Because she knew nothing about him, and Kamisato Ayato's voice, which was strikingly similar to Otto's... hmm... always gave her the feeling that he was about to trick someone in the next second.
"Haha, since Miss Ryougi says so, I won't insist." Kamisato Ayato expressed indifference, then brought up the main topic.
"I have a friend. I wonder if Miss Ryougi still remembers him? He was lying on the ground due to severe allergies, and you saved him."
"Are you talking about that white-haired Oni? I remember him. What about him?" Shiki was somewhat surprised. How could Kamisato Ayato, the Head of the Kamisato Clan, know a gang member?
"Let me put it this way: I am very interested in the method Miss Ryougi used to eliminate my friend's allergy symptoms back then. Could you perhaps reveal a little about it?"
The fact that Kamisato Ayato was able to turn the tide when the Kamisato Clan was on the verge of collapse proved that he was not a simple person.
Naturally, Kamisato Ayato launched an investigation into the young woman who had suddenly become a consultant. He even uncovered her involvement in the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, but he still found nothing regarding where she came from or her relatives.
All he knew was that the first place she appeared was Konda Village; the rest of the timeline was blank.
As long as a person existed, they would leave traces in this world, but Shiki had none, as if she had appeared out of thin air.
"It's simple. Everything has a moment of ending. I merely brought the end of his allergy symptoms forward."
Shiki did not conceal her Special Ability, but she did not reveal everything either. The highest form of a lie is telling only the truth but making the listener interpret it completely differently from reality.
Just like Kamisato Ayato now... 'Brought forward? That's a bit hard to understand. Could it be... related to time?'
Although a giant wave raged in his heart, Kamisato Ayato maintained a gentle smile on his face, simultaneously gesturing to the Attendant beside him.
The Attendant understood immediately, took out a small box, and handed it to Kamisato Ayato.
"Thank you, Miss Ryougi, for clearing up my confusion. Speaking of which, the Kamisato Clan has not yet paid the Reward since Miss Ryougi became a consultant. Consider this Vajrada Amethyst Fragment a token of gratitude for joining the Kamisato Clan."
Kamisato Ayato opened the box as he spoke, revealing a purple crystal lying quietly inside.
"If I recall correctly, Miss Ryougi's Vision is electro element, isn't it? This item might be useful to you."
It must be said that the Amethyst Fragment held a strong attraction for Shiki; she could feel a dense, pure electro element emanating from it.
Speaking of which, characters in the game also use this item to ascend. It's very likely that allogenes in Teyvat need to rely on this kind of Crystal to grow stronger.
"Then I shall accept it. If anything comes up later, just tell me directly. I am quite skilled in combat."
Why refuse a free gift? Shiki chose to accept Kamisato Ayato's goodwill. Although she didn't know him well, she was still Ayaka's friend, so he would have to think twice before setting a trap, right?
"Miss Ryougi is truly straightforward. I have matters to attend to, so I must excuse myself."
After speaking, Kamisato Ayato left with his Attendant, resuming his elusive life.
"I didn't expect my Older Brother to give this to you. These Fragments are something countless Vision holders dream of obtaining. It looks like my brother thinks highly of you." Ayaka said with a smile.
"Are these Fragments very precious?" Shiki asked, holding up the Amethyst Fragment.
"Yes. Even I have only used two pieces. After all, if you want to increase your elemental strength, you can only start with crystals that contain elemental energy."
"And Crystals are only born in places of elemental sedimentation, and their numbers are extremely limited."
Ayaka thoroughly explained the importance of Crystals on the continent of Teyvat to the young woman. In a sense, these things could even be used when the transaction amount was too large.
Hearing this, Shiki couldn't help but think of the items dropped by those World Bosses. If Crystals were so useful to people, what about those drops?
For example, could the drops from the Electro Hypostasis and Thunder Manifestation allow her to break through human limits?
As for whether World Bosses would respawn after being killed, Shiki didn't know, but she thought they probably would, just like the elemental sedimentation Slimes. The only difference would be the length of time.
"I see. But your Older Brother seems to have agreed to let you go to Yashiori Island with me!"
"Ah, the conversation was diverted by the Crystal just now, and I almost forgot about it! I'll go prepare my luggage right away."
After Ayaka finished speaking, she turned to go back inside, but Shiki grabbed her wrist.
"No need to rush. There is plenty of time. Given the nature of the Tenryou Commission, the boat won't set sail for a few days."
"Also, don't forget I can use the Anchor Points to teleport. We can arrive at Yashiori Island ahead of time to prepare."
Taking a boat to Yashiori Island would be too slow. Shiki did not want to waste too much time on a ship.
"That's true. I was too impatient... What should we do in the meantime?" Ayaka asked.
"Just carry on as usual. I need to go back and study this Amethyst Fragment."
Shiki couldn't wait to study it properly. She wondered what would happen after she channeled all the electro element out of the Fragment.
After bidding farewell to Ayaka, Shiki teleported directly back to Konda Village, found a secluded spot, and took out the Amethyst Fragment.
The Fragment was roughly rhomboid in shape, with energy seeming to surge within it, and the surface of the crystal bore a pattern similar to a tomoe crest.
However, this tomoe crest was only half-formed. It seemed that only the highest-grade Vajrada Amethyst could display the complete tomoe crest pattern.
Shiki opened her palm, and golden electric arcs began to appear in her hand. Then, the Fragment resting in her palm slowly rose as if lifted by an invisible force, and began to spin rapidly.
Threads of purple Lightning began to emerge from the Fragment. The moment the two made contact, it was as if a chemical reaction occurred. The originally small electric arcs instantly expanded, forming a sphere that enveloped the young woman.
"This reaction is way too intense!"
Shiki tightly gripped her right wrist with her left hand. Her hair was currently being blown back and forth by the airflow generated by the Fragment's high-speed rotation, and her right hand was trembling constantly, which was why she was holding her wrist.
Crack.
An almost imperceptible cracking sound reached Shiki's ears. A Fragment was just a fragment after all, and clearly, it could not withstand such a massive output of elemental power.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!