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The atmosphere inside Jieyou Bookstore shifted as Jean Gunnhildr stood before the shelves. For the Acting Grand Master, every decision was weighed against the safety of Mondstadt. Usually, her reading material consisted of ancient tactical manuals or the never-ending piles of citizen grievances. The idea of a "comic" was entirely foreign to her.
"Since you're the Acting Grand Master, I'd suggest something that balances duty with a bit of heart," Han Feng said, stepping forward. He gestured to the newest addition. "Digimon Adventure deals with leadership and the protection of a world. But if you're looking for sheer willpower and the bonds of a team, One Piece is hard to beat."
Jean's eyes flickered over the vibrant covers. "Leadership and protection... those are qualities the Knights strive for every day. But Kaeya's new technique came from the pirate story, didn't it?"
"It did," Kaeya chirped from the sofa, already halfway through a re-read of a particular chapter. "Though I suspect your reward would be much more dignified than mine, Jean."
After a moment of contemplation, Jean reached out and selected One Piece - East Blue Saga. "I will start with this. If it can inspire someone as cynical as our Cavalry Captain, there must be something of value within."
She handed over the 100,000 Mora with practiced grace. Han Feng accepted it, feeling the system chime in his mind. He was now just one customer away from his next major milestone.
Jean sat down on a nearby armchair, her posture perfect and rigid. As she began to turn the pages, the tension in her shoulders slowly began to dissipate. She found herself drawn into the story of a young boy with a simple, unwavering dream. Luffy's blunt honesty and his willingness to risk everything for his friends resonated with her own sense of chivalry.
Beside her, Amber was vibrating with excitement. "Boss! Can I read too? I've been saving up my mission rewards, and I think I have enough!"
"Of course, Amber. The shop is open to everyone with the Mora and the time," Han Feng replied.
Amber didn't hesitate. She grabbed Cardcaptor Sakura, influenced by Paimon's enthusiastic review of the "magical girl" and the potential for cool gadgets. "I want to see if I can get something to help with my scouting!"
For the next two hours, the shop was unusually quiet, filled only with the sound of turning pages and the occasional gasp from Amber. Lumine and Paimon sat nearby, Paimon busy fiddling with her new camera, trying to capture "candid" shots of the Acting Grand Master looking relaxed—a rare sight indeed.
"Look at this, Ying!" Paimon whispered, pointing at the camera screen. "Master Jean actually smiled at a drawing of a small reindeer!"
"Paimon, stop that, you'll get us banned from the headquarters," Lumine hissed, though she leaned in to look anyway.
Finally, Jean closed the book. Her eyes were bright, and a small, genuine smile touched her lips. "It was... refreshing. To see a world where the path is so clear, even if it is dangerous. Luffy's conviction is something I think many of us could learn from."
[Customer Jean has finished reading One Piece - East Blue Saga. Generating reward...]
[Reward: Observation Haki (Basic Level).]
A soft, golden ripple of energy emanated from Jean. Her eyes widened, and she suddenly turned her head toward the door, seconds before a small bird landed on the outside windowsill.
"What is this feeling?" Jean asked, her voice hushed. "It's as if my senses have expanded. I can feel the presence of everyone in this room, even without looking at them. I can even feel the heartbeat of the guards outside the alley."
"That is Observation Haki," Han Feng explained, leaning against his counter. "In that world, it's a power that allows you to sense the intent and position of others. It can even allow you to predict movements in combat. For a commander like you, it's the ultimate battlefield tool."
Jean stood up, testing the sensation. She closed her eyes and could perfectly "see" Kaeya's smug grin, Amber's fluttering excitement, and the calm, mountain-like presence of Han Feng. "This is incredible. This would prevent so many ambushes... it could save countless lives during expeditions."
"I told you it was worth it," Kaeya said, standing up and stretching. "Now, what about our Outrider?"
All eyes turned to Amber, who had just finished the last page of Cardcaptor Sakura. She looked a bit dazed, her face flushed with excitement.
[Customer Amber has finished reading Cardcaptor Sakura. Generating reward...]
[Reward: The Fly Card (Modified).]
A pink, ornate card materialized in the air in front of Amber. On it was the image of a beautiful, winged bird.
"A card?" Amber reached out and touched it. The moment her fingers brushed the surface, the card transformed into a small, glowing wand. "Wait, what do I do with this?"
"In the story, Sakura uses that card to fly," Han Feng said. "Since you're an Outrider and a Gliding Champion, the system adapted it for you. Try calling its name."
"Fly!" Amber shouted.
Suddenly, two large, white, feathery wings sprouted not from her back, but from the tail of her Baron Bunny plushie that was hanging from her belt. The plushie let out a little squeak, and Amber was hoisted into the air, hovering a few feet above the floor.
"I'm flying! And I don't even need a wind current!" Amber laughed, zooming around the ceiling of the shop. "This is even better than a Wind Glider! I can go up, down, and stay perfectly still!"
Jean watched her subordinate with a mix of awe and relief. Seeing her team gain such utility and power was a weight off her mind. She turned back to Han Feng, her expression solemn.
"Mr. Han Feng, you have provided the Knights of Favonius with a great service today," Jean said. "I will ensure that your shop is protected. However, I must ask—do you have any intentions regarding the Fatui or the current unrest in Mondstadt?"
Han Feng poured a fresh cup of tea. "My only intention is to run my shop and see people enjoy these stories. As long as no one disrupts the peace of my bookstore, I have no reason to interfere in the politics of Teyvat."
"I see," Jean nodded. "Then we shall respect your neutrality. But expect more of my Knights to arrive soon. I believe Noelle and Lisa would find your collection quite fascinating."
As the group prepared to leave, Han Feng noticed he had reached his milestone. 5/5 unique customers.
[Ding! Milestone reached. Reward: Shop Expansion - 'Beverage and Snack Corner' unlocked. New Comic Draw unlocked.]
"Come back soon," Han Feng called out as the door closed. He looked at the empty shop and smiled. "System, let's see what the next story is."
[Extracting... Obtained: Naruto - Volume 1: Uzumaki Naruto.]
"The ninja are coming to Mondstadt," Han Feng chuckled. "This is going to get very interesting."