Heavy girl? I feel worse than Black Hole Trigger!

"Alright, stop praising me. This kid is always getting ahead of himself." Zheli took out another clean handkerchief and replaced the wet one in Qiannai's hand. He chuckled at Qiannai and said, "Ah, but you didn't give up halfway this time. That's a huge improvement. Let me give you some candy first."

"Teacher!" Xiao Qianai couldn't help but puff up her cheeks.

After a very stable performance, getting such feedback made people feel a little out of control.

"Teacher Zheli is really strict." Nagasaki Suyo also came over with a smile.

Linghua turned to her, nodded slightly, and said, "Ms. Sushi, you've worked hard, too. Your powerful bass is also very impressive."

"No need for politeness, Ms. Kamisato." Su Shi waved her hand, not caring at all. "Anyway, no one would notice me even if I went to get some water on the way."

"Is that true...?" Linghua blinked.

It seems that bass jokes are still too advanced for Inazuma people.

As the CRYCHIC team followed Su Shi off the stage, the craftsmen who had been resting for a while returned to the site to continue their work. They found a cooler spot and made room for the craftsmen.

Zheli handed the water he had prepared in advance to Gao Songdeng, "Here, Deng. Thank you for your hard work, everyone."

"Although it's called a rehearsal, it feels no different from previous practices," said Shoko Toyokawa.

Rehearsals are divided into regular rehearsals and full rehearsals. In the regular rehearsal, each section of the performance is paused for a moment to confirm the results. What they just experienced was closer to a full rehearsal: a formal performance, uninterrupted from opening to closing. However, with only a few people in the audience, it wasn't much different from their usual practice.

Su Shi smiled and said, "It's good news that you can display the same strength as usual."

"Oh...we forgot to consider the arrangements for the fireworks." Xiao Gong scratched his face embarrassedly.

She was supposed to be paying attention to everyone's stage movement and considering where to add fireworks decorations, but in the end she just ended up enjoying everyone's performance.

"There's still plenty of time, no need to rush." Linghua comforted.

"But then again, I'm already starting to worry about what the performance will be like on the day of the actual show."

Xiangzi looked left and right. Many craftsmen had already gathered at the place where they had performed a few minutes ago. The sounds of hammering and sawing rose and fell, creating a lively atmosphere completely different from the orchestra's performance.

Furthermore, the venue was packed with more people than before they arrived, and the various stalls were already taking shape. She also saw people in shabuyo costumes providing guidance, adjusting the positions of vendors and clearing the way. Just a moment's pause and observation gave her a sense of what the festival would be like.

Su Shi tilted her head, "Worried?"

"Unlike... our previous place, the PA system here isn't quite up to par." Xiangzi gestured to the stage and its surroundings, explaining, "It'll be packed, and our music might be drowned out by the crowd."

Linghua lowered her head and thought for a moment. "Overshadowed, huh? This is indeed something I have to consider carefully."

"Leave it to me." Zheli looked at Linghua and said, "Ms. Shenli, could you ask the craftsmen to expand the stage a little? I have some props brought from Fontaine that should be able to solve these problems."

"Fontaine props." Linghua blinked. Qianzhi also became slightly interested and turned her gaze to Zheli.

Xiangzi was surprised when he heard this: "Huh? Mr. Manager, are you going to bring in the speakers?"

"I can't just sit there and watch you perform, right? This little thing is no problem."

"No... I'm not questioning that." Xiangzi waved his hands and explained, "I've thought about bringing speakers before. But what about the power supply?"

As mentioned previously, they can only hold unplugged concerts at Inazuma, and Shiina Tatsuki has switched from drums to cajon. However, generally speaking, unplugged concerts don't mean completely eliminating electronics—at least in today's rehearsal, Takamatsu used a portable microphone.

Xiangzi's original idea was to bring a few more microphones and assign one to each band member.

However, the sound pressure of a portable microphone would be insufficient amidst the clamor of a grand celebration. Zheli's intention was clearly to bring a more powerful amplification device. But then, the battery power would probably be insufficient...

"Power supply?" Linghua caught the key word. She looked at Zheli earnestly and asked, "Is the 'sound' thing Mr. Zheli mentioned a device that requires lightning element power? The Society Commissioner can help arrange it."

In Teyvat, only the chosen ones who possess the "Eye of God" can wield "elemental power".

Although this statement is not wrong, its explanation is not complete: it should be said that only magical organs like the "Eye of God" can enable humans to "directly" use elemental forces - if they just want to "use elements", even the people of Teyvat who do not have the Eye of God can develop technology like the people on Earth, with the help of props, media, etc., to use elemental forces under certain conditions.

For a person of the status of the Three Magistrates, it is not too difficult to allocate sufficient resources to equip ordinary people.

"Thunder element..." Zhe Li was stunned for a moment.

Inazuma is the land of thunder and lightning, and eternity, so generating electricity might not be too difficult. However, for delicate equipment like audio equipment, excessive voltage would only distort the sound.

Thinking of this, he still shook his head, "Don't worry too much. I have my own way."

The skills I inherited from the genius physicist were not learned in vain!

Chapter 67: Sword

"welcome--"

"Mr. Manager. Long time no see. How are you doing?"

Baodeng Zheli paused when he heard the voice and looked up at the door.

I saw a man stepping over the threshold, taking off his straw hat, and smiling at Zheli who was looking up at him.

"Manye!" Zheli also greeted with a smile: "It's been a long time indeed. Is everything going well? Everything is normal here."

The person who came was Kaedehara Manyō. Technically, she was the first person Orikuri met in Inazuma.

Wan Ye walked to the center of the store, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Would it be convenient for me to take a seat?"

"Of course. Sit wherever you want. It's not even opening hours yet."

It’s obviously closed, so how did I find this place...?

Zhe Li became increasingly confused about the rules of the "door".

While Origin had indeed met Manye once before, Manye wasn't actually related to Nascita, was she? It wasn't like being the manager's friend gave him the right to barge into the shop, regardless of whether it was open or not.

"Is that so?" Wan Ye nodded slightly as if relieved after hearing what Zhe Li said, and then he went to sit down in front of the counter.

"Want something to drink?"

Anyone who comes is a guest. The store manager, who was closing the shop, perked up a little and put on a reception attitude.

Wan Ye said, "Just tea will be fine. Since we're closed, I won't bother the manager any more."

"No trouble. We are ready for business anytime and anywhere." Zhe Li waved his hand.

Physical labor was no problem for a slime like him. He hadn't felt tired in ages. Perhaps because the energy consumed by "mimetic human" itself far exceeded that of other ordinary activities, he took any physical labor in stride, only feeling a bit of strain when using high-speed movement skills continuously.

While making tea, he casually asked, "What brings you here today?"

"Nothing important." Wan Ye smiled and shook his head, saying, "I recently took a boat trip to Bayun Island and gained a lot. I'm passing by here on my way back, so I came to say hello."

While the remote islands were Inazuma's gateway to the outside world, they also maintained some domestic routes. Manyō's intention was probably to take a boat from one of Inazuma's other islands back to the remote islands and come see him along the way... In other words, it was a solo boat trip, not a one-way trip of self-destruction, but one where she could return home whenever she wanted.

He clearly called himself a ronin when we first met, but what he did was more like a young master experiencing the elegance of the world.

"Oh? What do other parts of Inazuma feel like?"

Zhe Li didn't dare stray too far from the "door." A portal connecting two worlds, if not properly supervised, could be the source of disaster for both. Zhe Li felt that since the "door" was located in his shop, he had an obligation to keep it safe.

As of late, even reaching Inazuma Castle is about the limit. This is considering his exceptional speed.

However, if I say I'm not curious, I would definitely be lying: compared to never having the chance to see someone in your life, if you have the opportunity to see someone but choose to give up the chance and stick to your own little piece of land, the sense of loss will definitely be more serious.

Just like Maplebara Manyo, embarking on a journey alone freely is also a kind of romance in Zheli's eyes.

"Compared to the Outlying Islands and Narukami Island, it's far less bustling." Manye's face showed a wistful expression. After a moment's silence, he said, "I was fortunate enough to witness the 'Wuxiang Blade' with my own eyes on this trip. I can't help but feel even more in awe of the General."

Zhe Li was also intrigued. "Is it really as powerful as the legend says?"

"Ah. 'Wu Xiang Blade's Narrow Space' is very old, overgrown with vegetation, and evidence of water erosion is everywhere. From a distance, it looks like just another canyon. If I didn't know the reason behind it, I'd probably be amazed at the wonders of nature."

At this point, his expression grew slightly solemn. The scenery in his memory wasn't exactly beautiful... but it was certainly magnificent.

"However, as I approached, I could sense the overwhelming power of lightning. It was as if the might of that sword strike a thousand years ago still lingered in the valley, ready to snatch away all life at any moment..."

Wan Ye couldn't help but reach out and touch his scabbard.

He was almost on the verge of being controlled by his emotions and drawing his sword to face the empty world.

"According to locals, when the weather is bad, there will be thunder and lightning. This is why the canyon is deserted."

Zheli took in Manye's heavy expression and gasped in surprise, "It doesn't sound like a suitable place for sightseeing."

It was Manye himself who had previously told Origin about the "Muxiang Blade Slot" and the deeds of General Raiden. However, Manye also mentioned at the time that he had mainly shared his experiences from books, and that his personal activities were mainly on Narukami Island.

Unexpectedly, since then, he has set out directly to verify the rumors in the book.

Wan Ye sighed softly and said, "Indeed. These past few days on the ferry, I've even seen that terrifying sword energy in my dreams. I tossed and turned but couldn't fall asleep. Yesterday, I had to spend some money and rest at the inn. Only then did I finally manage to dissipate some of the energy."

After hearing what he said, Zhe Li carefully observed his expression. There was a slight sadness in the boy's eyes, and it seemed that his words were true. But Zhe Li still couldn't imagine what kind of swordsmanship could span thousands of years and still cause nightmares.

Kamen Rider was already surreal enough, but the Knights of the Build System still had to use some science. He had no idea what this "true fantasy" looked like, and he hoped he'd never have the chance to see it... Fortunately, this little blood star slime might not be able to defeat a human in a fight, but he was still good at running away.

Wan Ye naturally noticed the way Zhe Li looked at him.

At this moment, he smiled, as if trying to cover up the occasional fatigue between his legs, and said in a nonchalant manner, "It's been half a month since we last met, and the island is still thriving as usual. Mr. Manager, there's no need to bother yourself with the same troubles as a wanderer like me."

"Ahahaha...I do take your advice."

Restraining unnecessary curiosity was the best way to survive. As long as he followed the rules, the Shogun who had maintained Inazuma's rule for hundreds of years wouldn't bother him anymore, would he?

Zhe Li handed over the hot tea. Wan Ye thanked him, lowered his head and took a sip. His slightly furrowed brows finally relaxed.

The store manager saw that he still seemed a little uncomfortable and had an idea in his mind.

"By the way, where are you going to travel next?"

"Travel? Ah. For now, I'll probably just wander around Narukami Island as usual."

The narrow space of the Wuxiang Blade had indeed given Wan Ye nightmares for several days, but after repeatedly holding his sword against the force that could cleave the heavens and earth in his dreams, he had gained some insights. He was just about to take some time off to sort out his experiences.

"Recently, Inazuma Castle is preparing for a summer festival."

Zhe Li heard this and said with a smile:

"Why don't you take this opportunity to relax at the festival?"

Chapter 68: Wind

Ding-ling. The loud ringing of the doorbell and the creaking of the door hinges interrupted their conversation.

"Hmm? A visitor...?"

Nagasaki Suyo stepped over the threshold, looked up and saw a unfamiliar figure in front of the counter, and was stunned.

"Su Shi, you're here." Zhe Li waved his hand at Su Shi and reintroduced her: "This is Fengyuan Manye, who I met once before. He just returned to the outlying island recently and came to visit us in the store."

"Oh..." Su Shi blinked.

Manye also half turned and smiled at her. Seeing Manye's face, Su Shi also remembered that first meeting, which was not very pleasant: in this very intense summer vacation, it could still be said to be an unforgettable "first time in another world" experience.

The impact of opening the shop door, the salty smell of the sea breeze as she stepped out of the alley, and the refreshing breeze from the grasslands made Suyo, who had lived in Tokyo since childhood, feel as if she could immerse herself in it, become a part of it. And it was completely different from going to the countryside to experience rural life. Although she was still in the "city", she felt so close to nature...

It’s a pity that the good part stops here.

Whether it was the subsequent encounter with the robbers, the sudden attack by Manye, or, to be honest, the sudden revelation of his identity as a "monster" by Ori, none of them could be called a wonderful experience.

Later on... Hey, even Xiaoxiang and the others knew about the existence of the other world.

It's not that Su Shi didn't want to tell them. Zhe Li's point made sense. Since everyone from CRYCHIC was stationed at Nascita, it wouldn't have been kind to keep such a big secret from them. But... a little more, a little more, let Zhe Li and I have some privacy... okay? Okay.

Su Shi was lost in thought as she walked to the counter, her exclusive seat.

Aside from the CRYCHIC table closest to the back door, there aren't any reserved seats at nascita. However, Sushi's favorite seat is right in front of the counter, with nothing on the table, allowing her to directly see the faces of the Zheli at work. It's her favorite spot.

Zhe Li silently remembered this seat and usually would not let anyone sit there casually.

"According to the store manager, Ms. Suyo will be performing with her friends at the summer festival in Inazuma Castle in a few days?"

Seeing Su Shishiran take a seat, Fengyuan Manye took the initiative to speak.

Su Shi tilted his head slightly to glance at Wan Ye, "It is true."

She recently discovered that she was probably quite protective of her own shortcomings: the young man in front of her was courteous and polite from beginning to end, and although his words were a bit obscure, it was obvious that he was very well-educated - but Su Shi still could not forget the time when this man stabbed Zhe Li.

As a result, just seeing this person makes my mood and attitude become not very good.

“…….” Wan Ye also noticed Su Shi’s coldness towards him and smiled awkwardly.

"It was a case brought by our friend Toyokawa." Seeing the sudden chill between the two, Zheli, wanting to ease Manye's awkwardness, quickly took up the topic. "As mentioned earlier, we're quite lucky this time, having received assistance from the two great magistrates, Kanjo Bugyo and Sha Bugyo... I hope the festival goes smoothly."

Manye's face showed nostalgia. "A long time ago, I also went to the festival with my family."

Kaedehara Manyo calls himself a ronin, yet behaves like a seasoned young master from a noble family. Now, his expression reminiscent of a summer festival, a daily ritual embraced by the people of Inazuma, suggests he must have had a tumultuous past.

But the cafe's owner won't let his curiosity run wild.

"Well, isn't now the perfect time?" Zhe Li raised his index finger and hummed a few times. "This year's festival should be grand. It would be a shame to miss it."

Su Shi narrowed his eyes and said vaguely, "Yes. Zhe Li and I have already agreed to go shopping, right?"