Jean stood firm outside Galehaven Comics, her voice cutting through the alley's tension. "Stormterror is Mondstadt's problem—we'll handle it, and the Fatui have no place interfering here." Mondstadt's safety was her responsibility, a duty she would never give up to outsiders, no matter how stretched their strength was. Even with the Knights weakened from Varka's expedition, her resolve burned brighter than any weakness.
She closed her eyes briefly, taking a steadying breath as her new power stirred within her chest. A low rumble erupted—her Conqueror's Haki unleashed invisible shockwaves, roaring outward like a storm from her core. The cobblestones beneath her cracked, walls trembled, and the edges of the alley splintered as if hit by an unseen hammer.
Anastasia and her Fatui squad stumbled, their smug confidence breaking into panic at the sudden attack. "What's happening—this isn't normal!" Anastasia stammered, her voice lost in the chaos as the waves struck. Her subordinates, weaker than their leader, collapsed instantly, knocked unconscious by the Haki's relentless force. Only one Fatui remained standing, dazed and trembling, spared by Jean's deliberate restraint—a messenger for her warning. She had used her aura not to kill, but to declare Mondstadt's defiance against their overreach.
"You—do you mean to wage war with the Fatui and the Tsaritsa's power?" the lone survivor stammered, his courage failing. Mondstadt's sudden strength baffled him—where was the timid diplomacy he had expected?
Lisa leaned against the wall, her chuckle light. "War? Nonsense—they just tripped and fainted, didn't they?" She understood Jean's intention—a show of strength to stall the Fatui, buying Mondstadt time to grow stronger.
The Fatui pointed, his hand shaking. "You're twisting this—I saw what she did!"
Jean's gaze sharpened, her tone unwavering. "Tell your Lady we seek peace with Solstice, but our principles are non-negotiable."
"We've noted this insult—the Fatui won't forget it!" the survivor barked, his bravado a thin cover for his defeat. He glanced at his fallen comrades, frustration simmering—dragging them back to the Goethe Hotel would be a humiliating task. Their mission had failed, their pride trampled, and the Lady's wrath loomed.
As they retreated, Lisa smirked at Jean. "I've never seen you so commanding—quite the sight!" In her years beside Jean, she had known a diligent, earnest leader—never this bold, domineering figure.
Jean shot her a mock glare, then turned to Harlan with a bow. "Boss, I'm sorry for the mess—I'll have it repaired soon." Her Haki's outburst had damaged the alley—cracked stones and sagging walls framed Galehaven Comics like a warzone, spared only by its strange resilience. Thankfully, the remote location meant there were no residents, limiting the damage to just the scenery. She marveled inwardly at her own power—only now did she grasp the devastating reach of Conqueror's Haki. This strength fueled her defiance against the Fatui, a confidence born from Harlan's comic-given gift. Lumine and Barbara's respect for this shop made sense now—its magic truly hit home when you experienced its benefits firsthand. Harlan's true nature still eluded her—a man granting such power defied ordinary limits.
He nodded, unfazed by the wreckage. "No worries—I'm more interested in what's next for Mondstadt." Jean's display had sparked his interest, his curiosity piqued for the city's Haki-charged future.
Jean and Lisa said goodbye, their steps quick—clashing with the Fatui required preparations back at headquarters. They vowed to spread the word about Galehaven Comics, rallying more Mondstadt residents to claim its rewards and strengthen their city.
Alone again, Harlan summoned the system panel, its glow reflecting his count: six customers, two draws ready. "Time to pull new comics—what will it be this time?" he murmured, anticipation building as he gave the command.
"System, draw two comics now," he instructed, leaning back as the process began.
The first result appeared: Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai!—a story about Yuta Togashi trying to leave his delusional junior high past behind. Yuta aimed for a quiet high school life, ending his "chuunibyou" antics with a final dramatic flourish on his first day. Fate, however, paired him with Rikka Takanotsume, a current chuunibyou case who noticed his lingering quirks and pulled him into a "contract." Her actions drew classmates, family, and old friends into a whirlwind, blending Yuta's hidden past with a chaotic, heartfelt present. Harlan smirked—its quirky charm could attract Mondstadt's dreamers, perhaps even spark some unusual powers.
The second draw flashed: Yu-Gi-Oh—a saga rooted five thousand years ago in ancient rituals of fate and prophecy. Dark Games, once rituals for pharaohs, reappeared when a teen completed the Millennium Puzzle, embracing justice as the Duel King. Light and shadow clashed through two souls—Yugi Muto and his other self, Atem—with card battles deciding destinies in a modern twist.
"Card duels and delusions—quite the mix," Harlan mused, already imagining Wendy dramatizing these for crowds.
Six customers down, twenty-four to go—new tales promised fresh appeals for Mondstadt's curious and bold.