In his youth, Old Sam was a renowned adventurer. However, during an expedition, he pushed his companion out of the way from a massive boulder, only for his own legs to be crushed beneath it.
Rescued and brought back to Mondstadt, his legs were amputated above the knees. While his life was saved, he lost his chance to continue as an adventurer. The then-aspiring guild president, Cyrus, secured him a clerical position in the Adventurers' Guild. Over the next two decades, Old Sam transitioned from frustration and despair to acceptance. However, his physical and emotional toll aged him prematurely, making him look over sixty despite being under fifty.
When Cyrus brought two young alchemists to him, claiming they could make him stand again, Sam agreed with the sole hope of paving the way for younger adventurers in need.
But when he truly stood up again, feeling his "legs," tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. He clumsily relearned how to walk, feeling the firm, cold ground beneath his new feet.
Cyrus held Shen Qin's hand tightly, his gratitude overflowing.
"Thank you, truly! Truly, I, I!" he exclaimed. For Cyrus, Old Sam was just the beginning—there were many more adventurers who could be helped.
Jean, observing Old Sam adapting to his prosthetic legs, was uncharacteristically lost in thought. If the flying skateboard had demonstrated Shen Qin's brilliance, then the prosthetics elevated his reputation in her heart to divine heights.
"Restoring the lost and crippled... It's like witnessing a miracle," she murmured.
As the situation slowly calmed, Diluc turned to Shen Qin and Kaeya, breaking the reflective silence.
"Let's collaborate again, as we did last time."
Kaeya smirked, but before he could interject, Jean spoke up.
"The Knights of Favonius will take no share of the profits this time," she declared, shocking both Shen Qin and Diluc.
Jean explained, "I propose that the Knights' share be used to subsidize Mondstadt citizens purchasing prosthetics. Let's make this as affordable as possible."
Shen Qin chimed in, "I'll adjust my share as well. This time, Sucrose played a significant role in the research. I'll take only 40%, allocating 20% to her contributions."
Sucrose immediately protested, waving her hands frantically. "No, no! I just helped with a few minor tasks! I can't accept such a share."
Shen Qin smiled reassuringly. "You deserve it. Contributions must be rewarded appropriately."
Turning to Diluc, he added, "Also, I suggest we price these prosthetics as low as possible. Unlike the flying skateboard, this product leans more towards public welfare. My goal is to restore normalcy to as many lives as possible, not to profit excessively."
Diluc nodded without hesitation. "That's a sound strategy. While the short-term gains won't match the skateboard, the goodwill and reputation we'll build will pay off in the long run."
Kaeya sighed dramatically, leaning on his hand. Shen Qin chuckled, while Jean smiled knowingly at Diluc.
"Hmph. What?" Diluc asked, sensing their amusement. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Ah, right, right," Shen Qin teased, his tone dripping with mock agreement. Diluc glared at him suspiciously, but Shen Qin simply turned serious again.
Shen Qin explained the plan for production and distribution, "We'll need a dedicated surgical facilities and trained alchemists to perform the implant surgeries. Additionally, every prosthetic must be bound to the customer's identity, ensuring that only they can use it."
Sucrose tilted her head. "Why go through the trouble? Wouldn't that be inconvenient?"
Kaeya stepped in, explaining, "Binding the prosthetics ensures they're used by those who truly need them. Without it, people could exploit the system for profit—buying at subsidized rates and reselling them at inflated prices."
Shen Qin nodded, adding, "This isn't just about protecting our interests. It's about ensuring that these life-changing tools reach the people they're meant for."
After deliberation, they agreed on a profit-sharing structure with the split being 4:2:3:1. With Shen Qing having the most shares, followed by the Dawn Winery, Sucrose, and the Knights Of Favonius respectively.
The Knights' share would be entirely dedicated to subsidizing prosthetic costs for Mondstadt citizens. Additionally, Cyrus negotiated an agreement ensuring the Adventurers' Guild would receive half the production line's output.
In the end, its pricing was set at 100,000 Mora for each prosthetic limb while 50,000 Mora for a pair of prosthetic eye or ear.
Customers could choose between fully implanted or externally worn options for prosthetic eyes and ears.
While preparations were underway, Cyrus and Old Sam spread the word throughout Mondstadt. Their goal was simple ─let everyone in need know that hope was still within reach.
Skeptics abounded at first.
"No way. That kind of alchemy doesn't exist!"
"Believe it! I saw Old Sam running and jumping with those prosthetic legs. He looked stronger than ever!"
The tide of disbelief shifted when Cyrus hosted a public demonstration. On stage, Old Sam displayed his newfound mobility, showcasing the power and strength of his prosthetic legs.
Among the crowd, a young boy clutched a flyer tightly, his eyes wide with excitement. Watching Old Sam's performance, he suddenly bolted towards home.
"Grandma! Grandma! Your legs! I-It can be healed!" he shouted, his voice brimming with hope.