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 isthe 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 travelsancient 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 relocationand 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.
Chapter 39: Work Hard, Things Will Get Better!
Zhongli would probably think it over a few more times before making a final decision.
For now, he was already on his way back. Since Takumi had wrapped up things on his end, it was time for Zhongli to return. If he stayed any longer, Hu Tao would probably start looking for him.
After chatting with Zhongli in the group for a bit, Takumi left things be.
Now, Takumi was home alone. Everyone else had already moved into their assigned houses. Tendou Kisara, Miori Shiba, and the Holy Empress all lived nearby, but they were already off to work and likely not back yet.
Though Takumi himself was done with most of the work, the others were still busy.
He checked in on the group chat and claimed his daily sign-in reward, earning a few dozen points before closing it to get some rest.
Meanwhile, with terminals distributed, the online space was becoming more active.
Everyone was striving for a better life.
Scrolling through some videos, Takumi found his screen flooded with lolis. After a bit, he closed the app.
Sure enough, more girls were needed. Otherwise, even video feeds would feel dull.
The current population of this world was still too small.
Shaking his head, he stopped thinking too much about it. After washing up, Takumi started reviewing some data sent by Muroto Kin.
Muroto had compiled her research on the Gastrea virus and finally sent it over.
Takumi skimmed the data.
Genetic defects... Was this actually a form of superpower?
By perfecting the genetic flaws, the infection could be halted.
He began to piece together a plan. A few children would be needed to help with testing.
His brain spinning rapidly, he formed a solution.
Tomorrow, the implementation would begin.
In the world of the cursed children, understanding the virus was next to impossiblebut for Takumi, it was simple.
After reading the virus's DNA sequence, Takumi immediately saw through itit was the result of reckless genetic experimentation. An attempt to create a gene-modifying drug that went horribly wrong, resulting in a half-finished product and the emergence of the cursed children.
With a clear understanding of the sequence, all he had to do was complete it.
The next morning, Takumi headed to the research division.
There, he found Muroto Kin, bleary-eyed with fatigue, staring at her computer. She didn't even notice him walk in. Her hair was messyclearly a beautiful woman, but now looking more like a slob.
"Seriously? Pulled another all-nighter? Even with your new superpowers, you shouldn't be pushing it this hard."
Takumi had given her a superpower awakening potionshe'd gained telekinesis, and with her enhanced mental strength, she could now endure even longer work sessions.
Hearing his voice, Muroto finally looked up.
"Oh, it's you, boss. Didn't I already give you the data? What's up?"
She reluctantly tore herself away from the screen.
Takumi's unlocked biotech had fascinated her so much she had spent the entire night reviewing the Gastrea virus DNA sequence. No signs of collapsing yet, so she wasn't worried.
The benefits of having powers were substantial.
She also wanted to unravel the mystery of superpower awakenings.
"I've already figured out the Gastrea virus. Let's begin now. We'll complete the gene sequence. It was supposed to be a gene drug, after all. Your world just screwed it up."
Takumi sighed. She wasn't surprised by the explanationshe already suspected it. But she was shocked that Takumi had a solution ready after just one night.
"Can you explain it in detail?"
She was curious.
Takumi nodded and began explaining, showing the relevant tech on his phone.
Muroto fell into deep thought as she listened.
She ran the calculations in her head, analyzing if his methods were feasible.
She had already reviewed much of the technology the night before, and now that she saw the principles laid out, she found no flaws.
"It all checks out. Shall we begin?"
"Of course. But first, I need to gather some data."
Takumi issued a command to the AI to bring in several children.
Immediately, the AI dispatched orders to the nearest robots.
The lolis Lan Yuan Yuju, Bushi Cui, and Tina, who had been wandering around, were soon approached by a robot.
They blinked in confusion.
"Lan Yuan Yuju, Bushi Cui, Tina, please follow me. Lord Takumi is requesting your presence."
The three girls were stunned.
Yuju's eyes sparkled.
"Lord Takumi wants to see me? Let's go, quickly!!"
Excitement flared.
To them, Takumi was a herothe reason they could now live so freely.
Of course they were thrilled to be summoned.
Tina and Bushi Cui were no different.
The robot transformed into a small flying transport. Most people used them as public vehicles now. Pay a fee and they'd take you wherever you wanted.
The girls climbed on eagerly.
In the next moment, the robot lifted off and carried them to the research facility.
There, other robots guided them inside and soon brought them before Takumi and Muroto Kin.
"Takumi onii-chan!!" 3
The three girls happily greeted him.
"You're here. Have a seat first. We need your help shortly."
"We've found a way to resolve the issues with your bodies."
"We'll need to draw some blood and run a few tests."
Takumi gently patted their heads and explained the situation to them.
Chapter 40: Curses? If its just a matter of willpower, then thats easy!
The three girls were momentarily stunned by what Takumi had just said.
But in the next moment, their eyes lit up.
Tina, in particular, seemed to find it hard to believe.
"Onii-chan, is it really possible?"
She was clearly nervous.
The Gastrea Virus.
For cursed children like them, it had always been a looming threat.
If left unresolved, those with severe corrosion would eventually die.
Many children had already reached the brink.
And now Takumi was saying he could fix it?
"Trust me, alright?"
"Your onii-chan is all-powerful!"
Takumi said this with full confidence.
If he couldn't even handle a little thing like the Gastrea virus, then he might as well go be a farmer.
Hearing this, the three girls immediately perked up.
"That's amazing!!"
"Takumi-oniichan, we'll do anything to help!"
Yuju cheered excitedly.
"Great~!"
"Then let's start with a diagnostic scan."
"After that, I'll need to draw a little blood."
"Come with me!"
With that, Takumi led the girls into another room.
Inside were various machinesequipment Takumi had prepared earlier for Muroto Kin's use.
He asked the girls to lie down on the scanners and began operating the machinery.
He ran a full-body diagnostic on each of them.
After a thorough check, he finally got the data he needed.
All three had about a 30% corrosion rate.
Bushi Cui's was the highest.
If left untreated, they likely wouldn't survive more than a few years.
Why didn't these children grow up?
Because of the corrosion rate.
There was no such thing as a cursed child reaching the age of eighteen.
Once the scans were complete, Takumi drew a tube of blood from each girl.
Even though they were afraid of needles, they obediently cooperated.
After he finished, Takumi said to them:
"Alright. You can go play now."
"I'll get this done as fast as I can."
"We'll finally fix the problems with your bodies."
Now that he had their blood samples, it was time to get to work.
The girls nodded and sensibly left without causing any disturbance.
After a quick goodbye, they ran off.
Takumi then began testing and analyzing the blood samples from the three girls.
Muroto Kin assisted him.
After hours of work, by midday, Takumi had finalized the plan.
He would create a genetic remedy.
The goal was to produce a serum that would complete their damaged genetic code.
By nightfall, the drug was complete.
After numerous simulation comparisons, Takumi was certain there were no issues.
"Alright, let's make arrangements."
"Tomorrow, bring in the children with the highest corrosion levels."
"We'll test it on them first. Once we confirm it's safe, we'll start distribution."
Takumi issued orders to the AI.
He also had the factories begin mass production.
There shouldn't be any problems.
But preparations were still necessary.
Upon receiving Takumi's order, the AI immediately filtered through the database.
It identified all children close to the critical threshold and arranged for them to be brought in the next day.
Robots would be dispatched to pick them up, since many were no longer mobile.
Takumi knew this well.
Back then, he had simply brought all of them over without even asking for their consent.
Thankfully, these children had companions.
So tomorrow, they would come together.
After all that, Takumi finally called it a day.
He informed Muroto Kin and tore through space, returning to his villa.
By the time he got back, there were already people at home.
Zhongli and a few immortals were in the courtyard, drinking tea.
"You're back?"
"How did things go?"
Seeing Zhongli, Takumi greeted him right away.
Zhongli smiled and replied:
"Quite fruitful."
"I must say, this world of yours has remarkably rich resources."
"Here, these are some mineral deposits I found during my travels. They might be useful to you."
Zhongli then handed over a map.
Takumi blinked in surprise.
When the world underwent spiritual revival, it was like a complete refresh of Earth.
Humans lost control of many regions, but new mineral veins had emerged.
Takumi hadn't paid them much attention though.
The mines near the city were more than enough for his needs.
Now Zhongli had mapped out all he'd encountered?
Curious, Takumi took the map.
A glance showed all the locations Zhongli had visitedhe had even crossed to the other side of the planet.
Takumi scanned the map and uploaded it to the server.
He then used satellite data to compare and marked all the deposits on the master map.
"Thanks."
"Have you picked a place?"
"For relocating Liyue, I mean."
Putting the map away into imaginary space, Takumi asked.
Zhongli paused for a moment, then answered:
"Right here is fine."
"No need to look further."
"If we're truly relocating, I just hope you can reserve a spot where we can build a port."
He didn't care whereit just needed to support a harbor.
Takumi nodded.
"No problem. I'll reserve it for you."
