Chapter 30: The Online Knight

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Soon, more and more videos began to surface as people uploaded their previously recorded content. Initially restricted to specific audiences, these videos were now accessible to everyone.

There were badass clips showcasing magic beast clearances, entertaining dance performances by beauties, leisurely storytelling videos, and even some explicit adult content displaying endurance. However, accounts posting such material quickly got banned upon upload.

Despite the bans, some individuals managed to catch glimpses, leaving them flushed and flustered.

Lin Feng grew increasingly concerned; at this rate, wouldn't the Knights of Favonius eventually shut down live streaming altogether?!

Mondstadters seated in restaurants and taverns held their phones, engrossed in watching videos. The occasional sounds emanating from these devices made those without smartphones feel restless and left out.

Unable to resist, those without phones found themselves standing behind others, peering over their shoulders. Once they started watching, time seemed to slip away unnoticed.

Finally, someone using their phone would turn off the screen and leave, realizing how much time had flown by. They'd smack their thigh with regret, exclaiming:

"I need to buy a smartphone for video viewing too!"

Thanks to MiHoYo Live's presence, more and more people became aware of smartphones, with many considering purchasing one.

Lin Feng sat on the Mondstadt Bridge, observing the steady stream of passersby, his face beaming like a blooming flower. Why sell here? Likely because he figured sales outside Mondstadt meant no taxes!

***

Before long, Diluc also acquired a smartphone. His butler had purchased it for him after noticing many similar devices appearing in taverns, piquing his interest.

Diluc frowned as he browsed the content on his phone, realizing most of it pertained to Mondstadt's strategic arrangements. If this information fell into enemy hands, it could be disastrous. He wondered if Jean would understand the implications.

Jean, having just finished her work, opened her phone intending to read. However, upon spotting MiHoYo Live, she couldn't resist clicking in to check if Klee was causing any trouble.

As soon as she did, her face flushed red. Two women were engaging in inappropriate behavior, only to be swiftly banned from streaming within seconds.

Jean furrowed her brow; such content could severely impact Mondstadt's moral standards and harm young children—it must be prohibited!

She stood up, ready to head to the Mondstadt city gates to find Lin Feng.

Unaware of the situation, Lin Feng continued enthusiastically selling phones, not forgetting to shout out, "Phones endorsed by Miss Barbara—used by every Mondstadter!"

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him, prompting Lin Feng to look up immediately.

"Lin Feng, can we talk?" Jean asked calmly, gazing at him.

Lin Feng glanced at the queue of waiting customers but still nodded, feeling a pang akin to heartbreak.

Seeing Lin Feng leave, the customers grumbled discontentedly, reluctantly departing.

Lin Feng entered the Knights of Favonius headquarters, and Jean gestured for him to sit down across from her. Feeling nervous, he realized his lack of self-defense capabilities.

Jean pondered briefly, considering how best to approach the topic. Halting live streams due to potential negative impacts would be akin to throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

However, allowing vulgar content on these platforms posed significant risks to Mondstadt citizens' mental health.

Lin Feng felt uneasy under Jean's imposing presence.

"Lin Feng, it may be necessary for the Knights of Favonius to intervene with phone regulation. What are your thoughts?" Jean looked at Lin Feng, seeking his opinion since it involved his invention.

After some consideration, Lin Feng responded, "Of course, no problem. You could establish a specialized 'Network Knight' department responsible for managing the phones. I can provide you with administrative devices and offer technical guidance!"

Lin Feng had little choice; if he wanted to sell phones in Mondstadt, he needed to comply with local regulations.

Jean hesitated momentarily before nodding, deciding to form a pilot Network Knight squad.

Shortly thereafter, the Knights of Favonius issued a public announcement:

"Due to the recent introduction of smartphones, which have brought about transformative changes in Mondstadt's daily life, we announce the formation of a Network Knight Squad dedicated to ensuring cybersecurity. We warmly welcome enthusiastic applicants."

"The selection process consists of two parts: First, an assessment of moral integrity and ethical understanding; second, practical application of smartphone usage! The evaluations will take place next Monday."

***

"Traveler, how can I break these wooden stakes simultaneously?" Ellin looked at the row of stakes before her and asked Lumine.

Lumine effortlessly unleashed her elemental power, extending one hand. A gust of wind swept towards the stakes, instantly shattering them all to pieces.

"Oh, so that's how it works! Brilliant!" Ellin beamed with delight, leaving Paimon utterly confused. She glanced skeptically at Lumine and queried,

"Did...did she really understand? It took me ages just to teach you that move."

"I'm not sure either; maybe, possibly, perhaps..." Lumine shook her head, unsure how to explain.

Just then, Noelle approached Ellin - both being unsuccessful applicants for the Knights of Favonius.

"Ellin, did you know? The Knights of Favonius are recruiting Cyber Knights," Noelle exclaimed excitedly, her voice as gentle as ever.

"Cyber Knights? What's that? Any specific requirements?" Ellin asked, also showing interest.

"It seems they're changing the conventional combat assessment to a mobile phone usage test," Noelle recalled, explaining to Ellin.

"What are mobile phones?" For Ellin, who was solely focused on becoming Favonius Knight, nothing mattered more than practicing her stake-breaking skills.

Since Noelle had been called to help someone before, she gained some knowledge about charging phones using her Vision.

"So, should we go buy phones now?" Ellin eagerly asked Noelle, unconcerned about what kind of knight they were as long as it meant contributing to Mondstadt City as Knights of Favonius.

"Unfortunately, the person selling phones has already left," Noelle replied, feeling slightly disheartened; she genuinely wanted to become a Favonius Knight rather than just serving them as a maid.

"My dad seems to have a phone. Lately, he's been constantly looking at this colorful screen with people inside - is that what you're talking about?" Ellin curiously asked, observing Noelle closely.

Hearing Ellin's description, Noelle quickly nodded, "Yes, that's definitely a phone!"

Upon learning that Ellin's father owned a phone, Noelle felt both blessed and even more saddened.

"Noelle, let's go together! We'll learn side by side!" Ellin excitedly took Noelle's hand, smiling warmly.

Noelle blushed, stammering, "Th-thank...thank you!"

"You're welcome! If not for you, I wouldn't have known the Knights of Favonius were recruiting right now!" Ellin grinned cheerfully, then rushed off to claim her father's phone.

***

"Hey, Dad, can I borrow your phone for a week?"

"Oh, I'm busy right now!"

"But it's for joining the Knights of Favonius! If you don't lend me your phone, you'll be delaying your daughter from becoming one."

Ellin's father, who was previously engaged in an online debate defending his "wife," reluctantly handed over his phone to allow his daughter to handle her important matter.