Chapter 40 Reward Selection and Dvalin's Strike

[Simulation Terminated: Protagonist's Death Detected]

[Host may now choose six rewards from the following options:]

[Bloodstained Chivalry Set]: A five-star artifact, once worn by the Bloodstained Knight during his battles. Recognized by the ley lines, it now holds magical powers.

[Improved West Wind Sword Art]: An enhanced version of the West Wind Sword Art, personally refined under the guidance of the Geo Archon, making it even more formidable.

[Calamity Queller]: A five-star weapon once wielded by Menogias, one of the Five Yakshas, known for its unpredictable attack methods.

[Magic Mastery]: A simplified form of magic developed by immortals and humans, used with talismans for various applications—offense, defense, warding, reconnaissance, and voice transmission.

[The Fair Lady's Diary]: Rosalyne's most treasured possession before becoming "The Fair Lady." Her deepest thoughts are inscribed within.

[Talent: Danger Premonition]: A heightened sense of danger, allowing you to anticipate threats as if foreseeing the future.

[Talent: Monster Slayer]: Countless battles have honed your instincts, enabling you to predict monsters' attacks with precision.

[Columbina's Blessing]: A girl's prayers for her knight's safety, imbued with the power to turn misfortune into fortune in moments of peril.

[Achievement "Friend of Morax"]: You've journeyed across the Seven Nations with Morax, forging a deep bond. (Relationship with Morax upgraded to Friendly.)

[Achievement "Friend of the Fatui"]: Through your efforts, the ranks of the Fatui Harbingers have swelled. (Relationship with the Fatui upgraded to Friendly, with a significant increase in Rosalyne's favorability.)

[Achievement "Friend of Shadow"]: You founded Liyue's secret intelligence organization, Shadow, leading them against the Fatui. (Shadow's members view you as an ally, while the Fatui now regard you as an enemy. Rosalyne's favorability has significantly increased.)**

[Host may forfeit all enhancements in exchange for deeper bonds with Rosalyne and Columbina.]

Kujo Tsumugi scoffed at the last option. What a joke! The whole point of this simulation was to become stronger. Getting entangled with women would only slow me down!

She hesitated for a moment, then made her selection: the [Bloodstained Chivalry Set], [Calamity Queller], [Danger Premonition], [Columbina's Blessing], [Friend of Shadow], and [Friend of the Fatui] achievements.

There was no need to elaborate on the Bloodstained Chivalry Set and Calamity Queller—five-star artifacts and weapons were a must-have. Danger Premonition and Columbina's Blessing were chosen for survival.

Anticipating a confrontation with Diluc, she selected Friend of Shadow to not only improve his favorability but also ensure smoother passage to Liyue. Finally, Friend of the Fatui was a precaution. If this simulation affects reality and Rosalyne's attitude toward me, great. If not, I'd rather avoid a fight with her. Better to have an escape plan if we ever meet.

With her decisions made, Kujo Tsumugi blushed slightly. She locked the door to her room before reactivating the simulation system.

[Would you like to enter the special scene with Rosalyne?]

Of course! she mentally confirmed, only to find herself suddenly bound by chains. Rosalyne, dressed in black lingerie, was straddling her abdomen.

Damn! Why am I still suffering?! Kujo Tsumugi cursed inwardly.

In response, Rosalyne unleashed a violent onslaught...

"Tsumugi, are you in there? Why is the door locked?" Kuki Shinobu's voice called out, her knocks loud against the door.

"If you don't open up, I'm coming in through the window."

"W-wait, I'll be right there!" After a brief pause, Kujo Tsumugi replied, her voice noticeably softer than usual.

A long while later, the door finally creaked open.

"Why did it take so long? Did I interrupt something?" Kuki Shinobu's irritation faded as she took in Tsumugi's flushed face, heavy breathing, and sweat-soaked forehead. Oh no… she thought, her own cheeks heating up beneath her ghost mask.

"Sister Shinobu, what did you need?" Kujo Tsumugi's voice trembled slightly as she tried to regain her composure. I can't handle this...

"Well… never mind. I was just making sure you weren't out causing trouble."

"Why would I go out? There's nothing fun out there." Kujo Tsumugi cast a glance out the window, only to notice something strange. "Huh?"

The streets were deserted, the sky darkened with storm clouds, lightning flashing ominously. A massive, emerald-green dragon occasionally darted through the clouds.

Stormterror, Dvalin!

Her gaze narrowed as she spotted a slender figure battling the dragon in mid-air. Oh no! Lumine and Dvalin are fighting!

Kujo Tsumugi spread her wings, ready to leap into the fray, but Kuki Shinobu grabbed her, stopping her from taking flight.

"I knew you'd try to get involved! Stay in the hotel!"

"Sister Shinobu, please let me go! I can help Grandmaster Jean and squeeze the Knights of Favonius for everything they're worth!"

"That's exactly why I can't let you go!"