Lyney stared at the couplets in his hands, feeling as if they were burning hot.
The meaning hidden within them was downright terrifying.
Teyvat's Seven Nations were stable—so how exactly was he supposed to "accomplish the greatest deeds under heaven"?
"…Rebellion!!!"
A sudden possibility flashed through Lyney's mind.
If he was to take charge of affairs under heaven, then there was really only one way to do it—rise up, overturn the existing order of the Seven Nations, and seize control.
Wasn't this basically screaming rebel leader?!
And then there was the lower couplet—cultivate the supreme art of the mortal world.
So not only a rebel leader, but a martially powerful one at that!
"Nope. Absolutely not. I can't use this. Not a chance."
Having made up his mind, Lyney decided that even if he died, he would never change into that profession.
But his eyes still drifted toward the final piece—the horizontal plaque.
Even if he wasn't going to use it… surely there was no harm in just looking, right?
Slowly, he unfolded the plaque.
In an instant, golden light burst forth.
[Seele]: This is bad—this is really bad. Just look at that effect!
[Silver Wolf]: There it is—the legendary golden drop.
[Furina]: Hmph… it's just okay… really… just okay… hmph.
Completely spooked by the effects, Furina immediately stood up and started pacing.
She'd decided—she was hiding at Neuvillette's place for a while. Otherwise, she genuinely felt her life might be in danger.
Her instincts were screaming at her: This one's coming straight for me.
[Herta]: It's coming. It's really coming.
[Black Swan]: I'm looking forward to it.
Unlike the tension on Teyvat's side, the Astral Express crew were all watching the screen with sparkling eyes.
They desperately wanted to see what kind of absurdly overpowered profession this was.
Soon, the golden light faded.
Three large characters appeared.
[March 7th]: …Huh????
[Silver Wolf]: …Uh…
[Aventurine]: You're telling me this is allowed?!
[Keqing]: Pfft—no, I can't—pfft—
[Arataki Itto]: Hahahahaha!
[Yae Miko]: See? I told you. There's no way it was something that broken.
[Boothill]: What in tarnation does barbershop even mean?!
[Jing Yuan]: "Accomplish the greatest deeds under heaven, cultivate the supreme art of the mortal world"—a barbershop fits perfectly. Not a single flaw.
[Yukong]: What exactly was I even expecting…
[Herta]: Bastard. Give me my anticipation back.
[Zhongli]: …So that's how it is.
Zhongli pinched the bridge of his nose.
Even he had been wondering what this could possibly be. And yet—it turned out to be… this.
"…Pfft… heh. Yeah, no issues. None at all."
Kamisato Ayato, who had been feeling jealous just moments ago, nearly collapsed laughing.
"A b-b-barbershop…"
Lyney stared blankly at the plaque in his hands, the corners of his mouth twitching uncontrollably.
At first, he had already decided not to use it—but now that he knew what it really was, the feeling was somehow even worse.
"Well? As long as you hang these up, you'll instantly switch professions—congratulations, you're now Teacher Tony."
"…Heh."
Lyney shot Valerius an annoyed glare.
You're not even pretending anymore—you're just here to mess with me.
"…Can I go back now?"
He had joined one game, gained absolutely nothing, and somehow managed to get himself thoroughly irritated.
All Lyney wanted now was to go home, hug his blanket, and cry.
"Sure, sure."
With confirmation received, neither of them hesitated. They immediately chose to return.
They had really been holding it in—right now, they just wanted to see the outside world again.
Back at the Kamisato Estate, Ayato immediately spotted Ayaka, who had been waiting.
"Ayaka, let's go out for a walk."
"Alright, Brother."
Knowing full well that her brother had been cooped up for far too long, Ayaka obediently stood and followed him outside.
On Lyney's side, he reunited with Lynette and Freminet as well.
"Let's not go home yet," Lyney said. "Let's find somewhere crowded and just sit for a bit."
"Okay."
With another team eliminated, the competition had finally reached its decisive phase.
This time, Valerius didn't stir up any more trouble.
He simply let the final two teams grind it out.
Time passed.
Day 65 arrived.
By now, both remaining teams had fully embraced the art of being a salted fish.
Forget killing time—neither side could even be bothered to move.
[Qingque]: Wow… this is peak giving up.
[Herta]: Can't be helped. They've already done everything they could think of—this is all that's left.
[Silver Wolf]: So… if both teams last all 100 days, what kind of mental state do you think the losers will be in?
[March 7th]: Whoa—yeah, they'd absolutely lose it.
[Barbara]: Don't get ahead of yourselves—Kafka's team might not even last the full 100 days.
[Kaeya]: Exactly. Who gets the last laugh is still anyone's guess.
[Arataki Itto]: Doesn't matter to me—A-nin already got her reward.
[Serval]: Rewards? Please. Is it better than what our Gepard got?
[Seele]: That's right—Gepard's the real winner. Reward in hand and no prison sentence.
[Herta]: I'm not jealous at all… hmph… hmph hmph…
[Ruan Mei]: You sound rather jealous.
[Bronya]: Mr. Valerius, who do you think will win this time?
[Valerius]: I don't care who wins anymore—I just want to know when they'll quit! I'm bored out of my mind!
At this point, not just the players—even Valerius himself was feeling the crushing boredom.
Before, he could at least scheme against the contestants every day. Now, in the final stretch, he had absolutely nothing to do.
He could go for a walk, sure—but it still felt unbearable.
[Bronya]: If you're bored, Mr. Valerius… after this game ends, how about I accompany you for a walk?
[Valerius]: Sure. I'll come find you when I'm back.
[Ningguang]: !!!!!
[Lisa]: !!!!!
[Silver Wolf]: Oh? Something's happening.
[Bronya]: Don't misunderstand. I simply wish to thank Mr. Valerius for bringing change to Belobog. There's no other meaning.
[Seele]: Right… and after he comes back, I can come keep you company too.
[Natasha]: Seele, no need—you and I need to talk about something.
[Yae Miko]: Heh… hehehe.
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