Chapter 41

If it were just about knowing about the Deep-Sea Tongue Flounder, Kokomi wouldn't be so tense. In fact, she might even feel excited about being written into such a masterpiece.

After all, her pen name is quite famous in certain circles.

The problem is that the author clearly used her as a template to describe the character named Deep-Sea Tongue Flounder.

It's almost as if they directly wrote her name into the story.

This forces her to take it seriously.

Is it a coincidence?

It's possible that the author based the character on several well-known women from Inazuma, and using her as a model for Deep-Sea Tongue Flounder isn't out of the question.

But... the hidden information in the novel that has been confirmed makes her feel like it's not just a coincidence.

If that's the case, should she go meet the author?

Kokomi is startled by her own thoughts.

At this time, not just her, but even ordinary citizens of Watatsumi Island would risk being arrested by the Tenryou Commission if they appeared in Inazuma City.

Moreover, very few people have ever seen this mysterious author, and no one knows their true identity.

It's better to have her subordinates keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals around Watatsumi Island recently.

...

Heleris.

The Fatui Underground Arena.

Although it's an arena set up by the Fatui, the spectators are none other than the high-ranking officials and nobles of Snezhnaya.

On the octagonal-shaped stage, a young boy is currently lying down.

However... his head full of white hair makes it hard to associate him with the word "young."

"Contestant 139, vital signs have ceased. Initiating reconstruction."

Amidst the dissatisfied complaints of the spectators, the referee coldly announces the boy's fate.

"H-how... how could this be? He was defeated so easily..."

On the highest level of the spectator seats, a middle-aged man named Klober looks at the boy in the arena, his forehead drenched in sweat.

This was a subject he went through great lengths to obtain from Mondstadt.

If his performance is unsatisfactory...

"This material still hasn't shown any improvement, Klober."

A voice filled with mockery sounds behind him, causing his knees to weaken, nearly making him kneel.

It's a mysterious figure dressed in luxurious attire. Although his face is covered by a strange black-and-white mask, the playfulness and madness in his demeanor cannot be concealed.

The tube-like object on his right ear, emitting a peculiar glow, sends shivers down one's spine.

The light it gives off is eerily reminiscent of some kind of radioactive substance.

"M-master!"

"It seems you're out of ideas. How about we use you next time?"

The mysterious man raises his hand, pointing at Klober.

Although his tone sounds like a joke, the latter knows full well that his master always means what he says.

If he can't come up with a reasonable solution soon, he'll be the next one in the arena!

Overwhelmed by the desire to survive, he remembers something.

He nervously approaches the mysterious man, flattering him, "N-no need, Master. I've recently received an invitation to the pre-banquet of Mondstadt's Ludi Harpastum. How about I go there to collect more subjects?"

He did indeed receive an invitation from the head of the Mondstadt Chamber of Commerce, Master Diluc of the Dawn Winery.

Originally, he had no intention of attending, but now... he just hopes his master will be interested.

"Mondstadt?"

The mysterious man stands up, walks to the railing, and looks at the experimental subject being dragged away in the arena. The only visible part of his mouth under the mask curls into a slightly crazed smile.

"I'll give you one more chance. But... I probably won't be able to go myself."

He really wants to see how that thing is progressing, but the Tsaritsa has assigned him a more important task, so he can't leave for now.

"Master, you can rest assured. I'll go alone. I won't disappoint you again."

Go with him?

Klober knows his master's temperament all too well. He understands that accompanying him on this mission would bring no benefits.

In fact, it might even lead to his demise if he fails to meet his master's expectations.

For example, this time, even though it was his experimental plan that failed, his master blamed it on the poor quality of the subjects he found.

It was the master himself who said that the child from the bakery in southern Mondstadt had good potential and would be a suitable subject.

Klober went through great lengths to deceive the Knights of Favonius and the Church to bring the child here under the guise of recruitment.

Sigh, they say serving a ruler is like serving a tiger.

But the one he serves isn't even a ruler, yet he's more dangerous than a tiger.

If only he hadn't chosen to serve this man in the first place.

"Enough with your schemes. I know your efficiency all too well. Don't end up dead in Mondstadt before you even bring anyone back."

"I value my life too much, Master. If I die, it will be on the path of loyalty to you, so..."

Facing Klober's ingratiating smile, the mysterious man shows no mercy.

He returns to his seat, an unusually pensive expression on his face.

"Where's that guy, Bai Luo? Why hasn't he come around recently?"

As if remembering something, he looks at Klober and asks.

"Bai Luo?"

Klober is momentarily stunned but quickly realizes who his master is referring to.

"You mean the Instructor, right? Master, have you forgotten? He was recently promoted."

"Instructor? Promoted?"

After pondering for a moment, the mysterious man suddenly looks enlightened.

"Ah, I forgot. That little darling is now a Harbinger. What a pity. Compared to a useless fool like you, he's much sharper. This complicates things... I don't have the authority to order someone of the same rank as me."

Although he was initially annoyed that Bai Luo had used his name to gather intelligence, the latter's performance eventually won him over.

Unlike his other useless subordinates, Bai Luo was perceptive and always provided useful information when he needed it most.

He was also one of the few who genuinely shared his ideals.

Among all the Fatui, Bai Luo was the one he valued the most.

So much so that he even wanted to dissect him in the lab to see what made him different from others.

"He went to Inazuma, right?"

Recalling recent arrangements, the mysterious man looks at Klober and asks.

"Yes, since the Instructor is a new Harbinger, the Tsaritsa assigned him to Inazuma, the easiest to conquer, as a way for him to gain experience."

The Instructor being sent to Inazuma is no secret in Snezhnaya.

In fact, which Harbinger is assigned to which nation is public knowledge.

Some Harbingers are even given warm send-offs before their departure.

For example, the group led by Childe.

They were sent to Liyue as heroes, under the guise of saving Liyue and Teyvat.

"I remember that Scaramouche also went to Inazuma, right? He's in charge of the Delusion Factory there."

"Master, are you planning to..."

Klober gulps, hesitantly asking.

"Prepare to meet with Bai... no, we should call him the Instructor now. Prepare to join forces with the Instructor. I'll request permission from the Tsaritsa to have him assist you in Mondstadt."