"So that's how it works… Is this the Black Flag's power?"
Lin Ze rubbed his forehead, which still throbbed faintly, and looked at his handiwork with clear satisfaction.
"So it really is terrifying.
Rather than 'knowing rules, understanding rules, mastering rules, and standing above rules'…"
"It's more accurate to say that it reduces everything into four steps."
He murmured softly, organizing his thoughts.
"Step one: Attempt — gain basic knowledge and rudimentary skill.
Step two: Persist — deepen that knowledge and refine the skill.
Step three: Succeed — apply everything smoothly, reaching a normal standard.
Step four: Transcend — accomplish what ordinary people cannot, turning the mundane into the miraculous."
Despite his words, Lin Ze didn't rush to change into his new clothes.
The knowledge forcibly poured into his mind hadn't fully settled yet, leaving behind a lingering discomfort. Talking to himself was his way of easing it.
…Or there was another option.
With that thought, Lin Ze shifted his attention back to the Diary System.
Writing something—anything—was also a good way to distract himself.
The Black Flag's power was far stronger than he had imagined. No wonder it had once been jokingly referred to as a concept-type ability.
Back before his transmigration, Lin Ze had been a short-video creator. That term had originally been nothing more than a comment-section joke.
Now, through transmigration, it had become reality.
As for side effects?
Give him a bit of time to grow, and they were basically nonexistent.
"This isn't quite like the novels I've read… No leveling system, but I already have a photo function?"
"Fine. A host that doesn't follow the usual path, paired with a system that doesn't either. Sounds reasonable."
Muttering under his breath, Lin Ze once again began writing on the system panel with his consciousness.
Based on his experience as a veteran web-novel reader, this "damn system" was definitely going to distribute diary copies to others.
But that didn't matter.
With the Black Flag's power, give him time—and he could crush all of Teyvat.
[Photo.jpg]
[As expected of the Black Flag's power. Success. By standing above the rules, I managed to craft this exquisite outfit using nothing but leaves.]
[No idea where I am right now. A place with plenty of Sunsettias, apparently. But it doesn't matter.]
[Based on my understanding of this damn system, diary copies absolutely exist and will be distributed—it's just unclear who has them.]
[That's even better. Even in the wilderness, with the Black Flag's power, I can live comfortably and focus on growing stronger. No one will find me. When I'm invincible across Teyvat, then I'll make my grand entrance. Wouldn't that mean the whole world is mine to roam?]
[As for my name—heh. There are plenty of people with the same name and similar personalities. It won't be that easy to track me down. And even if they do, by then I'll already be invincible.]
[How did that saying go again? Even if I shoulder the Abyss with one hand and hold up the—no, wait, this is Teyvat.]
[Even if I shoulder the Abyss with one hand and lift Celestia with the other, I, Lin Ze, will still be unmatched beneath the heavens.]
[This is boring. Making jokes with myself, and no one around to complain.]
[That should be enough words. Let's see what kind of reward this damn system gives me. If it's good, I'll write daily. If not… I'll just write a novel instead.]
Lin Ze hadn't expected that his random thoughts and casual writing would already meet the system's word requirement.
Coincidentally, the discomfort in his head had faded as well.
So he stopped writing.
Now, all that was left was to see what reward he'd get—then make another set of Liyue-style clothes and figure out a way into a human city.
As for hiding in the deep mountains forever?
Hadn't he heard the saying—the truly great hide in the bustling city?
Who would ever suspect that someone writing about laying low until invincible had already gone straight into human civilization?
Thinking that, Lin Ze smiled in satisfaction.
Then he saw the system reward.
His smile froze.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the beginner task: writing one diary entry.]
[Reward obtained: One pair of Keqing's black stockings; one pair of Ganyu's black stockings.]
[Note: Freshly worn. Still warm.]
Lin Ze felt countless words welling up inside him—each one aimed directly at the system.
What the hell am I supposed to do with this?!
You won't even give me Mora?!
Of course, the system was just a program with no consciousness. Otherwise, it might have had a few words of its own.
This is a grave injustice!
I've bound to countless hosts—never have I seen one this absurd!
Starting with a concept-level ability is one thing, but you practically saw straight through the system's pants! This isn't normal!
With the Black Flag's power, what reward could I even give you? Whatever you want, you can just make it yourself!
Meanwhile—
As new text appeared on the diary panel, Ganyu and Keqing exchanged another look.
From each other's eyes, they saw the same emotion.
Overwhelming temptation.
Not toward Lin Ze himself—
But toward his power.
Creating such an exquisite outfit using nothing but leaves… that ability was downright outrageous.
If it could be used for Liyue—even cooperation would be worth pursuing.
Find him.
At any cost.
"Ganyu," Keqing said urgently, "come take a closer look. See if there's anything familiar in the background of that photo. Let's determine whether Lin Ze arrived within Liyue's territory."
"Uh… calm down, Keqing," Ganyu replied gently.
"There's nothing in the photo except the clothes and a single tree. No other scenery at all."
"He hid it very well. Trees like that can be found all over Teyvat…"
At the same time—
As Ganyu tried to calm Keqing down—
Jean, the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt;
Yae Miko of Inazuma;
the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya;
and even Hu Tao and Ningguang of Liyue—
All began to move in their own ways.
There was, of course, one exception.
In Sumeru, the Lesser Lord Kusanali glanced at the diary copy… then at the green energy barrier confining her.
She let out a soft sigh.
She wasn't a qualified god.
There was nothing she could do.
"…Let the Aranara go and look," Nahida murmured quietly.
"But all we have is a name. And clothing. Even that clothing might not truly be what he's wearing…"
She closed her eyes.
Gentle divine power spread outward—carefully controlled. Too strong, and it would never pass through the barrier. Too weak, and it would accomplish nothing.
"You're right, Ganyu. I wasn't calm enough."
Keqing finally exhaled, her expression settling.
"Let's eat first. Then we'll go see Ningguang. This matter will need her involvement."
She handed Ganyu a few Qingxin flowers she had personally picked.
Seeing Keqing calm down, Ganyu quietly relaxed as well. She accepted the Qingxin—but didn't eat it yet, waiting for Keqing.
Then suddenly—
Ganyu blinked hard, confusion flashing across her face.
"Keqing… when did you take off your stockings?"
She distinctly remembered the two of them being together the entire time.
"I didn't?" Keqing replied reflexively.
"I—wait."
"…Ganyu, when did you take yours off?"
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