Chapter 35: Lost in a Chorus of "Onii-chan"

The group strolled through the city streets. Though it was still morning, many had already come out to explore. Everyone was either touring the city that Takumi had created, or visiting distribution points to collect their allotted supplies. These supplies were temporary provisions. Each person was entitled to a personal set, completely free of charge—food, clothing, toiletries—all mass-produced by robots. The flavor was decent, enough to fill the stomach. Takumi didn't require them to do anything else afterward. As Takumi's group walked through the streets, they drew attention. Some of the young girls spotted him and immediately rushed over. "Onii-chan!!" "Onii-chan, Takumi onii-chan!!" "Onii-chan, did you have breakfast?" One call of "onii-chan" after another made it hard for Takumi to suppress his grin. "Did you sleep well last night?" "Is there anything you're not used to? If so, you can tell the robots, okay?" He gently patted one girl's head as he asked. The little girl nodded eagerly. "I slept so well! And I'm full, too. Heehee\\~! The handsome robots took great care of us!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement. The other children around her were the same, expressing fondness for the handsome robots. Even though it was only their first day, they already liked this place a lot. No one here looked at them with disgust. Everyone who came had been carefully screened, so they wouldn't despise the children either. After some chatting, Takumi resumed touring the city with his group. None of the shops were officially open yet, as he hadn't finalized those arrangements. The only accessible locations were those handing out supplies. Eventually, Takumi brought everyone to a designated government building he had set aside. "This will be your office from now on. It's equipped with computers and everything you'll need." "Here are smartphones for each of you, preloaded with AI assistants." The group curiously inspected the phones. They could connect to the internet, but there wasn't much content available yet—barebones apps, mostly empty. The network was pristine. Probably because nobody had used it yet. That would change once people started contributing. As Takumi explained the system, Zhongli began making his own preparations. He had already gathered Cloud Retainer, Ganyu, Madame Ping, and Xiao. Just the four of them. He didn't bring anyone else. Ganyu had been puzzled the previous night when she received Zhongli's dream-message. Still, she quickly arranged her duties and visited her master's abode early that morning. Shenhe had already been sent down to Liyue Harbor by Cloud Retainer to have some fun. "Everyone's here. Let's depart." Zhongli gave the signal. Madame Ping nodded, and Lady Bai produced her magical teapot. Everyone was stored inside. Only Zhongli remained outside. He had already instructed Madame Ping on how to operate it. Handing over the pot, Zhongli contacted Takumi via group chat. Zhongli: \\[@Takumi, I'm ready on my end.] Takumi, who had been showing Miori Shiba and the others around the administrative center, saw the message and his eyes lit up. Takumi: \\[Zhongli's Exclusive Red Packet] Without saying much, he sent over 1,000 points. Zhongli accepted and purchased a World Travel Talisman. The moment he activated it, a dimensional portal opened before him. He was a bit surprised by the mysterious energy flowing from it. All he could sense was an overwhelming sense of enigma. Shaking his head, he stepped in without further thought. It felt like entering a realm not unlike the teapot space. And just like that, he appeared before Takumi. Both the Holy Empress and Kisara were taken aback by the dashing man who appeared. "Old master, welcome, welcome!" Takumi's eyes sparkled at the sight. Zhongli really was handsome—just three degrees less so than himself, he mused. "Takumi. Miss Shiba. Ladies. A pleasure." Zhongli nodded politely to them all, then took out the teapot. Space distorted. Several figures appeared. Even Cloud Retainer had taken on human form. Madame Ping appeared as a youthful Ping'er. Xiao stood nearby, still only about 160 cm tall. Takumi's eyes widened with joy. That daughter-like elder!! And Ganyu!! "Lord Zhongli, is this... the other world?" Ganyu looked around, taking in the unfamiliar architecture and environment. She was shocked by how different it felt. "There's barely any elemental energy in the air... but instead, a very wild, violent force." Cloud Retainer, after sensing the atmosphere, commented immediately. Indeed, elemental energy was scarce. "This is indeed another world," Zhongli confirmed. "And he is the ruler of it." "Ganyu, I'll be counting on you for support." He gently nudged her forward. Zhongli had already explained Ganyu's role prior to their departure. She nodded in understanding. She had helped establish Liyue Harbor in the past—she knew the drill. The world might be different, but the principles wouldn't change too much. She could even learn a thing or two from others. With that, she turned to Takumi and asked: "Mr. Takumi, when shall we begin?" Takumi nodded toward the rest. "You all go ahead and talk. I'll be showing your Lord Zhongli around for now." He gestured for Zhongli to follow, then the two of them walked off together.