[Moonveil Authority · Ningguang (Geo) | ★★★★]
Back when Aether (Renjiro) still lived in his original world and played Genshin Impact, Ningguang was the first character whose Affection he maxed out.
Mainly because… there really wasn't any other DPS he could rely on.
Ahem. Forget I said that just now.
Anyway, his understanding of Ningguang was exceptionally deep.
And now,
"Hey, what's going on here?"
Caught off guard by her calling him Traveler, Aether frowned.
"I definitely didn't set this up beforehand."
To his question…
"Heh~"
Ningguang's lips curved in a mysterious smile, but she offered no explanation.
Instead, through their mental link, came a quiet whisper:
"You've borrowed our (Genshin's) power for so long… and yet you still haven't grasped its essence. As dull as ever."
Aether wanted to press further, but Ningguang deliberately ignored him.
Instead, she turned her gaze toward Welf,
"Blacksmith. I already know the plan you and the Traveler discussed."
"However, it's obvious you two are complete outsiders when it comes to commerce. Far too many critical details were overlooked."
Her amber eyes shifted back to Aether.
"In truth, if you release this so-called Universal Shovel as it is, you won't be helping those 'supporters' at all. Instead, you'll end up pushing them into even harsher circumstances."
"…Huh?"
Welf froze in surprise.
"But why?"
"Because the essence of commerce," Ningguang spoke slowly, "is profit."
"Reality is a collection of contradictions and cruelties. The society built by both mortals and gods is no exception."
"People may preach noble virtues, but for many, profit will always come first."
Her gaze swept between the two men.
"Understand, I'm not saying your intentions are wrong. But to truly do good, you must think further, and think deeper, than those who pursue only gain."
"Otherwise, when your good deed blocks their path… enemies will follow."
"When trouble after trouble piles up, and you're drowning in problems, how much energy will you have left to keep your so-called efficiency?"
She paused, her eyes narrowing.
"And beyond that… what could be more unpleasant than seeing a long-awaited effort ruined by petty opportunists?"
"To prepare from the very beginning, to hold the plans in one's hand, that is the wisest, and least troublesome, path."
Finally, she added,
"Traveler, I'll remain here for the next few days. I'll help you draft a proper expansion plan."
Then, her gaze grew sharper.
"And another thing… raise your Falna Level quickly."
"If you don't manifest that Immortal art ifacgave you, we will remain far too restrained."
Those words, delivered through the mental link, made Aether stiffen.
He was now certain.
So you really are… the actual Ningguang, aren't you?
His thought was deadly serious, though outwardly he only kept a calm, attentive expression, so Welf wouldn't notice.
To his mental question, she only smiled faintly:
"Haven't you already learned to seek your own answers?"
"This time, do the same."
"You'll manage just fine."
At that moment, Aether felt the weight of trust settle on him. He couldn't help but feel a little pleased, though part of him wanted to complain.
First: Riddler, get out of Gotham.
Second: …Do you still have the Jade Chamber?
================
Aether had never been fond of courting disaster.
So certain dangerous ideas… he kept to himself.
Of course, Ningguang at her core was a supreme merchant.
And in that world, the most vital talent was foresight.
Without it, even with a fortune, one would inevitably end up being led by the nose.
In short,
"You seem to be thinking something very rude, Traveler."
Her sudden remark froze Aether in place.
He nearly choked, forcing a laugh.
"Haha, what? No way! Of course not!"
He gave a painfully awkward chuckle.
"Anyway, let's focus on the molds. Speaking of which, Ningguang, what level are you now?"
…What a clumsy attempt at changing the subject.
Her level was already displayed to him:
Lv.11.
There was no need to even ask. The diversion was painfully obvious.
"Heh~"
Perhaps deciding to let it slide, Ningguang turned gracefully to the forge.
In front of a bewildered Welf, she picked up the disassembled parts of the prototype Universal Shovel, examining each piece carefully.
To be honest,
"For this kind of work, you should've found that alchemist in Mondstadt. He'd be far more skilled than I."
Through the mental link, she added softly to Aether:
"But given your current lack of manpower… there's no point in being too picky."
"When I built the Jade Chamber, I studied this field for a while. With a bit of practice, I can meet your expectations."
As she spoke,
CRACK
Level 11 Ningguang, the equivalent of a high-stat Level 2 adventurer, carefully enveloped a metal piece in a thin amber-like crystallization of Geo energy.
SNAP
With delicate precision, she split it apart, leaving behind a flawless mold surface, and removed the original piece.
The first mold was done.
It had taken her less than thirty seconds.
Clearly, the woman who claimed she wasn't suited for such tasks had, in fact, gone out of her way to ensure remarkable refinement.
If she hadn't, it would have been finished even faster.
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