"The bet has been settled, and you've mastered the spear technique," Zhongli nodded. "It's time for me to leave."
"W-wait!" Lucas stopped her. "You... you're planning to go back like this?"
"While it may be slightly unconventional, it's hardly indecent," Zhongli said calmly. "What's the issue?"
Although the outfit was designed by Cloud Retainer, it was clearly in the realm of... that kind of clothing. Even if it could be worn outside, it would undoubtedly attract a lot of unwanted attention.
"I still think it's inappropriate," Lucas shook his head. "Why don't you just wear your old clothes?"
"That outfit was torn by you," Zhongli replied matter-of-factly. "It shows more skin than this one."
"Then wear my clothes back!" Lucas insisted. "It's the middle of the night. A woman dressed like this walking around is just asking for trouble."
In truth, even without her identity as the Geo Archon, Zhongli's demonstrated strength made her more than capable of handling herself. The chance of her encountering danger was probably lower than the chance of being hit by a falling rock.
Of course, a certain unlucky bard from Mondstadt might be the exception.
"I see," Zhongli suddenly said seriously. "You don't want others to see me like this, so you're making this decision. Is this... what they call possessiveness?"
"Correction, I've never possessed you, so it's not possessiveness," Lucas scratched his cheek, his face reddening. "I just feel like if others can casually see the 'prize' I worked so hard to win, I'd be at a loss."
"From a rational perspective, you do have a point," Zhongli extended her hand toward Lucas. "In that case, give me the one you're wearing."
"Huh? Why this one?" Lucas was slightly startled. "How about I get you a freshly washed one?"
"No need for the trouble," Zhongli shook her head. "I quite like this one."
With a sigh, Lucas took off his shirt and handed it to Zhongli. "It might smell a bit like sweat..."
"What about the pants?" Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "Give me those too."
"Fine, fine!" Lucas took off his pants as well.
Thankfully, what he was wearing underneath was relatively normal.
Even so, Zhongli's gaze lingered for a moment.
"What... what are you looking at?" Lucas quickly covered himself.
"Nothing, just thinking..." Zhongli mused. "Your eggs are quite large."
Lucas nearly choked.
Fortunately, Zhongli finally changed into Lucas's clothes. Though she was a woman, her tall frame made Lucas's jacket fit her surprisingly well, albeit a bit loose.
However, the thought of such a proper jacket hiding such a bold outfit made Lucas even more excited.
"It feels quite comfortable," Zhongli spun around, seemingly pleased with the outfit. "It's much lighter than my usual attire."
"If you like it, you can keep it," Lucas said generously. "Your old one was torn by me, after all."
After all, she had taught him spear techniques, given him a weapon, and even provided some... bonuses. It would be too stingy not to offer something in return.
"In that case, I'll graciously accept," Zhongli said without hesitation, turning to leave. "Don't disappoint me in tomorrow's competition. After all, I've taught you for three days."
Only after Zhongli left did Lucas finally let out a sigh of relief.
When it came to matters of romance, Zhongli and Shenhe were somewhat "similar."
However, the former seemed to lack common sense due to her overly rational nature, while the latter genuinely lacked common sense.
[Not bad. Even without the simulator, you managed to get an S-rank reward. Makes me feel a bit useless.]
The system's voice chimed in, and for some reason, Lucas detected a hint of jealousy.
Indeed, based on the simulator's usual behavior, it often took blood, sweat, and tears to barely scrape together an S-rank reward. Zhongli, on the other hand, was practically giving them away like a supermarket sale.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had the chance to receive these gifts from Zhongli," Lucas reassured. "By the way, how many reward boxes do I have from the simulator?"
[Let me check. If we combine them all, you'd have about three S-rank boxes.]
"Three S-rank boxes?" Lucas suddenly grew curious. "By the way, can S-rank boxes be combined further?"
[Theoretically, there's no upper limit to the combination level. As long as you have three of the same rank, you can combine them into a higher level.]
"Then combine them!" Lucas said eagerly. "All in!"
Now that Lucas had passed the "beginner phase," he had plenty of talents, skills, and items. He decided to indulge a little and see what kind of powerful item he could get.
[Combination successful. Obtained SS-rank box. Open it?]
"Open it! Open it!" Lucas rubbed his hands together.
[Opening box. Obtained talent: Void Origin.]
[Void Origin]
[Effect: Gain the power to control "space."]
The description was short but incredibly impactful. Generally, the fewer the words, the more significant the matter.
"So..." Lucas murmured. "I can use the power of 'space' now?"
As everyone knew, abilities related to space and time were rarely weak. Their potential was immense, often surpassing even the seven elemental powers of Teyvat.
However, Lucas didn't feel any immediate changes in his body.
[Newly acquired powers require practice to master. Also, the stronger the power, the greater the cost. It's best to take it slow.]
The system offered its advice.
"Then let's start with something simple," Lucas picked up a teacup filled with tea from the table, focusing intently. "Transfer!"
As soon as he spoke, the teacup in his hand suddenly vanished.
"It worked!"
Lucas was thrilled. Though he couldn't yet control the exact coordinates of the transfer, he had successfully used the power. With more practice, he could refine his control.
At the same time, there was a loud thud from outside the door.