[Your and Vill-V's new, peaceful, and free life begins in London.]
[At first, under your arrangements, Vill-V, who met the age requirement, was enrolled in the best local middle school. There, surrounded by top students and the children of the wealthy, she received the finest elite education.]
[Unlike in typical novels, the children here, while curious about Vill-V's sudden arrival, were smart enough not to proactively provoke this student with a mysterious background.]
[During her first week, although Vill-V was not accustomed to such systematic learning, her genius-level intellect allowed her to quickly adapt to the academic pace.]
[At the same time, to avoid the loneliness she felt in the magic troupe, she used a few simple card tricks to easily become the new star of the class.]
[Among them, some students who had seen her perform recognized her and became her devoted fans.]
[It could be said that with her past experiences, her social skills had improved greatly.]
[However, this improvement was only superficial. While she might appear amiable and approachable to outsiders, in her heart, she never considered them true friends.]
[In her eyes, the intelligence of these so-called future elites was no different from that of monkeys.]
[Although middle school in England is a five-year system, it only took Vill-V half a semester to completely master all the required knowledge.]
[After that, she began to sleep in class. The teachers, however, pretended not to see, and were even secretly relieved.]
[Because they all knew that the moment this genius opened her eyes, it meant they had made a mistake in their lecture.]
[Thus, Vill-V quickly grew bored with this kind of life.]
---o---
"Hey... Li... I don't want to go to school anymore."
One day after school, Vill-V carelessly tossed her bag onto the sofa, picked up the ice cream from the dining table, and spoke with a complete lack of interest.
"It's just... so boring. The teachers' lessons are ridiculously simple. And the way the other students look at me, like they're looking at a god... it's so dull."
"Mhm, so you think the current curriculum is too easy?"
Looking at the adorable Vill-V, Fu Li shrugged helplessly, pulling a loaf of fragrant, soft bread from the oven with cotton mitts.
Although Fu Li could easily satisfy his own hunger with takeout, he was taking care of Vill-V, and it was always more reassuring to cook himself.
"Yeah. You have no idea how annoying it is to sleep in class every day."
Seeing the steaming bread, Vill-V swallowed hard. She was just about to reach for it when Fu Li pressed her hand down.
"Go wash your hands before you eat."
"Oh... fine."
Vill-V replied reluctantly, withdrawing her hand with some disappointment before obediently trotting off to the bathroom to wash up.
When she came out again, she saw Fu Li placing a thick file on the table before picking up a small cupcake and popping it into his mouth.
"Ooh... what's this?"
Seeing the file, Vill-V also grabbed a cupcake, her curiosity piqued.
"Mhm. I remember you like machinery, don't you, Vill-V?"
"Mhm, that's right. What about it?"
Fu Li didn't say anything, simply pushing the file towards her.
"So, this is for me?"
Vill-V raised an eyebrow, as if she had found something interesting. She devoured the cupcake in one bite and then eagerly picked up the file.
"Hey, remember to wipe your hands. That's the only paper copy we have right now."
"Hmph, what does that matter? I can't wait to see what's inside."
With that, Vill-V pulled the documents from the folder. The first thing she saw was a logo resembling an owl, which made her eyes narrow slightly.
So, this is the organization behind Fu Li?
Memorizing the logo's design, Vill-V's gaze moved down, gradually focusing on the first page of the document.
"Divine Key Project - Second Edition"
Divine Key? A god's keyboard?
Vill-V snarked internally, a smile on her face as she turned the first page. Then, her expression slowly froze.
Even for an unprecedented genius like her, seeing the things she was destined to build in the future was enough to throw her mind into chaos.
This... this kind of complex mechanical structure, and this insane line of thinking... which master designed this masterpiece?!
Vill-V was profoundly shaken. She grabbed another cupcake from the side, eating it as she rapidly flipped through the pages.
"Hahaha, what kind of person would build a device for observing the world in the form of a train? And the ever-changing Seven Thunders of Retribution, couldn't they at least consider the user? Suddenly changing into an unfamiliar weapon must be a pain."
"And this one, the Fourth Divine Key made into a satellite, how interesting. And this Star of Eden, it actually has a function to make things bloom... I'm telling you, Li."
At this point, Vill-V smiled and pulled out a section of the document, exclaiming excitedly, "Setting aside whether observing the world is even possible, Li, who designed these few Divine Keys? This is the first time I've ever taken an interest in someone."
"As for the others, their designs are just too mediocre. Not a single spark of inspiration."
Looking at the excited Vill-V, Fu Li gave a faint smile. "Indeed, the core power of these particular Divine Keys is almost impossible to create. Perhaps they're just fantastical ideas, who knows?"
"Unfortunately, the person you want to know about... she doesn't exist."
"Doesn't exist?" Vill-V's excited expression stiffened. For some reason, a chill crept up her spine.
"You mean... she's dead?"
"No, she's not dead. She just... doesn't exist yet."
A person... who doesn't exist?
Vill-V frowned, analyzing the truth of that statement in her mind.
After eliminating all possibilities, no matter how unbelievable the answer, she had to accept it.
"Is that so?" Her enthusiasm faded in an instant, and she shifted her attention elsewhere.
Although she had verbally disdained the other Divine Keys, Vill-V's intuition told her just how valuable the file in her hands was.
With her current knowledge, even if she could understand the function of some components, she had no idea what would happen when they were all assembled.
It was no exaggeration to say that, facing this document, she felt for the first time that she was no different from the so-called elite 'monkeys' in her class.
"Heh... Li, is this your goal?"
Suddenly, without any warning, Vill-V let out a soft laugh. Fu Li played along and asked.
"Hm? In your eyes, what is my goal?"
"Without a doubt, you showed me this file to make me realize that compared to the true knowledge of this world, what I currently possess is merely the tip of the iceberg."
The smile on Vill-V's lips widened, a fighting spirit igniting within her small frame.
"You're undoubtedly trying to crush my confidence. You want me to face my current abilities squarely, right? But you're wrong, Li!"
"I, Vill-V, am not someone who fears a challenge!"
Looking at the confident and feisty little dumpling, Fu Li smiled with satisfaction, then corrected her, "You're right about one thing, Vill-V. I do want you to see the real world."
"But I don't want to crush your confidence. I just don't want you to be satisfied with your current achievements. In fact, Vill-V, I don't dislike your confidence and pride. I actually like it a lot."
What... he likes... my prideful self?
The battle-ready little Vill-V froze upon hearing those words. Immediately, a strange sense of embarrassment and anger replaced her fighting spirit.
"W-W-Wha—! Idiot Li, what are you talking about?!"
Vill-V jumped to her feet. She knew very well that if she let her pride show, the relationships she had built by imitating the Conductor would instantly crumble.
After all, humans were like that. They might admire someone slightly better than them, but they would reject those who were overwhelmingly superior.
It was one of humanity's unavoidable original sins: envy.
"Hmph... In the end, if you weren't so unwilling to tell me what your secret is, I wouldn't be this bored, okay!"
Seeing Vill-V's rare, clumsy attempt to change the subject, Fu Li just chuckled softly and picked up a hard drive from the side, placing it on the table.
"But you already know that the answers you want are all in this hard drive. The only difference is whether you want to know directly, or if you want to find out in your own way."
"Hmph, since you already know that, don't tempt me with that thing."
Vill-V didn't even glance at the hard drive, crossing her arms. "I will definitely expose your fox tail through my own methods, Li!"
"Yes, yes, I'll be looking forward to it."
Looking at Vill-V, Fu Li propped his head on his hand, his smile as gentle as ever. The sight made Vill-V's cheeks flush slightly, and she quietly turned her face away.
In Fu Li's eyes, the Alan Institute was nothing more than a convenient tool to help his other companions and a whetstone to sharpen Vill-V's skills.
The talents observed and cultivated by this organization would eventually be integrated into The MOTHs Who Chase the Flame as his trusted subordinates. Only then would the organization truly be put to its best use.
Still, I can't help but feel like I'm becoming more and more like that old fox, Otto.
After complaining internally, Fu Li revealed his fangs, pointing to a pile of books on the balcony.
This wasn't an exaggeration. It was a literal mountain of books, containing all the standard high school textbooks, as well as introductory and intermediate mechanical dynamics texts.
"As you can see, Vill-V, this is what I've prepared for you. The first step in building your very own palace of knowledge."
"..."
Although she had seen the pile when she first entered the apartment, knowing that it was all for her still made Vill-V fall into a thoughtful silence.
"Li, did you know that for doing something like this, I could report you for child abuse?"
"Mhm, but I won't force you to study. I'll only prepare everything you need. Whether you want to learn or not is up to you."
"You..."
Facing the mountain of books, Vill-V let out a breath. "Fine. Where should I start?"
"From left to right. That's the entire high school curriculum. Besides that, there are some books on magic and mechanical dynamics. If there's anything else you want to learn, just let me know."
"Is that so... Looks like I have my work cut out for me."
Vill-V squared up to the challenge. Just as she was about to start, she heard Fu Li continue.
"Also, if you want to investigate my secret, you might want to pay some attention to the London newspapers lately. But be careful."
"The recent newspapers?"
Vill-V turned her back, the smile on her face growing more and more unrestrained.
This long-lost feeling of being challenged... it was just too exhilarating!
---o---
[That night, after dinner, Vill-V threw herself into the ocean of knowledge.]
[Among all the subjects, Vill-V was most interested in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.]
[She was like a sponge, desperately absorbing all this knowledge, hoping only to touch the secrets of this world sooner.]
[She completely forgot about eating and sleeping, choosing to study instead, until...]
"Alright, that's enough. Honestly, look at the time. Go to sleep now!"
"Waaah! Stinky Li, give me back my book! If you don't, I'm not talking to you tomorrow!"
"No, no negotiating. Studying is important, but it's nothing compared to your health!"
Opening the door to her room, Fu Li mercilessly snatched the book from Vill-V's hands. Ignoring her cries, he moved all the books to his own room and then put her back to bed.
"Okay, that's it for today. Good night."
"Mmph... fine, I get it."
Looking at the reluctant Vill-V on the bed, Fu Li reached out and gently patted her head. After receiving a fierce glare, he finally retracted his hand.
After confirming she hadn't hidden any books, Fu Li returned to his own room. Activating the soundproofing, he sat at his computer desk and made a call.
"Hello, Zi. It's been a while."
"Ah, it's the boss. Long time no see."
A young man's voice came from the other end. Fu Li smiled, then got straight to the point.
"I recall from the last briefing that there seem to be three geniuses who have appeared here in London, correct?"
"Yes, boss. If I remember correctly, they are the A-rank criminal genius Professor Moriarty, the A-rank detective genius Miss Charlotte, and the B-rank genius detective's assistant Miss Watson."
"Among them, Miss Charlotte and Miss Watson are talents we are preparing to recruit into the organization. As for Professor Moriarty, he is the test Miss Charlotte is meant to face."
"Oh, is that so?" Fu Li tapped on his computer, pulling up the files on the three individuals. After looking them over for a moment, he said, "In that case, would you mind if I add another special genius to help Miss Charlotte?"
"This..." The voice on the other end hesitated for a moment before replying, "Of course, no problem. After all, you are the supreme leader. Any genius you pay attention to is surely no ordinary person."
"Mm, of course. Then I'll leave them in your care."
Hanging up the phone, Fu Li revealed a smile of anticipation.
Author's PS:
(Smirk) Since Honkai Impact 3rd has the Irene Adler stigmata set [Rosemary's Floriograph], it's not too much to add a Charlotte and a Watson, right?