"Boss Han, I've finished the comic. May I ask what the reward is?"
Walking up to the counter, Keqing placed the book down and spoke softly.
This was her very first time speaking directly to the mysterious Boss Han, and she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.
Han Feng glanced toward the system.
The display had already refreshed:
[Customer Keqing has finished reading Tom and Jerry. Reward granted—Tom Cat Attribute Ability.]
[Tom Cat Attribute Ability: Various god-tier skills possessed by Tom, such as shapeshifting, rapid healing, extreme flexibility, etc.]
[Note: When using this ability, the host will undergo feline traits (the extent depends on the situation).]
"…System, you're definitely messing with me this time."
Han Feng's mouth twitched.
Was this ability powerful?
Without a doubt!
As the most ridiculously overpowered cat in cartoon history, Tom had every kind of godlike skill.
Rapid regeneration, absurd transformations… all insanely strong.
If a human had those same traits, he'd be nothing short of a living legend.
If it were just that, Keqing would probably be thrilled.
But that little note at the end?
That's where it got… interesting.
Feline traits appear when using the ability.
In other words—cat ears?
Or even a full-on cat transformation?!
Han Feng couldn't help imagining the proud Yuheng Star of Liyue Harbor… as a cat-eared girl.
Or worse—an actual cat.
He suddenly found himself looking forward to this reward.
"…W-what's wrong? Is there some problem with the reward?"
Noticing the odd gleam in his eyes, Keqing's instincts screamed that something bad was coming.
Buzz—
A brilliant light engulfed her.
"Relax—it's just the sign of the reward manifesting,"
Han Feng reassured her with a smile.
"O-oh…"
Keqing's face flushed.
What was with her today?
First she'd let Xiangling catch her looking ridiculous while reading, and now she was on edge over a little glow.
Was this how the Yuheng Star should act?
She really needed to compose herself once she got back.
But soon, she felt a strange warmth flowing into her body.
It was soft, comforting—so pleasant she couldn't help but let out a little sound.
"…Does the ability really come with that kind of effect too?"
Han Feng raised an eyebrow.
Watching Keqing softly hum in enjoyment was… not what he expected.
Realizing what she'd just done in front of him, Keqing's face went scarlet.
How embarrassing!
But it wasn't her fault— the sensation was just that soothing.
Fortunately, the glow soon faded.
Keqing now felt an unfamiliar power resting inside her body.
But its nature wasn't clear.
She looked to Boss Han in confusion.
"Boss… this is?"
"Tom's abilities from Tom and Jerry. For example, when his body shatters into pieces, he instantly recovers."
"Gasp! Such… such miraculous power!"
Keqing's eyes widened.
She knew exactly how insane Tom's resilience was— turning into any shape, burnt to ashes only to revive in seconds.
Practically immortal.
And now, she had inherited this?!
It was almost too good to believe.
But… when she thought of testing it out, a faint premonition of doom nagged at her.
"Boss Han… does this ability have some sort of drawback?"
"Mm. When using it, you'll… take on feline traits. The extent varies depending on the situation."
"…C-cat… feline traits?!"
Keqing froze.
That was the catch?!
Why?!
Sure, she wore cat-like accessories sometimes, but that didn't mean she wanted to become one!
"Well, it is Tom Cat's power. With something this absurdly strong, having a minor side effect is only natural."
Han Feng spread his hands.
To be honest, even if the drawback was turning fully into a cat, plenty of people would still beg for this power.
It was simply too broken.
"B-but…"
Keqing was torn.
She understood his logic.
But accepting it was another matter entirely.
"Don't overthink it. Look at Inazuma— their shrine priestess is a fox spirit in human form.
People still revere her.
For you, it's only temporary feline traits, and only when using the power.
Stop using it, and you're back to normal."
Han Feng said it smoothly, coaxing her along.
After all, he wasn't about to let this gift go to waste.
He definitely wanted to see cat-eared Keqing one day.
"…Now that you put it that way, it does make sense."
Keqing slowly nodded.
Thinking about it, he was right.
If the Grand Shrine Maiden of Narukami was a fox spirit and still beloved, then a little cat-like transformation was hardly shameful.
At worst, she could disguise it.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt guilty.
How could she complain?
She'd just been handed one of the strongest powers imaginable!
To be dissatisfied was truly ungrateful.
"Thank you, Boss Han."
"It's nothing. If the feline traits cause any trouble, come find me anytime."
Han Feng waved generously.
…Of course, he wasn't about to admit he just wanted to see her in cat form.
"Truly, thank you so much, Boss Han!"
Keqing bowed deeply, overwhelmed with gratitude.
She never expected him to be so kindhearted.
Now that she'd obtained this power herself, she was fully convinced of the shop's mysteries.
The first thing she'd do later— report to Ningguang, and bring her here to read.
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