"Hey there, Sandrone. Could you make me a mask?" The next day, Shajin paid a visit to the [Puppet] workshop.
Sandrone, who was seated atop her puppet, glanced curiously at the dark circles under Shajin's eyes. On his pale face, they looked especially stark and out of place.
"You could just buy one from any vendor, couldn't you? Also, Adventurine, what's with those dark circles?"
Shajin let out a yawn, his voice tired, as if his soul had been sucked out of him.
"I need a full-face mask. The ones sold outside are hideous. None of them can compare to something crafted by the great [Puppet] herself."
"And don't mention these eye bags. I was roped into playing chess all night by Rosaline."
"We're heading to Liyue this afternoon, and she's still sleeping like a log while I didn't even get a chance to nap before coming here."
He slumped over Sandrone's desk, rubbing his eyes in a futile attempt to shake off the fatigue.
Hearing that, Sandrone couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Her laughter was like a gentle breeze, somehow lightening Shajin's exhaustion.
"I see. Well then, since you have such faith in my craftsmanship, I'll make you one. But… why the mask?"
Shajin sighed and replied with resignation.
"Because this face of mine draws too much attention. And don't forget, I'm a 'criminal' in Liyue, still officially exiled."
"If I don't wear a mask and someone recognizes me, it'll be a real pain."
As he spoke, he lightly touched his own cheek.
Sandrone nodded in understanding.
"I get it now. Don't worry, I'll make you something that's sure to please."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she asked softly, "Any preference for the style?"
Shajin thought for a moment. "Just something that suits my vibe."
Hearing that, Sandrone rolled her eyes with visible annoyance.
"You said the exact same thing last time."
She snapped her fingers, and a soft humming sound filled the room. Dozens of mechanical arms extended from the walls, placing various materials onto the workbench and deftly moving them around under her command.
Soon enough, a full-black mask appeared before Shajin. On its upper left forehead, a flamboyant gold character for "Gamble" was boldly inscribed.
Shajin reached out and touched the mask. A cool sensation washed over him—soothing and luxurious. The material was clearly something rare.
"Hey, Sandrone, this thing doesn't have eye holes. How am I supposed to see?"
"Put it on and find out," she replied breezily.
Curious, Shajin picked up the mask and placed it over his face.
He'd expected his vision to be blocked, but to his surprise, the world remained crystal clear from inside. From the outside, the mask appeared impenetrable, but from within, it offered perfect visibility—an astonishing and uncanny effect.
"Amazing, Sandrone!" he exclaimed.
But Sandrone only shook her head slightly, as if to say this was nothing more than a trivial trick.
Then she handed him a test tube, tilting her head slightly.
Shajin rolled his eyes and gave a helpless shake of his head before injecting his Imaginary energy into the transparent tube.
Compared to what he gave Albedo, this batch was much purer—like drops of liquid gold dancing within the glass.
Staring at the flowing golden substance, Shajin couldn't help but think: Has my Imaginary energy become some kind of premium currency now?
The thought struck him as absurdly funny.
Leaving the [Puppet] workshop, Shajin was just about to head home for a long-overdue nap when he noticed an unexpected visitor at his doorstep. His brows furrowed as he stared warily at the figure.
"Dottore, what are you doing here?" Shajin asked.
The figure gave a strange smile. "Adventurine, I've been waiting for you for quite some time~"
That voice sent a jolt through Shajin.
He looked closer. The person was wearing the same half-mask design as the [Doctor], but had a much younger, more immature face.
"That voice… don't tell me… a young 'segment' of Dottore? Little Dottore?" Shajin said in surprise.
A vein pulsed faintly on the youth's forehead, but he maintained his smile. "You don't have to be so direct. Like the other 'segments,' you can just call me Dottore."
Shajin's lips curled into a teasing grin. "Got it—Little Dottore~"
The so-called "Dottore" took a deep breath, clearly trying to maintain his composure.
"So, Little Dottore, what brings you here?" Shajin asked with an exaggerated smile.
Apparently, smiles don't disappear; they just change hosts.
Dottore chose to ignore the nickname. He was on a mission from both the "Original" and the "Prime Segment."
Why him and not one of the others? "Little Dottore" had the right to remain silent on that matter.
"Adventurine, I'm here because I want to study you…"
THUNK!
A large bump instantly formed on Little Dottore's head like a small hill.
Shajin patted him on the head. "Manners. Try again."
"You insolent—!"
SMACK!
Shajin landed a slap right on the bump, knocking it sideways. He didn't hold back, and Little Dottore's eyes welled up with unshed tears.
"You've gone too far!"
THUNK!
Another bump sprang up—now he had a matching set.
"Would you be willing to provide some of that Imaginary energy? 'We' would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to study it."
As he spoke, Little Dottore offered up a test tube.
"Mmm~ See? Now we're talking."
Shajin nodded with satisfaction… then flipped the mood completely.
"Nope."
"You little—!"
"Hmm?" Shajin raised an eyebrow.
"…"
"…May I ask why?"
Shajin didn't answer. He simply rubbed his fingers together in front of Little Dottore's face.
The boy instantly understood.
"We are willing to meet any request—so long as it doesn't cross certain boundaries."
Whether or not the Dottores had boundaries was another question entirely, but Shajin had already gotten what he wanted.
He took the test tube, infused it with a slightly dimmer Imaginary Number, and tossed it back.
Little Dottore caught it instantly.
"Much obliged!"
Then, as if fleeing from a wild beast, he bolted at full speed.
_
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