[Garbled]
[Quality: Unknown
Attributes: Unknown
Traits: Unknown
Status: Incomplete
Description: Garbled]
The insight result left Yu Yu dumbfounded.
If you're going to be useless, at least be somewhat useful.
Insight had truly mastered the art of redundant nonsense.
The sun set, casting the ground in a dim red glow.
Yu Yu conjured a candlelight to examine the object.
It looked like a slingshot—really, it did.
It felt like bronze, with an ancient, timeless vibe. Flipped over, it had a leaf-like ornament.
But calling it a tree was generous.
At best, a tiny twig with one measly leaf.
Unlike the previous cauldron and sword, insight also flagged this as [Incomplete].
Zi Shu mused, "Could the anomaly here be tied to this?"
Yu Yu wasn't sure. "My insight gave all unknowns."
She conjured a magic circle sigil and stamped it on.
Another insight!
[Garbled]
[Quality: Legendary
Attributes: Unknown
*Traits: Mass Will Aura, Unknown, Unknown
Status: Incomplete
Description: Garbled]
Yu Yu frowned, "Why so many unknowns?"
Checking the Mass Will Aura range, her eyelid twitched.
Zi Shu: "Well?"
Yu Yu: "Ten-meter radius."
"Trash," she said, deadpan.
She thought she'd found treasure, but this range screamed junk.
Compare it to that cauldron?
That sword?
Lousy twig!
Zi Shu, thrilled, said, "Such a small range—perfect for us."
Yu Yu calculated, "…It'd cover one house, no yard."
Zi Shu said without hesitation, "That's easy, just live together."
Yu Yu: "…"
All those times she rejected Chang Yu, wasted?
Zi Shu had taken off her gloves, looking refreshed. "Let's go talk it over."
After cleaning, the branch looked a little better...of course, only a little.
Yu Yu really couldn't appreciate the beauty of the bronze tree branch.
Before going online, Yu Yu completed the last line of defense, and a thick thorn wall rose high.
After her reinforcement over the past few days, the thorn wall is now an average of five meters high and three meters thick, making it absolutely impossible for normal creatures to get in.
In addition, she and Zi Shu also dug a large cellar, blocked it with stone walls, and with their financial resources and a little help from the Federation, their safety and sturdiness were trustworthy.
One of the rooms was filled with ice by Yu Yu and is now a perfect ice cellar. Some foods that are not easy to store have been stored in it.
Yu Yu made some progress in learning enchantment and carved repel vermin cantrips on the walls.
So far, flawless.
The water channel was nearly done, just a small pond left to dig.
Once dug, Yu Yu planned to buy tasty fish for it.
Speaking of, Senior probably never had fried fish fillets, right?
Golden crisp, sizzling oil, tender white flesh, fragrant.
Yu Yu swallowed instinctively.
All this work was their frantic effort, even Chang Yu occasionally pawing dirt.
Now, save the sky, they had some security.
Once she mastered enchanting, she'd set sky traps.
At the dinner table, they discussed cohabitation.
Zi Shu and Fuyu already lived together. Each house could fit them all with room to spare—they didn't mind.
Chang Yu was different, cheering, sprawling on the couch, hands and feet raised in agreement.
The big cat, thinking it was playtime, flopped, showing its snowy belly, "Purr purr…"
Only two resisted.
Yu Yu, who had a sad face, and Shu Tu, whose expression remained unchanged.
Seeing Yu Yu's face, Shu Tu said, "No rush, I'll think on it?"
Fuyu, unsuspecting, said, "Didn't Shu Shen live with Chang Yu?"
She griped, "Chang Yu crashes at your place every other day, staying three or four, back the next. Still shy?"
Shu Tu, measured, said, "A bit."
Fuyu leaned back, turning to Yu Yu, "You? Need to think too?"
Yu Yu's face twitched.
Chang Yu sprang up, pouncing, "I wanna sleep with Yu!!!"
Yu Yu yanked Zi Shu as a shield.
Zi Shu caught Chang Yu effortlessly.
Chang Yu whined, inching closer.
Yu Yu immediately had a headache, "Okay, but I won't live with anyone else, you guys can stay in the guest room."
She clung to her master bedroom, no sharing.
Zi Shu shrugged, "Finally, I'll mooch Shu Tu's breakfast. Fuyu's cooking sucks."
Fuyu bristled, "Yours is worse, and you dare talk?"
Zi Shu: "I master five noodle styles. You've got nothing."
Fuyu: "Same old noodle swaps, hyped for a year!"
Zi Shu: "Oh? Not convinced?"
Their usual bickering left Shu Tu unfazed.
Unless it was a real brawl, she watched calmly.
Yu Yu sighed, "Sort it yourselves. Where's this go?"
Shu Tu: "Somewhere high, out of Er Er's sight. It might chew it."
Chang Yu bolted out, returning at unimaginable speed with bedding and two big bags.
Before anyone reacted, she claimed the room next to Yu Yu's master bedroom.
Yu Yu was unmoved.
As long as no one slept with her, she didn't care.
She wasn't budging, ever.
Fuyu: "Sly! How long you planned this?!"
Chang Yu raced downstairs, vanishing to move, moving.jpg
Zi Shu and Fuyu were baffled, Shu Tu paused.
She sighed, "Fine, finish moving tonight."
Zi Shu: "What's the rush? We moved Yu Yu's stuff to the cellar. Her room's empty."
Yu Yu looked up, "?"
Zi Shu, casual, folded her arms, "If anomalies keep growing, a squishy mage like Yu Yu will need to live with me eventually."
Yu Yu: "…"
Wei Zishu, you're the worst!
Fuyu, enlightened, said, "No wonder you moved her spices out."
Yu Yu's mouth twitched, staying aloof.
Zi Shu said it was convenient, and Yu Yu, thinking the cellar was big, didn't care.
Now…
Did Wei Zishu pick her room too?
Shu Tu nodded approvingly, "Xiao Yu's usually carefree."
Yu Yu: "…Stop talking."
"They're prepared. You take downstairs."
Shu Tu, stared down, had brought nothing.
Shu Tu shrugged, "Zi Shu and Fuyu can share. One room's fine for me."
Fuyu froze, "Top student, you're still rooming with me?!"
Zi Shu coldly swatted her hand, "Only three guest rooms, and Chang Yu and Shu Tu won't bunk with you."
Fuyu stiffened, "You actually asked?"
Yu Yu with the biggest room and private bath, stayed silent, fearing they'd target her.
Chang Yu was already panting as she dragged a lot of bags from the door. When she passed by Big Cat, she hung one of the bags on the big cat, who looked confused.
Ignoring them, Chang Yu moved at lightning speed.
Yu Yu was stunned, "You told her?"
Zi Shu shook her head, "Nope, only Shu Tu guessed. Fuyu didn't think that way."
Shu Tu: "She's been packed for ages. I saw her stuff boxed up."
Just Yu Yu hadn't agreed.
Yu Yu: "…Can't comprehend."
Shu Tu glanced, surprised, "You, not understanding?"
"Didn't you do the same, refusing until…"
Slap!
A loud noise made the big cat look. Yu Yu shouted, "Fuyu, move! Let her bunk with Zi Shu."
Fuyu's eyes lit up, shadow-jumping to the door.
Zi Shu and Shu Tu stayed put.
Yu Yu thought for a while, walked to the cabinet beside the stairs, touched it, took out a bunch of keys and fell into deep thought.
"Fuyu, back for keys…"
Zi Shu took them, "If Shu Tu's fine, she could room with Fuyu."
Shu Tu: "Still mind a bit."
Taking the keys, she leisurely went to move.
Under Zi Shu's gaze, Yu Yu fumed, "What? I was young, and Shu Tu was the only decent one!"
Zi Shu looked away, "Didn't say anything."
Yu Yu steamed.
She was only 18 when she broke contract, younger before, training alone. Was it weird to want a sleep buddy?!
Shu Tu practically raised her—was it wrong to cling then?!
She's not clinging now, is she?!
Yu Yu stormed upstairs, done with them.
Lately, they'd shown up early, eating and brushing teeth here.
Now, thinking back, Yu Yu slapped her forehead.
~
Log in.
Today's folks, so darn happy~
No chaotic contests, even the pit downstairs looked charming.
Finally, time to study, fish, and chill.
Wait…
They dug that pit for an orange tree. Where's the tree?
Yu Yu pondered.
Wind Singer and crew weren't here, probably later. Good, she had spells to ask Senior about.
After the busy spell, Yu Yu returned to Senior's office.
Familiarly, her nose itched on entry.
Holding a sneeze, Yu Yu said, "Senior, lunch out?"
Felix, clutching the Daily, curt, "Speak."
Her eyes stayed on the paper, catching the Duchess slay a foe with one swing.
Rationally, Fu couldn't do that, but a rogue might…
Yu Yu: "That orange tree I dug up, I recall it sprayed juice. Did Senior Meng say what happened to it…"
She approached, pausing.
Senior, pristine in white, had plain orange juice in a plain cup…
Case closed.
Her tree was swiped.
Felix, tone flat, said, "Rare positive mutation, not bad."
Eyes on the paper, engrossed, "Pity, your tree was confiscated."
Yu Yu: "…"
"Any chance to buy it back?"
Felix glanced, "Ask Senior Meng yourself."
Recalling Meng's last reaction, Yu Yu wisely dropped it.
Yu Yu: "What's so gripping, Senior?"
Felix ignored her.
Yu Yu peeked around.
…Still that body-swap with the Duchess?
That good?
She asked outright.
Felix, coolly, said, "Not great, full of errors, but lively enough."
Yu Yu noted her unwavering gaze, thinking, Your actions scream obsession…
Addicted during my contest days?
Senior's vibe mirrored Yu Yu's once-slacking self.
Inspiration struck.
Summer District's vibrant scene—if she rallied authors to write for NPC cash…
Yu Yu lit up, "Senior, can Silver Moon start its own paper?"
"No."
Yu Yu: "???"
"Why not?!"
Felix turned, "Just no, no why."
Yu Yu, gut-punched, said, "I was gonna start a business, get non-combat outsiders to write for a living."
Felix hummed, "Tell me."
Yu Yu: "?"
Senior, your stance flipped fast?
Yu Yu: "Daily's space is tight. A serialized paper's comfier, and Senior could read more."
"Not just Duchess body-swaps, but Grand Archon swaps, or her and Senior Meng mind-reading…"
Recalling old books, Yu Yu spun tales.
Back in Summer District's overseas slaughter, what about Eternal Darkness?
Potatoes needed time to grow, and she'd ask Lynn to take her to the Pioneer camp for secrets. Why not start a paper for fun?
As a magic circle spellcaster with Senior's backing, safe topics could earn a bit, right?
Plus, spread some hot trivia?
Ban smut, though.
Felix mused, "If it's just for use, maybe."
She pivoted, "Why aren't you working, running here?"
Yu Yu, innocent, said, "Grand Archon didn't assign me tasks."
"The Duchess?"
"Haven't seen Her Grace."
Felix, unbothered, sipped juice, "Get their approval, and you can do it."
"Talking to me's useless."
Yu Yu grinned, "Got it, Senior."
Felix ignored her gaze, reluctantly finishing the Daily's last line.
"The Duchess isn't that strong."
"Huh?"
Felix: "Since you're free, time to catch up on lessons."
Yu Yu: "I'm studying with Senior Meng."
Felix, stern, said, "I mean basics and common knowledge."
"Senior Meng said, if you want to be an academy student, attend classes."
"Start with preschool."
"When are you free?"
Yu Yu froze, "Preschool… how old?"
Felix pondered, "Five?"
Yu Yu, silent, said, "I'm the Grand Archon's advisor. Can I self-study?"
"Not impossible, but," Felix added, "Senior Meng's requirements are here. Read."
Yu Yu took the paper, scanning, and got lost.
"Senior, what's your max score?"
Felix, who'd seen it, sipped juice calmly, "100."
Yu Yu: "…"
The paper listed courses, each with an unchanging number.
100, 100, 100, 100, 100…
Yu Yu's eyes teared, "Studying's enough, but exams too? That's too much!"
Exams in a game?
Felix: "Hm?"
Yu Yu, teary, said, "All perfect scores? Too wild. Senior Meng's favor's… overwhelming."
Felix pointed up, "Senior Meng can hear."
Yu Yu choked, "So… honored."
A cold voice came from nowhere, "Dolt. I marked exam dates per course, or study with them."
Yu Yu bitterly said, "100's a lot, no?"
Meng's voice chilled, "Every high-tier spellcaster gets perfect scores, unless you're trash."
"Ask Felix if she aced every exam."
Yu Yu glanced at Senior.
The black-robed woman remain unfazed, said, "Easy."
Yu Yu grew skeptical. Were magic circle exams easy?
"I'll try…" she hesitated.
Meng: "Your orange tree's state property. Don't ask."
Yu Yu pouted, "Yes, ma'am."
Meng's voice faded. Yu Yu muttered, "Senior, the magic circle's got no humanity! Move to my place!"
Felix, calm, said, "No."
Yu Yu: "I'll open a gourmet shop, all in one spot, close by~"
Felix: "Maybe."
Yu Yu feel content, said, "Senior eaten lunch?"
Felix listened quietly.
Yu Yu: "Lunch at my place!"
Felix nodded, "Thanks."
Yu Yu waved cheerily, "Then I'll go bribe my boss first!"
It has been a long time since she last sent food to the Grand Archon.
Who made her so despicable!
I just became a consultant today, so I'll give it to you as a gift.
Does the Duchess like tasty food?
Is her temper like Senior's?
Picky or not?
Sweet or savory?
Yu Yu fretted.
But the Duchess, outdoorsy, probably doesn't shed much.
Yu Yu stepped out, sneezing in the cool breeze.
Senior's great, just hates going out.
Isn't Wolfy a high-energy pup?
"Ah, forgot again!"
Senior gave two evocation spells last time, and she forgot to ask.
Fine, ask at lunch.
Lynn's for afternoon—she's vanished again, hopefully not in enforcement.
Still got that warrior oath to test.
The Grand Archon was frowning, but her face brightened seeing Yu Yu's offering.
"What do you want from me?"
Yu Yu never asked about her work, because if there was any arrangement, she would not be able to slack off.
"Send some delicious food to the Grand Archon to try."
The Grand Archon, pleased, said, "You're learning."
Yu Yu: "I really like the gift from the Grand Archon. Eat more."
Besides yesterday's EXP, gold, ranks, she got new gear—a ring!
[Prototype Ring (Crafted by Feng Ye)]
[Quality: Fine
Attributes: Constitution +2
*Traits: Spirit Pool
Description: (Smeared Out)]
The description spooked Yu Yu.
[Spirit Pool: Stores Spirit (0/2000), quick Spirit refill, but frequent use harms health]
This trait alone made it a treasure.
Spellcaster goodies? Magic circle's the way!
She briefly became the Grand Archon's guard! Limited-time!
The Grand Archon glanced at her and sneered, "Someone's writing Body-Swap with the Grand Archon, right?"
Yu Yu, dead serious, said, "No way."
Grand Archon: "Meng told me."
"I don't buy it. Senior Meng seems so proper!"
The Grand Archon looked at her in confusion, "I don't care. Anyway, I know it."
Yu Yu immediately changed the subject, "Actually, a friend of mine wanted to write this, but I have strictly stopped her. The Grand Archon can rest assured."
The Archon snorted, thinking she was tactful, "Why don't you put down the box you're holding?"
"It's for the Duchess."
Grand Archon: "Fu Fu's? Give it here, I'll pass it."
Yu Yu: "No, first time meeting the boss, I should deliver."
Grand Archon, regretfully said, "She's off somewhere."
Yu Yu was confident, said, "Senior said wait outside. If the Duchess is curious, she'll sniff me out."
The Grand Archon cracked, "Why's she telling you everything?!"
Her pup's greedy habits—Yu Yu'd know too?
The Grand Archon mused, tossing a book, "Their preferences are in there."
Yu Yu, curious, took it, "Oh."
Outside, she sat by the castle fountain, the bench chilly.
Setting the food box aside, she flipped through.
[Bronze Age Mythic Creatures Compendium—Nightingale]
Nightingale again? Who's this?
So many key spells were her upgrades.
Yu Yu flipped, landing on the right page, worn like it was often read.
[Silver Moon Sky Wolf]
Long-lived, rumored to be moon-born.
A red note screamed—(False! They're just asexual reproducers! Nothing to do with moonlight! I saw the old Duchess dissolve into moonbeams, leaving three eggs! Two big, one small! They're egg-born! Egg-born!)
Keywords: Gentle, loyal, trusting, protective.
Legend says Silver Moon Sky Wolves are mild.
They cherish kinship, are curious, love music, food, warm beds, and human company.
But this limits population growth, often dying with human allies or other causes.
A balanced, useless race, trustworthy but low research value. Below, experimental data—
(Rest blurred, unreadable)
"Experimental data" furrowed Yu Yu's brow.
What experiments? The kind she's thinking?
She started hating Nightingale.
Yu Yu rubbed the blurred text, seeing nothing, and flipped.
[Bloodwing Dragon]
Long-lived, a Bronze Age variant.
Powerful, cunning, ruthless, combat-heavy.
Followed by stuff Yu Yu didn't care for, then experimental data…
Grimacing, she read.
Cages, dissections, tests, drugs…
Yu Yu felt sick.
She slammed the book shut, ready to grill the Grand Archon.
"Done?"
A familiar cold voice made Yu Yu stiffen.
The silver-haired woman sat beside her, unnoticed.
She'd been sword-training, sweaty.
"Duchess, when'd you get here?"
The Duchess, casual, said, "When you stared at Teacher's line, I think."
Yu Yu: "…"
The Duchess asked, "Why bring me food?"
Yu Yu, uneasy, mumbled, "Make a good impression."
The Duchess, satisfied, said, "Not bad. Thought you wanted to see my ears."
Yu Yu couldn't help it, "This book…"
The Duchess, confirming it was hers, deftly opened the box, "I've read it."
Yu Yu blinked, "When?"
Duchess: "As a kid."
Yu Yu: "…"
Grand Archon, you monster!!!
Can she even raise Wolfy?!!
The Duchess glanced, "Your emotions are wild, bugging my nose."
Yu Yu: "Huh?"
The Duchess popped a vibrant pastry, eyes squinting happily.
Yu Yu asked, "Senior, she read this too?"
The Duchess's deep blue eyes, charmed by food, said, "Her? I told Teacher not to show her, but…" She shrugged, "Teacher's like that. Hard to say she didn't 'accidentally' leave it open on the desk."
Yu Yu: "…"
Painful realization.
The Duchess knew the Grand Archon too well.
"No need to mind. Her stance is fiercer than mine, no worries."
Yu Yu, bitter.
The Grand Archon did it on purpose!
Why show her this?
What's her next move?
Tomorrow, she'd write Grand Archon Falls in Ditch, Amnesia, Marries Beastkin.
The Duchess ate two, primly closing the box, keeping it, "Heard you're my advisor. Can I ask questions?"
Yu Yu sat upright, "Ask away, Your Grace. I'll spill all."
The silver-haired woman, eyes like the sea, struck a formal lord-vassal pose.
Yu Yu got serious.
The Duchess said—
"How do you outsiders raise pets?"
Yu Yu: "Huh?"
Yu Yu: "HUH???"