The room lay shrouded in near-total darkness, broken only by the cold glow of the monitor.
(Three days. Three days without rest, but it'll be worth it.)
It had all started with the announcement of the Liyue regional banner. The characters from that nation had always captured my interest—their designs, their stories… and among them, her. Ganyu. The half-qilin, half-human secretary. So, taking advantage of my vacation, I embarked on a mission: to hoard Intertwined Fates before the banner disappeared.
(Luck isn't usually on my side… but this time will be different.)
My fingers hovered over the mouse, tension coiled in every joint.
"Eighty attempts… the odds are in my favor now."
A click.
The screen erupted in a golden flash—a shooting star of gold streaking across Teyvat's sky.
(Finally…)
I skipped past the usual rewards, the weapons and the four-star character I didn't care about. Until there, at the center of it all, her silhouette appeared.
"Ganyu… C6. Mission accomplished."
A wave of relief, of triumph, washed over me… followed by a sudden dizziness.
(Huh…?)
My thoughts grew foggy, as if someone had flipped a switch in my mind. And before I could react, darkness swallowed me whole.
***
My eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the soft light of an unfamiliar sky.
(Where… am I?)
I sat up cautiously, scanning my surroundings. I found myself facing a lake of crystal-clear water, a breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass and damp earth. None of this felt familiar.
(Did I end up in an isekai? No… that's impossible. Unless…)
"Open system."
When I uttered those words, suddenly, a translucent screen appeared before me, floating in midair.
✦✧✦✧✦ [Message] ✦✧✦✧✦
If you're reading this, it means the transfer was successful. My apologies in advance—my power spiraled out of control, causing anomalies in a sector of the cosmos. To purge the excess energy, I imbued it into a random being… which happened to be you.
As compensation, I sent you to a parallel multiverse, reconstructed your body based on one of the characters from that game you loved so much, and granted you five random abilities. I hope this allows you to live happily. If we meet again, may it be on better terms.
P.S.: I also gave you a basic analysis skill so you can understand this message and some additional data. Enjoy!
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
The text vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by another floating window.
✦✧✦✧✦ [Status] ✦✧✦✧✦
◆Name: Dan Heng (Imbibitor Lunae)
◆Age: 23?
◆Species: Illuminated Beast (Vidyadhara)
◆Gender: Male
◆Condition: Healthy
◆Affiliation: —
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
(Dan Heng…? So now I'm him?)
My hands rose instinctively, seeking confirmation. The fingerless black gloves, the long sleeves with gold and green accents… everything matched. I approached the lake, and the reflection in the water showed me the image of a young man with dark hair, green eyes outlined in red, and teal-blue horns elegantly protruding from my forehead.
(A Vidyadhara… just like the wiki described.)
The wind playfully tugged at the loose sleeves of my attire, reminding me that I was no longer in my original world.
(What abilities did they give me…? And more importantly… where am I now?)
"Now that I think about it, why does 'Species' say 'Illuminated Beast (Vidyadhara)'? Aren't the Vidyadhara supposed to be a different species?"
Suddenly, another window appeared.
✦✧✦✧✦ [Message] ✦✧✦✧✦
"Tch! So you became one of those Vidyadharas, huh? Well, at least you're more interesting now than just some plain human. Let me enlighten you on what that means, since I doubt you'd figure it out on your own."
"The Vidyadharas are no longer those creatures bound by the outdated rules of the Aeons. They shattered their chains, evolved beyond their control, and are now a completely independent race. Before, they hatched from eggs like glorified lizards—but lucky for you, I modified that aspect of your species. Now they can reproduce like any other advanced race, though, of course, with a far more refined draconic lineage than those common mortals."
"And as if that weren't enough, the system granted you control over Adeptal Energy. Sigh... Don't look at me with that confused face. Basically, it's the force the illuminated beings of this world use to manipulate elements, enhance their bodies, and even alter reality on a small scale. Combine that with your Vidyadhara essence, and you get the best of both lineages: draconic longevity and resilience, plus the versatility of celestial power."
"In short, you've gone from a nobody to a Vidyadhara—a race that bows to no one, one that has perfected its own existence, and if you know how to wield your new gifts, you could become truly powerful. Of course, it all depends on you… and I hope you don't mess it up, because wasting a gift like this would be embarrassing."
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
(Their tone changed drastically from the last message... But putting that aside, I now have two certainties:)
First, whoever brought me here is still watching me.
Second, by mentioning Adeptal Energy... (Does this mean this world is Genshin Impact's?).
My eyes scanned the surroundings more carefully. At the center of the crystal-clear lake, a polished stone table and several elegantly arranged chairs stood above the water.
(Is this... Mt. Aocang?).
My heart beat faster. (If so, I need to prepare before encountering whoever resides here.)
"Before anything else... I need to know the abilities that being granted me."
As if responding to my call, the translucent screen reappeared before me, displaying new information.
✦✧✦✧✦ [Message] ✦✧✦✧✦
"Ugh, what a pain to have to do this personally! But since I'm so generous, here's your ability package. Don't expect me to repeat it, so listen well—and don't waste any more of my time!"
[Aqua's Skill Template] (Konosuba)
"Yes, yes, that useless goddess actually has something worthwhile for once."
[Tatsumaki's Telekinesis] (One Punch Man)
"See those trees? You could uproot them with a thought. Those mountains? Maybe with some effort."
[Mitsuha Yamano's Skill Template] (Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement)
"World-hopping teleportation, universal language comprehension, and a dash of regeneration."
[Gate of Babylon: The King's Treasury] (Fate Series)
"Aha! Now here's something worthy of me. Legendary armaments, infinite treasures... you should be weeping in gratitude, half-breed."
[Mio Takamiya's Skill Template] (Date A Live)
"Seriously, you got THIS?! Mio isn't just some ability—she's the very source of all Spirits. Her power is so absurd even the dreaded Kurumi admitted she could never defeat her. Her feats? Annihilating entire armies effortlessly, humiliating other Spirits like children, and being essentially invincible... except when someone uses powers derived from her (which is cheating—and I approve!). Even Nia said including a power like this would break a story's balance. But hey, here you are! Enjoy being a cosmic cheater... and don't blame me when this world's gods declare you public enemy number one."
"And with that, my work here is done! Don't expect any more answers from me for a good while—I have actually important matters to attend to (unlike your pathetic isekai problems). So please, don't bother me with your whining or obvious questions. If you die, it'll be due to your incompetence, not my selection. Hmph!"
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
I brought my fingers to my eyes, rubbing them gently as I reread the floating message. (Is this real? I'm not usually lucky... but these powers are undeniable.)
"Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket after this," I muttered, though skepticism tinged my voice. "If luck granted me this, hitting the jackpot might not be impossible."
(That voice's tone... that particular way of speaking that blends intellectual arrogance with barely concealed annoyance at having to explain the obvious. Too similar to a certain magecraft expert from that anime I watched. Though it would be premature to draw conclusions without more data. For now, I'll classify her as "Tsundere-Type Entity" in my mental notes... with special emphasis on the potential risk of magical explosions from accumulated frustration.)
"Well, putting aside that 'tsundere goddess' for now... I need to figure out how to contact the Mother Crane who supposedly lives here."
I stare at the lake, trying to recall everything I know about Genshin Impact. (If this really is Mt. Aocang, then Cloud Retainer should be nearby. But in the game, she only appeared when she wanted to... How am I supposed to summon her? By shouting? Nah, that would only work with Paimon.)
After a while, an idea occurs to me. (Adepti always appear when they sense powerful energy, right? In that case... Should I try pressing the E key for elemental skill? No, wait, that was in the game... How does this work in real life?)
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, calming my thoughts. Within me, I feel the energies respond.
I extend my hand, summoning a faint spark of Adeptal energy. The light dances across my palm, refracting like crystal under sunlight.
(A controlled display should be enough. After all, what curious being would ignore a dragon's presence in their territory?)
***
*Cloud Retainer's Perspective*
Amidst the mists of Mt. Aocang, Cloud Retainer abruptly raised her head.
(An unknown Adeptal signature? And so close to the sacred grounds! This requires immediate investigation.)
Focusing her vision, she detected something that left her perplexed: beneath the glow of newly formed energy pulsed an aura that was neither human, nor illuminated beast, nor qilin... but something entirely new.
(An uncatalogued illuminated beast?! This is more exciting than when that alchemist invented the flying Cocogoose!)
She swooped down, landing gracefully upon the lake's surface. Before her stood the figure of a young man with draconic features, tentatively manipulating Adeptal energy between his fingers like a child with their first spell.
"Master," Shenhe interrupted, her cold eyes scanning Dan Heng, "that energy pattern... Isn't it similar to what was described in the scrolls about the fallen dragons?"
Cloud Retainer sharply turned her head. "Hmph! This humble one would never overlook a dragon in Liyue. Unless..." —her feathers bristled— "...you're an Abyss spy?"
"You, strange-horned creature!" she exclaimed, alternating between offended mentor and fascinated scientist. "How dare you wield Adeptal basics without paying respects to this humble one? And more intriguingly! What manner of illuminated beast are you, smelling of dragon yet taking humanoid form? Explain! This humble one must document it!"
***
Dan Heng's Perspective
(Well, that worked a little too well...)
I bowed slightly in apology. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Dan Heng. I belong to a race known as Vidyadhara, descendants of an ancient dragon who, during the time of the Archons' rise, chose to retreat to a hidden dimension called the Luofu out of love for peace."
(At least this game lore-based explanation should sound plausible...)
"As for using that energy," I continued, carefully weighing each word, "I admit it was an... unconventional method. Being new to this world, I couldn't think of a better way to attract local attention."
Cloud Retainer flapped her wings indignantly, her feathers visibly puffing up. "Hmph! You, creature of dubious origin, dare treat the sacred energy of Rex Lapis as a child's toy? This power is the legacy of the Adepti, granted only to those who've walked the Path of Illumination for centuries. And you presume to wield it in an instant, without even presenting proper offerings or due respect!"
(Her voice is exactly like in the game... This is going to be a headache.)
I glanced at Cloud Retainer and Shenhe, who stood behind her, activating Analyze on them.
✦✧✦✧✦ [Status] ✦✧✦✧✦
◆Name: Cloud Retainer
◆Age: 4000+ years
◆Species: Illuminated Beast
◆Gender: Female
◆Condition: Healthy (Moderate Erosion)
◆Affiliation: Liyue Adeptus
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
✦✧✦✧✦ [Status] ✦✧✦✧✦
◆Name: Shenhe
◆Age: 19 years
◆Species: Human (Vision Bearer)
◆Gender: Female
◆Condition: Healthy
◆Affiliation: Liyue
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦
"I meant no disrespect to you or your Archon," I said calmly, keeping my hands visible. "As a show of good faith... I can purge the curse that's eroding you."
Cloud Retainer tilted her head, her feathers ruffling slightly.
"Curse... What are you implying, creature of cryptic words? This humble one suffers no affliction!" Her wings bristled, but I noticed how her golden eyes flickered with unease.
(Perfect. Now for the finishing touch...)
"My people were quite skilled in purification arts," I lied without blinking. "Until one day the Abyss destroyed our village. I'm the last survivor... and I can sense that slow corrosion in your essence. Like rust on a forgotten sword."
"Hmph! Are you suggesting you can heal the erosion of time?" Cloud Retainer scoffed, but couldn't hide the glimmer of hope in her gaze.
"According to our legends," I continued improvising, "our guardian dragon went mad from a similar law. The survivors spent centuries perfecting techniques against such ailments." (In truth, I'll just use Aqua's abilities... but no need to mention that).
Cloud Retainer fell silent for minutes that felt like hours. Finally, she nodded. "Very well. I shall permit this attempt. But be warned..." Her feathers bristled. "If I detect even the slightest betrayal, Shenhe will turn your horns into decorations for my collection."
I approached with measured movements. Shenhe kept her spear at my throat, but it was now or never.
"Sacred Dispel"
A golden light emanated from my palm, enveloping Cloud Retainer.
(Please let Aqua's damn ability work this time!).
The golden light slowly faded, and Cloud Retainer stared at her own wings with wide eyes.
"Master, are you alright?" Shenhe asked, though her face remained as impassive as ever.
"I am not alright! My erosion... it's gone!" Cloud Retainer exclaimed, spinning in circles as if searching for any trace of the affliction that had corroded her for centuries.
(It worked! Though it was probably a mix of Aqua's abilities and my own Vidyadhara energy... Or is a goddess's power—even a useless one—just that ridiculous?)
"I'm glad I could be of assistance," I said with a slight bow, trying to sound humble.
Cloud Retainer stopped abruptly and fixed me with a stare so intense it made me step back. Her eyes burned with something between awe and... hunger? (Did I just turn into a juicy piece of meat for an illuminated beast?)
"If you can cure the erosion of time..." she murmured, more to herself than to me. "Then could you...?"
Suddenly, she snapped her wings open with a sharp whoosh.
"Shenhe! Entertain our guest while I report this to Lord Rex Lapis. Do not let him out of your sight."
Before I could protest, Cloud Retainer took off like a missile, leaving behind only a trail of feathers and my expression of sheer panic.