Inside the Serenitea Pot.
Xia Zhi stepped into the massage room.
Yesterday, he'd promised Collei he'd make her a Magical Girl transformation item. He was supposed to finish it last night, but things got delayed thanks to Cloud Retainer. He needed to make it now.
And while he was at it, he'd also create Yaoyao's transformation item, since he'd promised her today.
He raised his hand, casting a time-stop over the room.
Soon, he lifted the spell and tucked away the two finished items.
Outside, people came and went for massages.
Until Collei arrived.
Xia Zhi smiled. "You're here."
Collei's eyes shone with anticipation. "Mr. Xia…"
He nodded. "The transformation item's done."
He held out his hand. Resting on his palm was a small black hairpin.
[Hairpin of Darkness]
Quality: Platinum
Type: Charging Item
Trait: Divine Blessing, Transformation
Effect: Absorbs Faith Power for charging. Once fully charged, the wielder can transform into a Divine-Blessed form.
Hidden Effect: The purer the creator's faith, the greater the power that can be used after transformation.
Recyclable: 1000 points.
Xia Zhi passed the hairpin to Collei.
Since she sought revenge against Il Dottore, a power steeped in aggressive darkness was the perfect match.
Collei accepted it gingerly. "Mr. Xia, how do I form a Contract with you?"
"Just wear it in your hair."
"Like this?"
"Yes."
"I've put it on. Then what?"
"Pray to me."
"Pray to you?"
"Yes. The same way you pray to Nahida."
"All right."
Collei obediently closed her eyes, silently whispering her prayer.
The Faith Power radiating from her was far stronger than Noelle's or Amber's.
Partly because of the hardships she'd endured. Back then, when she'd prayed for salvation in her darkest hours, no Archon had ever answered. Her faith in the Seven was weaker than theirs.
But Xia Zhi had cured her of Eleazar—a miracle even Nahida hadn't achieved. To her, that was true salvation. So her faith in him came naturally.
Softly, Xia Zhi asked, "Do you feel it?"
Collei's voice trembled with awe. "I do."
"Try transforming."
She bowed her head, whispering inside: Transform.
The hairpin erupted with pure, powerful darkness, enveloping her in a massive black sphere of light.
At the same time, a system voice echoed in Xia Zhi's mind:
"Faithful follower's prayer detected.
Respond?"
So Collei had reached the rank of faithful follower. Just like Fischl.
He chose to respond.
"Yes."
A new character panel opened before him.
It showed Collei's original, natural appearance.
He began shaping her Magical Girl form.
First underwear.
Then a black dress.
Accessories—
A pure black necklace.
A pure black headband.
A pure black leg band.
Finally, a weapon—
A pure black bow.
Overall, her design resembled Fischl's: entirely black.
The difference lay in style—Collei's was Sumeru, Fischl's Mondstadt.
Done.
He closed the panel.
The black sphere dissolved, revealing the Magical Girl within.
Collei opened her eyes, feeling a new, overwhelming power coursing through her.
Xia Zhi asked softly, "You've transformed successfully. How do you feel?"
Collei stared at the bow in her hand, muttering, "It's so strange… like my head's filled with so much knowledge…"
"That's Dark-element spells up to Tier 4, plus Master Archery. Try casting something."
"Spells…"
She extended her hand. A cluster of black light formed in her palm.
She could sense the destructive force within it—enough to obliterate this small room.
Panicked, she waved it away, scattering it.
"Don't worry. But yes, the Serenitea Pot is too cramped. Go outside later to test your powers properly."
"Yes, Mr. Xia."
"No rush. Since you're here, let me give you a massage first."
"Okay."
"And no need to cancel the transformation. I'd like to see if your body feels different while transformed."
"All right."
Collei obediently lay down.
Xia Zhi massaged her thoroughly.
In the end, he concluded: transformed or not, Collei's reactions were the same. When she reached that point of pleasure, she still couldn't help making sounds.
--
Leaving the Serenitea Pot—
Collei reappeared in her room in the real world.
Her cheeks were flushed, eyes hazy with post-relief languor.
She glanced at the night outside the window. After a moment's thought, black wings sprouted from her back, carrying her toward Amber's home.
Slower than Wind Gliders, but fast enough for travel.
She landed on the balcony.
Through the glass, she saw Amber on her bed, clutching her headband, praying.
"Amber."
Collei tapped lightly on the window.
Amber opened her eyes, surprised and delighted to see her. "Collei! And that outfit…?"
"Amber, I'm a Magical Girl now too!"
"That's wonderful!"
"Tonight, we can go out together."
Amber shook her head. "I can't. I went on a mission with Fischl yesterday. My item hasn't recharged yet."
"Oh…"
Collei looked a little let down.
But she quickly smiled again. "That's fine. Get your rest—I'll go try it myself."
"Be careful, okay?"
"I will."
Collei left Amber's house and flew toward Mondstadt's outskirts.
Soon, she spotted a Hilichurl campfire gathering.
Once, these vicious monsters had been her nightmare while she wandered.
Now? Nothing but toys for her bow.
She loosed an arrow. The ground erupted, leaving a deep crater.
Staring at it, her eyes clouded with mixed emotions.
"Power…"