Bonus chapter for 150 powerstones
.....
The purple glow of Electro radiated from the Vision at Childe's waist. He took the mask hanging by his head and lowered it over his face.
Crimson armor began to materialize over his chest, knees, and other key points. Arcs of lightning crackled around his body.
The twin-bladed polearm in his hands pulsed with Electro energy, vastly enhancing its destructive force.
"Let's see how far you can go… when facing the power of a Harbinger!"
In a flash, Childe surged forward like lightning. His spear, charged with Electro energy, struck out at Lumine like a bolt from the heavens.
Gritting her teeth, Lumine twisted her body to narrowly evade the thrust. She retaliated with a swift slash from her Dull Blade.
Electro and Hydro collided—Electro-Charged. A numbing current ran up Lumine's sword arm.
"Be swept away!"
The moment was ripe.
A vortex of wind burst forth from Lumine's left hand. The Anemo currents whipped up the surrounding Hydro and Electro elements, triggering a miniature explosion.
The blast hurled Childe back, but beneath the mask, his expression only grew more exhilarated.
"Not bad. No wonder the Gambler values you so highly."
"In that case, I can really let loose. Although, my version of letting loose might be a bit… much for you."
Childe's speed surged again. His figure flickered like a thunderbolt, launching a relentless assault on Lumine.
Each strike was a display of masterful technique, making it harder and harder for Lumine to hold her defense.
She swung her Dull Blade over and over, trying to fend him off, but Childe's speed was overwhelming—wounds began to appear across her body.
"Ahhh!"
Lumine roared. A surge of power erupted from within her, repelling Childe's attacks in a powerful shockwave.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Childe's eyes, but he didn't slow down. His spear lashed out again, this time pulsing with even more potent Electro energy.
Lumine's eyes blazed with determination. Her Dull Blade surged with newfound strength as she clashed with him.
Their weapons collided mid-air, releasing a blinding flash.
Lumine was being pushed back.
She stomped hard on the ground—
"Turn to dust!"
A massive stone pillar burst from the earth, thrusting toward Childe.
He quickly leapt back.
"Starfell Sword!"
A massive meteor-like construct of Geo came crashing down from above.
Boom!
Dust exploded outward—Childe had sliced the Starfell Sword cleanly in two. A satisfied smile curled beneath his mask.
"Impressive, Traveler. No Vision, yet you command both Anemo and Geo… truly surprising."
"You're strong. I'm impressed."
"But now, I'll show you what I'm really capable of."
A powerful surge of Electro energy erupted from Childe's body. His form shimmered, growing blurry like pure lightning.
Then, he rose into the air. Plates of armor assembled onto him layer by layer.
The pressure he exuded intensified.
This was Childe's Foul Legacy: Transformation.
Paimon gasped.
"He—he can transform?!"
In his transformed state, Childe's voice took on a heavier tone.
"Don't act so shocked, like some fresh recruit~"
"Come, Traveler! Let our duel begin!"
He slammed his spear into the ground.
As cracks spread out beneath his feet, the entire floor collapsed.
Lumine leapt from falling debris and landed nimbly. Paimon fluttered down behind her.
She kept her gaze locked on the descending Childe. She knew this next round would be even tougher.
Childe unleashed a flurry of fierce strikes. Each blow rumbled with thunderous force.
Lumine evaded and countered as best she could, but Childe's speed and strength were pushing her to the brink.
Then, she spotted an opening. Her sword shot toward Childe's exposed side.
But he dodged easily—clearly intentional—and retaliated, sending Lumine flying.
She crashed hard, but gritted her teeth and forced herself back up, eyes burning with resolve.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered all her power, bracing for the next assault.
Childe lunged again. His spear crackled with the fury of both Electro and Hydro.
Lumine stood her ground, Dull Blade raised, deflecting the attack with all her might.
She twisted aside, dodging the strike, then countered—her sword howling with Anemo and Geo as it tore toward him.
Childe swept his spear and dispersed the force with ease. He stepped in close, the tip of his spear hovering at her throat.
"Still want to go on, Traveler?"
There was a hint of challenge in his eyes.
Lumine clenched her jaw, refusing to back down.
She broke free and leapt back.
"You really are strong, Traveler," Childe admitted, lowering his spear. "But this fight must end. I've got official duties to return to. Thanks for the warm-up."
No sooner had he spoken than his Foul Legacy form flared again, radiating dazzling arcs of lightning.
Lumine raised her Dull Blade, watching him closely.
Her sword pulsed—Anemo and Geo intertwining across the blade, its power surging.
They clashed.
A blinding light and howling gales erupted from the impact. Childe's spear pressed steadily toward her.
But at that moment, something went unnoticed.
The "Mora" at Lumine's waist gave off a faint golden glow.
A glint of radiant gold bloomed between their weapons.
Childe's eyes narrowed.
"…What is that?"
BOOM!
A massive explosion tore through the air, kicking up a wild storm of energy.
When the dust settled, both combatants had been blasted back. A gaping crater marked the ground where they'd stood.
…..
Cough cough…
As the light faded, Childe's transformation dissolved. He and Lumine were both kneeling, gasping for air.
Lumine stared at the "Mora" at her side—it looked normal again, but she knew it had been the work of the one Shajin had gifted her.
Childe gave a wry chuckle.
"Well played, partner… you really got me there~"
"Huff… that Foul Legacy form sure takes a toll. Didn't even leave me time to think."
"Your strength today far exceeded what Signora said about you in Mondstadt. Why is that, I wonder?"
Lumine paused, then replied uncertainly, "Maybe… it's what Shajin meant by 'settling in.'"
Inwardly, she wondered:
'It feels like some of my old strength… is returning.'
Childe smiled and stood.
"I see. Then as you journey through the Seven Nations, you'll only keep getting stronger. I can't fall behind either."
"Those who pursue strength are comrades—even if our friendship can only be expressed through battle…"
"But for now, I'll have to set aside our little exchange, and return to my mission."
"Well then, allow me to finish my business first~"
_
Please support my patreon, patreon. com/TravelerDouluo
And get early access to my 40 advance chapters.