"Daddy, it's so hot. Klee wants to be all cool like Sister Shen He too!"
Lower level of the Iron Maiden.
Jack used his Anemo powers to bring everyone down safely.
Although he had already poured water to create a large obsidian floor, the intense heat still filled the air, making even Klee—who had a Pyro Vision—feel a bit uncomfortable.
"It's really hot here," Keqing said, fanning herself lightly. "I should've brought lighter clothes."
Jack smiled helplessly. "I warned everyone earlier. But don't worry, I have an idea."
He quickly opened his backpack and used a few pieces of cloth and leaves to create a simple cooling outfit for Keqing and Shen He. It wasn't fancy, but it worked.
Klee, watching curiously, puffed up her cheeks. "Klee wants one too!"
"Of course," Jack said warmly, handing her a small cloth cape. "Here, this one's special for my little adventurer."
"Yay! It's Klee's adventure outfit!" she cheered, twirling around happily.
Nearby, Ganyu and Shen He used Cryo to cool the air, forming a small ice shelter. Klee immediately ran inside, laughing as she felt the cool air on her face.
Jack took a deep breath, satisfied that everyone was adapting to the heat. "Alright, team," he said, "let's finish exploring this level. Remember—don't get too close to the lava!"
"Got it!" Klee raised her hand in salute, her small backpack bouncing as she followed him forward.
The others followed close behind, keeping an eye on her as they advanced deeper into the underground chamber.
Ganyu chuckled softly. "No matter how dangerous the place, Klee can always make it feel like a festival."
"That's what makes her special," Keqing said with a smile. "Even in the hottest depths, she brings warmth to the heart."
Holding Keqing's hand, Ganyu smiled gently.
"Honestly, A Qing, you were just like this back at the General Affairs Department—always worrying about everyone else before yourself."
"If you're finding it difficult to talk about this," Ganyu continued, "then let me make a suggestion."
Ganyu, being the observant one, had already guessed why Keqing had avoided certain arrangements.
Part of it had to do with Ningguang's teasing earlier.
After all, Keqing wanted to show her leadership and earn the respect of everyone. She didn't want to appear biased when organizing the team's duties.
But things didn't go quite as she expected—her fairness had gone so far that even the Traveler ended up with a schedule too light for his own good.
"The Traveler's been too relaxed lately," Ganyu said, chuckling. "Maybe you made his schedule too easy, A Qing."
"Hmm, maybe you're right," Keqing admitted with a sigh. "How about we increase the rotation? Three people on shift every day?"
"Three sounds reasonable," Ganyu said, nodding thoughtfully. "But knowing the Traveler's energy, maybe we'll need a few more helpers."
"Then five it is!" Keqing said with determination. "If we all take part, the work will be done in no time—and he'll finally stop slacking off!"
The two friends exchanged an enthusiastic high-five, their teamwork spirit reignited.
They even gave their new plan a name: "Operation Lightning Efficiency!"
In the center of a vast, glowing hall, a single monster spawner stood silently.
On the surrounding walls and ceiling, more spawners were embedded—Sentinels, Phantoms, Magma Cubes, and Blazes—all dormant under the effects of peaceful mode.
The place felt eerily quiet, like a stage waiting for the next act to begin.
Klee's eyes suddenly sparkled. "Daddy, treasure chest spotted!"
"Nice work, Klee!" Jack grinned. "Hold on tight—I'll fly us up there."
He lifted Klee onto his shoulders and launched upward using his Anemo power, spiraling toward the floating treasure chest high above.
"Ready, Klee? Let's open it together."
"Yeah! Klee's super ready!" she said, clapping her hands.
Jack opened the chest, and a golden light burst out.
[Golem Heart]
[Ring of Gale]
[Diamond Block]
[Netherite Ingot]
[Gold Block]
[Lucky Horseshoe]
[Holy Regeneration Scroll]
[Music Disc]
"Jackpot! Look at all this loot!" Jack said, eyes shining.
Although it wasn't the rare Flame Core he'd been hoping for, these items were powerful and versatile—perfect for their upcoming battles.
Klee beamed. "Yay! Daddy's super lucky!"
Jack smiled and ruffled her hair. "It's all thanks to Klee's good luck charm."
He gently lifted her down, and the two of them laughed together as they prepared to rejoin the team below.
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