Genshin Impact : Joining the Genius Club

The captain looked at the wreckage on the ground and finally turned his attention to Su Ran.

"I don't like people like you, but Her Majesty the Queen wants to see you," he said, having just received a message from the Ice Queen.

His orders were clear: bring the outsider to Winter City. The Ice Queen wanted to meet this person in person. This outsider was powerful—frighteningly so.

Though the Fatui did not reject outsiders, as an executive, the captain harbored no goodwill toward Su Ran. In his eyes, Su Ran was someone who tarnished his glory and acted recklessly. But, his strength was exactly what the Fatui—and Her Majesty—needed.

"I'm quite interested in her as well," Su Ran said, producing a small ring. He swept it over the items scattered in the cave, causing the densely packed supplies and scientific research tools to vanish into the ring.

The captain was stunned. A storage device like that was incredibly valuable! Such magic might exist in Liyue, but it wasn't available in Zhidong. If the Fatui had access to such a tool, transporting supplies during military campaigns would become much easier.

Yet, despite its value, the captain couldn't bring himself to ask for it. They had been enemies just moments before, and such a request felt inappropriate.

Su Ran, oblivious to the captain's thoughts, prepared to leave. If the captain had asked for the ring, Su Ran wouldn't have minded giving him one. It was valuable, sure, but he had made several during his experiments—most of them were defective but still more than adequate for the Fatui's purposes.

Having packed up, there was no reason for Su Ran to linger in the cave. His experiments were complete, and he preferred being around people rather than staying alone in isolation.

As they exited the cave, the captain turned and punched the entrance, sealing it off. "They were warriors who made Zhidong proud. They should rest in peace here," he said, ensuring no one would disturb the fallen.

"Unnecessary…" Su Ran commented indifferently.

"People like you can't understand the value of glory and peace to a warrior," the captain sneered.

"Oh." Su Ran shrugged. The captain's contempt didn't bother him. He wasn't a warrior—what need did he have for glory? If glory couldn't be exchanged for something more tangible, it was worthless to him. People tended to remember villains more than heroes anyway.

---

The captain returned to Winter City with only one person—Su Ran, who wasn't from the Fatui and not even from Solstice.

In the Ice Queen's palace, several executive officers waited. Among them were a woman with a proud demeanor, a servant with a disinterested expression, a doctor looking intrigued, a casual soldier with an indifferent gaze, and a curious young man.

Five executive officers were present, and further up, standing near the throne, was the clown, expressionless, like a principal about to give a speech. Beyond him, the Queen of Ice herself sat upon her throne, ruling over the entire winter.

Su Ran observed her from head to toe: elegant crystal shoes, white stockings, a long gown interwoven with light blue, white, and black patterns, and gray hair styled into four spirals.

(???)

No doubt about it—another "duck." Although he hadn't seen this particular "duck" from his previous encounters, meeting her here in Teyvat wasn't too bad. He just wondered—was this duck foolish or devious?

"Banya Pi Gu is a treasure," Su Ran muttered under his breath, still staring at the Ice Queen. Some of the executives cast curious glances his way, but he paid them no mind. The Ice Queen intrigued him more.

"I've brought the person, Your Majesty," the captain said, kneeling on one knee before the Ice Queen, expressing his loyalty.

"Thank you for your efforts, Capitano. Please stand," the Ice Queen responded, her voice cool but not unkind.

The captain joined his colleagues, some of whom were curious about Su Ran's identity. However, with the Ice Queen present, no one dared speak out of turn.

Su Ran continued to meet the Ice Queen's gaze, both of them silently assessing one another. In the end, the Ice Queen broke the silence.

"Would you be willing to join the Fatui and become an executive?" she asked.

Rosaline frowned. Tartaglia raised an eyebrow. "Interesting…" Dottore murmured, clearly intrigued. Even Alechino's eyes filled with curiosity.

To join the Fatui as an executive officer required more than just talent—whether strength or other skills. It required a compelling story. Alechino thought as much, knowing the backgrounds of the other executive officers.

[Task issued: Accept or refuse the offer to join the Fatui.]

The system's voice echoed in Su Ran's mind after a long silence.

"But I'm only good with my brain and research. I'm not much of a fighter. Even so, you're inviting me?" Su Ran asked, pretending to downplay his abilities.

Tartaglia's interest faded. Capitano scoffed, and Rosaline looked visibly disgusted. Alechino grew more alert, while Dottore's smile widened in amusement.

"Of course!" the Ice Queen responded confidently. She knew Su Ran's true power. Without him, the captain might not have survived the journey home.

"Alright then," Su Ran agreed. After all, he was a scientist, and he still needed to eat. Funding was important, and relying solely on looting wasn't a sustainable option.

---

How's this?