Arlecchino still had 30,000 draws left.
One [Absolute Control] had already left her deeply satisfied.
This card didn't grant additional power, but it allowed the user to perfectly command every ounce of their strength!
It meant the user could make every single cell in their body operate at its absolute limit!
As long as it was theoretically possible, it could be achieved!
Even without extra power, its terrifying utility was something anyone could clearly feel.
Especially because—it worked on other cards too!
Take Tartaglia as an example.
Could he perfectly use the [Crownless One] transformation card?
Undoubtedly, Tartaglia would need time to familiarize himself with it.
But if he had [Absolute Control], he wouldn't need any adaptation period. Even if he equipped an entirely unfamiliar card, he could wield it flawlessly from the first second!
That was the true strength of this card!
Paired with the right cards, it could turn a caveman into a Three-Body-level entity in an instant!
Arlecchino tapped another 10,000-draw.
A rich violet glow emerged.
This time, six purple cards appeared.
After Lu Heng appraised them, Arlecchino handed them all to Lyney.
In Arlecchino's eyes, Lyney had the potential to become the next "Father."
Her successor.
His growth in strength was something she was more than happy to see.
Not just him—all her children needed to grow stronger.
Arlecchino tapped again.
A golden light surged.
On the card's surface, the silhouette of a scythe took form.
After Lu Heng's appraisal, the image gained color—a crimson-black scythe, perfectly matching Arlecchino's aesthetic.
[Blood Harvest]
[Tier: 5 • Gold]
[Type: Skill Card]
[Traits: Drain • Runes]
[Description: The monarch who walks through hell reaps the souls of the wicked with His scythe, turning them into His own power.]
"Huh?"
Lu Heng raised an eyebrow. "This one's a bit restrictive."
"Only targets the wicked?" Arlecchino asked.
"Yeah. Doesn't quite match its name," Lu Heng said. "To put it simply, this card lets you drain the souls of evil beings and condense them into runes that attach to your weapon. The boost is massive."
Arlecchino nodded in understanding.
Though limited, evil existed in every world.
A shame it hadn't come sooner.
She couldn't help but think of all those who had died by her hand—
The previous "Father," Fontaine's nobility, those who bullied her children...
If she'd had this card earlier, her strength might have doubled by now.
But it wasn't too late!
"I like this one."
Arlecchino traced the card's surface with her fingertips.
Not just for its effect—the scythe's design, its very purpose—everything about it was perfect.
Lyney silently mused that with Father now in Fontaine, she'd likely stay for a long time. How many would fall to her scythe?
Meanwhile, Lu Heng was also thinking.
"The wicked"—Dottore was undoubtedly at the top of that list.
If Arlecchino used this card to farm Dottore's clones, would she become godlike after just a few?
The thought alone made Lu Heng chuckle.
As for whether Arlecchino could defeat Dottore—
[Absolute Control] was no joke.
Arlecchino had the same idea.
She sighed softly.
If only they weren't both Harbingers.
Otherwise, she could've sent him to meet the previous "Father."
What a pity.
"One last 10,000-draw left," Lu Heng reminded.
Arlecchino snapped out of her thoughts and tapped.
No gold this time, but a few decent purples.
More than enough.
With [Absolute Control], even if [Blood Harvest] had no immediate boosts, equipping two gold cards alongside a mix of tier-three and four cards meant her power had skyrocketed!
After dismantling weaker cards, Arlecchino's equipment tier rapidly climbed to four.
By now, it was getting late.
Arlecchino turned to Lu Heng. "This is my fourth power-up. Thank you."
"No need for thanks," Lu Heng waved it off.
"If you ever need help, just ask. The children would gladly lend their strength."
"Yes." Lyney nodded solemnly.
They all knew they might not be of much use to Lu Heng, but their gratitude was genuine.
"We won't disturb you further."
"Come back anytime," Lu Heng smiled.
"I will."
Arlecchino then glanced at Furina, her lips curving slightly.
"Lady Furina, I believe we should schedule a formal diplomatic meeting sometime."
"Huh?"
"Me?"
Furina looked up, blinking. "Oh. Sure."
"Then, farewell."
Arlecchino left with Lyney and Lynette.
Once they were gone, Furina whispered, "Why do I feel like the way she looks at me is... scary?"
"Maybe she has ulterior motives toward you?"
"WHAT?!"
Furina stared, baffled. "Why?!"
Lu Heng pondered for a moment before answering bluntly:
"For the Hydro Archon's Gnosis."
"The what now?" Furina scratched her head.
"A chess-piece-like thing. Celestia gave one to each of the Seven."
"Never seen it." Furina shook her head.
"The Fatui's goal is to collect them—for the Tsaritsa's grand plan." Lu Heng shrugged.
"Should I just tell her I don't have it?"
"Up to you." Lu Heng didn't push.
"No rush!"
She wasn't some helpless girl anymore.
She was Furina, wielder of the [Throne of the Ancient God]!
Arlecchino? Pfft. Bring it on!
Furina glanced at the clock.
"Dinner?"
"Let's go!"
Lu Heng was extremely enthusiastic about food.
Especially when it wasn't his money paying for it—it tasted even better.
He felt like he'd somehow inherited Zhongli's script.
In Liyue, Tartaglia was Zhongli's wallet.
In Fontaine? Aside from Furina sleeping in, she treated him to lunch and dinner every day!
"So this is what it feels like to have someone else pay for your meals?" Lu Heng mused.
"Huh? What'd you say?" Furina leaned in.
"I said, having someone treat me every day is amazing."
"Oh! No problem!"
Furina waved it off. "I'll cover all your meals in Fontaine!"
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T/N:
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