The next morning, as Lu Li was having coffee and breakfast at Café Lucerne, just like yesterday, a mysterious visitor sat down opposite him before he could finish his meal.
She had a mature and voluptuous figure, her impressive bust making one wonder how the buttons on her white blouse managed to hold on without bursting... Her standard-issue cape and side-cap marked her as a Champion Duelist, and her exquisite, unsmiling, and sternly beautiful face declared that this powerful woman was not someone to be trifled with.
She was the last "Shadow-Chasing Hunter" of Fontaine, the strongest Champion Duelist—Clorinde.
"Chiori told me you were looking for me, that you wanted to learn how to control elemental energy," Clorinde said softly, raising the brim of her hat slightly. She looked at Lu Li with curiosity, paused for a moment, and then continued, "She told me you don't have a Vision, but you also didn't gain your powers through a Delusion. Is that correct?"
Lu Li nodded lightly. "That's right... Although, a Delusion... I might be assigned one in the future, but for now, my power comes at absolutely no cost."
"I see," Clorinde nodded and took a small booklet from her pocket, placing it on the table and pushing it towards Lu Li. "Unfortunately, I've been quite busy lately, so I probably won't have much time to meet with you. In that case, training is out of the question."
"However, regarding how to control elemental energy in combat, after hearing about your situation yesterday, I stayed up all night writing this booklet. I hope it can be of some help to you."
Clorinde continued, "It contains a systematic training method, combining my personal experience and an assessment of your physical condition, to create a training plan that is most suitable for you right now."
Lu Li was surprised, then spoke with excitement, "This is... a huge help... Thanks, Clorinde!"
"Mm, you're welcome. After all, you're one of my few friends," Clorinde said with a faint smile. "Follow the training methods in there, and you should be able to improve your elemental control. You might see rapid progress at the beginning, but it will slow down later... Also, I hope we won't have to face each other on the battlefield in the future."
Lu Li paused for a moment, then said softly, "We won't. If I ever receive such a mission, I'll either feign illness or leave town... I won't make things difficult for us."
A complex emotion flickered in Clorinde's beautiful eyes. She nodded and said, "That's all for now, then. My identity is somewhat sensitive, and tabloid reporters could discover my whereabouts at any time and create unimaginable scandals. I should leave."
"Remember, follow the training plan, and don't get ahead of yourself or plan too far in advance."
"Got it!"
Lu Li stood up and watched Clorinde leave hastily. He looked down at the booklet and clenched his fist.
If he wanted to defy orders in an organization like the Fatui and avoid doing things he didn't want to do, he needed enough strength to ignore their so-called rules. That meant... reaching the level of a Harbinger, at the very least.
He didn't have that strength now, but that didn't mean he wouldn't in the future. Just as he told Clorinde, if a day ever came when he was forced to fight his friends... he would never choose to cross blades with them. He was alone anyway, with no family to speak of. If they pushed him to that point, he would simply run. Though doing so would be a betrayal, and the price would be steep...
Taking a deep breath, Lu Li began to flip through the training notes Clorinde had left him.
After just a few pages, he raised his eyebrows in surprise. Clorinde was truly amazing. He never knew there were such methods for training elemental energy. And there was a shortcut to applying it in combat, with no side effects... Elemental Bursts, weapon infusion... so that's how it worked...
He devoured the booklet, expanding his knowledge and envisioning how to apply these concepts in battle. After a quick read-through, Lu Li took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
He had decided. He would return to the training ground at the Hôtel Bouffes d'été and practice immediately. According to the notes, he could probably achieve a rough elemental infusion on his weapon in a single afternoon. That would easily elevate his strength to a new level.
And with that, he would be much more confident for his operation with Lyney tonight.
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