"Hiss—!"
Hearing Cloud Retainer's declaration, all the adepti sucked in a sharp breath.
They all knew very well how much she despised slime-like creatures.
Earlier, when they had mistakenly treated her as a slime, she had complained endlessly.
As for that Fatui Harbinger, Childe—
he had clung to the issue so stubbornly that Cloud Retainer ended up beating him half to death.
And yet now—
She was willing to remain a slime for her entire life, just to obtain a Peace Star and save the Geo Archon!
At that moment, everyone's respect for Cloud Retainer soared.
A small body—but a truly noble spirit.
"If the Geo Archon were here, he would surely feel comforted."
After a long pause, Madame Ping sighed with emotion.
"Well then, let's see what your reward turns out to be."
Han Feng grew interested and turned his gaze toward the system.
At that moment, new information appeared.
[Customer: Cloud Retainer
After finishing B-Robo Kabutack, reward obtained — Peace Star]
[Peace Star: One of thirteen mysterious objects representing the thirteen constellations, including Ophiuchus.
It can attach to any object and drastically enhance its abilities (such as rampaging trucks, etc.).
Some objects, once bonded with a Peace Star, can even speak.
The possessor of a Peace Star may make one single wish.
After the wish is fulfilled, the spherical Peace Star will shatter into fragments bearing constellation symbols.]
"…Tsk, she really did draw it?"
Even Han Feng was surprised.
Although rewards were random, something as reality-defying as a Peace Star wasn't supposed to be so easy to obtain.
Just like Doraemon— most people only got ordinary gadgets.
So far, the strongest reward had only been Lumine's Anywhere Door.
Despite countless people longing for the Time Machine or If-Phone Booth, no one had ever drawn them.
Even with B-Robo Kabutack, Ningguang and Childe had only received Fake Peace Stars.
"And yet Cloud Retainer actually pulled the real one…"
Han Feng's expression turned strange.
"Could it be… her vow actually worked?"
He didn't think it was just idle talk.
Since she truly drew a Peace Star, it might mean she really would have to stay in slime form forever.
Thinking of that, Han Feng looked at Cloud Retainer with a trace of sympathy.
A brilliant golden light descended, enveloping Cloud Retainer.
Moments later, the light faded.
A spherical Peace Star floated quietly before her.
"Th-this… this is the real Peace Star?!"
Cloud Retainer was ecstatic, trembling with excitement.
She had read the manga extremely carefully.
Fake Peace Stars turned to dust once removed.
But real Peace Stars—
Once taken off, they became green spherical orbs.
Exactly like the one floating in front of her now.
Still, for absolute certainty, she nervously looked toward Boss Han.
After what happened last time, she didn't dare assume anything.
"Yes. It's the real Peace Star. Your luck is excellent."
Han Feng smiled calmly.
"That's amazing! She really drew it!"
"Well done, Cloud Retainer!"
"Wonderful—this means the Geo Archon can finally be saved!"
Once Han Feng confirmed it, the adepti erupted into joy.
Earlier, they had seen Cloud Retainer's excitement but didn't dare speak, fearing disappointment.
Now, with Boss Han's confirmation, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Cloud Retainer, quickly—use it to revive the Geo Archon!"
After regaining his composure, Xiao hurried forward.
The others looked the same—faces full of anticipation.
After all, this was exactly why they had come to the manga shop.
"Alright!"
Cloud Retainer nodded solemnly.
She then turned toward the floating Peace Star and made her wish.
"Peace Star, I wish for the Geo Archon, Lord of Stone, to be returned to us whole and unharmed."
As her words fell—
The Peace Star flickered a few times, as if responding.
Then—
Nothing happened.
Cloud Retainer: (⊙_⊙)
Other adepti: (⊙_⊙)
…What?
Did even a real Peace Star sometimes fail?
Blinking rapidly, Cloud Retainer sensed something was off and hurriedly looked at Han Feng.
"Boss Han, why isn't there any reaction?
Is it impossible to revive the Geo Archon?"
"No need to rush. Just wait a bit."
Han Feng replied calmly.
But inwardly, he was extremely curious.
After all—
The Geo Archon wasn't truly dead in the first place.
He had only faked his death.
So under such circumstances…
What effect would Cloud Retainer's wish actually have?
Meanwhile — Liyue Harbor
After returning, Lumine, Paimon, and the others informed Zhongli about the demon god incident.
They then continued preparations for the Rite of Parting.
At this moment, they were heading toward Bubu Pharmacy.
"That place has the finest furnaces in Liyue Harbor.
We should be able to find Everlasting Incense there."
Zhongli said calmly.
"That's great! Once this is done, we're basically finished!"
Paimon stretched lazily, excitement written all over her face.
They had been busy all morning—finally nearing the end.
"Lumine, once we're done, let's go eat at Boss Han's place.
We can relax there all afternoon!"
"Sounds perfect."
Lumine smiled and nodded.
Truthfully, there was still one more item needed for the Rite— the Cleansing Bell.
But that belonged to one of Zhongli's old friends.
Thinking of Madame Ping, he sighed softly.
He hadn't been able to find her since the demon god battle ended.
Just then—
A golden beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping Zhongli.
Moments later, the light vanished—
And Zhongli vanished with it.
Leaving behind four utterly dumbfounded people.
"…Huh? Wh-where did he go?"
Paimon rubbed her eyes, thinking she was seeing things.
But Zhongli was truly gone— vanished without a trace.
"Could it be related to that golden light?"
Childe stroked his chin, offering a guess.
After all, the light's appearance and disappearance had been far too strange.
"So… what do we do now?"
Lumine spread her hands helplessly.
With Zhongli gone so suddenly, should they wait here or continue on?
"Let's go to Bubu Pharmacy first.
If Zhongli comes back, he'll probably look for us there."
After some thought, Childe made the call.
"Alright…"
Lumine and Paimon exchanged looks and nodded reluctantly.
Sigh…
What kind of mess is this supposed to be?
—------------------------------
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