Chapter 243: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [243]
The massive central platform of the forge was illuminated by a faint purple glow emanating from the giant humanoid mech, Shouki no Kami, the Prodigal.
The mech's chest platform was alight with activity. Standing on it were Dottore and Azar, their gazes fixed on streams of data flowing across a Void Terminal. They seemed deep in discussion.
At the mech's head, Scaramouche was connected to the machine by a series of deep purple conduits embedded in his back, merging him with Shouki no Kami.
"All modules have been fully assembled. The Gnosis's core component has been integrated as well," Dottore said, his tone laced with manic excitement. His eyes gleamed behind his mask, barely concealing his delight.
"Now, we simply need to focus the Void's computational power and fully fuse him with the Electro Gnosis…"
Azar let out a low, displeased hum. His face, once stern, now bore deep wrinkles and dark circles under his eyes. He looked far older than he had just days ago, worn down by exhaustion and unease.
---
For days now, Azar had been plagued by strange, recurring nightmares.
In his dreams, hulking men and robust female beastfolk surrounded him, subjecting him to humiliating, unspeakably stimulating scenarios.
Sometimes, even Hilichurl Rogues joined the fray.
The Void Terminal's dream-cleansing functions—designed to remove unwanted dreams—had proven ineffective. Even after his dreams were taken by the system, he'd find himself back in those depraved scenarios the moment he fell asleep.
Terrified of sleep, Azar had resorted to brief, shallow naps, only to be tormented even during those moments of rest.
Now, the mere sight of a man taller than six feet caused him to reflexively tighten his grip and clench his—
"Soon, the Sabzeruz Festival will take place," Azar said, shaking off his thoughts. "We've already chosen the core individual for the dream harvest.
"On that day, all of Sumeru City's citizens will contribute their endless dreams, providing the Void with enough computational power to complete the fusion of the Heart of God. However…"
Azar's expression darkened. "Recently, there have been several instances where the Void's power was completely drained by some unknown force. This has slowed our progress significantly.
"Dottore, do you have any insights?"
Dottore chuckled, his grin sharp and derisive. "The Void is your Akasha's domain, is it not? Do you suspect me of siphoning its power?"
"I never said that," Azar snapped, his tone cold and dismissive.
His gaze shifted to Scaramouche, who was still connected to the mech. "The plan is nearly complete, yet your colleague has been utterly useless in this endeavor."
"Oh?" Dottore laughed, his amusement unshaken. "Did you truly think a god's power could be controlled so easily?
"Remember, she's the caretaker of the Irminsul Tree. If she could be so easily subdued, all of Teyvat would already be under his control."
"Hmph." Azar's lip curled as he strode toward the forge's exit. His mind briefly flashed back to Luo Qing—how a single glance from the man had left him trembling in a bathroom for an entire day, vomiting and… worse.
One day, I'll make him pay for that.
---
As Azar departed, Scaramouche stirred, his cold, disdainful voice cutting through the silence.
"They think they can control me…"
"Of course they do," Dottore replied, turning toward Scaramouche with a smirk.
"They don't want divine guidance. What they seek is a machine—a tool to solve all their problems, one that listens to their commands and protects their interests.
"Did you really think they'd make you a god out of altruism?"
"Hmph. Ignorant ants," Scaramouche sneered, his eyes flashing with contempt.
"Don't worry," Dottore reassured him. "The control protocols Azar installed in Shouki no Kami's systems—I'll help you erase them.
"When the time comes, Scaramouche, you'll be free to exact your revenge."
At the mention of revenge, Scaramouche's expression darkened. His mind drifted to a certain woman, her face etched into his memory like a wound that refused to heal.
"What about that idiot, Brighella?" Scaramouche asked, referring to their less-than-diligent colleague.
"Fishing, probably," Dottore replied with a shrug.
"Hmph. Lazy fool. I have no idea what Her Majesty sees in him."
"Even the most skilled pawn remains a pawn," Dottore mused, his voice low. "But a figure like Luo Qing…
"He's a player who drags other players into the game, forcing them to act like pieces.
"Perhaps not even he realizes it yet, but his ability to manipulate others is far more effective than the Void itself…"
---
Late Night in Sumeru City
In a modest home, Kaveh reclined lazily on the sofa, flipping through an architectural reference book.
"It's so late already. Where's Alhaitham? Still out at this hour…" he muttered, reaching for a cup of tea.
Just as he lifted the cup, a sudden gust of wind blew the window open, and a figure appeared before him.
"You're Kaveh?"
"..." Kaveh froze, his hand hovering mid-air.
"Uh… yes?"
"I need a house built. A big one. Got time?" the man asked, his tone impatient.
"Uh…" Kaveh blinked, struggling to process the situation. Where did this guy even come from?
"Like I said," Luo Qing repeated, his voice sharper. "I need a big house. Twelve bedrooms, minimum. You available?"
"Um, well, I already have a project—"
Before Kaveh could finish, Luo Qing pulled out a check from Northland Bank and tossed it onto Kaveh's lap.
"Twelve bedrooms. That's the only requirement. Write whatever amount you want. Got time now?"
"..."
Kaveh glanced at the check, his breath catching in his throat.
A blank check?!
After confirming the check was genuine, Kaveh's eyes sparkled with excitement. He leapt forward, grabbing Luo Qing's leg.
"Brother, when do we start?!"
---
T/N: I loved Will Stetson's original Kaveh song! You should go check it out!
Thank you for reading this chapter!
Wise-Senpai leads the way, sharing stories that inspire and connect us all. Your support is like the encouragement of a loyal companion, pushing this journey forward and lighting the path ahead.
If you'd like to support Wise-Senpai, you can visit:
[patreon.com/WiseTL].
Every contribution strengthens our resolve, paving the way for the stories yet to come!
Let's continue to explore these worlds together!
-Mash Kyrielight 💜
Chapter 244: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [244]
After being unceremoniously sent out of Alhaitham's home by Kaveh, Luo Qing found himself wandering the dimly lit streets of Sumeru City.
Returning home was not an option—Makoto had made it clear she wanted an uninterrupted girls' night, and no amount of progress on the new house would change that.
With his godlike stamina, Luo Qing could easily go days without sleep. Yet, he had grown accustomed to spending his nights engaged in… exercise with Makoto and Theresa, followed by peaceful slumber.
Now that he had been exiled for the night, he felt strangely unsettled.
Strolling aimlessly, Luo Qing considered heading outside the city. Maybe he could find a wandering Eremite or two and teach them a lesson about kindness.
But as he approached the city gates, a familiar figure caught his attention.
Standing by the riverbank was a young woman in a striking black-and-white backless dress. A blue ribbon encircled her waist, and a gleaming Cryo Vision rested just above her lower back.
"Out here again in the middle of the night?" Luo Qing muttered to himself, recognizing Layla.
How is this girl so reckless?
Dressed like that, alone outside the city at night… What if she encountered someone with ill intentions?
This won't do. I have to talk to her.
Luo Qing headed toward her without hesitation.
---
"Out here by yourself again so late at night?" Luo Qing called out.
"Eek!"
Layla jumped at the sound of his voice, her body trembling slightly before she spun around.
"L-Luo Qing?" she stammered, her voice as soft and delicate as water.
Outer personality confirmed.
"It's already so late. Why aren't you in bed? What are you doing out here?" Luo Qing asked, his tone tinged with concern.
"I…" Layla glanced down at the ground beside her.
Sitting on the grass was a small, intricate spherical lamp, glowing faintly with a soft white light—reminiscent of moonlight.
"One of my experiments requires moonlight. That's why I came here," Layla explained.
"Couldn't you do this inside the city?" Luo Qing frowned.
"This is the wilderness. What if you ran into someone dangerous?"
Layla lowered her head, hesitant to admit that she had specifically chosen this secluded spot to avoid being seen.
"What's this thing?" Luo Qing asked, gesturing toward the glowing lamp.
"It's called the Dream Sphere," Layla said softly.
"Dream Sphere…" Luo Qing tilted his head. "Can it shoot starlight projectiles at enemies?"
"N-No, of course not!" Layla exclaimed, flustered.
"It's designed to help people sleep better, not for combat…"
"Oh, I see." Luo Qing nodded, his disappointment evident. He had assumed it would be as powerful as her Elemental Burst.
"Is it finished?"
"Almost," Layla replied. "I just need to run one last test…"
"Need any help?" Luo Qing offered casually, crouching down to examine the Dream Sphere more closely.
"Eh?" Layla hesitated, a bit confused. After a moment, she asked timidly, "Luo Qing, what are you doing out so late?"
"Oh, me?" Luo Qing glanced at her sweet, round face and smiled faintly. "Couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk."
As if I'd admit I was kicked out of the house by my wife.
"Are you having trouble sleeping, too?" Layla asked sympathetically.
"Something like that…" Luo Qing admitted. Without a bit of nightly exercise, he really couldn't relax. His body practically itched with restless energy.
"How does it work?" Luo Qing asked, steering the conversation back to the Dream Sphere.
Layla walked over and pointed at its base. "You press here, and it releases a light and scent that help people fall asleep more easily."
"Here?" Luo Qing reached for the button.
"Wait! Don't—" Layla tried to stop him, but it was too late.
Luo Qing pressed the button, and the Dream Sphere glowed brighter, releasing a subtle, sweet fragrance into the air.
"Luo Qing, the power settings aren't finalized yet!" Layla said anxiously.
At this intensity, the scent could knock out a Sumpter Beast, let alone a human!
As the scent wafted through the air, Layla's eyelids grew heavy. Her mind fogged over, and she swayed unsteadily before collapsing into Luo Qing's arms.
"..." Luo Qing looked down at her unconscious form, puzzled.
This thing is seriously strong—just one whiff and she's out?
Then he remembered his own godlike constitution.
Oh, right. I'm immune to stuff like this.
With Layla nestled in his arms, Luo Qing couldn't help but notice her softness, the delicate curve of her backless dress, and her smooth, tender skin.
Tsk. She smells so good…
Leaning in slightly, he took another deep breath, savoring the faint sweetness of her scent.
---
Moments later, Layla stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she took in the sensation of strong arms cradling her.
What's this… warm, comforting feeling?
She touched the chest in front of her, feeling its firm, muscular texture.
"!!!"
Layla jolted upright, fully awake.
This smell… No wonder it seemed familiar—it's Luo Qing!
"You!" Layla shouted, shoving him away and scrambling backward. Sitting on the grass, she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
"What did you do to me this time?!"
"Didn't I tell you we're even? Why do you keep bothering me?!"
Luo Qing remained silent, staring at her.
For some reason, her expression reminded him of a lonely wife being harassed by her drunk, estranged husband in the dead of night.
Except in this scenario, I'm the drunk husband.
"Just passing through," Luo Qing said with a shrug.
"Hmph! You're always 'just passing through'! How many times has this happened? Every time I wake up, you're right there!"
Luo Qing rubbed his neck sheepishly. She's got a point.
"What do you want?" Layla demanded.
Luo Qing hesitated, then ventured, "Can I stay the night?"
"..."
[+1 Frustration Points from Layla]
Layla sighed, exasperated. Why did her outer personality have to attract someone like Luo Qing?
If she weren't here to intervene, he'd have probably turned her into his plaything by now!
"I need to go back and finish her thesis. Goodnight!" Layla snapped, grabbing the Dream Sphere and stomping off.
As she walked away, she felt a tug on her skirt. Turning back, she saw Luo Qing sitting on the ground, holding the hem of her dress.
"What is it now?" she asked, her patience wearing thin.
Luo Qing looked up at her with puppy-dog eyes.
"I don't have a place to stay tonight."
"..."
---
T/N: Makoto is Aizen...
Oh! Readeri! ahem Wise-senpai told me to give you a message!
Attention, everyone! The latest chapters of Morax the Geo Archon: Billionaire in the Chat Group are now live! This story continues to showcase the Geo Archon's incredible wisdom and his unexpectedly charming presence in a modern chat group. Who would have thought Zhongli-san would actually have money for once?
Senpai (that's Wise-senpai!) has been working diligently to bring this adventure to you, and the results are absolutely worth the wait. Please take a moment to explore these new chapters and let yourself be drawn into the rich world of Liyue and beyond.
Remember, the strength of a great Archon isn't just in their strength, but in their ability to bring people together—even in a chat group! Enjoy the journey!
Thank you for reading this chapter!
If you'd like to support Wise-Senpai, you can visit:
[patreon.com/WiseTL].
Every contribution strengthens our resolve, paving the way for the stories yet to come!
Let's continue to explore these worlds together!
-Mash Kyrielight 💜
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
388 Power
stone 
Paragraph comment