Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

[Age 6: You are an undeniable genius in the field of medicine (Talent [Medical Sage] activated). Even without guidance, your surgical skills improve rapidly. You can even perfectly stitch back your rabbit Snowball's severed leg. Your friend Rostam occasionally wonders why your rabbit never seems to grow. You always smile and remain silent, knowing that this isn't the original Snowball anymore.]

Wait a minute, something feels off...

Is this heading in a strange direction?

[Age 7: While playing in the forest with Rostam, you both come across a strange man digging a grave. Rostam wants to stop him, but when the man turns around, you both see a face so terrifying it's impossible to describe. Even the brave Rostam feels fear and pulls you away to run. You tell the villagers, but no one believes you. Afterward, you frequently dream of the man's face and his eerie smile.]

[Age 8: Your medical skills have already surpassed your father's, but he disapproves of your "novel" methods, feeling they go against traditional medicine. You two often argue over this.]

[Age 9: The bullies from a neighboring village steal your rabbit Snowball. Though frustrated by the loss of this "medical tool," you don't dwell on it. That evening, a battered Rostam returns Snowball to you, smiling. You later find out he fought off ten kids to get your rabbit back.]

[Age 10: Rostam's swordsmanship is as exceptional as your talent for medicine. Despite lacking a skilled teacher, he finds ways to train himself. One day, during training, he accidentally breaks his leg. The injury is so severe that even your father, the village's only doctor, believes he'll be crippled. But you refuse to give up. Using every method you know, you miraculously heal his leg. Touched by your efforts, Rostam asks to become sworn brothers. Your choice is…]

[1. Happily accept]

[2. Politely refuse]

Rostam, the future Wolf Pup, wants to be my sworn brother?

Once he becomes successful, won't I benefit too?

Without much thought, Lucas replied, "Choose the first!"

[You happily accept Rostam's invitation, and you both vow to protect Mondstadt together in the future.]

[Age 11: You and Rostam become well-known as close brothers. People say that you two are destined to become a great knight and doctor pair.]

[Age 12: Your research in medicine hits a bottleneck. No matter how talented you are, outdated equipment and limited resources slow your progress. You know that only by continuing your studies at Mondstadt's Favonius Academy can you improve further. However, the tuition is beyond your family's means.]

[Age 13: The village chief raises funds to support one person for higher education. However, the money can only send either you or Rostam. To be fair, the chief decides to hold a lottery. The night before the drawing, Rostam tells you he plans to let you win and advises you to choose the stick on the right.]

[Feeling conflicted about Rostam's words, you prepare for the lottery the next day. Facing the two sticks, you decide…]

[1. Choose the right stick]

[2. Choose the left stick]

What… do I really need to choose?

Is this testing whether I trust Rostam?

Indeed, Rostam is a good friend and brother, but this lottery determines both your futures. Both of you are extremely talented, and the one who wins will have a bright future, while the other will likely remain in the impoverished village, leading a mundane life.

"I… I'll choose the right stick."

Finally, Lucas decided to trust Rostam.

[You choose the right stick, but it is Rostam who wins the lottery. In that moment, you are deeply shocked. If he had asked, you might have given up the spot for him willingly, but being betrayed by your most trusted friend plants a seed of doubt in your heart. From then on, you decide never to trust anyone again.]

[Achievement Unlocked: Lie Eater]

[Effect: When you lie, there is a 10% chance the other person will believe you unconditionally. When others lie to you, there is a 10% chance you will see through their lies.]

So… I was betrayed?

Lucas felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment. It wasn't about winning the opportunity, but the betrayal by his closest friend that was difficult to accept.

[Devastated, you shut yourself away. Rostam visits many times, but you refuse to see him. Eventually, he leaves for Mondstadt without saying goodbye.]

[Age 14: You don't let the incident defeat you. Instead, you resolve to master unparalleled medical skills and someday seek "revenge" on Rostam in Mondstadt.]

[You build a "medical lab" in a cave outside the village, filled with various animals for research. You begin experimenting with organ transplants on rabbits but can't achieve success. Exhausted after long hours of study, you fall asleep at the lab.]

[When you groggily wake up, you find someone standing at your operating table. Before you can shout, you're shocked to see that they've completed the surgery you couldn't. To your further astonishment, the person helping you is none other than the grave digger you encountered years ago. You've never forgotten his decayed, twisted face.]

[Despite your fear, your curiosity gets the better of you. You ask about his background and where he learned his medical skills. He tells you he was once a healer at Favonius Cathedral but was banished for studying forbidden medical techniques. Impressed by your talent, he offers to take you on as a disciple. Your choice is…]

[1. Refuse in outrage]

[2. Accept eagerly]

A strange man suddenly offering to be my teacher?

This feels like a cliché from a third-rate martial arts novel. For a moment, Lucas didn't know what to choose.

Refuse?

Wouldn't that provoke him to kill me?

After all, I didn't pick the [Try Again] talent this time, and the [Die of Old Age] talent can't prevent me from being murdered.

"I… I'll choose the second."

No choice. Better to accept for now and figure out an escape plan later.

[You accept his offer to become his disciple. He is delighted and promises to teach you everything he knows.]

[Age 15: The man, who calls himself the "Mad Doctor," rapidly improves your medical skills. He tells you that the ultimate medical art is resurrection—the ability to bring the dead back to life. At first, you think he's delusional.]

[Until one day, the Mad Doctor revives a rat that had been dead for half a day in front of you. You have no choice but to believe him.]

Resurrection? This isn't medicine—it's practically magic!

[Age 16: The Mad Doctor can resurrect many animals, but he can't bring humans back to life. To continue his research, he often digs up fresh graves and steals bodies. You finally understand that years ago, he wasn't just a grave robber—he was a body thief.]

[Though you know it's wrong, the allure of fresh "medical tools" proves too tempting. As a medical fanatic, you give in and begin using bodies for your research.]

[Age 17: You've nearly learned all the Mad Doctor's knowledge. He tells you that his most important research notes are hidden in a secret chamber at Favonius Cathedral. He hopes you can enter as a physician to retrieve them. You tell him that you lack the qualifications and money to enter, but he just smirks and tells you to wait patiently.]

[Age 18: A sudden plague sweeps through your village. Despite your years of medical training, you are powerless against it. Soon, nearly all the villagers, including your parents, succumb to the disease. Strangely, you remain completely unaffected.]

[Looking at the bodies of your parents, friends, and fellow villagers, you feel despair for the first time. However, as a physician, you quickly regain your composure, realizing the bodies must be burned to prevent further spread of the disease.]

[You set your home and your parents' bodies ablaze. As the fire consumes the house, an old, unstable beam collapses, knocking you unconscious.]

Could it be? Am I going to die here?

[However, luck is on your side. Just as the flames begin to engulf your body, you hear footsteps outside. Before losing consciousness, you see a group of people in white uniforms pulling you from the fire ([Die of Old Age] talent activated—you do not die in the fire).]

Phew…

Seeing this message, Lucas finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems picking that talent was the right choice. Otherwise, I might have been burned to death in an accident.

[You don't know how long you were unconscious, but you eventually wake up in a hospital room at Favonius Cathedral. A nun informs you that they arrived too late to save anyone else, and you are the sole survivor of the village.]

[Although you survived, half of your face was disfigured by the flames, leaving you with a hideous appearance—almost as terrifying as the Mad Doctor.]

[In the spirit of humanitarianism, Favonius Cathedral sponsors your stay in Mondstadt and allows you to choose a profession. You express your desire to remain at the cathedral as a physician. Your exceptional medical skills easily earn everyone's approval. You never expected to fulfill your "dream" this way.]

[Age 19: To hide your burned face, you create a mask for yourself.]

[Age 20: Your medical expertise quickly establishes you at Favonius Cathedral. You are granted the opportunity to further your studies. The wealth of knowledge and advanced equipment help you temporarily forget the pain of losing your home.]

[Age 21: One night, a mysterious figure stops you on your way home. To your shock, it's the Mad Doctor! He reveals that his plan succeeded. The plague that destroyed your village was his doing, and he was the one who alerted the cathedral. The reason you survived was that he secretly gave you the antidote, ensuring you would be the sole survivor and gain entry to Favonius Cathedral.]

[You are in disbelief. You want to turn him in, but he threatens that if he is captured, your connection as his disciple will be exposed, linking you to the plague. Everything you've worked for will be stripped away. Faced with his threat, your choice is…]

[1. Compromise]

[2. Refuse]

This plot twist left Lucas momentarily speechless.

Refusing would be the morally right choice, but doing so would expose your relationship with the Mad Doctor, and the plague could be traced back to you.

"I'll choose… the first."

It seems I'm destined to walk the path of darkness.

[You agree to the Mad Doctor's demands and promise to help him as much as possible.]

[Age 22: You easily gain control of the morgue. At night, you and the Mad Doctor experiment on bodies, while during the day, you act as the kind and gentle "masked physician."]

[Age 23: The constant switching of identities and immense pressure wear you down. One day, while walking through Mondstadt's plaza, you hear a beautiful song. Drawn by the sound, you find a stunning girl singing in the square. Her heavenly voice soothes your soul.]

[Age 24: You return to listen to the girl's song every day, finding it to be your only comfort. You learn that her name is Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter. For the first time, your heart stirs with emotion. However, you lack the courage to approach her. With your disfigured face and dirty hands, how could you possibly be worthy of such a pure and beautiful woman?]

Rosalyne?

Lucas frowned.

Isn't that the real name of "The Lady," one of the Fatui Harbingers?

This can't be… unrequited love, can it?

[Age 25: One day, you go to Mondstadt's plaza as usual, but Rosalyne's song is absent. You see her talking happily with a man dressed as a Favonius knight. When you see his face, your breath catches—it's your former brother, Rostam! Now tall and handsome, he has become a rising star in the Knights of Favonius, admired by many women in Mondstadt.]

[You can see the mutual admiration in their eyes, and your heart burns with rage. Rostam stole your future, and now he's taking the woman you love.]

[You think to yourself, if only you were as handsome as Rostam, you could win Rosalyne's heart. And so, a bold idea takes root.]

[Age 26: You master the art of plastic surgery and give yourself a strikingly handsome face. Excited, you go to the plaza to find Rosalyne. Along the way, many women gasp at your good looks, but in your heart, there is only one woman… Rosalyne!]

[Confidently, you approach Rosalyne and present her with flowers, confessing your love. To your dismay, she politely rejects you, telling you she already has someone she loves.]

[In that moment, your heart shatters. From that day forward, you live recklessly, trying to forget Rosalyne. You pursue many women, relying on your handsome face to easily charm them. Whether young or mature, slender or full-figured, single or married, you accept them all. Yet, the more women you seduce, the stronger your desire for Rosalyne grows.]

[Age 27: Rostam earns the title of "Wolf Pup," and together with Arundolyn, the "Lion of Light," they become the most celebrated young knights of the Favonius Order. You can't help but wonder: if you had been chosen that day, would you now be the one receiving such honors and Rosalyne's love?]

[Age 28: You and the Mad Doctor make another breakthrough in your medical research—you successfully resurrect a corpse! Although the body only survives for three minutes, the Mad Doctor is ecstatic. However, you suddenly have an even crazier idea… What if Rosalyne dies, and you resurrect her? Wouldn't that mean you could be with her forever?]

[You know this thought is insane. You're not even sure whether your obsession with Rosalyne is due to an overwhelming love for her or simply a desire to take revenge on Rostam… or perhaps it's a mix of both.]

[Age 29: Rosalyne is preparing to leave for distant Sumeru to study abroad. Rostam gives her a small hourglass as a parting gift, telling her that when the sand runs out, it will be time for her to return to Mondstadt.]

[You stand at a distance, high atop a tower, looking down at their farewell scene with a cold smile on your face. You've made up your mind—no matter what, you are going to take Rosalyne away.]

Oh no, things have gone completely off track.

Honestly, reading this part of the story left Lucas with mixed feelings.

Without a doubt, for the protagonist in this simulation, this isn't a typical love triangle, because there was hardly any real connection between Rosalyne and Lucas to begin with.

They're a perfect couple, so what does it have to do with me?

Why bother with romance at all?

Lucas originally planned for this life simulation to quietly coast until he turned sixty and achieve a peaceful ending.

[You decide to leave Mondstadt and follow Rosalyne to Sumeru. That night, you decide to settle everything. You find the Mad Doctor and bring plenty of food and wine, saying you want to celebrate your recent research success. The Mad Doctor is completely unsuspecting—after all, to him, you've always been nothing more than a pawn to be used at will.]

[You lace the food and wine with a carefully prepared poison. The poison is so subtle that even the highly skilled Mad Doctor doesn't notice. When he wakes up, he finds himself trapped inside a giant jar, with only his head exposed.]

[You tell the Mad Doctor that you've amputated his arms and legs, and that the nutrient solution in the jar will keep him alive for years. The Mad Doctor realizes you're telling the truth. He rages, curses, and pleads, ultimately begging for a quick death. Faced with the man who ruined your life but also gave you everything you have, your choice is…]

[1. Kill him]

[2. Let him suffer]

"The second one."

This time, Lucas didn't hesitate.

[You ignore the Mad Doctor's pleas. Not only that, but the toxin you used will gradually rob him of his senses. Soon, he will live in a world without sound, sight, or taste, isolated for years, perhaps decades. Watching his face contorted in agony, you taste the sweet wine of revenge for the first time—and it is intoxicating.]

[You apply to the Sumeru Academia for advanced medical studies, and your application is promptly accepted.]

[You travel to Sumeru and successfully enroll in the Academia's medical faculty. Your handsome looks and extraordinary medical talent quickly make you a celebrity on campus. Countless female students are captivated by you, but your eyes are always on Rosalyne.]

[You easily find opportunities to work with Rosalyne and tell her that you came all the way to Sumeru just for her.]

[Though Rosalyne continues to think of Rostam, she is touched by your devotion. While she rejects your romantic advances again, being in a foreign land, she still becomes your friend.]

[Age 30: Your excellent academic performance earns you a prestigious degree from the Sumeru Academia in just one year. Your intelligence and charm earn you a new title—Doctor.]

[You thought that by coming to the Academia and staying close to Rosalyne, you could slowly win her over. However, you are disappointed. She constantly pulls out the hourglass that Rostam gave her, counting the days until her return to Mondstadt.]

---

[That crazy idea resurfaces in your mind. If you turn Rosalyne into a corpse and then resurrect her, she'll belong to you forever.]

[However, your technique for reviving corpses isn't perfect yet. To ensure your plan goes off without a hitch, you dive back into research on modifying and reviving human bodies. Under the guise of conducting dissections, you acquire numerous corpses for your experiments.]

[The equipment and resources at the Sumeru Academia are far more advanced than those at Favonius Cathedral. You pour all your energy into this research and finally succeed in reviving a female corpse that had been dead for just one day. You are ecstatic—not only because you are closer to your goal of reviving Rosalyne, but because you've accomplished a medical miracle! As a doctor, you have cured the one 'disease' no other doctor could—death.]

[Achievement unlocked: Necromancer]

[Reward: Resurrection Spell]

[Effect: Revive a corpse and make it your servant.]

Wow, can I really do something this godlike?

Although Lucas was shocked, he couldn't help but feel that this was a bit too fantastical.

Sure, in the magical world of Teyvat, reviving the dead might not be impossible, but can mere medical skills really resurrect a corpse?

Or is this resurrection merely granting a body the ability to move again, without restoring its consciousness?

[Now, all that remains is the final step: killing Rosalyne as gently as possible to preserve the perfect corpse. You must meticulously plan how to execute this without causing damage.]

[However, just as you're preparing to carry out the final step of your plan, your research on reviving corpses is discovered by the Academia. They deem your work as blasphemous and a violation of divine will. You are branded a heretic and permanently expelled from the Academia.]

[Being cast out by the Academia doesn't bother you in the slightest. After all, there is nothing left for you to learn there. Your only regret is that you couldn't get your hands on Rosalyne. As you leave the Academia, you notice the conflicted look in Rosalyne's eyes—disappointment, sorrow... and a hint of disgust.]

[You return to Mondstadt, but word of your disgraceful actions has already reached Favonius Cathedral. Stripped of your title and reputation, you go from being a revered doctor to a reviled outcast. You are forced to hide in Mondstadt's slums, eking out a living by treating the poor.]

This is… too tragic, isn't it?

Sure, it's all the protagonist's fault for his downfall, but still, the ups and downs of his life in this simulation are incredibly harsh.

[Age 31: The war in Khaenri'ah breaks out. Arundolyn, the Lion of Light, leads a contingent of Favonius Knights to battle. Meanwhile, Rostam, the Wolf Pup, stays behind to defend Mondstadt. A disaster soon befalls Mondstadt as the poisonous dragon Durin descends upon the city. To protect Mondstadt, Rostam leads his forces into battle. You volunteer as a military doctor, despite being despised for your past. With the shortage of medical personnel, your application is reluctantly accepted.]

[The battle is brutal. Durin's immense power takes a heavy toll on the Knights of Favonius. However, your extraordinary medical skills save many lives. Rostam begins to appreciate your work, though he doesn't recognize you as his once-close "brother" due to your altered appearance.]

[Many times, Rostam is brought to you, critically injured. You have countless chances to end his life without suspicion. Yet, you know that if Rostam dies, no one will be able to stop Durin, and both Mondstadt and you will face certain destruction. So, you tirelessly treat Rostam's wounds. In turn, Rostam saves you from danger multiple times.]

[Finally, when Durin is slain atop the frozen mountain and the disaster ends, Rostam lies fatally wounded. When you find him, he is on the verge of death.]

[Forced switch to immersive mode.]

Wait a second!

Can it really switch to immersive mode on its own?

Before Lucas could complain, the scene in front of him changed to a snow-covered valley. However, the once-pristine snow is now soaked with dark red blood, and countless bodies are piled around. In front of you lies a bloodied and broken Rostam, his arm torn off, his body in ruins.

It's worth mentioning that while the *Villain Simulator* is text-based, the protagonist's experiences and emotions affect Lucas to a certain degree.

For others, it may just be simple text, but as the story unfolds, the protagonist's life flashes before Lucas's eyes like a movie.

So even though this is his "first time" meeting Rostam, Lucas feels complicated emotions towards him.

"Cough… cough…" Rostam, his face pale, manages to smile when he sees you. "I knew… you'd come to save me."

Lucas is momentarily silent. Durin is dead, and he doesn't even need to lift a finger for Rostam to slowly die.

Yet, there is no sense of satisfaction in his heart.

"I'm not here to save you," Lucas coldly responds, slipping into his villainous role. "You're already beyond saving."

"I know," Rostam says softly, "I never planned to make it back alive. Brother, it's been eighteen years… I've always wanted to apologize to you."

"You… you know who I am?" Lucas is shocked. "When did you recognize me?"

"That day… when I saw your silhouette in the square, I knew right away," Rostam's voice grows weaker. "So, I started going to the square every day, hoping for a chance to apologize… but instead, I ended up meeting Rosalyne. Do you really think I went there just to hear her sing? No, I was always looking for a chance… to make things right with you."

What?

What kind of plot twist is this?

So, all this time, I was watching Rosalyne, Rosalyne was watching Rostam, and Rostam… was watching me?

This relationship triangle is way too tangled!

"And what of it!" Lucas bursts out. "I trusted you completely… and you betrayed me!"

"It was the village chief," Rostam replies calmly. "He rigged the lottery. The village needed a knight to rise to prominence more than it needed a doctor. But years later, when I returned, the village had already been wiped out by the plague. I thought… you had died too."

So… that's how it was?

In an instant, everything that had tormented Lucas for years seemed like a cruel joke.

"I don't expect your forgiveness," Rostam says as he closes his eyes. "You can hold onto your hatred for me. But please… take care of Rosalyne."

With those final words, Rostam's cold hand falls lifelessly to his side.

Lucas stares at his corpse, and for a moment, he's back in their carefree childhood, living peacefully in the village. Now, the once-dreaming knight Rostam can never raise his sword again, and the once-aspiring doctor Lucas has become a twisted, evil physician.

"Heh… hahahahaha!"

After a long silence, Lucas suddenly bursts into maniacal laughter. His handsome face distorts with the intensity of his expression.

"Don't worry, I'll 'live' for you."

For some reason, every time Lucas enters "immersive mode," he feels like he's becoming a different person.

In the previous simulation, Lucas had felt an intense desire to possess Shenhe.

Now, as he looks at the decaying, blackened body of Rostam, poisoned by Durin's blood, Lucas's feelings are equally complicated.

No matter the cause, his life had undeniably been "stolen" by Rostam.

Lucas knows deep down that Rosalyne's love is for Rostam, not for him, this twisted and self-loathing man.

And so, a new, even more insane idea takes root in his mind—one far crazier than resurrecting Rosalyne's corpse.

Lucas swiftly draws a sharp scalpel from his medical kit. In swordsmanship, Rostam was a master, but even ten Rostams couldn't wield a scalpel as deftly as Lucas.

Lucas placed the scalpel against Rostam's jaw and, with the precision of cutting a priceless piece of art, perfectly peeled off the frozen skin from his face.

Even in subzero temperatures, Lucas's hands didn't tremble in the slightest.

[This time, you're going to take back the life that was stolen from you!]

[The war against the evil dragon Durin has ended, and although the Young Wolf Rostam was severely injured, he survived. As for the mad doctor who once researched reviving corpses, he was buried forever under the eternal snow, with no one left to remember him.]

[Yes, you have survived in Rostam's place. Using your unparalleled skills in cosmetic surgery, you replaced your face with Rostam's. Months later, you removed your bandages to reveal a face identical to his.]

[You claimed that during the battle with Durin, you were poisoned and lost all your strength, unable to lift a sword ever again. Despite this, you were hailed as the great hero who saved Mondstadt, revered and admired by all.]

[At the ceremony honoring you, as you basked in the adoring gazes of the crowd, you remembered the time when you were the outcast, hiding in Mondstadt's slums. Once again, your life had completely changed.]

[Suddenly, a young woman rushed onto the stage and threw herself into your arms. To your surprise, it was none other than the woman you had longed for, Rosalyne! Worried about Mondstadt after hearing of the disaster, she had returned in a hurry.]

[You were shocked to realize that Rosalyne hadn't noticed anything unusual about you. Of course, after years of separation and your severe injuries, it was only natural that 'Rostam's' body and appearance would have changed. Who knows Rostam better than you? Your flawless performance had deceived Rosalyne, and fooling everyone else would be even easier.]

[Seizing the moment, you publicly proposed to Rosalyne right then and there. Overwhelmed with happiness, Rosalyne, dizzy with joy, immediately accepted your proposal.]

[You were elated! Your revenge plan had succeeded! You had taken back the life that Rostam stole, won the woman you loved… even if it was in someone else's name. But so what? You told yourself you *were* Rostam, and as for Lucas? He no longer existed in this world.]

Is this… really how things turned out?

Lucas found it difficult to calm down.

Was this a good ending?

He wasn't sure. After all, he had obtained everything he wanted—a life of respect, the woman he loved, supreme honor… but none of it had anything to do with the name "Lucas" anymore.

[The wedding was soon held. Your marriage to Rosalyne became a grand celebration in Mondstadt. In the bridal chamber, you saw your new wife, her cheeks flushed from dandelion wine…]

"Activate immersive mode."

[Immersive mode activated.]

Ahem… I'm doing this to avoid slipping up!

Lucas shamelessly explained to himself.

[No need to explain, I understand. Go for it! Full speed ahead!]

The room, carefully decorated, was filled with the scent of incense, rose petals scattered across the bed…

And the woman he had longed for every day and night.

The most remarkable thing about the *Villain Simulator* is that once the immersive mode is activated, Lucas fully assumes the role, adopting the character's personality, actions… and obsessions.

Sitting gracefully on the bed, dressed in a white wedding gown, was Rosalyne.

She looked remarkably similar to how she would be 500 years later as "The Lady," but her demeanor and expression were entirely different.

Of course, Rosalyne's transformation into "The Lady" was largely due to her inability to cope with Rostam's death. But now, "Rostam" was alive and had married her, so she had no reason to turn into that bitter figure.

Lucas felt a slight sting on his cheek occasionally, perhaps a lingering effect of the "face swap."

"Rostam?" Noticing something off about her husband, Rosalyne softly called out, "Are you alright?"

"I… I'm fine…" Lucas snapped back to reality and smiled at Rosalyne. "You look beautiful."

"You…" Rosalyne blushed slightly. "You never used to say such things. Did you practice saying these words to other girls while I was away?"

Lucas's heart skipped a beat.

Women really do have keen intuition.

It was true that Rostam had always been reserved, the kind of man who found it hard to speak sweetly.

Meanwhile, Lucas, after years of charming countless women, had become quite the smooth talker.

"I… I meant every word," Lucas quickly corrected himself. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

And he truly meant it.

Strictly speaking, every simulation takes place in a different parallel world.

So, Keqing and Shenhe—they belonged to other worlds!

"You… why are you just standing there?" Rosalyne blushed even more as she shifted on the bed, patting the spot beside her. "Come… sit with me."

"Oh… oh!" Lucas snapped out of it and hurriedly sat down beside her.

Strangely enough, despite his experience with countless women, Lucas suddenly felt awkward in front of the one he loved most.

"Rosalyne… can I ask you a question?" Lucas suddenly thought of something and asked, "If that day, I hadn't come back alive, if I'd died in the battle against Durin… what would you have done?"

"Why would you say such unlucky things?" Rosalyne's expression darkened briefly, but she answered seriously, "But if… that had really happened, I wouldn't have lived on by myself."

Her answer brought Lucas a sense of relief.

I wasn't wrong!

If I hadn't taken Rostam's identity, Rosalyne would've died too.

"Rosalyne…" Lucas suddenly held her hand and softly said, "Could you sing for me one more time?"

"Now, of all times?"

Rosalyne was momentarily stunned. Singing on their wedding night seemed quite unusual.

But to her, it also felt romantic. After all, she believed it was her singing that had brought her and Rostam together in the first place.

"Yes, right now," Lucas held her hand tightly, his voice choked with emotion. "All these years, I've longed… to hear you sing again."

Lucas didn't even know if he was speaking as Rostam or… as himself.

----

"It's kind of embarrassing…" Rosalyne said softly, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Then, I'll sing your favorite song… Oath in the Wind."

That was Rostam's favorite song. It told the story of a knight who, after enduring countless trials, finally fulfilled his promise and rescued the princess.

"No, I want to hear a different song," Lucas shook his head. "Dancing in the Ashes."

"That song?" Rosalyne seemed surprised.

Dancing in the Ashes wasn't a happy song. It told the tragic tale of a young girl whose ideals crumbled, leading her to burn herself and become a witch, eventually turning everything around her to ashes.

And yet, it was Lucas's favorite song.

Perhaps it was because the girl in the song, like him, had experienced despair and pain, transforming into someone the world no longer understood.

Though Rosalyne found it odd, she didn't refuse his request. Soon, she began to sing Dance of the Ashes.

The powerful and solemn melody transported Lucas back to that summer when he first met Rosalyne, and he felt his cold blood boil once more.

"Sing! Keep singing, Rosalyne, sing forever!"

"I… I will…"

Even though there was a hint of pain in her voice, Rosalyne continued to sing the song.

The request was indeed strange, but since it was Rostam's, she had no intention of rejecting it.

As long as her husband was happy, everything was worth it.

The flower in bloom finally opened for its destined one. The once-painful song slowly transformed into one of joy.

...

When the storm finally settled, the newlyweds enjoyed the calm after the tempest.

"Sorry…" Lucas apologized, his face filled with guilt. "I think I made a very selfish request just now."

"I don't think it was selfish at all," Rosalyne shook her head gently and said with a warm smile. "As long as it makes you happy, I'm willing to do anything."

Her words stirred complex emotions in Lucas's heart.

It felt strange—Rosalyne loved "him," but not really him.

"By the way…" As if guided by a strange impulse, Lucas suddenly asked, "Do you remember a man named Lucas?"

"Lucas?" Rosalyne's face slightly changed at the name, but she nodded. "Yes, I know of him. He was once a renowned doctor in Mondstadt, and like me, he went to study at the Sumeru Academia. But sadly… he lost his way and ruined his own life."

"Is that so?" A bitter smile crossed Lucas's face. "You must hate that man, don't you?"

To his surprise, Rosalyne shook her head. "No… I don't hate him. Though he went down a dark path, perhaps his intentions were good. Medicine is a cruel science; it often requires countless lives to make progress. Eh? Why are you crying?"

Indeed, without even realizing it, tears had begun to fall from Lucas's eyes.

So, after all this time, had Rosalyne understood him? Had she seen the good in him?

What a kind-hearted girl…

What a pure-hearted girl.

"It's… nothing!" Lucas quickly wiped away his tears, smiling. "I'm just… too happy. I'm so happy to be married to you, I couldn't help but cry… I'm so afraid I'll lose you…"

"Don't worry…"

Rosalyne embraced him warmly. "I will always be watching over you. Always."

[Immersive mode ended, switching back to text mode.]

"Phew…" Exiting immersive mode, Lucas let out a long sigh of relief.

[You cried?]

"I didn't cry!" Lucas insisted, though he was surprised to find his cheeks wet with tears.

[Age 32: Arundolyn, the Lion of Light, returns from his expedition with the Knights of Favonius. He is Rostam's dear friend and, though he deeply regrets missing your wedding, he offers you his heartfelt congratulations.]

[It seems everything is finally settling into place. Though you lost your swordsmanship, your prestige in Mondstadt is unmatched. Arundolyn even suggests promoting you to Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, but you politely refuse and continue serving as vice captain, dedicating yourself to protecting Mondstadt.]

[Age 33: Your duties are not easy. If Arundolyn is the "light" of the Knights of Favonius, then you are its "shadow." To maintain the peace, you often have to do things in secret. Of course, since you no longer possess your martial skills, you cannot carry out these tasks yourself. Instead, you train a private squad of knights. No one knows of their existence, not even Arundolyn, who only knows their name—the Undead.]

[Yes, they are knights made from corpses, revived by you and completely under your control. While this may seem evil, you believe it is a necessary evil for the sake of protecting Mondstadt. At the same time, you've never given up on your research into medicine.]

[After winning Rosalyne, you felt as though you'd lost your purpose. But as vice captain of the Knights, you now have greater authority to pursue your ambitions. The creation of the Undead is a crucial part of your dream.]

[Age 34: Your skills in reviving corpses have grown more refined, but there is still a significant flaw. These Undead can use all the combat techniques they had in life, but they cannot improve further. Without minds, they can't learn or grow from battle experience. This means that unless you find exceptionally strong corpses, your army of Undead will never become the ultimate force.]

[Your endless research takes a toll on your body and mind. Fortunately, your wife, Rosalyne, remains as gentle and understanding as ever. Her perfect voice and presence help you find moments of peace. You've retained your habit of listening to her sing while engaging in intimacy, though she never utters a word of complaint. To the people of Mondstadt, you are a hero without equal, but to Rosalyne, you're simply a weary husband. She fulfills your every need, no matter how "strange" your requests may be.]

Of course, Lucas was deeply familiar with Rosalyne's "gentleness."

Unlike his interactions with Shenhe, who had been forced into submission, Rosalyne's love for him—or rather, for "Rostam"—was pure and wholehearted. Every "service" she performed was out of genuine affection.

The biggest difference was that, after every encounter with Shenhe, she would wash herself obsessively and leave in silence, treating Lucas like nothing more than a customer.

But Rosalyne was different. After everything was over, she would embrace Lucas without reservation, surrounding him in warmth and love throughout the night.

If Lucas didn't know the future events, he would never have believed that this tender, loving woman would one day transform into the ruthless Fatui Harbinger, "The Lady."

[Age 35: A knight named Roland visits you. He introduces himself as Rostam's apprentice, having spent years guarding Mondstadt's borders. This year marks his return to the city. After learning of all you've been through, he expresses deep sorrow over your lost strength.]

[Nevertheless, Roland insists on sparring with you, convinced that even though "Rostam" has lost his power, his knowledge of swordsmanship remains. Naturally, you know nothing of swordplay, so you send him away with an excuse.]

[But Roland's words inspire you. To create the strongest Undead warriors, you need the most perfect materials. Thus, under the guise of a mission, you lead your men to Dragonspine, where you secretly exhume Rostam's corpse. Thanks to the cold and snow, his body has remained perfectly preserved—except for his face, which now belongs to you.]

[You take Rostam's body back to your laboratory. Staring at your former friend, you feel nothing. Using your expert skills, you transform his corpse into the perfect Undead warrior. His swordsmanship is as deadly as ever, but now, he obeys only your commands.]

[You craft a special set of armor for him, sealing his mutilated face behind an iron mask. He is your greatest creation, and you order him to protect you from the shadows.]

[Late at night, you station your most loyal knight outside your bedroom with Rosalyne. The thought that "Rostam" might be able to hear you fills you with overwhelming excitement.]

"Activate… immersive mode."

[What's this? You can't resist, can you?]

"I want to see just how 'exciting' it can be."

[Immersive mode activated!]

By the soft lamplight, Rosalyne's beautiful smile seemed untouched by time.

"Rostam…" Rosalyne gently wiped the sweat from Lucas's brow, her voice tender. "You seem different tonight."

Indeed, there was no song, no special request—just simple… desire.

"Yes. Call my name."

"R-Rostam!" Rosalyne raised her voice slightly.

She found it strange. Her husband had never liked her calling his name before, but tonight he made the request—though it was a rather normal one.

Outside, a shadow seemed to shiver slightly.

"What was that?" Rosalyne asked fearfully. "It looked like someone was outside the window."

For some reason, the figure seemed familiar to her.

"You're imagining things," Lucas smiled. "It's probably just the shadow of a tree. After all, who would dare sneak into the vice captain of the Knights of Favonius' estate?"

In reality, there had been intruders before. As Mondstadt's "shadow," Lucas had made plenty of enemies to protect the city's stability.

Many had sought his head, but those who infiltrated his mansion were now part of the Undead army… or new "materials."

"My dear…"

Rosalyne's sweat glistened under the dim light, sparkling softly. "I want a gift."

"What… what gift?"

The end of Lucas's "battle" was fast approaching.

"A child," Rosalyne closed her eyes. "Our child."

"I'll give you one. I'll give you everything…"

As the night deepened, the lights dimmed, and silence fell.

Only the armored knight, standing vigil outside their room, remained motionless. Beneath his iron mask, his eyes glowed faintly.

[Age 35: After your tireless efforts, Rosalyne becomes pregnant. The anticipation of a new life temporarily lifts the burden of your work. You decide that once the child is born, you will abandon your research on resurrecting corpses. How could you hold your newborn with hands tainted by death?]

[But tragedy strikes. Rosalyne has a miscarriage. Despite your being one of the best doctors in Mondstadt, or even all of Teyvat, you are unable to determine the cause. You comfort Rosalyne, telling her it was just an accident. There will be other children… someday.]

[Though Rosalyne was deeply saddened, under your gentle comfort and care, her spirits slowly recovered.]

[Meanwhile, after the fall of Khaenri'ah, monsters began to appear all over Teyvat, especially hilichurls, whose numbers grew exponentially. Outside Mondstadt, monsters roamed frequently, and to save Mondstadt from this crisis, you had to dedicate even more effort to the creation and development of your undead warriors.]

[Yes, although you are not the real Rostam, after years of acting and pretending, you've started to believe that you are Rostam. Even Rostam's desire to protect Mondstadt has become your own. Although your methods are far from clean and must never be discovered, your goal is indeed to save Mondstadt. As long as you achieve your goal, does it matter if you aren't understood?]

[At least Rosalyne, she surely understands you. As long as she does, that's enough.]

[Age 36: Your research has finally made progress. You discover that Rostam's strength is continuously improving, suggesting that your undead warriors can indeed evolve further.]

[You begin to experience more frequent stinging pain in your face. Although this sensation has been present for a long time, the frequency has increased significantly. However, you pay little attention to it, as performing cosmetic surgery is now a trivial task for someone like you.]

[Age 37: Rosalyne is pregnant again. Determined to avoid the previous tragedy, you temporarily resign from your duties as vice captain to care for her with the utmost attention. You've created countless "lives" in your work, but the little being growing inside Rosalyne's womb is your greatest creation.]

[As one of the greatest doctors in history, you eliminated almost every possible danger to Rosalyne. But despite your efforts, fate played another cruel joke on you—Rosalyne suffered another miscarriage. Without warning or reason, the baby was stillborn. Looking at the deformed, pitiful lump of flesh, it resembled the twisted corpses you had worked with in your lab.]

[Suddenly, a thought clicked. You returned to the cold cellar you hadn't visited in nearly a decade. Inside, your old enemy, the "Mad Doctor," was still trapped in the jar of nutrient liquid, suffering an eternal torment, unable to live or die.]

[His body had withered to the point of resembling a mummified corpse. You administered a prepared solution to restore his consciousness, but the long years of torment had reduced him to a shell of a human being, devoid of emotion.]

[You asked him why your wife kept miscarrying. He said he would only tell you if you ended his suffering. You shattered the jar holding him, and the room was immediately filled with a putrid stench. Without the liquid to sustain him, the Mad Doctor would die soon enough.]

[True to his word, the Mad Doctor revealed that reviving corpses is an act of blasphemy, and thus, you were cursed by the gods. You would never be able to have children. You refused to believe this, but with his last ounce of strength, the Mad Doctor laughed mockingly before dissolving into a pool of foul-smelling pus.]

[Age 38: The two miscarriages took a toll on Rosalyne, leaving her deeply depressed. You noticed the first wrinkle appear near her eyes—she, too, had begun to age.]

[The pain in your face became more severe. You tried many methods to suppress it, but none were effective. One day, you noticed that black blood had started to seep from the wounds on your face.]

[When you analyzed the blood, you were shocked to find that it was Durin's venomous blood. You realized that when Rostam fought Durin, he had been contaminated by the dragon's poison. Since you had grafted Rostam's skin onto your own face, you were now infected as well. Even though you had sterilized it thoroughly at the time, the trace amounts of Durin's blood had spread over time, slowly eating away at your body.]

[For some reason, though, the poison couldn't kill you (the Die of Old Age skill activated), but the excruciating pain tortured you daily.]

It seems the Die of Old Age trait was working at an unexpected time!

That makes sense. Durin's blood is technically a toxin, and it can't kill me.

[Age 39: Monsters outside Mondstadt became more rampant, while the number of available Knights of Favonius dwindled. One day, monsters launched another attack on the city gates. To defend Mondstadt's last line of defense, you had no choice but to deploy your undead army into battle for the first time.]

[Thanks to your research, the undead army's power had grown significantly. After an intense battle, the monsters were slaughtered, and your masterpiece, Rostam, claimed countless enemy lives, staining his armor with their blood. As the commander of the undead army, you were once again hailed as a hero of Mondstadt.]

[However, the fierce battle seemed to agitate Rostam's corpse. He suddenly swung his sword and began attacking the Knights of Favonius. Roland, Rostam's former student, quickly raised his sword to block Rostam's attacks. Finally, after your intervention, Rostam was calmed.]

[But Roland accidentally broke Rostam's mask during the fight. He pointed to the disfigured, armored corpse beneath and shouted in disbelief, "This man… is the real Rostam!"]

[Roland's revelation shocked everyone. You and your undead army were immediately placed under investigation. The truth could no longer be hidden. Soon, it was revealed that you had used the bodies of warriors and adventurers to create your undead soldiers. More importantly, after a series of interrogations, Arundolyn finally uncovered your true identity.]

[You were forced to face Mondstadt's highest trial. In the courtroom, you passionately defended yourself, telling everyone that while you had deceived them, everything you had done over the years was to protect Mondstadt and its people. Without your undead army, Mondstadt would have been overrun by monsters long ago. No one had the right to judge you!]

[Your words momentarily silenced the people of Mondstadt. Indeed, what you did was blasphemy against the gods, but your actions had undeniably protected the city. Without your undead army, Mondstadt might not have survived the recent siege.]

[However, just as the crowd was hesitating, Roland stood up once again, filled with righteous anger. He condemned you, claiming that you had betrayed Rostam, causing his death in Dragonspine, and had stolen his identity. Not only that, but you had turned this hero's corpse into a filthy killing machine. If Rostam had lived, he could have achieved everything you had done without resorting to such vile means.]

[Roland's words reignited the crowd's fury. They needed a reason to execute you, and he had given them one.]

[A rotten egg was hurled from the crowd, hitting you square in the face. The foul stench filled your nose as you faintly heard someone shout, "Mondstadt is safe now. You can die!"]

[Ironically, the people who now cursed, insulted, and condemned you were the very same ones who once revered, respected, and worshipped you.]

[More stones and rotting vegetables were thrown at you from the crowd below the tribunal. In the past, such behavior would have been immediately stopped by the judges, but today, no one intervened. It seemed that all the violence directed at you was now considered an act of righteousness.]

[Black blood clouded your vision. You suddenly found yourself laughing bitterly. How pathetic. If only you had retired from the Knights of Favonius and ceased your research into undead soldiers. If only you had lived a peaceful life with Rosalyne, none of this would have happened.]

[And now, the people you had fought so hard to protect saw you as a mortal enemy, a hideous monster, and a sinner beyond redemption. You had lost all value. The skilled craftsman who shoots down the last bird is discarded. The loyal dog who catches the cunning hare is boiled alive. The people of Mondstadt, having just survived a catastrophe, needed a new celebration—a spectacle where your head would roll.]

-----

[Your "dear friend," the Lion of Light, Arundolyn, directly announced your judgment: you would be publicly beheaded by Rostam's former disciple, Roland. As Roland raised his blood-stained black sword, and as the crowd's curses and insults filled the air, your choice is...]

[1. Accept death]

[2. Resist death]

Even the normally mild-mannered Lucas couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.

Was he truly evil?

After all, all he had done was experiment on corpses that were already dead. Aside from the mad doctor who destroyed his hometown, Lucas had never killed anyone. 

And those "evil" medical experiments hadn't brought him any personal gain; they had only cursed him with a future devoid of descendants.

Now, the very people he had protected were more eager to take his life than the monsters he had fought.

"I choose... the second option," a hint of bloodlust flickered in Lucas's eyes. "Also, I want to enter immersive mode."

Some things were better handled personally.

[Very well]

Lucas's reaction seemed to please the simulator.

[Entering immersive mode]

As he opened his eyes, Lucas was hit by an overwhelming stench. His vision was blurred by filth, and his ears were filled with a cacophony of insults.

"Master Rostam..." Roland, holding the black sword, looked at you with hatred and shouted, "I will avenge you!"

But just as the sharp blade was about to sever Lucas's head, he coldly commanded, "Execute order: Extermination mode. Target... all visible beings."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the chained corpse of Rostam below the platform suddenly lifted its head. Its eyes, forever open due to the loss of eyelids, began to glow with a crimson light.

With a sudden burst of strength, Rostam's muscles swelled, and with a sharp snap, he broke free from the chains. The nearby Knights of Favonius, who were guarding him, had no time to react before Rostam snatched their swords from their waists.

They didn't stand a chance. In an instant, Rostam beheaded them. After all, the very "Favonius Swordsmanship" they prided themselves on had been created by the horrifying corpse warrior standing before them.

Now, this former hero of Mondstadt, Wolf Pup Rostam, had become Lucas's most loyal knight.

With a powerful leap, Rostam jumped onto the execution platform, intercepting Roland's sword with his own.

Even though Rostam's face was now unrecognizable, the familiar swordsmanship left Roland stunned.

"Master..." Roland's voice trembled as he looked at the familiar yet foreign figure before him. "I'm Roland, your most loyal disciple..."

But Rostam no longer recognized anyone. His only purpose was to protect his master behind him and carry out the orders given to him.

Without a word, Rostam swung his sword, aiming to sever Roland's head. Just as it was about to land, a massive figure stepped in front of him, blocking the blow with a greatsword.

The man wore armor adorned with a silver lion, his hand holding both a greatsword and a longsword—the current captain of the Knights of Favonius, Arundolyn.

"He's no longer the Rostam you once knew."

Arundolyn pushed Rostam back with a forceful swing, causing the undead knight to retreat a few steps, positioning himself between Lucas and his enemies. Then, with a swift slash, he severed the chains binding Lucas.

"Do you still plan to resist?" Arundolyn's piercing gaze fell upon Lucas, as sharp as a sword. "If you surrender now, I can promise you... a dignified death."

"I return your words to you, unchanged." Lucas pressed his fingers into his face, slowly tearing open a gash, ripping off the decaying skin he had worn for years. "Let me leave with Rosalyne, or I will turn Mondstadt into a true hell."

"Stop dreaming!" Arundolyn snarled, teeth clenched. "Do you think Rosalyne would follow a monster like you? Today, I, Arundolyn the Lion of Light, will avenge my fallen friend."

"It seems... negotiations have failed."

As Lucas's words fell, he ripped off the "mask" he had worn for years.

The pain was excruciating, but in a twisted way, it was also liberating.

Starting today, I no longer need to live under someone else's name...

Seeing this eerie and grotesque sight, even Arundolyn, who had seen much in his life, couldn't help but mutter in shock, "What... are you?"

"My name is Lucas," he smiled, his expression stretching unnaturally. "The greatest doctor in the world, the first person on Teyvat to conquer death."

"You're nothing but a madman!" Arundolyn roared, charging forward with both swords swinging. Though he didn't wield a Vision, his natural talent and effort had placed him at the pinnacle of strength.

Yet, once again, Rostam blocked his strike.

If there was anyone in Mondstadt who could match Arundolyn, it would be the "Wolf Pup" Rostam.

"Yes, I'm a madman. But before that, all I wanted was to be a doctor, saving lives. All I wanted was to protect more people, to defeat death..." Lucas's shoulders shook as he laughed like a wild beast. "But there was no place for me in this world. So today, I will embrace my madness... Arise, my servants!"

"It's useless!" Arundolyn growled coldly. "All those abominations you created have been destroyed."

"Oh?" Lucas chuckled. "Are you sure about that?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, a loud crack echoed across the square. A hand emerged from the ground, followed by more cracks as undead warriors began crawling out of the earth.

"Wha... what is this?" Arundolyn's face filled with disbelief.

"This is a defensive mechanism I established in secret, to be used as Mondstadt's last line of defense in case monsters breached the gates. I call it 'Premature Burial,'" Lucas said calmly. "Captain, you don't want to see Mondstadt turn into a hellscape, do you?"

Sure enough, the undead army began obeying Lucas's command, launching an indiscriminate massacre on the people of Mondstadt.

The ordinary citizens stood no chance against the powerful undead. They screamed, begged for mercy, ran in terror, and died.

"How could you do this..." Arundolyn's body trembled with rage. "These people are innocent!"

"No one is innocent," Lucas sneered. "They brought this upon themselves."

"You irredeemable villain!"

Unable to contain his fury any longer, Roland raised his black sword and charged at Lucas again. "As long as I kill you, this will all end!"

But Lucas made no move to dodge. He merely watched the young knight with cold indifference as he rushed forward.

If it weren't for Roland, perhaps his "crimes" wouldn't have been exposed so soon.

Yet, Lucas bore no hatred toward him.

"Roland! Look out!" Arundolyn's warning came too late. Just before Roland reached Lucas, a sharp blade pierced his back, thrusting through his chest.

Turning slowly, Roland's eyes widened in shock.

The one who had run him through... was none other than his revered master, Rostam.

"M-Master..." Dark blood spilled from the young knight's mouth, and his body collapsed like a broken puppet.

But moments later, Roland's "corpse" began to rise, contorting unnaturally as it stood up.

His now pale, expressionless face showed no emotion. He knelt before Lucas like the most loyal of knights.

Not only that, but the Mondstadt citizens slain by the undead began to rise as well, joining the ever-growing undead army.

"Wh... what is this?" For the first time, Arundolyn, the fearless Lion of Light, showed a glimmer of despair. "What have you done?"

"I merely removed a few restrictions," Lucas said as he patted Roland's shoulder. "Once you realize your own strength... you are invincible."

Indeed, Lucas had underestimated his own power for too long.

While he knew nothing of swordsmanship and lacked a Vision, his mastery over resurrection and modifying corpses gave him the power to command an army that could never be defeated.

The slaughter continued.

The already depleted Knights of Favonius stood no chance against the formidable undead army. Even the mighty Arundolyn, facing the combined forces of Rostam and Roland, began to falter.

Everything Lucas had once cherished and protected was now being destroyed by his command.

Yet, as he watched the hellish scene before him, he felt an unprecedented sense of peace, as though this was what he was meant to do.

"What... what are you doing?"

A familiar voice behind him made Lucas turn. There stood his wife, Rosalyne, gazing at him with a complex mixture of emotions.

Even after all that had happened, Rosalyne remained the most important person in Lucas's life.

"Rosalyne... my Rosalyne..."

Now, only in front of Rosalyne did Lucas's face show a final trace of warmth. Hesitantly, he said, "Let me explain, actually, I..."

At this moment, Lucas wouldn't blink even if he had to destroy the entire city of Mondstadt. 

Yet, in front of Rosalyne, the "lord" of the undead army appeared like a child who had done something wrong.

His gaze instinctively shifted to the shattered glass window not far away. Reflected in it was a face that was beyond recognition.

It was neither the resolute face of Rostam nor the handsome visage of Lucas. 

It was a hideous, indescribable chaos, something no one dared to look at directly.

Would Rosalyne still accept him like this?

If she knew the truth, she would surely hate him with all her heart, right?

After all, in everyone's eyes, he was the "villain" who had betrayed Rostam and stolen his identity.

This villain not only caused Rostam's death but also took his place, becoming Rosalyne's husband and marrying her.

To Lucas's surprise, a bitter smile suddenly appeared on Rosalyne's face. She softly said, "You don't need to explain—I know that you are not Rostam, you are Lucas... I've known this for a long time."

"W-What?" Lucas was momentarily stunned by her words. He stammered, "H-How did you know?"

Hadn't his disguise fooled everyone?

Arundolyn, Roland, the Knights of Favonius, the citizens of Mondstadt—none of them had noticed any flaws. How could Rosalyne have known?

"Rostam once gave me an hourglass to measure the time until I returned from Sumeru," Rosalyne sighed softly. "That hourglass had a special magic, reflecting Rostam's condition... One day, it suddenly shattered, and I knew that something terrible had happened to him."

Lucas realized she wasn't lying. This type of magic—able to reflect the condition of its owner—was one of the innovations he had created back when he was a doctor.

It was similar to the "Vivre Cards" from One Piece: if the enchanted object was damaged, it meant its owner had suffered harm.

Lucas had never imagined that, after all his meticulous planning, it would be one of his own creations that exposed him.

He thought Rosalyne would now unleash her hatred on him. But instead, she said calmly, "So, I rushed back to Mondstadt. To my surprise, you appeared unharmed on the podium during the award ceremony. When you proposed to me, I was even more certain you weren't Rostam because Rostam... never looked at me with such deep affection."

"I'm sorry... I..."

Throughout everything he had done, Lucas had never once apologized. He had always believed that his actions were justified—that the world simply couldn't understand him.

He never felt the need to apologize, nor did he think he owed one.

But in front of Rosalyne, for the first time, Lucas felt a sense of guilt.

"You don't need to apologize. Everything that's happened... was my own choice. I knew the real Rostam was gone, but I didn't want to accept it. So, I chose to accept you instead."

Tears began to well in Rosalyne's eyes as she continued, "I lied to myself, telling myself that you were Rostam. I knew it was all fake, but the lie was so beautiful. You played the lyre for me while I sang, you held me every night... And then one day, I realized something. It didn't matter if you were Rostam or not... because I had already fallen in love with you."

When you fall in love with someone, does it really matter who they are?

With those words, Rosalyne walked up to Lucas, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle embrace.

"Thank you, Rosalyne..." Lucas's voice was choked with emotion. "Don't worry, no one can separate us now. I'll create a new world—one where it's just you and me."

This wasn't a fantasy. With his undead army, Lucas could flatten Mondstadt in three days, and conquering all of Teyvat wasn't out of the question.

"Let's stop here," Rosalyne whispered softly in his ear. "You've already made too many mistakes... But don't worry, I'll stay with you... forever."

What?

Lucas hadn't yet processed the meaning behind her words when he suddenly felt an overwhelming heat spreading through his body.

Rosalyne... was burning!

No, rather than burning, it was as if Rosalyne had become the flame itself.

And as she held him in her embrace, Lucas too was consumed by the fire.

So... this is how it ends?

-------

Lucas immediately understood. Rosalyne did love him, but to prevent him from carrying out a potentially world-ending madness, she had no choice but to kill him with great pain.

The raging flames would soon burn both Lucas and Rosalyne to ash, merging them together, never to be separated again.

Strangely, Lucas didn't feel any pain from the flames. At that moment, he even thought—maybe this wasn't a bad ending after all. At least, he could be with the woman he loved forever.

However, at that moment, Rostam, who had been fighting alongside Roland against Arundolyn, suddenly stopped upon seeing Lucas engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, he turned and charged toward Lucas.

This wasn't a command from Lucas; it was Rostam's own decision.

From his dried and cracked lips, a hoarse shout emerged: "Brother..."

A sharp blade cut through the air in a long arc, slashing Rosalyne's back. However, instead of red blood, a molten, lava-like liquid fire erupted from the wound.

Rosalyne screamed in agony and collapsed, falling out of Lucas's arms.

"Rosalyne!"

Seeing Rosalyne gravely wounded and lying on the ground, Lucas snapped back to reality, but the flames she ignited still raged on his body. He felt his consciousness gradually blur from the intense pain until everything turned to darkness...

[Exiting Immersive Mode...]

[Switching to Text Mode...]

"What... just happened?"

After regaining consciousness, Lucas returned to reality, but the sensations just now felt so real that he found it difficult to breathe. "Am I... already dead?"

Given his previous experiences, this situation usually ended in death.

Unfortunately, the Die of Old Aging trait didn't seem to activate at all.

But then, the system responded:

[You are not dead. During your prior medical research, to resist the lingering poison of Durin's blood in Rostam's organs, you injected yourself with large amounts of genetic activation agents to enhance your self-healing abilities. These agents and Durin's blood merged and counteracted each other, producing a unique regenerative factor.]

[Achievement Unlocked: Regenerative Factor]

[New Skill Gained: Regenerative Factor]

[Effect: Your body has developed a unique factor that greatly enhances your healing ability, although you will still feel the associated pain while your body recovers.]

A new trait with such an impressive ability?

Could this mean I'll be able to regenerate like Wolverine, maybe even regrow half my brain if it gets blown off?

Though, based on how the system works, Lucas doubted it would give him such an overpowered ability.

[Thanks to Rostam's intervention, you weren't burned to death by Rosalyne's flames. However, you did fall into a coma due to severe burns.]

Wait... was it Rostam who saved me?

Seeing this line of text, Lucas couldn't help but feel conflicted.

Logically, without his command, Rostam shouldn't have acted on his own. Could it be that he sensed the danger Lucas was in and acted on instinct?

It's ironic, really. In order to save his "enemy," Rostam had to strike down his former "lover."

---

[Some time passed, and you woke up in intense pain. You found yourself in the cellar of the Church of Favonius, which also served as a refuge stocked with plenty of supplies in case of disaster.]

[However, there was no one around—not even Rostam. As you began to recover from your injuries, the ground suddenly shook violently. Then, a loud crash echoed as if something had collapsed. Dust fell steadily from the ceiling, and though you wanted to investigate, your body was too weak to move.]

[Fortunately, your body recovered quickly (Trait Regenerative Factor activated).]

"Wait..." Lucas raised a question. "Can new traits work in the life simulator?"

[Although only the three initial traits can be used at the start of each simulation, traits gained within the simulation can be utilized in that session.]

Makes sense…

It's only fair that traits earned during the simulation should apply since they're a direct result of actions taken during that life.

---

[Finally, you were able to move again. You went to the cellar door, trying to open it, but it wouldn't budge as if something heavy was blocking it.]

[You guessed that the earlier tremor caused the Church of Favonius to collapse, trapping you inside the cellar. Despite being able to create powerful undead warriors, your physical strength was quite ordinary, making it impossible to force the door open.]

[You tried summoning your undead soldiers but received no response. There were no corpses or tools around to craft new ones either. Thankfully, there was plenty of food and water in storage, enough to sustain you for a long time since this refuge was designed to accommodate thousands of people. Supporting just one person was no problem.]

[You searched every corner for an exit but found nothing. A harsh reality began to dawn on you: unless someone else rescued you, you were likely trapped in this dark cellar forever. But considering your crimes, even if you were rescued, it would probably only be to face the harshest punishment. Your choices are...]

[1. Hold out as long as possible]

[2. End it all]

If this were happening in the real world, someone might genuinely consider the second option.

After all, not everyone can be a Robinson Crusoe. At least he had an island and a companion, Friday. Meanwhile, Lucas had nothing but the darkness of the cellar.

But this isn't real life; it's a simulation. Lucas wouldn't have to endure that torturous isolation firsthand.

"I choose to hold out. Let's see how long I can survive."

Following previous patterns, the longer he survived, the better the rewards would likely be.

Besides, Lucas was curious about how long "he" could last, what had happened to the outside world, why he was trapped here, and, most importantly—what had become of Rosalyne.

---

[In the end, you chose to live on. You still wanted to see Rosalyne again. You didn't hate her for trying to take you down with her. Now, you had all the time in the world to think of a way to resolve your conflict.]

---

[Age 40: A year passed, and you continued to live in the cellar. Not a single person came to open it, and you hadn't heard a single sound from the outside. This was strange—after all, the Church of Favonius was one of the most important buildings in Mondstadt. If they were rebuilding the city, they should have started here.]

[Perhaps the people of Mondstadt were truly wiped out by your undead army, or maybe they had abandoned the city and migrated elsewhere. You didn't care about any of this. Your thoughts were only of Rosalyne. You weren't afraid she was killed by the undead because you had commanded your army to protect her and yourself at all costs.]

[As for why Rostam attacked Rosalyne, it was likely because protecting you took priority over protecting her.]

---

[Age 41: You grew accustomed to the solitude. Fortunately, you didn't have to worry about food and water. The supplies here were magically enhanced to last for an incredibly long time.]

---

[Age 42: Perhaps due to removing Rostam's skin, Durin's blood gradually stopped affecting you. Strangely, your body also didn't seem to be aging as expected.]

Reading these lines, Lucas couldn't help but think, How much longer am I going to be trapped here?

[Age 42: Due to extreme boredom, you began exercising. Previously, you disdained physical training, believing human physical limits couldn't be surpassed. However, now you fantasize that if you can become strong enough, you might be able to punch through the obstacles blocking the cellar door.]

[Age 43: Without realizing it, you built up a muscular physique. With your medical skills, you could remove the burn scars left by Rosalyne on your body, but you choose not to. Every time you see those scars, you're reminded of her.]

[Strangely, even though the burn marks have long since scarred over, you often still feel burning pain. Based on your medical knowledge, you assume it's phantom pain and don't pay much attention to it.]

[Age 44: The candles in the cellar take 24 hours to burn down completely, and you use them to track the passage of days. This is your fifth year in the cellar, and you've given up hope that anyone will come to rescue you.]

[Age 45: You discover an old sword in a corner of the cellar, surprisingly untouched by rust. Although you've never practiced swordsmanship, you've observed countless of Rostam's battles and meticulously recorded his fighting techniques to test his combat potential.]

[You can remember every muscle and bone in the human body, so naturally, you also remember every one of Rostam's moves. Thanks to the physical training you've done, your body is now much stronger than before, and you begin practicing sword techniques by mimicking Rostam's style.]

Rostam was the creator of the Favonius Swordsmanship, but unlike the "sword techniques" of Liyue, Favonius Swordsmanship is more of a battle tactic with no fixed forms. One: slash, two: cleave, three: pierce, then repeat from the beginning. That simplicity is the essence of the Favonius Swordsmanship technique.

[Everyone who practices Favonius Swordsmanship develops their own style. While the techniques you recall from Rostam are extraordinary, without any real swordsmanship training, you can only grasp its "form," not its "spirit."]

[Age 46: You've made some progress in swordsmanship.]

[Age 47: Using Rostam's techniques, you craft your own version of Favonius Swordsmanship and decide to name it Favonius Swordsmanship: Wolf's Fang in memory of your former friend, foe, and most loyal servant.]

[Skill Unlocked: Favonius Swordsmanship: Wolf's Fang]

[Favonius Swordsmanship: Wolf's Fang

Rank: B

Effect: Increases critical hit rate by 20% when used.

Description: A sword technique developed based on the undead Rostam's fighting style. It still falls short of his original skill and is only of moderate quality, but it's more than enough to deal with ordinary swordsmen.]

You can unlock skills too?

Though it's only a B-rank skill, Lucas is still surprised.

Considering the protagonist in this simulation spent most of his life without any exposure to martial arts, being able to create a new sword technique purely based on memory is remarkable.

If his talent were any higher, he might be able to create something like Nine Yin Manual from The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

[Age 48: You gradually become obsessed with swordsmanship.]

[Age 49: You unexpectedly find a rat in the cellar, which brings you great joy. First, it proves there's life nearby, and second, it provides some comfort in the ten years of solitude.]

[Age 50: Your body hasn't deteriorated with age; instead, it's becoming even stronger (Old But Vigorous trait activated).]

Finally, that trait kicks in!

Lucas feels touched.

After all, this is his first time surviving past 50 in the Villain Simulator.

It wasn't easy!

[Age 51: Your body grows even stronger, and your once white hair begins to turn black again (Old But Vigorous trait activated).]

[Age 53: You can easily do 1,000 push-ups (Old But Vigorous trait activated).]

[Age 54: You...]

"Hold on!" Lucas interrupts suddenly. "How long am I going to be stuck here?"

Given the protagonist's current condition, he could probably live longer than Lucas in real life.

And with nothing significant happening in the story, things are getting a bit dull.

[The progression of events within the simulator cannot be predicted, and this system does not provide spoilers.]

"So, I just have to watch this unfold?" Lucas feels exasperated. "Isn't there a fast-forward feature?"

[The system requires time to compute the simulation, so fast-forwarding is not possible. However, the host can enter 'AFK mode.']

"AFK mode?" Lucas asks, confused. "Doesn't real-time stop while the simulation runs?"

[In AFK mode, the real-time pause is lifted, and the simulator runs automatically. The host will be notified when important events or decisions arise.]

"Why didn't you mention this useful feature earlier?" Lucas asks, exasperated.

[I figured you didn't ask.]

"Alright, alright…" Lucas relents. "Activate AFK mode."

[AFK mode activated.]

As expected, once AFK mode is activated, the real-time freeze is lifted.

Additionally, a semi-transparent window appears in Lucas's field of vision, allowing him to monitor the simulation's progress. He can close it if he doesn't want to watch.

As the system stated, though, the simulator doesn't speed up much in AFK mode.

"Fine, I'll check on it tomorrow morning…"

Perhaps because the recent events in the story were too intense, Lucas feels a bit stifled in his chest and decides to get up for some fresh air.

---

At the same time...

In Keqing's room...

"Lucas! I'll kill you!"

With an enraged shout, Keqing bolts upright in her bed, drenched in sweat, her expression tense and agitated.

More importantly, her eyes are filled with a deadly killing intent—something seen only in those who have experienced countless slaughters.

"Where… am I?" However, as she looks around the familiar room, "Keqing's" face shows confusion. She murmurs, "My room?"

How could this be?

Hadn't she and her family moved away after being framed at the Tianquan Academy? Even their property in Liyue had been sold off.

That's right, this isn't the real Keqing; this is the dark Keqing from the Villain Simulator who had joined the Abyss Order and become "Thunder Calamity Rakshasa."

Whether this "Thunder Calamity" version of Keqing was born from her nightmares or was a manifestation from an alternate timeline where the events of the Villain Simulator truly happened remains unclear... for now.

-----

The only thing that could be certain was that at this very moment, Keqing's heart was filled with an overwhelming hatred for Lucas.

Unlike the Keqing of this dimension, she was not the renowned "Yuheng Star" of the Liyue Qixing, nor was she a protector of Liyue. Instead, after the tragic loss of her family and home, she harbored resentment and dissatisfaction, descending into the Abyss Order to become a vengeful "Thunder Calamity Rakshasa."

Even the same person can take a completely opposite path in life after experiencing different fates.

"Is this… a dream?" Keqing glanced at the mirror beside the bed. The reflection showed her usual appearance, without any eerie stripes from falling into the Abyss. Her complexion was as fair as ever, and even her eyes remained clear.

She stood up and looked around. The walls were covered with photographs, depicting her growth and family moments.

The Camera from Sumeru was, of course, not an unusual object for a prestigious family like Keqing's.

There was an image of herself practicing swordsmanship with her grandfather.

Another of her fishing with her father in Qingce Village.

And one of her cooking with her mother in the kitchen, accidentally burning the fish.

And finally, an image of herself being appointed as the "Yuheng Star"...

One scene after another flashed before her like a revolving lantern, piecing together the life of this Keqing from the primary dimension. Thunder Calamity Keqing's eyes suddenly welled up.

If none of those things had happened, if it hadn't been for that man named Lucas's bullying, could this have been her life too?

She slowly pushed open the door. It was already late at night, and the moonlight bathed her porcelain-like skin. The Electro Vision at her waist gave off a faint glow.

So, in the dream, not only had she not fallen, but she had also become the Yuheng Star and obtained a Vision…

How envious…

At least in this dream, she had achieved her childhood dream.

The endless killing had made Thunder Calamity Keqing forget that she once had such a wish.

"The night is long, and sleep escapes me. I thought I was the only one who couldn't sleep, but it turns out even the young lady is still awake?"

At that moment, a slightly lazy voice suddenly sounded from behind Keqing.

"Who's there?!"

Years of life-and-death battles had honed the instincts of the Keqing from the other dimension. Like a flash of lightning, she instantly appeared in front of the speaker.

However, upon seeing the person's face, Keqing's expression showed utter shock.

Lucas!

Indeed, no matter what, she would never forget this man, even if he turned to ashes!

He was the source of all her misfortune!

The person who had appeared behind her was none other than Lucas. He had merely come out for some fresh air, not expecting to run into a Keqing whose mind was temporarily overtaken by the "Thunder Calamity."

"It's… you…" Keqing gritted her teeth.

"It's me," Lucas responded with a smile, seemingly unaware of Keqing's strange behavior. "What's wrong, young lady? Didn't we just meet? If you have any instructions, just let me know."

Young lady?

Why was he addressing her like that?

Keqing felt a wave of confusion.

The Lucas she remembered was an arrogant, bullying scoundrel, but this Lucas in front of her was dressed like a servant, and his demeanor was much more humble.

Ah, right! This is a dream!

Keqing immediately understood.

From what had happened so far, it was clear that everything in this dream was following her desires.

A warm and harmonious family, becoming the Yuheng Star, obtaining a Vision...

Even the person she hated most had become her servant!

"Keh keh… So that's how it is…" Realizing this, Keqing couldn't help but let out a strange chuckle. "This is… so amusing…"

Her sudden laughter made Lucas's spine tingle.

Goodness, wandering around at this hour, not returning to her room to sleep, and now laughing like this. Could she be possessed by something evil?

"So…" Keqing narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "You're my servant?"

Was she still half-asleep?

"Yes, young lady." Though a bit puzzled, Lucas pointed to the number on his chest and said, "It's right here—senior servant, Lucas, No. 9527."

What a twist of fate…

Keqing sneered internally. How should she deal with this guy?

Should she run him through with her sword?

No. In the "real" world, she had already killed Lucas once.

While it had indeed felt sweet to taste the fruits of revenge at that moment, after watching his lifeless body fall at her feet, all she had felt was a void.

It wasn't until later that she realized: death is just a momentary pain and despair. As a method of revenge, it was the lowest form of punishment.

Indeed, simply killing him would be far too easy!

She wanted to humiliate and torment him repeatedly, until she grew tired of it, and then kill him.

At this point, Keqing was entirely driven by her desire for revenge, seemingly unaware that this so-called "dream" might not last long.

"So…" Keqing said coldly, "You'll obey all my orders?"

Lucas nodded. "By common reasoning, that does seem to be the case."

Wait, why am I speaking so oddly?

"Very well!"

Keqing sat down on a stone bench nearby, lifted one foot, and sneered, "Then take off my shoes."

Lucas was puzzled. "Why on earth should I take off your shoes?"

"You don't have the right to ask questions," Keqing nearly pressed her toes against Lucas's face. "Do as I say."

Lucas furrowed his brow, but as the saying goes, "A person under another's roof must bow their head." Moreover, due to his actions in the "Villain Simulator," he had always harbored a subtle sense of guilt toward Keqing.

So, after a brief moment of hesitation, Lucas crouched down and carefully lifted Keqing's high heel.

This was the first time in "reality" that Lucas had observed a girl's foot up close, though in the simulator, he had already toyed with Shenhe's feet countless times.

Wait a minute, this isn't the time to be thinking about Shenhe!

As memories of the hundred days he spent with Shenhe in the simulator surfaced, Lucas felt his face heat up.

Shaking off those distracting thoughts, he slowly removed Keqing's high heel and held her small foot in his hand.

So, Keqing's feet... are this small?

They were quite different from Shenhe's. Shenhe's feet were longer and colder, with a texture akin to fine porcelain rather than human skin.

Keqing's feet, on the other hand, were much warmer. Small and delicate, they were uniquely cute as they rested in his palm.

Keqing seemed to notice that the man in front of her was staring at her foot. Her face flushed as she coldly demanded, "What are you looking at?"

"I was just…" Lucas immediately realized his "impropriety." Quickly averting his gaze, his face reddened as he stammered, "N-nothing. If there's nothing else, I'll head back."

"Who said you could leave?" Keqing sneered. "Next, kiss my toes."

What now?

This degrading way of humiliation! Can you bear it?

Keqing probably didn't realize that what she intended as "humiliation" might, for some people, be considered an ultimate "reward."

Hearing her words, Lucas's mind buzzed.

What kind of strange request is this?

Could this be some kind of "obedience test"?

Lucas had heard that in feudal times, some people would make others perform humiliating acts to train their obedience.

However, as he looked at Keqing's cute, snow-white toes, resembling delicate jade, he hesitated.

Kiss them, and lose his dignity.

Don't kiss them, and lose his job.

Finally, after a brief mental struggle, Lucas raised his head and awkwardly said, "I guess… I can't do it after all."

"Hmph…"

Keqing coldly snorted, her hand moving to the hilt of her sword.

If he refuses to be humiliated, then he can die!

But before she could act, Lucas continued, "Feet have a lot of bacteria, you know. I don't even know if you, young lady, have cleaned your feet properly. Kissing them without care seems unhygienic. If I catch athlete's foot from this, that would be troublesome…" 

(AN: athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on feet)

"Wh-what are you saying?!" 

Keqing's temper flared immediately upon hearing his words. She shoved Lucas aside, shouting angrily, "I'll wash them right now!"

Since her descent into the Abyss, Keqing had become impulsive and quick to anger—traits that earned her the title of "Thunder Calamity."

Without even putting on the shoe she had just removed, Keqing stormed over to the courtyard pond, intending to wash her feet right then and there.

Her heavy footsteps startled the koi resting in the pond.

"Hey, hey, don't wash your feet in there!" Lucas hurriedly warned, "What if you fall into the pond? It's dangerous…"

"What nonsense! I'm the mighty Thunder—SPLASH!"

Before she could finish, Keqing lost her balance due to having one foot bare and fell right into the water.

"Thunder what?" Lucas mumbled, "Thunderfish?"

Luckily, the decorative pond wasn't very deep, so falling in posed no real danger.

Ten seconds later, Keqing was still struggling in the water.

Thirty seconds later, her struggle ceased, and small bubbles began to rise to the surface.

A minute later, the water returned to stillness.

No way…

Could it be that Keqing was actually a non-swimmer?

Indeed, whether in this dimension or another, Keqing couldn't swim at all.

Without hesitation, Lucas immediately jumped into the cold water.

Soon, he resurfaced, dragging a dazed Keqing out of the pond.

"Hey, hey!" Lucas patted her cheek, panicking. "Are you okay?"

Keqing coughed out some water, her voice weak. "I think… I saw my dead uncle waving at me from behind a bridge…"

The Bridge of Helplessness?

"Don't go!" Lucas quickly urged, "If you cross it, you'll die for sure!"

"My uncle…" Keqing murmured, "He was saying something…"

"What was he saying?" Lucas shook her a bit, his voice urgent. "He must've been telling you to stay strong, right?"

"My uncle said…" Keqing muttered, "What you love is your life…"

With that, Keqing slowly closed her eyes, falling into unconsciousness.

Which uncle are you talking about? Is it Uncle Chen?

Lucas shook Keqing's shoulders, panic rising. "Miss, wake up! Don't go with your uncle! He's not a good guy! You don't want to be his pet, do you?"

It was only now that Lucas realized Keqing had earlier mentioned something about "Thunder"—Thunder Rex, right?

Staring at the now pale-faced Keqing, Lucas was at a loss for what to do.

[What are you waiting for? According to the plot, now's the time for CPR.]

----