"This... (⊙o⊙)"
"Pixie...???,,,"
Keqing and Pichu looked up in shock at the massive wooden figure standing over ten meters tall. To them, such a sight was both impressive and surreal.
Smith, meanwhile, was breathing heavily as he observed his creation. Yet, despite the awe-inspiring size of the wooden man, he felt dissatisfied. He knew just how powerful Senju Hashirama's wooden constructs were—tens, even hundreds of meters high. Compared to that, his creation was still far too small.
The skills required to summon the legendary True Thousand Hands technique were still beyond him. He had just obtained the godhood of the Grass Element, and his elemental power and physical abilities still needed time to mature. Fortunately, his potential was vast.
Even as he exhausted his energy summoning the wooden giant, his newfound godhood replenished his depleted reserves almost instantly. It was clear that the Grass God's godhood was even more potent than he had anticipated.
Stepping forward, Smith knocked on the wooden giant, producing a deep, resonant sound. The density of the wood was remarkable.
"Do you want me to test its strength with my sword?" Keqing asked, unsheathing her family heirloom, Xiali Longyin.
Though classified as a four-star weapon in the game, in this world, it was a top-tier weapon among humans. Only divine weapons surpassed it.
"Sure, give it a try," Smith said, intrigued by the potential outcome.
With his permission, Keqing slashed at the wooden figure. However, all she managed to leave was a shallow cut on its surface.
"This is incredibly strong," Keqing remarked in surprise. "Even if I use my full strength, I doubt I could destroy it. I can't think of a single human in Liyue who could break through this. As for the Adepti, I can't be certain."
"Let's just assume they can," Smith responded. He had read about the Adepti and their immense power. Some of them were on par with lesser Demon Gods.
Having just begun his journey as a deity, he still had a long way to go before he could match those ancient beings who had fought in countless battles over centuries.
"Alright, let's head back," Smith said. He patted the wooden giant, and, as if responding to his will, the massive structure crumbled into lifeless wood. Then, without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Keqing's waist and soared into the sky, heading down from Tianheng Mountain.
---
Not long after they left, Zhongli and Mewtwo arrived at the scene. Zhongli gazed at the remnants of the wooden giant and the still-standing wooden house, deep in thought.
Walking up to the structure, he ran a hand over the wood and smiled knowingly. "So, he has obtained the godhood of the Grass Element. Interesting."
"Master, is something wrong?" Mewtwo asked respectfully.
Zhongli shook his head. "Not at all. Let's continue our discussion about how I created Liyue."
---
Upon landing back in Liyue, Keqing remained in Smith's embrace for longer than necessary before finally stepping away.
She turned to glance at the towering Tianheng Mountain in the distance and sighed. "That mountain is over 4,000 meters tall. We just jumped down... Even knowing you can fly, that was terrifying! With the Wings of Wind, almost no one could safely descend from that height."
"So, were you scared?" Smith teased, smirking. "Did you almost pee yourself?"
Keqing's face turned red. "Of course not! And where exactly are you looking?"
Smith chuckled. "Aqing, your stockings are really nice."
Keqing stammered, flustered. "A-Aqing? Isn't that a bit too intimate? And why are you even paying attention to that?"
Smith met her gaze with sincerity. "I thought we were close enough for that. Besides, isn't it normal for guys to appreciate stockings?"
Keqing blinked, confused. "Is it? I... I don't know much about that."
"Actually," Smith continued, "where I come from, girls give their stockings to guys they like as a sign of affection."
Keqing's eyes widened. "Really? That sounds... unusual."
Smith nodded with a completely straight face. "Yes, it's a tradition."
Keqing hesitated, her face growing even redder. She didn't want to doubt him, and there were many strange customs in the world. Maybe this was just one of them?
"Would you be willing to give me yours?" Smith asked, his expression earnest.
Keqing bit her lip, struggling with her embarrassment. "T-Take them off now? Won't they have a bit of a smell? I usually have fresh ones..."
Smith waved a hand dismissively. "It's not about that—it's about the sentiment."
Keqing hesitated a moment longer before quickly saying, "Wait here!" She then shoved Pichu into Smith's arms and dashed toward a guest room.
As she disappeared, Smith grinned. Keqing was surprisingly easy to fool.
Pichu, nestled in his arms, eyed him suspiciously.
A few minutes later, Keqing returned, blushing furiously as she handed him a pair of warm stockings. Before Smith could say anything, she snatched Pichu back, muttered, "Don't tell anyone about this," and bolted out of the room.
Smith held the stockings, a satisfied smile forming on his face. He was making progress. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have to wait much longer before he could take things to the next level.
for more Episodes visit
patreon.com/Noan994