"How are you feeling now, Jade Chamber?"
Ningguang asked with curiosity.
It was her first time using a Fake Harmony Star.
She didn't know what the real effects would be.
"Miss Ningguang, I am currently functioning extremely well," the Jade Chamber replied, its voice now crisp and feminine.
"In addition to the increase in size, my defensive capability has risen significantly. Ordinary attacks can no longer damage me.
Furthermore, I seem to be receiving a constant stream of energy."
"Higher defense? Then… dropping a Jade Chamber this big would feel pretty satisfying, wouldn't it?"
Keqing blinked mischievously, teasing.
Bigger size.
Higher defense.
This thing was practically a weapon now!
"The Jade Chamber is something I've spent countless Mora to build.
How could I possibly use it to smash things?"
Ningguang rolled her eyes at Keqing.
Using this to hit people was even more extravagant than just throwing Mora at them.
Still…
While Ningguang said that, a tiny glimmer of temptation flickered in her heart.
If it were the old Jade Chamber, she'd never consider it— she would have to be insane to throw her own masterpiece at someone.
But now…
"A constant flow of energy… so that must be the power granted by the Fake Harmony Star?"
Ningguang thought.
If so, then until the Fake Harmony Star expired, the Jade Chamber's defense should remain incredibly high.
So if she did use it to smash something…
Just imagining the scene made her oddly excited.
But that was for later— there were more pressing matters right now.
"Come. We need to head to Yujing Terrace.
The Rite of Descension is about to begin,"
Ningguang said.
"Mm!"
Keqing nodded.
That was indeed the most important thing at the moment.
Hopefully, nothing unexpected would happen.
…
Meanwhile, at the manga shop—
Zhongli had also finished his manga.
"The tools in this book… each of them possesses such remarkable abilities."
Zhongli's voice carried clear admiration.
If Legends of Runeterra impressed him with its many heroes, then Doraemon impressed him with its magical gadgets.
The bamboo-copter that lets you fly, the shrinking and enlarging flashlight…
But what he found most astonishing—just like Ningguang before— were the Time Machine and the If Phone Booth.
The Time Machine appeared frequently in the manga; it left a strong impression on him.
A tool that casually travels to the past and future— something even the Seven Archons struggle to do.
Yet the manga presented it casually, effortlessly.
If people in Teyvat knew such a thing existed, they would be horrified.
And the If Phone Booth—
Zhongli could only describe it as absurd.
Simply pick up the phone, state your wish, and the booth creates a parallel world accordingly.
A world without sound existed.
A world of magic existed.
After learning all this, Zhongli even wondered—
"Could such a tool create a new version of Teyvat…?"
No wonder Venti was so enthusiastic about recommending this manga.
Just then—
A new system notification appeared.
[Customer Zhongli has finished reading "Doraemon" and obtained the reward — Rock–Paper–Scissors Box.]
[Rock–Paper–Scissors Box: When you hold this box and play rock–paper–scissors with someone, a giant hand will jump out of the box. Whatever gesture the opponent throws, the hand will always win.]
"This reward…"
Han Feng couldn't help clicking his tongue.
Useful?
Not really.
Unless someone was bored enough to challenge others to rock–paper–scissors.
Useless?
Also not quite.
Because as long as you used the box, you would always win.
In the manga, Nobita even used it to win rides and borrow books.
Definitely a guaranteed-win gadget.
Now it all depended on how Zhongli used it.
Hum—
A beam of brilliant light descended onto Zhongli.
Moments later, the light faded, leaving a square box in his hand.
"Boss Han, this is…?"
Zhongli asked as he approached the counter.
"That's the Rock–Paper–Scissors Box.
Hold it, challenge someone, and the box's hand will always win—no matter what gesture the other person makes."
Han Feng explained.
"So it's that one."
Zhongli's eyes lit up in recognition.
His memory was excellent—he recalled the item immediately.
Rock–paper–scissors was also a common pastime in Liyue, so he understood the concept perfectly.
"No matter what gesture it shows… it always wins?"
Zhongli suddenly felt the urge to test it.
"Boss Han, would you hold the box for a moment? I'd like to try."
"Sure."
Han Feng took the box and raised it.
The two began playing round after round.
And of course—
Zhongli lost every single time.
It didn't matter whether he strategized or played randomly.
The result never changed.
"This is quite an impressive device—absolute victory."
Zhongli said with genuine admiration.
It didn't have any profound power, but something that could force guaranteed wins was still noteworthy.
Just… maybe not very practical.
"Thank you, Boss. I'll return tomorrow."
Zhongli picked up the box and departed.
The Rite of Descension was coming— he had to be present.
…
Moments after Zhongli left, Childe and the Lady approached the counter with their manga.
"Boss, we've finished reading! What's our reward?"
Childe leaned forward, eyes full of expectation.
After being violently spoiled by the Lady earlier, the manga had become pure suffering, but he still forced himself to finish it— all for this moment.
At last, it was time to reap the reward.
—------------------------------
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