Chapter 6: Teyvat
'Oh, so that is how it works.' Natsume rested her head against the soft pillow, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling. After listening to Paimon explain the complex mechanics of the system, the lingering anxiety in her chest finally began to dissipate.
In simple terms, the moment a character was summoned into this world, the system wove them flawlessly into the fabric of reality. They were granted legitimate backgrounds, complete with paper trails, digital footprints, and histories capable of withstanding the most rigorous scrutiny from any intelligence agency.
There was, however, one crucial detail still gnawing at her mind. 'Paimon, can these characters still use their Elemental Skills and Elemental Bursts here?'
Natsume had observed Alhaitham closely earlier. While his attire had been subtly altered to blend in with modern society, stripping away the more fantastical elements of his Sumeru garb, his Vision remained. The emerald-green Dendro gemstone had hung securely from his coat, its golden casing catching the light exactly as it did in the game.
She simply was not sure if a Vision could function in a universe governed by science. Granted, she knew full well that the inhabitants of this world frequently defied physics—kicking satellites out of orbit and shattering concrete pillars with bare fists were practically everyday occurrences. Yet, this was fundamentally a physical realm. It stood to reason that magical game mechanics might be suppressed.
"Traveler," Paimon's voice echoed in her mind, carrying a surprisingly serious tone. "Under normal circumstances, you would be right. To comply with the fundamental laws of a new universe, characters are usually restricted from using abilities that completely shatter local human cognition. However... you must remember that real witches exist in this world."
'Witches?' Natsume blinked, her brow furrowing in the dark. She racked her brain. While there were countless cases in this universe where murderers disguised themselves as demons, vampires, or vengeful spirits, the culprit was always a normal human pulling off an elaborate mechanical trick. Supernatural elements were always debunked by logic.
Then, a sudden flash of inspiration struck her. Her eyes widened.
Kaitou Kid.
This world was not just the stage for a shrinking detective. It was a shared universe that included another narrative entirely: Magic Kaito. And in that specific storyline, genuine, obvious magic existed. Specifically, Kaitou Kid's classmate, the practitioner of red magic—Koizumi Akako.
'So, Paimon, are you saying that because this overarching universe already contains supernatural elements, our characters can freely use their combat skills?'
"Mhm!" Paimon sounded quite proud of this loophole. "Using them feels exactly the same as it does back in Teyvat. The Vision will even light up and react with the elements!"
Then, the little guide's voice dropped to a conspiratorial, trembling whisper. "But Traveler, it is definitely best to keep a low profile when fighting. I heard that if people with superpowers get discovered here, they get captured, strapped to cold metal tables, and sliced into tiny pieces by mad scientists! Woo, that sounds absolutely terrifying!"
Natsume could practically picture the little fairy hugging her knees and shivering in the system space, thoroughly spooking herself with her own vivid imagination.
A soft, fond smile touched Natsume's lips. 'Do not worry, Paimon. We will be incredibly careful. And honestly, even if someone happens to catch a glimpse of an elemental attack, we can just claim it is a magic trick. I have seen broadcasts of Kaitou Kid's heists. The things he pulls off with smoke bombs and hang gliders are practically indistinguishable from real magic anyway. People here are used to the impossible.'Hearing the calm certainty in Natsume's voice, Paimon let out a long sigh of relief. Her tone instantly brightened, returning to its usual cheerful pitch. "That makes sense! Then, Traveler, do you have any other questions before we rest?"'Not about the system mechanics,'Natsume mused, shifting her weight under the blankets.'But I am thinking... I should probably establish an official organization.'"An organization?" Paimon echoed, sounding thoroughly confused. "Why would you want to do that, Traveler?"'Think about the long game, Paimon. I am absolutely going to draw more characters as time goes on. Eventually, we will have a large group of highly skilled individuals running around. Even if they have different cover identities, they will inevitably cross paths, share resources, and wear similar elemental accessories. The detectives in this city are terrifyingly sharp. They will notice the pattern.'Natsume stared at the moonlight filtering through the curtains, her mind slipping into the analytical mode of her past corporate life.'Once they notice the pattern, they will naturally assume these individuals belong to a hidden syndicate. Rather than letting those paranoid detectives invent wild, uncontrollable theories about us, I might as well take the initiative. If I establish the organization's name and structure first, I control the narrative.'She also considered her overarching system objective: maintaining the delicate balance of power between the Red and Black factions.'Besides,'she added,'to effectively manipulate the balance between the authorities and the criminal underworld, I am going to need a formidable faction of my own.'Paimon hummed, adopting an exaggerated tone of deep, scholarly contemplation. "Hmm, yes, what you say makes a great deal of sense, Traveler. Very strategic!"'Since it is going to be a proper organization, it needs a name. What should we call it?' Natsume wanted something respectable. It did not need to sound overly pretentious or dripping with edge, but it absolutely had to be better than the Black Organization. To anyone outside the criminal underworld, that name sounded like a generic shell company for a clothing retailer.
The moment the topic shifted to naming things, Paimon threw away her scholarly act and eagerly revealed her true colors. "Oh! Oh! I know! How about the Boom-Boom Fungus Group? It sounds super catchy and intimidating!"
Invisible black lines dropped down Natsume's forehead. Her expression deadpanned. That was infinitely worse than the Black Organization.
'Absolutely not. That sounds like a kindergarten playgroup.'"Okay, fine," Paimon grumbled, undeterred. "Then how about the Darknight Hero?"'No. That reeks of middle-school syndrome. Plus, Diluc would probably hunt us down if we blatantly stole his vigilante title for a syndicate.'
After Natsume ruthlessly shot down half a dozen increasingly ridiculous suggestions, Paimon finally lost her patience.
"Argh! Traveler, coming up with a cool name is way too exhausting!" Paimon complained, her voice echoing with a frustrated huff. "Why do not we just keep it simple and call it Teyvat?"
Natsume's eyes instantly lit up. The name carried weight, history, and a sense of belonging.
'Teyvat. Yes. Let us call it Teyvat.'
"Eh?" Paimon paused, rolling the word around in her mind. "Actually... yeah! That fits perfectly!"
The gears in Natsume's head began turning rapidly, pieces of a grand design falling into place.
'Think about it. The Black Organization divides its members into specific branches, like the Intelligence Division and the Action Division. We can structure ours the exact same way, using the different nations as our framework.'She sat up slightly, her enthusiasm building.'Each nation's representatives will handle the operations that suit their homeland's specialty. Mondstadt characters can manage diplomatic liaisons and public relations. Liyue will handle our finances, funding, and commerce. Inazuma will operate as our covert intelligence network. Sumeru will naturally run the research and development division. Fontaine can act as the internal affairs and legal execution branch. And the Fatui from Snezhnaya... they will be our pure military vanguard.'Natsume smiled, visualizing the hierarchy.'We can even use the distinct casing styles of their Visions as departmental badges. And the Seven Archons? They will serve as the executive board of directors. What do you think?'
The more she spoke, the more flawless the blueprint felt. She had essentially mapped out a shadow empire in the span of five minutes.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!" The sound of enthusiastic applause echoed loudly in Natsume's consciousness. "Traveler, you are a genius! That is amazing!"
'Heh, it is nothing really,'Natsume replied, feeling a sudden rush of warmth at the genuine, straightforward praise. It had been a very long time since anyone had cheered for her like that.'Then it is settled. I will brief Alhaitham on the organizational structure tomorrow morning. It is getting late now. We should rest.'
"Mhm!" Sensing Natsume finally relaxing her tense muscles and closing her eyes, Paimon let her voice soften into a gentle whisper. "Good night, Traveler."
The adrenaline that had kept Natsume going through the chaotic day finally receded. A heavy, comforting wave of exhaustion washed over her.
'Good night, Paimon.'
The room faded into a peaceful, undisturbed silence.
The next day, when Natsume finally opened her eyes, bright morning sunlight was already streaming through the gaps in the curtains, painting golden strips across the floorboards.
She stretched, enjoying the rare sensation of a full night's sleep, before climbing out of bed to wash up.
Stepping out of the bedroom, she was greeted by a surprisingly domestic sight. Alhaitham was already awake. He sat comfortably by the large living room window, bathed in the morning light, silently turning the pages of a thick hardcover book. On the dining table nearby sat a neatly arranged breakfast spread.
"Since you are awake, eat quickly while the food is still warm," Alhaitham said. His voice was calm and even, his gaze never once lifting from the text in his hands.
"Oh... okay." Natsume blinked, momentarily stunned. In her previous life as an exhausted office worker, she had always rushed out the door with an empty stomach. Having someone else prepare breakfast for her felt entirely foreign. Once the surprise faded, a genuine smile touched her face. "Thank you, Alhaitham."
"There is no need for thanks," he replied smoothly, finally flipping a page. "The bread and milk were already stocked in the kitchen. I merely processed them. I required sustenance as well, so preparing a second portion was simply a matter of convenience."
Natsume chuckled inwardly at his fiercely pragmatic phrasing. She sat down and enjoyed the warm meal.
After finishing her breakfast and washing the dishes, Natsume poured herself a glass of water and took a seat opposite the Sumeru scholar. She spent the next ten minutes detailing her late-night epiphany, explaining the structure and purpose of the newly founded Teyvat organization.
Alhaitham listened in silence. When she finished, he marked his page and slowly closed the book, resting it on his lap.
"Not bad," he assessed, his tone carrying a note of genuine approval. "It is a highly logical concept, and structurally sound. Proceed with your framework. I have no objections to acting as a representative of the Sumeru branch."
Having settled the matter of their internal hierarchy, Alhaitham smoothly transitioned to the topic of their current reality.
"As for my presence here," he began, his teal eyes meeting hers, "my legitimate identity in this world is that of a visiting academic scholar. I have been officially invited to Tokyo to conduct a series of academic exchanges with a local research institute."
He tapped his fingers lightly against the cover of his book. "The system has arranged for my accommodations at the Haido Hotel. I have a few days of free time to familiarize myself with the city. The formal exchange program commences in exactly three days."
Natsume leaned forward, her curiosity piqued by the mention of a specific location. "An academic exchange? Which research institute invited you?"
Alhaitham's expression remained perfectly impassive as he delivered the answer.
"Shirohato Pharmaceutical."
"Eh?!" Natsume choked on her breath, her eyes snapping wide open.
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