Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

Chapter 13: Chapter 13



Tonya lowered her head, her face flushed red, and her expression was complicated.

"So... does this mean our debt is settled?" Tonya stammered.

"Of course. Thanks for the special service," Lucas waved his hand as he walked toward the tavern's exit, smiling. "Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention—this outfit? It's not some fancy high-end Mondstadt piece. I bought it at a discount in a Snezhnaya department store. It cost me a whopping 500 Mora."

"You!"

Tonya felt her mind buzz with rage.

Had she just done something so humiliating for a mere 500 Mora?

Enraged, Tonya grabbed a bottle of beer from a nearby table and hurled it at Lucas's head, cursing, "You bastard!"

However, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, Lucas casually caught the incoming beer bottle, popped off the cap with his fingers, and took a sip as he left the tavern. "Goodbye, little wildflower."

"You awful man! I'm going to have my brother kill you..." Tonya muttered angrily as she stomped her feet. "No, I can't rely on my brother for everything... It's fine, that guy is just a military school student. One day, I'll take my own revenge."

"By the way, Tonya..." The bartender nearby sighed, "That bottle of beer you threw will be deducted from your wages."

"Eh?!"

[Mission complete. Mission rating: B.]

Really? After pissing her off this much, it's still only a B rating?

To reach an A rating, I'd probably have to push Tonya even further—maybe even force her to pay her debt with her body.

Of course, Lucas had briefly entertained such thoughts, but being new to Snezhnaya and unfamiliar with the area, it was probably best not to cause too much trouble right off the bat.

[You have obtained the talent: "Never Drunk" (B Grade).]

[Effect: Your alcohol tolerance is superb; no matter how much you drink, you will not get drunk.]

[Entering text mode.]

[The small episode at the tavern didn't affect your journey in Snezhnaya. Three days later, you officially enrolled in Snezhnaya's military academy, becoming a first-year student.]

[The atmosphere at the military academy was as fierce as the culture in Snezhnaya. The first challenge new students faced was the "special care" from upperclassmen.]

[Hierarchy in the military academy was rigid. Even a student just one year above you held absolute authority over the freshmen. Bullying new students was one of the upperclassmen's favorite pastimes.]

[Every year, the academy witnessed numerous bullying incidents. However, the Snezhnayan elite believed that soldiers needed to have toughness, and a harsh environment helped forge a resilient character. As a result, they often turned a blind eye to the violence within the academy.]

[As soon as you entered the dormitory, some upperclassmen who enjoyed picking on newcomers targeted you. Establishing dominance over freshmen had become a tradition in the academy. Moreover, to them, you were just a "soft-faced foreigner" with no connections.]

[Although it was a military academy, it wasn't much different from actual military service. Depending on their performance, students were ranked as Private Second Class, Private First Class, Private First Class with Honors, or Squad Leader.]

[This academy didn't accept female students. In such a repressive environment, some twisted upperclassmen would choose to vent their frustrations on certain freshmen they found pleasing to the eye.]

[One of the Squad Leaders noticed your clean-cut and handsome appearance. He threatened you, saying, "If you want to graduate alive from this school, make sure you brush your teeth every day and wait for me in the showers."]

[Facing the Squad Leader's threat, you decided to...]

[1. Submit and comply.]

[2. Offer a bribe.]

[3. Fight violence with violence.]

"If Snezhnaya respects strength..." Lucas said calmly, "then I'll fight violence with violence."

[You pretended to be afraid and nodded. The Squad Leader was thrilled and immediately dragged you into the showers. The other students watched eagerly, anticipating the show.]

[Living in such an environment for too long can corrupt even the kindest of people. Going against this system rarely ends well.]

[Soon, a scream echoed from the showers, and the students in the dorm exchanged knowing smiles. Someone even sneered, "Looks like this new kid will be sleeping on his stomach for half a month."]

[But to everyone's surprise, the sound of the Squad Leader begging for mercy soon followed. As they stared in confusion, you opened the door and stepped out, tossing a bloody lump of flesh onto the floor. Your expression was cold as you said, "Take your Squad Leader to the infirmary. He doesn't seem to be feeling too well."]

[The students rushed into the shower, only to find the Squad Leader lying in a pool of blood. A large wound ran across his groin, but it had been packed with ice to temporarily stop the bleeding. His face was full of terror, as if he had just experienced something excruciating.]

[The students quickly carried the Squad Leader to the infirmary. Although his life wasn't in danger, he had been left a "one-testicle warrior." No matter how many times he was questioned, the Squad Leader insisted it was just an accident.]

[Because of this incident, you were quickly recognized as someone not to be messed with, and the other upperclassmen didn't dare to bully you.]

[Half a month later, the Squad Leader returned to the dormitory. While others thought he would seek revenge on you, he instead showed you respect and fear. Clearly, your actions had left a deep psychological scar on him.]

[Although the atmosphere in the academy was harsh, one benefit was that these Snezhnayan students weren't particularly cunning. They respected those with the biggest fists. Soon, your reputation spread throughout the entire academy, and everyone knew that among this year's freshmen, there was a fearsome figure nicknamed "The Cracker."]

[Achievement Unlocked: The Cracker]

[Reward: Talent - The Cracker]

[Effect: Increases damage to male targets by 10%, with a 100% increase in critical damage to vital areas.]

What kind of strange talent is this?

Although, to be honest, it's quite a useful bonus...

It's just that the name doesn't sound very flattering.

[Of course, you weren't ostracized because of this. In fact, while you were tough with your fists, you were also quite generous, embodying the behavior of a typical rich playboy. You soon established your own "faction" within the school, using your dorm as the base.]

[You bullied freshmen, but only those who were timid and submissive. For the talented and strong-willed ones, you recruited them under your wing and offered them protection.]

[This wasn't the Lawrence family in Mondstadt, so there was no need for you to keep a low profile. Your memories from your past life allowed you to excel with ease.]

[Especially in combat classes, which were the most valued in the military academy. Not only were you better than your peers, but even most of the instructors found it hard to defeat you.]

[Your spear had swept through countless challengers. In fact, many people grew instinctively fearful at the sight of your spear tip. Despite having many nicknames, your most infamous title was still "The Cracker."]

[Aside from studying at the academy, you would occasionally take advantage of your duties to leave campus for a drink or two. Your favorite spot was still that same tavern, where you'd sit and gaze at the painting of Ursa on the wall, drinking until late at night.]

[Unfortunately, due to your "Never Drunk" talent, it was almost impossible for you to get intoxicated. Even more disappointing was that the cute waitress named Tonya had long since quit her job.]

[Age 17: Due to your excellent performance, not only did you smoothly advance to the second year, but you were also promoted to Squad Leader—a rare achievement. Several higher-ups even hinted that they hoped you would stay in Snezhnaya to serve the Tsaritsa.]

Serve the Tsaritsa?

What, do you guys want to turn her death anniversary into Arbor Day or something? (AN: holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees)

[This year, the academy welcomed many new students. You, who had already established yourself as a tyrant in your first year, became even more arrogant in your second year.]

[You came up with many "methods" to torment the freshmen. While some thought it was mere bullying, and even some senior students found your tactics excessive, you were actually testing the capabilities of these students. You were picking out those you saw as promising recruits for your faction.]

[This military academy was destined to produce many of Snezhnaya's future military elites and Fatui members. Building connections with them now could only be beneficial.]

[What surprised you even more was that among the new students, you spotted a "familiar" face. Despite the crisp military uniform she wore, you immediately recognized her—Tonya.]

[The former tavern waitress had disguised herself as a man to join the all-male military academy. If this was exposed, she would undoubtedly face severe punishment. Now, you had to decide...]

[1. Report her immediately.]

[2. Observe and wait.]

[3. Seek revenge.]

"Obviously, it's the third option," Lucas couldn't help but smile mischievously. "Since she's on my turf now, I have to make her suffer a bit."

[You didn't report her. Instead, you used your connections to assign Tonya to your dormitory. To the others, she was just a pretty-faced rookie, but to you...]

[Entering immersive mode.]

Before Lucas stood a young man standing at attention, but of course, he had already seen through the disguise—it was Tonya.

Lucas didn't know why she was doing this, but it wasn't a bad thing for him.

First, he could have some fun tormenting this little girl. Second, it would add a bit of excitement to his otherwise dull life at the military academy.

She had clearly recognized you as well, and her expression showed hints of nervousness. Tonya's only hope now was that you hadn't discovered her true identity.

A girl disguised as a man, sneaking into the army?

What is this, Mulan?

Lucas found the situation amusing but remained serious as he said, "I'm a second-year Squad Leader—Lawrence. Upperclassmen like us are your best mentors. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me, and I'll kindly explain. Now, introduce yourself."

"Anthony!" Tonya blurted out the fake name she had prepared in advance.

"Not loud enough," Lucas said coldly. "I couldn't hear you at all."

The other students began to chime in:

"Can't hear you!"

"Say it again!"

"How can you serve the Tsaritsa with such a weak voice?"

"Yes, sir!" Tonya's face turned bright red as she shouted, "Anthony!"

"Good! That's more like it!" Lucas, grinning, deliberately patted Tonya's chest. "Nice chest muscles, kid."

Tonya felt a wave of embarrassment and shame, but to avoid exposing her identity, she forced herself to reply, "I... I did a lot of heavy lifting back in my hometown."

"Oh?" Lucas narrowed his eyes, leaning close to her ear and whispering, "Does waiting tables at a tavern count as heavy lifting?"

Hearing those words, Tonya's face turned ashen. Lucas patted her shoulder and said, "Come with me to the showers, freshman. I'll teach you how to properly respect your seniors."

Though Tonya didn't want to go, she knew that if she resisted, Lucas could expose her, and her plan would be ruined. Reluctantly, she lowered her head and let him lead her to the showers.

The other dormmates exchanged knowing smiles.

Too bad that one-testicle Squad Leader had already graduated. If he were still here, his reaction to this scene would've been priceless.

The boy who once fought dragons had finally become a dragon himself.

As soon as they entered the shower, Lucas shoved Tonya against the wall, grinning mischievously. "You've got guts, don't you? Sneaking into the military academy disguised as a man. Are you tired of living?"

"How... how did you figure it out?" Tonya asked, her face full of tension.

"What do you think?" Lucas glanced at his hand. "Whose chest muscles are that big?"

"I..." Tonya was both embarrassed and angry, but she had no choice. She pitifully asked, "I know I was wrong the last time. What will it take for you to let me go?"

Tonya had initially thought that after sneaking into the military academy, she could rely on her own abilities to achieve success, and perhaps even exact revenge on this foreign scoundrel.

But what she hadn't expected was that this guy was thriving at the academy, and even more coincidentally, he had become the head of her dormitory.

Of course, she had no idea that the reason she ended up in this situation was all part of Lucas's plan.

"I liked your defiant attitude back then," Lucas teased. "Did you really think you could hide your secret for three years? As long as you stay in this dorm, your secret will be exposed within three months."

"So... so what?" Tonya stubbornly replied. "I'll just accept whatever punishment comes."

"Punishment? That would be the best possible outcome. You need to understand, this school is filled with nothing but men. After spending a year or two in this closed-off environment, even the ugliest sow would start looking pretty to them."

Lucas lifted Tonya's chin playfully and smiled. "If these starving beasts find out there's a beautiful girl like you among them... even if it meant risking court-martial, I'm sure they'd do some very unpleasant things to you."

He wasn't joking. Every year, the academy's proctology department dealt with serious incidents. If even good-looking men couldn't escape attention, Tonya's fate would be much worse if her secret were revealed.

"Miss Tonya," Lucas said with a wicked grin, sensing her fear, "I'm sure you don't want your secret exposed, do you?"

"You're... blackmailing me!" Tonya wasn't stupid, despite her impulsive nature. Clenching her fists, she demanded, "What do you want from me?"

"You have two choices," Lucas said, raising one finger. "First, I can expose your secret right now. Whether or not you make it out of this dorm with your clothes on... well, that's up in the air."

"Don't try to scare me!" Tonya's tough facade was already crumbling inside. "What's the second option?"

"Second, for the next two years, I'll protect you," Lucas said lazily. "And I guarantee no one will discover your secret."

"Are you really that kind-hearted?" Tonya frowned. "Tell me, what's the catch?"

"The condition is simple," Lucas said, pointing his thumb toward himself. "Become my personal maid and take care of me for the next two years."

"Just... just take care of you?" Tonya's face flushed red. "You won't... make any excessive demands?"

"I can't guarantee that," Lucas replied honestly. "After all, living day and night with such a cute girl... who can promise to stay perfectly rational?"

Tonya pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "I... I accept your terms."

"Good," Lucas said, satisfied. "Now, I have one last question. Why did you take such a big risk to sneak into the academy disguised as a man?"

"Because my brother works for the Fatui, and he holds an important position," Tonya replied calmly. "I want to get into the Fatui through the academy and support him."

Lucas couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

---

 

If Tonya's brother truly held a high position in the Fatui, why would she endure such humiliation?

It was likely just a lie, meant to warn Lucas not to go too far with her.

However, Lucas didn't expose her "lie." He simply whispered, "Now, try screaming a few times. The louder, the better."

"Why?" Tonya looked puzzled.

"Otherwise, those guys outside will get suspicious," Lucas smirked. "You don't think they'll believe I brought you in here just to have a chat, do you?"

Only then did Tonya realize what he meant. Although she felt embarrassed, she let out a few loud screams. Fortunately, her personality was rather bold, so she wasn't overly shy about it.

When the two of them left the shower room, the dormmates outside all had knowing expressions on their faces.

"Listen up, and spread the word," Lucas said as he wrapped his arm around Tonya's shoulders, grinning. "From now on, this kid is my exclusive property. Tell the others to stay away."

Hearing this, the others couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. After all, such a good-looking freshman was rare, and now he had quickly become the personal plaything of the campus tyrant.

[Entering Text Mode]

[To maintain appearances, you applied for a double dorm room. Given your outstanding performance, securing this special privilege wasn't difficult.]

[Before long, you and Tonya moved into a double dorm. Of course, to the outside world, your relationship was already quite clear.]

[Especially with Tonya's pretty face, even while disguised as a man, she attracted a lot of attention. Many students even thought "he" was cuter than actual girls.]

[However, you didn't just treat Tonya like a maid. With your increasingly bold demands and threats, Tonya had no choice but to slowly compromise.]

[In less than three months, except for the final step, you had already made Tonya try almost everything.]

[You had to admit that the dull and monotonous life at the military academy was starting to get to you. For many students, the first thing they did after receiving a rare break wasn't to go home, but to use their meager stipend to blow off steam.]

[Having Tonya around made things much "easier" for you. At least, as a young man full of energy, you didn't end up bottling up your frustrations.]

[As for why you hadn't taken that final step, maybe it was because, in your mind, as long as you held back, you wouldn't feel like you had betrayed your fiancée back in Mondstadt—Eula.]

[Of course, you kept your promise. Under your "protection," Tonya wasn't troubled by anyone. At worst, she endured the occasional whistle or catcall from a few ill-intentioned students.]

[However, you couldn't protect her every second. One day, when you were assigned to instruct freshmen in combat techniques as part of your duties, you returned to find Tonya missing.]

[One of your underlings informed you that ten minutes ago, Tonya had been shoved around and dragged to the gym by Senior Gambes and a group of students.]

[Gambes was a third-year student, notorious for bullying others, and he had considerable influence within the academy. Your groups had clashed several times before. If you provoke him now, it could be the spark that ignites a full-blown conflict between your factions.]

[Though you had established your own faction at the academy, you were still an outsider. If you got into a dispute with someone like Gambes, it might not turn out in your favor.]

[As for Tonya, in the end, she was just a tool for your amusement. Whether it was worth getting into trouble for her was debatable. So you decided…]

[1. Swallow your pride.]

[2. Go save her.]

"Swallow my pride… How could I let that slide?" Lucas said quickly. "I choose the second option!"

After all, I haven't even had my first glass of wine yet!

[Entering immersive mode.]

[Mission objective: Rescue Tonya.]

[Mission reward: B-tier Talent.]

Snezhnaya Military Academy, Gymnasium.

Normally, the gym was only open during class hours, but Gambes had a lot of connections at the academy, so getting access to it wasn't hard for him. 

In fact, this wasn't the first time he had brought a good-looking male student here.

At this moment, Gambes and his gang of seven or eight students had already cornered Tonya.

Gambes came from a military family. Though he was only 19, his face was already covered in stubble, and his nearly two-meter-tall, burly frame gave off an imposing aura.

"What... what do you want?" Tonya asked nervously, her back against the wall. "Don't you know I'm under the protection of the Lawrence gang?"

The "Lawrence gang" was, of course, the name of Lucas's faction. While it didn't mean she could walk around the school unchallenged, it was enough to offer some level of safety.

"I couldn't care less about that Mondstadt pig!" Gambes sneered, revealing his yellowed teeth from years of smoking. "I've been keeping my eye on you, little pup. Such a fine piece of meat, wasted on that pretty boy. What a shame."

Seeing that even invoking the Lawrence name wasn't helping, Tonya's nervousness grew stronger.

She knew exactly what these guys wanted. If they succeeded, her secret would certainly be exposed.

And as Lucas had warned her before, she might even face a lot more than just exposure—she could be cruelly tormented.

"Hmph... You bunch of idiots!" Tonya decided to play her trump card, shouting, "Do you know who my brother is? He's an officer in the Fatui!"

Upon hearing this, the group showed a brief moment of surprise.

Did it work?

But their surprise was quickly replaced by mocking laughter.

"The brother of a Fatui officer would need to attend this academy?"

"You think we're idiots?"

"If you're an officer's brother, then the Tsaritsa's my wife…"

Before the younger lackey could finish his sentence, Gambes slapped him hard across the face. "Are you out of your mind? You dare say something like that?"

Unlike in Mondstadt, where poking fun at Barbatos was no big deal, showing disrespect to the Tsaritsa in Snezhnaya was an unforgivable offense.

"Damn it! I've had enough!"

Gambes stepped forward and reached out to grab Tonya. Just as his hairy hand was about to touch her shoulder, a basketball suddenly fell from above, hitting the back of his head squarely.

"Perfect shot."

From behind the group came a teasing voice. "The Lawrence team scores."

Gambes, now resembling an enraged bear, turned around furiously to see Lucas standing behind them, smiling. "Gambes, I heard you took my toy. That's not okay. Without it, I won't be able to sleep tonight."

"Senior!" 

For some reason, the sight of Lucas—the same guy who was always plotting to bully her—suddenly filled Tonya with a sense of relief.

"What are you waiting for?" Lucas beckoned with his finger. "Come on, let's go home."

Tonya quickly stood up, about to make her way over to him, but Gambes's large arm blocked her path.

"Mondstadt boy, you just said it yourself—he's just a toy," Gambes sneered. "What's wrong with sharing him with your seniors for a bit? Don't worry, we'll return him to you in three days."

Three days?

Even if Tonya were truly a boy, after three days with these guys, she'd likely be reduced to a wreck.

"That won't work, Senior," Lucas said with a faint smile. "Such a delicate toy… It'd be a shame if you broke it with a toothpick."

The double meaning in his words only enraged Gambes further. Already seething, his fury reached a boiling point. "Fine! You've successfully pissed me off. Today, neither you nor him will leave here. Coming to face me alone—you'll regret it."

"Wait a minute, who said I came alone?" Lucas clapped his hands. "Alright, boys, come on out."

As soon as he finished speaking, the gymnasium doors swung open. A group of students, armed with training weapons, flooded in and quickly shut the door behind them.

Even in the face of this, Gambes didn't show any fear. Instead, he laughed coldly. "Hey, you guys are all from Snezhnaya, right? Are you really willing to offend me just to help this Mondstadt pig?"

"You're the one who should take a closer look," Lucas said casually. "These guys—all of them—are people you've bullied before."

Gambes finally realized that the students now glaring at him with hatred were all people he had humiliated in the past.

When they were alone, they may not have dared to resist. But now, with the chance for revenge, they weren't about to let it slip by.

And as for the consequences?

Do you expect a group of angry Snezhnayan youths to care about consequences? That's laughable.

Everyone knows that teenage hooligans are the most dangerous—they're immature and reckless, and they just might stab you a few times if you say the wrong thing.

"You can all exact whatever revenge you want today," Lucas said, waving his hand dismissively. "I'll take full responsibility for the actions."

"Aren't you afraid of getting expelled for this?" Gambes's face finally showed a hint of nervousness.

"Expelled?" Lucas chuckled. "I'd welcome it. I never wanted to come here in the first place."

"W-wait!" Realizing the situation had turned bad, Gambes quickly said, "Ganging up on me—what kind of honor is that? If you've got any guts, let's settle this one-on-one!"

"One-on-one?" 

Lucas couldn't help but laugh. "Do you really think being good at fighting matters? In this world, it's all about power and connections!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the students behind Lucas, already brimming with anger, stepped forward, surrounding Gambes and his group, brandishing their weapons.

"White Emperor's Sacred Sword!"

"Sword, follow my lead!"

"Uraaa!"

Shouting and cursing, the gymnasium had now turned into a battleground. Although most Snezhnayans despised ganging up on others, their long-held grudges against Gambes overrode their usual principles. Revenge was far more important.

"Hey, hey, don't go too hard," Lucas said, watching the scene with amusement. "That guy over there, you're hitting way too hard. Do you also want to become the 'Cracker'?"

"Ahem, um..." 

Just then, a hesitant voice came from behind Lucas. He turned to see Tonya standing there, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. "T-thanks for saving me."

"Don't get the wrong idea," Lucas casually wrapped his arm around Tonya's shoulders and whispered, "I just don't want anyone dirtying my toy."

"D-don't do that," Tonya shrank back slightly, stammering, "There are people watching."

"It's fine. Everyone in school already knows about our 'special relationship'," Lucas said, unconcerned, with a smirk. "But you sure are bold, pretending to be the relative of a Fatui Harbinger."

"I..."

Tonya opened her mouth to explain, but before she could say anything, there was a loud "thud" as Gambes collapsed to the ground. He and his lackeys had been beaten black and blue.

Gambes, who normally relied on his size and menacing appearance to bully others, was not much of a fighter. Combined with the overwhelming numbers against him, he had no chance and was swiftly defeated.

"Stop... please stop!" 

The arrogant Gambes was now kneeling on the ground, panting heavily. His pride was shattered as he begged, "If this continues, someone's going to die!"

"You've got a point. If someone dies, it won't just be a matter of expulsion," Lucas said, having already accepted the possibility of being expelled and deciding to go all out. "But I think my friends, the ones you bullied, still haven't had enough fun."

The members of the Lawrence gang had all been tormented by Gambes at some point. There was no way they'd let him off so easily now, and they began shouting for more.

"I've got an idea!" Lucas grabbed a training spear nearby, examined it, and muttered, "Hmm, this size should do."

"W-what are you planning to do?" Gambes seemed to realize something terrible and began to sweat profusely.

"Turn him around," Lucas ordered casually. "Quickly."

"N-no! You can't do this! It'll kill me!" Gambes's face turned pale, and he cried out desperately, "Please, don't!"

"You guys love doing this sort of thing, don't you?" Lucas smirked, and with a signal, two students pinned Gambes down. "Since you enjoy it so much, let's see how you like it."

"No... please... no!" 

Tears welled up in Gambes's eyes, and soon after, the gymnasium was filled with his blood-curdling screams.

This time, Gambes really lived up to his new nickname: "Torn Apart."

[Mission complete: Rescue Tonya.]

[You have received a talent reward: "Ruthless Striker" (B-Grade).]

[Effect: Increases damage by 20% when attacking a target from behind.]

Another strange talent added to the mix.

There was no way such a serious incident could be swept under the rug. Later that day, Lucas was summoned to the office.

"Outrageous! This is simply outrageous!" 

The disciplinarian slammed his hand on the desk, furious. "You started a brawl in the gym, leaving eight students severely injured, and even used a wooden stick... Lawrence, do you realize what you've done?"

"Bullying happens every day in this school, and Gambes has done far worse things in the past," Lucas showed no fear, calmly replying, "The only reason this is such a big deal now is... because I'm from Mondstadt, isn't it?"

---

"So what?" The dean seemed quite displeased with this defiant student. "Let me make one thing clear: the law of the jungle in this school is what makes real men out of the students. But letting a foreigner trample on Snezhnayan pride? That will never be allowed!"

"Forgive me, but this isn't survival of the fittest. It's just the weak bullying those who are weaker," Lucas scoffed. "If that's the case, go ahead and announce my expulsion."

The dean snapped, "Expulsion is just the beginning. I'll make sure you're publicly humiliated in front of the entire school..."

"Expelling such an excellent student would be a great loss for the academy." a lazy voice interrupted from behind them.

A young man with short orange hair strolled casually into the office, smiling. "Couldn't you let him off the hook for my sake?"

Both Lucas and the dean froze in shock upon seeing him.

It was... Tartaglia?

Having once impersonated "The Doctor," Lucas immediately recognized him.

He couldn't believe it—Tartaglia really was Tonya's brother!

Realizing this, a cold chill swept over Lucas.

For him, expulsion wasn't much of a punishment. At worst, he'd return to Mondstadt and get a scolding from his father.

But if Tartaglia ever found out what Lucas had done to his sister... given Tartaglia's ruthless nature, there was no way he'd let Lucas off lightly.

"Lord... Lord Tartaglia!" The dean, suddenly losing his previous arrogance, stood up, visibly anxious. "This student has committed numerous offenses. A severe punishment is necessary to set an example!"

"It seems you're mistaken about something," Tartaglia said, grabbing the dean by the collar. His smile vanished, replaced by a cold, murderous glint in his eyes. "I'm not asking you—I'm ordering you. If I had been the one who caught the guy who bullied my brother, it wouldn't have ended with just his pants down."

"I... I understand..." The dean was now trembling with fear, stammering, "I'll do... exactly as you say!"

"Smart decision." Tartaglia's smile returned as he patted the dean on the shoulder. Then, turning to Lucas, he gave a smile full of hidden meaning. "I hear you're my brother's roommate. Why don't you show me around your dorm?"

The way Tartaglia's character is set up gives off the vibe that no matter what he does, it never feels out of character.

So, Lucas couldn't quite figure out what was going on in Tartaglia's mind.

After all, even though nothing official had happened between him and Tonya… they had already gone through first, second, and third base.

Considering how much Tartaglia dotes on his sister, Lucas had no doubt that he could be dragged back to the dorm and tortured in front of Tonya if Tartaglia found out.

Even though Lucas was a foreign exchange student, in front of a Fatui Harbinger, his status didn't amount to much.

Sigh, Lucas thought back to the days when Tartaglia had been just a lackey under his command. Now, the tables had turned, and he was at Tartaglia's mercy. 

"Of course, no problem," Lucas maintained his calm as much as possible and smiled, "Please follow me."

However, much to Lucas's surprise, on the way back to the dorm, Tartaglia didn't bring up anything related to Tonya. Instead, he kept asking Lucas questions about himself.

Finally, when they arrived at the dorm, Tonya was already waiting in the room. As soon as she saw Lucas and her brother walk in together, a flash of nervousness crossed her face.

"Brother Ajax..." Tonya forced an awkward smile, "Is everything... resolved?"

"With me on the case, it was a breeze. But..." Tartaglia suddenly grabbed Tonya's cheek with a smile. "You said you wanted to attend art school, so I wrote you a recommendation letter. And what did you do? You used that letter to disguise yourself and enroll in military school. Who gave you the guts to do that, huh?"

Though Tartaglia was still smiling, Tonya knew that her brother was most terrifying when he smiled. She almost wished he would just scold her harshly instead.

"I... I want to become as strong as you, Brother," Tonya summoned the courage to say. "But you've always treated me like a fragile flower in a greenhouse, so I had no choice but to prove myself this way!"

"Is that what you think?" Tartaglia's expression shifted slightly, and he sighed. "You truly are my sister. But you should know how dangerous it is for a girl in a place like this. Even I can't always protect you."

"He can!"

Tonya suddenly grabbed Lucas's wrist and said firmly, "This man said he would protect me forever!"

"When did I say something like that?" Lucas's face flushed with embarrassment.

Tonya leaned closer and whispered, "You don't want my brother to find out about the things you made me do, do you?"

Was he... being blackmailed?

"Y-yeah, that's right!" Lucas had no choice but to comply. "Don't worry, I'll protect Tonya."

"Oh?" Tartaglia's expression shifted to one of amusement as he gave Lucas a knowing smile. "Could it be that you like Tonya?"

"Absolutely not!" Lucas immediately denied it. "Protecting a lady is simply a gentleman's duty."

"You're quite interesting," Tartaglia said, staring into Lucas's eyes. "I like your methods for dealing with Gambes and his gang. Plus, your academic performance is impressive. How about it—are you interested in joining the Fatui after graduation?"

"I appreciate the offer, but..." Lucas trailed off. "I have reasons that compel me to return to Mondstadt."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of disappointment crossed Tonya's face.

"Lucas Lawrence, I've looked into your background," Tartaglia continued, as if seeing through everything. "You're a Mondstadt noble, but you've always been seen as an idle, incompetent good-for-nothing, even being punished by your family to attend military school for three years."

"But ever since you entered the academy, you've excelled. I don't know why you've hidden your talents within your family, but here in Snezhnaya, things are different. Here, as long as you have strength and merit, even a slave can rise to the top."

"If the opportunity arises, I'll give it some thought," Lucas replied nonchalantly. "Unfortunately, I have a family waiting for me back in Mondstadt."

"Well, I won't push you then," Tartaglia said with a smile, not one to press the issue. "But remember, the Fatui's doors are always open to you."

"Alright, alright!" Tonya interrupted, gently pushing her brother toward the door. "Brother, don't you have a lot of work to do?"

Sigh, Tartaglia sighed, a hint of melancholy on his face. "Tonya, you've really grown up. You're not the little girl who used to chase after me anymore."

With that, he waved his hand and left the dorm with a casual flair.

But after Tartaglia's departure, an awkward silence filled the room.

Finally, Lucas broke the silence. "Why... didn't you tell him what I've done to you?"

Tonya blushed slightly, stammering, "Don't get the wrong idea. I'd never tell my brother something like that. Besides... nothing really happened."

"That's true for now," Lucas squinted slightly. "But I can't guarantee I won't get any bad ideas with over a year left of us living together."

"Hmph, now that you know my brother is a Fatui Harbinger, do you still dare to have those kinds of thoughts?" Tonya tried to act tough. "Go ahead, I dare you!"

"Well, since you're asking..." 

Without another word, Lucas pushed Tonya down on the bed. "I've never heard such a strange request before."

Inside the dorm, a playful mix of laughter and mock scolding could be heard.

[Entering text mode.]

[After fooling around with Tonya, you discovered a note on your bed. It was from Tartaglia, and it read: "If you dare do anything inappropriate to my sister, I'll pay you back double."]

[You immediately understood what this meant, and a sense of unease crept over you.]

[Although the large-scale brawl caused a significant uproar, thanks to Tartaglia's intervention, the situation was quickly smoothed over.]

[Your "Lawrence gang" also became well-known after this incident, rising to become one of the most powerful factions in the academy.]

[As for Gambes and his lackeys, they became the laughingstock of the school and didn't recover by the time the graduation ceremony came around.]

[The relationship between you and Tonya also changed subtly after the incident. You continued to take care of each other in unspoken ways, though the two of you never crossed the final line.]

[After all, Tartaglia's note was likely not a joke. If things really got out of hand, even returning to Mondstadt might not be enough to escape his retribution.]

[Age 18: Soon, you entered your third year, which would be your final year at the Snezhnaya military academy.]

[Over the past two years, you regularly exchanged letters with your family, including not just your parents but also Eula.]

[You were thrilled to learn that Eula had passed the family trials and obtained the Lawrence family emblem, "Crest of Frost."]

[For thousands of years, only a handful of people had successfully passed the family trials. This emblem was entrusted to those who would carry the family's hopes, meaning that Eula becoming the next head of the Lawrence family was now just a matter of time.]

[However, Mondstadt had not been entirely peaceful. Rumors damaging the Lawrence family's reputation occasionally circulated among the people. Though these rumors hadn't shaken the family's control over Mondstadt, they had caused a noticeable impact.]

[In just half a year, the Lawrence family had arrested over a dozen individuals accused of spreading these rumors, yet the source of the gossip had not been found.]

[This didn't concern you too much. After all, compared to the intense conflict between Mondstadt's nobles and commoners a thousand years ago, the current situation was hardly alarming.]

[Besides, the Lawrence family's reputation had improved significantly compared to centuries ago. The people had no real need to overthrow them, and certainly lacked the power to do so.]

[Upon entering your third year, your position at the academy became even more secure, and Tonya had grown capable of handling herself. Even without your protection, no one dared to bother her anymore.]

[You remained the school tyrant, but interestingly, the incidents of bullying within the academy had noticeably decreased over the past two years.]

[This wasn't due to your intentional efforts, but rather because Gambes' fate had served as a cautionary tale. No one could be sure if the person they bullied today might seek revenge tomorrow.]

[Moreover, the majority of students were now part of the Lawrence gang, whose first rule was simple: settle conflicts with strength, and anyone using underhanded methods would face severe punishment.]

[As a side note, though Gambes had regained the ability to walk, he would likely spend the rest of his life dependent on adult diapers.]

[Although you were still a student, by your final year, your responsibilities resembled those of a staff member.]

[As graduation approached, more voices urged you to stay. No one had anticipated that the once unremarkable exchange student from Mondstadt would have such a significant influence.]

[However, you knew that staying was not an option. In the distant land of Mondstadt, there were people waiting for your return.]

[Finally, the day of the graduation ceremony arrived. As you stepped onto the stage, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Without realizing it, you had become a role model for many students.]

[Feeling a mix of emotions, you took the microphone and calmly said: "Goodbye, you bastards."]

[One thing that caught your attention was that, two weeks before graduation, Tonya had moved out of the dormitory you shared.]

[Whether it was your imagination or not, you felt as though she had been deliberately avoiding you. This meant you didn't even get the chance to say a proper goodbye.]

[In truth, you weren't sure what kind of relationship the two of you had. Perhaps leaving quietly was the best ending for both of you.]

[However, there was one last thing you needed to do before leaving the city.]

[You returned to the tavern where you had first met Tonya three years ago, determined to break Ursa's drinking record and take that painting with you.]

[The bartender had long since been replaced, and he seemed unimpressed by your challenge. After all, countless people over the years had tried to break the record, most failing miserably—some even ending up needing stomach pumps.]

[Firewater, Snezhnaya's most famous liquor, lived up to its name—it was so potent it could be set alight.]

[Drinking it felt like swallowing flames, and even seasoned drinkers could hardly make it past ten cups.]

[However, thanks to your "Never Drunk" talent, you took it in stride. As glass after glass of firewater went down, you soon attracted the attention of onlookers.]

[Just as you were about to down your sixty-third glass, a familiar figure suddenly sat down across from you—it was none other than Tonya.]

[This time, she had shed her usual military academy uniform in favor of feminine attire, complete with a wig. You now realized just how much the tomboyish Tonya had grown into a woman.]

["Let me join you for a drink. Consider it a farewell toast," Tonya said as she downed a glass of firewater, though her brow furrowed slightly at its intensity.]

[You exchanged smiles. After two years of living side by side, you had developed an extraordinary understanding of each other, so much so that no words were necessary to convey your thoughts.]

[With your "Never Drunk" talent, it should have been impossible for you to get intoxicated. Yet, looking at Tonya's flushed smile, you felt a wave of dizziness.]

[It turned out that sometimes, a person could be more intoxicating than alcohol.]

[You couldn't remember how you managed to win the painting that night, but you were sure you had tasted something even sweeter than Snezhnaya's finest wine.]

[In that familiar rest area, everything seemed just as it had three years ago, except that this time, the roles had reversed.]

[Just like Snezhnaya's firewater—rich, fiery, and intoxicating, every drop lingered with a taste that was impossible to forget.]

["First Glass of Red Wine" talent activated, reward obtained: Ability to control fire element.]

What?

You had unexpectedly gained another elemental mastery?

Lucas was astonished. Even in his previous life, he had only mastered fire-element control. Could it be that the "First Glass of Red Wine" talent's attribute enhancement was not limited to the attributes of the absorbed individual? Could special characters trigger additional effects?

Although he didn't fully understand it, this explanation seemed the most plausible for now.

[The next day, you woke up in the hotel room you had reserved. Your painting and luggage had already been packed, but Tonya was nowhere to be found. On the pillow, she had left a note—a simple message: Everything that happened yesterday was voluntary. She wished you success upon your return to Mondstadt.]

[Your emotions were mixed, but the room's clock had already struck the hour, it was time to leave.]

[After one last look at the northern city where you had spent three years, you finally embarked on your journey home.]

[Besides your parents, your return didn't garner much attention. The one you had longed for, Eula, only paid you a visit briefly, constrained by her status.]

[After three years apart, Eula had shed more of her youthful naivety. Now twenty-one, she had achieved many accomplishments that her predecessors never had. She earned the Crest at the youngest age ever and secured her position as the Lawrence family's heir just after turning twenty.]

[Due to her status, Eula's demeanor was somewhat distant. After all, she was now the most celebrated figure in the family, the hope of the Lawrence legacy. Every word and action of hers was under the watchful eyes of many.]

[Of course, this was just a facade. Despite being three years apart, the connection between you two was still as strong as ever. With just a glance, you could understand each other's thoughts.]

---

[That evening, you returned to your long-missed bedroom. Although you had been away for a long time, the room remained spotless. Your mother regularly cleaned it, even though she knew your return wouldn't come any sooner because of it.]

[The blanket carried the fresh scent of sunlight. Just as you were enjoying the moment, a sudden cold draft swept through the room. When you turned around, Eula had already appeared behind you.]

[You embraced her tightly and a fiery passion ignited in your chest. In moments like this, words became unnecessary; through action, you both expressed the intense longing you had for each other.]

[Downstairs, Mrs. Schubert glanced up at the ceiling, puzzled, muttering, "That child's really attracting mosquitoes; he's been swatting non-stop since coming home…"]

[After an hour and a half, when things finally quieted down, you and Eula basked in the afterglow of your reunion. You took the opportunity to ask about your wedding.]

[However, Eula showed a hint of hesitation. She told you that although she had earned the title of heir, she was still too young. She needed a few more years of experience before formally taking on the role of head of the family. She asked if you could continue waiting.]

[Noticing your subtle change in expression, the usually frosty family heir showed a softer side, whispering, "It's okay, even if the wedding is delayed, I'll find other ways to make it up to you."]

[You understood Eula's implication, and from that day on, your window was never locked again. Like the Teyvat version of Romeo and Juliet, you and Eula often met under the cover of night.]

...

[Age 19: Time passed quickly, and before long, you had been back in Mondstadt for some time. One day, your father, Schubert, approached you very seriously, telling you that it was time to demonstrate what you had "learned" and serve the family.]

[In truth, you had been waiting for this day, already prepared to build your legacy in the Lawrence family. This wasn't just to support Eula by removing any obstacles, but also to increase your chances of marrying her.]

[However, your father led you to a hidden underground chamber within the family estate—a place that, as someone who once ruled the Lawrence family a thousand years ago, you were very familiar with, including this basement.]

[This secret chamber was an interrogation room where the Lawrence family once tortured those who posed a threat to their power. You were surprised that even after a millennium, the chamber still existed.]

[Of course, you couldn't reveal your knowledge of this due to your reincarnation, so you had to pretend as if it was all new to you.]

[Inside the interrogation room, a man in his thirties, wearing glasses, was bound to a chair. He looked scholarly, not like a criminal at all.]

[Your father, Schubert, informed you that this man's name was Hudson, and he had been secretly spreading rumors about the "Millennium Lie," tarnishing the Lawrence family's reputation. He was, without a doubt, a heretic.]

[You were already familiar with the "Millennium Lie" theory. Some Mondstadt scholars, based on leftover clues, believed that the current history of Mondstadt was fabricated by the Lawrence family to cover up their past sins.]

[You knew that this wasn't exactly a lie, but to maintain the family's control, the Lawrence family had labeled such claims as dangerous heresy.]

[Your father explained that the Lawrence family had always maintained a secret organization called the "Enforcers." Their sole purpose was to eliminate, in the shadows, any threats to the family's dominance.]

[Operating in darkness, the Enforcers often did things that couldn't be exposed to the light. They were the "necessary evil" to preserve the family's status.]

[This revelation didn't surprise you, because the so-called "Enforcers" were an organization you, as Eberhart, had personally established.]

[Your father, Schubert, was the current head of the Enforcers. He had brought you here because he wanted you to become one of them, and torturing Hudson was your first lesson.]

[However, Hudson remained defiant, glaring at you and your father with hatred, shouting, "You liars! You thieves who stole the nation! I will never yield to you! The truth… cannot be defeated!"]

["At first, their mouths are always tough," Schubert said expressionlessly, pointing at the surrounding torture devices. "But no one ever lasts past the third one."]

[Over the centuries, torture devices had evolved. Besides some familiar instruments, there were many new designs that even you hadn't seen before.]

[Indeed, humans had a natural talent for inventing new ways to torment each other.]

[Schubert expertly demonstrated the use of the tools. You found it hard to believe that the refined and courteous man who cherished etiquette was now like a cold-blooded butcher, torturing the heretic in front of him without hesitation.]

[Blood splattered onto the protective coat he had prepared in advance. His face was calm, as though he was merely teaching you how to prepare a chicken for slaughter.]

[You finally understood why Schubert had sent you to the military academy—to harden your will. He had planned all along to shape you into an Enforcer.]

["Leave the rest to me," you said, taking your father's wrist. "Within the hour, I'll make him submit."]

[Schubert seemed surprised but nodded in satisfaction. He left the interrogation room, and soon after, blood-curdling screams echoed from within.]

[When Schubert returned to the interrogation room, Hudson, who had been so defiant earlier, had already pressed his bloodstained handprint onto a written confession. He had revealed all the information he knew.]

[There were typically two ways to deal with these heretics: the first was to have them admit their crimes and repent, after which they would be imprisoned according to the severity of their offenses.]

[The second, for those who refused to yield even unto death, was a public execution by fire, meant to serve as a deterrent to others.]

[This method might be cruel, but the Lawrence family had no other choice. Their only option was to uncover the source of the "Millennium Lie" and eradicate it completely.]

[Over the years, the Enforcers had been searching for the origins of the Millennium Lie, but the leads they found were scant. Instead, the number of heretics who believed in the lie seemed to be growing.]

[You knew the full truth, but to maintain the Lawrence family's rule, especially for Eula's sake, you had no choice but to bury the truth yourself.]

---

[Age 20: You had only been part of the Enforcers for a year, but your accomplishments were already impressive. Your ruthlessness instilled fear even in your seniors.]

[Though the Enforcers were a secret organization, rumors about them circulated among the populace. Your ruthless methods had earned you the nickname "The Smiling Reaper."]

[The reason was simple: it was said that every time you conducted an interrogation, you smiled, but your actions were as merciless and terrifying as death itself.]

[In your previous life, your hands had long been stained with blood, so torturing prisoners carried no burden for you.]

[However, you kept your role as an Enforcer a secret from Eula. You knew her sense of justice was strong, and she likely wouldn't understand your choices.]

[You told yourself that once all the heretics were eliminated, you could be with Eula without any worries.]

---

[Age 21: You received a new mission. A heretic who had been imprisoned for over a decade had recently been released. It was said that he had been one of the first to propagate the heretical theories, and he might have ties to the source of the "Millennium Lie."]

[Your task was to observe him secretly and gather evidence.]

[This wasn't your first mission of this kind. Generally, those who had been imprisoned and experienced such suffering wouldn't dare repeat their offenses.]

[Still, as always, you reviewed the target's dossier.]

[His name was Rafal. Thirteen years ago, he had been arrested and tortured for secretly spreading the "Millennium Lie" and was imprisoned thereafter.]

[His father was none other than the famous blacksmith in Mondstadt—Wagner.]

Wagner?

Lucas furrowed his brow slightly.

Isn't that the same blacksmith shop where he bought a dagger in the simulator when he was a kid?

Looks like things have come full circle.

---

[You disguised yourself as a common customer and entered Wagner's blacksmith shop, ready to investigate.]

[Despite the shop's high-quality products, it hadn't expanded at all over the past decade. This likely had much to do with Wagner's temperament. Since his son was imprisoned, he had become reclusive and irritable, never showing his customers a kind face.]

[Now entering immersive mode]

[Mission objective: Gather useful information during immersive mode. The quality of your rewards will depend on the amount of information you collect.]

"Welcome!" 

As soon as Lucas stepped inside, he was greeted by a middle-aged man swinging a hammer. "What can I get for you?" 

The middle-aged man was none other than Wagner, the blacksmith. His hair had grayed over the past decade, but his body remained strong from years of forging.

However, his unusually friendly attitude puzzled Lucas. Since when did this ill-tempered blacksmith start greeting customers so warmly?

"I'm just browsing," Lucas replied casually.

"Take your time! Everything's 20% off today!" Wagner said with a grin as he hammered the red-hot iron before him.

"What's going on with your boss?" Lucas asked the shop assistant, Schultz, who was busy with inventory. "I remember he didn't used to be like this."

According to the dossier, Schultz had been an apprentice at the shop for over a decade. Despite his hard work, he lacked the talent to learn Wagner's full craft.

"It's because Rafal, his son has been released from prison," Schultz sighed. "Even though the master doesn't say much, he's been overjoyed inside."

Schultz, although honest, had worked for Wagner for many years, and in some ways, he was like a son to him. 

But Wagner rarely showed Schultz any kindness, often criticizing and belittling his work. Schultz sometimes wondered if Wagner was deliberately holding back, saving his true skills to teach Rafal once he was released from prison.

"Do you need any help with anything?" 

At that moment, a polite voice came from behind Lucas. Turning around, he saw a man in his thirties, smiling warmly at him.

Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly. This was Rafal, the target of his mission.

Compared to the photo, Rafal appeared thinner, with sunken eyes and visible scars on his arms. Clearly, he had endured a lot during his years in prison.

"Rafal, you shouldn't be out here," Schultz quickly helped him to a seat. "The doctor said you need to rest and recover."

"I just want to help out around the shop," Rafal replied with a weak smile. "I can still manage sales."

It seemed... nothing unusual was happening.

Could he have been overthinking it? Has Rafal truly turned over a new leaf?

But since the system assigned this mission, there had to be something suspicious about him.

At that moment, Lucas's attention was drawn to a shiny golden bracelet on the counter. He picked it up curiously and asked, "Does your blacksmith shop sell gold jewelry too?"

"Sorry, that one's not for sale," Wagner said with a wave. "A kid left it here over ten years ago. I've been holding onto it, waiting for him to come back and claim it."

Lucas suddenly realized...

Wasn't this the bracelet he left behind years ago when he came here to buy a dagger?

Who would have thought that after all these years, Wagner had never sold the bracelet and was still waiting to return it to its owner?

For some reason, Lucas felt a sudden wave of emotion.

For a brief moment, he truly wished that Rafal was innocent. If not, this father, who had waited over a decade for his son, would surely be heartbroken.

"Master, it's been so many years. That kid's probably grown up by now. How could you possibly recognize him?" Schultz said helplessly.

"Besides, the owner of this gold bracelet is probably some noble who doesn't even care about a little money. You'd be better off selling it and expanding the shop."

"You fool! The most important thing in business is honesty!" Wagner snapped, clearly displeased. "And my memory is sharp as ever. If I ever see that kid again, I'll recognize him for sure… huh?"

Suddenly, Wagner's eyes landed on Lucas. He murmured, "Wait a minute… that face… there's no mistake. You're that little kid from all those years ago, aren't you?"

Seriously? This isn't just a good memory—this is insane!

I've grown up over the past ten years, and he can still recognize me?

Lucas instinctively stepped back, and with a soft clink, the dagger he always carried with him, the "Dagger of the Unfilial" slipped from his waist and fell to the ground.

"Isn't that the dagger I sold you back then?" Wagner instantly recognized his handiwork, laughing. "You've kept it in such good condition! I knew I didn't misjudge you! Hahaha!"

What a rookie mistake… I can't believe I slipped up like this.

Realizing that his identity could no longer be hidden, Lucas picked up the dagger and, a bit awkwardly, said, "I didn't expect you to remember me after all these years. As for the bracelet, I knew it was made of gold from the start, so you can keep it. It's fine."

"Well then, I won't be shy about it. You nobles really are generous!" Wagner's personality was straightforward as always, and he nodded with a grin. "This gold bracelet will come in handy when Rafal gets married."

At those words, both Rafal and Schultz's expressions subtly shifted.

The jealousy in Schultz's eyes was obvious, while Rafal's look of panic did not escape Lucas's keen observation.

He was definitely hiding something.

"Ahem…" Rafal coughed twice, his brow furrowed. "Sorry, I'm not feeling well. I think I'll go rest."

Uneven breathing, a change in expression, even his movements had become stiff.

There was no doubt.

"It seems there's no point in hiding it any longer." Lucas suddenly spoke coldly. "Mr. Rafal, in my capacity as a member of the Enforcers, I'm requesting to search your room."

The moment he said this, the three people in front of him were all taken aback.

Wagner, who had been all smiles just moments ago, was now beside himself with anxiety. "Th-there must be some mistake! My son has reformed, I swear! He would never have anything to do with those heretics again!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm just doing my job," Lucas replied coolly. "Mr. Rafal, please lead the way. Don't worry, if you're truly innocent, I won't trouble you."

Though Rafal's expression was grim, he nodded and led Lucas to his room.

The room's furnishings were simple. On the desk were several open books, and the fireplace crackled warmly. It all seemed like the typical home of a commoner.

Lucas conducted a routine search but found nothing suspicious. The books on the shelves were merely popular novels and poetry collections.

"I… I told you!" Wagner followed them into the room, clearly agitated. "Rafal promised me he wouldn't get involved in that stuff again!"

Just as Lucas was about to give up, he noticed Rafal's gaze. It seemed to flicker toward the fireplace—intentionally or not.

Feeling a sudden surge of suspicion, Lucas extended his hand. A blast of icy air shot from his palm, instantly extinguishing the fire in the hearth.

Kneeling down, he sifted through the ashes and found some partially burned papers, though the writing on them was no longer legible.

"Care to explain?" Lucas held up the charred scraps. "What were you burning? Trying to destroy evidence?"

"It's nothing," Rafal said, his voice steady. "I ran out of firewood, so I used some old books for fuel."

----

"The blacksmith shop doesn't have firewood?" Lucas sneered, "Mr. Rafal, do you think we're fools? You'll have to come with us."

"W-wait!" Wagner, usually arrogant, suddenly dropped to his knees with a thud and pleaded, "There must be some kind of misunderstanding! Please, spare him this time. I'll pay you whatever you want! You can even take over the shop if you wish. Just… please, let him go!"

It was no wonder Wagner was so desperate. His son, just recently released after being imprisoned for years, was about to be taken away again.

"I hope for your sake that your son is innocent," Lucas said, his face cold. "But if you resist, my men are waiting outside…"

"No need," Rafal responded calmly. "I'll go with you."

...

Outside the interrogation room.

Lucas quietly smoked a cigarette. In real life, he didn't have a smoking habit, but after becoming a law enforcer in the simulation, he found he couldn't stop.

The door creaked open, and two sweating enforcers stepped out. "Boss, he still refuses to say anything."

"I'll handle it," Lucas said without scolding them. After putting out his cigarette, he entered the interrogation room.

Inside, Rafal, once neatly dressed, now looked disheveled, his body covered in bloody wounds.

"Mr. Rafal," Lucas smiled, "Are you satisfied with our hospitality?"

"You really are the Smiling Reaper…" Rafal weakly muttered. "All it took was some charred scraps of paper, and you could drag someone in here for torture. Is this how your enforcers operate?"

"You seem to misunderstand us," Lucas said lightly, sitting across from Rafal. "Since when do enforcers need evidence to arrest someone?"

"You can torture me all you want, but it's useless," Rafal shook his head. "I don't know anything. Even if you kill me, you won't get a word out of me."

"Everyone who comes in here says something similar," Lucas placed a pear-shaped metal instrument on the table, smiling. "I heard that you're very intelligent, Rafal. Eager for knowledge, and became a scholar at a young age. You should know what this is, right?"

Rafal's expression darkened, and he murmured, "Pear... pear of anguish."

"Exactly. It's one of my favorite tools," Lucas casually turned the handle at the end of the device. The pear-shaped tool slowly split into four segments, opening up like a blossoming flower.

"If you shove this into a liar's mouth and twist it slowly, their mouth will gradually be forced open, tearing the corners of their lips and fracturing the jawbone."

Lucas explained the terrifying device with the same nonchalance as if introducing a toy.

Rafal's face darkened more and more.

"Well that's not its only use," Lucas chuckled. "Don't worry, we use it separately, and it's always cleaned and sanitized after every use—completely hygienic."

"You... you can't scare me," Rafal's face was drained of color, but he tried to maintain his resolve. "Torture me all you want. I won't say a word."

"You've misunderstood," Lucas shook his head. "This isn't for you. Bring him in."

As soon as he spoke, the door opened. Two enforcers entered, escorting Wagner, Rafal's father.

"You..." Rafal's eyes widened in realization. "What are you going to do?"

Seeing his son covered in wounds, the usually tough Wagner couldn't hide his pain. "Sir! My son is innocent! I'll take his place. Please, spare him!"

"Touching. Such a display of fatherly love," Lucas patted Rafal's shoulder. "Sometimes, watching someone else suffer is worse than enduring it yourself. You'll understand that soon enough."

"Prepare the device."

At Lucas's command, Wagner was bound tightly, and the dreaded device was placed in position.

As the ring was twisted, Wagner's face twisted with pain, though he couldn't utter a sound.

Rafal, sitting right across from his father, was forced to watch the excruciating torture unfold.

Even Lucas, who had arranged all this, felt a moment of complexity in his emotions.

By now, he rarely comforted himself with thoughts like, "It's just a simulation."

During the earlier simulations, especially in immersive mode, Lucas still deliberately played the role of a villain. But now, he found himself slipping naturally into that persona, without any pretense.

The only thing Lucas could do was make sure he kept the simulation separate from reality.

As Wagner's mouth began to split from the strain, even the two new enforcers looked uneasy.

"Still won't speak?" Lucas smiled. "Watching your father suffer doesn't bother you?"

"Monster! Demon!" Rafal cursed. "I swear the Anemo God will punish you!"

"If he finds me, I'll give him a nice spot," Lucas yawned. "Take a break. I'm going out for a smoke. Keep an eye on them, especially the old man—don't let him choke on his own blood."

Lucas lazily walked out, but as soon as the door closed, his face changed. Leaning against the wall, he vomited.

It wasn't a habit of Lucas's, nor was it because of the bloodshed. It was because the "protagonist" of this simulation vomited after every interrogation, as if by instinct.

"Damn it, why do they resist so much?" Lucas muttered, wiping his mouth. "It's just a matter of saying a few words."

At that moment, an enforcer appeared behind him. "Schultz has been brought in."

"I see. Take me to him."

In truth, Lucas didn't expect the blacksmith apprentice to know anything useful, but as an enforcer, he couldn't overlook any potential details.

"Don't be afraid," Lucas said gently to the trembling Schultz. "I know you're innocent. We just need to ask a few questions."

"R-really?" Schultz sighed in relief but still asked nervously, "Will Master Wagner and Rafal be okay?"

Lucas didn't answer, instead changing the subject, "How long have you worked at Wagner's smithy?"

"Eighteen years… this year will be my nineteenth," Schultz answered honestly.

"I really feel sorry for you," Lucas feigned sympathy. "Rafal was arrested at eighteen, and you've stayed by Wagner's side even longer than him. But Wagner always cared more for Rafal, didn't he? I imagine the smithy will be passed down to him."

"That's... that's how it should be, right?" Schultz replied, though a hint of dissatisfaction showed on his face. "After all, he is the master's real son."

"Nothing in life is a given," Lucas sighed. "If Rafal is found guilty, he'll face punishment, and when that happens, you'd be the only one left to inherit the shop."

Having experienced life as an illegitimate child in his past life, Lucas was familiar with the envy and resentment toward a rightful heir.

For a moment, Lucas saw the same look in Schultz's eyes that he had once seen in Eberhart's.

"Too bad," Lucas shook his head. "Without evidence, Rafal will be released."

"If... if I provide evidence," Schultz muttered, as if possessed, "would Rafal... would he never come back?"

"Of course," Lucas's heart leaped with excitement, though his face remained calm. "And not just that—you'll also receive a handsome reward."

"I... one night, I got up to use the bathroom and saw Rafal sneaking out with a box," Schultz said, trembling with excitement. "Out of curiosity, I followed him and saw... he buried the box under an oak tree."

"Excellent!"

Lucas's face twisted into a sly smile. "This piece of information is a great contribution."

"There... there's one more thing..." Schultz's expression became increasingly complicated as he mumbled, "Please... don't tell Master Wagner that it was me who informed on them."

"Don't worry," Lucas patted Schultz on the shoulder, smiling. "We enforcers are professionals."

Not wasting any time, Lucas immediately sent two men to the location Schultz mentioned. As expected, they dug up a box beneath the large oak tree.

It wasn't a wooden or metal box, but a heavy stone chest, likely designed that way to protect the contents inside.

Lucas brought the box back. Inside were some documents, books, and letters—not much in quantity, but their content was astonishing.

The materials were research collected by Rafal, all related to the so-called "Millennium Lie." The accuracy of the information matched up with historical events from a thousand years ago by over 80%.

Most strikingly, the names Eberhart and Vennessa appeared in the documents.

The records detailed the atrocities committed by the Lawrence family, the secrets behind the WindBlume Festival, and even the incident where Eberhart and the demonic dragon Ursa slaughtered a city together.

If this information were exposed, it would be catastrophic for the Lawrence family. This was far more than just a matter of "damaged reputation."

As for the letters, they were purely academic in nature—discussing the authenticity of documents and speculating on historical events.

What puzzled Lucas was that there was no mention of political discussions or any desire to threaten the Lawrence family's rule.

All the letters were addressed to someone referred to simply as "G."

...

Inside the interrogation room, the father and son continued to suffer.

One endured physical pain, while the other endured psychological torment.

Wagner had passed out several times from the torture, and Rafal seemed numb to it all.

"Still won't confess?" Lucas entered the room with a smile, addressing Rafal. "Your father's body can't hold on much longer."

Torturing a prisoner's family required delicate control. If the relative died, it could easily backfire.

"I've told you, I don't know anything," Rafal responded coldly, his face dark. "We're just innocent citizens, with no thoughts of heresy."

"Bang!"

Lucas threw the stone chest onto the floor, sneering. "This box should look familiar, don't you think?"

At the sight of the chest, Rafal's eyes widened, and for the first time, a look of despair appeared on his face.

The evidence was undeniable.

"If I confess..." Rafal said quietly, "will you spare my father's life?"

"Of course. In fact, I respect him. He's a good citizen, a good blacksmith..." Lucas nodded. "And a good father."

"Yes," Rafal began to speak, his voice calm, as he delved into long-buried memories. "Over a decade ago, I indeed came across the research of the 'Millennium Lie.' Back then, I dreamt of becoming a scholar. I had an insatiable curiosity for knowledge—especially history."

"As I studied historical records, I realized that nearly all of the past thousand years of history had been written by the Lawrence family. However, I noticed discrepancies between their version and the local folklore I had collected."

"Ahem!" Lucas cleared his throat and signaled the two enforcers to take the unconscious Wagner out of the room.

After all, the fewer people who knew about this, the better.

Once they left, Rafal continued, "These discoveries excited me. I began to collect more lost books and records. Along the way, I met others who shared my interests."

"Oh?" Lucas interjected, "Aren't you afraid I'll ask for information about these 'friends'?"

"They've gone to a better place," Rafal sneered. "A place where they can pursue knowledge without persecution."

Lucas pretended not to catch the sarcasm and smiled. "Go on."

"We compiled everything we found, held study sessions, and engaged in academic discussions. We wanted to uncover what really happened a thousand years ago."

Rafal's eyes glowed with a hint of passion as he spoke. "We uncovered truths that completely contradicted the official history."

"For instance, a slave named Vennessa may have led a rebellion against the old aristocracy."

"For instance, the demonic dragon Ursa may not have been killed, but instead left Mondstadt for unknown reasons."

"And… do you know the name 'Eberhart'? He might actually be the true founder of the Lawrence family. Not only that, but it was he who led the demonic dragon Ursa in the attack on Mondstadt."

"Enough!" Lucas interrupted sharply. "Nonsense! These are just wild speculations. Haven't you considered that these 'truths' could be completely wrong?"

"Of course, we knew it was possible that everything we believed was false..." Rafal looked Lucas in the eye, his expression calm. "But even if it's wrong, does that make it meaningless?"

Rafal's words sent a shock through Lucas. His voice turned cold. "What is the point of studying this history? Are you planning to use it to overthrow the Lawrence family?"

"As I said, we have no interest in politics. We are only driven by humanity's greatest desire..." Rafal smiled faintly. "The desire for knowledge."

"I've had enough of your kind!" For some reason, a wave of disgust surged in Lucas's chest. He grabbed Rafal by the collar, snarling, "Freedom, knowledge—what will it take for you people to just live quietly without causing trouble?"

Why can't you just live peacefully?

Why do you have to seek destruction?

Rafal didn't resist, his face expressionless as he said, "So, even the Smiling Reaper gets angry?"

Lucas let go of Rafal and frowned. "Fine. Tell me, who is 'G'?"

If this 'G' was still alive, he was likely the mastermind behind everything.

---

"You'll never know who he is," a trickle of black blood suddenly slid from the corner of Rafal's mouth. "It seems... the poison is finally taking effect."

Suicide by poison?

For Lucas, a seasoned enforcer, such situations were nothing new. Faced with terrifying torture, death often seemed like a form of release.

However, enforcers rarely allowed their prisoners the opportunity to take poison. Even if they managed to ingest it, there were a hundred ways to force them to vomit it back up.

Just as Lucas was about to make Rafal expel the poison, Rafal said calmly, "No need to bother. I took slow-acting poison long before I arrived. By now, it's spread throughout my body. Even the Anemo God himself can't save me."

From the beginning, Rafal had known there was no chance of survival, so he had long prepared himself for death.

"You sacrificed so much just to uncover a piece of history that can no longer be changed," Lucas sighed. "Was it really worth it?"

"I have no regrets," Rafal said with a peaceful smile. "I only feel sorry for my father. I apologize... for being such a foolish son... cough!"

As he spoke, Rafal spat out another mouthful of black blood.

"Since you're about to die, I might as well tell you the truth," Lucas said indifferently. "Your theories are all correct. I could tell you even more, but... you don't have enough time left."

Upon hearing these words, Rafal's pupils dilated, his body wracked with agony as the poison coursed through him, twisting his facial muscles into an uncontrolled grimace.

Yet, amid the pain, a smile spread across his face.

Rafal took his last breath, his expression frozen in a strange mix—one half contorted in suffering, the other half in bliss.

Is this what they meant by "to know the truth in the morning, and to die content by evening"?

Unlike the people of Mondstadt a thousand years ago, who blindly sought freedom, Rafal and those like him merely sought "truth." They had no intentions of rebellion, yet they still became casualties in the pursuit of it.

However, just because they didn't seek to overthrow the Lawrence family didn't mean others wouldn't. If an ambitious individual used this information as leverage, the Lawrence family would face severe consequences.

And that individual could very well be "G."

To Rafal, perhaps "G" was a fellow seeker of truth.

But Lucas had a feeling that "G" merely wanted to use this group's thirst for knowledge to achieve his own ends.

At that moment, the door to the interrogation room opened. The two enforcers entered, visibly nervous. One of them avoided eye contact as he reported, "Sir, the old blacksmith... he took his own life by smashing his head against the wall while we weren't looking..."

"I understand," Lucas said, his face expressionless. "Give them both a proper burial."

However, as Lucas prepared to leave the interrogation room, something caught his eye. On the floor near the chair where Wagner had been tortured were a few twisted, bloody words, seemingly written with a toe.

A secret message?

Lucas rushed over, and after carefully examining the writing, he recognized Wagner's final message to his son:

"I don't blame you."

...

Hours later, Lucas was riding in a carriage, leaving Mondstadt with Schultz.

"Here's the reward I promised," Lucas tossed a pouch to Schultz with a smile. "Thanks for your cooperation. But to avoid any trouble, I suggest you leave Mondstadt for a while."

"Th-thank you." Schultz opened the pouch and, after seeing its contents, finally relaxed. "I was worried... you'd kill me to keep me quiet."

"We work with principles," Lucas replied coolly. "It's unfortunate your master died, though."

"I don't care anymore. That old man never even looked at me properly anyway," Schultz said bitterly, as if this entire ordeal had unleashed the darkness lurking inside him. "Let them reunite in the afterlife... this money is rightfully mine."

Shing!

The sharp blade of a knife suddenly pierced Schultz's chest.

"You..." Schultz gasped, unable to believe his eyes. "You tricked me..."

"The one who spared you was the Smiling Reaper," Lucas said, his face emotionless. "not Me."

It wasn't vengeance for Wagner and his son. After all, Lucas was the real executioner.

It was just... for amusement.

After all, the principles of villains are laughable at best.

---

[Mission Complete. Based on the amount of information obtained, your rating is: B-Level.]

[Reward Skill: Interrogation Technique (B-Level)]

[Effect: After using this skill, you can force a target to answer one question. The weaker the target's mental strength, the higher the success rate. (Usable once per day)]

Only B-Level?

Well, it made sense. Although he had gathered a lot of information, the most crucial detail—the identity of "G"—remained a mystery.

---

[Entering text mode...]

[The contents of Rafal's stone chest provided important clues. You handed them over to your father, Schubert, hoping to work together to uncover the identity of "G."]

[According to Schubert's analysis, you need to use reverse reasoning. Who stands to benefit the most from overthrowing the Lawrence family? That would likely be the mastermind.]

[Suddenly, inspiration strikes. You blurt out a surname: Gunnhildr—the letter "G" corresponds to this family's initial.]

[A thousand years ago, the Gunnhildr family assisted the rebel Vennessa. However, after the true history was erased, this fact was buried along with it.]

[As a result, although the Gunnhildr family still holds a noble title, they've never risen to prominence. Nevertheless, over the past millennium, the Gunnhildr family has maintained close ties with the common people and enjoys a great reputation in Mondstadt.]

[If the Gunnhildr family were to lead the charge, combined with the truths revealed in the "Millennium Lie," it could spark a massive rebellion.]

[Though the enforcers are granted immense power by the Lawrence family, without concrete evidence, they cannot act against the Gunnhildr family.]

[At last, your father lets out a long sigh. He looks into your eyes and asks, "The enforcers exist to serve the Lawrence family, sacrificing everything for them. I've thought of a solution, but it may cost you the happiness of the rest of your life... That is, to marry into the Gunnhildr family, infiltrate them, and gather intelligence."]

[You have to admit, this is indeed a viable solution. If the Gunnhildr family truly harbors rebellious intentions, your presence within them would prevent them from making any reckless moves.]

[However, you've already secretly pledged your heart to Eula. Faced with your father's request, your decision is…]

[1. Agree]

[2. Refuse]

Ahhh!

Why must there be such a painful choice?

Isn't this a bit too melodramatic?

Lucas felt a deep sense of internal conflict.

If it were simply a matter of choosing between "good" and "evil," it would be a lot easier.

But decisions like this—where emotions are at stake—are far more complicated.

If he refused, the Gunnhildr family might truly use the "Millennium Lie" as a pretext to rally support and overthrow the Lawrence family. If that happened, it wouldn't just be Eula's position as head of the family in jeopardy, but the entire existence of the Lawrence family would be at risk.

At this point, Lucas was strong, but compared to Eberhart from his past life, who had absorbed over a thousand sources of power (including the evil dragon Ursa), he was still far behind. Solving this crisis through sheer force was not an option.

But if he agreed…

Even if he succeeded in disrupting the Gunnhildr family's plans, before that could happen, he'd be labeled a "traitor" and likely be struck down by Eula herself.

"I…" After much inner turmoil, Lucas sighed in defeat. "I'll agree."

If he could solve the problem with the Gunnhildr family, there might still be a chance to salvage things between him and Eula.

[You fall silent for a moment before finally agreeing to Schubert's request.]

[For the first time, your father shows a hint of guilt as he pats your shoulder, saying, "To ensure the secrecy of this plan, you cannot reveal the truth to anyone."]

[You know full well that "anyone" includes Eula. With her personality, if she learned the real reason, she would never agree to this plan and might even leak the secret.]

[A few nights later, on the evening of your next rendezvous with Eula, you decide that tonight you will tell her about your impending engagement to the Gunnhildr family.]

[Forcing entry into immersion mode...]

Hey, hey!

Are you serious?!

Can't we just skip this awkward conversation in text mode?

Why must it be in full immersion mode? Is there some kind of mission tied to it?

[No mission, just a little system wanting to enjoy the drama! Pyo!]

You're a system! Stop using weird sound effects to act cute!

Before Lucas could finish complaining, he was once again in that familiar room.

For some reason, even though he had always looked forward to Eula's arrival, tonight he felt nervousness.

The clock hands pointed to 10 PM, and a familiar cool breeze blew in through the window.

Before Lucas could speak, Eula threw open her arms and rushed into his embrace.

"Just let me lean on you for a bit," Eula said, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Having to deal with all those old guys in meetings is so tiring."

Though she was only 24, as the next in line to become head of the family, Eula had already earned the right to attend important family meetings. It was all preparation for her future leadership.

Who could have imagined that the stern and stoic Eula, the one who rarely spoke in front of others, could show such a lazy side?

It seemed she only allowed herself to be like this around Lucas.

"Hey, if you're really that tired, how about you take a little rest?" Lucas gently patted her back.

"No, this is fine," Eula said softly, holding Lucas tightly. "Just hugging you like this recharges my energy."

Hearing this made Lucas's heart twist in even more guilt.

Crap… there's no way I can say it now.

Sensing something off, Eula smiled slightly and whispered in his ear, "Little brother, you seem down today. It's okay… I'll make you happy."

"Sister Eula" Lucas finally steeled himself, pushing gently against her shoulders. "There's something very important I need to tell you."

It was rare for Eula to see Lucas act so serious. Her heart skipped a beat with excitement.

Could he… be proposing?

Although she hadn't officially become head of the family yet, today's meeting had confirmed the date for her succession.

If he proposed now, it wouldn't be entirely unacceptable.

"Really?" Eula asked, barely able to contain her excitement. "Actually, I have something important to tell you too. Let's count to three and say it together, okay?"

Before Lucas could respond, Eula had already started counting.

"Three… two… one…"

"I'm going to become head of the family next year!"

"I'm going to marry into the Gunnhildr family next year…"

As soon as the words left their mouths, the temperature in the room plummeted to freezing levels.

And it wasn't just the atmosphere—there was an actual drop in temperature. Eula, overwhelmed by her emotions, had subconsciously activated the power of her Vision.

A layer of frost even began forming on the floor by her feet.

"This… this has to be a joke, right?" Eula's face darkened. "Tell me… this isn't true!"

"This is all my father's decision," Lucas said, forcing himself to act cold. "I'm sorry."

"No… no, I know you. You wouldn't do something like this!" Eula's voice trembled with conviction. "There must be some reason behind this, right? Tell me!"

Looking into Eula's tear-filled eyes, Lucas sighed inwardly.

Though he couldn't reveal the truth, he also couldn't let her believe he had truly betrayed her.

"Eula, listen to me," Lucas said, grasping her shoulders firmly. "There's indeed a reason, but I can't tell you right now. Just know one thing—I haven't forgotten the promise we made."

"What's the reason?" Eula asked, her emotions calming slightly. "Why can't you tell me, even now?"

----


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