Chapter 38: Achievement - \\[Loli no Tomo]

After Takumi's meeting ended, a flurry of tasks was promptly arranged. First on the list was the matter of identity cards. Takumi had the robots use the database to produce ID cards for everyone on-site. Each person also received a mobile terminal. These smartphones were directly linked to the ID cards and came with tutorials on how to use the currency in this world. Everyone received a starting amount of money. Takumi calculated the exchange rate based on his previous world, giving each person roughly 5,000 units—enough for two to three months of basic living expenses. If they wanted more, they'd have to earn it themselves. This applied even to the cursed children. Some of the kids cried upon receiving their own IDs and money. After all, before coming here, they didn't even exist in any official system. Now they had names, identity, and financial means. With just an ID card, Takumi had gained the recognition of all the lolis. If the chat group had achievements, he might have unlocked one titled [Loli no Tomo]—Friend of Lolis. With robotic assistance, the city quickly began functioning. Those assigned to jobs swiftly entered their roles. The banks opened next, fully operated by robots. All the metals brought by Miori Shiba were converted into Takumi's currency, instantly making her the richest person in this world. However, with nothing to spend it on yet, she began investing and circulating funds to kickstart the city's economy. Takumi had said from the start—once things stabilized, robot-made goods would cease. Humans would need to work and earn. So, Miori bought out several factories from Takumi and took over their operations. Takumi had no intention of raising freeloaders. If robots did everything, civilization would stagnate. For now, with few people, it was manageable. But what about when the population grew? Everything was still in its infancy, and Takumi didn't want to create future problems. Zhongli, meanwhile, spent his time wandering Takumi's world. He ventured far from the central zone, exploring regions Takumi hadn't yet cleared. Many ancient ruins, remnants of past human civilization, still remained. Zhongli went to investigate them. Though most valuables had already been collected by Takumi, Zhongli was still intrigued by the architecture and brought several immortals along to gather local materials. Takumi had no complaints. If the old man enjoyed it, he could collect to his heart's content. Ganyu and Cloud Retainer stayed behind. Cloud Retainer delved into Takumi's open-source tech at the science institute, while Ganyu assisted the Holy Empress in refining the city's infrastructure. Thanks to everyone's efforts, the city gradually came to life. But Takumi and his team had been busy for weeks. Every time they solved one issue, another surfaced. It was exhausting. Luckily, AI helped streamline the workload. Without it, they never would have progressed so quickly. Even the cursed children had been sent to school for education. Only then did Takumi finally breathe a sigh of relief. Takumi: [It's finally done.] [So exhausting!!] [Good thing I wasn't managing the city personally!] With the major tasks handled, Takumi returned to the group chat to unwind. Fujihara Chika: [You've got some nerve saying that.] [You're the ultimate hands-off boss.] [Everyone else is doing the work!!] Tired, my ass, Chika muttered mentally. Even though Takumi had been busy, Miori still checked in on the group regularly, sharing updates and asking for feedback. Everyone knew Takumi was slacking. He'd only chime in with suggestions here and there. Kato Megumi: [There it is—the King of Slacking!!] As if reading Chika's mind, Megumi dropped a perfect jab. Takumi rolled his eyes. Takumi: [You don't know anything!] [I've been working hard, okay?] [I still have to come up with solutions from time to time!!] What do you mean "slacker"? He was doing plenty! Fujihara Chika: [Then go thank Ganyu already.] [She's the one actually working nonstop!] Busy? You think you're busier than Ganyu? Bronya: [Talking to a heartless capitalist is pointless.] Bronya glanced at the chat between Takumi and Chika, unable to resist adding a jab of her own. Everyone in the chat knew exactly what kind of person Takumi was. ... This damned group, Takumi thought, not worth it. With a sigh, he dropped the topic and changed the subject by tagging Zhongli. Takumi: [@Zhongli, old man, things are mostly wrapped up on my end.] [When are you planning to head back?] Zhongli had disappeared to explore shortly after arriving. If not for the group chat, Takumi wouldn't have been able to find him at all. Zhongli: [Heading back now.] [I'm currently on another continent.] Zhongli was in great spirits. He had seen much during his travels—ancient architecture, mysterious ruins, and remnants of civilizations long past. Though most were dilapidated, he could still sense their former grandeur. He also collected many materials and seeds that didn't exist in Teyvat. He planned to bring them back for further study. Cloud Retainer would surely return with her own discoveries. Takumi: [Great. Let me know when you're back.] Honestly, if it were possible, Takumi would've kept Ganyu permanently. Her capabilities were exceptional. He was already planning when to accelerate Zhongli's relocation—and afterward, invite the Liyue Qixing to help govern the world. And Mondstadt, too. Maybe have Jean join the administration. That way, Takumi could finally relax. But for now, that plan remained a distant dream. Zhongli probably wouldn't make a move so soon. He'd want to observe the situation further first. After all, this wasn't a decision to be taken lightly.