Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

[But just like Anya, I can read your mind! You definitely want to start another simulator run, right? Maybe you'll even find a way to unlock the mystery of the Ring of Manipulation.]

Xiao Xi certainly knew Lucas better than anyone.

"You're not wrong," Lucas nodded in agreement. "I'm bored just waiting around anyway. Let's play until Jean gets back."

[Please select three talents from the following list. One will be randomly retained as a permanent talent after the simulation ends.]

- [Left-Handed (White): You excel at using your left hand.]

- [Growing Old Together (Green): If you have a partner, both you and your partner's lifespan will be extended by 20 years.]

- [Alchemist (Purple): You have an exceptional talent for alchemy. When performing alchemy, there's a chance to create special products.]

- [Path of Detachment (Blue): While single, all your attributes are increased by 50%.]

- [Respected (Blue): You are more likely to earn others' respect.]

- [Demolition Genius (Blue): All your "explosive" attacks deal 50% more damage and have 100% increased range.]

- [Outlaw (Blue): You have a 50% higher success rate when performing any "criminal" actions.]

- [Beyond Yin and Yang (Blue): You are neither male nor female.]

- [Freedom of Choice (White): If you become pregnant, you are required to give birth.]

- [Furry Enthusiast (White): You have a strong liking for furries.]

After a quick scan of the talents, Lucas's attention was immediately drawn to [Alchemist]. It was the only purple talent, and its practical effect made it highly valuable. Even if he gained no other rewards from this simulator run, retaining this talent would make it worthwhile.

As for the other talents, none particularly caught his interest. He casually selected the blue [Demolition Genius], and for the last pick, he chose his reliable go-to: [Try Again], a talent that allowed for a second chance.

[Talent selection complete. Generating character profile.]

[Simulation beginning...]

[Age 0: You are born in a village near Mondstadt. Your father works in a mining operation, specializing in explosives.]

[Age 1: Though your family isn't wealthy, you never go hungry.]

[Age 2: Due to his job, your father rarely comes home. But whenever he does, he always brings you gifts.]

[Age 3: Nothing of note happens.]

[Age 4: Perhaps because of your father's profession, you develop a strong interest in explosives and gunpowder from an early age.]

[Age 5: While playing, you accidentally ignite some gunpowder, blowing a large hole in the kitchen wall (Talent: Demolition Genius activated). Your father gives you a sound beating for it.]

[Age 6: Realizing your keen interest in explosives, your father starts teaching you basic techniques. He isn't highly educated, so most of what he teaches you is based on practical experience rather than formal knowledge.]

[Age 7: You become close friends with your neighbor Virginia, who follows you everywhere like a shadow.]

[Age 8: You take Virginia on an adventure, using homemade explosives to fish in the river. After getting reported to the village chief, both of you receive a severe scolding. However, this doesn't dampen your passion for explosives in the slightest.]

[Age 9: Your skill in making explosives has become increasingly refined. Sometimes, your ingredient ratios are even more precise than your father's, which makes him proud. If the mining crew didn't have age restrictions, your father would have wanted you to join him sooner.]

[Age 10: You frequently use your homemade explosives for pranks, like scaring people with loud bangs. Virginia is often the target of your mischief. You love seeing her cry and then chase you angrily.]

[Age 11: Your father discovers your "hobby" and gives you a serious talk: Gunpowder is dangerous. It can harm people, but it can also protect them. He acknowledges your talent but warns you not to use it for the wrong purposes.]

[You brush off his concerns, declaring that your dream is to create the most powerful weapon in the world, one even more potent than a Vision.]

[Age 12: Your father uses all his savings to send you to school in Mondstadt. However, you're uninterested in the boring subjects they teach. You long for your explosives, the freedom of the countryside, and Virginia's smile.]

[Age 13: Despite your disinterest in most subjects, you develop a keen interest in alchemy. You discover that combining alchemy with gunpowder could produce more stable and effective explosives (Talent: Alchemist activated).]

[However, alchemical tools and materials are not freely available, so you apply for a job cleaning the alchemy classroom. In your spare moments, you secretly conduct your experiments.]

[Age 14: Your intelligence and talent lead to progress in your research, although it remains a secret. Mondstadt enforces strict regulations on alchemy, especially prohibiting weapon-related research.]

[Age 15: Ironically, your pursuit of stronger explosives leads to an unexpected result: your alchemy grades skyrocket. You are offered a scholarship to further study alchemy at Sumeru's Academia.]

[You aren't passionate about alchemy, but going to Sumeru would provide access to more knowledge and materials. However, disaster strikes when an accidental explosion reveals your secret experiments. Although you narrowly avoid criminal charges, you are expelled, and your scholarship is revoked.]

[Age 16: You return to your hometown. Your father is furious about your expulsion but ultimately accepts it. With your current knowledge, you are more than capable of taking over his role in the mines.]

[On the other hand, you reunite with Virginia, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. Despite the years apart, her affection for you hasn't faded.]

[Age 17: Naturally, you two fall back into your old habits, spending much of your time together. With the scholarship money you had saved, you secretly build a small alchemical lab in a nearby cave to continue your research.]

[You are determined to prove yourself to Mondstadt's alchemists by perfecting your explosives. Virginia is the only one who knows about your secret lab, and she often stays with you, keeping you company during your experiments.]

[You create various alchemical trinkets to entertain Virginia, and you both spend hours chatting and laughing.]

[However, your research is fraught with difficulties. Your makeshift lab cannot support your grand ideas, and the cost of rare materials is your biggest obstacle.]

[Age 18: One day, Virginia sneaks some of her father's wine from the cellar. You use beakers as makeshift glasses, and the two of you drink like adults. Alcohol becomes the catalyst for deepening your bond, and on that moonless night, you and Virginia experience something more intoxicating than the wine itself.]

[As you watch Virginia curled up on the wooden bed like a small cat, doubts creep into your mind. Instead of wasting your time and energy on these experiments, perhaps it would be better to abandon everything and live a simple life with Virginia.]

[You resolve to end your research. But as you stare at the leftover materials and the untested formulas, you decide to give it one last try.]

[Perhaps due to having no reservations anymore, this final experiment yields your most successful result yet—a micro-bomb the size of a fist, capable of leveling half the village.]

[Just as you're celebrating, the remaining materials in the lab begin to react violently. Without thinking, you grab the still-sleeping Virginia and attempt to flee the cave.]

[But as soon as you exit, the cave explodes. The blast knocks you both to the ground. Your last memory before losing consciousness is holding Virginia tightly in your arms.]

[You wake up sometime later, groggy from pain. The explosion didn't kill you, but it did take one of your arms.]

[Before you can face your father's wrath, you rush to find Virginia. Thankfully, she's alive and unharmed. When you arrive at her house, she's sitting in the garden. You call her name, but she doesn't turn her head.]

[Your voice, however, draws the attention of her father. For the first time, you see this gentle man's face contort with rage as he punches you. That's when you learn that Virginia lost her hearing in the explosion.]

[You accept her father's beating without complaint, consumed with guilt. Your father arrives just in time and suggests cutting off your ears as punishment.]

[Surprisingly, Virginia's father stops him, having calmed down somewhat. He admits that he and Virginia have already discussed a "solution." If you agree to marry her, he won't press charges.]

[Despite her beauty, Virginia's hearing loss would make it hard for her father to find a suitable match.]

[You immediately agree, vowing to spend the rest of your life making amends for your mistake.]

[As for your groundbreaking invention and your reckless dreams, you decide to seal them away forever. You swear never to touch anything that could harm those you love.]

[Age 19: In the blink of an eye, half a year has passed since your marriage to Virginia. Despite you having lost an arm and her being deaf, these challenges haven't diminished your happiness together.]

[However, due to your hatred and fear of explosives, you quit your job as a demolition worker. Instead, you began using alchemy to create small medicines and trinkets to sell in Mondstadt.]

[Your alchemical products are of decent quality. Though you're not getting rich, they provide enough to live comfortably. Virginia is a gentle and caring wife, never complaining about her hearing loss, and you've begun learning sign language for her sake.]

[Age 20: This year brings two blessings to your family. First, using your savings, you build a new home by the waterfall outside the village. This was Virginia's idea; because of her hearing loss, she often felt self-conscious about people talking behind her back, so she wanted to live somewhere more secluded.]

[The second piece of good news is the birth of your child, a healthy, beautiful girl. Virginia suggests naming her "Klee," a name from ancient Mondstadt meaning "four-leaf clover," symbolizing luck. She hopes her daughter will be spared from the misfortunes you both endured.]

Wait... Klee? Isn't Klee's mother supposed to be the elven adventurer Alice? Could this just be a coincidence?

[Age 21: Klee's arrival brings a great deal of joy to your family, motivating you to work even harder. Though your alchemical skills are good, having only one arm significantly hampers your productivity, forcing you to work twice as hard to make ends meet.]

[Thankfully, your father still provides you with some financial help, but his age is catching up with him. You often urge him to rest more, but the stubborn old man works as hard as the younger miners.]

[You know he wants to earn extra money for your family. Whenever he sees his granddaughter, the hard wrinkles on his face soften into a smile.]

[Age 22: Tragedy strikes when your father loses his life in a mining accident. The mine's foreman, an old acquaintance of your father, gives you a generous compensation and offers you the position of demolition worker, with a decent wage.]

[Despite your hatred of explosives, you accept the job to support your family.]

[Even though years have passed since you last handled explosives, your skills haven't dulled. In fact, you realize you still enjoy the process of creating explosions—especially the satisfaction you feel when your work goes off perfectly.]

[Age 23: You excel at your job, even surpassing your father. You dream of earning enough money to move your family to the city and give them a better life.]

[Age 24: A strange woman named "Alice" arrives in your village. She introduces herself as an adventurer. You've never seen such a beautiful woman, but of course, your love for your wife is unwavering, and you have no inappropriate thoughts.]

[Alice takes an interest in your village and approaches the village chief with wild ideas, like capturing Hilichurls as labor or using Hydro Slimes for irrigation.]

[She even visits your home, where you're surprised to find her fluency in sign language is better than yours. She easily converses with Virginia and takes a liking to your daughter, Klee. Alice mentions that she, too, has a newborn daughter who is being raised in Mondstadt by the Knights of Favonius.]

[One night, after finishing your work, you encounter an unprecedented rainstorm on your way home. Upon reaching the village, you find Alice helping evacuate villagers due to a massive mudslide triggered by the rain.]

[You immediately rush to save your wife and daughter. Thankfully, your house is far from the village, so it should be safe from the mudslide.]

[But just as you approach your home, only a few hundred meters away, the mudslide finally crashes down, roaring toward the village.]

[At that moment, you witness something unbelievable—Alice hovering in mid-air, flames dancing in her hands, illuminating the night as if it were day.]

[She fires a series of explosive fireballs at the mountainside, triggering a massive explosion. The blast is the most incredible explosion you've ever seen, far surpassing anything you've ever created.]

[However, the explosion redirects the mudslide—now it's barreling straight toward your home.]

[No sound, not the storm, the explosions, the rumbling mudslide, or even Klee's crying, can wake Virginia, who sleeps soundly in your home. You dash toward them in a frenzy, desperate to save your last remaining loved ones, but the relentless mudslide swallows them, along with you.]

[Talent "Try Again" activates.]

[Miraculously, you survive, but your wife and daughter are gone, buried by the mudslide. You hide in the shadows, watching Alice and the villagers recover their bodies from the wreckage.]

[They shouldn't have died. The one responsible for all of this is Alice! While you understand she did it to protect the villagers, your overwhelming grief and hatred consume you.]

[You vow revenge. However, you know you're no match for Alice. Her power far exceeds anything you could comprehend. But soon, a more "cruel" plan forms in your mind.]

[Alice mentioned that she has a newborn daughter. Your plan is to kidnap her child and make Alice feel the same pain of losing a loved one.]

[No one finds your "body," but everyone believes you're dead. After all, how could a one-armed man have survived such a catastrophic disaster?]

[You hide in the shadows, watching your family's funeral. In that moment, all your dreams of a happy future are shattered by the woman named Alice.]

[At night, after everyone has left, you stand alone before the graves of your wife and daughter, placing a four-leaf clover on their tombstones. Then, you turn and walk into the darkness.]

[Age 25: After the tragic events, you went into hiding in Mondstadt for a while. Although your family was gone, you still had a sizable amount of savings, enough to last you for quite some time.]

[During this period, you gathered a great deal of information, including about Alice's daughter, who was less than a year old and had been left in the care of the Knights of Favonius while Alice herself embarked on yet another journey.]

[To be honest, you started to doubt whether Alice truly cared about her daughter. If she didn't, your plan for revenge would be meaningless. Nevertheless, you decided to proceed—revenge had become the only thing keeping you alive.]

[Your plan wasn't just to kill Alice's daughter. That would be too simple. No, you intended to abduct her, raise her yourself, and teach her from a young age that Alice was her mother's killer.]

[Once she grew up, you'd ensure she would seek vengeance on Alice. Whether Alice or her daughter perished in the end, your revenge would be complete either way.]

[Of course, this plan was no easy task. Aside from abducting Alice's daughter from the heavily guarded Knights of Favonius, there was another, larger problem—how to conceal her identity.]

[The traits of the elf race are far too distinctive. With Alice's vast network and connections within the Knights, finding an elven baby wouldn't be difficult.]

[Fortunately, while studying alchemy, you had stumbled upon a formula for a potion that could temporarily suppress the elven bloodline, making the child appear human for a certain period.]

[You didn't have time to wait any longer. With each day Alice's daughter grew older, the likelihood of your plan's success dwindled.]

[After preparing everything, you made one final decision—you destroyed your own face. Although Alice believed you had died in the mudslide, she still remembered your face.]

[Using alchemical compounds, you burned your throat and half of your face. The physical pain meant nothing; the psychological torment had long since numbed you. With this "new appearance," you wandered through the village, confirming that not even the villagers could recognize you before you began the first phase of your plan.]

[You had already memorized the patrol schedule of the Knights of Favonius. On a stormy night, under the cover of thunder and lightning, you used a specially prepared sedative to knock out the freshly rotated guard before sneaking into the Knights' headquarters.]

[It didn't take long to locate the room where Alice's daughter was being kept, thanks to the cute nameplate Alice had designed for her child's door—an ironic aid in your mission.]

[As expected, the door was protected by some sort of magical seal, allowing only certain individuals to open it.]

[But you had no intention of using the door.]

[With your extensive experience in alchemy, you had crafted micro-explosives that could blow a hole in the wall without harming the room inside.]

[You timed the explosion with the next lightning strike. As the deafening thunderclap echoed through the air, you detonated the charge.]

[Strangely, as you carried out this criminal act, you felt unnervingly calm, as if this operation had been rehearsed in your mind thousands of times.]

[You entered the nursery and finally saw your target—Alice's daughter, lying peacefully in her cradle. Her large crimson eyes and pointed ears confirmed her elven heritage.]

[What puzzled you was how, despite the raging storm outside and the explosion that had just gone off, the little one seemed completely unafraid.]

----

[Even when she saw your terrifying face, she giggled and reached out her tiny hands towards you. Holding her in your arms, your eyes couldn't help but grow a bit misty.]

[You thought of your own daughter, Klee. When she was just born, she was just as adorable as the baby in your arms. But now, she and her mother lie buried forever in the cold, dark earth.]

[By now, you could hear the urgent footsteps outside and the panicked voices of the knights, exactly as you anticipated. If a one-armed man could so easily infiltrate the Knights of Favonius, abduct a baby, and then escape without resistance, the Knights would have shut down a long time ago.]

[It was already difficult for you to escape alone, let alone with an infant. So, from the very beginning, you never intended to flee.]

[You took out the remote control you had prepared in advance. With the press of a button, half of the Knights of Favonius were instantly engulfed in a series of explosions. When you infiltrated earlier, you had placed controllable explosives at various locations precisely to create chaos.]

[Amidst the confusion, you blasted open a section of the wall and vanished into the stormy night with Alice's daughter. The heavy rain would wash away any traces you left behind. Carrying the infant, you returned to your residence.]

[The first thing you did upon returning was to feed the baby a specially prepared potion. Just as expected, under the effects of the medicine, the baby's pointed ears gradually took on a human shape, and her crimson eyes slowly faded into a normal black.]

[You finally let out a sigh of relief. Of course, you knew in your heart that this was merely the first step in your plan for revenge. It wasn't the simplest step, but it certainly wasn't the hardest.]

[You did not choose to flee Mondstadt; sometimes, the most dangerous place is the safest. From this day on, you assumed a new identity: that of a single father raising a daughter alone.]

[As for Alice's daughter, perhaps in memory of your deceased child, you named her—Klee.]

Reading this part, Lucas finally understood.

So that's the true origin of "Klee."

[Raising a baby wasn't difficult for you; after all, you had done it once before. However, Klee seemed far more energetic than an ordinary infant. It took quite a bit of effort to finally get her to sleep peacefully.]

[As you gazed at her sweet, smiling face, your emotions grew complicated. You hated Alice for what she did, for causing the death of your family, but what crime did this child commit?]

[Nevertheless, the urge for revenge quickly erased the last bit of compassion in your heart. Gently stroking Klee's cheek, a cold smile spread across your face as you murmured, "Sleep tight, little one. When you wake next, you'll already be my tool for revenge."]

[Just as you expected, the explosion at the Knights of Favonius made headlines across Mondstadt the next day. The incident resulted in three deaths and twenty-three injuries. Because it occurred in the early morning when few knights were present, and due to the heavy rain that quickly extinguished the fires caused by the blasts, the damage was contained.]

[You no longer feel any guilt for those victims. You know that while you were the demon who harmed them, it was Alice who created that demon.]

[As for Alice's daughter, now known as "Klee," her disappearance became an unsolved mystery. Some speculated she perished in the explosion, as her nursery was completely obliterated. Such a tiny and fragile baby might have been blown to pieces, leaving no remains behind.]

[It is said that upon hearing the news, Alice immediately returned to Mondstadt. You were tempted to secretly observe her, curious about the expression she would wear upon learning her daughter's fate.]

[However, you restrained yourself—you had to. There could be no mistakes in your plan for revenge.]

[Alice insisted her daughter was still alive and even demanded the Knights of Favonius search every infant in Mondstadt.]

[However, this request was denied by Grand Master Varka. Mondstadt is a city of freedom, and they could not infringe on the rights of its citizens for the sake of one individual. Nevertheless, he promised that any information about her daughter would be thoroughly investigated.]

[Of course, everyone knew this was merely a gesture to comfort Alice; the likelihood of the infant surviving was practically nil.]

[Instead of searching for the baby, Grand Master Varka was more focused on finding the culprit behind the explosion. It was an unambiguous act of provocation against the Knights of Favonius, and if the perpetrator remained unknown, the entire city would be plunged into fear.]

[As a newcomer to Mondstadt with a baby, you naturally fell under suspicion. However, your daughter was not an "elf," and how could a one-armed man be responsible for orchestrating such a terrifying explosion? You were quickly cleared of any suspicion.]

[Ultimately, the explosion became another unsolved case, and Alice soon set off again, this time not for an adventure but to travel across Teyvat in search of her daughter.]

[This was just as you had planned. Perhaps Alice never expected that the one who had taken her daughter would be living right under her nose, residing in Mondstadt itself.]

[Age 26: Klee's development has been going smoothly. She has no memory of her life before being taken, and you have fully assumed the role of her father, weaving a detailed backstory for your broken family.]

[You claim to have been residents of a distant village, displaced by a great fire that also caused the burn scars on your face. You tell Klee that her mother died in that fire.]

[When Klee was old enough to understand, you began to plant the seeds of a past that never existed: that the one who set the fire and killed her mother was an evil witch.]

[Being a single father isn't easy, especially when raising a child requires a lot of money. Not to mention the costs of acquiring ingredients for the potions needed to suppress Klee's elven bloodline.]

[You had no intention of depleting your savings and decided to rely on your skills to make a living.]

[At this time in Mondstadt, "alchemy" had begun to influence the lives of its residents. From materials for adventurers to refine their equipment, to useful tools and potions, demand for alchemical products was on the rise.]

[Using your remaining savings, you opened a small alchemy shop in a corner of the city, selling alchemical products and taking on custom orders.]

[Your alchemy skills were exceptional, and business thrived. The only drawback was your one-armed state. Even though your theoretical knowledge and practical skills were unparalleled, your efficiency was greatly hindered.]

[So, you decided to hire an assistant. However, this proved to be no easy task. You interviewed many, but none met your standards.]

[Indeed, your criteria were stringent. First, the assistant needed to have sufficient talent and passion for alchemy. You had no desire to waste time teaching someone incompetent.]

[Second, they needed to be simple-minded. You couldn't risk anyone suspecting your and Klee's identities.]

[Third, they had to be diligent—no laziness would be tolerated.]

[And fourth, the most practical requirement: their salary expectations needed to be low. After all, gaining knowledge and hands-on experience from you was already generous compensation.]

[Just when you were considering lowering your standards, a timid, green-haired beast-eared girl with glasses walked into your shop.]

[You were no stranger to her; she had often visited your shop and seemed to genuinely appreciate your products. You initially thought she was there to buy something again, but to your surprise, she shyly asked if she could apply for the assistant position.]

[You weren't particularly interested in the young girl but agreed to conduct a brief interview.]

[To your astonishment, she answered every alchemical question with ease. Her personality also seemed simple and even somewhat reclusive, which was ideal; such people were good at keeping secrets.]

[What intrigued you most was her salary request—she was willing to work for free. All she wanted was for you to teach her some knowledge during her time as your assistant and, within reason, to assist her in her own research.]

[Thus, you officially signed an internship contract with the peculiar girl named "Sucrose."]

Well, well—it turned out to be Sucrose.

Sorry, Albedo.

Not only did I take your little sister, but I've also snatched your assistant!

[To your delight, Sucrose indeed possessed a remarkable talent for alchemy. As a student, she was both intelligent and extremely patient.]

[You might be a villain who abandoned all principles for the sake of revenge, but that didn't stop you from being a dedicated teacher to your student.]

[Of course, there was also an element of self-interest in this. You could see that Sucrose's potential was no less than your own, and she was delving into a field of alchemy—biological alchemy—that you had scarcely explored.]

[You believed that one day, her achievements would be at your disposal!]

[Age 27: You celebrated Klee's birthday. Naturally, you didn't know her actual birth date, so you used your own daughter's birthday as Klee's.]

[The little one is already three years old—smart and adorable. You often see your own daughter in her, but deep down, you know she is the daughter of your enemy. Yet, to Klee, you are her father, the only family she has in this world.]

[Every month, you administer a potion to suppress her elf bloodline, lying to her that she has a congenital illness and needs to take the medicine regularly.]

[On the other hand, with Sucrose's help, your alchemy shop has become quite successful. Your initial decision proved correct—Sucrose is not only hardworking and eager to learn, but also very innocent, showing little interest in anything outside of alchemy.]

[She never asked about your past or your daughter; she simply focused all her energy on learning and working.]

[Even though Sucrose insisted on not needing a salary, you still paid her a fair wage—you didn't want to lose such a perfect assistant.]

[Sometimes, when she overworked herself, you even insisted that she take a break. However, not even halfway through her vacation, she would often return to the shop, unable to stay away. For her, a break without alchemy was a punishment.]

[Age 28: Alice returns to Mondstadt every year. Although she continues her search for her daughter, she knows deep down that it's only a way to console herself. You secretly observed her once and noticed the absence of her usual smile.]

[Her sorrowful expression brought a rare smile to your face, but it still wasn't enough. You eagerly awaited the day when your revenge would finally come to fruition.]

[In the blink of an eye, Klee turned four. Although her elf bloodline was suppressed, her talent and wit were impossible to conceal. To avoid exposing her identity, you couldn't allow her to attend school like an ordinary child.]

[You devised a "Revenge Training Program" for Klee. From an early age, you taught her how to concoct and use explosives, telling her that everything she was learning was to one day avenge her mother.]

[As for Sucrose, she remained the same—devoted to learning what you taught and continuing her research in biological alchemy.]

[However, you noticed she had a peculiar hobby: collecting bones.]

[And these weren't finely crafted bone artifacts; they were fresh, unprocessed bones, still bloody and fleshy.]

[The bones came from the meat market, hunters, or even adventurers from the Adventurers' Guild. She once issued a commission requesting adventurers to collect monster bones for her.]

[Whether from animals or monsters, all sorts of bones were within her collection scope. Once, she even acquired a complete Hilichurl leg bone.]

[If not for the Mondstadt Alchemists' Guild's strict prohibition against using human materials in biological alchemy, you might have suspected Sucrose would attempt to get a skeleton from the Treasure Hoarders.]

[You couldn't tell if this was a personal interest or purely for research, but you didn't interfere. In fact, you occasionally helped her find interesting bones.]

[When you gifted her the skull of a Mora Weasel, the usually shy Sucrose was so thrilled she gave you a hug.]

[Age 29: Sucrose's research in the field of "biological alchemy" advanced further. Truthfully, you no longer had much to teach her, but for some reason, she remained at your shop.]

[Perhaps, for her, the peace of the alchemy lab and the understanding presence of a teacher and colleague were more valuable than anything else.]

[Possibly due to the fact that your late wife was deaf, you had always been a man of few words. In this, you and Sucrose shared a similarity, and over time, you developed an unspoken rapport.]

[You noticed she had started to change—occasionally asking about you. Though your heart had long been closed off, you still yearned for someone to confide in.]

[Sucrose proved to be a great listener. You told her about your past with Virginia: your childhood friendship, your memories in the humble lab, and the time you first shared a forbidden moment after drinking an old bottle of wine.]

[During one of these casual conversations, without thinking, you mentioned to Sucrose, "You remind me of Virginia when you stay silent all day."]

[Sucrose's cheeks immediately flushed red. Realizing that your words might have been inappropriate, you worried that it could be perceived as harassment and feared that Sucrose might resign.]

[To your surprise, later that evening, Sucrose returned to the shop, panting as if she had run the whole way. She even brought a bottle of Dandelion Wine, nervously explaining that she was happy to be compared to Virginia. She hoped to help you recall more memories of your late wife, and that was why she wanted to drink with you.]

[Sucrose's kindness and warmth caused a rare feeling of warmth in your cold heart. You accepted her suggestion, figuring that since Dandelion Wine had a low alcohol content, it wouldn't hurt to accept her good intentions.]

[It was the first time since the tragedy that you had shared a drink with someone. You had tried many times before to numb your pain with alcohol, but it never worked.]

[Perhaps due to the alcohol, you and Sucrose spoke more than usual. As the conversation flowed, you found yourselves drawing closer and closer.]

[Oddly, your consciousness began to blur.]

[Switching to immersive mode]

"Ugh…"

Lucas felt a headache, similar to the sensation of a hangover.

When he regained some awareness, he was surprised to find himself in the alchemy lab of the shop.

There were two labs in the shop: one upstairs for regular work and another in the basement, known only to him and Sucrose, for conducting more advanced research.

Lucas attempted to stand but was shocked to discover that his arm and legs were numb.

"Don't worry. It's just a neurotoxin I developed," came a soft voice as glasses glinted in the darkness. Sucrose stepped into the light, smiling gently. "By morning, the effects will wear off, and you'll forget everything that happened."

"Sucrose..." Lucas felt a surge of unease as he spoke. "What are you trying to do?"

"Don't worry, boss. I won't hurt you," Sucrose crouched down beside him, her eyes behind her glasses soft and gentle. "I just want to help you... I've discovered a way to regenerate your lost arm."

"That's impossible..." Lucas shook his head, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Even alchemy can't achieve something like that."

"But isn't alchemy supposed to be the science of creating miracles?" Sucrose's eyes glowed with a bright intensity. "I've been researching 'biological alchemy,' and I've managed to create a graftable arm. However, to prevent rejection, I need one final 'material.'"

"W-What material?" Lucas seemed to have a realization.

"That would be... your genetic material," Sucrose blushed, a rosy hue spreading across her cheeks.

Absolutely not!

"Sucrose, calm down," Lucas pleaded quickly. "Setting aside whether this experiment will succeed, if it's just genetic material you need, I... I can do it myself."

To be honest, Lucas had always found it strange in fantasy martial arts novels. Why is it that even the protagonists who are immune to all poisons somehow fall victim to aphrodisiacs? And not only that, but they always require a woman's help to 'cure' it.

What, don't they have hands?

The skills passed down by our ancestors—aren't they quicker and more efficient than relying on a woman?

"It's not possible," Sucrose adjusted her glasses, her expression remaining calm. "Logically speaking, with only one hand, it's impossible to simultaneously produce genetic material and collect it in a container. If it's not collected immediately, it will be contaminated."

Is that logical?

That's very logical!

Lucas realized he had overlooked an important detail: the simulator version of himself, due to the earlier explosion, only had one arm.

If he had two arms, he could simply use the other hand to hold the container nearby.

Collecting with only one hand was about as challenging as Yang Guo from The Return of the Condor Heroes trying to draw a bow and hunt with just one arm.

"Sucrose, this isn't a joke. Are you really... planning to do this?"

Lucas wanted to resist, but his body, paralyzed by Sucrose's neurotoxin, was completely immobile. However, aside from his arms and legs, the rest of his body remained fully sensitive.

"Boss, you must miss your wife, don't you?" Sucrose gently cupped Lucas's face, her gaze filled with tender affection. "I've seen everything you've gone through over these years. No one understands you better than I do. Let me repay you... in this way."

----

Sucrose was a simple and pure-hearted girl; aside from her research in alchemy, she had little interest in anything else.

And Lucas was her guide on the path of alchemy. Over the years, her respect and admiration for him had slowly evolved into more complex emotions, simmering silently beneath the surface.

Of course, Sucrose dared to be so bold this time because she had laced the dandelion wine with a potion called "Forget-Me Powder," which completely erased the user's memories for the next twelve hours.

However, what Sucrose didn't know was that due to his long history of using his own body for alchemical experiments, Lucas had developed a resistance to most alchemical drugs. For him, the Forget-Me Powder only erased six hours of memory.

Sucrose had been studying biological alchemy for years, which naturally required frequent observation of living organisms. As a result, she had acquired some knowledge in that area. 

Though not entirely proficient, the process was ultimately successful.

When a person loses their sight, their hearing becomes more sensitive. In Lucas's case, with his limbs numb, the sensitivity in the rest of his body was heightened.

Even though Sucrose's "collection technique" was not particularly professional, she handled the task skillfully and didn't waver for a moment.

Perhaps worried about insufficient materials, after allowing Lucas to rest for a while, Sucrose began a second round of collection.

Since it was the second attempt, the pace was slower, but Sucrose showed great patience. Despite the fine sheen of sweat on her forehead, she didn't stop.

Luckily, although the second collection yielded less than the first, it wasn't without results.

Sucrose considered a third round, but after seeing Lucas tired, she reluctantly decided to stop.

"Please rest well, boss," Sucrose said, carefully storing the DNA she had collected, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I won't waste your efforts."

Watching Sucrose leave, Lucas felt conflicted.

This girl really thought he would forget everything by the next day.

[Switching to text mode]

[The next day, when you wake up, the effects of the neurotoxin have indeed worn off, but you haven't forgotten the events of the previous night.]

[When you return to the shop, Sucrose has already been there for a while, brewing potions. Upon seeing you, her face reddens slightly, though she doesn't reveal the truth. She merely says that you passed out after drinking too much, and she moved you to the lab to rest.]

[Faced with Sucrose's clumsy lie, you decide…]

[1. Reveal the truth.]

[2. Pretend not to know.]

Uh...

After a moment of hesitation, Lucas chose the second option.

If he revealed the truth, given Sucrose's shy nature, she would likely feel so embarrassed that she would resign. And right now, he couldn't afford to lose such a good assistant.

Let's just treat what happened last night as a "beautiful mistake."

[You pretend not to remember anything, telling Sucrose with a helpless smile that you have no memory of what happened. You notice a look of relief cross her face.]

[However, with the DNA you provided, Sucrose's experiment proceeds smoothly. A week later, she brings a "limb" to you.]

[It is an arm that looks almost exactly like a human arm. However, you quickly realize that it is an alchemical creation, synthesized using the tissues of various monsters. Its bones are from a Hilichurl Berserker.]

[In the past, you always wondered why Sucrose was so keen on collecting monster bones. Now, you understand—she had been searching for suitable materials to create an arm for you all along.]

[You had previously tried using alchemy to compensate for your physical shortcomings, but the process proved unexpectedly arduous. The most challenging step was dealing with the severe rejection response between the inorganic alchemical arm and the human body.]

[Moreover, attempting to connect human nerves to an alchemical arm is a delicate and precise operation. It's nearly impossible to maintain a calm and precise state of mind for such a nerve connection while enduring extreme pain.]

[However, the bio-alchemical arm Sucrose created perfectly resolved this first issue. Of course, you pretended not to know that the reason the arm did not reject your body was because it contained your genetic material.]

[As for the nerve connection surgery, you left that to Sucrose. The process was excruciating, as you had to verify the connections by feeling pain to ensure each nerve was linked correctly without anesthesia.]

[But you endured it. After an entire afternoon, the surgery was completed, and the towel soaked with your sweat was wrung out into a small bucket.]

[Having been without an arm for so long, it was difficult to adjust to the sensation of having one again. However, as you watched the fingers tremble slightly, your heart surged with emotion.]

[This arm would not only pave the way for your revenge but also allow you to appear in front of Alice without revealing your identity.]

[In Alice's perception, you were long dead, and even though you had concealed your identity with disfigurement, your missing arm was still too conspicuous. Someone as clever as Alice would easily notice the inconsistency.]

[But now, even Alice would never believe that not only were you still alive, but you had also regained your arm.]

[You expressed your gratitude to Sucrose, but she insisted that she should be the one thanking you. Without you, she would never have had the opportunity to make a breakthrough in biological alchemy. Of course, you both kept your own secrets.]

[The person happiest about this development was Klee. Her reason for joy tugged at your heartstrings: "Now, Daddy can hold Klee in both arms, just like other kids get hugged by their dads. Yay!"]

[You gave Klee a full embrace, knowing that it might be the last bit of gentleness you could offer her.]

[Age 30: Time has passed, and you are now thirty. Perhaps due to the constant experiments you conducted on your body over the years, your physical functions show no signs of aging.]

[To avoid scaring others with the burnt half of your face, you habitually wear a mask to cover it. The exposed half of your face, surprisingly, shows no signs of age.]

[Sucrose was the one who noticed this. One day, while organizing inventory, she stumbled upon your wedding photo with your late wife. She expressed her surprise, noting that you looked almost the same as in the photo, which had been taken at least over a decade ago.]

[While you found this curious, you didn't dwell on it. Perhaps alchemy had silently altered your body structure, or even caused serious side effects, but you had no way to turn back.]

[One day, the Goth Grand Hotel was targeted in an explosion, resulting in one death and four serious injuries. The authorities had yet to find any clues regarding the perpetrator.]

[The headline on the newspaper brought a faint smile to your lips. The one responsible was not you, but Klee.]

[This marked the beginning of the second phase of your revenge plan: shaping Klee into the perfect "criminal."]

[At just six years old, Klee's talent for explosives far surpassed your own. She could even independently create a bouncing bomb she called the "Jumpy Dumpty."]

[You created a storybook called Brave Klee vs. the Demon King, where Klee became a tiny hero who had to pass through many challenges to ultimately defeat the final Demon King—the one who killed her mother.]

[The so-called "challenges" were criminal plans you specifically tailored for Klee.]

[Covered in soot, Klee returned to you with a triumphant grin. "Daddy! Brave Klee completed her first mission! Am I... super amazing?"]

["Of course. Brave Klee has taken her first step to defeat the Demon King. She used her bomb to destroy one of the bandit hideouts under his control." You opened the first page of the storybook and marked it with a cross.]

[The illustrations were drawn in a charming, storybook style: Klee used her bombs to blow up a bandit hideout. The bandits were launched into the air with their pants on fire, running around comically, full of childlike innocence.]

[The reality, however, was that the people Klee blew up were beyond recognition, and the severely injured were covered in third-degree burns, destined to live the rest of their lives in suffering.]

[Alice, are you seeing this? Your precious daughter is being shaped into a demon, step by step. You can hardly wait to see Alice's reaction when she learns the truth.]

[For now, Klee is an innocent, blank slate, and you've just left the first stain upon it.]

[Of course, this is only the beginning. That blank slate will one day be filled with twisted depictions of crime.]

[To teach Klee more skills, you allow her to visit the shop and help out often. Sucrose, for her part, is more than happy to assist in caring for Klee.]

[However, Sucrose cannot fill the role of a mother. To Klee, she is more like a gentle, kind, yet quiet older sister.]

[Age 31: Over the year, Klee carried out several more criminal operations.]

[She set fire to the Mondstadt grain warehouses under the guise of the task "Burn the Demon King's Army's Provisions."]

[She blew off the head of Barbatos's statue, completing the task "Defeat the Demon King's Allies."]

[The reason you went through such lengths wasn't just to have Klee commit crimes but to cultivate her "nature."]

[Rather than simply turning Klee into a villain, you aimed to make her instinctively believe that all her "bad deeds" were justified—that they were prerequisites for defeating the "Demon King."]

[You planted the seeds of evil deep within Klee's subconscious, patiently waiting for them to blossom.]

[For Klee, the most exciting thing was completing the "missions" in her storybook. Every time she opened a new chapter, she was filled with exhilaration, as if she were one step closer to final victory.]

[Of course, your plan was top secret. You told Klee that all the actions of "Brave Klee" were classified; if a third person ever learned about them, she would never be able to defeat the Demon King, and the storybook detailing her great adventures—Brave Klee vs. the Demon King—would be destroyed.]

[Klee took this very seriously, vowing that she would keep the secret no matter what.]

[Age 32: Sucrose had now worked at your shop for six years, and you had watched her transform from a shy, young girl into a mature, intelligent woman.]

[Though she remained as quiet as ever, she had become much more composed, no longer blushing at every little thing.]

[Some new customers even mistook Sucrose for your wife and Klee's mother. Sucrose never confirmed these assumptions, but she never denied them either, always responding with a smile.]

[You aren't oblivious. Given the events of the past, it was clear to you that Sucrose had developed feelings for you. However, you couldn't reciprocate those feelings.]

[You understood that the end of your quest for revenge was destined to be tragic. Whether Alice or Klee survived, they would despise you once they learned the truth.]

[Of course, you felt no fear. As long as you could fulfill your revenge, you would accept death calmly and reunite with your wife and daughter in another world.]

[But Sucrose didn't need to be part of your revenge; she didn't deserve to sacrifice herself for your plan.]

[Age 33: Through your efforts with Klee, the nine-year-old had become the youngest criminal bomber in Mondstadt's history. Naturally, no one knew her true age; no one could believe that the perpetrator behind these explosive incidents was a girl under ten.]

[Nevertheless, Klee inevitably left behind some traces. Witnesses insisted that the criminal was a dwarf with severe antisocial tendencies.]

[Klee became a frequent figure on the Knights of Favonius' wanted list, with her bounty increasing year by year. She even earned the nickname—the "Evil Sun."]

[Age 34: Six months ago, Grand Master Varka led an elite unit of the Knights of Favonius on another expedition, leaving Mondstadt temporarily under the leadership of Dandelion Knight Jean.]

[Unlike the hearty and carefree Varka, Jean immediately began handling the accumulated cases upon assuming her temporary role, paying special attention to the "Evil Sun" and vowing to apprehend the culprit within three months.]

[Faced with Jean's challenge, you naturally wouldn't back down. You planned a major heist as a gift for Klee's tenth birthday.]

[While Klee usually carried out these operations alone, your workload was not light. Before each mission, you conducted reconnaissance, gathered intelligence, and meticulously planned every step. During the operation, you monitored the situation and kept watch. Afterward, you handled the cleanup, eliminating evidence.]

[In other words, if Klee were not a villain but a superhero like Batman, you would be her Alfred.]

[You devised an explosive heist targeting the "Sword of the Wind's Gift," a symbol of the Knights of Favonius. It was said that this sword had once belonged to the founder of the Knights, Vennessa. Stealing it would be a huge blow to the Knights' reputation.]

[The plan progressed smoothly. After all, you had bombed the Knights of Favonius headquarters ten years ago; this time was no different.]

[You even added a new page to the storybook, illustrating an adventure where Brave Klee infiltrates the Demon King's fortress to steal the Demon Sword.]

[It's worth mentioning that you seemed to have a natural talent for drawing. For you, drawing wasn't an art form but a mechanical process—merely replicating the world on paper.]

[Like a human camera, this talent allowed you to document alchemical materials efficiently. You also created a detailed map of Mondstadt to plan escape routes.]

[Klee was just as enthusiastic about this operation. From the bombs packed in her backpack, it was clear she was eager for action.]

[Just as you did ten years ago, you used an alchemical potion to put the guards to sleep. By now, Klee was an experienced criminal. She slipped into the Knights' headquarters with far more agility than you did in your first attempt.]

[After all, you were a novice back then, while Klee now had five years of criminal experience. Her intelligence and quick learning made her proficient at anything—even becoming a criminal.]

[You waited at the designated spot for Klee's exit. But after hearing the explosion, there was no sign of her, and a sense of dread gripped you.]

[You heard the sounds of combat beyond the wall and realized that this mission might have been anticipated by the Knights. Without hesitation, you blasted open the wall, ready to rescue her.]

[No matter what, you couldn't let Klee get hurt. She was the most crucial part of your revenge plan; even if you had to die, you couldn't afford for anything to happen to her!]

[Inside the vault, Jean was battling Klee. It was more of a one-sided chase than a fight. Against Jean's superb swordsmanship and her Vision, Klee stood no chance.]

[Because Klee was disguised, and the rumor was that the culprit was a dwarf, Jean didn't hold back.]

[Klee, despite her experience, rarely encountered such danger. All the bombs she threw were effortlessly neutralized by Jean's Wind Pressure Sword.]

[Seeing that Klee was in danger, you grabbed the Sword of the Wind's Gift from the pedestal and clashed with Jean. Seeing you wielding the Knights' sacred relic, Jean shouted in anger, "Put down the Sword! That sword is not for someone like you to wield!"]

[Jean wasn't just making empty threats. You could feel the sword rejecting you, but you gritted your teeth against the pain of wind blades cutting into your arm and continued to fight.]

[Though you weren't a swordmaster, you had practiced swordsmanship for some time to facilitate your criminal activities. Your physical condition was also far superior to that of an average person, thanks to the prolonged use of various alchemical potions.]

[The Sword of the Wind's Gift resisted your body, causing sharp pain as if your arm was being torn apart. Fortunately, your arm was an alchemical construct, much tougher than a regular limb. If it had been your original arm, it might have been severed by the wind blades already.]

[With your brute strength and the advantage of wielding the Sword of the Wind's Gift, you managed to fight Jean to a standstill. But you knew in your heart that if the battle dragged on and other Knights of Favonius arrived, both you and Klee would be doomed.]

[So, you decided to go all out and use your trump card, which you had prepared long ago.]

[Your most powerful weapon was, of course, explosives. But in such an intense battle, there was no opportunity to throw a bomb. Besides, using an explosive at such close range would mean mutual destruction for both you and Jean.]

[You deliberately exposed a weakness, leaving your arm holding the Sword of the Wind's Gift wide open. Jean, not one to miss such an opportunity, immediately swung her sword and severed your arm.]

[With her focus on retrieving the Sword of the Wind's Gift, Jean instinctively reached for the severed arm still gripping the weapon. But at that moment, you activated the mechanism you had prepared in advance.]

["Goodbye, Acting Grand Master Jean!" The severed arm began to emit a rapid beeping sound. Before Jean could react, the arm exploded, engulfing her in the blast.]

[Indeed, you had implanted a powerful miniature bomb inside the alchemical arm, precisely for such an emergency.]

["Daddy, you're amazing!" Klee leapt into your arms, her face full of admiration. "Daddy's bomb is even stronger than Klee's!"]

[You patted Klee's head, preparing to flee with her immediately. However, just as you turned to leave, a sudden chill ran down your spine—a sharp blade pierced through your chest from behind.]

[You hadn't overestimated the power of your own creation; you had underestimated the resilience of a Vision wielder.]

[Jean, though missing half an arm and covered in blood, had still mustered the strength to drive her sword through your chest.]

["You won't escape!" Jean growled coldly, her face pale. "The Knights of Favonius, entrusted to me by Grand Master Varka—I will protect them... no matter what!"]

----

[At that moment, other members of the Knights of Favonius surged in, surrounding you and Klee completely. You felt a chill run through your body, and your breathing became labored. You could clearly feel the blade piercing your lung.]

["Run, I'll hold them off..." you whispered to Klee with the last of your strength. "Remember, don't forget our promise—you must defeat... the Demon King..."]

[Even if you die, you cannot let your revenge plan end here.]

[You thought this mistake would cost you your life, but to your surprise, Klee's ears suddenly grew pointed, and her eyes turned a deep, blood-red. A Vision, glowing with flames, appeared in front of her out of thin air.]

["You won't... bully Daddy!" A powerful and oppressive force erupted from within Klee. You couldn't tell whether it was from her newly awakened Vision or from her long-suppressed elf bloodline.]

[The last image you saw before losing consciousness was of a perfect explosion—one just like the one Alice had used years ago to blast the mountainside, tearing your family apart.]

[When you regained a sliver of consciousness, you found yourself back in the secret alchemy lab at your home. Through a haze, you saw Sucrose performing surgery on you, while Klee anxiously waited nearby.]

[It took three days before you fully regained consciousness. To your surprise, not only were you still alive, but your wounds had already healed significantly.]

[During those three days, Sucrose and Klee had remained by your side. When you finally awoke, Sucrose explained what had happened.]

[After Klee awakened her Vision, she couldn't control its power, resulting in a massive explosion. Seizing the opportunity created by the blast, she managed to drag your nearly lifeless body back.]

[Fortunately, Sucrose was in the shop at the time. Seeing you severely injured and Klee in full combat gear, she seemed to understand what was happening. She didn't report you to the authorities; instead, she used her biological alchemy techniques to pull you back from the brink of death.]

[You were amazed at Sucrose's incredible skill, as she managed to save you from such severe injuries. However, Sucrose explained with a complicated expression that this was actually her first time using her biological alchemy techniques for treating wounds. Your survival and rapid recovery were simply a stroke of luck.]

[The joy of being alive did not last long, as you now faced a bigger problem. Sucrose had discovered your and Klee's secret. Though she was quiet and reserved, she was not foolish.]

[Knowing there was no point in hiding anything, you decided to tell Sucrose everything while Klee was still unconscious.]

[You told her about how your wife and daughter had died at Alice's hands, how you kidnapped Klee to aid in your revenge, and how, once it was all over, you intended to end your own life.]

[Perhaps it was because you had kept this secret for so long that finally revealing it brought you an unexpected sense of relief.]

[You gave Sucrose two options. First, you would provide her with a large sum of money so she could leave Mondstadt and forever keep your secret. Second, you would kill her—dead people can never reveal secrets.]

[Not killing Sucrose immediately was the greatest mercy you could offer. You assumed she would choose the first option, but instead, she gave you a third answer.]

[Sucrose told you that she was willing to assist you in your revenge plan. She pointed out that you and Klee would likely face similar dangers in the future, and she could ensure your safety.]

[However, Sucrose also made a demand of her own: after the revenge was complete, you could not take your own life. Instead, you had to take her and Klee, leave Mondstadt, and live a life far away.]

[When you asked Sucrose why she would do such a thing—why, at her young age, she would sacrifice so much for a villain like you—she replied, blushing, "Isn't the reason obvious by now?" She continued, "I know that six years ago, on that night... you didn't actually lose your memory, did you?"]

[Sucrose's answer took you by surprise. Faced with the third option she proposed, your choice is…]

[1. Refuse]

[2. Accept]

[3. Kill Sucrose]

Killing Sucrose seems a bit too much!

Lucas pondered for a moment. In the simulator, choices related to "goodness" usually don't end well.

But this time, Sucrose was offering to join him in evil deeds. So, agreeing to her terms might actually work out. Besides, even if the outcome is just surviving by scraping by, it's better than committing suicide after getting revenge.

"I accept!"

[You agree to Sucrose's proposal. When you nod, Sucrose slowly adjusts her glasses, the lenses reflecting a flash of light reminiscent of Detective Conan.]

["Now that you've allowed me to join, I want to be involved in all future actions," Sucrose declares, exuding an aura of reliability you've never seen before. "And no matter what, both you and Klee must prioritize your own safety during operations."]

[You remind Sucrose once again that joining you means becoming your accomplice—not just committing crimes, but absolutely harming others. For someone as kind-hearted as Sucrose, this might be the hardest barrier to overcome.]

[However, Sucrose calmly replies, saying that when you peel away the skin, all humans are just lumps of flesh. To her, most humans are simply organic beings—except for you, you are different.]

[You're not sure what makes you different, but you're surprised to discover that this is the real Sucrose. It's no wonder that, despite her young age, she's already excelling in the niche field of biological alchemy.]

[In her eyes, whether it's humans or other creatures, they're just "objects" composed of bones, muscles, and organs combined in various ways.]

[As you recover from your injuries, you learn more about the situation outside. The "Evil Sun" had been discovered by Acting Grand Master Jean while infiltrating the Knights of Favonius, resulting in a massive explosion during the conflict.]

[This explosion was even more terrifying and destructive than the one from ten years ago, leaving fifty-seven injured and thirteen dead. Jean, as well as the Cavalry Captain Kaeya, the Outrider Amber, and the Guerrilla Captain Eula, all sustained injuries of varying severity. Jean herself lost an arm in the blast.]

[You know this incident will definitely have severe consequences, but Klee's growth still fills you with a sense of satisfaction.]

[The Pyro Vision appeared because Klee's desire to protect you was so strong.]

[However, the only benefit Klee sees from acquiring the Vision is that it allows her to create even more powerful bombs with ease.]

[This dangerous encounter didn't scare her; instead, it made her even more determined to become stronger so she could protect her father.]

[The only troublesome issue is that, possibly due to the forced activation of her elf bloodline, the potions you previously made can no longer fully suppress her bloodline. What used to last a month now only lasts a week, and if Klee becomes emotionally agitated, the effects might wear off prematurely.]

[As a result, you have to increase the frequency of her doses to prevent any accidents.]

[The first thing Sucrose did after treating your wounds was to prepare a new alchemical arm for you. By now, it was a routine task for her.]

[Of course, she still needed your DNA, since the last sample was collected years ago and could no longer be used.]

[However, this time, Sucrose did not anesthetize you. She opted for a more standard method, and just when you felt relieved that she didn't perform two consecutive extractions like last time, she suddenly smiled and told you, "To enhance your body, I might need more genetic material for research. The collection frequency will be about three to four times per week."]

[You thought Sucrose was joking until you noticed that she had set up a bed in the secret lab and began her schedule of forced genetic collection—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on odd weeks; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on even weeks; and no rest on Sundays. It was then that you started to suspect—]

[Could this be Sucrose's true motive for willingly becoming your accomplice?]

[Nevertheless, the new arm Sucrose created exceeded your expectations. This time, she used a Geovishap's bones as the arm's skeleton and reinforced the skin with Dvalin's scales.]

[You were curious about how she managed to obtain such precious alchemical materials until she showed you the grant she received for publishing her alchemy research papers at the Sumeru Academia, which left you speechless.]

[Of course, many of those papers contained your contributions. Unlike Sucrose, your strength in alchemy isn't theoretical but practical.]

[As you predicted, once Jean regained consciousness, she immediately ordered a thorough investigation throughout Mondstadt, focusing especially on single fathers with daughters and one-armed men.]

[It seemed that although your identity hadn't been exposed, Jean had still gathered some critical clues.]

[Being a single father with a daughter made you a prime suspect. Fortunately, the arm you "grew" just in time, along with the reputation you had built up over the years, helped you quickly clear your name.]

[After all, who could believe that the sweet and angelic Klee could be the same little demon who blows up everything in sight, leaving chaos in her wake?]

[Age 35: Upon learning about the explosion at the Knights of Favonius, Alice immediately returned to Mondstadt. Perhaps the similarities between this incident and the explosion ten years ago, when her daughter was abducted, prompted her swift return.]

[However, to your surprise, Alice didn't take any action. Instead, she placed a long-overdue obituary notice in the most prominent section of the newspaper.]

[In the notice, Alice finally acknowledged her daughter's death and announced her intention to establish a school for underprivileged children and orphans, funded entirely by her, as a tribute to her deceased daughter.]

[You don't understand why Alice would do such a thing, but you heard some rumors. Some say Alice intends to choose an adoptive daughter through this method, hoping to fill the void left by her lost child.]

[Honestly, you don't quite believe the rumor. Alice is an elf of great strength and resilience, both physically and mentally. If she truly intended to find an adoptive daughter to replace Klee, wouldn't that mean she had completely given up on finding her biological daughter and had admitted defeat?]

[This development makes you uneasy, as your entire plan for revenge hinges on Alice's love for her daughter. If her affection for Klee transfers to someone else, the impact of your revenge would be greatly diminished.]

[You are a calm person, but anything that could affect your revenge is unacceptable.]

[Sucrose, who has known you for years, notices your unease. You don't hide it from her and share your concerns. After a moment of contemplation, Sucrose proposes a rather bold idea.]

[She suggests sending Klee to attend Alice's newly founded school to investigate whether the rumor of her seeking an adoptive daughter is true. If it's false, then there's no issue. But if it's true... Klee might become Alice's target of choice.]

[You know that this suggestion is not only bold but also extremely risky. Even if you suppress Klee's elf bloodline with potions, it's uncertain whether it will be enough to fool Alice, who is incredibly perceptive.]

[However, if Klee really does become Alice's adoptive daughter, then when you eventually reveal the truth and Klee inevitably betrays her, wouldn't Alice suffer twice the pain?]

[The purpose of your life is to make Alice feel agony. Even though the risk is enormous, the thought of the potential satisfaction when you achieve your revenge makes it seem like a gamble worth taking.]

[While waiting for Alice to establish her school, an unexpected guest arrives at your shop—Acting Grand Master Jean.]

[After the explosion incident, Jean had been recovering from her injuries. When she appears before you again, you can hardly believe your eyes.]

[Her body is marked by visible burn scars, and the once beautiful face now bears a noticeable burn mark. The most striking injury, however, is her missing left arm.]

[Jean, who was once Mondstadt's golden girl and the dream of countless young men, now looks like a soulless shell.]

[Could she have found a clue and come for revenge? Standing behind the counter, you prepare a weapon hidden beneath it, but Jean politely asks if Sucrose is working in your shop.]

[Though puzzled, you call for Sucrose. To your surprise, Jean's purpose for coming is to ask if Sucrose could use her biological alchemy skills to restore her right arm.]

[Sucrose immediately refuses. Biological alchemy involving humans is strictly prohibited in Mondstadt, and besides, the person making the request is the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.]

[Jean pleads once more, explaining that as a knight sworn to protect Mondstadt, losing the arm that wields her sword is worse than death.]

[You seize the opportunity, suggesting that you could try to restore her arm, but in exchange, you want a position in the Knights of Favonius, using their resources to study alchemy.]

[It's a reasonable request, and it isn't difficult for Jean to fulfill. Though she is usually upright and impartial, she is not entirely inflexible, especially when the Knights are indeed planning to establish an alchemy division.]

[The deal is struck, and Sucrose begins preparing for the surgery. Though she is already skilled in this type of procedure, she pretends it's her first time to avoid raising suspicion.]

[While waiting, Klee emerges from the back room. When she sees Jean, her face instantly shows fear, and she hides behind you.]

[Jean's expression turns melancholic, assuming that her frightening appearance has scared the adorable girl. But you know the real reason—because of their previous battle, Jean now ranks in Klee's top three "least wanted to see" people.]

It seems that, whether in reality or the simulator, Jean is always Klee's greatest threat.

[The arm transplant surgery proceeds smoothly. Unlike you, however, Jean struggles with the movement of her new arm, which remains quite stiff. But to her, regaining an arm is already an incredible blessing.]

[A smile finally appears on Jean's face as she expresses her gratitude to you and Sucrose once again, completely unaware that the "savior" before her is the very person who caused her to lose her arm.]

[Jean keeps her promise, and you soon obtain a position in the Knights of Favonius—Chief Alchemist. Of course, you are currently the only member of the newly established alchemy division.]

Reading this part, Lucas realizes something is off.

In his memory, the person who should have held this position was Albedo.

According to the game's lore, Albedo's master, Rhinedottir, was a friend of Alice. Upon Alice's recommendation, Albedo came to Mondstadt, joined the Knights of Favonius, and helped look after Klee, becoming something like a foster brother to her.

However, in this simulation, the significant character who played a crucial role for both Alice and Klee had yet to appear.

Not only that, but Sucrose, who should have been Albedo's assistant, is now his. The foster sibling role with Klee is his instead, and even the title of "Chief Alchemist" has been given to him.

Could it be that, in this simulator, he has taken Albedo's place?

No, that's impossible. In the lore, Albedo is a homunculus created through alchemy, whereas he himself is a real human. Their backgrounds and story settings are completely different.

The most obvious evidence is that he has a biological daughter. If he were an alchemical being, how could he have a child?

Oh well, it's best not to dwell on it too much. This is likely just a random plot generated by the simulator.

[The most dangerous place is often the safest. You've always believed in this principle, and infiltrating the Knights of Favonius means getting inside enemy lines, paving the way for future operations.]

[Meanwhile, the school Alice established begins accepting students. Wearing a suit, you take Klee, dressed in new clothes, to the school, appearing just like any "ordinary" father and daughter.]

[Before heading out, you rehearsed with Klee numerous times to ensure your secret remains hidden. Of course, even without rehearsals, no one would ever doubt that you are a genuine father and daughter.]

[To conceal Klee's identity, you never allowed her to attend school before. For her, school is a novel and exciting place, a place where she can meet and play with children her age.]

[The lively and cheerful Klee quickly befriends the other children. Watching her smile so sincerely, you can't help but feel a bit conflicted.]

[It's true that you have always viewed Klee as a tool for your revenge. You raised her, taught her, and played the role of a caring father—all to ensure your plan goes smoothly.]

[However, you and Klee have been together for over a decade now. You've anxiously cared for her when she was sick, and you've covered her with blankets she kicked off in the middle of the night... You're not sure if these acts of care are just part of the facade.]

[Just as you're lost in thought, you suddenly hear a commotion. Klee, who was laughing and chatting with the other children moments ago, is now arguing with them for some reason.]

[Switching to immersive mode]

[Mission objective: Resolve this dispute. Mission reward: B-grade Talent]

What unfolds before Lucas is a small, cozy, and harmonious-looking school.

There are schools in Mondstadt, but they are usually private and not cheap.

The Church of Favonius also hosts free educational activities regularly, but these only cover basic knowledge.

For the freedom-loving people of Mondstadt, the idea of a classroom feels like a constraint; as far as knowledge and learning are concerned, they believe that having just enough is sufficient.

Klee is in the midst of a heated argument with a few children her age.

"I'm not lying!" Klee insists passionately. "I once defeated the Demon King's minions and blew them up into the sky!"

"St-stop lying!" a chubby boy retorts in a muffled voice. "There's no such thing as a Demon King. Besides, how could a little pipsqueak like you beat adults?"

"Klee is not a pipsqueak! And I'm not lying!" Klee huffs angrily. "My dad gave me missions to defeat the Demon King!"

Uh-oh...

---

Lucas felt a slight jolt in his heart. He had specifically instructed Klee not to mention the "Hero Klee vs. the Demon King" incident. Despite having framed those criminal acts as a mission to defeat the Demon King, discussing it further could expose the truth. No, he had to put an end to this conversation immediately.

Just as Lucas was about to step forward, a figure suddenly blocked his path. When he saw who it was, his pupils widened.

Pointed, elongated ears, skin as white as snow, long pale-golden hair, and those striking crimson eyes— it was someone Lucas could never forget, even if she turned to ashes. Alice.

Though Lucas had only met her a few times over a decade ago, her stunning beauty was unforgettable, even with just one glance. Perhaps due to her elven bloodline, she appeared almost unchanged from ten years ago, as if time had quietly slipped away only for him.

"Let the children handle their own matters," Alice said with a faint smile. "Don't worry. As the principal and teacher of this school, I won't let them get hurt."

Principal? Teacher?

Lucas frowned slightly but suppressed his inner excitement, asking calmly, "If I'm not mistaken, you must be Miss Alice, correct?"

Due to his disfigurement and reattached arm, Alice did not recognize the man before her as the "bystander" she had met over a decade ago.

"That's right, I am Alice. You must have seen the obituary I published, right?" she replied. "I used to be an adventurer, dreaming of exploring every corner of the world, but that childish dream cost me my most precious treasure."

"I am deeply sorry about that," Lucas thought, sneering inwardly but feigning sympathy. "As a father, I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. It must have been incredibly hard for you."

His tone was laced with sarcasm, as if he were deliberately provoking her. Come on, Alice! Let me see your face full of pain and sadness!

Though Lucas's main revenge wasn't focused on the present, he didn't mind savoring some of Alice's suffering as a bonus.

"At first, it was really hard, but I've now come out of the shadows," Alice said with a serene smile. "Instead of dwelling on past pain, people should learn to look forward."

Lucas felt her words pierce his heart like a chisel. How can you speak so righteously about moving forward? Does that make my efforts over the past decade meaningless? 

It felt as if someone who had lost their entire family and spent years training for revenge was suddenly confronted by their enemy smiling and saying, "Haven't you let it go? I did, a long time ago."

A commotion broke out nearby, drawing Lucas and Alice's attention. Klee's argument with the other kids had already ended, and she had knocked them all down. Despite not using her Vision or bombs, her skills, honed through countless missions, far surpassed those of ordinary people. She resembled Hit-Girl from Kick-Ass.

"Wh-what's going on?" Alice, who had been calm moments ago, now looked surprised. She moved to intervene, but Lucas mirrored her stance, blocking her path with a smile.

"Didn't you say children should resolve their own problems?"

Klee's "violent behavior" didn't spark further conflict. Instead, the kids who had doubted her moments earlier now looked at her with admiration, surrounding her in awe. Klee, with her natural charisma, reveled in the attention, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up with a smug expression.

"Once Klee defeats the Demon King, you can all be drawn into Hero Klee vs. the Demon King... huh?"

The little one's words were cut off as Alice lifted her up, smiling. "Your name is Klee, right? You shouldn't bully your classmates..."

Alice suddenly froze. Perhaps it was the bond of blood, or maybe Klee's adorableness reminded her of her own daughter. In an instant, tears formed in Alice's eyes.

"Auntie, don't cry..." Klee quickly wiped away Alice's tears. "Daddy says the only places you can cry are in the bathroom or in Daddy's arms."

Lucas felt a surge of panic. If Alice recognized Klee as her daughter now, his revenge plan would crumble, and his identity could be exposed. Yet, he knew the more critical the moment, the more vital it was to remain calm. Any slip could draw Alice's suspicion.

"Miss Alice?" Lucas asked, masking his nerves with a calm expression. "Are you okay?"

"Sorry, I lost my composure," Alice said, wiping her eyes. "Your daughter... she's very cute."

"She is indeed, but she tends to cause trouble," Lucas replied with a helpless smile. "No school has wanted to accept her, so I thought I'd try my luck here."

"Please let her study here!" Alice insisted. "I'll take good care of her!"

Got her, Lucas thought with satisfaction. His guess was right—Klee's presence had reawakened Alice's maternal instincts. Do you want to forget your daughter? Then I'll bring her back to you.

When Alice was in pain, Lucas felt joy; when she was happy, he felt pain. It was precisely why Lucas was willing to take such a risk by bringing Klee to her.

"Klee," Lucas bent down, gently stroking his daughter's head and smiling. "Do you like it here?"

"I do!" Klee nodded enthusiastically. "There are interesting friends, lots of toys, and... a pretty lady."

Alice couldn't help but smile slightly at Klee's innocent excitement. Lucas noticed the doting look in Alice's eyes. If the rumors are true, Klee would definitely be her first choice for an adopted daughter or goddaughter, he thought. But even if it wasn't Alice, who could resist the adorable Klee? Lucas felt confident about that.

[Text Mode Activated]

[Klee's enrollment went smoothly. You kept reminding her not to reveal her secret, just in case.]

[You also prepared backup potions in case she couldn't suppress her elf bloodline.]

[Age 36: In what felt like no time, Klee had been at school for half a year.]

[Despite a few unexpected incidents, they were all resolved with minimal trouble.]

[Meanwhile, juggling your role as the chief alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, you left the shop temporarily in Sucrose's care.]

[This position gave you access to privileged information, under the guise of borrowing books for 'research purposes.']

[By day, you play the role of a normal father, but at night, you and Klee transform into a criminal duo that the Knights of Favonius struggle to apprehend.]

[Sucrose's assistance has made your operations much smoother, her little inventions proving invaluable.]

[She continues to improve the bio-alchemy components in your body.]

[Sucrose even developed a potion designed to enhance physical abilities by injecting micro-alchemy cells into the body. Unfortunately, it was a failed experiment. Sucrose tested the potion on a Hilichurl, which initially gained the strength of a Hilichurl King, but after three minutes, it went berserk and exploded.]

[Captain Jean has adapted to her synthetic arm, but her swordsmanship hasn't fully recovered. Determined, she developed a two-handed sword technique to compensate for the impairment in her right hand. Every time she sees you, she expresses great respect. After all, beyond aiding her recovery, your alchemical skills have greatly contributed to the Knights of Favonius.]

[Meanwhile, Klee's relationship with Alice has grown stronger. Klee often shares stories about her time with Alice, and you feel a pang of conflicting emotions. Although this is the outcome you hoped for, you know it's cruel to Klee, for eventually, she and Alice will have to face each other in battle.]

[You wake up from nightmares where Klee, bloodied and despairing, looks at you and asks, "Daddy, why didn't you come to save Klee?" For the first time, your resolve begins to waver. You can no longer pretend that your love for Klee is fake. You can't sacrifice her for revenge.]

[Seeking advice, you confide in Sucrose. She seems to have anticipated your dilemma. "If your goal is to make Alice suffer," she said, "there are ways to do so without harming Klee. Breaking someone's heart is a far more effective revenge than taking a life."]

[You ponder Sucrose's words.]

[The next day, Klee brings you a letter from Alice. Initially, you suspect Klee might have caused trouble at school, but the content of the letter leaves you at a loss. Alice has invited you to her home for dinner over the weekend and specifically requested that you come alone. The invitation raises suspicions. Could Alice have discovered the truth about Klee being her daughter and wants to confront me?]

[You share the letter with Sucrose, who remains calm. "You should go," she assures you. "Nothing will go wrong."]

[When you question her certainty, she gives you a knowing smile. "I'm a woman too, and only a woman knows what another woman is thinking."]

[Sucrose believes this dinner could be a chance to refine your revenge plan. She brings out a suit she prepared for you earlier and even ties your tie herself. Apart from the mask covering half your face, you look quite refined. In fact, with Sucrose's bio-alchemy skills, removing the scars on your face wouldn't be difficult, but you choose to keep them. They serve two purposes: one, to conceal your identity, and two, to remind you of your resolve for revenge.]

[In her letter, Alice mentioned that today was your day off. She must have done her homework, you thought. If you declined her invitation, it would look suspicious. You decide to put your concerns aside. No matter how powerful Alice might be, she wouldn't dare harm me in her own neighborhood, would she?]

[Standing at Alice's doorstep, you hesitate before finally pressing the doorbell.]

[Entering Immersive Mode]

The doorbell chimes softly, and Lucas hears hurried footsteps approaching. The door opens to reveal Alice in casual home attire—an oversized off-shoulder sweater that subtly highlights her graceful elven charm. Contrary to the common image of slender and tall elves, Alice had no shortage of curves where it mattered.

"Sorry to bother you," Lucas says, handing her a bouquet of flowers with a smile. "I accepted the invitation in a hurry and didn't have time to prepare a proper gift. I hope you don't mind."

"Thank you, I really like them," Alice replies, taking the flowers and inhaling their scent. Her expression is one of genuine pleasure. "Please, come in and make yourself at home."

Make the enemy's home your own? Lucas thinks, almost scoffing at the irony. How could she say that so casually?

Despite his resentment towards Alice, he forces a smile and follows her into the room. The setting in the simulation was very similar to reality. Mondstadt may have overthrown the old nobility, but its city is still divided into wealthy and commoner districts. Alice's home, located in a prime spot even within the wealthy district, speaks to her financial comfort.

The decor is tasteful and expensive—clearly, money is no issue for her. Someone who can whimsically start a school surely isn't short on cash.

With his instinct for details honed by scouting locations for Klee's missions, Lucas scans the room. Under the sofa, he notices empty beer cans hastily stashed away, and a faint scent of snacks lingers in the air. Clothes are neatly packed, ready for the dry cleaners, and a few strands of cat hair are scattered on the floor.

As expected, women living alone really liked to keep cats.

Although Alice appeared glamorous, in the end, she was just a single woman without a husband, who had also suffered the pain of losing a daughter.

What kind of life is she leading? Despite her outward elegance, he imagines her lonely evenings, sipping beer and petting her cat, hiding from her own pain.

"Please wash your hands first," Alice says, heading into the kitchen. "I just have one more dish to finish, so please wait a bit longer. And... no sneaking any bites."

The table is set with an elaborate dinner, but Lucas recognizes it immediately as takeout from the Good Hunter restaurant. I'm a regular there. I'd know the scent anywhere, he thinks with an amused smile.

---