"Run? Who is running? Running where…? And why?!"
Ji An laughed, a laugh born of sheer exasperation.
He was well aware that he did seem highly suspicious. If he were in the shoes of those being attacked by the Ruin Guards and suddenly someone showed up riding a Ruin Hunter and commanding the other Guards, he would be suspicious of that person's identity too.
He had used 'Arcane synthesis' to create a mask covering his face precisely to hide his identity and avoid unnecessary trouble later.
After all, he could not stay wandering in the wilds forever.
So, Ji An decided to return to a human civilization, to soak up some of the worldly atmosphere. Ever since he had transmigrated to Teyvat, he had been living like a savage. Humans are social creatures, and he simply could not stand this primitive existence any longer!
It was while searching for a town that he had encountered Yanfei and the others under attack.
If they suspected his identity, it was understandable.
But who are you, you blond-haired guy?
Not even a greeting, just launching a sneak attack with an arrow, ambushing a young fellow like me in my twenties!
Is that proper?
...
"Oh? It seems you are quite confident. That only fuels my fighting spirit more!"
A flicker of an excited smile appeared on Child's face.
He was a battle maniac at heart.
He was not afraid of the masked youth being powerful; he feared he would not be powerful enough!
His arrogant and self-assured demeanor stemmed from tempering through countless battles. Perilous fights only amused him, and fearsome opponents sparked ecstasy.
Of course, this was rooted in his absolute confidence in his own strength.
He did not believe for a second that this masked youth and his toy could best him.
"You all should step back. I would not want you caught in the crossfire."
Ji An ignored him, speaking to Yanfei instead.
"I am sorry, and you were the one who helped us..."
Yanfei looked at her savior, bit her lip, and knew she could not stop this fight now.
She shot a fierce glare at Child. "Child, I will report your actions to Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing. Is this the diplomatic conduct of Snezhnayans?"
"Ah, do not be angry, Miss Yanfei. How do you know that Lady Ningguang would not thank me for eliminating a potential threat to Liyue?"
Child shrugged, smiling.
Yanfei said nothing more, her gaze complex as she looked at Ji An. "Can you tell me your na... Never mind. You... take care."
She shook her head sharply and turned to leave.
The usually clear-minded, unflappable young woman found her heart unexpectedly unsettled.
...
After Yanfei and the civilians had left.
"Are you all coming at me together?"
Ji An glanced around.
These fully armed individuals looked rather dangerous.
He raised his long axe and performed Arcane synthesis once more, transforming the axe into a halberd to handle more complex combat situations.
"Together? No, I have never liked ganging up on someone. Their presence is merely to prevent you from escaping."
Child licked his lips, smiling. "A powerful opponent is most delicious when savored alone, don't you know?"
"Oh."
Ji An thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Forget it. You should all come at me together."
"..."
Child was taken aback, his expression turning slightly displeased. "What do you mean by that? Looking down on me? Hah, my strength might exceed your expectations."
"No, no, that is not what I meant. I certainly believe you are a very powerful opponent. I have already had a taste of that earlier."
Ji An sighed. Because of the mask, his expression was unreadable.
He nimbly jumped into Herloxia's hand, steadying himself against its body, then turned to face Child and his subordinates.
"Mainly, when the fight starts, whether it is one of you or ten of you, it does not really make a difference..."
He added in a voice only he could hear:
'Anyway, each time this move is used, it consumes this much energy... Sigh, it took so long to save up. I am almost feeling to the pain myself.'
The next moment.
Herloxia's crimson single eye began to glow brighter and brighter, emitting a dazzling light.
"Lord Child, he is trying to escape!" a Cryo Hammer Vanguard spoke up.
"I can see that! What are you all standing around for? Stop him!"
Child had already drawn his bow, sneering, "After all that big talk, you are still going to run?"
As he spoke, the Fatui lackey's had already created barriers in the air to restrict the Ruin Hunter from taking off.
"I said I am not running away."
Ji An thought to himself: 'Just finding a sniper position, that is all.'
He opened Herloxia's status panel in his mind:
[Proto-Ruin Hunter(Princess)
Special:Heart of Man [Upgradable Core (lv1)]
Talent:Mechanical Princess (max)
Energy Status:88%
Special Energy Reserve: Ley Line Essence (1.2 units)
He patted Herlosia. "Utilize Special Energy, enter First Simulated Form."
"Chirp."
Receiving his command, Herloxia's power core instantly surged to full capacity.
It shot straight up from its position at a speed nearly causing a sonic boom.
Just as it was about to collide with the barriers created by Child's subordinates, Herloxia extended two silver hand-blades.
Consumed Ley Line Essence surged from the power core, coating the pale silver blades like a layer of black gauze.
Riiip—!
The seemingly sturdy barriers tore like fragile rice paper under Herlosia's blades.
In moments, Herloxia, carrying him, reached high above.
Ji An stood in Herloxia's hand.
The hem of his white, gold-patterned silk robe fluttered sharply in the high-altitude winds.
His eyes, behind the mask, looked down upon the stunned Child and his soldiers.
At that moment.
From within Herloxia's body, a slender, pale silver cannon barrel extended.
The barrel was exquisitely crafted, its surface engraved with intricate and mysterious alchemical patterns.
Ji An silently recited in his heart.
The first simulated form conceived by the martyred artisans, with a god as the hypothetical enemy.
Let me see your power.
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly. "Herlosia, blast those bastards below!"
"Chirp!"
Herloxia aimed the cannon barrel downward.
Immense energy instantly surged from its core, drawing elemental power from the surrounding air.
A dark yellow energy projectile rapidly coalesced.
The air around it distorted from the intense heat.
BOOM—!
The dark energy projectile shot forth, plummeting towards the ground!
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A/n: Hey over on my patreon there are currently two for the time being exclusive books which are
Zenless Zone Zero: Loving Daily Life Starting in New Eridu
Honkai Impact 3rd, I Can Transform into a Valkyrie!
patreon.com/deadlygoober