Genshin Impact: Villain Life Sim

"When I first saw you, I recognized you immediately, young master," Chuyi knelt down, gently brushing her hand over the iron mask on Lucas's face. Her expression was filled with sorrow. "You've suffered so much for so long. It's been so hard on you."

"Come with me," Lucas said weakly. "If that vile woman finds out you helped me escape, she'll never let you go."

"This tunnel is too narrow for me to pass through," Chuyi shook her head. "Yelan has too many spies. It's impossible for me to escape unnoticed. Don't worry, young master—I have my own way of handling things."

Chuyi pulled out the knife she had used to kill the wolfhound and cleaned off the blood. Then, without hesitation, she stabbed it into her own arm. The sharp pain caused beads of cold sweat to form on her forehead.

"When the iron-masked lunatic escaped, I tried to stop him and was attacked," Chuyi said through gritted teeth. "This way, I might be able to cover for you temporarily."

Lucas understood all too well that his escape wouldn't be easy. Taking Chuyi with him would only make things harder. By staying behind, she would actually be safer.

"Wait for me," Lucas said, clenching his teeth. "One day, I'll come back for you."

"I will," Chuyi nodded. "I'll be waiting for you."

Just then, a flash of lightning tore across the sky, followed by a deafening crash of thunder. Moments later, torrential rain began to pour.

The rain would wash away Lucas's tracks, but his already weakened body struggled even more in the downpour. After what felt like an eternity of trudging forward, Lucas collapsed with a loud thud, the iron mask he wore clanging against the ground.

When Lucas finally regained consciousness, he found himself in a confined room. Sitting across from him was a woman with a curvaceous figure and striking green hair. She stared at him with an unsettling smile.

Although Lucas had never encountered this woman in the simulator, he immediately recognized her based on his real-world memories. This was none other than "The Doctor," a person he had personally subdued in his quest for revenge and imprisoned within his Serenitea Pot. Her face was unforgettable, as was her manic, haughty smile.

"Who… who are you?" Lucas feigned ignorance, asking, "Where is this place?"

"Here, only I get to ask the questions," the Doctor sneered. "I am an executive of the Fatui. You may call me 'The Doctor.' I had spies stationed around Yelan's estate and spotted you escaping from her home, so I had you brought here."

Great—out of the wolf's den and into the tiger's lair.

Lucas inwardly sighed at his terrible luck.

The Doctor continued, "Now, answer me: Who are you? Why was Yelan holding you captive? And why are you wearing that peculiar mask?"

Lucas had already prepared a cover story to conceal his true identity. He quickly replied, "I come from a village near Liyue Harbor. I had some schooling, but due to poverty, I joined the Treasure Hoarders and eventually became a small-time leader. I had some conflicts with Yelan, which led her to imprison me in her estate for years of torment. As for this iron mask… it's one of her cruel methods of torture."

Thanks to the mask obscuring his face and expressions, it was difficult for the Doctor to discern his emotions. Otherwise, with her sharp intuition, even the smallest detail—a glance or a twitch—could have betrayed him.

"Forcing someone to wear an iron mask?" The Doctor chuckled darkly. "I must admit, even the Fatui haven't thought of something so vicious." She walked closer, lightly tapping on the mask with her finger, producing a crisp metallic sound. "I examined it while you were unconscious. The mask has fused with your skin. Just imagining the pain is enough to make me shudder."

"It's excruciating," Lucas said through gritted teeth. "That vile woman, Yelan… I'll never forgive her!"

"Oh, I can feel the fire of your hatred," the Doctor said with mock admiration. "So, tell me—do you want revenge?"

"I dream of it," Lucas replied without hesitation. "I won't endure this humiliation for nothing."

"Such a pure desire for vengeance!" The Doctor clapped her hands lightly. "I can give you that chance. Work with the Fatui, and you'll have the means to carry out your revenge."

"I… I'd be willing," Lucas said cautiously. "But why choose me?"

After all, in his current state—weak, masked, and barely functional—he was little more than a liability.

"First, we share a common enemy. Second, the fact that you escaped Yelan's estate shows you're resourceful and capable of endurance," the Doctor said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "But those two reasons alone aren't quite enough. If you can demonstrate one more quality that convinces me, I'll agree to work with you."

Lucas scanned the room and noticed a firearm resting on a nearby table.

The weapon resembled real-world firearms but operated primarily on elemental principles. Among the seven nations, Snezhnaya's craftsmanship in firearms was the most advanced and widely used. A well-trained team equipped with such weapons could rival the power of those with Visions.

"Can I borrow that firearm for a moment?" Lucas asked.

"Do you want to prove your marksmanship?" The Doctor, seemingly unconcerned about Lucas using the weapon against her, handed it over with a smirk. "This isn't a toy. Be careful not to hurt yourself."

Lucas, having grown up in privilege, had experience handling firearms and understood their basic operation. The weapon was a revolver. He unloaded five of the six bullets, leaving just one. After spinning the chamber, he raised the barrel to his temple.

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