<h4>Chapter 99: Viin Simtor, Ch 98</h4>


    [At that moment, other members of the Knights of Favonius surged in, surrounding you and Kleepletely. You felt a chill run through your body, and your breathing becamebored. You could clearly feel the de piercing your lung.]


    ["Run, I''ll hold them off..." you whispered to Klee with thest of your strength. "Remember, don''t forget our promise—you must defeat... the Demon King..."]


    [Even if you die, you cannot let your revenge n end here.]


    [You thought this mistake would cost you your life, but to your surprise, Klee''s ears suddenly grew pointed, and her eyes turned a deep, blood-red. A Vision, glowing with mes, appeared in front of her out of thin air.]


    ["You won''t... bully Daddy!" A powerful and oppressive force erupted from within Klee. You couldn''t tell whether it was from her newly awakened Vision or from her long-suppressed elf bloodline.]


    [Thest image you saw before losing consciousness was of a perfect explosion—one just like the one Alice had used years ago to st the mountainside, tearing your family apart.]


    [When you regained a sliver of consciousness, you found yourself back in the secret alchemyb at your home. Through a haze, you saw Sucrose performing surgery on you, while Klee anxiously waited nearby.]


    [It took three days before you fully regained consciousness. To your surprise, not only were you still alive, but your wounds had already healed significantly.]


    [During those three days, Sucrose and Klee had remained by your side. When you finally awoke, Sucrose exined what had happened.]


    [After Klee awakened her Vision, she couldn''t control its power, resulting in a massive explosion. Seizing the opportunity created by the st, she managed to drag your nearly lifeless body back.]


    [Fortunately, Sucrose was in the shop at the time. Seeing you severely injured and Klee in fullbat gear, she seemed to understand what was happening. She didn''t report you to the authorities; instead, she used her biological alchemy techniques to pull you back from the brink of death.]


    [You were amazed at Sucrose''s incredible skill, as she managed to save you from such severe injuries. However, Sucrose exined with aplicated expression that this was actually her first time using her biological alchemy techniques for treating wounds. Your survival and rapid recovery were simply a stroke of luck.]


    [The joy of being alive did notst long, as you now faced a bigger problem. Sucrose had discovered your and Klee''s secret. Though she was quiet and reserved, she was not foolish.]


    [Knowing there was no point in hiding anything, you decided to tell Sucrose everything while Klee was still unconscious.]


    [You told her about how your wife and daughter had died at Alice''s hands, how you kidnapped Klee to aid in your revenge, and how, once it was all over, you intended to end your own life.]


    [Perhaps it was because you had kept this secret for so long that finally revealing it brought you an unexpected sense of relief.]


    [You gave Sucrose two options. First, you would provide her with arge sum of money so she could leave Mondstadt and forever keep your secret. Second, you would kill her—dead people can never reveal secrets.]


    [Not killing Sucrose immediately was the greatest mercy you could offer. You assumed she would choose the first option, but instead, she gave you a third answer.]


    [Sucrose told you that she was willing to assist you in your revenge n. She pointed out that you and Klee would likely face simr dangers in the future, and she could ensure your safety.]


    [However, Sucrose also made a demand of her own: after the revenge wasplete, you could not take your own life. Instead, you had to take her and Klee, leave Mondstadt, and live a life far away.]


    [When you asked Sucrose why she would do such a thing—why, at her young age, she would sacrifice so much for a viin like you—she replied, blushing, "Isn''t the reason obvious by now?" She continued, "I know that six years ago, on that night... you didn''t actually lose your memory, did you?"]


    [Sucrose''s answer took you by surprise. Faced with the third option she proposed, your choice is...]


    [1. Refuse]


    [2. ept]


    [3. Kill Sucrose]


    Killing Sucrose seems a bit too much!


    Lucas pondered for a moment. In the simtor, choices rted to "goodness" usually don''t end well.


    But this time, Sucrose was offering to join him in evil deeds. So, agreeing to her terms might actually work out. Besides, even if the oue is just surviving by scraping by, it''s better thanmitting suicide after getting revenge.


    "I ept!"


    [You agree to Sucrose''s proposal. When you nod, Sucrose slowly adjusts her sses, the lenses reflecting a sh of light reminiscent of Detective Conan.]


    ["Now that you''ve allowed me to join, I want to be involved in all future actions," Sucrose deres, exuding an aura of reliability you''ve never seen before. "And no matter what, both you and Klee must prioritize your own safety during operations."]


    [You remind Sucrose once again that joining you means bing your aplice—not justmitting crimes, but absolutely harming others. For someone as kind-hearted as Sucrose, this might be the hardest barrier to ovee.]


    [However, Sucrose calmly replies, saying that when you peel away the skin, all humans are just lumps of flesh. To her, most humans are simply organic beings—except for you, you are different.]


    [You''re not sure what makes you different, but you''re surprised to discover that this is the real Sucrose. It''s no wonder that, despite her young age, she''s already excelling in the niche field of biological alchemy.]


    [In her eyes, whether it''s humans or other creatures, they''re just "objects"posed of bones, muscles, and organsbined in various ways.]


    [As you recover from your injuries, you learn more about the situation outside. The "Evil Sun" had been discovered by Acting Grand Master Jean while infiltrating the Knights of Favonius, resulting in a massive explosion during the conflict.]


    [This explosion was even more terrifying and destructive than the one from ten years ago, leaving fifty-seven injured and thirteen dead. Jean, as well as the Cavalry Captain Kaeya, the Outrider Amber, and the Guerri Captain E, all sustained injuries of varying severity. Jean herself lost an arm in the st.]


    [You know this incident will definitely have severe consequences, but Klee''s growth still fills you with a sense of satisfaction.]


    [The Pyro Vision appeared because Klee''s desire to protect you was so strong.]


    [However, the only benefit Klee sees from acquiring the Vision is that it allows her to create even more powerful bombs with ease.]


    [This dangerous encounter didn''t scare her; instead, it made her even more determined to be stronger so she could protect her father.]


    [The only troublesome issue is that, possibly due to the forced activation of her elf bloodline, the potions you previously made can no longer fully suppress her bloodline. What used tost a month now onlysts a week, and if Klee bes emotionally agitated, the effects might wear off prematurely.]


    [As a result, you have to increase the frequency of her doses to prevent any idents.]


    [The first thing Sucrose did after treating your wounds was to prepare a new alchemical arm for you. By now, it was a routine task for her.]


    [Of course, she still needed your DNA, since thest sample was collected years ago and could no longer be used.]


    [However, this time, Sucrose did not anesthetize you. She opted for a more standard method, and just when you felt relieved that she didn''t perform two consecutive extractions likest time, she suddenly smiled and told you, "To enhance your body, I might need more gic material for research. The collection frequency will be about three to four times per week."]


    [You thought Sucrose was joking until you noticed that she had set up a bed in the secretb and began her schedule of forced gic collection—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on odd weeks; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on even weeks; and no rest on Sundays. It was then that you started to suspect—]


    [Could this be Sucrose''s true motive for willingly bing your aplice?]


    [Nevertheless, the new arm Sucrose created exceeded your expectations. This time, she used a Geovishap''s bones as the arm''s skeleton and reinforced the skin with Dvalin''s scales.]


    [You were curious about how she managed to obtain such precious alchemical materials until she showed you the grant she received for publishing her alchemy research papers at the Sumeru Academia, which left you speechless.]


    [Of course, many of those papers contained your contributions. Unlike Sucrose, your strength in alchemy isn''t theoretical but practical.]


    [As you predicted, once Jean regained consciousness, she immediately ordered a thorough investigation throughout Mondstadt, focusing especially on single fathers with daughters and one-armed men.]


    [It seemed that although your identity hadn''t been exposed, Jean had still gathered some critical clues.]


    [Being a single father with a daughter made you a prime suspect. Fortunately, the arm you "grew" just in time, along with the reputation you had built up over the years, helped you quickly clear your name.]


    [After all, who could believe that the sweet and angelic Klee could be the same little demon who blows up everything in sight, leaving chaos in her wake?]


    [Age 35: Upon learning about the explosion at the Knights of Favonius, Alice immediately returned to Mondstadt. Perhaps the simrities between this incident and the explosion ten years ago, when her daughter was abducted, prompted her swift return.]


    [However, to your surprise, Alice didn''t take any action. Instead, she ced a long-overdue obituary notice in the most prominent section of the newspaper.]


    [In the notice, Alice finally acknowledged her daughter''s death and announced her intention to establish a school for underprivileged children and orphans, funded entirely by her, as a tribute to her deceased daughter.]


    [You don''t understand why Alice would do such a thing, but you heard some rumors. Some say Alice intends to choose an adoptive daughter through this method, hoping to fill the void left by her lost child.]


    [Honestly, you don''t quite believe the rumor. Alice is an elf of great strength and resilience, both physically and mentally. If she truly intended to find an adoptive daughter to rece Klee, wouldn''t that mean she hadpletely given up on finding her biological daughter and had admitted defeat?]


    [This development makes you uneasy, as your entire n for revenge hinges on Alice''s love for her daughter. If her affection for Klee transfers to someone else, the impact of your revenge would be greatly diminished.]


    [You are a calm person, but anything that could affect your revenge is uneptable.]


    [Sucrose, who has known you for years, notices your unease. You don''t hide it from her and share your concerns. After a moment of contemtion, Sucrose proposes a rather bold idea.]


    [She suggests sending Klee to attend Alice''s newly founded school to investigate whether the rumor of her seeking an adoptive daughter is true. If it''s false, then there''s no issue. But if it''s true... Klee might be Alice''s target of choice.]


    [You know that this suggestion is not only bold but also extremely risky. Even if you suppress Klee''s elf bloodline with potions, it''s uncertain whether it will be enough to fool Alice, who is incredibly perceptive.]


    [However, if Klee really does be Alice''s adoptive daughter, then when you eventually reveal the truth and Klee inevitably betrays her, wouldn''t Alice suffer twice the pain?]


    [The purpose of your life is to make Alice feel agony. Even though the risk is enormous, the thought of the potential satisfaction when you achieve your revenge makes it seem like a gamble worth taking.]


    [While waiting for Alice to establish her school, an unexpected guest arrives at your shop—Acting Grand Master Jean.]


    [After the explosion incident, Jean had been recovering from her injuries. When she appears before you again, you can hardly believe your eyes.]


    [Her body is marked by visible burn scars, and the once beautiful face now bears a noticeable burn mark. The most striking injury, however, is her missing left arm.]


    [Jean, who was once Mondstadt''s golden girl and the dream of countless young men, now looks like a soulless shell.]


    [Could she have found a clue ande for revenge? Standing behind the counter, you prepare a weapon hidden beneath it, but Jean politely asks if Sucrose is working in your shop.]


    [Though puzzled, you call for Sucrose. To your surprise, Jean''s purpose foring is to ask if Sucrose could use her biological alchemy skills to restore her right arm.]


    [Sucrose immediately refuses. Biological alchemy involving humans is strictly prohibited in Mondstadt, and besides, the person making the request is the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.]


    [Jean pleads once more, exining that as a knight sworn to protect Mondstadt, losing the arm that wields her sword is worse than death.]


    [You seize the opportunity, suggesting that you could try to restore her arm, but in exchange, you want a position in the Knights of Favonius, using their resources to study alchemy.]


    [It''s a reasonable request, and it isn''t difficult for Jean to fulfill. Though she is usually upright and impartial, she is not entirely inflexible, especially when the Knights are indeed nning to establish an alchemy division.]


    [The deal is struck, and Sucrose begins preparing for the surgery. Though she is already skilled in this type of procedure, she pretends it''s her first time to avoid raising suspicion.]


    [While waiting, Klee emerges from the back room. When she sees Jean, her face instantly shows fear, and she hides behind you.]


    [Jean''s expression turns mncholic, assuming that her frightening appearance has scared the adorable girl. But you know the real reason—because of their previous battle, Jean now ranks in Klee''s top three "least wanted to see" people.]


    It seems that, whether in reality or the simtor, Jean is always Klee''s greatest threat.


    [The arm transnt surgery proceeds smoothly. Unlike you, however, Jean struggles with the movement of her new arm, which remains quite stiff. But to her, regaining an arm is already an incredible blessing.]


    [A smile finally appears on Jean''s face as she expresses her gratitude to you and Sucrose once again,pletely unaware that the "savior" before her is the very person who caused her to lose her arm.]


    [Jean keeps her promise, and you soon obtain a position in the Knights of Favonius—Chief Alchemist. Of course, you are currently the only member of the newly established alchemy division.]


    Reading this part, Lucas realizes something is off.


    In his memory, the person who should have held this position was Albedo.


    ording to the game''s lore, Albedo''s master, Rhinedottir, was a friend of Alice. Upon Alice''s rmendation, Albedo came to Mondstadt, joined the Knights of Favonius, and helped look after Klee, bing something like a foster brother to her.


    However, in this simtion, the significant character who yed a crucial role for both Alice and Klee had yet to appear.


    Not only that, but Sucrose, who should have been Albedo''s assistant, is now his. The foster sibling role with Klee is his instead, and even the title of "Chief Alchemist" has been given to him.


    Could it be that, in this simtor, he has taken Albedo''s ce?


    No, that''s impossible. In the lore, Albedo is a homunculus created through alchemy, whereas he himself is a real human. Their backgrounds and story settings arepletely different.


    The most obvious evidence is that he has a biological daughter. If he were an alchemical being, how could he have a child?


    Oh well, it''s best not to dwell on it too much. This is likely just a random plot generated by the simtor.


    [The most dangerous ce is often the safest. You''ve always believed in this principle, and infiltrating the Knights of Favonius means getting inside enemy lines, paving the way for future operations.]


    [Meanwhile, the school Alice established begins epting students. Wearing a suit, you take Klee, dressed in new clothes, to the school, appearing just like any "ordinary" father and daughter.]


    [Before heading out, you rehearsed with Klee numerous times to ensure your secret remains hidden. Of course, even without rehearsals, no one would ever doubt that you are a genuine father and daughter.]


    [To conceal Klee''s identity, you never allowed her to attend school before. For her, school is a novel and exciting ce, a ce where she can meet and y with children her age.]


    [The lively and cheerful Klee quickly befriends the other children. Watching her smile so sincerely, you can''t help but feel a bit conflicted.]


    [It''s true that you have always viewed Klee as a tool for your revenge. You raised her, taught her, and yed the role of a caring father—all to ensure your n goes smoothly.]


    [However, you and Klee have been together for over a decade now. You''ve anxiously cared for her when she was sick, and you''ve covered her with nkets she kicked off in the middle of the night... You''re not sure if these acts of care are just part of the facade.]


    [Just as you''re lost in thought, you suddenly hear amotion. Klee, who wasughing and chatting with the other children moments ago, is now arguing with them for some reason.]


    [Switching to immersive mode]


    [Mission objective: Resolve this dispute. Mission reward: B-grade Talent]


    What unfolds before Lucas is a small, cozy, and harmonious-looking school.


    There are schools in Mondstadt, but they are usually private and not cheap.


    The Church of Favonius also hosts free educational activities regrly, but these only cover basic knowledge.


    For the freedom-loving people of Mondstadt, the idea of a ssroom feels like a constraint; as far as knowledge and learning are concerned, they believe that having just enough is sufficient.


    Klee is in the midst of a heated argument with a few children her age.


    "I''m not lying!" Klee insists passionately. "I once defeated the Demon King''s minions and blew them up into the sky!"


    "St-stop lying!" a chubby boy retorts in a muffled voice. "There''s no such thing as a Demon King. Besides, how could a little pipsqueak like you beat adults?"


    "Klee is not a pipsqueak! And I''m not lying!" Klee huffs angrily. "My dad gave me missions to defeat the Demon King!"


    Uh-oh...


    ---


    Author''s Note: Sorry forte Chapter.. was kinda sick and WN being a ass it is, did not upload ording to the schedule.