Genshin Impact: Villain Life Sim

"You killed your contact?" Signora's face immediately darkened with anger. Although she had no particular impression of Yusupov, Lucas's actions were undoubtedly a provocation against the Fatui. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

"I know exactly what I'm doing," Lucas replied calmly, nodding. "It's just that with his capabilities, he was hardly qualified to secure the Geo Archon's Gnosis."

The Gnosis!

The mention of those three words caused both Childe and Signora's expressions to shift in surprise.

In nearly all realities, collecting the seven Gnosis was a critical mission for the Fatui. However, in this version of events, the Fatui had yet to uncover the whereabouts of any Gnosis—Barbatos's Gnosis included, as the Anemo Archon remained absent and elusive.

Obtaining the first Gnosis would undoubtedly be a monumental achievement.

But neither Childe nor Signora were fools. Childe leaned back comfortably in his chair, his casual demeanor unchanged, and smiled. "You're aware of the consequences of deceiving the Fatui, aren't you? Everything you have now was given to you by us. And we can take it back just as easily."

"Do you really believe the Geo Archon's death was an accident?" Lucas countered smoothly, his tone unshaken by the veiled threat. "No. As members of the Qixing, we had already received word. The Archon foresaw his end and summoned the Qixing to entrust the Gnosis to us for safekeeping until a worthy successor for the Geo element emerges."

As he spoke, Lucas laid a set of photographs on the table before them. "These were taken during the Qixing's meeting. The piece on the table is the Gnosis."

Childe and Signora examined the photos. Sure enough, they depicted the Qixing in a formal gathering, with a mysterious object resembling a chess piece prominently displayed in the center. It was unmistakably the Gnosis—identical to the depiction Her Majesty had once shown them.

Their excitement, however, caused them to overlook a critical detail: the "Qixing meeting" only featured six members, not seven.

Indeed, the so-called "Qixing meeting" and "Geo Archon's entrustment" were complete fabrications by Lucas. But how could Childe and Signora suspect that Lucas had the influence to orchestrate such a convincing performance, enlisting even the Qixing to play their parts?

In Teyvat, there was no such thing as Photoshop or digital manipulation. These photographs were the perfect evidence.

"Even if everything you've said is true…" Signora's tone remained skeptical. "Why would you kill your own contact?"

"Following proper procedures would take months to summon the Fatui's Harbingers to Liyue. By then, the Gnosis might no longer be within my control," Lucas sighed, feigning regret. "I am, of course, deeply grateful to Yusupov for his mentorship. But for the greater good, I had no choice but to take this drastic step to hasten your arrival."

"That makes sense," Childe mused. "The Fatui will compensate Yusupov's family for his sacrifice. He can rest in peace. Now, about obtaining the Gnosis—what's your plan?"

"The Gnosis and the Geo Archon's corpse and remains," Lucas began, hiding his satisfaction at their eagerness. He maintained an air of seriousness as he continued, "are currently secured in Liyue Harbor's most heavily fortified location—the Golden House."

"The Golden House? Liyue Harbor's mint?" Childe pondered aloud. "That would indeed be the ideal location to secure something as vital as the Gnosis. But how do we get in?"

"Opening the Golden House requires two experts to simultaneously activate the mechanisms at its entrance," Lucas explained. "I'll handle diverting the Millelith guards. Once you're inside, the Gnosis will be yours for the taking."

Childe and Signora exchanged glances before smirking knowingly.

"Hahaha," Childe chuckled lightly. "It seems we're being underestimated. The Geo Archon's death, the need for two experts to open the Golden House… it's all too convenient, isn't it?"

With a swift motion, a blade of freezing cold pressed against Lucas's neck. Signora's voice was icy. "This is a trap, isn't it? You're trying to lure us into your web."

Lucas felt a jolt of tension—deceiving Fatui Harbingers was no small feat. Still, he maintained his composure.

Sighing, he said, "I see now… My sincere intentions have been misunderstood. You hold all the leverage over me, and one word from you could ruin me. Why would I risk everything to harm you?"

Seeing their hesitation, Lucas added, "My life is insignificant. But the chance to obtain the Gnosis is fleeting. If we let it slip away, what will Her Majesty think of this failure?"

The mention of the Tsaritsa gave both Childe and Signora pause. Missing the chance to claim the Gnosis could indeed provoke severe repercussions from their queen.

"Fine," Signora said at last, withdrawing her weapon but keeping a watchful eye. "For Her Majesty."

"For Her Majesty," Lucas echoed, raising a glass of wine. With a steady hand, he downed the entire drink.

Watching him, both Childe and Signora felt a glimmer of respect. Perhaps they had misjudged this man. His loyalty to the Tsaritsa appeared to rival their own.

"For Her Majesty!" Childe and Signora raised their glasses, following his lead.

As Lucas watched them drink, he couldn't help but smirk, muttering two words silently:

"Fucking Morons."