Warehouse
After entering the warehouse, Collei turned on the lights.
The space wasn't empty—rows of shelves were lined with various items. Collei couldn't understand what they were, but it felt like some kind of factory workshop.
She quietly made her way to a corner, leaning against the wall as she looked at her phone.
On the screen was her chat with Amber.
Amber's cheerful personality was reflected even in her profile picture—a selfie of her smiling brightly, radiating warmth.
Messages kept popping up in the chat.
Perhaps aware that Collei wasn't fully literate, Amber had thoughtfully sent voice messages!
All Collei had to do was tap to hear Amber's voice.
"This is so convenient…" Collei murmured.
She tapped the first message.
"Collei?! Is that really you?! Wow, I was so happy when I saw your friend request! Now we can chat anytime, no matter how far apart we are!"
Amber's voice was full of excitement, almost trembling with joy.
Collei listened to each message one by one, then recalled what Lu Heng had taught her.
"Tap here first… then here…"
Ding-dong, ding-dong…
The screen showed her own face for a moment before shrinking to a small corner, replaced by Amber's live video feed!
"Collei!!"
On the other side, Amber was indoors—Collei immediately recognized her bedroom.
"Amber!!"
She could see her! They were really face-to-face!
"How have you been lately?" Collei asked eagerly.
"Great! Really great! A lot has happened in Mondstadt recently. Now that you have a phone, you must understand how technology changes lives, right?"
"Mhm!"
Collei fully understood now.
Right at this moment, despite being thousands of miles apart, they were talking face-to-face with zero delay!
This was technology!
"Nowadays, even our reconnaissance missions use drones—though I crashed one today…"
Amber scratched her head sheepishly before quickly perking up again. "But never mind that! Tell me about you! Are you in Liyue right now? I can come see you soon!"
"Uh…"
Collei shook her head. "I'm in Fontaine's capital. I'm doing well, thanks to Master Tighnari and the others. Oh!"
"Fontaine? That's a bit far…"
Amber looked surprised. She had assumed Collei would choose the closer Liyue Harbor instead of Fontaine's capital.
After a moment of thought, she realized—the Fontaine Card Shop's news had reached Sumeru first, so they must have gone there instead.
"But it's fine! Technology makes everything easier now. We can talk anytime!" Amber said warmly. "Next time you're free, I'll come visit you!"
"Sounds great!" Collei nodded happily.
"Oh! I have good news!"
"Good news?"
Amber blinked, then leaned closer to the screen with excitement. "Tell me!"
Collei took a deep breath. "My Eleazar… it's slowly getting better."
"WHAT?!"
Amber's eyes widened, her voice trembling. "Your Eleazar is healing?! Is that true?! Are you sure?!"
Collei nodded. Even through the screen, Amber's excitement was palpable.
"That's amazing!"
"Oh my Archons! Ever since I learned about the cards, I've been wondering if they could help with your Eleazar. I even asked Klee if 'disease' counts as a negative effect, but she wasn't sure. I was going to ask her for help, but…"
"Now it's already healing! This is the best news ever!"
Amber quickly asked, "How did it happen? Do you feel lighter? Better?"
"I wish I could teleport to you right now and see for myself!"
"I don't really understand the details…"
Collei smiled and shook her head. "But after we arrived in Fontaine, we met the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Mr. Lu Heng. They said something about… I don't know, but my Eleazar is slowly healing on its own."
"The power of the cards?"
"No, it's not that. It's more like…" Collei hesitated. "Hmm…"
She didn't fully grasp the mechanics, but she knew she was recovering.
Still, as long as she was getting better, that was all that mattered!
Amber asked, "Wait, wasn't the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata gone?"
"I think Mr. Lu Heng brought her back?" Collei replied.
"Ohhh, if it's Mr. Lu Heng, then anything's possible." Amber nodded. "Do you plan to visit Mondstadt?"
"I do!"
"I miss everyone… but…"
Collei hesitated. "I want to wait until I'm strong enough to stand on my own before returning to show them how much I've grown. Oh! How is everyone at the Knights of Favonius?"
"They're all doing great!"
Amber, who seemed to be packing for an outing, said, "Don't worry, I'll go get them right now! They'll be so happy to see you!"
"N-No, not yet!"
Collei took a deep breath. "I'm… I'm afraid I might not be able to control my condition. I don't want Master Cyno or the others to see me like this."
"I see…" Amber nodded understandingly. "Then should I tell them, or do you want to surprise them later?"
Collei thought for a moment. "Let's make it a surprise!"
"Got it!"
Amber grinned and patted her chest. "I'll keep it a secret! When you're fully recovered, you can suddenly appear in front of everyone and shock them!"
"I-I wouldn't do something like that…"
Collei mumbled, but she definitely planned to return to Mondstadt one day.
Back then, she had caused so much trouble. She owed everyone an apology.
Meanwhile…
While Collei was video-calling Amber, Tighnari and Cyno had finished selecting their cards.
Unsurprisingly, Cyno had gained the most, followed by Tighnari.
Their needs were different, but in terms of personal satisfaction, both were equally pleased.
Cyno could now capture criminals more efficiently, while Tighnari could study pharmacology from otherworldly systems to further his research.
They had also picked some cards suitable for Collei's condition.
While Collei was still in the warehouse, Tighnari whispered, "I wish there were basic knowledge cards available."
Cyno: "…"
That sounded almost as ridiculous as one of his own terrible jokes.
"There are some, but they're rare and usually contain knowledge from other worlds," Lu Heng explained.
"That's a shame." Tighnari sighed.
Collei wasn't unintelligent, but her literacy was still lacking.
Still, compared to when she was completely illiterate, she had improved significantly—now only semi-illiterate!
Progress was progress!
"Now, there's just one last issue," Lu Heng said.
Tighnari and Cyno both nodded.
The problem of upgrading their equipment!
Even with six million Mora spent on card draws, boosting three pieces of equipment to higher tiers was no easy feat.
"Priority should go to Cyno. We can manage," Tighnari said. "Can we reach Tier 4?"
"Reaching early Tier 4 shouldn't be a problem," Lu Heng calculated.
But reaching Tier 5? Without at least a billion Mora, it would be extremely difficult.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, who had been listening, sighed softly. She now understood the situation.
The System Integration!
Sumeru would definitely need to purchase it eventually—it was a necessity for any nation.
But right now… she had no money!
If they had Mora to buy the system and draw more cards, upgrading Cyno and Tighnari's equipment would be much easier.
After all, both were key figures in Sumeru's official hierarchy.
Cyno answered only to the Dendro Archon, while Tighnari managed an entire rainforest as a Forest Ranger.
To have such capable individuals yet be unable to support them… the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata felt helpless.
She could only hope to regain her strength quickly and return to Sumeru to resolve things.
After dismantling all the useless cards and keeping only Collei's, the two men's equipment was successfully upgraded to Tier 4.
The power surge was undeniable.
Cyno, who was already at early Tier 4 in overall strength, now had an additional boost—this wasn't just a simple addition, but a multiplicative increase!
"Incredible!"
This trip to Fontaine had exceeded all expectations!
Tighnari turned to the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. "Your Majesty, when do you plan to return to Sumeru?"
"After I've fully recovered," she replied.
"Understood."
Tighnari didn't press further.
A god without power… was still just a god.
"Then we should prepare to return soon," Tighnari said.
"Let me see you off," Lu Heng offered.
"No need, thank you," Tighnari declined. "We'll head back on our own. It'll give us time to familiarize ourselves with the cards' abilities."
Simply knowing a card's basic function wasn't true mastery.
Only by experimenting, innovating, and pushing combinations to their limits could they unlock their full potential—much like martial arts training.
"Very well," Lu Heng nodded.
Collei's Gratitude
Not long after, Collei emerged from the warehouse.
Her expression was brighter than before.
"Mr. Lu!"
She walked over to him.
Lu Heng smiled at her.
Collei bowed deeply. "Thank you so much! And… I hope I haven't been a bother."
"What kind of talk is that?"
Lu Heng chuckled. "We're old friends. No need to be so formal. You can treat me like you did Amber when you first met."
An interesting analogy.
But… it did feel a bit like that!
Lu Heng gave off a very approachable vibe.
Of course, it wasn't the same as Amber's fiery enthusiasm.
Lu Heng was more calm and steady—but still, a great guy!
"Anyway, thank you so, so much!"
Collei clasped her hands together, her eyes shining. "Oh! Amber also said she doesn't have your contact info yet. She and Eula want to treat you to a meal—do you have time?"
Treat him to a meal?
Of course he had time.
Lu Heng grinned. "Don't worry, I already added her. Maybe she didn't notice while you two were video-calling. I'll chat with her later."
"Okay!" Collei nodded.
"Your master's waiting to upgrade your equipment. Go on," Lu Heng reminded her.
"Ah! Right!"
Collei hurried over to Tighnari.
Her equipment was upgraded to Tier 3, equipped with three blue-tier cards.
Three blue-tier cards might not sound impressive, but in reality, they provided a significant boost in combat ability!
"Collei, we're heading back soon," Tighnari said.
"So soon…? Okay."
Their purpose in Fontaine was complete.
"Mr. Lu, we'll take our leave now," Tighnari said politely.
"Stay safe on the road. If anything comes up, just let me know," Lu Heng reminded them.
"Will do."
Tighnari nodded. "I hope you'll consider opening a branch in Sumeru next."
"I will."
Lu Heng watched as the three of them departed.
Post-Departure Banter
"Didn't Venti also ask you to prioritize Mondstadt for the next branch?" Furina, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly spoke up.
"Something like that."
And Mondstadt had already prepared a location—all they needed was a Full-Function Shop Card to set it up.
A promise was a promise. Lu Heng wouldn't break his word for anything.
"Looks like Sumeru will have to wait in line," Furina giggled.
"Not a big issue."
Lu Heng shrugged, already texting Amber.
She and Eula wanted to treat him to a meal—they just needed to coordinate schedules.
"You seem to like that girl quite a bit. Why not just cure her completely?" Furina asked curiously.
Collei was introverted and socially anxious, yet she put on a cheerful front. It was oddly endearing.
"A matter of… boundaries."
Lu Heng pondered. "She's still not entirely comfortable around me. If I just cured her outright, it'd put too much pressure on her."
"That's true." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata thought of herself.
Lu Heng's kindness… was impossible to repay.
No exaggeration—even as the embodiment of wisdom, she couldn't think of a way to reciprocate.
Her tiny face scrunched up in frustration.
"So adorable."
Furina reached out and pinched her cheek.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: "..."
The audacity!
By age, Furina was practically a child compared to her.
But now, with their current sizes reversed, she was the one who looked like a kid.
Lu Heng glanced at the small but dignified-looking archon and mused, "She really is cute. Though this size is kinda… legally questionable."
Furina smirked. "Oh? So you're into that? No wonder you're such a playboy."
But imagining herself trying to act intimidating, only to make them even more amused… the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata lost her composure.
"Look at her, all conflicted." Furina teased. "She wants to assert her 'seniority,' but her tiny body just makes her look even cuter."
What kind of nonsense is this?
Did Furina eat Yae Miko for breakfast?
Though, given recent developments, Furina's human side—born from her divine nature—was becoming increasingly mischievous.
"Actually, age-wise, it's not illegal." Furina pointed out.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: "..."
Was it really appropriate to discuss this in front of her?!
She clenched her tiny fists.
"Hurry up and absorb more energy, body! I need to grow!"
Furina was clearly enjoying this.
While the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's wisdom surpassed Furina's, being teased by her felt like being mocked by a child.
"You're the worst!"
"I'll join you!"
Furina raised her hand. "I'm an excellent tour guide!"
"Can't argue with that." Lu Heng agreed.
After all, it was Furina who had shown him around Fontaine when he first arrived.
The two of them prepared to head out.
"Going for food?"
"Yep~"
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata huffed and jumped off the couch.
"I'm going to explore Fontaine. I'll be back later."
Furina smirked. "Oh? Now it's just the two of us again~"
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T/N:
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