When Lisa heard Kael's answer, a theory began to form in her mind. She pressed further.
"Oh? So you were thinking about the one you love… Then tell me—after it corrupted you, what did you feel?"
Kael recalled all the filthy things that bastard usually whispered, and his face twisted into an awkward grimace.
"Uh… it was… things between a man and a woman… you know… that kind of stuff."
Jean's eyes widened slightly. She could no longer hide her embarrassment, a blush blooming across her pale face. She lowered her gaze quickly, unable to look directly at him.
Kaeya, who had been carefully observing the two, frowned.
He could feel the subtle tension flowing between them, unmistakably intimate.
So it was true—Jean really had feelings for Kael.
Kaeya could hardly picture it. The calm, disciplined Acting Grand Master… falling in love?
A pang of worry settled in his chest. People in love often let emotions cloud their judgment. If Jean really did like Kael… would it compromise the Knights of Favonius?
Lisa finally spoke up. "I think I can identify the Archon residue possessing you."
"In Sumeru, I once studied a bestiary of Archons who were annihilated. One in particular matches exactly with what you've described."
"Asmodeus. The embodiment of desire. Three heads—bull, human, and ram. He survived by feeding on human lust. His favorite pastime was devouring couples mid-union. He also delighted in bending men to prey upon women, using his power to twist their wills."
Tch.
Kael spat in his heart.
So he'd been right all along.
The one possessing him was none other than the Archon of lust.
Other Archons could shatter mountains and part the seas—like the vortex god of Liyue, whose every strike could summon a tsunami.
But this bastard? Its entire existence was this low?
Lisa continued calmly, "I understand now why someone would weaponize its residue against Mondstadt. In life, this Archon could influence emotions with ease, stripping away reason until only desire remained. Its residue is steeped in resentment. Perfect fuel to drive Hilichurls into madness."
"Hilichurls already harbor strong violent urges toward humans. Under the influence of this residue, they'd lose themselves entirely."
"As for why it latched onto you… likely because your desires were stronger than any Hilichurl's. After all, it thrives on human lust above all else. You were thinking of the one you love—those powerful emotions drew it in, and fed it."
Lisa spoke from a scholar's perspective, treating words like "union" and "desire" as natural academic terms. She didn't bat an eye.
But to Jean… the meaning was entirely different.
She was still a young woman, no matter how mature or composed she acted.
And this was the first time she'd faced such a topic.
Especially… with Kael standing right there.
Her blush deepened and deepened, until her entire face felt hot enough to steam.
Kael, meanwhile, was focused only on how to end this life simulation. He listened intently to Lisa, completely missing Jean's unusual reaction.
He asked, "If it fully corrupts me… what will happen?"
Lisa arched a brow. "If it seizes your body, then naturally it will indulge in what it loves most… until your body collapses completely. Which is to say, until you die."
Kael grimaced. No way in hell was he letting this simulation end in such a humiliating way.
He calculated quickly—his Sensory Mode had barely an hour left.
Tch.
Better to withdraw from Sensory Mode now and watch how the story unfolded. If things turned sour, he could always use the last bit of time to kill himself.
Looking at Jean, he said seriously, "I can feel my mind slipping. I won't be able to hold the Archon back much longer. Tie me up, lock me in the Knights of Favonius prison. Until I'm taken to Sumeru and sealed, don't untie me. No matter what I say, don't believe me."
Jean's brows furrowed. She turned to Lisa. "Before we get him to Sumeru… will he be completely controlled by the Archon? Is there no way to restore his consciousness in the meantime?"
Lisa shook her head. "Unfortunately, no."
Then Kael's suggestion was their best option.
Jean agreed.
She had Kaeya fetch the thickest rope and bound Kael's hands and feet herself.
Her gaze locked with his, unflinching. "Kael, we'll send you to Sumeru right away. Don't worry—I'll make sure your consciousness is restored. This time… I won't abandon you."
Kael was taken to the Knights of Favonius prison.
He watched as the heavy iron door slowly closed, then tested the ropes binding his limbs. Tight. Jean had tied him securely.
He spoke to the System. "End Sensory Mode."
[Acknowledged. Ending Sensory Mode.]
This simulation only had a few chapters left.
Time to prepare for life in the real world.
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Next Target 400PS :)