The next day—
Noon.
After a whole night of research, Taro pushed open the door and stepped out.
He had spent one night and one morning memorizing every change in his body's interface.
Now all that was left was field testing.
Today's goal: level up. Verification through combat.
"Right now, level 101. If I reach 110…
By the old system's calculation, would I get another skill?
…Well, maybe not.
Most of YGGDRASIL's mechanics already don't apply anymore.
Still, I need to test it.
If I can expand my super-tier… no, root-level magic,
then I'll have grounds to blackmail—no, negotiate with Azhdaha.
After all, that ancient dragon's authority was already badly damaged.
Half-devoured by the Abyss, half-dead.
Why not give him a chance?
Die once, hand me your body, I'll revive you—
Then you'll never have to fear the Abyss again.
Perfect logic. Perfect solution.
As Taro came out, Yingda, who had been waiting at the staircase, widened her eyes.
"Good morning, sir… well, noon."
"Liya too?"
"She's in the hall."
"Alright."
Taro nodded lightly. "Lunch ready?"
"Of course."
Huo Liya immediately stood up, smiling.
"I made breakfast earlier, but since you never came down, I held off.
So, what would you like for lunch?"
"You know me—I'm not picky. Just do as you see fit."
"Got it, boss. Please wait a moment."
Huo Liya's face glowed with a smile as she swayed her full figure into the kitchen.
"Tch…"
Yingda rolled her eyes in disdain.
That woman always flaunting herself in front of sir.
As if no one else could.
Straightening her own posture, Yingda gracefully prepared tea instead.
Taro smiled, drew back his gaze, and carried a lounge chair outside.
Yes—he really needed a proper residence with a courtyard.
Living like this was inconvenient.
Before long, Yingda came out, carrying a tea tray and table.
"Mm, comfortable."
"Sir, would you like a leg massage? I just learned."
"Why not. Let's try it."
"I promise you won't be disappointed."
Yingda's eyes were full of sincerity as her soft hands pressed against his legs.
"Mm, good…"
The strength was just right.
His mood lifted.
Truly, with two beauties at home—
not only pleasing to the eye, but managing chores, cooking, and company—
life was perfect.
A landlord's life indeed.
Before long, a fragrant aroma wafted from the hall, overpowering even the nearby food stalls.
Cooking was about color, fragrance, and taste.
The color and taste were yet unseen.
But the fragrance was already overwhelming.
Her cooking had clearly improved.
"Yingda~"
As he enjoyed the massage, Taro suddenly spoke.
"What is it, sir? Is the strength off?"
Yingda paused, waiting.
"No, keep going."
Taro shook his head slightly.
"After lunch, call one of the Yaksha over.
We'll do a small experiment after eating.
Then bring her back here."
Yingda blinked, then smiled faintly as her hands moved again.
"Understood, sir. I'll obey.
Then… shall I call Vana first?"
She silently eliminated the other two options.
Minu was Geo-aligned, calm and steady, now serving under Guizhong at Yuehai Pavilion.
Maya was stationed at Qiongji Estuary to keep watch.
That left only Vana.
But that wasn't the only reason.
General Spiral · Vana, third among the Yaksha siblings.
Usually shy and gentle, much like her water attribute.
But in battle, her aura and form turned lethal—
second only to Fushe.
Her strength and demeanor were impeccable.
Yingda wanted to bring her here, too.
After all, going against Huo Liya alone was too difficult.
With Vana around, things would balance out.
As long as she wasn't pushed into battle mode, she would be fine.
With her temperament, she would adapt quickly.
"Alright."
Taro nodded. "Have her join us for lunch.
Once we're full, we'll head out."
Plans never kept up with change.
So today it would be.
"Mmhm!"
Yingda's face lit up with a wide smile as she worked her hands.
Trickles of Adeptus power spread out, gathering around them.
Big brother Fushe… soon you'll be back.
After a thousand years, the five of us siblings will be reunited.
And all thanks to sir.
No way to repay him enough… unless, perhaps, by offering myself?
Bah, shameless thought.
Would he even accept me?
Her face flushed red as countless thoughts filled her mind.
Images she couldn't dare speak aloud.
At the same time—
Yujing Terrace, Yuehai Pavilion.
A slip of ancient script flashed in, interrupting Ganyu's work.
"…Yingda's message?"
Ganyu, Minu, and Vana all looked up.
"Check it. Might be good news."
Ganyu smiled softly.
"Perhaps she's confirming the date for the trip to the Chasm."
Minu nodded. "Taro had said it would be postponed a day.
If she's sending word specially, it must be for us to prepare."
"Mm."
Excitement filled Vana's heart as she raised her hand and answered with Adeptus power.
The ancient script shot back into Yingda's brow.
"One person. Come quickly."
"…Huh?"
Vana blinked. "One person? Only me?"
"She didn't explain further…"
"Only one?"
Ganyu thought for a moment. "Go ahead. Minu and I can handle things here.
It might be something special."
"That makes sense."
Minu nodded firmly. "It must be Taro's command.
We were reborn, our karmic debts cleansed, all thanks to him.
If he commands it—
we must follow, even into fire or blades."
"I understand."
Vana nodded softly. "Then, Ganyu-neesan, second brother, I'll go.
If anything happens, I'll send word back."
"Go."
(End of Chapter)
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