In just that instant,
Zhongli and Venti fell into a long silence.
…
A tiny slime, one of the lowest forms of elemental life—
could actually enhance beings of their level, even if only slightly.
And that was only one.
If there were many...
Both of them possessed top-tier intellect.
It took only a second for them to grasp all the implications.
So they said nothing.
If this matter ever spread, the entire world would be thrown into chaos.
"So terrifying…"
"Brother Taro, how many others know of this?"
Zhongli's expression turned grave.
He himself could remain calm.
But if someone with a darker heart learned of it—
the consequences would be catastrophic.
"Not many." Taro shook his head. "Counting you two, there are only seven."
Venti and Lumine, plus Ada, Eula, Nahida, and Xiao.
Seven in total.
"Taro-nii…"
Venti looked conflicted.
"Don't you think this… might be too dangerous?"
They could resist the temptation.
But not everyone could.
If something went wrong—
the disaster would be unimaginable.
Even worse than resurrecting the dead.
"What are you thinking?"
Taro rolled his eyes.
"You really think anyone can join my team?"
"Those I don't trust or don't like can get lost."
He was tired of endless monster grinding.
That's why he built a team—to let others work while he reaped the rewards.
But not just anyone could join.
Those he disapproved of, those he couldn't trust, those of poor temperament, weak ability, lack of self-defense, or twisted morals—
none qualified.
Even if someone passed the triple screening, once inside the team, if they broke the rules or caused trouble,
it wouldn't just be a matter of being kicked out.
They would die.
Rewards came with punishment.
He feared no schemer.
In fact, he welcomed a few troublemakers—
a public example or two would do the team good.
All experience distribution rested in Taro's hands.
Final authority too.
Break the rules? You'd get erased from existence.
"There's safety, sure," Taro said calmly, "but punishment will follow equally fast."
"I plan to let Eula and the others handle team management."
"I'll assign a few recruitment slots—Zhongli, you can pick some trusted candidates."
"And you two—don't think you'll just sit around."
Once on board, getting off wouldn't be easy.
Take the benefits, and you'll work for them.
"Ah…"
Zhongli rubbed his forehead with a sigh.
He could already foresee the troubles to come.
If handled well, this would be a tremendous opportunity.
But opportunity always came hand in hand with risk.
This was going to be challenging.
And the problem was—he didn't want any new challenges.
He'd finally found peace,
only for Taro to dig a pit and make him jump into it willingly.
Could he refuse?
Not at all.
"Taro-nii, that's not fair."
"My peaceful days are slipping away."
Venti, head drooping, looked equally miserable.
Dragged aboard a ship with no escape—
what kind of trap was this?
He felt wronged.
Still, maybe he could negotiate something…
Venti's eyes rolled with an idea.
"Wait, Taro-nii, we can work, sure—but at least cover food and lodging. Oh, and wine."
"That's not too much to ask, right?"
Zhongli glanced at the bard.
You've already hoarded enough wine to fill a cellar.
Are you a hamster?
"No."
Taro shook his head firmly.
"I'm already letting you in for free. You should be paying me."
"No membership fee, and you're still getting a place, safety, and resources. On top of that, you expect free meals and drinks? Compensation? Gear?"
"That's already the deal of a lifetime."
"Follow the plan steadily, and you'll have a path straight to the heavens."
In his view, there was no losing here.
Join or don't—it made no difference to him.
"Taro-nii… what about the wine?"
Venti's eyes drifted toward the table and the empty cup.
"Your turn," Taro said seriously.
"Zhongli brought the table and chairs. I brought the cups.
So obviously—you bring the wine."
Three men, three shares of contribution.
No freeloaders allowed.
That was fair.
"Huh? Me?"
Venti's eye twitched as he turned helplessly toward Zhongli.
"Indeed," Zhongli said after a light cough, perfectly composed. "That seems reasonable."
…
Venti sighed, shoulders slumped.
With a bitter face, he fished out a bottle of Dandelion Wine from his chest pocket.
Unbelievable.
He was supposed to be the one mooching,
so why did it feel like he was the one being mooched off of?
Neither of these two men were good news.
Venti puffed his cheeks, sulking like a child who'd had his toy taken.
"Eh, wait a sec—"
Just as he pulled the cork, Venti blinked and leaned forward.
"Taro-nii, old man Zhong gets his own recruitment slots… what about me?"
"Don't tell me I'm the only one without any?"
"Jean's a good kid, you know."
"Noelle too—solid and reliable."
"Eula's tough enough for big responsibilities."
"Diluc's also…"
"For you?"
Taro poured himself a drink from Venti's bottle and handed the next cup to Zhongli.
"In Mondstadt, I only know a few.
The rest don't exactly leave a great impression."
"Heh…"
Venti scratched his head awkwardly.
A bit guilty, honestly.
He knew what his city was like.
And besides, most of Mondstadt's elites weren't even home right now.
So Taro's low opinion wasn't wrong.
"Ha."
Taro rolled his eyes.
"So you can feel guilty?"
"Not much I can do, right?"
Venti sighed. "Our situations aren't the same."
"If I get too involved, things might spiral. Better to leave freedom to the people."
"As long as nothing goes too far, I'll just keep a distant watch."
If the Lawrence Clan hadn't gone too far back then,
he wouldn't have intervened at all.
Human destiny should be in human hands.
He would only act when disasters beyond mortal power struck.
After all, ignorance was part of humanity.
"The Falga Expedition's been gone almost a year now, and still no word."
Venti's gaze turned north, worry flickering in his eyes.
"Oh?"
Taro raised an eyebrow. "You've heard something?"
"The wind isn't omnipotent."
Venti shook his head lightly.
"It can carry messages, yes—
but if the wind itself can't reach somewhere, then no message will ever come."
"A place where even the wind can't go?"
Taro murmured, frowning. "Makes sense."
"When I have time, I'll go take a look myself."
(End of Chapter)
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