Chapter 124: Villain Simulator, Ch 123

Chapter 124: Villain Simulator, Ch 123Klee extended her thumb, her expression exactly like that "I don't care" meme face.

Wait... is she completely unfazed?

Klee's reaction left Midnight Fischl slightly puzzled, and her response only reinforced the notion that she was, indeed, the "real" Fischl.

"It seems you've accepted that you've lost your 'power of imagination,'" Midnight Fischl sneered. "Then watch closely!"

She twirled elegantly in place, and her gown transformed as if by magical girl transformation.

"Behold! This is the power of imagination!" Midnight Fischl smirked proudly. "Little Amy, can you do that?"

"Wow! Amazing!" Klee closed her eyes, pressing her fingers to her temples as if concentrating. She furrowed her brows and muttered, "I can do that too. Behold!"

Then, with a sudden splash, a full bucket of water appeared out of nowhere, dousing Midnight Fischl from head to toe. Fish flopped around in the slick pool on the polished wooden floor, with one small fish landing directly atop her head.

"Quit conjuring up this nonsense!" Midnight Fischl shook her head to dislodge the fish, but the episode only added to her growing doubts.

Midnight Fischl's very existence stemmed from the "lost fantasies" of Fischl. Theoretically, her power of imagination should've been much weaker by now.

In that case, I'll have to take things up a notch!

With a smirk, Midnight Fischl waved her hand. "Oz, come here!"

Obeying her command, Oz flew over and landed before her, bowing respectfully. "How may I serve you, my queen?"

"Tell me, Oz!" Midnight Fischl raised an eyebrow. "Who is your true master—me or her?"

"It is naturally you, my queen," Oz said, without sparing Klee a glance.

"Then let little Amy," Midnight Fischl sneered, snapping her fingers, "witness just how close we are!"

At the snap of her fingers, Oz's form was enveloped in dark feathers, and when the feathers dispersed, a curvaceous woman with black hair and eyes stood before them.

Midnight Fischl wrapped her arms around Oz's human form in an intimate embrace, casting a smug look at Klee. "You see? Oz has transformed to match my essence!"

"Wow!" Klee exclaimed, eyes wide. "So Oz is actually a girl?"

"That's... that's not the point!" Midnight Fischl felt a surge of frustration. "Doesn't it bother you to see us this close?"

Midnight Fischl had assumed that openly flaunting her intimacy with Fischl's closest companion would leave Klee crushed. But instead, "Fischl" seemed entirely unaffected.

Could it be I underestimated her resolve?

"Wait, is that—?"

Klee's eyes lit up as if she had made an incredible discovery. She walked over to a wall lined with portraits, each one depicting none other than the "Lord of the Undead." Her mouth fell open, wide enough to fit an egg. "It's Daddy!"

"What... what did you just call him?" Midnight Fischl's eyes narrowed.

"Daddy," Klee replied dreamily, rubbing her cheek against one of the photos with obvious affection. "That's what I've always called him."

Midnight Fischl was momentarily dumbstruck.

So... this is what they do in their spare time?

"No... no, you're not allowed to call him that!" Midnight Fischl protested, jealousy flaring. "He's the Lord of the Undead! My destined love!"

"Well, if you like Daddy that much..." Klee said with a mischievous grin. "Why not just become his daughter too?"

"His... daughter?" Midnight Fischl repeated, stunned.

"Yeah!" Klee nodded enthusiastically. "Wouldn't you want to fall asleep in Daddy's arms, have him feed you, and snuggle close with him?"

"I... I..." Midnight Fischl's face flushed bright red. "More than anything!"

"Then go ahead and say it!" Klee urged her with an innocent, sparkling gaze. "Just say those words!"

Midnight Fischl's face turned a deep shade of crimson as she muttered, "D... Dad?"

"Louder—I can barely hear you!"

"Dad.."

"Louder!"

"Daddy!"

"Now say it a few more times!"

"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"

Off to the side, Oz, now in her human form, watched the two Fischls calling out to "Daddy" with a deadpan expression, as though it had nothing to do with her whatsoever.

---

Meanwhile, back with the others...

Barbara and the group had managed to fill the pool with warm water, transforming it into a makeshift hot spring.

The four of them soaked in the pool, relishing a rare moment of peace.

Though they hadn't been in the board game for long, they'd already endured quite a lot, so this was a perfect chance to recharge and relax.

"Ahhh... this is heaven," Jean sighed contentedly as she let herself sink into the warm water, the fatigue of the previous encounters melting away. "Thanks, Barbara."

"If it makes you happy, that's all that matters," Barbara replied, her cheeks slightly pink. "It's nice to finally do something for you, Sister."

"This pool is far too basic, though," Fischl said with a self-satisfied smile. "Once I reclaim the Immernachtreich, you can all come and enjoy a real royal bath!"

While the three girls chatted happily, Lucas remained silent.

With the "blindfold" over his eyes, he hadn't moved too far from the others, but listening to their cheerful voices made him imagine the scene beyond his vision.

Unbeknownst to Jean, the strip of cloth she'd torn off for his blindfold was made of rare, luxurious silk.

Ordinarily opaque, the silk turned somewhat sheer when damp, and soon, a soft glow began to seep through the once-dark cloth, illuminating his vision.

After a few moments, Lucas could even make out the blurred forms of the others through the translucent silk.

This teasingly hazy view, tantalizingly unclear, stirred his imagination far more than a direct view might have.

Just as he was debating whether to turn his back entirely, he noticed that Barbara had somehow drifted closer to him.

Just then, Lucas suddenly sensed something was off, a distinct feeling as if something vital had suddenly been seized by someone else. His joystick was in someone else's hand.

Naturally, the person responsible was Barbara, who was right next to him.

"Shh..." Barbara whispered softly into his ear, "You wouldn't want anyone to notice, would you?"

Although the water in the bath was crystal clear, the lack of lighting in the great hall combined with the haze of steam made it difficult to see anything beneath the surface.

"What... what are you trying to do?" Lucas frowned. "Aren't you afraid of getting caught?"

"Don't worry, Jean and Fischl can't see us," Barbara replied with a sly smile. "It's the perfect chance."

"Lucas?" Jean tilted her head, sounding a bit puzzled. "You've been awfully quiet. Is something wrong?"

"It's just that, sis, when girls are chatting, it's normal for a guy to keep quiet," Barbara said calmly, covering for him. "And besides, even the thick-skinned would get a bit shy in a situation like this. Don't you think?"

"Yes, that's right."

Lucas quickly agreed, "No need to worry, Captain Jean, I'm perfectly—ah!"

Suddenly, Lucas sucked in a sharp breath, causing Jean to ask, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes... I'm fine!" he stammered. "It's just... a bit too warm, that's all."

"If you soak too long, it can really wear you out," Jean said, looking a bit worried. "Maybe you should get out and cool off for a bit?"

Get out? In his current state, there was no way he could stand up without things becoming... awkward.

"No need to worry, Sister." Barbara gave a mischievous smile. "He's in great shape."

She shot Lucas a gleeful, teasing look.

"The volcano's about to erupt," Barbara whispered, taunting him. "Let's see if you can keep it together."

"Don't forget something important," Lucas replied, a mischievous grin forming. "Your sister is here in the bath too. If this volcano really erupts, she'll be caught in the blast as well."

"Huh?"

Barbara's expression shifted as she realized it was far too late to send Jean out of the bath. Her only choice was to keep the volcano from erupting altogether.

With that in mind, Barbara subtly shifted her position to help contain the situation.

The volcano erupted, sending boiling lava splattering onto the stone walls with a steamy hiss.

The noble Barbara, with her timely intervention, had managed to preserve her sister's dignity.

"Barbara? You look a bit... off," Jean noted, eyeing her sister with concern. "Are you feeling light-headed from the heat?"

"Y-yes... maybe I soaked a bit too long..." Barbara stammered, rising carefully from the bath. "We're probably clean enough by now. The clothes should be dry, too."

Even after they'd all gotten dressed, the blush on Barbara's face hadn't quite faded. Lucas, meanwhile, wore a faintly amused smile.

"You've made a noble sacrifice today," he whispered, chuckling.

"What are you grinning about!" Barbara shot back, still flustered. "I did it to protect my sister—that's all!"

"Oh, by the way," Lucas raised an eyebrow, "you might be interested to know that the lava cools down quickly once it's exposed. It wouldn't have harmed your sister even if it had 'erupted.'"

"You...you tricked me!" Barbara's face turned even redder. "So, you planned this?"

"You started it, didn't you?" Lucas replied with a sly smirk. "You have to put out the fires you light."

"Lucas, Barbara, no more chatting, please," Jean said, unaware of the underlying tension. "It's time to get back to the game."

This time, it was Lucas's turn to roll the dice.

Just as he was about to toss them, he paused.

"What's wrong?" Fischl asked curiously. "Are you nervous?"

"No, I just thought of something," Lucas replied thoughtfully, eyeing the dice. "If that other Fischl can alter the rules through imagination, why don't we try it too?"

"Changing the rules through imagination?" Jean echoed, puzzled. "But wouldn't that count as cheating?"

"How could altering the rules be cheating?" Lucas grinned. "As long as we move the pieces to the goal according to the dice, that's what counts!"

He held the dice in his palm, and when he opened his hand, the two six-sided dice had transformed into twenty-sided dice!

Alchemy allowed Lucas to alter the dice as easily as he could summon fire from a volcano.

"Of course!" Barbara exclaimed, realization dawning on her. "There's nothing in the rules that says we have to use six-sided dice! If we use dice with higher numbers, we can reach the goal faster!"

"Klee, Daddy's coming to save you!"

Lucas threw the twenty-sided dice with a flourish. "Show me the numbers of destiny!"

The dice spun wildly on the board, spinning like tops. Soon, one of them stopped on a "1."

"Oh no!" Fischl cried. "Isn't that the lowest number?"

"Not quite finished yet!" Lucas pointed at the other still-spinning die. "Time to change the rules of inertia—accelerate!"

With a sudden burst of speed, the remaining die spun frantically, giving off a buzzing sound, until it slammed into the first die.

The impact sent the other die flying, which landed on "20." The spinning die also stopped on "20."

Forty steps!

"Ah!" Klee looked around, then looked at herself, and said in surprise: "Klee has changed back!"

"Klee!" Lucas immediately swept her into a hug, breathing a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you're safe!"

Even though he'd known she wouldn't be harmed, actually seeing her unharmed finally eased his worries.

"Klee's fine!" she chirped, smiling. "The other Fischl was really nice to me."

"Really?" Barbara asked, surprised. "But isn't she supposed to be the villain?"

"No, Klee thinks she's just lonely," Klee shook her head. "If we give her a chance, maybe she could even be our friend!"

"That'll be up to her," Lucas said, narrowing his eyes. "And I think we'll be facing her soon."

After trekking forty steps across the game board, their game pieces finally landed on the final destination.

[Through trials and perilous paths, the final challenge awaits. A slumbering knight guards the gate, no army nor hero may pass.]

The four adventurers now stood on a towering fortress wall, leading to the final tower. The walls were tall and thick, lined with massive ballistae—a formidable defense zone, to be sure.

Strangely, however, there were no guards along this path, only a single knight clad in black armor, seated at the doorway to Midnight Fischl's chamber. He held a massive sword to prop himself up, his helmeted head bowed as if in deep slumber.

---

Meanwhile, inside Midnight Fischl's quarters...

Fischl, now back in her own body, found herself in a setting eerily identical to her own room.

Her "rival," Midnight Fischl, sat nearby, clutching a photo and gazing at it with a dreamy smile, murmuring, "Daddy... heh... Daddy."

"You... what are you doing?" Fischl asked in disgust. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Huh?" Midnight Fischl snapped out of her trance, staring at Fischl. "Aren't you the one who told me to call him that?"

"So that's it..." Fischl said with a smirk. "I swapped bodies with that little girl earlier, and you didn't even notice, did you?"

"What? No... impossible!" Midnight Fischl's eyes widened in disbelief. "I was tricked by that little runt?"

"Enough games," Fischl said, her tone sharp. "Return everything you've taken from me—now!"

But despite her command, nothing happened.

"Oh-hohohoho!" Midnight Fischl burst into her signature laugh. "It seems that the land of Immernachtreich isn't answering your call!"

From the bedposts, chains shot out, binding Fischl's limbs tightly, while Midnight Fischl placed her hand over her chest.

"W-what are you doing?" Fischl struggled. "Let go of me!"

"I gave you the chance to leave," Midnight Fischl said coldly. "Since you insist on clinging to delusions, I'll just absorb you, making myself the true Prinzessin der Verurteilung!"

Dark energy began to seep from Fischl's body, dissolving into black particles that Midnight Fischl absorbed.

"You won't succeed," Fischl gritted her teeth. "My friends... they'll be here soon to save me!"

Midnight Fischl laughed. "They've only just entered the castle. They'll have to get through all my traps before—"

But she was interrupted as Oz appeared, bowing his head. "Mistress, they've already reached the doors to your quarters."

"How did they get here so fast?" Midnight Fischl frowned. "No matter. The slumbering knight guards the door. They won't break through so easily, and I have enough time to fully absorb you!"

---

Bang!

With a heavy thud, Lucas flew backward, landing hard on the stone floor.

The knight who had struck him made no further moves, returning to his seat to resume his slumber.

"This guy's ridiculously strong," Lucas muttered, rubbing his aching back. "They don't make final boss gatekeepers for nothing."

Indeed, the four had been fighting the "slumbering knight" for a while now, but his strength was almost otherworldly. Worse still, any damage inflicted on his armor regenerated instantly, as if he neither tired nor felt pain.

"Maybe brute force isn't the way to beat him," Jean said thoughtfully, stroking her chin. "Did you notice he only attacks if we provoke him or try to open the door behind him?"

"I noticed that too," Barbara said, nodding. "He only reacts when we approach or attack." Sёarch* The NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Then perhaps the key is to land an overwhelming blow he can't regenerate from," Lucas suggested, snapping his fingers as an idea struck him. "We just need to stack up enough damage!"

The others exchanged puzzled glances, not quite following.

"We're still in a tabletop game, right?" Lucas explained. "If we roll a 'critical success,' we'll deal massive damage."

"That's not enough on its own," Jean countered. "We scored critical hits earlier, but they still didn't faze him."

"Then we layer on more damage!" Lucas grinned. "For instance, by using a surprise attack from behind."

"That's dishonorable!" Jean protested. "Knights shouldn't resort to such underhanded tactics—it violates our moral code."

"A backstab could do triple damage," Lucas added.

"Well, Grand Master Varka once told me," Jean reconsidered, "that sometimes you have to be adaptable to achieve noble ends. This... this is a 'justified' surprise attack!"

Her flexible sense of honor was almost impressive.

"He seems to be perpetually in slumber," Lucas continued, "which should increase our chances of success. Now we just need the weapon with the highest base damage to pull off the backstab."

"My only option is this imitation Falcon Sword," Jean said, looking to Lucas. "But your 'Song of Broken Pines' could deliver a lot more base damage."

"Can I use Klee's bomb?" Klee chimed in, waving her bomb excitedly.

"Area-of-effect attacks can't trigger a backstab..." Lucas's gaze wandered to the ballistae along the walls. "That's it—let's use this!"

---

Ten minutes later...

Jean stared at the setup, muttering, "You're serious about using the ballista for a backstab?"

"It's not just any ballista, it's a siege ballista," Lucas corrected, as he loaded one of Klee's bombs into the ballista he'd removed from the battlements.

Theoretically, backstabs should be performed with small, concealed weapons like daggers or at most a short sword. Pulling a siege ballista off a fortress wall for a backstab was beyond unconventional—it was the kind of stunt only possible in a tabletop game. (AN: Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game. I suppose its mechanisms are being used here.)

According to legend, the ruler of Immernachtreich, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, commanded numerous powerful subordinates.

A dragon-slaying warrior, a mage capable of world-ending destruction, and even a thief skilled enough to steal the clothes off your back.

Yet, among them, the most legendary was the "Slumbering Knight."

This knight, clad in impenetrable armor, remained perpetually asleep—not out of laziness, but because his slumber was essential to gather strength. When he awoke, it was only for one purpose: to fight.

Such a formidable warrior was appointed by the Prinzessin der Verurteilung as the most loyal guard at her chamber's door. Anyone who dared approach would immediately rouse him, and he would drive them back without mercy.

But who would have expected him to face such cunning invaders?

"All set," Lucas said, positioning the siege ballista. "Ready to roll the dice."

"I'll roll!" Klee quickly raised her hand. "Klee's luck is amazing!"

After all, her constellation was a four-leaf clover, a sign of good fortune.

"Shh, quietly now." Lucas handed her the dice, whispering, "I believe in you, Klee. Go for it."

[Roll to determine whether the loading action is detected: 11 points]

[Success! The Slumbering Knight has not noticed your actions.]

[Roll to determine if the sneak attack is successful: 20 points]

[Critical success! The sneak attack will deal triple damage.]

[Roll to determine if the sneak attack hits: 13 points]

[Success! This attack will hit.]

[Roll to determine if the sneak attack causes a critical hit: 20 points]

[Critical success! Triple damage applies.]

[Roll to determine...]

...

[Ready to attack. Estimated damage: 3,521 points]

Using a siege ballista for a sneak attack was absurd, so the system imposed a series of dice rolls, as if attempting to prevent this action. However, Klee's extraordinary luck turned every roll in their favor.

As the ballista now aimed squarely at the Slumbering Knight, the damage count was so exaggerated that, never mind a knight—even a dragon would be reduced to ashes from this hit.

Yet, just as they were about to launch, the knight—who had remained motionless with his head bowed—suddenly shifted slightly.

The group tensed.

Had he sensed the ambush and was now about to retaliate?

However, contrary to Lucas's expectation, the Slumbering Knight did not attack. Instead, he stood up, brushed off his armor, moved aside, and made a gesture of invitation.

"Wait... are you saying," Lucas asked cautiously, "that you'll let us pass?"

"What else? With you lot, I've had the worst luck ever. You're all the absolute worst—just downright despicable. I'm the guard here, can't I just guard in peace? And you pull off this trick? I was going easy on you, but no, you're out to destroy me! Just go on, ancestors, go on in! I'm not risking my life for a few hundred Mora!"

His voice grumbled bitterly from beneath his helmet. Clearly, this knight had quite the sharp tongue; perhaps his master's family name was Chun.

But in any case, it was a good result. After all, a 3,521-damage hit would probably have been overkill, reducing the Slumbering Knight to nothing more than a "Dust Knight."

"Thank you," Jean, herself a knight, expressed her gratitude. She and the others pushed open the door to the final chamber.

Once inside, however, Klee snuck back out, adjusted the ballista's aim, and quickly lit the fuse.

A blast of stacked buffs shot forth, shattering a distant section of the fortress wall with a deafening boom, leaving Klee grinning with excitement.

"Too bad, Mr. Knight!" Klee chirped, stomping her foot as she laughed sweetly. "That was supposed to be for you!"

The Slumbering Knight, watching the pile of rubble, remained silent.

---

Meanwhile, Midnight Fischl, who had been absorbing Fischl's imaginative power, suddenly heard the explosive noise, followed by the entire room shaking violently.

"Damn it!" Midnight Fischl scowled. "Oz! What's going on out there?"

"The intruders have defeated the Slumbering Knight," Oz replied calmly. "Estimated time to arrival: thirty seconds, twenty-nine, twenty-eight..."

"Hah!" Bound tightly, Fischl grinned. "I told you—they're coming for me."

"So what?" Midnight Fischl snarled, accelerating her absorption. "Even if this is risky, once I absorb you, I'll be invincible here in the land of Immernachtreich!"

---

"Fischl!" Lucas's voice cut through the silence of Midnight Fischl's quarters.

Yet, the only ones present were Midnight Fischl and Oz.

Fischl's usual clothes lay scattered on the bed, but there was no sign of her.

"You've finally arrived," Midnight Fischl murmured breathily, her eyes gazing at Lucas with an intense, adoring gleam. "My dear Undead King, soon we shall be united... forever."

"Those are Fischl's clothes!" Barbara exclaimed, noticing the scattered garments. "What did you do to her? Where is she?"

"Where is she?" Midnight Fischl placed a hand over her chest, smiling. "Right here."

"You... ate her?" Jean looked appalled.

Midnight Fischl raised an eyebrow. "Of course not. She and I are now one. In all the three thousand realms, there is only one true Prinzessin der Verurteilung—and that is me, Midnight Fischl!"

"No matter what you call yourself," Jean said, drawing her sword, her gaze steely, "you will release Fischl! Otherwise, we'll have to fight you."

Midnight Fischl chuckled softly. "It seems you don't yet comprehend what it means to be the master of Immernachtreich." She snapped her fingers with a grin. "Allow me to show you all who the true god is here!"

With a snap of her fingers, the entire environment began shifting rapidly. By the time they regained their bearings, they found themselves standing on a desolate battlefield.

And facing them was an entire army, the forces of Midnight Immernachtreich, awaiting their command.

Jean and Klee followed Barbara's gaze upward, and to their shock, they realized that they weren't actually under an open sky but beneath the "giant" forms of Lucas and Midnight Fischl.

Surrounding them wasn't an endless wasteland either; at the edges of this barren ground stood walls enclosing the space, turning this area into a giant game board. They hadn't been transported to a new realm; they'd been pulled into the game board itself and turned into pieces on the board.

Yes, before Lucas and Midnight Fischl, a square meter-sized sand table had appeared, and now, Jean, Barbara, and Klee were positioned on it as pieces in this twisted game.

But Lucas, no stranger to strange and perilous situations, stayed calm. He frowned and asked, "What exactly are you planning?"

Midnight Fischl's eyes gleamed with a manic intensity. "Isn't it obvious? We're going to play a game. If you win, they'll return to normal. But if you lose... you'll stay with me here in the Immernachtreich—forever."

"Interesting." Lucas gave her a slight smile. "So, what are the rules of this game?"

"Oh, they're simple. I created this game myself. Using our 'decks,' we'll engage in combat," she replied, holding up a deck of cards that had appeared in her hand. "Whoever loses all their pieces first... loses."

Across from the three pieces representing his allies, Midnight Fischl's own piece sat perched upon a high throne, gazing down upon them with disdain.

"So, where's my deck?" Lucas asked, still wary.

"It's right here," Midnight Fischl tapped her temple with a smug smile. "Imagine your own cards, and they'll appear. The power of imagination is all you need."

"Oh, I see. So that's how it's going to be..." Lucas raised an eyebrow, muttering, "Cheating, are we?"

Forcing him to play cards with no cards of his own—this was something else entirely!

"I'll take the first turn!" declared Midnight Fischl, drawing five cards from her deck. A confident smile spread across her face. "I summon the monster card, [Raven Knight of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung]!"

At her command, a knight clad in black armor with a raven's head materialized on the board, ready to fight.

Okay, so it looked like she was really going all in on this.

A Prinzessin der Verurteilung deck... who knew it would end like this?

"Next, I'll play a magic card, [Prinzessin der Verurteilung's Forced Conscription]. Its effect...?" Midnight Fischl grinned. "It multiplies any 'Prinzessin der Verurteilung' monster on the field by one thousand!"

Sweat instantly formed on Lucas's brow.

I take it back. She's clearly bluffing with these card effects!

However, as the creator of the rules, Midnight Fischl's whims reigned supreme, and the board was soon covered with a veritable legion of black-armored raven knights.

"And now, the magic card [Pre-Battle Declaration of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung]!" Midnight Fischl's voice rang out as she activated yet another card. "All my monsters now have ten times their attack power!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the raven knights grew even larger, the pressure around them intensifying.

"Now, I'll summon [Celebratory Champagne of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung]!" Midnight Fischl's card turned into a goblet of champagne, which she raised in triumph. "A toast to my impending victory."

Yet, just as she was about to drink, Oz swooped down, swiping the glass away and admonishing her, "My lady, you are underage."

"Fine! Then let it be [Celebratory Fruit Juice of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung]!" she grumbled, shamelessly using another card for a mere drink, her expression triumphant. "This win is already mine."

Indeed, the game was hardly fair to begin with, and by the next turn, her raven army would reduce the three pieces representing his friends to dust.

"Lucas!"

Jean's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling his attention to the miniature figures on the board. All three were looking up at him with trust in their eyes.

"Go, Daddy!" Klee cheered, waving her hand. "Klee knows you'll win!"

"Y-Yes, if you win," Barbara blushed, adding, "I might even consider giving you a private concert!"

That's right; this wasn't the time to give up.

Back in his former life, he may have been an underdog author, impoverished and struggling, but in one thing he'd never been poor.

His imagination.

"It's my turn!" Lucas declared, and a deck of cards materialized in his hands. He drew one card and held it high. "I activate [Pot of Greed]—allowing me to draw two cards!"

Since she was bending the rules, a single banned card was fair play.

"Is this the limit of your imagination?" Midnight Fischl taunted. "Seems like you're destined to belong to me."

"I summon the effect monster, [Huang Yueying]!" Lucas continued, placing another card. "Her effect, 'Gathering Wisdom,' lets me draw an additional card each time I use a spell card!"

"Hold on a minute..." Midnight Fischl looked perplexed. "That card design looks oddly different..."

"You said it yourself—we use our imagination to... 'print' the cards, right?" Lucas smirked. "Next, I play [Out of Thin Air], drawing two more cards, and using [Huang Yueying's] effect, I draw yet another card!"

"Then, I'll place two jokers down for a 'King Bomb' combo!" He revealed two regular playing cards, turning to Klee with a grin. "Klee, you're up!"

"Roger that!"

With a bright smile, Klee summoned a massive bomb and hurled it at the raven knights. The ensuing explosion obliterated a swath of knights into ashes.

"M-My soldiers!" Midnight Fischl's eyes widened with genuine panic.

"We're not finished yet!" Lucas went on. "I activate the fusion spell [Unite], merging Jean and Barbara into the [Paladin Knight: Barbajean]!"

A vortex swirled around Jean and Barbara's figures, drawing them together into a single, shining form.

From within the light, a silver-armored blonde knight emerged. Her appearance combined Barbara's delicate beauty with Jean's resolute demeanor, creating an aura of fierce elegance.

"Now attack!" Lucas commanded, "My knight!"

"With pleasure!"

Barbajean, her back adorned with wings of steel, launched forward into the ranks of Midnight Fischl's forces.

The blade in her hand glowed with intertwining water and wind elements.

"Maelstrom Blade!"

She unleashed a powerful whirlpool of water and wind from her sword, tearing through the raven knights like a tempest through reeds, shredding them apart.

"And it's still not over," Lucas revealed his next card. "I play the spell [Undead King's Secret Art], reviving all fallen monsters as my skeleton minions!"

The remains of the fallen raven knights began to shudder, cracks forming across their armor as skeletal warriors crawled out and reformed, joining his new undead army.

In the blink of an eye, the battlefield had swung completely in his favor, tipping Midnight Fischl's vast advantage upside down.

"C-Can you even do that?" Midnight Fischl gasped. "My... my Immernachtreich army!"

"This is the power of imagination!" Lucas drew his next card, but Midnight Fischl suddenly revealed her last one, "[Prinzessin der Verurteilung's Requisition]! I forcibly confiscate your entire hand!"

"Classic you," Lucas smirked, pausing for a moment before handing over his cards. "Going for new rules as soon as you're losing?"

"I told you—I make the rules!" she sneered, snatching the cards from him with a triumphant gleam in her eye. "Now let's see what you've been saving... huh?"

All the cards in her hands were filled with... writhing tentacles of various kinds.

"It's a pity, but I knew you'd do this," Lucas smirked, narrowing his eyes. "I activate the effect of [Parasitic Tentacles]—whenever you draw these cards, they automatically summon and attack the one who drew them!"

Tendrils burst forth from the cards, winding tightly around Midnight Fischl's form and soaking her luxurious dress in viscous, shining fluids.

The once all-powerful Prinzessin der Verurteilung was reduced to a prisoner bound by her own fantasies.

"W-Wait a moment!" Midnight Fischl struggled against the hold, brow furrowing. "Why are these tentacles attacking me?"

"There's no rule that says I can't attack the player directly," Lucas said with a smile. "If you refuse to surrender, I can't promise where these tentacles might decide to go next."

"Hmph... even if that's the case, you don't have any cards left!" Midnight Fischl sneered. "Once it's my turn, I'll activate the card that will secure my victory!"

At that moment, her expression faltered as a flicker of struggle appeared on her face.

"I won't... let you keep controlling me!" Fischl's true self fought through, shouting, "Lucas! My loyal retainer! Keep attacking her—I'm almost free!"

"It's useless!" Midnight Fischl immediately forced Fischl's consciousness back down. "He doesn't have any cards left!"

"Who says I need cards to cast a spell?" Lucas raised his right hand, declaring, "I activate the spell card [My Fist]—and target you with a direct attack!"

"W-wait a minute!" Midnight Fischl's eyes widened as Lucas's fist drew closer. In desperation, she called out, "Oz! Help me!"

"Apologies, my lady," Oz said with a slight bow, his expression unchanged. "According to your orders, I am not permitted to interfere in this game."

Before Midnight Fischl could react, Lucas was already upon her.

"Sorry about this."

Lucas controlled his strength, throwing a swift punch straight into her stomach. The force hit her like a shockwave, and her body buckled as her mind went blank from the pain.

"Due to [Huang Yueying's] effect, I draw another card."

Taking advantage of her dazed state, Lucas quickly drew from his deck, pulling a card and announcing, "Next, I activate the spell card [De-fusion]!"

Midnight Fischl's face turned pale. "De-fusion...?"

Could he be targeting [Holy Knight Barbajean] with it to split her and launch more attacks?

"Correct," Lucas smirked. "But the target this time... is you."

"What?!"

Midnight Fischl was struck with a sudden realization as her body began to glow. A blinding light filled the room, and a girl's figure was forcibly ejected from her.

Lucas stepped forward, catching the real Fischl as she separated from Midnight Fischl. She appeared weak and vulnerable, wearing nothing, as if the separation had drained her strength.

With Fischl's escape, Midnight Fischl's power was immediately diminished, and the sand table game could no longer be maintained. The three others returned to their normal size and form, released from the game board.

"It's okay now. You're safe," Lucas whispered, gently brushing the golden strands from her forehead. "I told you I'd come to save you."

"Now, it's my turn to end this," Fischl said, her voice gathering strength as she rose. She stepped up to face Midnight Fischl, her gaze steady. "Thank you. It's because of you that I found the resolve to strengthen my vision. The Immernachtreich is real!"

"Hmph... I admit defeat this time," Midnight Fischl smiled bitterly, her expression one of resignation. "After all, I am only a shadow of you."

Fischl didn't respond. She slowly extended her hand toward her doppelganger, and Midnight Fischl's form began to dissolve into faint specks of light, merging with her.

"No... please, don't!" Klee suddenly dashed forward, pressing down on Fischl's outstretched arm, her voice loud and pleading. "The other Fischl isn't bad—please, give her a chance!"

"Klee..." For a moment, Fischl hesitated, her resolve wavering.

Midnight Fischl might have been her enemy, but her existence had been born from her own self-doubt about the Immernachtreich.

"Hmph..."

The half-absorbed Midnight Fischl opened her eyes and, without another word, flung herself into Lucas's arms, calling out affectionately:

"Daddy!"

"D-Daddy?"

Jean and Barbara both turned toward Lucas with expressions of utter disbelief.

They knew, of course, that Lucas couldn't possibly be the father of this "Midnight Fischl," but the way she addressed him was beyond strange.

"What are you looking at me for?" Lucas said, a mix of exasperation and amusement. "I have no idea what's going on!"

"Allow me to explain," said Oz, who had been silent until now. Stepping forward, he said, "Miss Midnight Fischl has lost her powers and memories. Her knowledge of Mr. Lucas comes only from subconscious impressions."

"Why... me, though?" Lucas asked, clearly puzzled. "I don't exactly have any connection to her, right?"

"Midnight Fischl was born from Miss Fischl's mind," Oz replied. "Thus, she inherited Miss Fischl's personality, memories, and powers—including certain subconscious associations."

Jean and Barbara both turned to look at Fischl. They didn't need to say anything; their questioning gazes said it all.

"It's not like that at all!" Fischl exclaimed defensively. "He... he's nothing but..."

"Daddy!" Midnight Fischl interrupted, clinging to Lucas and peeking out from behind him, looking pitiful. "I'm scared..."

"She isn't faking," Oz continued, shaking his head. "With Miss Fischl's inner resolve now restored, Midnight Fischl will no longer pose a threat to you."

"Oz!" Fischl suddenly snapped, glaring at him with her hands on her hips. "I haven't forgotten what you did! Why did you betray me?"

"You misunderstand, Miss Fischl. I am not your Oz," he explained gently. "Each Fischl has their own Oz. Your Oz disappeared when you lost faith in your own fantasy, and now, he's reappeared as you've regained it."

"My... Oz?"

A soft glow emerged from Fischl's Vision, and with a swirl of dark feathers, Oz materialized in front of her once more.

"It's been a while, my lady," he said, bowing his head. "I feared I might never see you again."

"Oz!" Fischl cried, throwing her arms around him as tears welled up in her eyes. "I knew you'd never betray me!"

"So, what are you going to do with Midnight Fischl?" Jean asked, crossing her arms.

"I've decided," Fischl replied, her face bright with a newfound confidence. "A shadow, though guilty of transgression, completes the whole of one's self. And, of course, ruling the vast realm of the Immernachtreich alone would be exhausting. So..."

She pointed a finger at Midnight Fischl with royal authority. "You shall continue to serve as my shadow and manage the Immernachtreich in my absence. And you, Oz—Midnight Oz—you seem reliable, so you shall assist her."

"I am honored," Midnight Oz replied, bowing deeply. "My mistress's mistress is my mistress as well. I shall obey you."

As he spoke, the scenery around them began to blur. Within seconds, everything vanished, and the group found themselves standing once more on the sunny beach of the island.

"Where's my Immernachtreich?" Fischl cried in dismay. "It was such a grand domain, and now it's gone!"

"There's no need to worry." Midnight Fischl explained. "The Immernachtreich is a construct of your imagination, meant to reside within your mind. For now, it rests within me, ready to be reestablished as soon as you find a proper domain."

"Why go to so much trouble?" Lucas mused. "This place seems perfectly fine for it."

"This is Klee's imagined world," Midnight Oz pointed out. "Once the game is over, everything here will vanish."

"But where can I find space for it?" Fischl mused, scratching her chin. "Our backyard surely wouldn't be enough..."

"Forgive my frankness," Oz warned, "but the size of the Immernachtreich rivals Mondstadt itself. Placing it anywhere in Teyvat would be tantamount to... declaring a new nation."

This statement, as absurd as it sounded, was not far from reality.

The last unrecognized kingdom on Teyvat had been Khaenri'ah, which the Seven had destroyed, and the Heavenly Principles would not ignore a new realm like the Immernachtreich.

"Not to worry," Lucas said, an idea dawning on him. "I know a place where we could fit ten Immernachtreichs if we wanted."

[Congratulations on completing this game. The system will now distribute rewards to each player based on their performance.]

[Jean's reward: True Favonius Sword.]

A finely crafted sword appeared in Jean's hands.

"This... it looks like the Favonius Sword?" Jean whispered, running her hand over the blade. "But it's unlike the one wielded by the Knights of Favonius..."

Unlike her previous, less-than-authentic "Replica," this was a genuine masterpiece that matched the quality of the original.

[Barbara's reward: Transformation Wand.]

Barbara, meanwhile, received a charming magic wand.

"It's adorable!" she beamed, clutching it to her chest. "Does this mean I can transform with it?"

"Try it, Sister Barbara!" Klee urged, eyes sparkling. "I want to see you transform!"

Barbara held the wand up, clearly excited. "Alright then... Transform!"

However, instead of the magical glow and outfit she imagined, Barbara's body began to expand, growing larger by the second.

"Huh?! Why am I getting big again?" she cried in dismay. "I didn't want this kind of transformation!"

After a bit more trial and error, Barbara finally returned to her original size.

"Sister Barbara, you're amazing!" Klee's eyes sparkled. "Now you can grow and shrink anytime you want!"

"Who'd want such an ability?!" Barbara said, nearly in tears.

After all, she did have her idol reputation to think of; getting giant-sized in front of everyone in the game world was embarrassing enough.

"I think it's actually pretty useful..." Jean said seriously. "If the Stormterror ever attacks again, giant Barbara could be a valuable asset."

"Sister!" Barbara fumed. "Even you're saying this?"

"I... I was only joking," Jean chuckled, patting Barbara on the head. "Besides, I'd never let you take on such a risk."

[Lucas's Reward: One Magic Card, One Trap Card, One Monster Card]

- Fusion (Magic Card): Allows the fusion of two or more targets; all fusion materials must agree to the fusion. (One use per day)

- Magic Cylinder (Trap Card): Reflects an opponent's attack back at them. (One use per day)

- Blue-Eyed White Dragon (Monster Card): A legendary dragon known for its overwhelming attack power. Able to crush any opponent, its destructive force is unparalleled. (One use per day)

What? Blue-Eyed White Dragon?

I'm not exactly into dragons...

I wanted Dark Magician Girl!

Despite a little disappointment, the reward was still quite generous.

---

[Klee's Reward: One Wish]

A wish—an actual wish!

Everyone was stunned by Klee's reward.

After all, it was a prize with essentially no limits.

"That's amazing!" Barbara suddenly thought of something and exclaimed, "If Klee wishes for the Stormterror to be defeated, then Mondstadt would be safe!"

"Captain Jean..." Klee hesitated but eventually nodded. "If this wish could help everyone, I'd be willing to use it."

For Jean, this was definitely something to consider.

But she finally shook her head and said, "No, Klee. You don't have to sacrifice your wish for this. Dealing with the Stormterror is the responsibility of the Knights of Favonius!"

"You're right..." Barbara realized she'd spoken out of turn and quickly corrected herself, "Klee, you should wish for something you really want!"

"My wish is..." Klee looked at Lucas, then seemed to make up her mind. "To be able to see Daddy and Mommy anytime I want!"

Lucas was taken aback by this wish, feeling his eyes sting with emotion.

It wasn't money, power, or anything else.

Her wish was something that most kids take for granted—to be with her parents every day.

[Klee's Reward: Summon Magic Hat]

- Effect: Allows up to two targets to be marked. Once marked, Klee can teleport to the target's location or summon the target to her. (One use per day)

A red hat suddenly descended from the sky, landing on Klee's head.

"Wow!" Klee blinked in surprise, then her face lit up with joy as she clapped her hands. "Now Klee can see Daddy and Mommy whenever she wants!"

---