Ten o'clock at night. The moon hung bright in the sky, stars scattered across the heavens.
Mondstadt's weather was always like this—perfect, whether day or night.
Eula stood on her balcony, savoring the gentle breeze brushing across her face. She wasn't the least bit sleepy.
One hand propped against her cheek, her body tilted slightly as she replayed the day's events in her mind.
At last, she lifted her Anemo Vision, rubbing it lightly between her fingers as she muttered to herself.
"Vice principal, huh…"
Compared to leading a reconnaissance squad—running missions in the wild day in and day out, exhausting herself while no one acknowledged her efforts—the vice principal position was on a whole different level. Higher status, lighter workload, way more visibility.
But most important of all, the terrifying network she'd build once she had students all over the world.
For her, it was nothing but advantages.
Rationally speaking, though, a role this good shouldn't have fallen to her. Barbara and Jean's father—was a far more obvious fit. In fame, in stature, in ability, he could have filled the role effortlessly…
Eula was still spacing out when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket.
She pulled it out. A message from Mr. Xia.
Her eyes lit up as she tapped it open immediately.
[Xia Zhi]: Tomorrow morning, remember to lay flowers at the Anemo Archon's statue in the square in front of the church. There might be a surprise.
"...A surprise?"
Eula stared at the message for a moment, then put her phone away and headed back inside.
If that was the case, she'd better get some sleep.
---
In her room—
Xiangling sat at the bedside, checked herself in the mirror to make sure she hadn't missed anything, then pulled out the book she'd kept under her pillow. She turned to Guoba.
"I'm going to return this to Master. Wanna come?"
Guoba let out two eager little "woo woo" noises, scampering along on his stubby legs to keep up.
The two of them stepped into the hall, crossed over, and stopped outside Xia Zhi's door.
For some reason, Xiangling felt a little nervous. Probably from reading too many novels.
She knocked lightly. "Master…"
From inside came Xia Zhi's calm voice: "Xiangling? Come in, it's not locked."
She pushed the door open. A faint herbal scent drifted through the air.
Xia Zhi was seated at his desk. Xiangling smiled, lifting the book in her hands.
"Master, I came to return this!"
She hurried over and handed him the Book of Erudition.
He put it away, giving her a nod of approval.
"The dishes you cooked tonight were excellent."
Xiangling's face lit up. "That's all thanks to your teaching!"
"With your skills now, you've practically graduated."
"No way, I've still got a long way to go! I'll be counting on your guidance from here on, Master!"
"Don't be so modest. If you're graduating, then I should prepare you a gift."
He thought for a moment.
"I don't have much else that suits you… those kitchen tools of the Eternal Spirit Knife set—you've always liked them, haven't you? From now on, they're yours."
"Eh?! Really?!"
"Of course. The kitchen's mainly in your hands now. I plan to slack off a bit."
"Don't worry, Master!"
Xiangling clenched her fists, eyes sparkling with determination.
That was only natural—a disciple should shoulder her master's burdens.
Xia Zhi chuckled, then glanced down at Guoba.
The platinum progress bar above him was still only at [16%]. A long way to go.
"Guoba's learned the meditation method too, right?"
Guoba nodded rapidly. "Woo woo!"
Xiangling translated, "Master, he says he's got it down!"
In truth, Xia Zhi could already understand Guoba.
He'd noticed it during dinner.
Ever since the platinum bar appeared above Guoba, the Guardian of the Wilds effect that let him communicate with animals had suddenly applied to Guoba as well. From then on, the little bear's "woo woo" noises were as clear as words to him.
If he could understand Guoba, then it meant the system now categorized him as an animal.
"That's good," Xia Zhi said with a smile.
"Woo woo woo woo!" Guoba chimed in again.
Xiangling grinned. "He says the meditation method is amazing, thank you!"
"No need," Xia Zhi replied, amused.
Xiangling glanced at Guoba, lowering her voice. "Master… I feel like he's a little different tonight."
"How so?"
"Like he's gotten… smarter?" she said uncertainly.
"Indeed."
"You think so too?"
"I can sense his power recovering. His intelligence should be recovering with it."
"No wonder! Is it because of the Gods' Temptation? I saved some for him tonight, and he ate it all."
"That helped a little, but the real boost came from the meditation."
"Ohhh, I see!"
Her eyes wandered to the medicine furnace on his desk. Curiosity sparked again.
Xia Zhi humored her, explaining a few things, then let her try her hand at alchemy herself.
While she busied herself, he beckoned Guoba over. "Come here."
Obediently, Guoba trotted to his feet.
Xia Zhi reached out, stroking his head. His fur, freshly washed, was sleek and silky under his hand.
At the same time, a system prompt echoed in his mind:
"New animal contact detected. Gained [Blessing of the Earth Bear]: Strength +1, Constitution +1, Geo Damage +10%, Geo Resistance +10%."
"New animal contact detected. All attributes +0.0001%."
The Earth Bear, huh… another blessing. Another transformation.
Xia Zhi's expression grew thoughtful as he kept petting Guoba's head, working in some of his master-level massage technique.
Guoba couldn't help letting out pleased little "woo woo" noises.
From his god's-eye view, Xia Zhi could see the platinum bar over Guoba rising rapidly.
Just as he suspected—feeding and massage, close interactions, filled the bar much faster.
Like the incense burner, the medicine furnace required spiritual energy to refine extraordinary items.
Xiangling, still mortal, didn't have much to spare. Before long she yawned, clearly drained.
"You must be tired from cooking too," Xia Zhi said gently. "Go get some rest. Light a bit of Calming Incense if you need help sleeping."
"Okay. Good night, Master."
"Good night."
Xiangling left with Guoba in tow.