"..."
Staring at the screen of light that had suddenly materialized before him, along with the flood of information that followed, Sunday—the head of the Oak Family and one of the leaders of "The Family" on Penacony—pressed a hand to his forehead, trying to process it all.
Without the power of the Miracle Crystal, it would have been difficult to make Sunday believe something so absurd. After all, in this universe, the things that the Paths could accomplish were innumerable; the screen before him could have simply been a prank by the Masked Fools...
Yet, even though the power of the Miracle had made him [Believe], as a perfectionist, Sunday did not want to see something appear that was beyond his control.
Sunday always sought to control everything, including himself.
"However, power that cannot be controlled is still a form of power. Such an accident might also be an opportunity."
Sunday wouldn't deny that one of the reasons he was willing to communicate was that he had heard the name "Robin" from the other party.
---o---
"Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Chen Li, and I am a Curio Forger. I've taken the liberty of contacting you because I heard your wish to forge a microphone for your sister."
After Sunday accepted Chen Li's video call request, a holographic projection of Chen Li instantly appeared before him.
The rule of the video call function was that the person who sent the request would appear before the person who accepted it. Out of curiosity for this other world, Chen Li had been the one to send the request first.
After his introduction, Chen Li looked at Sunday, who was sizing him up, and couldn't resist jumping once.
"Hm? What are you doing?" Sunday's brow furrowed slightly.
"I was just curious if I could jump in this world. You probably don't know this, but some worlds prohibit jumping," Chen Li replied.
It wasn't strange for Chen Li to have such a thought; this state of sensory extension felt far too much like playing a virtual reality game.
And since it was like a game, whether he could jump in Honkai: Star Rail was very important to him.
"Such worlds exist? Let's dispense with the pleasantries. My time is valuable. You said you could forge a Curio microphone for my sister, Robin, that would satisfy her. What are the specifics?" Sunday asked directly.
"To be precise, the commission I received is [To forge a microphone for my sister, Robin, that will satisfy her, allowing her to better stand upon the stage]. Therefore, I hope you will let me speak with your sister. That way, I can tailor it specifically for her," Chen Li said.
"Have my sister communicate with you personally? Impossible! Your origins are unknown, and Robin cannot grasp your intentions! What if you deceive her?" Before Chen Li could even finish, Sunday cut him off.
"Uh..." Sunday's words left Chen Li at a loss for what to say.
Are you telling me that Robin, who set out early on a singing tour across countless worlds and has traveled to innumerable planets, is easier to deceive than you, a true "caged bird" who has never once stepped outside the Asdana Star System since becoming an adult?
You really do possess a certain "beauty of a foolish little brother."
"Hm? What are you smiling about?"
"I was just thinking of something happy."
"What happy thing?"
"Though I have no siblings, I've often imagined having a younger sister... I truly envy how harmonious the relationship between you and your sister is," Chen Li said.
"...Although your answer was evasive, I can still feel the sincerity in your words." A rare smile touched Sunday's perpetually cold face, as if he was thinking of his own sister, still so far away.
"Sincerity? Hiss..." Chen Li paused when he heard those words, then remembered his special ability that worked on "beauty."
[The Sincere Heart]: When you face a being you perceive as possessing "beauty," you are better able to communicate with them, allowing them to feel your sincerity and be more easily moved by your earnest words.
Honestly, Chen Li truly wanted Sunday to pass the right to communicate to Robin. He genuinely found Robin beautiful, fitting his definition of "beauty," and was certain she would know whether he was lying or not, which would lead to better communication.
After all, Chen Li had no interest in men, so it was difficult for him to immediately form a concept of male beauty.
But what was happening now?
What "beauty" did Sunday possess?
It couldn't possibly be the "beauty of a foolish little brother," could it?
Although the current conversation had deviated significantly from his original expectations, Chen Li reacted quickly and decided to strike while the iron was hot.
"Really, trust me. As long as you prepare enough materials, I can absolutely forge a Curio microphone for your sister that is not only perfect for broadcasting her voice but can also serve as a means of self-defense. And I bear no ill will toward your sister," Chen Li said.
"Then, Forger, what is the price?" Sunday's smile vanished as he asked the question.
"Suitable forging materials and rare items."
"Are those what you need to forge the Curio?"
"No, that's my forging fee. You didn't think I worked for free, did you?" Chen Li gave Sunday a look of disbelief.
"What specifically do you mean?" Sunday pressed.
He had to admit, Chen Li's sales pitch about a Curio that could also protect Robin was very tempting.
Sunday knew that his sister, Robin, often encountered danger while traveling across countless worlds to practice her philosophy of the strong aiding the weak. There had been an accident once that had nearly cost him his sister.
"I just looked through some information about your world and found some things that fit my definition. For example, Curios, and some relics that align with the philosophy of the Aeons' Paths," Chen Li said.
"You mean, I am to give you some Curios, and then you will forge another Curio for my sister?" Sunday's tone was laced with astonishment.
"Are those two types of Curios the same thing? The full name of my creations is 'Miracle Curios.' Even a homeless person could use one of my Curios to create a miracle." Chen Li rolled his eyes at Sunday.
The Curios of this world, however, were perfectly suited for Chen Li to use in forging.
"...I can transfer the right to communicate with you to my sister, allowing her to discuss her needs for the Curio directly. I can also help you collect Curios and other items that contain special concepts as your forging fee."
Chen Li's "sincerity" had moved Sunday.
Sunday now knew that Chen Li bore his sister no ill will and was genuinely committed to forging an exceptional Curio.
Although Chen Li's demands were high, as one of the leaders of Penacony, the Planet of Festivities, and the head of the Oak Family, Sunday could still afford the fee.
"Does this mean we have a deal?"
"However, I would like to ask you something else."
"Speak."
"If I were to provide you with sufficient materials... could you forge a paradise whose rules even an Aeon cannot defy?"
[Paradise]: Forge a paradise for Sunday whose rules even an Aeon cannot defy.
Issuer: Sunday
Reward: 50~150 Crystals
Risk: Medium ~ Extremely High
"???" — by Chen Li.
Wait, buddy, what are you trying to do?