After seeing off another big client, Lu Heng picked up his teacup and took a sip, his mood excellent.
"Hello!"
Lu Heng turned toward the voice.
A girl with pink hair, wearing a red beret and holding a Kamera, entered his line of sight.
Charlotte?
Lu Heng nodded slightly and asked, "You can draw cards on your own over there. Did you come to me specifically for something extra?"
"Sorry to bother you! I'm Charlotte from The Steambird. If you have time, would you be willing to give me an exclusive interview?" Charlotte asked, gripping her Kamera tightly, her eyes shining with excitement barely held in check.
She had already observed the shop—the rumors were true!
But the stories sounded so fantastical that they were hard to believe.
If she could break an exclusive report and get some insider information, it would be explosive news!
This was what she had always pursued.
"Ah, a reporter."
Lu Heng smiled knowingly and gestured. "Of course. Having my shop featured in the papers will definitely boost its reputation. Please, come in."
Charlotte's eyes lit up. She thanked him and stepped inside, her steps almost skipping with excitement.
Before coming, she had speculated—
The owner of such a miraculous shop must be unfathomably powerful.
Now, seeing him in person, he seemed gentle and unassuming, his words polite without a trace of arrogance.
People like this were often the strongest, because true power came with wisdom and restraint.
Entering the shop, Charlotte noticed how spacious and well-lit it was.
The hall had a minimalist yet subtly luxurious aesthetic, with many objects giving off a high-tech, futuristic vibe.
"Have a seat."
Lu Heng gestured before asking, "What would you like to drink? I have tea, as well as beverages from another world."
Beverages from another world?!
Charlotte inwardly confirmed her suspicions.
If a place suddenly underwent drastic changes, those changes were likely external in origin.
But she hadn't expected Lu Heng to be from another world entirely!
"Being able to taste a drink from another world is an honor. Thank you!" Charlotte said, a little nervous.
"No need to be tense."
Lu Heng gave her a warm smile. "Every guest is welcome here. Let's both relax a little."
The all-functional shop had many amenities, including a beverage vending machine that never ran out of stock.
Handing Charlotte a can of orange-flavored soda, she took a sip and said, "It's a bit like Fonta, but the carbonation feels more refined? The flavor is richer too."
"There are more varieties as well. If you'd like, you can usually buy a can for three to five Mora. Feel free to drop by anytime," Lu Heng chuckled.
"With a shop as amazing as yours, I'm sure I won't be able to resist visiting often," Charlotte nodded seriously.
Lu Heng smiled. "Shall we begin the interview, then?"
"Yes!"
Charlotte straightened up. "Do you mind if I take some photos?"
"Not at all. While I trust in Miss Charlotte's professionalism, I do hope you'll make me look handsome."
Charlotte laughed.
This gentleman is quite humorous.
After introducing himself, Charlotte asked, "Mr. Lu Heng, we've already seen a glimpse of the cards' wonders. Could you tell us how many types of cards there are?"
"Many. There are Skill Cards, Knowledge Cards, Summoning Cards, and even External-Use Cards, among others."
"We know the cards have rarity tiers. Is there any reference for how these tiers compare to Teyvat's power system?"
"Where there is power, there are hierarchies. A five-star gold card from the Standard Pool corresponds to the Archon level in Teyvat."
Charlotte's pen paused mid-sentence.
"Y-You mean… if a customer is lucky enough to pull a five-star card, they'd be on par with an Archon?!"
"Not exactly."
Lu Heng shook his head. "As you know, even among Archons, there are differences in strength. Just like cards—some five-stars are incredibly powerful, while others are underwhelming. But five-star is the Archon tier. Whether it's an Archon at the peak of power or one just barely qualifying, they're still Archons, no?"
"That makes sense. Same tier, but with variations in strength," Charlotte nodded in understanding before asking, "Since there's a Standard Pool, does that mean higher-tier pools will be introduced in the future?"
"That's under consideration," Lu Heng confirmed.
If five-star equals Archon… what does six-star mean?
Charlotte's heart raced. Even taking a deep breath couldn't calm her down.
The owner of such a miraculous shop really is extraordinary!
She was now certain—Lu Heng was, at the very least, beyond Archon-level!
"Being able to interview you is truly an honor," Charlotte couldn't help but sigh.
"Having you interview me is my pleasure as well," Lu Heng chuckled.
After some casual conversation, Charlotte asked several more questions, all of which Lu Heng answered.
Finally, after taking a few photos, Charlotte said, "The emergence of your card shop is like a thunderclap in a silent night. The world will change drastically because of you."
"That's inevitable," Lu Heng nodded.
Introducing power beyond Teyvat's system would undoubtedly cause upheaval.
"Kitchen knives aren't made for stabbing people either, right?"
Charlotte laughed. "Fair point."
"The interview is done. I'll head back to draft the article. Once the latest issue of The Steambird is out, I'll come back to try my luck with the gacha."
"You're always welcome."
"See you~!"
Charlotte hurried out of the shop.
After nodding politely to Lyney, who was entering, she sprinted toward The Steambird headquarters.
In the queue outside.
Lyney and Lynette exchanged glances.
Five-star cards equal Archon-level power?!
This was earth-shattering news!
The Seven Archons themselves were all victors of the Archon War.
If one card couldn't grant someone Archon-level strength… what about two? Or three?
And if someone was insanely lucky and pulled a top-tier five-star card…
"Gulp."
Lyney swallowed hard.
This is terrifying!
"Instead of worrying about the implications of five-star cards, we should pray our luck is good enough to pull one," Lynette said flatly after a moment of shock.
Lyney patted the back of his head. "You're right. But we need to relay this to Father immediately. Also… she should prepare a lot more Mora."
Palais Mermonia.
"What did you say?!"
"Five-star cards are Archon-tier?!"
Furina's eyes widened so much they nearly popped out of her head. She almost jumped out of her chair.
"Yes, Lady Furina. The shopkeeper confirmed it himself!"
Furina paced back and forth before finally stomping her foot.
No!
I need to spend!
Everyone else is pulling cards to get stronger—I can't fall behind!
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T/N:
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