Gacha Hell: Furina Edition

Night had already fallen.

Hu Tao was a bit busy—

Not because of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor matters, but because she had made a trip to Wanmin Restaurant.

She brought back dishes made by Xiangling, sealed with a special preservation charm!

"Looks like Xiangling's already started using that method," Lu Heng said with a smile.

This was a good thing.

Wanmin Restaurant wasn't particularly spacious, and seating was limited for dine-in customers.

People either had to wait for a table to free up or take their food to go.

But takeout… Xiangling was already swamped with orders.

Now, with this preservation method, even during non-peak hours, she could prepare dishes in advance. While it didn't give her much free time, it did ease the intensity of her workload.

Most importantly, some cards had effects that could eliminate fatigue!

For the sake of otherworldly cuisine, Xiangling was willing to put in the effort.

"Eat up, eat up!" Hu Tao beckoned Lu Heng. "Old Lu, don't hold back—this is a rare treat from the Parlor Director!"

Once you got to know Hu Tao, you'd realize this girl was way too enthusiastic. But you also had to be on guard—

Not because she'd trick you, but because her bizarre ideas could leave you utterly bewildered.

Lu Heng's assessment of her? A natural-born abstract genius!

Maybe not that exaggerated, but compared to ordinary people, her thought process was truly… unique.

"Then I'll make myself at home," Lu Heng said without standing on ceremony.

They were already familiar enough—excessive politeness would just come off as fake.

He sat down without hesitation.

Zhongli hesitated for a moment before taking a seat as well.

"Don't just stare at me—dig in!"

The girl grinned. "If you're not enthusiastic about eating, there's something wrong with your brain!"

"What are you two waiting for?"

"Director, let me ask you—where did this Ghostly March dish come from?"

"Dunno!" Hu Tao blinked, shaking her head.

"Then let me ask—how did it end up in your hands?"

"Didn't pay attention~"

"The Director is just too hospitable." Lu Heng immediately resorted to cyber divination.

Phew…

Thankfully, Hu Tao hadn't actually served Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's special clientele.

It just looked like Ghostly March—in reality, it wasn't that bad to eat.

The main thing was, the girl had noticed the two of them hesitating, reluctant to take a bite, so she decided to play a little prank.

No wonder Hu Tao had been gone for so long.

She must've asked Xiangling for a favor.

Realizing this, Lu Heng knew exactly how to proceed.

"Director, I'm a little scared," Lu Heng said with a grave expression.

Zhongli watched him expectantly.

In critical moments, we rely on Brother Lu!

He didn't know what method Lu Heng would use to resolve this, but Zhongli fully trusted him.

"Don't be afraid~" Hu Tao said sweetly, her eyes full of encouragement. "Old Lu, Zhongli, give it a try! This is the Parlor Director's hard work!"

Alright, alright!

Since she'd gone this far, and the mood was set, Lu Heng had no psychological barriers. He just pretended to struggle internally, putting on a face like he was about to meet his end, then picked up a piece with his chopsticks.

Before it reached his mouth, he said, "You should have some too—this is the Director's specialty!"

Zhongli: "…"

There was no escaping this.

Fine, I'll bite!

It wasn't like he'd actually lose his sense of taste as Morax, right?

With trembling hands, he took a bite.

His expression was complicated as he closed his eyes, bracing for impact.

Lu Heng, completely relaxed, savored the bite and said, "The Director's cooking is amazing!"

Zhongli's eyes snapped open in shock.

This… isn't right!

It was nothing like what he'd imagined!

"Hahaha—!"

Hu Tao laughed gleefully. "Were you scared? Did I fool you?!"

"You—"

Zhongli's expression was indescribable as he stared at Hu Tao, his eyes filled with the kind of exasperation only she could evoke.

As if reading his mind, Hu Tao said slyly, "This is Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

Fine.

This was her turf.

Hu Tao didn't torment Zhongli further and instead turned to Lu Heng.

She raised her hand for a high-five.

Lu Heng obliged.

"Old Lu, you get me!" Hu Tao was sharp.

She could tell Lu Heng had seen through her act from the start—

He'd just played along to prank Zhongli with her!

What a guy!

A true friend!

No wonder she considered him a kindred spirit!

"Old Lu, you're practically a mind reader!" Hu Tao said.

"Mind reader?" Lu Heng clicked his tongue. "More like we're simpatico."

"Exactly, exactly!"

"In light of this, the Parlor Director must compose a poem!"

Dinner forgotten, Hu Tao stood up excitedly.

She paced back and forth, hands behind her back.

Gazing at the moon, then glancing at the potted plants Zhongli kept.

The little poet's talent for improvising silly verses was no joke.

Her rhymes were catchy, and their meaning was instantly clear.

Lu Heng applauded enthusiastically.

Zhongli, though old-fashioned, wasn't overly strict—he could appreciate this kind of unrefined poetry too.

After dinner, Hu Tao arranged a room for Lu Heng, complete with freshly made bedding.

None of the three were sleepy, so they sat in the courtyard chatting.

Ghost stories couldn't scare Lu Heng, so Hu Tao found it a bit dull.

The main topics were cards, followed by tales of Liyue's past, and Hu Tao's adventures from her travels.

Time flew by, and soon it was 11 p.m.

Zhongli was practically radiating old man energy.

"It's late—time to rest." Zhongli stood, stretching as he prepared to retire.

"Ugh, he's so young, yet he acts like an old man," Hu Tao grumbled.

"Must be an old soul," Lu Heng said with a laugh. Then, "It is late, Director. You just got back—shouldn't you rest too?"

"Nah, I'm not tired!"

Hu Tao was still full of energy.

She waved a hand. "Old Lu, you go ahead and sleep. I'll wander around a bit. I haven't had a good look at the Parlor since I got back."

"Then don't stay up too late." Lu Heng nodded. "I'll head to bed first."

"Go on, go on."

After seeing Lu Heng off, Hu Tao stood under the moonlight, hands clasped behind her back, lost in thought.

What an interesting guy.

Lu Heng had left a great impression on her.

He understood her, didn't shy away from her antics, and even played along when she pranked others.

Put simply—

For someone of his status, who'd have the patience to indulge her like this?

Did people really think he was just that whimsical?

Many things were fun for her, but not necessarily for others.

If someone was willing to join in, it was either because they genuinely enjoyed it or because they liked her enough to humor her.

Lu Heng might've been the former, but Hu Tao was sure it was the latter!

Sitting alone under the moon, Hu Tao pondered.

She could sense the difference in how the two men treated her.

Zhongli doted on her like an elder—no matter how noisy or mischievous she was, he'd just smile indulgently.

Lu Heng knew she was noisy and mischievous, yet he still went along with it.

To Hu Tao, finding someone who understood her and was willing to play along was rare.

Calling him a kindred spirit wasn't just empty words.

"Old Lu's tastes might lean toward the minority… Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it!" Hu Tao muttered before darting off to check on the Parlor's affairs.

Meanwhile, Shouta had arrived in Inazuma City overnight.

His first order of business? Finding Yae Publishing House.

On the journey back, he hadn't just been sightseeing—

Thanks to the Crux's smooth sailing, he'd spent the time writing.

Now, he had a manuscript ready to submit!

Before he even reached the publishing house, he spotted an old acquaintance.

"Editor Kousaka!" he called out.

"Hm?"

Kousaka turned, studying Shouta's face for a moment before recognition dawned. "Shouta?!"

"Yeah, it's me!"

Relieved she remembered him, Shouta nodded. "How've you been, Editor Kousaka?"

"Me? I'm doing alright," Kousaka replied.

She knew Shouta—back in the day, he'd been quite famous.

"Heard you went traveling. You look exhausted—just got back?"

"Yeah!"

Shouta nodded eagerly. "Since you're here, I've got a book to submit!"

He said excitedly, "I won't waste your time—just know, this one's guaranteed to be a hit!"

"That confident?" Kousaka was surprised.

Normally, she didn't handle authors directly—her role was more about planning and promotions.

But Shouta was a veteran, and his skill was undeniable.

"Of course! Want to take a look?" Shouta handed over his manuscript.

Most people, Kousaka would've politely redirected to another editor. But Shouta was an old contact, and his talent was solid.

She skimmed through it.

"The Card Apprentice's Championship Journey?"

"Yep!"

Kousaka was a seasoned editor. She scanned a few lines, paused, then read more carefully.

"This is… incredibly creative!" she exclaimed.

Heh, you think this is fiction?

I'm writing based on real events!

"Mhm!"

"The premise revolves around using cards to battle, with domestic tournaments and international competitions… The protagonist starts as a novice, gains powerful cards, and eventually becomes a world champion?"

"Exactly!" Shouta nodded.

With tournaments came prizes, conflict, and gacha mechanics!

Inazumans loved edgy, hype-filled stories—Shouta knew his audience.

"Hmm… The concept is fresh! With your writing, it'll do well," Kousaka agreed.

Shouta's past struggles had been due to a lack of inspiration, not skill.

Now, with such an innovative idea, his confidence was justified.

"Should I handle this?" Kousaka asked.

"Please!" Shouta was thrilled.

"I'm thinking—this could even spawn real-life events."

Kousaka's eyes gleamed with possibility. "If the cards are designed well, they could rival Genius Invokation TCG!"

Shouta's smile turned strained.

That might work… but we can't use the actual cards from the shop!

Otherwise… people might actually die!

Hesitating, he asked, "Kousaka, how bad has the Vision Hunt Decree gotten? Can you fill me in?"

"Why do you care? You don't have a Vision," Kousaka said, puzzled.

To ordinary people, the decree meant nothing.

Some were indifferent: I don't have a Vision, so why should I care?

Others were spiteful: Why do they get Visions? Now that they're gone, let's see how special they are!

But while the Vision Hunt didn't affect civilians, the Sakoku Decree did—restricted trade was hitting everyone hard.

"Just curious," Shouta said lightly.

Kousaka explained the situation.

The more Shouta heard, the grimmer his expression became.

Holy crap!

Visions were being confiscated as threats to eternity.

In short—if you were ordinary, you were fine.

Shouta fell silent.

"Something wrong?" Kousaka asked, concerned. "You look upset."

"It's nothing." Shouta forced a smile.

Kousaka nodded. "Alright, leave your contact info. And keep up with the updates!"

Shouta's face was conflicted.

After some thought, he decided not to flee just yet.

Besides Visions, some practitioners of the occult were also being targeted.

Wait, seriously?

Shouta scratched his head.

If things were this bad, why had he even come back to Inazuma?

To volunteer for jail time?

He had cards on him!

He'd planned to show off to friends.

Now?

Better keep them hidden.

"Sigh…"

"At least I'll publish this book and make some money!"

Shouta's priorities shifted.

If you had any supernatural abilities, the Tenryou Commission would come knocking.

Thankfully, he'd asked first—otherwise, he might've been arrested on the spot.

"I'm fine. Just worried the book might hit snags," he lied.

"Don't worry!"

Shouta nodded, then trudged home gloomily.

Luckily, his house in the city was still intact after years away.

No wonder Kazuha couldn't come back. Who'd want to return to this?

Home's blades are sharp—come back and get cut!

"Get famous! Make money! Pull gacha!"

Shouta solidified his plan.

Earn enough, contact Beidou, and flee to Liyue to gacha in peace.

As for Inazuma? Ha! He definitely wasn't risking exposure.

Yae Publishing House.

Kousaka was deep in thought.

Shouta's book was good.

The potential for spin-offs was enormous—

Card tournaments!

This innovation wasn't just a genre—it was a whole new market.

Genius Invokation TCG's popularity was no joke. Even with the Sakoku Decree, its influence had spread.

And Shouta's card system was even more interesting!

"Forget the book—just selling card merch could make Yae Publishing filthy rich," Kousaka muttered.

"Oh? How exactly would we get filthy rich?"

Kousaka turned to see a stunningly beautiful face. She hurriedly bowed.

"Lady Yae!"

"Mhm~"

Pleased by the quick correction, Yae Miko took the manuscript. "What's this?"

"A submission from Shouta."

Yae Miko sat down, leisurely flipping through it.

She noted the title and author, then skimmed the opening.

"Did Shouta project himself this hard into the protagonist?"

The story began with the protagonist, broke and desperate, leaving Inazuma for Liyue to seek fortune—where he discovered cards.

Liyue was hosting tournaments, and the protagonist, lured by prize money, dove into the world of card battles.

"But his writing's as sharp as ever," Kousaka said.

Yae Miko nodded, then frowned. "Why did cards have to start in Liyue? Why not Inazuma?"

"Uh…"

Was Lady Yae getting nationalistic?

Kousaka didn't dare answer.

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T/N:

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