So this is that power…?
The moment Venti saw the strange cube in the girl's hand, his pupils tightened sharply.
He could clearly feel the overwhelming, sinister force surging inside it.
Especially those glowing purple patterns—
just looking at them made one deeply uncomfortable.
I absolutely can't let her take that away…
Taking a slow breath, Venti hardened his resolve.
But he didn't understand—
What "game" was she talking about?
Such an evil force…
Childe also sensed how abnormal the cube was.
Now he finally understood why such a small object could draw so many factions into conflict.
Deeper than the Abyss…
Beautiful, terrifying, magnificent…
The Abyss Herald, too, became wholly captivated.
Upon seeing the long-sought cube in the girl's hand, it instantly forgot about whether she was a Heavenly Principles entity.
All its attention was consumed by the power radiating from that cube.
Didn't expect the system's prop to look this convincing…
Su Mo glanced at the cube, then at the reactions below, and couldn't help sighing.
He knew very well this cube was just a model, nothing more.
There was no actual power inside.
Everything the others sensed was nothing but an illusion produced by the system.
But that was even better.
Since they insisted on believing in the cube's existence,
he would simply pretend to hand it over.
The "lucky winner"—
or rather, the poor sucker—
would eventually discover the cube was fake.
And after that?
None of his business.
His mission would be complete.
"This young lady, may I ask—
you mean that if I win against you in this game, I'll get that cube in your hand? Correct?"
Childe spoke first.
He knew he couldn't defeat her in a real fight—
and the other factions watching from the side only made that truth clearer.
A game was his best chance.
He didn't really believe she would simply hand over the cube,
but her strength was absolute.
He knew better than to act blindly.
Papapa—
"Finally someone who's not obsessed with fighting! Yes, that's what I mean.
But the rules of the game are interpreted solely by me—
and I can change them whenever I want."
Su Mo clapped approvingly.
He genuinely liked Childe's attitude.
Childe: "…"
What kind of game is that supposed to be…?
His mouth twitched helplessly.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm not participating in the game."
The girl raised her hands innocently, as if she were the victim here.
What is she trying to do…?
Venti didn't believe the so-called game for a moment.
But she wasn't weaker than him.
Fighting her head-on probably wouldn't end well.
Especially when this was her domain—
and he still didn't know how he ended up here.
The odds were far too low.
"Is she really being sincere?
Putting that thing up as a game prize…
It's way too suspicious."
Lumine also didn't trust the girl on the giant sword.
This behavior was far too abnormal.
"Lord Venti… what should we do?"
Jean had no good options either.
Against absolute strength, strategies were meaningless.
She said earlier the whole thing was something she "made up,"
yet now she was offering the cube as a prize.
What was she after?
Where were they?
What connection did this place have to the cube?
Damn it…
Diluc tried analyzing it,
but the more he thought,
the less he understood.
"Everyone… Do you want to join my game?"
Seeing that no one responded, Su Mo asked again.
"I'll do it."
Childe raised his hand first.
Since he couldn't win by force,
This was the only other path.
"I also participate."
The Abyss Herald agreed.
After witnessing her power,
the only safe route was through her game—
the fight could come after.
"I hope you'll honor your promise."
Venti had no other choice.
He had to play along first,
and look for another opportunity later.
If they fought now,
it would only give the Fatui and Abyss Order openings.
"Alright then.
I announce the winner of the game is—
Lord Venti!"
As soon as everyone agreed, Su Mo immediately shouted the result.
Childe: "?"
Abyss Herald: "?"
Venti: "?"
…
Everyone was stunned.
No one understood what had just happened—
not even Venti.
This has to be… rigged, right?
Childe recovered first and was speechless.
He had been preparing himself mentally for some strange competition—
and this was the result?
What the hell was she playing at?
Venti also felt something was very wrong.
He was certain she was plotting something.
Maybe the cube required an Archon's blood to activate?
Or maybe it was booby-trapped?
Whatever the case,
handing it to him so directly was way too suspicious.
"This is blatant cheating."
The Abyss Herald finally exploded.
The girl was completely shameless.
"What cheating?
I already said it earlier—
The final right to interpret the rules belongs to me.
Ah, right, I forgot to tell you the rules.
The last person to declare participation automatically wins."
She nodded as if that made everything perfectly fair.
Childe: "…"
Abyss Herald: "…"
Venti: "…"
That's literally cheating!!
If you wanted to give him the cube, couldn't you be more straightforward…?
Childe felt spiritually exhausted.
Looks like there's no choice but to attack—
"AAAAAHHH—!"
Before the Abyss Herald could act,
its body suddenly erupted into purple flame.
Within moments,
not even ash remained.
What happened—?!
"Everyone, be careful!"
Venti tensed immediately.
He didn't know what caused it,
but he knew exactly who did.
Holy crap—
Childe felt his legs go weak.
Did he say too much earlier?
Was she offended?
Why was he always the one caught in these nightmares…
"Don't panic, don't panic~
That guy tried to break the rules.
That was his punishment.
You didn't, so relax."
Su Mo waved casually.
"Alright—here's your prize. Catch."
He tossed the cube down to Venti.
I guess I have to take it…
Let's hope it's not trapped…
With no other choice, Venti reached out and caught the cube.
He had to protect the others behind him,
whether he liked it or not.
Nothing… seems to be happening…
He held the cube cautiously.
No strange effects occurred.
"Okay then, byebye~"
Huh? We're back?
Wait—
Is that the Abyss Herald?!
When Venti looked up,
they were suddenly back at the original battlefield.
The Abyss Herald—
the one burned to nothing moments ago—
lay nearby, its condition unknown.
She's gone…
The spot where the girl had stood was empty.
She had vanished completely.
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