"Nilou... so happy..."
Bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, Nilou held Qin Yu's hand, counting the small pebbles beneath their feet.
Her small face was flushed, her eyes moist.
Nilou's way of expressing joy was only through dance.
Finally confirming her feelings, she, witnessed by the sea of flowers and the one she cherished, danced gracefully.
The maiden was graceful, her dance movements elegant.
Where her toes lightly touched, beautiful Padisarahs bloomed, their fragrance gradually intensifying.
Sincere affection seemed to possess a magical power.
Qin Yu gradually sank into it, subconsciously holding the maiden's hand, lost in the sea of flowers.
In a daze, he seemed to see two exquisitely beautiful figures.
Nilou, the God of Flowers.
The once lost Nilou had finally succeeded.
She had finally seen the deity that had troubled her with her own eyes.
Together with Qin Yu.
In a dreamlike, beautiful reverie, Qin Yu learned the name of the gem-like, crystal-clear, and beautiful deity.
The God of Flowers, Nahab Marikat.
In the dream, the God of Flowers told Qin Yu many things.
It turned out that like Kolumbiya, she was also an Elegy.
As deities, they once bore the great responsibility of leading human civilization.
It was a pity about that disaster...
But the God of Flowers still believed that the world had a free future.
For this freedom, she even sacrificed herself, solely to glimpse the secrets of the world.
And the price was life.
The God of Flowers suffered the retribution from the Heavenly
That Heavenly Nail, still lay in the deserts of Sumeru.
The covenant of the three gods of Sumeru had disintegrated with her passing.
But...
Qin Yu, my fated companion in this vow.
Use your wisdom to find your own answers.
Go change the fated outcome and restore beauty to the world.
This is the last attempt, and one that cannot be failed.
It will definitely succeed.
Both I and the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata firmly believe this.
Without a doubt.
...
"Nilou, it's time to go back."
Walking along the riverbank, inhaling the fragrance carried by the gentle evening breeze, Qin Yu smiled.
The sun was about to set.
Everyone was waiting for us.
"Okay, Teacher."
Seeing that no one was around, Nilou stealthily kissed Qin Yu again.
Her small face was slightly red, and she held Qin Yu's arm tightly, wearing a satisfied smile.
She was just like a little girl who had just brought her teddy bear home, wishing she could stick together all day.
Unfortunately, the Teacher had other confidantes.
Nilou was an understanding girl; she wouldn't monopolize the Teacher forever.
Perhaps in the future, she would even fulfill her filial duties to the Teacher alongside Senior Ayaka.
...
Hand in hand, they returned to the campsite.
The sky was gradually darkening, and in the small wooden houses built in the distance, small lights flickered on.
Vaguely, a few figures were gathered around a long table, busy with something.
This warmth filled Qin Yu's heart with contentment.
With everyone here, it was enough.
"We're back—"
Qin Yu walked into the small wooden house, greeting them with a smile.
Did they miss him?
Nilou, being shy, ran inside first to prepare snacks for Ei.
"..."
Inside the cabin, the women glanced at him, offering no response.
A bit awkward.
Qin Yu coughed lightly and casually found a place to sit.
He and Nilou had disappeared for half the day, only returning to the campsite as darkness fell.
No one would believe it if he said nothing had happened.
Qin Yu's credibility in certain aspects had long been bankrupt.
"...What is everyone doing."
After a while, Qin Yu couldn't help but inch closer.
He came to Miss Furina's side.
At that moment, she was leaning on the table, her cat-like paws supporting a semi-transparent screen, watching something with rapt attention.
Just as Qin Yu was about to speak.
"Shh, I'm at the exciting part."
Furina stared intently at the screen, her paws tapping the table.
Judging by her unwavering gaze, she was clearly engrossed.
"So it's a new work from Yae Publishing House. Do you like watching it?"
Qin Yu leaned closer and said casually.
A video was playing on the screen, but it was clearly different from Fontaine's cinematic devices.
Simply put, it wasn't a movie filmed by real people, but an animation from his previous life.
With so many illustrators at Yae Publishing House, it would be a waste not to make animation.
As for how to produce animation and play videos...
Don't ask, just ask about the technology of the Scarlet King.
Light novels, animation, along with various comics and merchandise.
This novel idea naturally received strong support from Yae Miko.
She had already made a fortune in Inazuma and even wanted to seize the opportunity to expand overseas.
Well, this was originally dowry money for Ei.
But because of a certain person, this dowry money would clearly have to be shared, leaving a portion for the fox lady herself.
"?"
Furina pressed the pause button and looked at Qin Yu, who wore a mysterious smile.
That smug expression of having inside information.
Furina's curiosity was piqued.
"This thing called 'animated something,' do you have access?"
Furina turned to Qin Yu, asking impatiently.
Her cat tail flicked back and forth, making him want to hold it.
"Animation, Miss Furina."
"Oh... Animation, that's what it's called."
"I have a lot of it, as much as you want."
Qin Yu propped his chin on his hand and said with a straight face.
Like a strange uncle luring a kitten.
"Interesting."
Furina murmured, seemingly pondering something.
Fontaine's cinematic devices, including the birth of movies, had her behind the scenes.
The goal was simple.
New art forms often had an impact on existing culture, that is, the thoughts of the previous Hydro Archon.
Thought was the foundation of the Court of the Hydro Archon's rule over Fontaine.
If this animation were introduced to Fontaine...
"I hope to see this in Fontaine as soon as possible, Mr. Qin Yu."
"No problem, Miss Furina."
After some discussion, they quickly reached a consensus.
Then...
Furina hugged a large box of discs and yawned lazily.
She was ready to binge-watch.
Following Qin Yu's suggestion, she also opened a bottle of soda and some chips.
Oh no, the Hydro Archon was going to become a shut-in too.
Wait, why "too"?
Qin Yu sat beside Furina, smiling slightly.
Once the matters in Sumeru were resolved, it wouldn't be impossible to open an internet using the Madame's virtual supercomputer.
Don't ask, just ask about the technology of the Scarlet King.
His gaze then shifted to the other women.
"Ei, try this new dessert I made."
"Mmm, delicious."
"And this!"
"Delicious."
On the other side, Nilou was sitting with the Great Leader.
One was feeding, the other was tasting.
Ei was completely captivated by the little dancer's desserts.
Qin Yu shook his head.
These two were the "foodie" category.
As for the remaining two goddesses...
"Your combo is too slow, Nahida."
The Empress held the controller, her beautiful face serious and cold, like a cold and elegant female knight on the battlefield.
"Let's go again!"
The white-haired loli was full of fighting spirit, nestled in the Empress's arms, her small head resting on the Empress's ample chest.
This was the "gaming" category.
The two women were too focused on the game console, not even realizing they were cuddling.
"They're getting along very well."
Qin Yu's lips curled slightly; the plan was a success.
It seemed even the Cryo Archon couldn't resist a soft and gentle little angel.
Coincidentally, Nahida also wanted to make friends with the Seven Archons and play games.
So when she heard Qin Yu's arrangement and took the game console to the Empress...
See, they had been playing from day to night.
"..."
Qin Yu looked at the women, his gaze flickering.
Currently, everyone was harmonious and lively.
Even though the style was a bit off.
But this feeling of relief, of letting go of their worries and fully enjoying the atmosphere of reunion, was nice, wasn't it?
Although no one came to cuddle with Qin Yu, his heart was exceptionally content.
He truly wanted to give every girl around him a warm home.
May this beauty last longer.
He would protect it to the end.
Just as Qin Yu seemed to have an epiphany.
[Ding, detected harmonious daily life among deities and Qin Yu's change in mood, triggering a check-in reward.]
Qin Yu: ...
This is possible?
[Young man, do you want to change this world?]
Qin Yu: Why are you so chuunibyou today.
[...]
He rendered the system speechless.
[It's not chuunibyou, it's your responsibility.]
[Technology and Alchemy contain the mysteries of the entire world.]
[You already possess technology beyond the stars.]
[And to completely change the world, you need the wisdom of Alchemy.]
Qin Yu nodded, understanding something.
Like Khaenri'ah of the past?
Technology, Alchemy.
And then, because of their rapid development, they were annihilated by the Seven Archons.
Of course, there were many deeper reasons involved.
[So that you won't be watched by the heavens, the system will gradually unlock the Alchemy branches.]
[First part unlocked: Pharmacy.]
[Parts to be unlocked: Material Science, Biology...]
Materials meant various syntheses.
Biology meant creating demon dragons like Dvalin, comparable to the Anemo Archon's companion, or Inazuma's Golden Wolflord.
As the system's voice faded, a gradual clarity emerged in Qin Yu's mind.
"I can make potions from now on?"
He blinked and looked at the women.
No one noticed.
"..."
Qin Yu quietly left his seat and went to a corner.
He suddenly felt like practicing.
Why not try making a refreshing potion first?
...
Time slowly passed, and it was already late at night.
"So sleepy... This lady is going to rest first."
Furina yawned and went back to her room.
"Conserve energy; there are things to do tomorrow."
The Empress also stood up and nodded to Nahida.
Let's play together again next time.
She glanced at Qin Yu, who was mysteriously engrossed in the corner, and frowned slightly.
He was completely unresponsive.
Thinking this, the Empress snorted coldly and left directly.
"Mhm! Nahida is very happy today."
The white-haired loli waved her hand, her smile warm.
However, at the same time, she felt a bit disappointed.
It was late at night; Mother would have to log in again.
When would she be able to...
Nahida looked at the silent Ei.
The latter's violet eyes lit up, clearly waiting for something.
"Eh... time to rest?"
Nilou blinked her innocent big eyes, looking at Ei and Nahida.
What were you guys waiting for? Can she join?
Her gaze finally settled on Qin Yu.
"It seems like something is missing."
Qin Yu looked at the materials at hand and said with a headache.
"Teacher?"
The little padded jacket leaned over, her face full of curiosity.
"It's Nilou, Teacher is preparing to concoct a refreshing potion."
Qin Yu smiled and explained.
"Do you need materials?"
Nilou saw Qin Yu's struggle and asked.
If it were plants, perhaps the God of Flowers would have a solution.
"I need something that can affect mental power..."
"Padisarah, will that work?"
Nilou extended her hand and asked softly.
"..."
Qin Yu took it and pondered for a moment.
Theoretically, there was no problem.
But... this flower contained the power of the God of Flowers.
Would there be any accidents?
"It's alright, Sister God of Flowers said she would help."
"Alright."
With Madame and the God of Flowers as backup, Qin Yu completely put his mind at ease and began the final adjustments to the potion.
After some busyness.
A crystal-clear potion appeared before them.
Yes, Nahida had also come to join the fun.
"Teacher, did it succeed?"
Nilou, holding Nahida, asked curiously.
"We won't know until we taste it."
Qin Yu dipped his finger in it and took a small sip.
The next moment, his eyes lit up.
"My mental energy has become active; it's successful."
"My sun, you're amazing."
Nahida's beautiful eyes fluttered, and she clapped her small hands.
"Can Nahida have a taste?"
"This..."
In the end, he let the white-haired loli have a taste.
Nilou also tried it.
"Ei, do you want to try?"
Feeling that there was no problem, Qin Yu wanted to show off his achievement to the Great Leader.
"Okay."
Ei nodded gently.
...
Qin Yu and the three women drank the alchemical potion.
Their minds became active, and their bodies felt comfortable.
Then...
"Why isn't anyone leaving?"
Qin Yu looked at the three women, a chill running down his spine.
What to do if both Ei and the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata show up at the same time?
Waiting online, urgent!
Wait, there's one more.
"Teacher... Nilou feels a bit... dizzy..."
Nilou swayed unsteadily, her cheeks flushed.
Her pair of jade legs, illuminated by the lamplight, were warm and tender.
She raised her watery, captivating eyes and stared directly at Qin Yu.
A warmth quietly flowed through her heart.
Teacher, Teacher, Teacher...
Her mental energy seemed to have been replenished a bit too much.
But Nilou didn't dislike this feeling.
"Are you alright? Where's the God of Flowers?"
Qin Yu quickly supported Nilou, asking worriedly.
[Nilou is fine; she just needs some...]
The God of Flowers was about to say something but was interrupted by Nilou.
"Sister God of Flowers... from now on, this is Nilou's own choice."
"?"
Qin Yu looked at Nilou, who was staring at him intently, her cheeks growing redder, and realized.
Padisarah, could it be...
Wait, this isn't right!
Just as he was about to call out to the God of Flowers and Madame.
"Hehe... it suddenly feels so warm..."
Nahida hugged Qin Yu, revealing a soft smile.
Her emerald eyes became hazy, filled with moisture.
"Nahida has grown up."
The five-hundred-year-old Nahida, who had evolved into a white-haired maiden, murmured.
She wanted to write papers with the sun, just like her mother.
The air grew sweeter.
[...]
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled faintly, remaining silent.
Good daughter, it's time to grow up.
If you get tired halfway, Mom will help you.
"Nahida? Why are you too..."
Qin Yu's mind went blank for a moment.
He pursed his dry lips.
He instinctively wanted to do something but quickly stopped.
From behind, softness and heat silently enveloped him.
"Yu, let's rest together."
The married Ei quietly embraced Qin Yu.
The retreat route was, as it turned out, already blocked.
The only path led to the soft large bed in the room.
Qin Yu was surrounded.
The lights quietly extinguished.
The last shred of his reason vanished.
His body sank into the bed.
Facing the three pairs of divine and hazy beautiful eyes in the darkness, Qin Yu extended his hand.
He plucked the beautiful stars from the night sky.
As for what happened later...
Academic conferences are, by nature, secret.
...
ps: Happy New Year's Eve, dear book friends.