Chapter 205: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [205]
In the past, the icy power she controlled was merely a tool to suppress the cursed flames within her, a precarious balance of elements that allowed her to use only one at a time.
Now, empowered by the Vision, her mastery over Cryo had grown exponentially. She could wield both Cryo and Pyro simultaneously, a duality that transformed her into a true force of destruction.
It quickly became clear that even the combined strength of the allied desert tribes—every warrior and shadow beast they could muster—was no match for the former Fatui Harbinger.
One by one, Rosalyne buried her enemies in fire and ice with ease, maintaining precise control so as not to disturb Luo Qing, who remained seated at the edge of the square, sketching away.
From the moment the battle began, the tribes had no chance of victory.
When Rosalyne wiped out nearly a third of their forces, the remaining warriors began to waver. Fear and despair crept into their hearts, eclipsing any will to fight.
Finally, they understood.
So this is why Babale didn't resist.
She hadn't been cowardly—just sensible. The woman they'd foolishly provoked wasn't someone they could afford to cross.
Why did we even try…?
As their resolve crumbled, the tribes began to consider retreat.
But Rosalyne saw through their intentions immediately. With a wave of her hand, a towering wall of flames erupted around the battlefield, cutting off any chance of escape.
"You have two choices," she said, her cold voice carrying across the square. Hovering in midair, she looked down on the warriors like a queen addressing her subjects—or a predator taunting her prey.
"Kneel… or die."
While she understood that Luo Qing needed these people alive, she also knew desert tribes only bowed to power. Without making an example, there was no way they'd submit willingly.
The leaders of the tribes exchanged hesitant glances.
To kneel would be humiliating, a blow to their pride as proud desert warriors.
But to refuse… would likely cost them their lives.
"Fools."
Seeing their hesitation, Rosalyne let out a derisive snort. She raised her hand, conjuring another flaming whirlwind that sent more of their comrades screaming in agony.
"Stop! We surrender!"
A trembling voice rose above the chaos. A warrior threw down his weapon and dismissed his summoned beast.
Better to live and fight another day than die here for nothing.
Soon, the rest of the warriors followed suit, laying down their arms and kneeling in submission.
"Pathetic," Rosalyne muttered, descending gracefully to the ground. Her disdainful expression softened as she approached Luo Qing, her every movement radiating deference.
"Master," she said, her tone shifting to one of respect and gentleness. "The situation has been dealt with."
The tribesmen stared in disbelief, their minds reeling.
What?! This fearsome witch… serves him?!
If Rosalyne's power was already beyond their comprehension, then what kind of monster must Luo Qing be?
"Oh?" Luo Qing finally looked up from his sketch, his eyes shifting between Rosalyne and his drawing. He compared the proportions thoughtfully.
"Hmm… about the same size. Rosalyne, what do you think?"
He'd been using her as a reference for the figure in his design—a modern, streamlined battle suit he'd envisioned for a certain someone.
"Master, your depiction is very… accurate," Rosalyne replied, though a faint sadness flickered in her heart.
She had fought so fiercely, yet Luo Qing's only interest was in his sketch. Not even a word of praise for her efforts…
"Since you think so, Natalia, take this," Luo Qing said, handing the design to Natalia. "Find someone to make it when we get back."
"…"
"Yes, Master Luo Qing," Natalia replied, her expression unreadable as she accepted the blueprint.
Having finished his work, Luo Qing stretched lazily and stood, surveying the rows of kneeling tribesmen with satisfaction. Turning to Rosalyne, he flashed her a smile.
"Well done, Rosalyne."
Bringing Rosalyne over from the Tsaritsa had proven a worthwhile move. She was the perfect tool for situations like this.
After all, if his subordinates could handle things on their own, why should he dirty his hands?
"Thank you for the compliment, Master…" Rosalyne said with a bow, though her voice carried a tinge of melancholy.
"But you did kill a bit too many," Luo Qing added, glancing at the battlefield littered with ice sculptures and charred corpses. "Try to hold back next time."
All these wasted lives… That's so much potential frustration value gone to waste.
"Yes, Master…" Rosalyne murmured, chastened.
Luo Qing noticed the faint cracks on her shoulder—remnants of the cursed flames' strain on her body. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a small glowing pill and tossed it to her.
"Take this. Don't let those injuries linger."
"… Yes, Master."
Rosalyne accepted the pill, her mood lifting slightly. She knew Luo Qing's gesture was practical, but the thought that he might care for her well-being brought a small smile to her face.
---
Meanwhile, Luo Qing strolled through the square, weaving between the kneeling tribesmen.
They dared not look up at him, their heads bowed in silent fear, hoping to escape his attention.
When he reached Babale, he stopped.
Babale had surrendered early, ensuring the survival of most of her tribe. Even so, her head hung low, her body trembling.
"You disappoint me, Babale," Luo Qing said flatly. "What's the matter? Not a fan of 'embracing new ideals' and 'becoming a model citizen'?"
"…"
[Babale's Frustration +1]
"Master Luo Qing, I was wrong!" Babale pleaded, pressing her forehead to the ground. "Please, spare us! From now on, we'll dedicate ourselves to your teachings. We'll embrace new ideals and strive to become the best citizens we can be. I swear it!"
Her once-proud demeanor as the tribe's matriarch had completely crumbled. All she wanted now was to avoid further punishment.
The other tribesmen listened, bewildered.
New ideals? Model citizens?
What kind of bizarre punishment is this?
"Pathetic," Luo Qing muttered, reaching down to remove Babale's blindfold.
Their eyes met briefly before Babale averted her gaze, unable to hide the fear in her expression.
"I won't kill you," Luo Qing said dismissively, standing back up.
"Thank you, Master…" Babale whispered, her voice trembling.
"Natalia, handle the newcomers like we did before," Luo Qing ordered.
"Yes, Master Luo Qing."
With that, Luo Qing waved a hand and turned to leave.
"I'm heading back to finish my sketch. You all can deal with the rest."
Luo Qing's goal had never been slaughter—it was frustration. Killing everyone would be wasteful when they could still serve a purpose.
As for the Eremites? They had only themselves to blame.
Their gods had long since fallen, leaving them no one to protect them.
---
Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.
If you'd like to support WiseTL, you can visit [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Even a small gesture is like sunlight and rain to a growing flower—it helps the garden of stories flourish and bloom!
-With love, Nahida 🌱
Chapter 206: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [206]
A month passed.
Since Rosalyne's overwhelming display of power, the members of the Tanit tribe had abandoned all thoughts of rebellion.
Even Babale, once defiant, seemed to have resigned herself to the harsh reality. She obediently followed Luo Qing's schedule, waking early for morning exercises and dutifully completing her nightly reflections.
This dreary routine had taken a visible toll on her, leaving her looking worn and frail. She no longer knew when—or if—this nightmare would end.
Her authority within the Tanit tribe also dwindled day by day. If Luo Qing and his group stayed for another few months, her reputation as the tribe's matriarch might be irreparably damaged.
After all, what was the point of her title? She was no different from the rest of them: dancing earnestly at the front of the group during exercises, jumping with vigor at Luo Qing's insistence.
The other tribespeople, once deferential, began to lose their respect for her.
Meanwhile, Luo Qing had grown accustomed to the steady flow of frustration value delivered by his new captives.
Over the month, he had amassed enough to perform another 90-pull session.
However, as humans tend to adapt, the frustration value generated by the tribespeople had gradually diminished. They had become accustomed to the rigid schedule, the 5,000-word reflections, and Luo Qing's strict rules.
Now that they followed his commands without question, there was little left for him to gain.
Seeing no reason to linger, Luo Qing decided to return to Sumeru City, leaving Rosalyne, Natalia, and the others behind to maintain order for another month before regrouping.
True to his belief in the importance of spiritual balance and good fortune, Luo Qing intended to find a new "feng shui hotspot" to perform his next round of pulls.
---
After utilizing Time Zero's acceleration, Luo Qing arrived in Sumeru City in record time.
Wasting no effort, he rushed straight to his residence, eager to visit the "chosen spot" he had prepared earlier.
But when he pushed open the door, the house was empty.
"Huh…? Where is everyone?"
Puzzled, Luo Qing searched upstairs, checking the rooms belonging to Rosalyne and Makoto, but both were similarly deserted.
"Did something happen…?"
The only potential threats in Sumeru were the Doctor and the Balladeer. Just as Luo Qing considered heading to the Akademiya to investigate, he heard the front door creak open.
Makoto entered first, her arm linked with Theresa's. Both women carried baskets filled with Sumeru's fresh produce.
"That's settled, then. You'll show me some new techniques tonight, Sister," Theresa said with a playful smile.
"Of course, but don't forget about those outfits we discussed," Makoto replied, laughing lightly.
Their cheerful conversation came to an abrupt halt when they spotted Luo Qing standing in the living room.
"… You're back?" Makoto's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"…"
"Am I not allowed to come back?" Luo Qing quipped, his gaze shifting between the two women.
Despite Makoto's simulated mask, her distinctive violet eyes and long hair remained unchanged. Theresa, too, bore the same hair and eye color, though hers were complemented by a youthful, short-haired look.
Standing together, the pair resembled a pair of sisters—a surreal sight considering Makoto's actual sibling was still in Inazuma.
"… What were you two doing?"
"Buying groceries, obviously," Makoto replied nonchalantly, shaking the basket in her hand. She tugged Theresa past Luo Qing and set the basket on the dining table. Then, with a teasing grin, she tapped Luo Qing's nose.
"We're trying out some new recipes tonight, and you'll be our test subject!"
Luo Qing swallowed hard. She's way too flirty…
"You two seem… close," Luo Qing muttered, eyeing their linked arms suspiciously.
When did their relationship get this good? They're even holding hands indoors?
Before he could press further, Theresa suddenly released Makoto and threw her arms around Luo Qing, wrapping him in an unexpected embrace.
"Theresa, what are you doing?" Luo Qing asked, startled.
"Master…" Theresa gazed up at him, her eyes seemingly brimming with affection.
Luo Qing felt a jolt—was it his imagination, or were those literal hearts in her eyes?
"My sister has already told me everything…"
"… Sister?" Luo Qing turned to Makoto, momentarily stunned.
She was covering her mouth, clearly amused.
"What did she tell you?" Luo Qing asked, a sinking feeling in his chest.
"She said…" Theresa blushed and lowered her gaze shyly.
"She said that I'm destined to be one of your future brides…"
"???"
Luo Qing froze. He turned back to Makoto, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"What exactly did you say to her?!"
"I didn't say anything untrue," Makoto replied with a smug hum. "You know what you want, don't you?"
"… I—"
Luo Qing was at a loss for words.
"Alright, Theresa, that's enough hugging," Makoto said, beckoning the girl. "Come help me prepare dinner."
"Yes, Sister!"
Theresa released Luo Qing and followed Makoto into the kitchen, leaving him standing alone in the living room.
Watching their retreating figures, Luo Qing began to piece things together.
So Makoto's starting to build her alliances, huh?
She's positioning herself as the head wife…
He couldn't help but admire her strategy.
Still, the realization left him momentarily distracted, his earlier excitement about the feng shui hotspot completely forgotten.
Night fell, and the first rays of moonlight spilled into the house just as Makoto and Theresa finished preparing dinner.
The table was laden with a variety of dishes, a mix of Makoto's signature Inazuman recipes and a few newly-learned Sumeru specialties.
As for Theresa, her contributions to the meal were minimal—she was more of a kitchen assistant, her cooking skills barely passable.
The three of them sat around the table, Luo Qing at the head seat.
As he glanced at Makoto, he still couldn't quite wrap his head around the situation.
Where's the harem drama? The fiery rivalries?
It's only been a month, and you've already subdued her?
"We worked hard on this meal. You're not going to just sit there and admire it, are you?" Makoto teased, leaning forward slightly.
"Or are we so pretty you're already full just looking at us?"
"… Something like that," Luo Qing mumbled, diving into the food to avoid further conversation.
To his credit, Makoto's cooking was leagues ahead of her sister's.
"So, why are you back already?" Makoto asked. "Where's Rosalyne and the others?"
"They're still wrapping things up in the desert. They'll return in a month."
"Ah, what a pity," Makoto said with a soft hum.
"… Pity? What's a pity?"
Makoto's eyes sparkled with mischief as she glanced at Luo Qing.
She felt a sense of satisfaction—Rosalyne had already joined her side long ago. Now, Theresa was firmly within her camp.
Her efforts to consolidate her influence were bearing fruit.
"Aside from those in Inazuma, I've already secured most of the key players," she thought smugly.
Out loud, she replied, "It's just a shame we couldn't all sit down for a family dinner, don't you think?"
"…" Family dinner?
---
Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? got locked by webnovel (probably reported...?) so I'll have it up on the sribble hub later today with the new updates :p same username on there btw ughh should i repost on here?
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