Half an hour later.
Ken slowly woke from his stupor. The dim room was thick with languid air.
[Congratulations to the host for successfully integrating the Abyssal Antibody. Henceforth, all curses from the Abyss will be ignored!]
The system's voice followed.
Both his mental strength and body had clearly improved. In this state, he would fear no curse from the Abyss.
But thinking of what he did during the fusion, Ken felt both a lingering savor and a pang of guilt.
His mental state had been unstable then; when Barbara was helping, he became far too manic, single-mindedly wanting to satisfy his urge.
At that moment, even tiny traces of Electro surged around him. While that power couldn't cause harm, for a Hydro user like Barbara… it was a double blow.
Though the soft Hydro could dissolve all things silently, Barbara was still young. Even with a Vision, when faced with that sort of thing, it was hard to withstand the onslaught.
"I probably scared her, huh?"
Ken checked the time. There was still over an hour left in today's dual-travel window. He decided to swing by the Church of Favonius to see Barbara.
He couldn't just eat clean and run.
As he mulled it over, Ken opened the wardrobe. Inside were two clean outfits—items that came with the system's reward shop.
Like the furniture in the house, all brand-new and move-in ready.
After changing, Ken knocked on the door.
…
Outside, Mona and Lumine hadn't left. They'd been waiting for him to wake.
"Boss, are you okay?"
"Mr. Ken, are you okay?"
At the knock, Mona opened the door.
Seeing Ken looking fresh and clear-eyed, Mona, Lumine, and Paimon spoke in unison.
Looking at their concerned faces, Ken suddenly realized something. Lumine and Mona had been waiting outside… so the sounds from inside…
"I'm fine. While I was condensing my mental power, nothing weird happened… right?"
He probed obliquely.
He might be a thick-skinned, but this was still a bit awkward—especially for Barbara—probably too embarrassed to face people now.
"At first we heard you in pain, but after Barbara went in, the noise got smaller… There were still clang clang sounds, but at least you didn't sound as miserable," Paimon hurried to say.
Lumine agreed: "Right. Barbara must've spent a lot of energy—she was trembling when she walked."
Mona didn't speak. She glanced into Ken's room.
Though it was a mess, there were no white stockings of Barbara's.
So she'd really misseen.
Barbara probably hadn't worn white stockings when she came. Otherwise, when using Hydro, she wouldn't need to take them off, would she?
"I'm going to see Barbara and properly thank her. Mona, help me tidy the room."
Ken patted Mona's shoulder.
Mona nodded. "Don't worry."
To Mona, rather than freeloading from Ken, she preferred this equivalent exchange in front of him.
She felt more at ease earning reward with labor.
…
Church of Favonius.
After dashing out of the specialty shop, Barbara had gone home to change into clean clothes, then returned to the church.
"Barbara, you look exhausted."
Victoria eyed Barbara with concern.
As Mondstadt's national idol, all of Mondstadt loves Barbara—Victoria, her colleague, included.
"I'm fine…" Barbara's face was flushed. "Maybe I didn't sleep well."
Victoria was about to say more when a colleague's voice came from behind: "Barbara, Mr. Ken is looking for you… the Ken who saved Mondstadt!"
The nun's excited tone brimmed with admiration and reverence.
Ken's deed had spread across every street and alley of the city.
Even children who only knew to play would praise from the heart at his name: "He's a great, amazing person! And Klee's father."
All the more so at the Church.
Right now, Ken was the idol of every girl in Mondstadt; even Diluc, usually unmatched, had to give him some leeway.
"I understand."
Barbara's face grew even redder. She hurried out.
…
Under the shade not far from the church, Ken waited on a bench.
Compared to the game's Mondstadt, the real city was vast, with beautiful greenery.
"Ken…"
Seeing the stunning youth, Barbara's pure face turned scarlet.
Ken looked up.
In the bright sunlight, the girl's glassy eyes shimmered with water-light. Her golden hair glittered in the sun, and the hem of her white dress fluttered in the breeze.
"Is your body okay?"
Ken pulled Barbara into his arms, glancing through her collar at the marks inside—blotches of blue and purple.
"You've got a lot of nerve asking… You were like a beast." Barbara rubbed her thighs awkwardly as she spoke.
That tearing pain was unforgettable; even now discomfort lingered. Still, at the time she had sunk into it, completely dominated.
"Thanks for your hard work. You'll get used to it over time." Ken stroked her cheek and smiled.
"You…" Barbara blushed deeper, burying her head in his chest. Recalling the madness at noon, she was too shy to speak.
But remembering this was near the church, Barbara suddenly grew flustered.
"T-this is the church. It'd be bad if someone saw. I need to get back to work," she said, head down.
"Okay." Ken leaned to her ear and whispered, "If you miss me, we can meet through the Vortex Gate—no need to worry about being seen."
"You… hmph… I-I'm going!" Barbara's face went full crimson. She flusteredly punched his chest and fled.
Only, her small running steps looked quite odd.
"Guess I really was too wild."
Watching Barbara disappear from sight, Ken turned toward the Knights of Favonius.
There was still some time left on today's dual-travel. He'd go see little Klee.
…
Though the dragon disaster ended more than a month ago, cleanup remained, and the knights were busy. The Knights headquarters was very quiet.
"Sir Ken, how may I assist you?"
As soon as he stepped into the hall, Noelle appeared as if borne on the wind.
Her speed made Ken click his tongue.
"So it's Noelle. Is Klee around?"
He had a high favorability for this enthusiastic grind-queen.
If his whole company were such grinders, becoming big and strong wouldn't be a dream.
"The Spark Knight went with Captain Kaeya to clear Hilichurl camps. Abyss Mages have been frequent lately, as if searching for something."
Noelle smiled and shared what she knew.
"Oh, then I won't disturb you." Ken bid the cute little maid goodbye and prepared to leave.
He enjoyed chatting with Noelle, but didn't want to delay her work.
Otherwise this grind-queen might be busy till midnight.
"Goodbye, Mr. Ken."
Noelle placed a hand over her heart, eyes showing a trace of admiration.
"The little cutie comes to the Knights and doesn't come see big sis?" Just as Ken reached the doors, a lazy voice sounded behind him.
Seductive and languid, with a hint of laughter and tease.
Crisp high heels clicked on the floor.
Ken turned helplessly. He beheld the rose witch with boundless volumes, stepping with graceful poise, eyes full of interest.
Compared to their first meeting, Lisa had fully returned to her racecar-driver nature.
It was precisely because of this that their relationship had advanced by leaps and bounds over the past month.
"So it's Sister Lisa…"
Ken gazed at the sultry rose witch, his eyes falling into the majestic cleavage.
The Vision set on her purple shrug lay right above the valley.
Very shiny.
"You used to call me Miss Lisa, and now it's Sister Lisa?"
Lisa came to him, naturally hooked her arm through his, and asked softly with interest, "Little cutie, where are those eyes looking?"
"Nice Vision," Ken said.
"Oh… looking at the Vision, hm." Lisa's tone held an odd hint of regret. She tugged Ken toward the library. "You finished the books I lent you? Bring them back."
Feeling the billowing sensation pressing on his arm, Ken calmed his heart's flutter.
Except for their first meeting when Lisa was embarrassed and shy, almost every other time she teased him. She really was a witch—bold in deed.
As he mused—
They entered the bright, spacious library, wooden shelves laden with books.
Ken sat opposite Lisa's desk, watching her sway her hips as she brought over the books.
"You've got good taste," Lisa said, sliding out a book with alabaster fingers, amused. "This one… big sister likes a lot."
Ken glanced and his mouth twitched.
It was The Tale of Qoyllor and Ukuku.
When he let Lisa pick any book from his study, he never expected her to choose this classic.
"It's very well written."
Ken's face didn't change. Aside from certain scenes, it was indeed excellent.
"Indeed. I'd love to slowly study and ponder it with you."
Lisa slipped her nyloned foot from her heel and stretched it under the desk.
Her emerald eyes rippled like a spring pool, carmine lips curling. "Did the Fatui visit you today? What did they want?"
Ken was frank. "Yes. I met their Harbinger. As for what… probably wanted to be friends?"
No need to hide it.
Though Signora had come to Mondstadt in secret and wasn't on the official delegation, the Fatui hadn't acted low-key this month. The Knights had caught plenty of handles; knowing a Harbinger came was a matter of time.
That was why Signora went to his specialty shop—she knew her extended stay would expose her sooner or later.
"Let me guess… Childe?" Lisa squinted.
"No, Signora."
If he remembered right… perhaps Childe was swimming toward Liyue—or had already arrived.
But with his involvement, much had changed; he wasn't sure about the timeline.
"Tsk… Signora, huh."
Lisa's foot paused, then slid back into her shoe.
But… as for such troublesome matters as Signora in Mondstadt, a librarian like her didn't want to get involved. The Knights would handle it.
"I still has to teach Noelle a few things today. On my next day off, I'll head to Blue Star to find you."
Lisa winked, all charm.
"Most welcome. But the Abyss Order has been active. Keep an eye out in case they try to steal from the library," Ken said as he put the books away.
In the original plot, the Abyss Order stole books.
A little heads-up for Lisa—his return gift for that massage.
"Is that a tip from the great prophet?"
Lisa leaned forward, two slimes on the desk clearly heavy.
"From a friend who cares," Ken said helplessly. This witch loved to play this game—not easy to handle.
"Okay." Lisa stood with a soft laugh and pressed a kiss to his lips. "A a thanks."
Ken: "…"
A real enchantress.
Honestly, their relationship developing to this point exceeded his expectations.
Blame how idle Lisa had been last month.
She'd often slack and visit Blue Star. Add his unique charm and her pedal-to-the-floor tendencies, and closeness came naturally.
Feeling the lingering on his lips, Ken retaliated fiercely, he pulled her back against him, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss that left them both breathless. His fingers tangled in her hair as he poured all his pent-up desire into that one passionate moment. When they finally broke apart, both flushed and panting, he gathered his books and left the library.
Not much time left today. He needed to head to the Adventurers' Guild to post a mining commission.
…
Meanwhile, while Ken was relaxing, the Abyss Order was in a strange mood.
…
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