"Alright, I'll give it a try!"
Keqing declared with excitement.
In that moment, she felt as if she'd returned to her earliest days of sword training— her heart brimming with curiosity and anticipation.
But… How exactly should she test it?
Her brows furrowed.
She had no intention of splitting herself apart like Tom Cat in the comics, nor of burning to ash.
Even if the ability could do that, she'd never risk it unless her life was truly on the line.
As for flexibility demonstrations—too awkward.
"Looks like transformation is the safest bet."
It would showcase her power without taking risks.
But what to transform into?
From the comic, Tom had turned into cylinders, cubes, and something called a bowling ball.
Bowling ball?
That one sparked her interest.
It sounded fun.
Why not try it?
Keqing focused, channeling the ability within her.
In the next instant, feline traits bloomed on her body— two fluffy ears sprouting atop her head, a long purple tail flicking mischievously behind her.
She had become a textbook cat-eared Keqing!
Even more, her once-firm demeanor softened with the transformation, leaving her looking delicate, almost fragile.
It made her not only adorable, but also unbearably bully-able.
"Wow, I never thought Lady Keqing had such a cute side!"
"Hehe, what a rare sight—so lucky to see this!"
"I hereby declare, from now on Lady Keqing stands equal with Lady Ningguang in my heart!"
The three secretaries' eyes shone like stars.
The contrast from her usual aura was overwhelming.
This was simply too cute!
Forgive them, Lady Ningguang.
Their loyalties were shaken.
Keqing was just that irresistible.
"So it really does bring out feline traits…"
Ningguang studied her with fascination.
The ears and tail weren't decorations, but real.
Her hand itched with temptation.
"I wonder… may I touch your ears?"
She didn't even wait for permission, her hand reaching out.
"So soft, so smooth… the texture is delightful."
Ningguang's lips curved into an indulgent smile.
"D-Don't… don't do that…"
Keqing protested weakly.
"Even her personality changes?!"
Ningguang's eyes widened.
She had thought the transformation purely physical, but apparently, it also softened Keqing's temperament.
Hiss—what an unexpected bonus!
Comparing the proud, high-spirited Keqing with this gentle cat-eared version…
Ningguang found herself preferring the latter.
Yes.
She had decided.
She would find excuses in the future to keep Keqing in this state.
"Could it be that the shopkeeper granted this ability with exactly that thought in mind?"
The realization struck her.
After all, even she struggled to resist this version of Keqing.
"This… this can't be happening…"
Keqing was flustered.
She hadn't expected the cat form to affect her so deeply— even shifting her personality.
But seeing the burning curiosity in Ningguang's eyes, and the secretaries' barely-concealed yearning, she sensed danger.
"D-Don't focus on this! Let's test the transformation properly!"
She hurriedly imagined the bowling ball she'd seen in the comic.
Thunk!
A heavy sound rang out.
The cat-eared Keqing vanished— in her place stood a purple bowling ball, Keqing's face faintly discernible on its surface.
Ningguang: (⊙⊙)
Secretaries: (⊙⊙)
…What the heck?
Where was the adorable catgirl from just moments ago?!
They stared dumbfounded at the odd round object, its top small, its bottom wide.
But Ningguang was Ningguang.
She recovered first.
"Keqing, what exactly is that supposed to be?" she asked.
"A bowling ball—an item I saw in the comic."
Keqing replied, before returning to human form.
The ears and tail faded, leaving only the familiar, cool and aloof Yuheng Star.
The secretaries felt a pang of loss.
The cute Keqing was gone.
Yet also a trace of gratitude— for in mere minutes, they'd seen three rare forms of her:
The imposing Yuheng Star.
The soft and lovable cat-eared maiden.
And that bizarre "bowling ball" shape.
Ordinary people would never see such a sight.
Only as Ningguang's secretaries had they been so fortunate.
"Strange as it is, I still feel most comfortable in my usual form."
Keqing smiled faintly.
That catgirl version made her feel unbearably awkward.
She was Keqing— the Yuheng Star of the Liyue Qixing!
Not some frail creature begging to be teased.
The thought alone unsettled her.
Thankfully, it only appeared when she used the ability.
If it had been permanent… she'd be furious.
"…What's with that look?"
Noticing Ningguang's faintly regretful expression, Keqing narrowed her eyes.
This woman wasn't seriously treating her like a pet cat, was she?
"Ahem, nothing. Just that your ability is truly remarkable."
Ningguang replied solemnly.
Though inwardly…
she did feel a little regret.
The sensation of petting those ears had been divine.
Still, seeing Keqing's suspicion, she quickly steered the topic away.
"The Rite of Descension is drawing near. With such things appearing, I worry it may be disrupted."
Ningguang's voice turned serious again.
Keqing's demonstration had left her fully convinced of the manga shop's wonders.
But that was precisely why she was concerned.
If someone gained a dangerous ability there and harbored ill intent, trouble could erupt.
And she was presiding over this year's Rite.
She could not allow such a thing to happen.
"In any case, you should go see it for yourself. Who knows, you might receive a powerful reward too."
Keqing suggested—that had been her goal in seeking Ningguang out.
"…You're right. That may be the best course."
Ningguang pondered, then nodded.
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