"Ah?"
"My point is, I know you've contributed a lot to Mondstadt and to the Knights of Favonius—that's why you were awarded the title of Honorary Knight.
But forgive me for being blunt: the things you've done, I can do too. In fact, in terms of contributions, I might have done even more. So why is it that I can never become an official knight?
I'm very confused, so I wanted to ask you about this. Is there some special method you used?"
Zephyr froze, silent. Was it really just because of these things, with no other reason? Wait—could it be that Amber pulled some strings for him?
"Well, this…"
Zephyr couldn't exactly say it out loud. He couldn't admit, I only became an Honorary Knight because of connections.
But then again, that wasn't quite right either. Even though he had stirred up a lot of trouble in Mondstadt, those contributions were real.
No… the real reason was probably that. Jean was too worried about Noelle, and so deliberately didn't give her the status of a formal knight.
Paimon asked, "Did you ask anyone else this question?"
"Yes. I've asked many people in the Knights of Favonius, but their answers were all different.
For example, I once asked the Spark Knight. I've always been curious—she's so young, how did she become an official knight?
But before I could even finish asking her, she dragged me outside the headquarters to play with bombs… I thought it was some kind of training, but in the end both of us were locked in confinement by Captain Jean…"
"Pfft."
Paimon couldn't help it, though she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth.
Paimon, oh Paimon… Noelle is the only one who actually respects you. How could you laugh at her like that?
"S-sorry, Noelle…" Paimon apologized, full of shame.
Noelle tilted her head with a big question mark above her—she couldn't understand why Paimon suddenly apologized.
"I also asked Outrider Amber. Not only is Amber really strong, but she's also very kind. She even taught me how to make Baron Bunny. Honestly, aside from Captain Jean, she's the senior I respect the most."
"Amber holds such a high place in your heart?"
"Yes. Because Amber earned everyone's recognition through her own effort. Whenever I feel down, I cheer myself up by thinking of Amber."
"Other than that, I also asked Kaeya… but his answer left me very confused. He said, 'Happiness is what matters most.' Can being happy really make you an official knight?"
Paimon sweated. "Uhh, that guy… yeah, that definitely sounds like something he'd say."
"I asked so, so many people, but in the end I never found a clear answer."
Zephyr sighed. "To be honest, it's because Captain Jean worries about you too much. She's afraid you'll overwork yourself, afraid you'll get hurt. That's why she doesn't give you the title of official knight."
"That's not true at all! I'm not afraid of hard work, not afraid of exhaustion, and definitely not afraid of getting hurt!"
"That right there is exactly the problem with your mindset!"
"?"
"I heard about the adventurer who got trapped on Dragonspine. You ignored everyone's protests and rushed up the mountain to save him. Sure, you brought him back alive—but you nearly died yourself, didn't you?"
"N-no, it wasn't that bad… I just had a fever for three days."
Paimon's eyes widened. "Just three days!? Do you have any idea that for a normal person, even half a day of high fever can be life-threatening!?"
"It's fine, look—I'm perfectly healthy now, aren't I?"
Zephyr snapped, "Sounds to me like your brain got cooked back then! Before helping others, can't you at least consider your own safety first?"
For some reason, he was getting angry. You're so easy to fool… how am I supposed to trick you into signing a contract like this? Can't you at least be a little sharper, so I don't feel guilty when I scam you!?
Noelle tilted her head. "I never really thought about it. I just… simply wanted to help people."
"Next time, try thinking before you act. That's exactly why Jean hasn't made you a knight. Otherwise, as just a maid you're already doing so much. If you actually became a knight, you'd probably never sleep again—too busy helping everyone until you drop dead."
"Well…" Noelle faltered, unable to respond. "Then what should I do?"
"It's simple—learn to be lazy. Take a lesson from Paimon."
"Mm-hm… wait, Traveler, what do you mean by that!?"
Paimon's expression turned sharp.
Noelle turned to Paimon with hopeful eyes.
"U-ugh, don't look at Paimon like that! Paimon is very diligent, okay? You won't learn anything by following Paimon!"
"Please, Paimon-senpai!"
Senpai!? Paimon puffed out her chest. "Leave it to Paimon then!"
Zephyr said, "Noelle, I'm thirsty. Go buy me some water."
"Right away!"
Noelle had just stood up when Zephyr pressed her back down.
"Did you forget what I just told you?"
"Uh…"
Noelle gave an apologetic look, then glanced at Paimon.
"Paimon-senpai, what would you do in this situation?"
"That's easy."
Paimon crossed her legs and said smugly, "This great Archon wouldn't go! You can't go yourself? Didn't grow legs or what?"
Noelle: …
"Um, Paimon-senpai, isn't that kind of rude…"
Zephyr's eyes sharpened, but for Noelle's sake he endured.
"No, that's exactly how you should answer!"
"…Alright…"
"Let's try again!"
With repeated practice, Noelle reluctantly learned to respond this way.
"Again. Noelle, buy me some bread."
"I… I don't want to go…" Her voice grew smaller and smaller.
"Noelle, louder! Be confident! The more timid you are, the more arrogant people will be when asking you for help!"
"Exactly!" Paimon nodded. "Traveler, again!"
"Paimon, buy me some bread!"
"What, you don't have hands or what? Want me to punch you instead!?"
Zephyr pinched Paimon's cheek. "Say that again."
"I-I told you, it's just acting! I didn't mean it…"
Noelle, blushing with shame, murmured, "I… I'm really so stupid. I've let down your expectations, Honorary Knight…"
"It's fine, take your time. Now come help massage my shoulders."
"Okay~"
Paimon immediately shouted, "Wrong! You should refuse right now! Traveler keeps ordering you around—aren't you even a little upset!?"
"No. I don't mind at all. Any task can be entrusted to me—you don't need to worry about my feelings."
"But that makes you not a maid, but a tool!"
"Well… tools don't necessarily feel happy from doing things, but everything I do for you gives me a sense of accomplishment."
Noelle gave a sweet smile.
Paimon: …
Holding her head, she thought, hopeless… totally hopeless.
Zephyr quickly took Noelle's hand and said, "Noelle, promise me, don't be like this anymore. It really hurts me to see you like this."
"Eh—"
Noelle's face turned bright red.
Paimon's eyelid twitched. What the heck are you spouting? Weren't you the one bossing her around just now!?
…
The sun slowly set. Under the prestige of Zephyr the Honorary Knight—and with his shameless flirting—Noelle's favor toward him had risen greatly.
Suddenly, Noelle seemed to remember something. "Oh right, we've been chatting so long I almost forgot. Tonight I still have work in the Knights!"
"Work? What work?"
Zephyr was puzzled. At night, the Knights usually finished their duties already. Even if there was overtime, it should be Jean working alone, not something Noelle would be in charge of.
Noelle explained, "Captain Kaeya asked me to help wash his eyepatch."
"…What?"
Paimon fumed. "That guy, Kaeya…"
Isn't that something he can do himself!? Why make Noelle do it!?
Lumine's eyelid twitched. "Exactly! He can't wash it himself?"
Zephyr growled, "No way—I can't hold it in anymore. Let's go to the Knights!" He grabbed Noelle's hand and stormed off.
Just as they entered the headquarters, they ran into Kaeya, who was about to head home.
"Well, well. Noelle, Honorary Knight. What's the rush?"
Zephyr glared at him, nearly swinging his fist. "I heard you asked Noelle to wash your eyepatch?"
"Mm. Yes. Why?"
"You dare ask why? Aren't you ashamed!?"
"Exactly! It's just one eyepatch—you could've washed it yourself! Why trouble someone else?"
"Oh, but it's not just one. I've got dozens of them."
//END
Paimon's mouth fell open. "Huh?"
"I've got dozens of the same eyepatch," Kaeya said smoothly. "Washing them every day is just too much of a hassle, so I asked Miss Noelle to handle it."
Zephyr's face darkened. "Kaeya, I've got a poem for you."
"Haha, our Honorary Knight composes poetry now? What's the poem?"
"It's called Fá Kē (Cutting Axes)."
"Fá Kē? What a strange name."
"_In the Songs of Bin: Cutting Axes—
How to cut wood? Without an axe, you cannot.
How to take a wife? Without a matchmaker, you cannot.
Cutting axes, cutting axes, they're not far.
I meet this one, with gifts and offerings at hand._"
The actual meaning didn't matter—what mattered was the title.
Fá Kē… F… Kaeya Fck You!
Kaeya's expression turned odd. "I don't really get the poem, but why do I feel like you're mocking me?"
Paimon crossed her arms. "Paimon is going to tell Captain Jean on you!"
"W-wait—"
Seeing Paimon storming off, Kaeya panicked. "Freeze!"
He raised his hand and conjured an ice wall in front of her. She smacked right into it.
"Ow…"
"Sorry, little Paimon. Ahem. You're right. After your criticisms, I've reflected deeply. My actions weren't proper. Of course I should wash my own belongings. Sorry, Noelle."
"N-no problem."
And with that, Kaeya whoosh—vanished.
"Count yourself lucky you ran fast!"
…
The office door opened, and Jean walked out, looking helpless. "You again. What's all this noise about?"
"Captain Jean!" Noelle snapped to attention.
"It's you, Noelle. I told you already, no need to be so stiff."
"No! Saluting the Acting Grand Master is basic etiquette for a knight!"
Jean rubbed her temple. "It's late. What are you all doing?"
Paimon quickly explained.
…
"That Kaeya…" Jean sighed. She was already exhausted by her usual workload, and lately it felt heavier than ever.
"I understand. I'll deal with Kaeya, and I'll also make it clear that Knights are strictly forbidden from slacking off and dumping their work on Noelle."
"Captain Jean…"
Noelle took a deep breath, nervous. "I want to know—when can I become an official knight?"
Jean hesitated, then spoke softly. "Noelle… to be honest, you're too kind, too diligent. I worry that if you become a full knight, you'll exhaust yourself. And I worry others will take advantage of you. That's why, for now, I can't let you be one."
Hearing this, Noelle looked downcast. But she had braced herself for the answer, so she could still accept it.
"Then… if I change? If I learn to be a little lazier, to think of myself more… will I be able to become an official knight then?"
Jean's eyes widened in surprise—she hadn't expected Noelle to say something like that. After a moment of thought, she nodded. "If you truly change, then yes—I can consider making you a knight."
"Really? That's wonderful!"
Noelle turned to Zephyr. "Um, Honorary Knight, I heard you've been looking for Vision holders in the city to sign some kind of contract, right? Do you think… could I?"
Zephyr was stunned. Good heavens… I didn't even scam her yet, and the victim is volunteering herself!?
"T-this isn't really appropriate…"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jean watching, her sharp gaze stabbing into him. I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm so dead…
But when a roasted duck flies straight into your mouth, how can you not eat it?
"Of course you can. Let's sign a contract, Noelle."
Taking her hand, he sealed the pact immediately.
Jean, who had just raised a hand to say something, froze at the sight. Then silently, she reached into her office and drew a sword.
Zephyr blanched. "W-what are you doing, Captain Jean!?"
Jean said coolly, "Nothing. Just joking."
"That does not look like a joke!"
Paimon muttered in her head, Go on, Captain Jean, cut him down!—though she didn't dare say it aloud.
Noelle bowed sweetly. "Honorary Knight, Paimon… please take care of me from now on."
"Mhm."
Jean said, "Noelle, I need to speak privately with the Honorary Knight. Could you step out for a bit?"
"O-okay."
Noelle trotted off.
"Come in," Jean said, returning to her office. Zephyr followed.
She took a sip of tea, massaging her temples, her face weary. "Tell me—what exactly do you think?"
"Think? About what?"
"About Noelle. How do you see her?"
"She's a fine young girl."
"A fine young girl? You sound like some middle-aged man."
"You're overthinking it. I'm only sixteen." Zephyr said shamelessly.
Of course, both in the real world and in Teyvat, his true age was far above that. Especially Lumine—who had slept for who knows how many centuries. Definitely ancient…
He didn't dare finish the thought, afraid Lumine would hit him.
Age doesn't matter. Cuteness is what's important!
Jean exhaled. "Actually, your timing is perfect. I heard you've traveled many worlds, so I want your advice. You've seen Mondstadt's situation: once thriving, now depressed. Because of Stormterror, merchants fear to come, citizens fear to leave, crime in the city rises.
"In the past, the Knights could suppress these problems, but now—with the Grand Master leading most of the force away—the number of knights in Mondstadt has plummeted. Lately it's been overwhelming.
"If you were the Acting Grand Master, what would you do?"
"This…"
Zephyr thought for a moment. "Hire temporary workers."
"Temporary… workers?" Jean blinked, clearly unfamiliar with the concept.
So Zephyr began explaining capitalism's universal miracle job.
"…From the sound of it, this profession is just a scapegoat."
"That's an extreme case. Normally, they're just workers for short-term jobs."
"But Knights are all formally trained professionals. Even if there are some problems now, most knights are competent. If we recruit temporary workers, will their standards really match ours?"
"There's no choice. You don't have enough people—you'll have to do it."
"…True."
Training ordinary people into knights would take years, and time and energy were luxuries she didn't have.
"Then… what kind of people should I recruit? Vision holders?"
"No. Strength doesn't matter. Only character does. Like you said, even as temps, they'll represent the Knights. Integrity is far more important than power."
"I see… I'll consider this suggestion."
Just then, a knock sounded on the door.
"Captain Jean, are you in?"
Jean blinked and opened the door. "Miss Margaret? What's the matter?"
//END
Zephyr looked over. It was Margaret—someone he was very familiar with from the game, though in this world, they hadn't met before.
Margaret looked flustered. "Captain Jean, something terrible has happened!"
"What is it? Slow down and tell me."
Jean tensed. Could something serious have happened in the city again?
Margaret took a deep breath.
"Little Prince… Little Prince is missing!"
"Little Prince? Is that your brother? That really is serious. I'll summon the knights right away to search, and I'll help too. Don't worry!"
"No, no—it's not like that. Little Prince isn't my brother. He's my cat."
Jean froze. "…A cat?"
"Yes! My most beloved little kitten. But now he's wandered off and gotten lost!"
Paimon couldn't help but butt in. "Your cat's missing, so you should go look for it yourself. Why drag Captain Jean into this? Paimon thought you meant a person was lost!"
"Little Prince is my family! And besides, everyone in Mondstadt knows Captain Jean is the kindest, most gentle, most helpful person there is. Of course, when something like this happens, she's the first one I'd go to for help!"
Paimon was dumbstruck. That's laying it on a little thick, isn't it? And hey—what about Noelle then?
"Well…" Jean hesitated. "Miss Margaret, it's not that I don't want to help you. But the Knights are off duty at this hour, and I still have unfinished work to handle…"
"Please, Captain Jean! You'd only be losing some rest time. I'd be losing my family!"
Jean wavered, then sighed. "…Fine. I'll help you search for your cat."
"Thank you, Captain Jean, you really are a good person."
That was when Zephyr spoke up.
"Wait a minute."
"You just said Noelle is too kind and doesn't know how to refuse people. And yet look at yourself. Aren't you the same?"
Jean's cheeks flushed faintly. "But… I am the Acting Grand Master. It's my duty to help Mondstadt's citizens."
"Yes, but being Acting Grand Master doesn't mean you have to personally handle everything. If you try, you'll work yourself to death!"
He turned on Margaret. "And you—your cat went missing. Can't you look for it yourself?"
"I-I did look! But I couldn't find him…"
"Then go post a commission at the Adventurers' Guild. They take all kinds of requests. Why bother Jean?"
"Because the Knights exist to help the people!"
"What you're describing is a neighborhood committee. The Knights' main duty is to protect Mondstadt's safety—clearing monsters, maintaining order. Does finding a cat have anything to do with that? Go to the Adventurers' Guild."
"But… posting a request at the Guild costs Mora."
"So this is all just because you want to save a bit of money!? You're treating the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius as free labor? Doesn't your conscience hurt?"
"Exactly!" Paimon chimed in.
After Zephyr's tirade, Margaret's face burned with shame. She stammered out an apology and fled.
Jean's expression was complicated. "You… shouldn't have been so harsh. But strangely, after hearing you say that, I feel… relieved."
She sighed. "If I think about it, maybe I've always known I shouldn't be taking on these trivial errands myself. But I just can't bring myself to refuse people."
She gave a small, bitter smile. "How ridiculous… someone like me, lecturing Noelle about the same thing. No—perhaps it's because I see myself in her, and I don't want her repeating my mistakes. Zephyr, thank you."
Zephyr pounded his chest. "No problem. If you can't bring yourself to refuse, just call me next time. I'll roast them alive with words."
Jean shook her head. "I can't let you play the villain. Mondstadt needs its Honorary Knight to stand with its people, not against them. And besides, my conscience wouldn't allow it."
In the corner of the office sat a replica of the Lyre of the Sky, but it was covered in dust. Clearly, Jean had been too busy to ever clean it.
She fell silent for a moment. "Give me a little time to think this over, alright?"
"Sure."
Beep beep!
A message popped up. It was Hu Tao. Where are you!??????
"…Er, Jean, I just remembered something urgent. I'll get going first."
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." Zephyr hurried out.
At the doorway, Noelle stood with her hands clasped nervously. "Miss Lumine, have you finished speaking with Captain Jean?"
"Yes, it's done."
"Was it something important?"
"Not really. We were just discussing Mondstadt's future development."
"Wow… so you even know how to govern a city? That's amazing."
"Eh, average. World's third best."
Paimon deadpanned. "What are you, a grade-schooler?"
"Anyway, Noelle—since we've signed our contract, I need to tell you a few things."
So Zephyr explained everything: that he and Lumine were two different people, and that they also came from another world.
Noelle was shocked. "So… Mr. Zephyr and Miss Lumine are two separate people…"
"Here, watch. Noelle, I'll switch now."
With a click on her portrait, Zephyr easily shifted control to her perspective.
"T-this is the power of a player… Incredible! I can't move at all!"
Lumine stood there, frozen in place.
Paimon flapped around her. "Traveler, why aren't you moving? Quick, you've finally got some rare freedom—run around!"
"I'm exhausted. After a whole day, why would I go running in the middle of the night? You think I'm not tired?"
After losing freedom for so long, suddenly regaining it felt… unnatural.
Strangely, Lumine even found herself missing the feeling of being controlled, missing that sense of being directed by another.
She even thought… maybe being controlled wasn't so bad.
Paimon panicked. "No way no way no way, Traveler—you can't start thinking like that!"
"Traveler, that's a sickness! You need treatment!"
Wait… wasn't this that… what's it called again, Stock… something Syndrome?
Lumine chuckled. "Relax, Paimon. I was joking. I'm just too lazy to move this late at night."
"Phew… don't joke about stuff like that! You nearly scared Paimon to death."
Meanwhile, Zephyr was already checking Noelle's stats.
"Hmm, not bad. Just your gear's a bit weak."
She had a set of 3-star artifacts, low-level. Pretty underwhelming.
Noelle blushed. "I can't help it… I've applied to Captain Jean many times, but she never gives me high-quality artifacts."
"…Well, it makes sense. You dared climb Dragonspine alone with just a 3-star set. If she gave you a 5-star set, you'd probably be out slaying dragons by yourself."
"The Knights don't even have gear like that!"
"But you didn't deny the dragon-slaying part, huh?"
Zephyr grinned. "Alright, little miss, spar with me."
Lumine looked around, then pointed to herself. "Me?"
"No duh, who else?"
Noelle panicked. "W-wait, you want me to fight Miss Lumine!? That's impossible—I'm no match for her, she's the Honorary Knight!"
"It's fine. She was the Honorary Knight. Stick with me and I'll make you an Honorary Knight too."
"E-eh!?"
//END
Lumine's eyelid twitched. "Have you gotten a bit full of yourself lately?"
"Full of myself? Hah, I've always been full of myself."
So this was what they meant by "with a new love, the old one is forgotten."
Zephyr grinned. "Lumine, since your artifact levels are higher, I won't hold back. Take this!"
The weight of stone brings reassurance. Before the fight even began, he cast a shield for himself.
"I attack, I attack, I attaaaack—"
"Too slow!"
Lumine tried to dodge, but her body didn't respond as quickly as her mind. She tripped and fell flat on the ground.
"…"
"…"
Zephyr blinked. "…What the—? I didn't even touch you. Are you faking it?"
"Ow!"
Lumine clutched her face. Her eyes shimmered with mist.
Paimon gawked. "No way, Traveler—are you crying!?"
"I-I'm not crying!"
"Does it hurt that much?"
"Not at all!"
Zephyr suddenly remembered. "Oh, right!"
When he controlled Lumine, she didn't feel pain—or rather, pain could be adjusted freely. But once he switched out, sensation returned. Of course falling would hurt now.
"But why did you fall at all?"
Her artifacts completely outclassed Noelle's.
Lumine muttered, "I haven't fought in so long… I think I've forgotten how to fight properly."
"…You can't be serious."
"I-I'm sorry, Miss Lumine, I didn't mean—"
"It's fine…"
Even so, Lumine was still Lumine. Though the fall hurt, she wiped her tears away and stood firm again.
That's when Zephyr leaned in.
"Sorry, my little Lumine, didn't mean to knock you down. Who knew you'd be so weak? You're not gonna run off and tell my girlfriend on me, are you?"
Paimon muttered, "This guy… is he some kind of Great Onmyoji?"
Lumine's expression instantly shifted, a terrifying aura bursting out.
"Bastard! Gale Blade!"
"Whoa—seriously!?"
The Gale Blade blew away Noelle's shield and carved 500 HP off her health bar.
The moment it landed, Lumine regretted it and rushed over. "Noelle! Are you alright?"
Noelle's heart pounded, but after a long breath, she smiled. "I'm fine. Thank you for worrying. As expected of the Honorary Knight—your strength truly is incredible."
Zephyr scowled. "Really, though? We agreed on normal attacks. Who told you to use skills?"
"It's alright, Miss Lumine didn't mean it. It's just that I'm too weak, that's why I got hurt."
Zephyr pulled a Sweet Madame from his bag. "Not weak—Lumine's just hacking."
"Hacking?"
"Don't worry, I'll get you a set too."
After roughly testing Noelle's skills, he switched back.
Lumine let out a deep sigh. This feeling… how nostalgic.
Paimon looked at her with concern.
Noelle, wide-eyed, whispered, "So this is the power of a player…"
She recalled what Zephyr had said earlier about other worlds.
"Um, may I… make a selfish request?"
"As long as it's from you, Noelle, I'll accept anything."
"I want to travel to another world with you!"
"Hm? Why? Other worlds are very dangerous."
"I know… but I want to become stronger! That way, I can help more people!"
"Uh, this…"
"Mr. Zephyr, you'll help me, right? You're a player after all!"
"Well…" Actually… it might be possible.
Zephyr thought it over. If I control her body, even if she wants to run off helping people, I can just not move. If she's desperate to help, I can even sabotage her. Over time, maybe I can change her mindset.
"Alright. You can come."
"Really!? Thank you so much, Mr. Zephyr!"
"Don't get too excited. Yes, but I can't promise when."
"That's fine. I can wait."
Zephyr wasn't lying. First priority was Lumine—the protagonist. Then Hu Tao, who insisted she wanted to establish a foreign branch of the Funeral Parlor.
He wasn't thrilled about that idea, but since that was how he lured her into the team, he couldn't back out now.
Last would be Noelle. There had to be an order.
"Oh right, Noelle—take this weapon."
He remembered a five-star claymore he'd pulled ages ago but never used, and handed it to her.
It was the Moonwater Claymore, the one that let characters of other elements unleash Hydro attacks.
"If Noelle had joined earlier, would I have ever feared Pyro mages? She'd one-shot them with a single swing."
Noelle took the claymore, glanced at its stats—and froze.
"T-this… this is… an artifact!?"
"Not that exaggerated. Just a five-star weapon."
"No, no, no! A five-star weapon is a divine artifact!"
"You're giving this to me? No, I can't. It's too valuable."
Zephyr slammed his hand against the wall beside her—kabedon. "Valuable? Of course it's valuable. But no matter how rare this weapon is, it's nothing compared to you, Noelle. A five-star weapon is still just a weapon. But you—Noelle—you're priceless to me."
"E-ehhh!?"
Noelle's face went scarlet. She covered it with her hands, speechless.
Paimon, deadpan, muttered, "Why does this sound so familiar…?"
Lumine nodded in agreement. At this point, she'd resigned herself. Fine, flirt if you must—just don't start hitting on guys.
She didn't know… if Zephyr ever met Zhongli, he'd flirt with even him.
In the end, Noelle accepted the weapon. If she hadn't, Zephyr probably would've kept sweet-talking her for another two hours.
"…What's that sound? It's been going off forever, at least ten minutes!"
Zephyr finally noticed the red dot flashing in the corner of the screen.
"Oh crap!"
"Noelle, uh… could you help me with something small tonight?"
"Of course!"
And so Zephyr hurriedly dragged her back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Inside the hall, Hu Tao sat in a grand chair, smiling. "Well, well. You do remember how to come back."
Though she smiled, her voice was low and ghostly, like an evil spirit.
"It's Paimon's fault!"
"It's Zephyr's fault!"
Tch!
Knew you'd betray me! (×2)
Zephyr coughed. "Hu Tao, it's like this…"
He explained the situation—well, most of it, leaving out anything that made him look bad.
Hu Tao listened, then nodded slowly. "Ooh~~ so that's how it is~~"
Zephyr grinned. "So then, I'll get to work. Tell me when we're starting."
"Starting? Do you even know what time it is? Everyone went home ages ago!"
"Don't be mad, don't be mad. Anger's bad for your health. Do you really want to arrange your own funeral?"
A 井 symbol popped on Hu Tao's forehead.
Paimon whispered, "Zephyr's Onmyoji skills are getting sharper… just, uh, used in the wrong places."
"Uh…"
Noelle shifted nervously. Should I… say something here?
Zephyr said quickly, "Don't be mad. If you keep this up, I'll have to bring up that 50,000 Mora debt."
Hu Tao pouted. "You're cheating!"
"No way—don't tell me you really can't even pay 50,000 Mora?"
//END
"You—hmph!"
"Hehe, come on, let me introduce you. This here is the main character I mentioned before—Noelle. And this is Hu Tao. From now on, we're all teammates."
"H-hello, Master Hu Tao."
"Well, well, opening with 'Master Hu Tao,' huh? Not bad, Noelle, not bad at all. How about becoming the No. 3 of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
"Eh… um, I'd rather work for the Knights of Favonius."
"Sigh, what a pity. Such a pity—wait, the Knights?"
Hu Tao's eyes lit up. "Noelle, how about taking out a policy first?"
"You see, you want to work at the Knights. And everyone knows how dangerous that job is. If one day you suddenly die on duty, that'd be tragic, right? So naturally, you should plan for your afterlife ahead of time."
A bead of sweat rolled down Noelle's forehead. "I-I've never thought that far ahead before. I usually just act on impulse when I see someone who needs help…"
"Perfect! The Funeral Parlor loves customers like you best!"
"Uuuh… Mr. Zephyr, help me!"
Noelle hid behind him.
Zephyr snapped, "Can you speak like a normal person? Say something from this world, not the next? Why are you always wishing people dead?"
Hu Tao looked a bit wronged, poking her fingers together. "I've never thought that way. I only meant to remind you how important it is to prepare for the future…"
"…"
"Go to bed. We'll help tomorrow."
What could Hu Tao say? She was just a pitiful 77th-generation Hall Master. She couldn't say no.
…
The next morning, Zephyr was dragged out of bed by Noelle.
"Ahh~ up this early?"
"Of course. The early bird catches the worm."
"Still, not this early. I bet Hu Tao's not even awake yet." He walked to the branch.
"The door's locked."
"No problem, I've got a key."
He pushed it open and went to her room.
Knock knock. "Hu Tao, you awake?"
"Mmm…"
"Up you get. Work time."
"Uuugh…"
Zephyr pushed the door open. She was still bundled in blankets, fast asleep.
"Well, well, Hu Tao. We got up at the crack of dawn to help, and you're curled up snoozing?"
Hu Tao squinted, rolled over, and kept sleeping.
Zephyr's eyelid twitched. "Paimon, get her. Tickle attack."
"No way! If Hu Tao wakes up, you'll definitely sell me out!"
"Useless."
Since Paimon refused, Zephyr went in himself.
"I tickle, tickle, tickle—"
"Pff—haha—w-what are you doing!?"
Hu Tao shot awake, clutching her chest, glaring at him like he was some kind of intruder.
"The day starts in the morning. I was being nice, waking you up. No need to thank me."
"Thank you!? No way! This is my room! How dare you just barge in!"
"I knocked. You didn't answer. Ask Paimon."
"Uh, well… yeah, he did knock."
"Still! You can't just—"
"We're all girls here. What are you so shy about~"
"How dare you say that!?" Hu Tao sputtered, blushing. "Out! Get out of the Hall Master's room!"
"Insolent! Remember, you already signed a contract with me. You're mine now, got it?"
Paimon muttered, "Classic villain line."
"Uuugh…" Hu Tao ground her teeth. "I'm mad now!"
"You're mad? Do you want our help or not?"
"Help?"
"Of course. Why else would we come so early? We're here to help. Breakfast's over there—get up and eat first."
"…Hmph." Hu Tao turned her head away tsundere-style.
And so, after a little chatter, they started work. At first Hu Tao was sulky, but after seeing Noelle's efficiency, she was astonished and forgot her grudge.
An hour later—
"Noelle, you're amazing! You're doing the work of five people all by yourself!"
"Thank you for the praise."
Zephyr added, "Noelle, you rock!"
"Ughhh~~"
Hu Tao glanced at him. "Where'd you trick such a smart, capable maid into joining you?"
"Trick? She joined my team willingly."
"Willingly? Ha! Don't make me laugh. Do you want me to die of laughter so you can inherit the Parlor?"
"Believe it or not."
After hours of labor, Zephyr said, "Let's take a break."
Hu Tao scoffed, "Tch. After just this little? Are you even a man?"
Lumine muttered flatly, "…No."
Though Hu Tao said that, she was exhausted too. Everyone rested—except Noelle, who was still working.
Zephyr called out, "Noelle, rest a bit."
"It's fine. I'm not tired. I'll just finish these tasks first."
"Come on, you said the same thing earlier."
Paimon chimed in, "Yeah, Noelle, don't forget—you've got to learn to slack off if you want to become a knight."
"Oh, right! I almost forgot!"
Finally, Noelle obediently sat and rested.
Hu Tao smiled. "Noelle's so capable. If I were a man, I'd definitely marry someone like her!"
"Agreed!" Paimon shouted.
Noelle blushed. "You two are such jokers…"
After a long morning's work, Zephyr stood. "I've got some errands to run."
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes. "Errands? You're not planning to desert, are you? Don't forget, you're the Vice Head of this branch now. Do well, and you could even become the Branch Master of the Funeral Parlor's Otherworld Division. You wouldn't want to run off, right?"
"I've got real business. I promised Wagner yesterday to forge some ore."
"Oh?"
"What's with that look? You don't believe me?"
Hu Tao nodded seriously.
"Fine, then. Everyone knows Paimon and I are inseparable partners. I'll go to Wagner with Lumine, and Paimon will stay here. If I don't come back, you can squeeze her for all she's worth."
Hu Tao blinked and slowly turned to Paimon.
Paimon shuddered, slammed the table. "No way! Paimon has human rights!"
"Bye-bye~"
Zephyr leapt straight out the window.
"You traitor!"
"Use the door, damn it!" Hu Tao yelled.
Barely ten seconds later, Paimon dove out after him. "Traveler, wait for me!"
Zephyr waved. "Paimon, you've grown up. It's time for you to soar into the wide sky alone."
"Paimon Headbutt!"
…
In the end, ten minutes later, they still ended up at the blacksmith's.
"Traveler, you're so heartless! Even if Paimon sometimes steals your snacks, sometimes betrays you, sometimes stabs you in the back for justice, you can't treat Paimon like this!"
//END
"Say that again if you dare."
"What's wrong with saying it again? Paimon was originally kind and pure—you forced Paimon into this!"
Zephyr chuckled. "Am I really that bad? I'm very kind, actually. It's just that in this game, I don't need to hide my true nature!"
Growing up meant constantly wrapping oneself in disguises—turning from pure to fake. Everyone wore countless masks, treating different people with different faces depending on status and situation.
"But me? Since this is just a game, I shed that disguise. In that sense, I'm actually the purest person in this world!"
Paimon stared, dumbfounded. How can this guy spout nonsense so seriously…
"The secret to smithing is sweat… What's with all the noise? Oh, it's you lot."
Wagner wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking exasperated. "I really don't understand young people these days."
"Hello, Wagner. I came to pick up the ore."
"No problem, I've had it ready for a while."
Wagner handed Zephyr a large bundle of fine enhancement ore.
"Bye~"
After leaving Wagner, Zephyr bought a drink at a street stall and opened his pack. With Wagner's newly-forged ore plus the piles he'd freeloaded from the Knights, he immediately leveled his weapon up to 40.
"Perfect."
Lumine was level 20, but with the hidden +20 levels, a level 40 weapon, and artifacts stacked on top, taking down elite monsters in the 40–50 range wouldn't be a problem.
Just then, a message arrived.
Amber: "Hey, you around? Captain Jean's looking for you."
Zephyr: "What does she want with me?"
Amber: "No idea. Just head to the Knights and you'll find out."
"…Fine."
Before leaving, he sent Hu Tao a message—better that than her thinking he was slacking off again.
…
At the Knights headquarters, he knocked on Jean's office door.
"Come in."
He pushed it open. Inside were Jean—and Margaret.
Zephyr groaned. "You again? Don't tell me the cat's still missing?"
Margaret flushed in embarrassment. "You misunderstood. I already found Little Prince yesterday. Today I came for another matter—I need Captain Jean's help."
"You've got endless problems. For anything else, go to the Adventurers' Guild."
"No, no, this time there's payment involved. I just want Captain Jean to help me figure out which brand of cat food Little Prince likes best."
"…"
Zephyr was about to explode, but Jean spoke first.
"Sorry, Miss Margaret. My work is too busy. This is something you should handle yourself."
"But—but there's payment this time!"
"I'm truly sorry. Even if there's payment, this isn't a knight's duty. Please post a commission at the Adventurers' Guild."
Margaret looked dejected, then left.
Paimon blinked. "Eh? Captain Jean, you suddenly learned how to refuse people?"
Jean smiled. "People must learn to grow."
Zephyr's gaze wandered to the Holy Lyre der Himmel replica in her office. Yesterday it had been coated in dust, but today it gleamed as if brand new.
"By the way, Traveler," Jean said. "I thought about it yesterday. That plan you mentioned really was good."
Paimon tilted her head. "You mean the temporary workers thing?"
Jean nodded. "We've already approved it. The Knights are recruiting right now. The benefits are good, but we'll only accept those with good character."
Paimon asked, "And how do you judge if someone's got good character?"
"Simple. We have someone who knows Mondstadt well, who knows lots of people, and whose own reputation is impeccable lead the recruiting."
"Who?"
Jean smiled. "Amber."
"Amber? No wonder I haven't seen her lately."
Zephyr added, "Speaking of, Amber came to tell me you wanted me—was that about this?"
"That was part of it. But there's another, more serious matter."
Jean sighed deeply. "It's about Stormterror again. Because of him, tourism has collapsed, Mondstadt's tax revenue has plummeted. But that's not the worst. The worst is caravans have stopped coming. Which means Mondstadt's supply of seasonings has run dangerously low."
"Seasonings?"
"Yes. With fewer spices, prices have soared. Sugar in particular—its price has risen more than tenfold. Thankfully, the Knights have kept the prices from going completely out of control, but the shortage itself can't be solved so easily.
"Traveler, Zephyr—you've been here such a short time yet already became Honorary Knights. Do you have any ideas for solving this?"
Zephyr fell silent. "…I don't have a great solution. Doesn't Mondstadt produce seasonings itself?"
Jean shook her head. "Our main industries are grain and wine. Seasonings mostly came from Liyue imports. With caravans too scared to come, the weakness became obvious."
Lumine frowned. "But are Liyue's merchants really so cowardly? Just some rumors, and they give up Mondstadt's trade? I thought merchants were supposed to be bold."
"No, merchants are usually bold. But in this case, I think they simply don't need to."
"Don't need to?"
"Yes. Even if they don't come to Mondstadt, they can sell to the other five nations. Liyue's goods are always in high demand across Teyvat."
"…Ah."
Zephyr muttered, "Wait, can't Sweet Flowers be used to make sugar?"
"They can. But monsters love Sweet Flowers too. To harvest them, you have to go far afield—and the further you go, the more dangerous it is. The Knights considered it, but it's not worth the risk."
Paimon grabbed Zephyr's sleeve. "Traveler! Use your overpowered player brain and think of something!"
"What brain? I don't know business. The only real solution is to help—or defeat—Stormterror. But he never even shows up. Who knows where he's hiding. How do we fix that?"
"Wait… didn't I pull a Clow Card earlier?"
Zephyr dug into his bag and pulled out a strange card.
The Sweet Card!
It had no combat power. Its description: Grants the power to make food taste sweet, or turn objects into sweets.
"This is it!"
He whipped it out, brimming with confidence. "Jean, I've got the solution."
"Really? What is it?"
Zephyr calmly picked up a cup of water from the desk.
"This is just water, right?"
Jean blinked, then nodded.
"And there's no sugar in it?"
"Of course not."
"Perfect."
He activated the Clow Card. It glowed gold, light spilling into the room.
Jean gasped. "Wh-what's happening!?"
The light faded. Zephyr set the cup back on the desk. "Jean, try a sip."
"...?"
She stared in confusion. What was this supposed to mean? But it wasn't like he'd poison her. So Jean lifted the cup and drank.
The instant it touched her tongue, her eyes widened. "It's… sweet!"
"This was just plain water! Not a grain of sugar! So why—why is it this sweet!?"
Zephyr smirked. "That's my Clow Card's magic. It can make food sweet—or turn objects into sweets."
//END
"There's actually a magic like this?"
Zephyr pulled an omelet from his pack and handed it to Jean.
"This is… a sweet omelet? Such magic really exists!?"
Jean was dumbfounded. In her impression, magic was always fireballs and lightning—she had never imagined something like this could exist.
But then her eyes lit up, her breathing a little quick. "This card… does it have any limits?"
"Not sure. But producing several thousand kilos of sweets a day shouldn't be a problem."
Jean's gaze burned hotter. "Several thousand kilos—that's more than enough! Wonderful. This means Mondstadt's sugar shortage could finally be solved."
Among Mondstadt's missing seasonings, two were most important: salt and sugar. Salt they still had some stock of. Sugar, however, was completely gone.
Jean leaned forward, a bit excited. "Zephyr, please—lend me this card."
Zephyr smirked.
"Please!"
"I heard, Jean, that you like reading romance novels?"
Her cheeks flushed crimson. "Wh-where did you hear that? Ridiculous! I don't read that kind of thing!"
"What's a knight's code?"
"…Honesty."
Jean, rare for her, showed a shy and flustered expression. "…Fine, yes, I do read them. So what?"
Zephyr grinned wickedly. "Then beg me like Lady Vira would."
"Like Lady Vira…? No! I can't!"
"Why not? Mondstadt is short on sugar. Prices have risen tenfold. Can you bear to watch your people suffer? Can you bear to watch merchants exploit them? And now the solution is simple. Just agree, and all your worries disappear."
Paimon pointed at him. "Devil! You're a devil!"
"I… I…"
Jean bit her lip. Just as her resolve was about to crumble, the door opened.
"Oh my, if it isn't cutie and Jean. Why so close? Don't tell me… Sorry, Jean, I didn't know you had that kind of taste." Lisa shut the door and left.
"Lisa, it's not what you think!"
But by the time Jean rushed to the door, Lisa was long gone.
Jean collapsed to her knees, her white tights brushed with dust.
Lumine rolled her eyes. "Is teasing Captain Jean really that fun?"
"Yes. Very fun."
"Jean, I'm joking. Here, you can borrow the card."
"…Thank you."
Paimon gaped. "That's it? You lent it out that easily? Paimon thought you'd threaten her—like, 'Unless you marry me, no card for you.'"
"…Do I look like that kind of person?"
"Yes!"
"… …"
"Ahem. I respect Captain Jean deeply. I'd never say something like that to her."
Lumine arched a brow. "So you just say it to me, huh?"
"Ahem…"
Paimon narrowed her eyes. This guy definitely had dirty thoughts—no doubt about it.
If Zephyr knew her suspicion, he'd slap his thigh and say, Exactly! His favorite scene was always the gallant knightess being forced to yield under someone else's pressure.
Jean steadied herself with a deep breath. "Thank you, Zephyr. Now let's discuss sugar's pricing."
"How much did a pound cost before?"
"About five Mora."
"So now it's fifty a pound? That's insane!" Paimon yelped.
Jean said, "My thought is: keep the price the same as before. All the Mora earned from selling sugar will go to you. The Knights won't take a single coin."
Paimon rubbed her chin. "At the old price? Hmm… Paimon thinks maybe you should raise it a little."
Zephyr suddenly straightened, righteous. "No! Everyone knows I'm a kind man. The Knights' finances are already strained. How could I abandon them? All Mora earned will go to the Knights!"
"What!?"
Jean and Paimon both doubted their ears.
"No, impossible! The Knights already owe you so much. We can't accept another favor like this!"
"Traveler! Do you even realize how much money that is!? Do you know how many Sweet Madames you could buy!? Why just give it away!?"
"Say no more. My mind is made up. Unless… you give the card back."
"…This…"
Jean inhaled deeply, then gave a formal knight's salute. "Honorary Knight, your contributions to Mondstadt are immeasurable. As Acting Grand Master, I extend my deepest respect."
"No need to be so formal. Something more casual—like Lady Vira's way?"
Jean flushed, but after only a brief inner struggle, she lowered her head, touching her forehead gently against Lumine's.
"Thank you, Traveler."
…
Zephyr wasn't even sure how he walked out of headquarters afterward. But when he did, all the Knights who saw him gave strange looks—surprised, impressed, even jealous.
Paimon huffed. "Hey, Zephyr. What are you plotting? Giving it away for free—that's not like you."
Lumine frowned too. "Exactly. And also—stop teasing girls. I don't want to be forced into head-to-head moments with them."
"You'd rather head-to-head with me?"
"Spit! In your dreams."
After endless questioning, Zephyr finally revealed his true thoughts.
"We shouldn't obsess over short-term losses. We must look to the future! Jean is obviously my target. And she's not just Jean—she's Captain Jean. Once we sign a contract, she'll be mine… and won't the Knights also be mine? I'm just shuffling money around. In the end, it comes back to me. Where's the loss?"
Both Lumine and Paimon were stunned.
Paimon pointed. "So you don't just want Jean—you want the entire Knights too! You villain! You'll never succeed!"
"I'll even make you third-in-command."
"Lord Zephyr, this is the wisest, most brilliant decision Paimon has ever seen!"
Lumine: "???"
Zephyr said, "What're you staring for? Submit now. I'll make you second-in-command."
"I'll never submit!"
"Then I'll send the entire Knights after your sister."
"…Zephyr, you're amazing!"
He couldn't help but sigh. Money and power really were terrifyingly effective.
Just then, a message pinged.
'Where are you!!!???'
Zephyr twitched. Hu Tao never let him breathe.
"I'm here already, quit spamming. You've sent over 99+."
"But you haven't shown up! Where the hell did you run off to!?"
She was fuming.
Zephyr muttered, "Sigh. Compared to Jean, this little brat really doesn't measure up…"
"In what way am I inferior!? You're definitely badmouthing me!"
…
After a morning of work, they finally broke for lunch. Zephyr could finally rest a bit.
"Huh? Why's the internet so unstable?"
Connection dropped in and out. Oddly enough, Genshin still ran, but websites wouldn't load.
Zephyr sighed, grabbed his phone, and searched.
"Hm, router issue? Routers have two bands, 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz. 2.4 reaches farther but weaker. 5.0 is shorter range but stronger. If laggy, try switching."
He tried. "…But I only see one option?"
Reading further: If your phone doesn't show both, your router probably has auto-select enabled. It picks the band for you based on distance. In theory it's smart, but in practice it's unreliable. Turn it off if lagging.
"Seriously?"
He switched the setting off—and to his shock, the net instantly smoothed out.
"Amazing." Selecting the 5.0GHz band, the signal was perfect.
With the internet fixed, he skimmed the news. Nothing major today. Then he opened his chat app.
A familiar ID lit up.
Eiri is God Forever!
(T/N: WTF is this name?)
Ding ding. She messaged first.
"You there?"
"What's up?"
"I ran into something mysterious!"
"Huh??"
"You won't believe it. I downloaded a game, and somehow my soul got bound to the character. If my character dies, I die too!"
Zephyr froze. "You too?"
She was shocked. "You too?"
Tears welled in Zephyr's eyes. Finally, a companion!
"What game?"
"Dark Souls."
"…Uh. Good luck."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?"
Only now did Zephyr realize how lucky he was. Genshin's difficulty wasn't high—so long as he didn't seek death.
But Dark Souls… different story. He could only pray for her survival.
"Forget it. Let's relax with some Genshin videos. Hm? What's this?"
"Otherworldly Encounter! Enjoy the Flavor!"
"A Genshin collab event? With… KFC? Ugh, so cringe. I'm not going."
…Twenty minutes later.
"All sold out."
"… …"
Zephyr sighed, bought a drink from the corner shop instead, and tapped his phone against the shopkeeper's—payment complete.
This world's tech was a bit ahead of his old one. WeChat Pay and Alipay were long obsolete. Now they used a new method: digital RMB.
It was similar to QR-pay, but different—digital RMB worked even without internet. By tapping two phones together, payment went through.
At first, Zephyr found it strange. Now, he was used to it.
///END
When they got home, the place was already in chaos.
"Hey, Lumine, get up and get to work already!"
"Traveler, don't just stand there watching! You come help too!"
Lumine sighed helplessly. "It's not that I don't want to move, I really can't. Zephyr just went out to buy some things."
"Excuses, all excuses! This Hall Master says you're just being lazy!"
"I am not!"
"Then can you swear you've never once thought of slacking off?"
Lumine silently turned her head aside.
"I knew it!"
"But you said you couldn't move!"
Zephyr sat down with a weary sigh. The moment he sat, Lumine sent him a thought, "You're back?"
"You can see me?"
"I sensed it. Hu Tao's been nagging the whole time."
"Alright, alright, I'll start working."
"No, I meant… maybe rest another half hour?"
This girl… such a slacker?
And yet—adorable.
Suddenly, a small pop-up appeared at the bottom-right corner of his vision.
> "Unlimited Game Platform – Big Sale Today!"
If it were any other ad, Zephyr would've closed it in a second. But this was from the Unlimited Game Platform. He clicked without hesitation.
There were five games on sale. The smallest discount was 50% off. The biggest—90% off. Zephyr nearly jumped.
Ninety percent off! Practically giving it away! He clicked into it immediately.
The game's title was: Tower of God.
Zephyr frowned. Tower of God… I vaguely remember watching that anime.
"Wait, this is weird. Even at ninety percent off it's still 100 points?"
He only had 100 points total, earned from completing a main quest.
That meant, without discount, the game cost 1000 points.
What the hell, so expensive! The others weren't this pricey!
He looked closer at the description:
A girl named Rachel who chases the stars, and a boy named the Twenty-Fifth Baam, who only needs Rachel and nothing else—this is their story of an "ending" and a "beginning."
"…What the hell kind of description is this?"
Zephyr was speechless. I don't even understand it. So what exactly is Tower of God?
Tower of God—
Within it exists everything: wealth and beauty, power and prestige, even strength surpassing all. Whatever you desire, you can find in the Tower.
"Oh, it really is that anime."
Zephyr gradually recalled.
It was a closed world. No sky, no earth, no planet—only the Tower of God. People were born and died inside it.
The Tower had false skies and false lands. No one knew what lay outside, and no one even cared.
The protagonist, the Twenty-Fifth Baam, had no past memories for unknown reasons. Naive and ignorant, he lived alone in a world of darkness.
Until one day, the kind-hearted Rachel saved him. She taught him survival, letters, and what it meant to dream.
But all of that was meaningless at the Tower's lowest levels—worthless, like trash.
Rachel had always dreamed of seeing real stars. For that, she began climbing the Tower of God.
Unwilling to let her go, Baam chased after her. Thus began their story.
The Tower of God had 135 floors. Each floor required a test to ascend.
The Tower was divided into three regions: Outer Tower, Middle Area, and Inner Tower.
Each floor was the size of a continent. Most people lived in the Outer Tower, living ordinary lives until death.
A lucky few were chosen by Administrators, granted the right to climb. These were called Regulars.
Those who entered by their own strength, not chosen, were called Irregulars—so rare they could be counted.
Below floor 20 were all newbies. True climbing began from floor 20. Reaching floor 134 meant you were a Ranker, a high-level being.
Each Ranker required at least 500 years to grow strong enough. Yet in this game, there were 100,000 Rankers!
Zephyr's jaw dropped.
The description added:
The minimum level of a Ranker is 90.
"…"
He was dumbfounded. Ninety… and 100,000 of them?!
That was insane. Even the whole continent of Teyvat would be crushed—
(Except for gods and archons.)
Zephyr swallowed hard. "This world is terrifying…"
Of course, as a newbie just starting, he wouldn't run into those monsters. They were all over 100 floors. He'd start from floor one, far away.
Still, the danger level was definitely extreme.
He thought for a moment. "Maybe I should check the other games first."
The others were less discounted. Three were slice-of-life, and one was very familiar—JoJo's Bizarre Adventure! Judging by the description, it was Part 3. Original price: 500 points. Discounted: still over 300. He couldn't afford it.
That left Tower of God the best bargain.
But also the riskiest… Zephyr hesitated.
"I remember the original plot wasn't that dangerous. Maybe it's just the quests in this game that are tougher?"
That, at least, he could accept.
The page also said old characters could be transferred.
"That's good. I'll talk with Lumine first."
Back in-game, Zephyr said, "Lumine, I need to tell you something." He explained the whole thing.
Lumine thought for a long time. "I support it. After all, I didn't cross worlds just to play around—I want to get stronger. A slice-of-life world isn't worth going to."
"Alright then. Tower of God it is."
"When do we leave?"
"This afternoon."
Hu Tao was still noisy—he'd better help her finish some work. And before leaving, he had to tell Amber. He couldn't just vanish silently again.
So he spent the whole afternoon helping Hall Master Hu Tao. Finally, Hu Tao clapped her hands. "Dinner time, dinner time! My treat today!"
Paimon blinked. "Really? But Hu Tao, where'd you even get money?"
"Hehe, money is nothing to this Hall Master. Right, Traveler~?"
"…How is this your treat, then?"
"Eh? But aren't I your best partner?"
"…."
"Fine, whatever. I also have something to tell you all. Noelle, stop for now—it's dinner time!"
"Just let me finish this last bit of work!"
"I'll count to three. Three, two, one…"
Noelle puffed her cheeks, lightly hammering her fists against Zephyr. "Mr. Zephyr, you're so mean."
Amber was called over as well.
The meal was lively and warm. Then Zephyr stood up and said, "I'm going to pick up a delivery."
//END
Paimon's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Traveler, do you drink?"
Lumine shook her head. "No, I don't."
"How can you not drink? With so many of us here, without alcohol it's not lively at all!"
Saying that, Paimon grabbed a bottle, poured wine into a cup, and pressed it to Lumine's lips.
"Paimon, you little—!"
"Sorry, Traveler, but sometimes Paimon can't tell whether it's you or Zephyr speaking, so Paimon will just put some of the blame on you."
With that, she tilted the cup and poured the wine into Lumine's mouth.
Hu Tao cheered, "Nice one, Paimon! Keep going, you're the best!"
Amber frowned. "Paimon, this doesn't seem right…"
Noelle stood frozen, completely shocked.
"Drink! Drink!"
Paimon forced a few more cups into Lumine.
At first, Lumine glared at her with killing intent, but soon her eyes glazed, and her awareness grew hazy.
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled. "Good job, Paimon! The first customer of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's new branch is about to be born!"
Zephyr returned just in time to see Paimon pouring alcohol down Lumine's throat. "Paimon! What the hell are you doing!?"
"W-Wasn't me, Traveler wanted to drink!"
"I'll believe your nonsense!"
He called a server, ordered an entire barrel of soda, and dumped Paimon inside.
"You're not coming out until you finish it!"
"Mmphh—!"
Amber said carefully, "Um… Zephyr, isn't this a bit too cruel?"
"Not cruel at all! Look what it did— I was planning on doing a mission later!"
"Mission?"
"Yeah, I was going to tell you all. Lumine and I are about to head to a new world."
"What!?" Everyone was shocked.
"What kind of world? Is it dangerous?"
"Not too dangerous." Zephyr didn't dare tell the truth—he didn't want them to worry.
"When are you leaving?"
"Originally this afternoon, but with Lumine this drunk, tomorrow."
"We'll be back soon, don't worry."
"Mm."
Hu Tao chimed in, "What about me? When will you take this Hall Master to another world too?"
"Have you even finished setting up your branch in Mondstadt?"
"Uh…"
Noelle blinked up at Zephyr, her big eyes shining, silently saying: Mr. Zephyr, I want to go too. I want to become stronger.
But since Noelle was such a good girl, she didn't say it aloud—only let her eyes express her wish.
"…Next time. Definitely next time."
---
The next morning, when Lumine sobered up, Zephyr said farewell to Amber.
"Alright, I'm leaving."
"Safe travels."
Paimon tried hiding behind Amber. "Uh, c-can Paimon not go?"
"Nope!" Zephyr grabbed her back.
They waved goodbye to Amber and stepped into a new world—Tower of God.
---
The screen went black. A CG cutscene began to play.
Paimon gasped. "What, there's even a CG!?"
Zephyr raised a brow. "Oh? You can see it too? Fine, let's watch."
In the darkness stood a boy. His face was numb, indifferent—like the saying: Some are alive but already dead, while some are dead yet still alive.
A day passed. A month passed. A year passed… countless years in darkness.
Until one day, a girl appeared.
"Who are you? Why are you here alone? Where's your family?"
The boy said nothing.
The kind girl led him out of the cavern, taught him words, taught him love, taught him hope.
The boy's eyes gradually cleared; he began to "live."
To him, this girl was his angel, his only family.
But one day, she said she wanted to climb the Tower of God.
That was when the boy learned her dream.
But he couldn't bear it. He didn't want to lose her.
The girl… ran away.
Toward the Tower of God.
---
> Main Quest: Climb the Tower. Each floor cleared grants rewards.
> Complete the 6th Floor Test → Reward: 100 Points
> Main Quest: Help Baam or Rachel reach the Tower's summit. Time limit: 100 years.
> Reward: Primogems x5000, Points x10000, Godhood x1
"100 points for just six floors? Not bad… wait—what the hell!?"
Seeing the second quest, Zephyr nearly jumped. So many rewards!?
Primogems, five thousand of them! Points enough to buy any game!
And—Godhood?
"This game has something like that too!?"
But then he frowned.
"One hundred years? You've got to be kidding."
He didn't even know if he'd live that long.
And he had to choose—help Baam or Rachel.
The original plot's world-building was massive. Only one season of anime had aired, and it barely scratched the surface. He knew nothing about later arcs.
Rationally, Baam was the protagonist—he'd more likely reach the top.
But… he was a guy. Zephyr wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of spending a hundred years helping a dude climb.
Rachel, though controversial, was still a heroine Zephyr liked. If he could, he wouldn't mind helping her.
Besides, there were also side quests, like collecting treasure chests or Oculus—clearly standard tasks given whenever entering a new world.
Looking closer, he spotted a fresh new quest:
> Side Quest: Collect the Thirteen Month Series weapons. Each collected grants rewards.
"Done deal!"
---
At that moment, Lumine slowly opened her eyes, dazed. "Where is this…?"
Darkness. Cold. Trembling.
She had suddenly appeared inside a vast, enclosed corridor.
The space was enormous. Dim walls hung with world-famous oil paintings, giving the place an eerie, oppressive atmosphere.
Behind them loomed a gigantic transparent glass wall. Beyond it was thick "seawater," where a massive creature swam in the depths.
"Where… where are we? Paimon's scared…"
Paimon dove into Lumine's arms.
"This is the new world—the Tower of God."
"The Tower of God? This is the Tower?"
"Yes. This is the first floor. We weren't chosen by an Administrator—we've entered directly. That makes me… an Irregular."
He wandered a bit. The game wouldn't place them here for no reason.
"That over there—it's terrifying. I feel like there's a monster inside."
Lumine frowned. "Seawater?"
"No. That should be Shinsu."
"Shinsu?"
"You can think of it as energy, like mana or chakra."
At that, Lumine inhaled sharply. "So that entire wall… it's all energy? If even a single surge escaped, the destruction would be unimaginable!"
"And I think I saw something alive in there. For a creature to live inside that much energy—it must be an incredibly powerful monster."
"In theory, since this is only the first floor, the Shinsu's density isn't high. As you climb higher, it grows stronger. At the upper levels, a normal human would explode just by stepping in.
But here on the first floor, its strength should be limited."
"Should be?"
"Mm. Because the Administrator cheated—the monsters here have the strength of floor 20 beasts."
Paimon gasped.
Suddenly, a beam of light pierced the darkness. A figure slowly emerged within it.
Paimon cried out, "There's someone there!"
//END
Suddenly, a beam of light pierced the darkness, and a figure slowly emerged within it.
Paimon cried out, "Someone's there!"
Zephyr stepped forward. It was a blonde girl, though her features weren't as refined as Lumine's—her face was dotted with freckles.
Yet her aura was fragile and pitiful, moving in its own way.
Rachel, LV1
"So… this must be the very beginning of the story."
"She's Rachel, right? The girl from the plot?"
"In the story she seemed like a genuinely good person."
"Good? …That's hard to say. People have two sides. You can't really sum her up as just 'good' or 'bad.'"
Rachel slowly opened her misty eyes. "This is…?"
"You're awake? The operation was successful… cough cough—I mean, this is the first floor of the Tower. Once you pass the test, you can climb higher."
"…The Tower!? I actually made it into the Tower of God!?"
Rachel looked shocked, then her eyes lit up with joy and desperation. "Then—you must be the Administrator?"
She suddenly sat up straight. "Administrator, thank you! Please, I want to climb the Tower, I beg of you!"
"Administrator? What's an Administrator?"
"Please, Administrator, I beg you!"
Lumine struggled to pull her hands free. "Hey! Let go! I'm not an Administrator—I don't even know what that is!"
In his heart, Zephyr explained: Administrators are the ones with authority. Only those chosen by them have the right to climb. Otherwise, you spend your life in the Outer Tower, ordinary until death.
"I see…"
Rachel blinked, confused. "Wait—you're not an Administrator? But isn't that one beside you a legendary fairy?"
Paimon folded her arms proudly. "Correct! Paimon is a fairy! Girl, Paimon like you—you're the first one to recognize Paimon's true identity!"
Zephyr flicked Paimon's forehead. "No. You've misunderstood. I'm just like you—another climber."
"Ah… I see." Rachel's eyes dimmed with disappointment.
"My name's Lumine. This is Paimon. And you are?"
"My name is Rachel…"
Paimon whispered, "What's with her? Is she really the heroine of this world?"
Zephyr nodded. "Yes. She's Rachel. My main quest requires me to help either her or Baam reach the top. This girl… she has an obsession with climbing that's impossible for others to imagine."
"Then… who do you want to help?"
"…I'll decide later."
---
Another figure slowly emerged from the shadows.
"Oh my, two people? That doesn't match the expected count. Strange."
Paimon spun around. "One, two, three—hey! Do your eyes not work? Am I not a person!?"
"My apologies. So there's a fairy among the climbers. I, Headon, offer you my deepest apologies."
The figure wasn't human. It was a bizarre, humanoid rabbit-like creature. Three parts rabbit, one part human, and several parts monster with no name.
Stranger still, it wore human clothes and carried a peculiar staff.
Zephyr instantly felt a dense surge of energy radiating from it. This was no ordinary being.
> Tower of God Administrator – Headon, LV90
Zephyr's pupils contracted. Level 90!
Before he could react, Rachel's eyes widened with excitement. "You must be the Administrator!"
"Indeed. I am one of the Tower's Administrators. My name is Headon. And you are?"
"M-my name is Rachel. I wish to climb the Tower. Please, I beg you!"
Headon's expression remained stone-cold, his voice deep.
"I refuse."
"Eh…? Why? Please, I'm begging you!"
"The one the Tower calls… is not you."
"No, no! Please, I want to climb too! Give me a chance!"
Rachel's face twisted with disbelief, trembling with emotion.
"I've said it already—the Tower is not calling for you. It calls for those beside you, and for a boy. You merely slipped in through the passage by chance. In truth, you have no right to climb."
"Eh…"
Rachel turned, eyes full of despair.
"Lumine… why…?"
Zephyr didn't know how to answer.
"Please! Just one chance!"
"A chance?"
"I've dreamed of climbing all my life. Please… I beg you!"
Headon sneered faintly, as though recalling something. "Since you insist, perhaps it isn't impossible. I'll give you… a test."
"A test?"
Behind them, the massive glass wall glowed. From within, a colossal beast bared its bloody jaws and let out a roar.
Rachel and Paimon both went pale.
"M-m-monster!?"
Headon spoke calmly: "The rules are simple. Enter the cage. Avoid the White Steel Eel, and shatter the black orb. Do that, and you pass."
Paimon's jaw dropped. "That's an eel!? Are you kidding me!?"
That thing was more like a whale crossed with Godzilla!
Rachel's face drained of color. "No… impossible… I can't! How could I fight such a monster? And I don't even have a weapon! It's cruel to make me face an unwinnable test!"
Zephyr used his appraisal ability.
> White Steel Eel – LV20
Not as high as he expected. But its sheer size made "level" meaningless. Even if it did nothing, the pressure of its aura alone could crush a whole horde of hilichurls.
Thankfully, Rachel's task wasn't to kill it—just to dodge it and break the orb.
But even so, it was a huge challenge. Zephyr remembered—the orb's material was incredibly tough. Without the right weapon, it was practically unbreakable.
Even he wouldn't find the trial easy. For Rachel, it was near impossible.
Her face was pale as paper. "I can't do this! Facing a monster like that… without even a weapon… how could anyone pass this kind of test? It's too much!"
Zephyr also thought Headon was being cruel. This wasn't a test—it was clearly meant to block her.
If it were anyone else, fine. But Rachel was one of his main quest targets. If she failed here, he'd be left with only Bam.
"Silence."
Headon's tone grew sharp. With a flick of his hand, torrents of Shinsu surged forth, wrapping around Rachel's body.
"Ahhh!"
Rachel screamed in pain.
Shinsu didn't suffocate—but its crushing pressure was unbearable. For an ordinary person, it was lethal.
"You can't even endure the Shinsu of the 10th floor? Pathetic. How could someone like you ever dream of reaching the top?"
"Hey! What are you doing!?" Paimon shouted. "Even if you won't let her climb, you don't have to bully her like this!"
Zephyr could see Rachel's HP plummeting, dropping to half in moments. His brows furrowed.
"What's your point? You want to kill her? Stop!"
She was one of his main quest targets—she could not die here.
Headon paused, then said coldly, "Since Mr. Zephyr asks, I'll relent."
He released his grip. The Shinsu vanished. Rachel gasped for air, her face filled with the shock of surviving.
"You alright?" Zephyr asked.
"I… I'm fine. Thank you."
Her expression carried gratitude, but also envy, and some deeper, complicated emotions.
Paimon said softly, "Rachel, maybe you should give up. That Headon guy clearly isn't a good person."
"No… I won't. For my dream, I'll never give up climbing."
"Dream? What dream? What could be more precious than life?"
"I… I want to see the stars. With my own eyes."
"Stars?"
Paimon scratched her head. "What's so special about stars?"
Rachel looked at them as if they were the same as her—people born in the Tower, never knowing anything else. She sighed.
"Our world is a dark one. No sky, no daylight—only endless night. We've lived here our whole lives.
I don't want my life to wither away like this. I want to climb the Tower. I want to see the outside world. I want to reach the top… to see the sky… to see the real stars."
//END