Gacha Hell: Furina Edition

Not yet?

Then let's wait a bit longer!

Many might not understand, but this is something she must rely on!

"Not grounded yet" means she'll be grounded in a few days!

Klee, who had thought she was doomed, immediately relaxed.

Phew…

"Big Brother Venti really doesn't lie to Klee!"

"Go play," came the gentle laughter.

"Mm! Klee will go help now!" Klee happily ran off again.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sighed faintly. "It must be Venti's doing."

There was no doubt about it.

Zhongli would never instruct Klee to do something like this, but Venti absolutely would. Fortunately, it wasn't a bad thing.

Lu Heng silently gave Venti a thumbs-up in his heart and asked, "Sooner or later, it'll happen anyway, right?"

"You…" The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata wanted to complain but stopped herself.

After a moment, she smiled and said, "Actually, this is fine too."

Lu Heng was puzzled.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata hadn't been resistant before—just wanting to take things slow and adjust first.

But why the sudden change now?

"I owe you far too much," the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata said with a soft laugh. "Since, as Furina said, I can't repay my debts, I might as well give myself to you."

"Oh?" Lu Heng rubbed his chin and nodded. "That sounds like a pretty good deal!"

"Really?" The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata tilted her head, looking at Lu Heng.

"Absolutely. I'm getting the better end of this," Lu Heng affirmed, his eyes smiling.

"Mm. Then I'll have to learn a lot more." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled faintly.

"Was this your own decision?" Lu Heng asked seriously.

"Don't worry that I'm feeling pressured or anything else. I—"

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata shook her head. "I am the embodiment of wisdom. I understand everything, but there are many things I've never experienced… Think of it as the same reason as Furina's?"

The same as Furina's?

Furina felt that Lu Heng liked her, and since she had never truly lived as a human, she wanted to try experiencing emotions.

After trying it, Furina felt it was worth it.

Her feelings for Lu Heng grew deeper, and she willingly immersed herself in them.

And now, here was another with a similar reason.

Lu Heng teased, "You'd better think it through."

"I already told you—I'm the embodiment of wisdom. I've thought about it for a long time," the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata said. "Besides, it's not like you'd let me leave anyway, right?"

"Now you make it sound like I'm forcing you to stay," Lu Heng said helplessly.

He had saved her to make up for his regrets from playing Genshin Impact.

It wasn't as if he expected her to stay with him just because he'd done her a favor.

Lu Heng would never think like that.

The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's comings and goings were entirely her own choice.

Lu Heng had only wanted to wait until she fully recovered before letting her decide.

But who would've thought that Furina's constant persuasion and teasing would lead the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata to decide to give it a try?

Furina really was the ultimate wingman!

"Is this what Furina finds so fun?" The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata instantly sensed the shift in Lu Heng's emotions.

He was genuinely happy—happy that she would be with him.

The rational Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was gradually beginning to understand this pure joy.

Though still a bit hesitant, she reached out and placed her small hand in Lu Heng's palm, trying to hold his hand.

Feeling the warmth in his palm, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata whispered, "It really is quite warm…"

As time passed, one magical bomb after another landed on Azhdaha's body.

His rage gradually subsided, replaced by tranquility.

In his heart, memories of the past resurfaced—more and more, clearer and clearer.

So, the one who had struck him was not his enemy, but his comrade-in-arms!

Deep underground, he had once yearned to see the world above but was unable to.

Azhdaha lamented his own limitations.

Then, one day, someone appeared before him.

Learning of Morax's ambitions, Azhdaha willingly chose to follow him.

Azhdaha experienced many emotions—joy from drinking with friends, sorrow from their deaths…

For the sake of progress, he personally cleared mining areas to make it easier for humans to extract ore.

But as time passed, the memories buried in Azhdaha's mind began to resurface.

Once, Azhdaha had been nothing more than a rock with simple instincts.

Day after day, he had yearned—until finally, his wish was granted.

But…

He hadn't expected it.

Without eyes or limbs, he had immense power but could not move.

Morax made a pact with him, then crafted him a body and carved eyes for him.

He gave Azhdaha sight and led him out from the depths of the earth to see the world, naming him—Azhdaha, the Dragon King!

The world back then was far from peaceful.

Following Morax, Azhdaha fought in countless battles.

Gradually, he began to care for the tiny humans.

As humans mined deeper and deeper, the tunnels grew larger, eventually disturbing the ley lines.

Time brought erosion, and excessive mining wounded the earth, filling Azhdaha with unease.

Slowly, corruption seeped into his mind.

He began to forget who Morax was.

The pain of the earth drove him to madness.

He rampaged through the mines until Morax arrived to suppress him.

Morax restrained him and sealed him underground.

At that moment, Azhdaha regained clarity.

He bore no hatred for Morax—only lamented his own power.

Morax strengthened the seal to prevent him from breaking free in another fit of rage.

Morax agreed and promised to find a way to heal him.

But in the end, no solution was found.

Morax visited less and less frequently, and the intervals grew longer.

Yet Azhdaha knew his "illness" was worsening.

At first, his madness had been sporadic, with most of his time spent lucid.

But later, the moments of clarity grew fewer.

A thousand years ago, Azhdaha sealed away his last shred of reason.

He refused to let his sanity vanish entirely.

He hoped that one day, this last bit of reason might still be of use…

When the time came, this fragment of reason would quietly leave his body and seek Morax's aid.

Was all of this… real?

Azhdaha was certain it was.

Because he could feel the truest emotions in his heart.

At the same time, the sliver of reason he had sealed away now returned to him.

"Morax…" Azhdaha murmured.

He looked up toward where Morax stood.

Morax remained as ever, arms crossed, watching him.

"Azhdaha." Zhongli nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Wait a little longer. It'll be completely over soon."

Azhdaha watched as another magical bomb flew toward him.

This little thing caused him no harm, yet with each explosion, his heart grew lighter.

"You found a way…?"

"Yes. You'll be fine from now on." Zhongli nodded. "Once you're healed, you should go out and see the world again. It might be just like the first time you stepped outside… The world has changed a lot since you last saw it."

Azhdaha sighed softly. "And the others?"

"They're all doing well," Zhongli said with a smile.

"All doing well… That's good!" Azhdaha threw his head back and laughed heartily, his voice booming through the cavern.

Zhongli sighed in mock exasperation. "Still as loud as ever, I see."

"Hahaha!" Azhdaha was in high spirits. "Back in the day, how many enemies cowered at the sound of my voice? That's something to be proud of!"

"From a purely rational standpoint, I can't argue with that." Zhongli nodded. "But for now, you shouldn't let your emotions fluctuate too much. Let's focus on finishing the treatment first."

"Got it!"

"No problem!" Klee cheered, full of confidence.

Lu Heng and the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata approached as well.

Seeing Azhdaha's condition improving, Lu Heng couldn't help but feel relieved.

"Azhdaha, let me introduce you."

Zhongli gestured. "This is the mastermind behind all the recent changes—the owner of the Card Shop, Mr. Lu Heng."

"Thank you, Mr. Lu!"

Azhdaha's voice was deep and resonant, filled with gratitude.

Lu Heng smiled. "No need for thanks. Now that you're recovering, Zhongli must be overjoyed."

"Haha, my old buddy still remembers me!" Azhdaha was in excellent spirits.

Zhongli simply smiled without a word.

He remembered every one of his followers.

Their misfortunes and sufferings were etched clearly in his mind.

This was the burden Zhongli carried.

But now, an old friend had been pulled back from the brink, on the verge of full recovery.

Even without Klee's bombs, Zhongli felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

"Good news like this calls for a feast to celebrate!" Venti chimed in, ever the instigator.

"I couldn't agree more." Lu Heng nodded.

Zhongli sighed. "You're all just after my retirement funds, aren't you?"

"Absolutely!"

"Money is meant to be spent!"

As they continued treating Azhdaha, the group chatted idly.

Using cards at high intensity could be mentally exhausting, much like the fatigue after intense work.

An hour later, Klee began to doze off.

But the good news was—with the final bomb landing on Azhdaha's head, he was completely cured!

The stone chains around Azhdaha dissolved as Zhongli released the seal.

Azhdaha slowly descended.

A golden light enveloped him, and soon, a young man in dark robes with inverted dragon horns on his forehead emerged.

Azhdaha's human form wasn't overly muscular.

He nodded to Zhongli, then clasped his hands toward Lu Heng in gratitude before turning to the sleepy Klee.

"Klee, thank you. I'm all better now!"

"Yay!"

Klee perked up briefly.

Having saved another, the little girl was overjoyed.

"Time for bed now."

Lu Heng picked her up.

Klee nodded—she really was exhausted.

Lu Heng turned to the others. "Back to the shop?"

Everyone agreed.

Lu Heng opened a portal and stepped through to the shop.

After tucking Klee into bed, he returned to brew some tea.

Azhdaha watched the others pulling cards with curiosity and laughed. "So that's why Zhongli's power level jumped—it scared me half to death back then!"

"Be glad his equipment isn't fully upgraded yet. If he had five-star gear…"

Venti's grin turned mischievous.

Azhdaha rubbed the back of his head, relieved. "Lucky me. I surrendered fast enough."

Zhongli merely smiled.

"So, do you have any hobbies? Or savings? Hurry up and pull some cards—overtake him!" Lu Heng suggested.

Azhdaha fell into deep thought.

After a long pause, he spread his hands helplessly.

"I never really thought about that stuff…"

Back then, there had been no need for Mora, so why save it?

As for treasures, Azhdaha had never been one to collect things.

So he was truly penniless—not a single Mora to his name!

"No matter."

Zhongli smiled. "You contributed greatly to Liyue back then. You're entitled to retirement benefits, and I'll personally add a little extra."

"Hold on."

Azhdaha raised a hand to stop him.

During the treatment, he'd learned a lot about the current situation.

He said, "I'll accept the retirement benefits based on my merits, but let's keep it reasonable. After all, I caused quite a bit of trouble back then!"

"Merits and faults are separate. Besides, it wasn't intentional on your part." Zhongli shook his head.

A disaster caused by an illness—how could that be blamed on Azhdaha?

"And as for your personal contribution, forget it." Azhdaha refused outright. "You're broke too. Keep what little you have for yourself."

Zhongli could only sigh in resignation.

Now, most of Teyvat knew that the creator of Mora, Morax himself, was penniless.

"Fine."

Zhongli conceded. "I'll inform the Qixing later."

"Good."

Azhdaha nodded, then added, "Oh, and about dinner—you're treating, right?"

"Who's the one who just recovered here?" Zhongli massaged his temples.

"I'll make the arrangements."

"Perfect." Azhdaha was satisfied.

Venti was thrilled too. "Another free meal—cheers!"

"I'll wait for you to strike it rich." Zhongli smiled.

He was certain the Knights of Favonius would grant Venti retirement benefits.

Once Venti was wealthy, it'd be their turn to freeload off him.

"Deal."

Venti nodded. Reciprocity was the key to lasting relationships.

A parasite only took and never gave—and as shameless as Venti could be, even he wasn't that despicable.

Noticing Lu Heng's thoughtful expression, Venti grinned. "Don't worry. We'll be waiting for your wedding banquet."

"My wedding banquet?"

Lu Heng chuckled, then nodded. "Sure. I'll make it a grand one—hire renowned chefs. How's that sound?"

"Even better!" Venti gave a thumbs-up.

Zhongli stood. "I'll go reserve a spot."

"I'll head back to Mondstadt for a bit." Venti hummed a tune as he left.

"Then what should I do?" Azhdaha pondered.

"Go catch up with old friends," Lu Heng suggested with a shrug.

Azhdaha immediately understood. Without another word, he left.

With his power, tracking them down would be easy.

Once the three were gone, Lu Heng checked his phone and refreshed his social feed.

[Tartaglia]: Finished the Liyue Archon Quest. Go ahead, laugh it up. Ugh.

[Keqing]: If Osial breaks free again, how many heads can this sword lop off? [Photo of a sword]

[Ningguang]: [Photo of a peaceful Liyue Harbor]

[Hu Tao]: Wangsheng Funeral Parlor special discount! Contact me now for a 50% off coupon!! Limited time only!!

[Kaedehara Kazuha]: Reunited with an old friend. [Photo of a bewildered Gorou standing with Kazuha]

Beidou's made it to Watatsumi Island?

Lu Heng was surprised but then realized it made sense.

Under the Sakoku Decree, Watatsumi Island had suffered greatly.

With its land barren and food scarce, smuggling was likely their only option.

Scrolling further down:

[Lumine]: Playing as myself in the game's story—does that count as traveling? Also, how do I beat Childe? Any team comp suggestions?

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T/N:

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