calamity," he said. "I've come to bargain."

At the final moment before his death, Lucas' plea was granted, forcefully rewinding time by ten seconds—back to the moment just before the Calamity's will had killed him.

"You want to bargain? How amusing."

The Calamity's will sneered. "I'll kill you again and devour everything afterward."

Suddenly, it hesitated, its tone turning perplexed. "Wait… what's going on? Weren't you already dead?"

"Glad you noticed," Lucas replied with a faint smile. "Now, are you ready to hear my terms—"

Before he could finish, a blade formed from the Dark Will lashed out, severing his head in one swift motion.

"Hmph," the Calamity's will scoffed. "Pathetic trickery. As if that could fool me—"

Its words halted abruptly as time reversed once again. Lucas's severed head reattached itself to his neck as if rewound on an unseen reel.

He gasped deeply, his face pale from the lingering memories of death.

Though he hadn't truly died, the experiences of being impaled and decapitated were vividly real—far from anything he wished to endure again.

"Calamity, I've come to bargain."

The entity's dark form rippled uneasily.

"What is this trickery?" the Calamity's will asked, confusion tainting its malice. "What have you done?"

"I have the favor of a higher power," Lucas replied, gesturing toward the sky. "If you don't agree to my terms, time will remain stuck in an endless loop."

"Impossible!" it roared.

Two massive black hands materialized, grabbing Lucas and hoisting him into the air. "Then let's see how you handle this."

With a sickening tear, Lucas's body was ripped in half. His organs spilled out, splattering onto the ground in a grotesque display.

The black hands transformed into feet, stomping repeatedly on the mangled remains until they were unrecognizable.

Surely, the entity thought, no one could revive from such utter destruction.

Yet the grotesque lump of flesh began to twist and reconstitute itself, every strand of muscle and fiber reknitting. Before long, Lucas stood whole once more.

"Calamity," he repeated, his expression grim. "I've come to bargain."

The Calamity's will recoiled, finally realizing the truth.

This mortal indeed possessed the ability to rewind time.

"But why?" it wondered aloud. "Why does someone with such power remain so weak?"

"I admit," the Calamity's will said with a cold chuckle, "you've mastered a strange ability. But you're stuck in this loop with me, forced to endure the pain of death over and over again."

"Try me," Lucas said with a smirk. "I've got all day."

And so, the cycle began.

Fourth death.Sixteenth death.

Seventy-eighth death.

Two hundred forty-fourth death.

Three thousand five hundred twelfth death.

Seventy-eight thousand six hundred fifty-fourth death.

Each time, Lucas revived. And each time, he said the same thing:

"Calamity, I've come to bargain."

He was relentless, embodying humanity's ultimate weapon: indomitable human spirit.

Finally, the Calamity's will snapped.

"What do you want to negotiate?" it growled, its patience exhausted.

Though reluctant to abandon its claim on Inazuma, the Calamity recognized the futility of remaining trapped in an eternal loop against this maddeningly persistent human.

"Leave Inazuma," Lucas said, his voice steady and unyielding. "And never set foot here again."

The Calamity's will hesitated, its swirling form seething with frustration. Finally, it relented.

"Fine," it said coldly. "I accept your terms."

With those words, the Abyssal Dark Will began to dissipate.

Lucas, who had been hovering midair amidst the chaos, suddenly plummeted. But before he hit the ground, he was caught in a warm, familiar embrace.

The dark miasma that had tainted Inazuma's lands and seas rapidly receded, restoring the natural beauty of the terrain.

"The Calamity… it's gone," Kitsune Saiguu murmured in awe, gazing down at Lucas in her arms. "Ashan, what… what did you do?"

For Kitsune Saiguu and the world outside, only a few minutes had passed. Yet within the endless loops of death and revival, Lucas had endured tens of thousands of deaths.

He didn't answer her question. Instead, his reply was an impulsive, wordless kiss.

His movements were confident, though clumsy in their fervor. Her tongue hesitated briefly, but she quickly rallied, matching his intensity.

Yes, this was the real Kitsune Saiguu.

"Ahem…"

A soft cough broke the moment, and the two pulled apart to find themselves surrounded by shrine maidens.

They wore amused smiles, watching the scene unfold like an entertaining play.

Leading them was a young, fox-eared girl—none other than Yae Miko from over a century ago. Her expression, however, was unusually complex.

Kitsune Saiguu straightened, trying to maintain her composure. She turned to Lucas, her brow furrowed.

"Ashan, what just happened?" she asked.

"Nothing much," Lucas replied, shaking his head. "I think… I just woke up from a very long dream."

A dream.

A dream that had stretched across countless lifetimes of agony, yet still filled him with gratitude upon waking.

Lucas had driven the Calamity away and saved Kitsune Saiguu, successfully reversing the course of history.

But as the euphoria of their reunion lingered, Kitsune Saiguu's expression shifted to one of concern.

"Ashan," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Your hand…"

Lucas looked down, startled. His hand was disintegrating, pixelating into shimmering points of light that floated away like fireflies.

Was this the cost of his pact with the Ruler of Time?

---

Lucas faced his dissolution with remarkable calm. After all, everything he had done was for Kitsune Saiguu's survival. With that goal achieved, he felt at peace, even as his body began to fade.

"No… don't go…"

For the first time, panic crossed Kitsune Saiguu's face. She desperately tried to hold onto Lucas's arm, but she couldn't stop his physical form from vanishing.

Was this how their hard-won reunion would end—so bitterly?

"Don't leave me…" Tears streamed down her face as she cried out, "Everything is over. Why does it have to be this way?"

"Don't worry. I'm not dying," Lucas said softly, trying to reassure her. "I'll be waiting for you… in the future."

"The future?" Kitsune Saiguu's trembling voice carried a note of confusion. "How far into the future?"

"Five hundred years," Lucas replied, inventing a time span long enough to heal her grief. "Promise me, live well. I'll be waiting for you in five hundred years."

He turned to Yae Miko, his voice warm with affection despite the gravity of the moment. "Take care of Saiguu. And behave yourself—otherwise, in five hundred years, you'll answer to me."

Sniffling, Yae Miko wiped at her eyes. "You'd better not be lying!" she choked out.

"Of course not, I…"

Before Lucas could finish, his body dissolved completely into radiant particles of light, leaving only his clothes behind.

"Five hundred years…" Kitsune Saiguu murmured, clutching his clothes tightly to her chest. "I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

[Mission Complete: Save Kitsune Saiguu]

[Talent Reward: Inazuma Affinity]

[Effect: Significantly increases the likelihood of gaining favor with creatures of Inazuma.]

It seemed that Lucas's actions had inadvertently saved all of Inazuma, leading to this reward.

[Simulation Complete]

[Cause of Death: Sacrificing life as the price of a pact with Istaroth.]

[Rewards have been sent and can be viewed at any time.]

[Please choose a permanent talent: "Great Onmyouji," "Affinity with Yokai," or "Childhood Friend."]

The choice was obvious.

Affinity with Yokai was already covered by Inazuma Affinity.

Childhood Friend wouldn't have much use in reality—besides, if a childhood friend suddenly appeared out of nowhere, it wouldn't be "childhood" anymore but more of a "fated encounter."

[Selected "Great Onmyouji" as permanent talent.]

Back in reality, Lucas felt as though he had just watched an epic film where he was the lead. The entire narrative had come to a sudden stop at the climax.

He knew that the simulator operated within a parallel universe. That's why he had told Saiguu and Miko such a comforting lie.

Time could change many things. Five hundred years would surely be enough for them to overcome the pain of his loss.

Gazing out at the starry sky, Lucas whispered to himself, "I wonder if they, in that other world, can see the same stars I do."

Meanwhile, in Inazuma, Narukami Shrine.

Beneath the vast expanse of the night sky, a pink-haired, fox-eared shrine maiden gently shook a divination stick from its holder. One stick fell to the ground.

The maiden was none other than Yae Miko. She casually muttered an incantation, and the fallen stick floated into her hand.

Great Fortune.

"There's no point in drawing another one," said a voice behind her. A shrine maiden wearing a white fox mask appeared, smiling faintly. "You've drawn Great Fortune eight times in a row. Surely your wish will come true."

"Let me guess—you replaced all the sticks with Great Fortune, didn't you?" Yae Miko shot her a knowing smile. "I'm not so gullible, you know."

"Tch, you're no fun. I miss the little fox who used to be so easy to tease," the masked maiden replied with a chuckle. "Anyway, fortune-telling sticks are just superstition."

"Superstition or not, they're one of our main sources of offerings," Yae Miko said with a resigned smile. "You know, as the former Chief Priest of Narukami Shrine, it doesn't sound great when you say such things."

The maiden removed her mask, revealing short, snow-white hair and a playful grin. "Time flies, doesn't it? Five hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye."

If Lucas were here, he would have been utterly stunned—this maiden was Kitsune Saiguu!

In the original story, Kitsune Saiguu should have perished five hundred years ago, consumed by the Abyssal Dark Will.

But Lucas's intervention had altered the timeline. Five centuries ago, Kitsune Saiguu survived, while Lucas, playing the role of Kamuna Harunosuke, sacrificed himself to save her, leaving behind the promise of a reunion five hundred years later.

Perhaps even Lucas didn't realize that the simulator wasn't merely a parallel universe. It could alter reality itself, much like Raiden Makoto planting the Sacred Sakura's seed in the past.

"Yes, five hundred years…" Yae Miko sighed softly. "Do you think he'll truly come back? Or were those just empty words to comfort us?"

"Even if they were lies," Kitsune Saiguu said, her expression resolute, "I believe we'll meet again. And besides, does it have to be exactly five hundred years? A little margin of error is normal."

For beings of their long-lived lineage, a few more years—or even decades—hardly mattered.

"You're right," Yae Miko agreed, nodding. "I've already prepared some portraits of Ashan. If we don't hear anything soon, we can distribute them as missing-person posters. Better than waiting endlessly, don't you think?"

"That scoundrel made us wait this long," Kitsune Saiguu said with a mischievous smile. "When he shows up, we'll have to properly 'punish' him."

....

The Next Morning

Lucas woke up early.

Having ended the simulation the previous night, he'd gone to bed feeling drained. Upon waking, he remembered he hadn't yet checked his rewards from the simulation.

He opened the system panel and found three A-grade blind boxes and five B-grade loot boxes.

Following his usual practice, he combined the three A-grade boxes into an S-grade loot box and opened all the B-grade ones.

[Opened S-grade loot box.]

[Reward: Shimenawa's Reminiscence (4-piece set).]

[Effect 1: Increases ATK by 18%.]

[Effect 2: After using an Elemental Skill, physical attack damage is increased by 50% for 10 seconds. This effect cannot stack and can activate once per minute.]

[Opened B-grade loot boxes.]

[Rewards: "Shikigami Talismans," "Shikigami Talismans," "Asura's Flame Kill Talisman," "Five Thunder Strike Talisman," "Universal Wind Dragon Talisman," and "Barrier Defense Talisman."]

[Shikigami Talisman]: Enables the user to claim a defeated or willing entity as a shikigami.

[Asura's Flame Kill Talisman]: Summons infernal hellfire to attack enemies. (Remaining uses: 3/3)

[Five Thunder Strike Talisman]: Summons heavenly thunder to strike random targets in range. (Remaining uses: 3/3)

[Universal Wind Dragon Talisman]: Summons tornadoes of stormy winds to attack enemies. (Remaining uses: 3/3)

[Barrier Defense Talisman]: Creates a protective barrier that blocks external attacks. (Remaining uses: 3/3)

These talismans function similarly to magic scrolls in a world of sword and sorcery, storing spells for use when needed. The difference lies in the medium—these are talismans imbued with Onmyoudo magic.

Even those without significant magical prowess or a Vision can activate these talismans, though it still requires some energy. However, talismans are consumables; once their charges are depleted, they become mere scraps of paper unless recharged by an Onmyouji.

What Lucas didn't realize was that by altering the timeline, he had unintentionally erased Kamuna Harunosuke's journey to Liyue to master Onmyoudo, leading to the art's absence in the current Inazuma.

Yet the foundational knowledge imparted by Mountain Shaper remained intact in Lucas's mind. With his [Great Onmyouji] talent, recreating the Onmyoudo system was only a matter of time and effort.

A cheerful knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, followed by an energetic voice:

"Papa! Wake up! If you don't open the door, Klee's gonna blow it up!"

Klee's voice?

Startled, Lucas sprang out of bed and hurried to open the door, knowing her well enough to take the threat seriously.

Sure enough, little Klee was standing at the door, grinning from ear to ear. Behind her was a tall, blue-haired woman—Eula.

"Papa!" Klee squealed, throwing herself into Lucas's arms and nuzzling against his chest. "Good morning!"

"Klee? Eula?" Lucas rubbed his sleepy eyes, still groggy. "What are you two doing here?"

"Don't get the wrong idea," Eula said with a haughty tilt of her head. "I'm not here for you. Klee wanted to visit, and I couldn't let her come alone, so I brought her."

"Is this Papa's room?" Klee asked excitedly, her eyes sparkling as she took in the surroundings. "Can I explore?"

Children are always curious about new spaces, especially when it's someone they care about.

The room, a guest suite arranged by the Knights of Favonius, wasn't as luxurious as the Goth Grand Hotel but was spacious enough for a small child to run around.

"Such a waste of my time," Eula muttered, stepping into the room herself. She glanced around, frowning. "Why isn't there anywhere to sit?"

"It's a bedroom," Lucas explained. "There's no need for extra chairs. If you don't mind, feel free to sit on the bed. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Hot cocoa!" Klee exclaimed, waving her hands.

"Red tea for me," Eula said, making herself comfortable on Lucas's bed. "Preferably freshly picked from Wolvendom and brewed with dew water."

"You think I'd have something like that here?" Lucas sighed, exasperated. "I've got regular tea."

"Fine, I'll settle for that," Eula huffed. "This is what commoner life must be like."

As Lucas headed to the kitchen, Klee explored every nook and cranny of the room, while Eula, bored, leaned back on her hands. Her fingers brushed against something soft, and she instinctively picked it up.

Her face turned crimson. In her hand was a pair of men's boxers.

The fabric, made of silken thread from Qingce Village, was embroidered in Liyue's characteristic style. From the faint stretch marks, it was obvious they had just been worn.

Normally, she would have thrown it aside in disgust. But realizing it belonged to Lucas, she inexplicably found herself lifting it closer to inspect it.

Even from a distance, she caught a faint scent of sweat—not entirely unpleasant, though slightly sharp. Unbidden, she leaned closer and sniffed.

Was this Lucas's scent?

Eula's face burned hotter. As her mind whirled in embarrassment, the kitchen door suddenly opened.

"Here's the tea," Lucas said, stepping out with drinks in hand. He paused, noticing Eula sitting unnaturally stiff on the bed, her hands behind her back, her face as red as a sunset.

"You okay?" he asked, puzzled. "You look… off."

"N-nothing," Eula stammered, too flustered to discard the boxers, so she stuffed them into her pocket. "I've just… never been in a man's room before."

"Sorry about the mess," Lucas said, oblivious. "By the way, what brings you two here?"

"Oh no! I almost forgot!" Klee suddenly raised her hand excitedly. "It's Thursday! The Good Hunter restaurant has their special limited-edition Mondstadt meat pie today—with a free toy! Papa, let's go get some!"

"Alright, alright," Lucas said indulgently, patting her head. "I'll take you. Eula, you're coming too, right? My treat."

"I don't need your charity," Eula said with a sniff, crossing her arms. "But I was planning to eat at the Good Hunter today, so I suppose I'll join you."

Mondstadt, Good Hunter Restaurant

"Good day. May the Anemo Archon bless you," Sara, the waitress, greeted them with a warm smile. "What would you like to order?"

"I'll have a Mondstadt Meat Pie Combo!"

"I'll have a Mondstadt Meat Pie Combo!"

Two voices spoke at once.

Lucas turned to find himself face-to-face with a golden-haired girl standing at the counter beside him.

----

Lucas instinctively turned his head and was greeted by a strikingly beautiful face.

The girl had short, pale golden hair that just brushed past her ears, though two longer strands trailed elegantly to her shoulders. Her white dress accentuated her slender figure perfectly. While she appeared to be a textbook golden-haired beauty, her seemingly clear golden eyes betrayed a faint hint of… mischief.

"Are both of you here for the Mondstadt Special Meat Pie combo?" Sara asked nervously, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. "Apologies, but it's a limited item, and we only have one left today. Perhaps you can discuss who gets it?"

Normally, Lucas would have yielded in such a situation, but Klee gently tugged on his sleeve, deploying her ultimate cute technique. "Papa… Klee really wants it…" she murmured, her eyes sparkling.

"Traveler! Paimon wants one too!"

Hovering beside the golden-haired girl, a small floating figure dressed in white flew in circles, her tone filled with indignation. "If we can't get it, coming to Mondstadt would feel meaningless!"

Paimon? Lumine?

Lucas' heart skipped a beat as he scrutinized the duo more closely.

Indeed, they were unmistakably identical to the Traveler and Paimon from the game he once played. The resemblance was uncanny.

Lucas couldn't help but admit it—yes, "she" was adorable.

While real-life depictions often differ slightly from their two-dimensional counterparts, Paimon's distinct appearance left no room for doubt.

Still, Teyvat was a world of fantasy, so the presence of an otherworldly flying creature didn't seem to surprise anyone nearby.

The golden-haired girl—Lumine, Lucas now knew—gave a polite nod before addressing him. "Excuse me, sir. Would you mind letting us have the combo?"

"If it were just me, I'd gladly give it up," Lucas replied with a rueful smile. "But as a father, I can't bear to let my daughter down."

With just one sentence, he seized the moral high ground.

Unexpectedly, Paimon piped up with a serious expression, "If I get to eat the Mondstadt Special Meat Pie, I wouldn't mind being Lumine's daughter for a bit!"

"I would mind!" Lumine exclaimed, pinching Paimon's cheeks. Her gaze shifted skeptically between Lucas and Klee. "Are you really this child's father? You're not even the same species."

That jab struck an emotional chord. Klee froze, her wide eyes filling with tears. "Klee… isn't Papa's daughter?" she quivered.

"Of course, you are!" Lucas immediately scooped her into his arms, comforting her. "Papa will buy you that meat pie right now."

"In that case," Paimon interjected, full of confidence, "let's settle this with a contest! Whoever wins at arm wrestling gets the meat pie!"

Arm wrestling. A simple, straightforward way to determine the winner quickly.

"Me, a grown man, arm-wrestling a girl?" Lucas scratched his cheek. "That doesn't feel quite right."

"It's fine," Lumine said, patting her rather unimpressive biceps. "I'm confident in my strength."

Contrary to her delicate appearance, Lumine's power was anything but ordinary. According to the game's storyline, she had faced formidable foes—dual-element Childe, three-element La Signora, and countless other trials—with growing prowess.

"Alright, then," Lucas agreed, intrigued.

He was curious to see how strong Lumine currently was. As a main character destined to advance the storyline, he was certain their paths would intertwine in the future.

Lumine placed her elbow on the table, a playful yet serious glint in her eyes. "I'll try not to dislocate your shoulder."

It wasn't a taunt—it was genuine concern.

"Thanks for the warning," Lucas replied, gripping her hand. Her palm felt smooth and soft, almost distractingly so.

"Ahem! This is arm wrestling!" Paimon reminded them with narrowed eyes. "No funny business!"

"Start!" Paimon declared.

Lumine immediately exerted her strength. Lucas's hand was pushed back slightly, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Got this. Lumine allowed herself a small smile of confidence. Yet, to her shock, her hand began to inch back toward the table—slowly but surely.

"Traveler! You can do it!" Paimon cheered from the side. "Think of the meat pie!"

"Apologies in advance," Lucas said, his expression sharpening. A sudden wave of immense pressure radiated from him, and before Lumine could react, her hand slammed against the table.

With a loud "crack," the table collapsed under the strain, scattering fragments of wood across the floor.

The commotion left the other diners stunned. Even Lumine and Paimon turned pale.

"Looks like I narrowly won," Lucas said, dusting off his hands. He turned to Sara and asked, "One Mondstadt Special Meat Pie, please. How much?"

"The meat pie is three hundred Mora…" Sara replied awkwardly. "But the table's repair cost is five thousand Mora."

What a ripoff...

Lucas felt a pang of regret. Though he wasn't short on funds, the expense still stung.

"Sorry, Paimon," Lumine said with a sigh. "I guess we'll have to settle for something else."

"It's okay! It's okay!" Paimon said quickly, shaking her head. "As long as you're not hurt, that's what matters!"

Despite her disappointment over the meat pie, Paimon's priority was Lumine's safety.

"Do you want some of this?" Klee suddenly chimed in, tearing her oversized meat pie in half and handing a piece to Paimon with a smile. "Here, take half!"

"R-really?" Paimon's eyes sparkled with emotion.

"Of course! I can't finish it all anyway," Klee said generously. "Papa always says we should share."

"Traveler," Paimon murmured, her voice trembling, "I think… I've seen an angel."

But Lumine's thoughts were elsewhere, her golden eyes fixed on Lucas.

For a brief moment during their contest, she had felt an overwhelming presence—one she hadn't experienced since facing the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.

Could this man be hiding secrets? Could he hold clues about her brother?

As Lumine pondered, a violent tremor shook the ground. A deafening crash followed, and a surge of wind ripped through the restaurant, tearing off its roof.

The sudden chaos startled everyone. The heavy wooden beams of the restaurant's ceiling began to collapse, hurtling straight toward Lumine and Paimon.

In the nick of time, Lucas dashed forward, using his arm to shield them from the falling debris.

Lumine barely had a chance to thank him before Eula burst into the room, her face tense with urgency. "Everyone, find somewhere safe to hide! Stormterror is attacking the city! Lucas, we need to help evacuate the civilians!"

"Understood!" Lucas immediately agreed, turning to Lumine. "Please take care of Klee for me!"

[+500 Virtue Points!]

Without hesitation, Lucas followed Eula outside. Sure enough, a massive emerald-blue dragon circled ominously in the sky, casting a dark shadow over the city below.

Stormterror. The harbinger of the Dragon Disaster had arrived.

Compared to the dark dragon Durin, whom Lucas was more familiar with, Stormterror dwarfed its counterpart in sheer size and exuded a significantly stronger sense of dread.

Once a proud guardian of the Four Winds and a favored servant of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, Stormterror's strength was said to rival Durin's, who had once ravaged Mondstadt. Each of its assaults left catastrophic devastation in its wake.

The streets of Mondstadt were now in chaos. Crowds of terrified citizens fled in all directions, their fear compounded by the scars Stormterror had left on their collective psyche.

The Knights of Favonius worked tirelessly to evacuate the people, but the pandemonium was overwhelming.

"Stormterror!"

Amidst the fleeing crowd, a lone figure pushed forward against the tide, standing resolute in the dragon's path. She drew the longsword at her side and pointed it at the monstrous creature, her voice cutting through the chaos. "In my capacity as Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, I issue you a final warning!"

It was Jean—fearless, steadfast, and unwavering.

Though the disparity in power was stark, Jean stood firm to protect Mondstadt, defying her own fears to confront the beast.

Stormterror seemed to understand her words, pausing its assault momentarily. Its massive head turned downward to scrutinize the diminutive human standing before it.

"Leave Mondstadt!" Jean commanded, suppressing her inner trepidation and withstanding the crushing pressure. "If you continue to harm this city, I swear upon the honor of the Knights of Favonius, we will hunt you down and bring you to justice, no matter the cost!"

The Knights of Favonius had long debated how to deal with the "dragon disaster."

Initially, the sporadic attacks were tolerable, but Stormterror's incursions had grown more frequent and destructive, leaving Mondstadt with no choice but to act.

To slay Stormterror was an improbable endeavor. Success, if achievable at all, would come at an exorbitant price in lives and resources.

But now, there was no retreat.

Stormterror's response was unambiguous. Its enormous jaws opened, compressing Anemo energy into several deadly wind bombs, which it launched directly into the densest cluster of civilians.

"Not good!"

Jean's heart sank as she rushed forward, but she was too late.

At that moment, Lucas appeared, stepping between the crowd and the incoming attack. He raised a talisman in his hand and shouted, "Barrier! Activate!"

A translucent dome shield enveloped the people, and the deadly wind bombs collided with its surface. The projectiles spun and churned violently, seeking to pierce the barrier.

Had Lucas been alone, the wind bombs would have posed little threat—he could have dodged or countered them with ease. But creating a protective barrier large enough to shield so many people required extraordinary effort.

Talisman-based magic allowed the user to cast powerful techniques inscribed upon them, but the effectiveness of such techniques still depended on the user's own strength.

The larger the barrier, the thinner its defensive coverage. For Lucas to sustain such an expansive shield demonstrated his exceptional capabilities.

"Damn it!" Lucas gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his brow. "Hold strong!"

With a final roar of determination, he unleashed a surge of power. The wind bombs disintegrated into elemental fragments, scattering harmlessly into the air.

Despite Lucas's rapid growth in strength, Stormterror—once the cherished servant of Barbatos—remained a force second only to the Archons. Even weakened by prolonged corruption, its might was formidable.

Lucas took a deep breath and pulled out a glowing card from the void. "Your turn," he murmured. "Come forth, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

The card in his hand shimmered brilliantly as an enormous magical array materialized in the air. From the array emerged a majestic silver dragon, its eyes glowing with a piercing azure light.

The Blue-Eyes White Dragon let out an ear-splitting roar before charging directly at Stormterror. Taken aback by the sudden appearance of another dragon, Stormterror failed to react in time and was struck squarely in the chest.

The two titanic creatures engaged in an aerial clash, their blows sending shockwaves rippling through the sky.

Initially startled by the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's arrival, the citizens of Mondstadt soon realized it was battling Stormterror on their behalf.

The enemy of their enemy was their friend.

With this realization, the crowd erupted in cheers, rallying behind the silver dragon.

However, as mighty as the Blue-Eyes White Dragon was, it struggled against Stormterror. If one were to quantify their power, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's stats might be 3000 ATK and 2500 DEF, whereas Stormterror's were closer to 4000 in both.

It wasn't long before the Blue-Eyes White Dragon began to falter. Sensing the tide turning, Lucas issued a decisive command.

"Now! Use White Lightning!"

Obeying its summoner, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon opened its jaws and unleashed a radiant beam of destructive energy. The beam narrowly missed Stormterror's core but grazed its wing, leaving a deep, visible crack.

Exhausted from the effort, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon dissolved into a cluster of glowing particles, retreating back into its card.

Stormterror, now wounded, appeared to reassess its position. Realizing the tide had shifted, it let out an ear-piercing screech before flapping its massive wings and retreating beyond Mondstadt's borders.

The city was momentarily safe.

Yet the damage was done. Mondstadt's streets lay in ruins, its citizens injured and shaken. The air was heavy with uncertainty.

They had survived this attack, but what of the next?

On a raised platform, Jean addressed the weary crowd, her voice resolute. "I bear responsibility for the suffering you have endured. As Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, I swear we will protect Mondstadt. To ensure our city's safety, I hereby declare the commencement of an official campaign to subdue Stormterror!"

Mondstadt had endured long enough.

Though its citizens were often carefree to the point of irresponsibility, their devotion to the ideal of freedom was unwavering.

"Let's show it who's boss!"

"I'll join the fight!"

"Captain Jean, we're with you!"

Jean's proclamation reignited the morale of Mondstadt's people.

Stormterror's terrifying power was undeniable, but it had crossed the line. The battle for freedom would be fought, regardless of the cost.

Lucas gave Jean a thumbs-up, a wide grin on his face. "Well said! As expected of Acting Grand Master Jean! Count me in for the Stormterror campaign—I'm here to help!"

"That won't do," Jean said, shaking her head immediately. "This operation will be extremely dangerous. I can't drag you into this."

It was true. Lucas wasn't a member of the Knights of Favonius, nor was he even a Mondstadt citizen. He had no obligation to take part in this risky endeavor.

"Come on, saying things like that now feels way too formal," Lucas replied with a laugh. "Aren't we family?"

"Fa… family?" Jean stammered, her face suddenly tinged with pink. "Is… is that how you see it?"

What now?

Could this be… a confession?

While Jean did have a soft spot for Lucas, it felt too sudden to confirm anything after just a few days of knowing each other.

"Of course," Lucas said matter-of-factly. "You're Klee's guardian, and I'm Klee's dad. Doesn't that make us like one big family?"

"I… I see," Jean murmured, her gaze dropping slightly, a faint hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes. "In that case, I won't stand on ceremony. With your help, our chances of defeating Stormterror will definitely improve."

"I'll do my best," Lucas promised. "When are we setting out?"

"Though it goes against the knightly code to strike a wounded foe, now that Stormterror has been injured, this is the best opportunity to act," Jean said, her brows furrowing slightly. "We should set off tomorrow."

Their target was the Tower, Stormterror's lair, located in Old Mondstadt—the once-thriving city ruled by the tyrant Decarabian, the Lord of the Tower.

Roughly 2,600 years ago, the people of Old Mondstadt rose in rebellion under the banner of the Windblume. Overwhelmed by their fury, Decarabian perished in the Tower.

And now, Mondstadt's warriors would launch another assault on that historic stronghold.

After finalizing their plans, Lucas and Jean parted ways.

However, Lucas didn't return to his quarters. Instead, he entered his Serenitea Pot.

"Come forth, Blue-Eyes White Dragon."

Answering his call, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, still bearing the scars from its earlier battle, materialized before him.

The majestic creature seemed genuinely pleased to see its master again, nuzzling its enormous head against Lucas's body affectionately.

"You've done well," Lucas said, his voice filled with both pride and concern as he examined the wounds on the dragon's gleaming scales. "Let's get you healed up."

Before them lay a spacious hot spring.

Under Raiden Mai's management, the facilities in the dimension had become increasingly complete. The hot spring, one of her contributions, was not only perfect for relaxation but also had potent healing properties.

The Blue-Eyes White Dragon seemed to understand Lucas's intentions. It stepped into the spring, immersing its massive frame in the soothing waters and letting out a low, contented rumble.

"You've earned a break," Lucas said, relieved to see the dragon begin to recover. "Rest well here."

As he turned to leave, the dragon gently blocked his path with its wing, nudging him toward the spring's edge.

"Wait… You're saying I should join you?" Lucas asked, catching on.

The dragon nodded its great head.

"Alright, I guess I could use a little relaxation too," Lucas said, chuckling. Without hesitation, he removed his clothing and stepped into the hot spring, leaning against the dragon's side. The warmth of the water and the presence of his faithful companion lulled him into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Meanwhile, at the Goth Grand Hotel, in the Doctor's Room

"So, you've heard the news too, I assume?" The Doctor toyed with the chess pieces on the board before her, her voice tinged with amusement. "That little Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius is actually planning to hunt down Stormterror."

"And so what if she is?" Signora said, arching a brow. "Did you summon me here just to gossip?"

"There's an old Liyue saying: 'When the sandpiper and the clam fight, the fisherman profits,'" the Doctor said, picking up two chess pieces and clashing them together gently. "If the Knights of Favonius suffer heavy losses or are completely wiped out in this campaign, Mondstadt will be left leaderless—a prime opportunity for Snezhnaya to infiltrate."

"And if they aren't wiped out?" Signora countered, unimpressed. "You seem to underestimate those Mondstadt fools. Stormterror is strong, but it may not be enough to finish them off."

"Which is why we'll lend a little… assistance," the Doctor said with a sinister smile, crushing the two chess pieces in her hand. The fragments trickled through her fingers. "Even if they succeed, they'll be severely weakened. With your power, eliminating the remnants would be child's play."

"I refuse," Signora said coldly. "I'm not interested in such underhanded schemes. And besides, I only follow orders from Her Majesty the Tsaritsa—you have no authority to command me."

"Such ingratitude. I'm offering you a prime opportunity to earn merit," the Doctor replied with a shrug, as if expecting her refusal. "Oh well, I suppose I'll have to send someone else."

"Someone else?" Signora sneered. "You mean Scaramouche? She's already left Mondstadt, hasn't she? Even if she were here, she wouldn't take orders from you."

"I wasn't planning to use her," the Doctor said, her smirk widening. "After all, she still requires some fine-tuning as an experiment." She clapped her hands. "Come out, my masterpiece."

From the shadows of the room emerged a young girl with jet-black hair and reptilian slit-pupil eyes. She wore a custom combat suit, and though the lower half of her face was concealed by a metallic mask, her beauty was unmistakable. Two black horns jutted from her head, and the oppressive aura she exuded was enough to make anyone uneasy.

[Image here]

Signora instinctively took a step back. "What… is that?"

"No need to be alarmed. She's quite obedient," the Doctor said, draping an arm around the girl's shoulders, a delighted gleam in her eyes. "Remember the dragon that attacked Crepus four years ago?"

Crepus Ragnvindr, the former master of Dawn Winery and Diluc's father, had sacrificed himself to repel a monstrous dragon using the power of a Delusion. Though the dragon was driven off, Crepus had succumbed to the Delusion's backlash.

"The demon dragon Ursa?" Signora said, realization dawning. "Didn't Crepus heavily injure it back then?"

"Indeed," the Doctor replied smugly. "I found her and spent four years transforming her into my ultimate weapon. Since you won't act, she will."

"You're insane," Signora said, turning to leave. "Do what you want. Just don't let this spiral out of control."

"Relax. I always handle things with the utmost precision," the Doctor said, her smile widening as she watched her go. Turning to the girl, she gently patted her cheek. "Through you, I'll prove that among all the 'segments,' I am the most perfect."

In the Teapot Dimension

Lucas awoke slowly, feeling incredibly refreshed. As he stirred, he realized he was resting on something incredibly soft. The comfort was so overwhelming that it had lulled him into a dreamless slumber.

A silver braid brushed against his neck, snapping him to attention. Turning his head, he found himself leaning against the ample chest of a voluptuous silver-haired woman sitting behind him, her arms draped around his torso.

The "pillow" he had been resting on needed no further explanation.

So this was a dream, after all...

"Master… are you awake?" the silver-haired woman whispered into his ear, her breath warm. "Or would you like to rest a little longer?"

"Eh?"

Lucas blinked in surprise as the realization hit him—this wasn't a dream. He scrambled to his feet, staring at the silver-haired woman before him in shock. "Who… who are you?"

"My name is Kisara," she said softly, her cerulean eyes glimmering as she smiled. "I am the vessel of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon."

[Image here]

"You're… the Blue-Eyes White Dragon?" Lucas asked, finally noticing the faint scars on her body—matching those his dragon had sustained in the earlier battle.

"In a broad sense, yes," Kisara replied with a nod. "More accurately, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon is my primordial soul."

To prove her point, Kisara concentrated briefly, and a shimmering image of the majestic silver dragon appeared behind her.

Well, if a demon dragon like Ursa could take the form of a beautiful girl, it wasn't exactly far-fetched for the Blue-Eyes White Dragon to do the same.

Though startled initially, Lucas quickly accepted the situation. After all, he'd encountered far stranger things on his journey.

"Honestly, that's fine," Lucas said, scratching the back of his head. "If it gets too lonely inside the card, feel free to stay here and live with us."

"Just as I thought…" Kisara's voice softened, her gaze warm. "Master truly is a kind person."

Kind?

Lucas had always considered himself a pushover—a bit of a soft-hearted "yasashii" type. But the fact that he could still retain his goodness after experiencing so many cruel and twisted lives? That was nothing short of extraordinary.

"Even if you say that," Lucas replied, waving her off, "I won't hesitate to summon you to battle if needed."

"To serve you in battle is my greatest honor," Kisara said firmly, then hesitated. "But I'd prefer not to fight the emerald dragon. I can hear her cries of anguish. If possible, I hope you can save her."

Ah, so it was a case of girl-help-girl or perhaps dragon-help-dragon.

As expected from the storyline, Stormterror—once known as Dvalin—had been driven mad due to Durin's corrupted blood. Kisara's empathy likely stemmed from their shared draconic heritage.

"If I can, I'll try to restore her sanity," Lucas promised. "If you don't wish to fight her, I won't force you. Besides, your injuries won't heal that quickly, right?"

"There is a method to heal an Apostle's wounds swiftly," Kisara said, her cheeks reddening slightly. "But… it would require a bit of effort from you, Master."

"Effort?" Lucas clapped a hand to his chest with a confident grin. "Come on, there's no need to be polite! If it'll help you recover faster, I'm all in."

After all, her injuries were a result of aiding him in battle.

---

Small R-18 scene

At his question, she smiled, wickedly.

"It's quite simple. All I need is your essence!" she exclaimed.

"Huh?"

Before he could react to this absurd statement, she brought a chair and made him sit down.

Then she knelt before him.

Kisara was very beautiful, a long, flowing mane of white hair practically like a halo around her head, framing those magnificent blue eyes.

Today, She had been hurt, and so she had to get Lucas' essence to recover. It wasn't too hard really - all she had to do was blow him off, and his essence would be hers. However, as she knelt before him in the hotspring, full lips wrapped around his cock, Lucas couldn't help but feel a rush of pleasure.

Kisara's tongue curled around his cockhead, sending waves of excitement through him. She had no idea what she was doing so was very awkward, but Lucas couldn't help but be captivated by the attempts of this beauty. He reached down and felt his fingers stroking her hair, amazed by its silky smooth texture.

Kisara's eyes looked up at him, and Lucas could feel the hunger in them. She wanted his essence, and she was going to do whatever it took to get it. She took him deeper into her mouth, her lips spreading wide around his girth. Lucas couldn't help himself but groan at the sensation, his hips thrusting forward involuntarily.

Kisara's hands were on his thighs, her fingers digging into his flesh as she sucked and licked at his cock. Lucas could feel the orgasm building inside him, and he knew he wasn't going to be able to hold back much longer.

She was pulling back just as he was about to cum, so his lips left her cock with a wet pop. He met her gaze; there was a fierce intensity in her eyes.

He grabbed her head, pulling her back down onto his cock, his hips thrusting upwards as he emptied himself into her waiting mouth. Kisara swallowed every drop, her eyes never leaving his as she did so.

When she was done, Kisara retreated and smiled up at him, her lips stained by his essence

Thirty minutes later

Lucas sat with his head lowered, his expression a mix of discomfort and bewilderment. "Um… are you sure this is really helping?"

Kisara's response was a muffled, "Mm… just a bit more…"

One hour later

Lucas glanced up awkwardly. "Still… still not done?"

"Shh… almost there," Kisara said soothingly, her voice patient.

An hour and a half later

Lucas twirled one of Kisara's silver braids between his fingers, a contemplative look on his face. "Is this pace alright?"

"Please, Master," Kisara urged gently. "Maintain it."

Two hours later

Lucas rubbed his lower back with a wry smile, his complexion pale. "I must admit… this is exhausting."

Though the process had been arduous, Lucas knew he bore some responsibility. The healing method relied on the "essence," and the extended duration had been his own doing.

But Kisara had spoken true—her wounds were completely healed, and her skin now shone with a radiant luster.

"Thank you for your efforts, Master," Kisara said, a trace of satisfaction lingering in her voice. "I can now fight with my full strength if needed."

"But why does this method work in the first place?" Lucas still looked confused. "Why is my… uh… essence capable of healing your injuries?"

"As my master, our souls are connected on a fundamental level," Kisara explained. "Your 'spiritual essence' is the ideal nourishment for my recovery."

What kind of shounen protagonist nonsense was this?

It seemed ridiculous at first, but upon reflection, it made a certain amount of sense.

Of course, this didn't mean Lucas could recklessly use summoned entities in battle without concern for their well-being. If he relied on this healing method too often, his summons might thrive, but he himself might collapse.

Lucas couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for his simulator self.

Kamuna Harunosuke, after all, had seven primary shikigami at his command, not to mention countless others for minor errands. If he had to heal all their wounds this way, the man would have been drained dry.

Truly a living legend.

After introducing Kisara to Raiden Mai and ensuring she was settling into the pocket dimension, Lucas finally left.

Mai, as always, remained unruffled. After all, her master had already moved an entire castle into the pocket realm, complete with a bizarrely-dressed little girl and a crow that insisted on crowing three times every morning at the crack of dawn.

These days, watching the chieftain of the hilichurl tribe argue with Oz across the river had become a daily spectacle.

Meanwhile, at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters

In the meeting room, the long table was flanked by key figures from the Knights. The discussion? None other than the upcoming campaign against Stormterror.

Even the typically absent Lisa, who was still on leave, had been summoned to attend.

A well-known saying circulated among the Knights: If even Lisa is at a meeting, then the situation must be dire.

"As summarized, while I have always opposed fighting Stormterror, it has crossed Mondstadt's final line," Jean declared, exhaling deeply. "This campaign is no longer optional. The arrow is nocked, and we cannot retreat."

Jean paused before continuing, her gaze resolute. "The purpose of today's meeting is to finalize the roster for the expedition. Due to the danger, participation will be strictly voluntary. As Acting Grand Master, I will personally lead the charge."

"Yawn…" Lisa stretched languidly, a mischievous smile on her lips. "With everyone so fired up, I suppose I'll…"

---

Lisa stretched leisurely and gave Jean a knowing look. "Jean, dear, I think you'd better leave me out of this one," she said, her usual laid-back tone taking on a note of amusement. "This is shaping up to be quite the dangerous little venture, and someone has to stay behind to keep Mondstadt in one piece."

Jean nodded seriously. "Precisely why I'm asking you to remain in the city. With the Knights focusing on the expedition, Mondstadt's defenses will be weaker than ever. Someone reliable must oversee things here, and I can't think of anyone better."

Despite Lisa's often lackadaisical attitude, Jean knew that she was one of the Knights' strongest assets. Having Lisa hold down the fort would provide a much-needed safety net.

"I'll volunteer!"

A lively voice rang out as a girl with chestnut hair, golden eyes, and goggles on her head jumped to her feet. "Acting Grand Master Jean! Outrider Amber reporting for duty!"

"Don't even think about it."

A cool voice came from beside her as a tall, blue-haired girl pressed a firm hand on Amber's shoulder, pushing her back into her seat. "Reconnaissance isn't the same as front-line combat. Leave this to the professionals."

"Eula… are you worried about me?" Amber looked up at her with wide, sparkling eyes, her expression melting into one of heartfelt gratitude. "You're the best partner ever!"

"Don't say such silly things..." Eula muttered, her expression tightening as she pushed Amber away, her lips curling into a wry smile. "For all you know, I could use this opportunity to get rid of Acting Grand Master Jean."

Though many in Mondstadt harbored suspicions about Eula due to her lineage as a Lawrence, those who worked closely with her knew her true character. The Knights chuckled softly at her self-deprecating humor, the tension in the room easing a little.

With that brief moment of levity, the roster for the expedition was finalized.

"Everyone, I'm counting on you!" Jean declared, drawing her sword with a resolute gleam in her eyes. "For Mondstadt! For freedom!"

The assembled Knights stood as one, raising their swords in a shared oath.

But just as Eula unsheathed her own weapon, a small cloth object fluttered from her belt and landed lightly on the conference table.

The room fell into silence.

Everyone stared at it, eyes widening in unison—it was a pair of men's boxer shorts, embroidered with a dragon motif and exuding a flamboyant flair.

An awkward stillness hung in the air.

The implications were clear: Eula had a boyfriend and was carrying around something as personal as his underwear.

"AAAAHHH!"

Eula's face flushed bright red as she drew her claymore, slamming it down with a thunderous crash that splintered both the offending garment and the conference table into countless fragments. She shouted, "This destruction will mirror the end of Stormterror!"

The Knights immediately picked up on her intent, collectively pretending they had seen nothing. Only Jean looked troubled, her brow furrowed as she stared at the shattered table.

After all, that embroidery looked distinctly like Liyue craftsmanship. Who else could it belong to but Lucas?

Nightfall

At Lucas' temporary quarters, a soft click broke the silence as a window swung open.

A tall figure cloaked in shadows slipped inside, bringing with her a faint chill. The intruder, with flowing silver hair and a half-mask concealing her face, was none other than the 8th Fatui Harbinger, La Signora.

Signora's spies had confirmed Lucas's participation in the expedition against Stormterror. While she had rejected the Doctor's proposal, she couldn't shake her concern—after all, the modified weapon known as "Ursa" radiated a sinister aura that even she found unsettling.

Still, her pride wouldn't allow her to meet Lucas face-to-face again, especially after vowing never to see him. Thus, she had written an anonymous letter to dissuade him from joining the mission.

"So, this is his room…" she murmured, her sharp gaze scanning the space. Even in the dim light, her vision was clear and precise.

Pulling the letter from her cloak, Signora exhaled softly. But just as she placed it down, a sudden gust of wind blew the window shut with a loud bang.

And then—fate's cruel sense of humor—a series of approaching footsteps echoed from outside the door.

Lucas entered the room, flipping on the lights and opening the window again to let in some air.

Unbeknownst to him, a hint of crimson fabric had disappeared into the gap of his wardrobe door.

Signora, caught off guard by Lucas' early return, had no choice but to conceal herself inside the closet.

While spacious, the wardrobe still felt stifling given Signora's tall and curvaceous figure. She barely dared to breathe, aware that any motion might cause the door to burst open.

Damn it… Signora thought, gritting her teeth. Why did he have to come back so soon?

Hiding in the wardrobe, Signora found herself at a loss. She could march out boldly and explain herself, but how could she justify breaking into his room when she had sworn never to meet him again?

Her pride wouldn't allow it. The only option was to wait for Lucas to fall asleep and then make her escape.

But then, Lucas stepped toward the wardrobe, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I know you're in there."

Signora's breath hitched. Did he… already notice me?

"I suggest you come out on your own," Lucas teased. "Or else I might have to spank you."

What?!

Signora's face turned bright red. The tone in his voice carried an unmistakable playfulness, yet the words were undeniably suggestive.

Debating whether to reveal herself, she heard Lucas continue. "Alright, I'm just kidding. But come on out—I'll feed you well, give you milk until your little mouth is full, and then let you go. How about that?"

Her blush deepened, her skin practically glowing with embarrassment. What on earth was this man talking about?

Just as Signora resolved to step out and confront him, she heard a small, distinct meow.

Reaching down, Lucas pulled a plump orange tabby cat from beneath the wardrobe.

"Gotcha," he said, grinning at the chubby feline. "Stealing food again, huh?"

The realization hit Signora like a wave of relief. It was just a stray cat… But inexplicably, a faint sense of disappointment settled in her chest.

After feeding the orange tabby and letting it go, Lucas stretched and yawned. "Big day tomorrow," he muttered. "Better turn in early."

Hearing this, Signora relaxed. She could finally plan her exit—until another knock sounded at the door.

You've got to be kidding me! she fumed silently. How am I supposed to get out of here now?

From her vantage point inside the wardrobe, she couldn't see much, but her sharp ears picked up the voice of the new arrival.

It was a girl.

Lucas' heart skipped a beat as he saw two figures standing at the door. It was Lumine and Paimon—the same duo he had met earlier in the day.

When Stormterror attacked the city, Lucas had been too preoccupied with protecting civilians to talk to them for long, yet here they were now.

Does everyone in Mondstadt know where I'm staying? he thought incredulously.

Sensing his confusion, Lumine smiled apologetically. "Sorry to bother you so late. I asked Klee for your address."

"What's the matter?" Lucas asked directly.

"Aren't you going to invite us in first?" Paimon interjected, clearly at ease. "We've got serious business to discuss!"

"Of course," Lucas replied with a smile, stepping aside to let them in. "Please, come in."

"This feels amazing!" Paimon exclaimed as she plopped onto Lucas's bed, a blissful expression on her face. "It's been so long since I've slept on an actual bed."

"Wait, what?" Lucas asked, bemused. "Where have you been sleeping?"

"Mostly… outside," Lumine said with a sigh. "Mondstadt is the first city we've entered."

So it's the same as in the game, Lucas thought. As the protagonist, Lumine was exploring the seven nations in search of her brother, with Mondstadt being her first stop.

"That sounds… tough," Lucas said awkwardly. "So, what brings you here?"

"I heard you're joining the expedition against Stormterror tomorrow," Lumine said seriously. "I'd like to join you and help in the battle."

"That's a dangerous mission," Lucas replied, frowning. "Why risk your life? You're not even from Mondstadt."

"We're not helping for free," Paimon chimed in. "In return, we want a favor."

Lucas eyed them thoughtfully, already having a good idea of what they might want.

"I'm looking for my missing brother," Lumine admitted, her gaze softening with sadness. "Someone as strong as you might be able to help me find some clues."

Lucas folded his arms, considering her words. "Returning a favor like that isn't a problem, but I'm curious… why choose me, of all people?"

Having gone through many simulations, Lucas had learned that most "coincidences" were anything but. Lumine wouldn't have chosen him on a whim after a brief encounter.

"Because…" Lumine hesitated, then smiled shyly. "I think you're a good person."

Wow, a Good Person Card before I even confess? Lucas thought dryly.

"Don't get me wrong," Lumine quickly added. "I just feel like you wouldn't refuse me. This world is still so unfamiliar to me. Of course, if you want to say no, that's fine too. I'll still help tomorrow."

"Yeah!" Paimon grinned. "Consider it paying you back for that half a meat pie!"

Meanwhile, in the closet, Signora was silently panicking.

Don't agree. Whatever you do, don't agree!

She knew full well that the Doctor's plan left no survivors. Not the Knights, nor any outsiders helping them—everyone would be targeted by his terrifying creation.

"I'll help you."

Despite her silent pleas, Lucas nodded. "I don't have many leads, but if I find anything, I'll let you know."

"Really?" Lumine's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you! I'll definitely repay this kindness."

Lucas wasn't just agreeing because he couldn't refuse people. As the protagonist of the original story, Lumine was undoubtedly tied to extraordinary events. Befriending her was likely to bring more benefits than drawbacks.

Of course, there was also a more personal reason.

I used to play the game with a female avatar too, Lucas thought. And let's be honest—whether it's treating her as a daughter or as waifu material, there's no way I'd leave her hanging.

"Let's meet tomorrow at the city gates," Lucas said, noticing the late hour.

"No problem!" Paimon said cheerfully. "We'll sleep there and wake up bright and early. We won't be late!"

"Sleep there?" Lucas asked, puzzled. "I don't think there's an inn near the city gates."

"We don't need an inn," Lumine said with a resigned smile. "There's a vacant lot nearby. We'll pitch a tent."

"Yep!" Paimon added, hands on her hips. "The food here in Mondstadt is just too delicious. We spent all our Mora on it!"

"And you're proud of that?!" Lumine scolded, grabbing Paimon's chubby cheeks. "We could've stayed in a proper house tonight if it weren't for you!"

It seemed that, like players just starting the game, Lumine was still struggling financially. Unlike the game, however, slaying Hilichurls in real life didn't drop Mora, and early materials weren't worth much.

"Well, if you don't mind…" Lucas scratched his cheek, looking a little embarrassed. "I have a spare room. You're welcome to stay here."

"We don't mind at all!" Lumine and Paimon said in unison.

"I knew it!" Paimon said smugly. "There's no way someone as nice as you would let cute girls sleep outside. Finally, a real bed!"