Gacha Hell: Furina Edition

Childe immediately realized something.

Although he didn't have a starship to use this energy core, he had the Crimson Calamity Toad!

He might not know how to cultivate like an immortal, but the Crimson Calamity Toad did!

The heritage of an ancient primordial beast left no room for doubt.

The Crimson Calamity Toad was born with innate bloodline memories—how to grow, what challenges it would face during its growth—all the answers were embedded in its bloodline.

This was the advantage of being a demonic beast.

So, it naturally knew how to cultivate and understood the methods of its own lineage!

Teyvat might not have spiritual energy, and cultivation might seem out of place here, but the Crimson Calamity Toad could actually make it work!

The only regret was that, since it was a demonic beast and fundamentally different from humans, its cultivation methods couldn't be passed on to Childe.

Just as Childe was feeling disappointed about not having a starship, his expression brightened again.

The Crimson Calamity Toad could use this!

The Crimson Calamity Toad was currently at the early fifth rank, just stepping into the threshold of a deity-level being.

Due to its talent and race, it definitely wasn't among the weakest of the low-tier deities.

To grow stronger, it needed resources, but Childe's resources were always prioritized for upgrading his own equipment.

Originally, Childe had planned to share some card experience with the Crimson Calamity Toad after today's gacha pulls, but now, there was an unexpected surprise!

The [Unconventional Energy Core] could be used as a spirit stone!

"Will Toady level up if it refines this energy?" Childe asked.

"It will definitely improve, but how much depends on its refining efficiency," Lu Heng replied.

The item's rank was fifth-tier, the same as the Crimson Calamity Toad's current level.

However, the systems were completely different—whether it could refine it perfectly was uncertain. But one thing was for sure: refining it would bring benefits!

After some rough calculations, Lu Heng said, "It might be able to jump straight to mid-tier deity level?"

"Mid-tier deity?!"

Childe clenched his fists excitedly. "That's more than enough!"

As he spoke, a device resembling an hourglass appeared in his hand.

This must be the energy core.

Childe looked at the Crimson Calamity Toad.

The toad's eyes were fixed on the containment device in his hand.

"Boss Lu, how do I use this thing?" Childe turned the device over, examining it.

If it suddenly opened and the energy spilled out, would it dissipate instantly?

"Just find a safe place later. Think of it like opening a bottled drink—slowly pour it out."

The mechanism wasn't complicated at all.

Childe nodded and stored it away, saying to the Crimson Calamity Toad, "We'll try it out later!"

Lu Heng continued checking the cards.

Childe's luck seemed to be fluctuating.

Mid-tier deity was already a considerable level of power in Teyvat!

Soon, they came across a containment device. Through its transparent surface, they could see it was about 80% filled with a viscous substance.

The device itself wasn't large, but its contents held immense appeal for the Crimson Calamity Toad.

I want to eat it!

The challenge lay in how to utilize it.

Once that was resolved, everything else would be simple.

"Got it!"

Following my master is the best!

Despite its frog-like appearance, the Crimson Calamity Toad's expression clearly conveyed joy.

The second card.

A standard fifth-tier gold card—a material card.

"Interested in saving up to craft some overpowered treasure?" Lu Heng asked with a smile.

Childe's personal strength might not be top-tier, but his financial resources were unmatched!

In terms of assets, he wasn't inferior to Ningguang!

Let me think…

Childe pondered seriously.

"I already have the Vortex Vanquisher, so I don't lack weapons. Defense could use some work, but it's not urgent… Hmm, I think I'll send this back to Snezhnaya for the Tsaritsa!"

The more he thought about it, the brighter his eyes became.

Even if he couldn't use it, the Tsaritsa might find it useful!

While he was pulling cards here, the Tsaritsa hadn't gotten anything yet!

As her loyal subordinate, Childe felt that anything he couldn't use should be sent back to her. What if she liked it?

He didn't know exactly what the Tsaritsa needed, but sending gifts back would surely earn him favor!

If the Tsaritsa was pleased, she might grant him more funding—wouldn't that be perfect?!

Heh heh!

Childe was practically bubbling with delight.

Lu Heng moved on to the fourth card.

[Ultimate Computer]

[Rank]: Fifth-tier Gold

[Type]: [Artifact Card]

[Traits]: [Calculation] [Science]

[Description]: "It looks clunky, like a bulky computer from centuries ago. But don't underestimate it—it can compute the ultimate truths of the world in ways we can comprehend."

Lu Heng found it somewhat peculiar.

He compared it to [Civilization Core] and [Future Computer].

Their ranks were similar, but this one's functions were more specialized.

In simple terms, this thing was designed to unravel the secrets of the world.

"The Tsaritsa would definitely want this!" Childe nodded and stored it away.

"Don't mess around with this thing," Lu Heng warned meaningfully.

Childe paused, then said firmly, "I'll deliver it personally to the Tsaritsa!"

Lu Heng didn't elaborate further.

Even if someone in Snezhnaya wanted to use it, they'd need Childe's approval.

And if anyone tried anything shady… the [Future Computer] wasn't just for show. The moment any suspicious activity was detected, Lu Heng would know immediately.

Next card.

[Divine Body]

[Rank]: Fifth-tier Gold

[Type]: [Transformation Card]

[Traits]: [Mechanical] [Evolution]

[Description]: "How can the frail human body withstand such terrifying power? Even nuclear contamination from the old era couldn't be purified naturally! So… we need a transitional vessel—a body capable of adapting to immense power and wielding it effectively. I call it… the Divine Body!"

Damn!

The name sounded impressive, but the reality was…

Lu Heng's first impression was that it might be something amazing, but it turned out to be… meh.

Childe stared at the card's illustration—a humanoid figure constructed entirely of intricate mechanical parts.

Was that even human?

More like a robot!

Childe's lips twitched.

He did want to grow stronger, but that didn't mean he wanted to mechanically ascend.

Losing his flesh and blood… could he still be called human?

Childe didn't dwell on it. He decisively rejected the card.

"I don't want to end up like some of the Harbingers, barely human anymore."

Lu Heng chuckled. "Planning to teach him a lesson?"

Childe's mood darkened at the mention.

"When I find him, I'll make sure he has a day he'll never forget—even in death!"

Lu Heng could tell Childe was dead serious. His target, however… heh, wasn't entirely undeserving.

"I support it. You've got time to brainstorm even crueler methods," Lu Heng said with a grin.

"Oh?" Childe raised an eyebrow. "Boss Lu, does that mean… you don't like him either?"

"I have no reason to like trash," Lu Heng shrugged.

"Good!" Childe nodded firmly. "If the opportunity arises, you should come watch!"

"No need."

Lu Heng shook his head. "I don't have to be there in person to see it."

"Then I'll let you know in advance," Childe said. "Hopefully, my luck holds."

"It's inevitable. He can't escape Teyvat anyway," Lu Heng replied nonchalantly.

"That makes it even more exciting!"

Childe's current focus was on Genshin Impact.

If even that didn't yield clues… he'd borrow the Sky-Mirror!

And if the Sky-Mirror failed?

Well, Childe would just go all out. He was certain Lu Heng knew where the Balladeer was hiding.

The reason Lu Heng hadn't revealed it yet… surely, there was some deeper meaning.

Childe's thoughts weren't entirely off the mark, but they weren't as exaggerated as he imagined.

Lu Heng was simply looking forward to the spectacle.

Shaking his head, Lu Heng moved on to the next card.

Another material card.

Childe's luck today was… questionable.

After storing it, Childe prayed silently for the next one to be useful.

[Raging Tides' Intent]

[Rank]: Fifth-tier Gold

[Type]: [Skill Card]

[Traits]: [Torrent] [Dominance]

[Description]: "The furious tides crash upon the shore, unstoppable. Finally, a decent skill!"

"What does this mean?" Childe frowned, confused.

"It's a form of intent," Lu Heng explained. "Think of it like sword intent."

With that, Childe instantly understood.

His comprehension was already top-tier—he grasped its application immediately.

In battle, every strike would carry the force of raging tides.

His opponents would feel as if they were facing a hundred-foot tsunami.

Childe's grin stretched ear to ear.

Next card.

"Ah."

Childe sighed in agreement.

After reviewing the last fifth-tier gold card, both Lu Heng and Childe fell silent.

Lu Heng sighed. "Your luck today really is… something else."

There were some good pulls, but most were either unusable or things he didn't want.

Only [Raging Tides' Intent] provided a tangible boost.

"Still think going all-in was wise?" Lu Heng asked, slightly worried about Childe's morale.

But Childe's spirit remained unshaken.

"I stand by it!" he declared firmly.

"Good."

Lu Heng relaxed. "At least you're not discouraged."

Over a dozen people worked together to sort through the remaining cards.

Some systems were niche, and their value was limited.

For example, Lu Heng saw some ninjutsu cards.

Some were powerful but didn't meet fifth-tier standards.

Others had high potential but lacked practical use.

The rest were mostly fodder for equipment enhancement.

"Alright."

Childe had brought Andre and the others along.

High-tier cards were much rarer than low-tier ones.

Lu Heng could only lament that the local offerings were too limited.

As time passed, Childe began dismantling piles of cards.

Watching them shatter into energy that flowed into his equipment, he monitored the experience bar closely.

The more cards he dismantled, the slower the progress became.

Eventually, his equipment reached fifth-tier, 57%.

"Mid-tier deity!" Childe looked at Lu Heng.

Before he could ask, Lu Heng answered, "Guaranteed high-tier deity."

"If only I could reach 70%… that'd be peak deity, right?" Childe sighed regretfully.

If only I had more funds!

"The higher the level, the more experience you need. Even if you dismantle everything except gold cards, you probably won't hit 70%," Lu Heng said, shaking his head.

"Forget it. This is already a huge improvement!" Childe was content.

His current status:

Combat strength: High-tier deity!With combat techniques and buff cards, Childe's power was now top-tier deity level!

"Last time I fought Zhongli, there was still a big gap. But now…"

"If you go all out, you'd definitely beat him—assuming he doesn't have cards, of course," Lu Heng said.

"Of course."

In a normal fight, Zhongli would still have the upper hand.

But if Childe went all-out? Absolute victory.

"I need to put some pressure on him!"

Childe took a screenshot of his equipment's experience bar and sent it to Zhongli with a message:

[Childe]: Boss Lu's assessment—if I go all-out, I'd definitely beat you!

A reply came quickly:

[Zhongli]: And if, when you go all-out, I simply avoid direct confrontation and wait for you to exhaust yourself… how would you handle that?

Childe: "..."

He'd just kite me?!

Seriously?!

You're the God of War in Liyue's eyes!

Is this how you're supposed to act?!

Childe grumbled internally, but Zhongli's strategy made sense.

If the opponent was going all-out, why take the hit head-on? Only a fool would do that.

"Well, he can run, but Liyue can't," Lu Heng teased.

Childe immediately understood—he could threaten Liyue to force Zhongli to fight.

But this was just a passing thought.

The Tsaritsa's mission was already complete, and Childe had no desire for unnecessary bloodshed.

After all, during their first meeting, Lu Heng had warned him: "Avoid unnecessary killing."

Childe had taken those words to heart.

"Boss Lu, how about I treat you to dinner tonight?" Childe asked, changing the subject.

Lu Heng shook his head. "Zhongli already invited me."

"He didn't invite me?!"

Childe looked shocked, then indignant. "So much for 'brothers'—he didn't even call me for dinner?!"

"That's not it," Lu Heng explained. "It's about Azhdaha."

After hearing the details, Childe nodded. "Ah, that makes sense. Then you guys enjoy. My treat next time!"

"Sure."

Lu Heng agreed readily.

"I'm off!"

After distributing the cards, Childe left with his loot.

Now that he'd improved himself, it was time to test the Crimson Calamity Toad's upgrades!

Evening.

Zhongli sent a message.

The gathering was at Xinyue Kiosk. He'd brought some of Xiangling's dishes and ordered specialties from Liyue Pavilion and Third-Round Knockout.

In short, it was a feast combining the best of all three restaurants.

Lu Heng brought Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Klee.

Upon entering, he also saw Xiao, Cloud Retainer, and other adepti.

"Mr. Lu, we've been waiting for you!" Azhdaha said.

"I was checking out Fontaine earlier—lost track of time," Lu Heng replied with a smile.

"A few drinks? This is Zhongli's珍藏 (zhēncáng, treasured) immortal brew. He claimed he ran out, but turns out he was just hoarding it!" Venti teased.

Zhongli chuckled. "There really isn't much left. I was saving it for occasions like this."

"Tonight's to celebrate Azhdaha's recovery. Any formalities?" Lu Heng asked.

Azhdaha shook his head. "Nothing so complicated. Just friends gathering, sharing drinks, reminiscing… keeping it simple is best!"

"Lu lu lu!"

Lu Heng glanced over.

Oh?

Even Gouba was here!

"Did you tell Xiangling?" Lu Heng asked.

"Yes," Zhongli said. "She was quite surprised when she learned Gouba's true identity."

No kidding.

Xiangling's adventures were full of surprises.

"Food's here! Come on, let's toast."

"Cheers!"

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T/N:

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