Chat group upgrade, temporarily apart!

Ayumu felt a bit overwhelmed. 😵

Thoughts raced through his mind at lightning speed as he contemplated whether he should still run now or not.

Recalling that mournful picture in a certain game society, Ayumu's whole being felt uneasy.

How did that saying go?

It was said that the Raiden Shogun had invited others to taste her cooking, and those who went in standing came out carrying.

As the saying goes, "The presence of the Seven scatters lifetimes; the touch of the Divine sends souls adrift."

A single drop on the ground would make a barren wasteland for hundreds of miles for thousands of years. How terrifying!

In Ayumu's memory, there was also another dish that was the complete opposite — Paimon's Fresh Shrimp Congee.

A stark contrast to the previous extreme, those who ate it received a full buff, propelling them straight to the pinnacle of life.

Unfortunately, it was a bit demanding on Paimon. 😅

No, he had to find a way to stop this!

Ayumu looked at the enthusiastic Shadow and the already expectant Yae Miko, a moment of hesitation crossed his face.

Maybe the actual situation was different?

Could the Raiden Shogun actually make something tasty?

----

[System Message: Chat Group Leader Ayumu has posted a group task.]

[Sayu: Hmm... Why is there always noise? Ugh, how do I turn it off! 😤]

[Kaeya: Huh, another task? 😎]

[Diluc: Taste the dish personally made by the Raiden Shogun at Mokuryou South Pavilion... What kind of task is this? 🤨]

[Jean: It's too far, seems like I can't make it. 😕]

[Rosaria: So the Raiden Shogun can cook. Impressive, much better than our unproductive Lord Barbatos. 👍👍 😂]

[Venti: Huh, I'm pretending I didn't see this task. Gotta go, gotta go. 🏃‍♂️]

[Zhongli: Speaking rationally, it's necessary to expand the Afterlife Pavilion business in Inazuma, Hu Tao. 🧐]

[Hu Tao: Who mentioned me? I'm busy catching Qiqi right now. We'll talk later, Zhongli. 👻]

[Keqing: I wonder if His Excellency the God of Eternity can cook. 🤔]

[Ganyu: I've never seen him cook. Probably not, Keqing. 😅]

[Ningguang: Ganyu, how did you eat when you followed His Excellency? 🤔]

[Ganyu: With the Stove God around, the food was delicious, just a bit spicy, Ningguang. 😋]

[Gouba: Gurgle gurgle... 🐻]

[Xiangling: Wow... Gouba, how did you end up in the group? Gouba 🤣]

[Gouba: Gurgle gurgle... 🐻]

Watching the lively discussions in the group, but still not a single person accepting his task, Ayumu began to feel uneasy.

Especially after seeing Venti and Zhongli's messages, his heart felt even colder! ❄️

Among the Seven reigning gods, the oldest two were the Geo Archon Morax, also known as Zhongli, and the Anemo Archon Barbatos, now going by Venti the bard.

Aside from them, the remaining five gods were not the original Five.

If there were people who had actually tasted the Raiden Shogun's cooking, it had to be those two without a doubt!

One slipping away without a trace.

The other suggesting to expand the Afterlife Pavilion business.

Wasn't this obvious enough? 🤨

Shadow had already stood up, taking Yae Miko to the Mokuryou South Pavilion's kitchen.

At the front counter, Ayumu sat alone, feeling like an ant on a hot plate. 😓

What should he do?

In a moment, he would have to face the "delicacy" that Shadow had put so much effort into making. This innocent and pure beauty would surely be looking forward to him taking a bite. 😬

To taste the judgment and the Thundering Pulse, both choices seemed to lead to a dead end.

At that moment, two figures approached secretly. 😮

"Kujou Sara?" 😮

"Yoimiya?" 😯

Seeing the two individuals, Ayumu's expression didn't display any surprise. 😐

He had already checked the group earlier and knew that these two had been tracking here all along, likely hidden nearby. 🧐

At this moment, Yoimiya looked at Ayumu with curiosity. "Group Leader, what does that task you posted mean?" 🤔

"To go to Inazuma City and taste the dishes personally made by the Shogun, is it really that simple?" 😲

Kujou Sara also appeared puzzled. 🤨

"Sara, I have a question for you."

"Shadow... Does the Shogun usually cook?"

"Or... Has she ever tried cooking? Have you tried her dishes?"

After contemplating for a while, Ayumu asked. 🤔

He intended to inquire if the dishes might be poisonous, but without firsthand experience, he didn't dare draw conclusions. 🤨

What if the food turned out to be delicious? Making his own might invite lightning strikes. ⚡

"I don't think so..."

Kujou Sara thought for a moment and shook her head. "The Shogun has always been at the Grand Narukami Shrine and has never mentioned the need to eat. I've never seen it." 😕

In an instant, Ayumu's heart skipped a beat. 💔

After hesitating, Ayumu steeled himself. "Let's go, I'll take you both to see. This is a rare opportunity!"

"Let's taste the dishes made by the Shogun herself. It's not an opportunity everyone gets!"

Ayumu got up and headed towards the kitchen. 🚶‍♂️

Upon hearing this, Kujou Sara's eyes brightened. She didn't think much and quickly followed. 😃

She was excited. 😄

The Shogun was so impressive, so the dishes she made must be delicious, right?

She was looking forward to it! 🍽️😋

Yoimiya hesitated for a moment before following to the back. ⏩

Earlier, she had seen a resolute determination in Ayumu's expression. 😮

That look... gave the impression of facing a life-or-death crisis! 😬

"Is the Group Leader really that flustered?"

"Just eating dishes made by the Shogun, why does he have an expression as if facing a life-and-death decision?"

Yoimiya was full of confusion, wanting to ask but unsure how to bring it up. 🤷‍♀️

----

Inazuma City. 🏞️

There's a small stove here, it looks capable of cooking. 🍳

Mokun An'nai stood nervously to the side, looking uncertainly at Shadow who was busily cooking. 😬

Ayumu also arrived at the back. 🚶

The live broadcast lens was already focused on the front at this moment. 📷

A small basin of flour, into which Shadow poured water, seemingly preparing to make batter. 🍚

Several crabs, cut into halves, were placed nearby. 🦀

Is he making Golden Crab? 🦀

At this moment, seeing the lumps in the basin, Shadow thought carefully and added a ladle of water. 💭

Splash... 💦

Ayumu couldn't bear to look at it. 😅

Isn't a little bit enough in this situation? Come on, you've turned it into a mush again. 😓

"Add more flour." 💬

"Oh, alright, Shogun-sama." 🤗

Mokun Annai went to get flour, quickly returned, and brought out a full basin. 🏃

Slop, slop... 🤢

Almost half of the basin of flour was poured in... 🙈

---

The live stream played in real-time. 🎥

Seeing the Shogun's actions, the chat group was already in an uproar! 📢

[👩‍🔬 Lisa: Looks like this Raiden is a novice. 😅]

[🗡️ Eula: Is he making pancakes or batter? Why can't I understand anything? 🤷‍♀️]

[🍲 Xiangling: Eula, look, there are crabs there. It seems like he's making batter-covered fried crabs. That's how our famous dish Golden Crab is made here. 🤤]

[🔥 Guoba: Gurgle gurgle... gurgle gurgle gurgle... 🍖]

[✨ Lumine: I really want to fry Paimon in batter, wonder what it would taste like. 🤔]

[👧 Paimon: How can you say that! Paimon isn't food! 😒]

[📚 Lisa: Lumine Sister, the little cutie is here again. Are you coming to the library to play with big sis? 😉]

[👩‍✈️ Jean: Lisa, be mindful of your words, there's a child here. 🙏]

[💥 Klee: Wow, it looks so delicious. Klee wants to eat! 🎈]

[❄️ Kaeya: ���������BlackLine Klee, don't mess around. How do you see it as delicious? 😅]

[👩‍✈️ Jean: She just wants an excuse to slip away. 🤫]

In the astonished gazes of Ayumu, Yae Miko, Kujou Sara, and Yoimiya,

A large basin of batter was finally mixed well. 🍲

"Seems like a bit too much?" 😕

Shadow furrowed his brows slightly, looking at Ayumu. 🤨

Ayumu:...

Sis, you added water five times and flour six times, how could it not be too much? 😂

If people didn't know, they would think you're steaming mantou! 😆

Yae Miko's charming face also displayed hesitation, as she spoke: "Shadow, how about... stopping here?"

"I was just joking, let's just have a bit of it casually." 😅

Clearly a novice, not even knowing what weird thing might turn out.

The previous anticipation had worn away, now replaced by skepticism and a sense of crisis. 😬

"I won't give up."

Her pale purple eyes were filled with determination, causing even Ayumu, who wanted to say something, to be at a loss for words. 😶

Picking up a crab, Shadow imitated Ayumu's previous actions, covering it with batter.

Then, looking at the smoking frying pan, she hesitated for a moment.

"Be careful, everyone."

"Uh..."

Sizzle! 🍳🔥 Ayumu swiftly tossed the crabs into the pot, and in an instant, he retreated three meters away. ⚡🦀

Crackling sounds emerged, and Ayumu had already sensed the danger, retreating far back with a fearful expression. 🙀

Kujou Sara and Yoimiya were a bit slow to react.

"Ah!"

"Sss... it's so hot!" 🔥😱

A few drops of hot oil splattered onto them, causing both of them to jump around in pain. 😫💦

---

[Kaeya: Hahaha...] 😄

[Keqing: This isn't cooking; it's like exploding the kitchen. 🙄] 😅

[Venti: Admiring the leader and the brave souls. Luckily, I cleverly avoided the group's to-do list. I'll immortalize your story in my verses. ❤️] 🎵

[Zhongli: Though it seems dangerous, it doesn't appear to be as terrifying as before. At least it's not poisonous.] 😅🍲

[Kaeya: Zhongli, have you ever tasted the Electro Archon's cooking?]

It's the Electro Archon we're talking about.

Setting aside culinary skills, how many people even get the opportunity?

[Zhongli: I once stumbled upon a residue. After consuming it, I felt time pass swiftly, a decade vanishing in an instant, truly sigh-worthy.]

[Arataki Itto: Zhongli, is the Shogun's cooking really that delicious?]

[Hu Tao: Arataki Itto, do you have a bubble in your brain? Let me translate—eating a bit means losing ten years of life.]

[Jean: That's terrifying.] 😱

[Ningguang: Perhaps only Ganyu and the Adeptus can give it a try. 🤨]

[Ganyu: Fried food leads to weight gain, I'll pass.]

[Keqing: Ganyu, are you free in the afternoon? Let's go shopping together.]

[Ganyu: Yes, sure.]

An hour later. A platter of golden crabs, charred and fragrant, was placed on the table. 🦀🍽️

Yes, due to excessive batter, Ayumu had Kujou Sara prepare dozens of large crabs, all ready for cooking.

Judging by appearance, the golden crabs looked quite appealing. 🤤

The aroma of the fried dish was tantalizing.

Though the process was nerve-wracking, the outcome seemed acceptable. 😅

"Miko, have a taste."

Ayumu picked up a crab larger than a fist and placed it on Yae Miko's plate.

Then, he turned to Ayumu and the others, saying, "You all should try it too, see if it's good."

More golden crabs.

Ayumu was somewhat reluctant.

But he couldn't resist the intense gaze of Ayumu, so he reluctantly picked up a piece.

He took a bite. Then another. And another.

Meanwhile, Yae Miko's voice sounded puzzled, "Ayumu, did you forget to put the crab in?"

"After a few bites, where's the crab?"

"..." 🤔🦀

-----

"Due to the activity of the host and chat group members, the chat group system is being upgraded!" 🚀🌟

"Image-sending skill unlocked, host rewarded: a perfect instant camera." 📷🎁

[Kujou Sara has completed a group task, congratulations to the host, attack power increased by 10 points.]🎉

[Yoimiya has completed a group task, congratulations to the host, attack power increased by 10 points.]🎊

[Yae Miko has completed a group task, congratulations to the host, attack power increased by 10 points.]🥳

After devouring Ayumu's specially crafted golden crabs, Ayumu felt a level of fullness he'd never experienced before. 🦀🤤

He barely tasted any crab, it was all fried batter.

However, the fried batter seemed surprisingly delicious. 😋

Kujou Sara enjoyed it thoroughly, only reluctantly shifting her gaze when she couldn't eat any more. 😊

"I'll take some to go."

As everyone prepared to leave, Kujou Sara glanced at the half-full pot of golden crabs and looked at Ayumu with a serious expression.

"Pfft..."

Ayumu sprayed out a mouthful of tea. ☕😂

This person was undoubtedly Ayumu's ultimate fan, and it was hilarious. 😄🎤

After the meal, the group left the wooden pavilion.

Kujou Sara held a large bag, filled with deep-fried tempura. 🛍️🍤

"Shogun, it's time to head back."

Casting a sidelong glance at Ayumu, Kujou Sara addressed the Electro Archon, Raiden Shogun. 🧐

She couldn't let the Electro Archon follow the group leader for shopping anymore.

Something felt off; the Electro Archon's temperament seemed to have changed.

Especially after the incident where the Electro Archon's hand was held, Kujou Sara's heart ached. 💔

She also wanted to hold hands.

"Alright, let's head back."

Yae Miko nodded, then turned to Ayumu. "And where are you going?" 🤔

Ayumu did have a place to go, and after barely escaping the realm of Sangonomiya, he didn't want to return just yet.

Who knew if the puppet Shogun might create another problem, leaving him trapped there waiting to die.

"Heh, I'm planning to wander around and appreciate the beauty of Inazuma. See you later." 😄🌸

Immediately, Yae Miko's brows furrowed, and her expression turned displeased. "You're not coming back with me?"

Huh?

At this moment, Yae Miko, Kujou Sara, and Yoimiya were all stunned.

This seemed like a situation, right?

Was this resembling a quarrel between a couple in the honeymoon phase? 💔🌙

----

In the chat group, Ayumu forgot to turn off the live broadcast function, so this scene unfolded before them.

The others were perfectly astounded, and between the frowning Yae Miko and the bewildered Ayumu, the group messages went wild.

[Keqing: The Thunder God is in love?] 😍⚡

[Ningguang: Keqing, don't make baseless claims; just enjoy watching. 🍿🍿]

[Arataki Itto: The group leader is now my idol. Throughout all of Inazuma, the group leader is number one, and I'm second. 😎]

[Gorou: Arataki Itto, without the Eye of the Gods, how do you dare to say such things?]

[Kamisato Ayaka: The esteemed group leader is truly impressive. Thoma, please invite our esteemed group leader to the Moonchase Tea House later.]

[Thoma: Kamisato Ayaka, understood.]

[Kaeya: What's so great about Inazuma? Ayumu, group leader, come to Mondstadt; I'll treat you to drinks.]

[Diluc: Go to Cat's Tail Tavern; Kaeya, the Angel's Share isn't welcoming you.]

[Diona: Cat's Tail Tavern will be closed for three days.]

---

Parting ways with Yae Miko for the time being, Ayumu promised to visit her at Tenshukaku Castle in a few days, earning a nod from the naive and innocent girl. 👋🏯🌸

"When you come, I'll cook for you." 👩‍🍳🍽️

With her eyes shining, Shadow looked at Ayumu earnestly, then turned and walked away. ✨🚶

Yae Miko chuckled lightly, looking at Ayumu with interest. 😄👀

Then, she took out a small card.

"Here, group leader young man, this is for you." 🎁👤

"What's this?"

Looking at the small card in his hand, carrying a unique girl's fragrance, Ayumu looked curiously. 🤔💌

Was it like a fortune slip?

"Hehe, this? It's not something that ordinary people can easily get, you know~!" 😏🎴

"If you have time, remember to come to the Yashiro Shrine in Inazuma to find me for some fun~!" 🏯🏞️

Yae Miko pursed her lips and smiled, naturally captivating in her demeanor. 😊🦊

This little fox was truly enchanting.

"Yes, sure, if I get the chance, I'll definitely come." 👍👋

Ayumu nodded, storing the card safely. "After all, this is a token of affection given to me by the beautiful and wise Miss Yae Miko." 💖📜

"You have such a sweet mouth, truly likable." 😁🍬

"No wonder even Shadow was enchanted by her, trying his hand at cooking. Quite impressive!" 😮👨‍🍳

"I'm leaving, don't keep me waiting too long!" 👋😄

With a light laugh, Yae Miko also departed. 😆👋

...

[Lisa: The young lady is right; the group leader is indeed a competent cutie.] 😊👧

[Arataki Itto: She's Yae Miko, the second-in-command in the Kamisato Clan.] 🙌💼

[Jean: Why did the Kamisato Clan close the borders? Many messages can't get through; what are the people of Inazuma doing? 🤨]

[Yoimiya: Jean, we're playing cat and mouse every day, it's exhilarating.] 🐱‍🏍🐭

[Gorou: And there's fighting.] 🤼‍♂️

[Sangonomiya Kokomi: Jean, I heard the Anemo Archon in Mondstadt isn't doing their job either. Jean, you're the leader, observe whether our Electro Archon is also slacking off? 😴]

[Jean: It does seem like it. What's the relevance?]

[Gorou: I understand, Sangonomiya-sama's point is, if our own god isn't working, Inazuma might become as free as Mondstadt, right, Sangonomiya-sama?]

[Sangonomiya Kokomi: You got about one-tenth of it right, Gorou. Come find me, I've prepared twenty brilliant strategies for you.]

[Gorou: [Excited] I'm heading back now!] 😄🏃‍♂️