A flash of light streaked through the room, and Yuri's jaw nearly hit the floor. His sunglasses slipped off his face and clattered onto the ground.
"No way... What kind of luck do you even have?!"
Kevin looked at the ten items that had materialized on the ground. Five of them were Musang King durians, but the other five were unfamiliar to him.
"Well? Did I hit the jackpot?" Kevin asked, tilting his head.
Yuri nodded in disbelief, picking up a small object that looked like a propeller.
"This is called a Bamboo Dragonfly. Put it on your head, and it'll let you fly freely just by thinking about it."
Kevin wasted no ti, sticking the Bamboo Dragonfly onto his head. The tiny propeller started to spin, and within seconds, he lifted off the ground, floating effortlessly in midair.
Kevin grinned, waving his arms as if he were swimming. "Haha! This is amazing!"
March 7th watched in awe, eyes sparkling with excitent. "Kevin! Let try it too!"
Laughing, Kevin landed and handed her the Bamboo Dragonfly.
Hiko and Walter, who had been silently watching, were at a loss for words. Sothing so small could make a person fly? Just like that?
Kevin returned to Yuri, who was now holding a glass-encased sphere of energy.
"Take a good look at this," Yuri said, presenting it to the group.
Walter's eyes widened. "Is that... the core of a star? I've never seen one this stable before."
Yuri nodded. "Bingo. This is a star core. But unlike most, this one is completely stable and can be directly implanted into the human body."
He turned back to Kevin with a smirk. "Congratulations, Kevin. You're about to get a major power-up."
Kevin's eyes lit up. "Oh wow! A stable star core that can be implanted?! That's insane!"
He eagerly took the star core, examining it with fascination.
"Go ahead," Yuri instructed. "Just crush the glass."
Kevin didn't hesitate. He squeezed the sphere, and the fragile glass casing shattered instantly. The star core shot forward, rging directly into Kevin's body. It settled near his original star core, radiating a gentle energy.
Hiko watched anxiously. Even though Yuri had assured them there was no risk, a star core was still known as the "cancer of all worlds."
"Kevin, are you alright? Do you feel anything strange?" she asked, her tone full of concern.
Kevin put his hands on his hips and grinned. "Nope! Actually, I feel a whole lot stronger."
Hiko let out a relieved sigh. "That's good to hear."
As for the remaining three items, they consisted of a storage ring, a high-grade elven essence, and a voucher for 100 tons of premium rice.
After so thought, Kevin decided to sell both the 10-ton rice voucher he had obtained earlier and the 100-ton voucher to Bronya for a cheap price of 500 star coins.
"I don't really need these, so better to sell them to soone who does," Kevin reasoned.
As for the five Musang King durians, Kevin generously waved his hand. "Alright, everyone gets a share!"
Paimon clapped her hands excitedly. Next to Kevin himself, she was undoubtedly the happiest whenever he unboxed sothing. After all, anything edible ant she could have a taste too.
anwhile, Klee had been watching Kevin fly around with the Bamboo Dragonfly. Her eyes shone with excitent.
She tugged on the hem of Yuri's coat. "Big brother Yuri~ Klee wants to open a box too!"
Yuri, never one to refuse Klee, imdiately agreed. "Alright."
He purchased a scratch-off lottery ticket from the system and placed it in front of her.
Everyone gathered around, eager to see what Klee would get.
Standing on tiptoe, Klee grabbed the lid of the trash can-thed lottery box. "Alright, here we go!"
With a dramatic flick of her wrist, she peeled it open and clasped her hands together. "Klee wants a reward that lets her fly and play with Klee!"
A golden light flashed, and an enormous plush-like creature appeared—a "Dodoco" the size of a person, complete with a pair of feathery white wings.
Klee gasped in delight. "Wow! It's a flying Dodoco!"
The Dodoco waddled over, scooped Klee up with its tiny arms, and placed her on top of its head.
"Dodoco, and Hook! Hook is also a good friend!" Klee giggled.
As if understanding her words, Dodoco turned and gently lifted Hook onto its back as well.
Then, with a powerful flap of its wings, it took off, soaring around the shop with the two girls riding happily on top.
Just then, Jean entered the shop alongside Noelle—just in ti to see the scene unfold.
Jean blinked. "Is that... a flying Dodoco?"
Klee spotted Jean and directed Dodoco to land in front of her.
"Master Jean~" she called out cheerfully.
Sliding down Dodoco like it was a slide, Klee landed right into Jean's arms.
Jean caught her effortlessly and sighed, tapping her forehead. "Klee! Be careful!"
Klee rubbed her forehead and grinned. "I know, Master Jean!"
Jean turned to look at the giant Dodoco, who waved at her with an innocent smile.
There was no doubt—this was definitely sothing Yuri had given to Klee.
After all, everyone present knew that Yuri absolutely doted on Klee, Hook, and Clara.
Simply put, Yuri was a total "daughter slave."
Yuri had no sha in admitting it. Raising kids was the greatest joy in the universe.
Klee bead. "Master Jean, can I take Dodoco ho?"
Jean considered it for a mont. The Knights had been busy lately. Today, she and Ying had finally found and repaired the Holy Lyre, and tomorrow they'd be heading off to rescue Dvalin.
She wouldn't have much ti to keep an eye on Klee.
Having Dodoco around to accompany her might not be a bad idea.
Jean nodded. "Alright."
Klee cheered and grabbed Hook's hand. "Hook! Let's go play at the Knights' headquarters!"
Hook eagerly agreed. She had visited Mondstadt once before with Yuri and had been enchanted by its beauty.
With that, Dodoco carried Klee and Hook through the portal, vanishing into the night.
Only then did Jean turn her attention back to Yuri.
"Yuri, this is Noelle."
Noelle stood straight, giving a polite knightly salute. "Hello, Mr. Yuri. I'm Noelle, reporting for duty as a clerk under Captain Jean's orders."
Yuri looked at the serious young knight and smiled. "Hello, Noelle. Don't be nervous. Let's go over your job and benefits first."
"Your working hours will be from 8 AM to 6 PM, with a two-hour break at noon. You'll be responsible for assisting custors. I'll have Paimon walk you through the process later."
"As for salary, it's 5,000 star coins per month. als are included, but accommodation isn't. Does that sound fair?"
Noelle imdiately shook her head. "No, no, no! Noelle doesn't need a salary! This is my knightly duty!"
Yuri chuckled and turned to Jean. "What do you think?"
Jean didn't hesitate. "She's taking it."
She repeated Yuri's offer before Noelle could argue again.
After all, it was only right to be paid for one's work. Noelle was simply too selfless—always helping others for free in Mondstadt, which had only led to people relying on her too much.
This ti, Jean would make sure she was properly compensated.
Seeing that Jean had spoken, Noelle had no choice but to agree.
"O-okay..."
Yuri nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, then you'll start working tomorrow. It's getting late now, so go back and get so rest. See you then."
With that, everyone in the store dispersed.
Bronya, Seele, and Natasha returned to Belobog through the portal, pleased with their purchases.
Jean, Ying, Noelle, and Paimon headed back to Teyvat.
The Astral Express crew retreated to their rooms for the night.
March 7th stretched lazily. "Ahhh~ Now that I think about it, nothing beats sleeping in my own bed."
Kevin, finishing the last bite of durian, let out a content burp. "Walk, walk, sleep, sleep."
Kevin turned toward March 7th's room, ready to follow.
March 7th imdiately stopped him. "Kevin! Don't you dare co in slling like that! You reek of durian!"
Kevin smirked and made a face. "Lululu, I want in, I want in."
He darted toward March 7th's room, and she bolted after him. "Kevin! Get back here!"
Hiko, Walter, and Dan Heng watched the scene unfold and exchanged amused glances before heading to their own quarters.
anwhile, Yuri washed up and got so rest.
Belobog
Back in Belobog, Bronya imdiately got to work. She stacked bundles of Star Coins onto the shimring bubbles covering her purchases. As soon as the transactions were complete, the bubbles popped, and a massive influx of supplies poured out.
Gepard, who had been waiting with the Silvermane Guards, stepped forward to oversee the distribution.
Rice, vegetables, flour, fruits, at, mining equipnt, industrial machinery—an overwhelming number of goods materialized.
Thankfully, the chanical settlent was well-prepared. Bronya quickly found Svarog and requested a battalion of chs to assist with transport.
Finally, she pulled out the high-quality rice redemption card she had bought from Kevin. The mont she tore it apart, a magic circle ford in her hands, and an endless cascade of rice flowed from it.
Seele, thinking fast, grabbed a set of bags to collect the rice before it scattered everywhere.
After two intense hours, every last supply had been moved to the warehouse.
Bronya exhaled, relieved.
With this shipnt, Belobog's struggles would ease considerably. They had fought both hunger and the horrors of the Fragntum for so long, but now, at least the hunger part was solved.
The warehouse was secured under Gepard's personal command, and martial law was enacted around it.
Bronya then made her way to the recently reclaid Comrcial Street.
It was worth noting that most of the residents from the Underworld had been relocated here. The living conditions down there had been far too harsh, and with proper housing now available, they had moved up without hesitation.
Now, only the miners and Svarog's chanical settlent remained in the Underworld. Svarog, ever the steadfast guardian, had chosen to remain behind, standing watch over the portal.
As Bronya walked through the street, she observed families gathered around makeshift stoves, iron pots bubbling with fresh rice.
One particular family of three caught her attention. Their voices carried through the cold air.
"Dad, this rice slls amazing!"
"It does, doesn't it? Eat as much as you like."
"Dad, this place is really nice! I saw a monster today!"
"Hah, that wasn't a monster—that was a bus. I'll take you on one tomorrow."
"Really?!"
"Alright, alright, you two settle down and eat. Then it's off to bed."
"Yes, ma'am!"
The three huddled together, savoring their warm al. It was just white rice porridge, but in this unforgiving land, it was a luxury. The warmth from the food seed to reach their hearts as well.
Bronya continued her walk, seeing the sa scene repeat all around her. Families were no longer just surviving—they were looking forward to tomorrow.
Before, their only hope was to make it through another day. Now, they had dreams.
Save up so money. Buy furniture for their hos.
Get new clothes for their spouses and children.
Maybe even pursue long-lost aspirations.
A small smile crept onto Bronya's face as she whispered to herself, "This is good."
With newfound determination, she turned and walked away, her posture straighter, her steps more resolute.
Mondstadt - Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Ying and Paimon waved goodbye to Jean and Noelle. "See you tomorrow, Captain Jean! Noelle!"
The two made their way to a small garden just below the Knights' headquarters, where Ying's off-road RV was parked.
Jean had assigned this garden to Ying as her personal living space, and she had made it feel like ho. A wooden fence wrapped around the area, vines climbing along it, sprouting colorful flowers.
A cobblestone path led from the entrance to the RV, flanked by neatly arranged flower beds. A small bench sat along the path, perfect for quiet monts of reflection.
Ying and Paimon pushed open the fence and stepped inside.
The RV had undergone quite a transformation since she first bought it. The walls were decorated with photos, a vase sat atop the table, and little touches of ho were everywhere.
After a short break, they began their nightly routine.
"Ying, pass the towel," Paimon called from the sink.
Ying handed it over, then dried her own hair before collapsing onto the upper bunk.
Since Paimon didn't take up much space, they shared the top bunk, while the lower one had been converted into a small living room, complete with a table and bookshelf.
Ying lay on her back, gazing out the window.
The moonlight reflected off Cider Lake, casting a serene glow.
Soon, Paimon finished up. "Ying, what are we having for dinner?"
Ying shot her a look. "You just ate a mountain of durian and roasted chicken. You're still hungry?"
Paimon folded her arms. "That was just a snack. Not a al."
Ying sighed. "We've only got instant noodles left. Take it or leave it."
"Instant noodles it is!" Paimon cheered, grabbing two cups from the fridge. "Ying, you want one?"
"Yeah, why not?"
The two set up a small dining area outside, each with a cup of steaming noodles, chatting as they ate.
"Ying, how about sweet mada chicken tomorrow?"
"We have to track down Dvalin tomorrow. Did you forget?"
"Oh... Right. Then the day after?"
Ying smirked. "We'll see."
Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Noelle had gone to rest, and Jean made her way to Klee's room.
She pushed the door open gently, peering inside. Klee and Hook were curled up in Dodoco's embrace, fast asleep.
Dodo turned to Jean and smiled.
Jean stepped forward, carefully tucking the little ones in. She brushed a few stray locks from Klee's face before silently retreating, closing the door behind her.
Back in her office, she stretched and exhaled.
Tomorrow, they had to visit Dvalin. Tonight, she would rest—no paperwork, no obligations. Just a peaceful night's sleep before the challenges ahead.
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