He changed Tiwat

The workers in the factory were all wearing the uniforms of the Fools, and they appeared to be subordinates of the "Lady," numbering roughly several dozen. Some were moving goods, others operating machinery; everyone was working tirelessly like a machine, as if there was never enough work to be done…

The familiar sight of cattle and horses made Han Fulai almost feel as if he had traveled back to an electronics factory on Earth.

If it weren't for the four-leaf clover-shaped Fools symbol scattered throughout the factory, and the fact that the screens and potted plants along the way had a distinct Inazuma feel, people would believe this was a factory on Earth.

It seems that the technology tree of the Winter Kingdom is more inclined towards Earth's industrial civilization, which may be related to the fact that they inherited the technology of Kanria.

"Wow...that's amazing! What are these machines used for?"

"Ah, what are all these 'crystallized bone marrow' used for?"

Xingqiu and Ying both showed appropriate curiosity—as "country bumpkins" from Haizhi Island, they should naturally be surprised to see such a sight.

In fact, this was the first time they had ever seen such a mechanical factory.

Borenka was clearly unhappy with the noise the "recruits" were making: "This is not your business. No talking without orders from your superiors! You guys, take these two recruits to where they belong."

His subordinates immediately obeyed the order and prepared to take Xingqiu and Ying away.

Ying immediately protested, "Wait, I came here to follow Lord Nathan! I don't want to leave Lord Nathan!"

The soldiers of the Fools were surprised to find that the female soldier from Haizhi Island was so "clingy," and a few ambiguous smiles appeared on their faces.

Borenka scoffed: "Hmph, your current task is to pass the recruit test. Once you pass the test, then we can talk about which lord you want to follow."

Xingqiu quickly asked, "I'm sorry, sir. Lord Nathan didn't mention the recruit test you mentioned, so we're a little apprehensive. Could you please explain it to us?"

Her words were very respectful to Paulenka, her "commander," and were quite reasonable. Paulenka should have been happy to answer their questions.

However, Borrenka's attitude was extremely arrogant: "I have no obligation to explain the orders to you. The only choices you have are to obey, or to be taught a lesson by me and then obey!"

"us……"

Xingqiu was about to say something when Paulineka coldly interrupted her.

"Have you forgotten something, recruit? I told you before you came: obey your superiors' orders and don't ask why."

Seeing that Borrenka was about to lash out, Han Fulai quickly gave Xingqiu a wink: "Matsuda, Koyama, do as Warrant Officer Borrenka says."

Xingqiu understood, nodded, and said no more. He obediently followed the group of foolish soldiers with Yingmei.

Anyway, even if something happens, they can just fight it out—that was Ying's original purpose in coming here.

Xingqiu was alert enough, and Yingmei was someone who could fight against General Leidian. Dealing with these ordinary Fool soldiers was like a dimensional reduction attack. With the two of them teaming up, nothing would go wrong.

Now that we have the opportunity to go deep into the factory, we can gather more information about the Fools' Clan.

Borenka watched the two "recruits" leave with a cold expression, then turned to a somewhat ingratiating smile: "Lord Nathan, please come with me. I'll take you to see the Executive Officer. He should be eagerly awaiting the intelligence you bring back."

He was naturally referring to Nathan's observation reports.

Han Fulai deliberately took out Nathan's metal box and showed it to Borrenka—of course, all the information inside had been taken away, leaving only an empty box.

Although he might not actually need it, Han Fulai always went all out with his act; he even prepared a stack of blank paper inside. If the contact asked him during the rendezvous if he had brought any intelligence with him, he could say it was classified information written with special ink.

Borrenka led Han Fulai deeper into the factory, subtly hinting that Han should put in a good word for him with the Executive Officer, emphasizing the importance of his role as their liaison. In Borrenka's eyes, Han Fulai was an elite under the command of the Fourth Executive Officer's "Servant," and also worked for the Second Executive Officer's "Doctor." Building a good relationship with Han might be helpful for his promotion.

Taking the opportunity, Han Fulai casually inquired about Xingqiu and Ying's whereabouts: "Do you think those two new recruits will pass the test?"

He assigned Xingqiu and Ying the identity of "lower-level agents developed within the resistance," essentially making them radical members of the resistance who had been misled, similar to the Herring First Squad.

It's probably impossible to actually let these "Inazuma recruits" join the Fools, but since they are "Nathan's followers," the Fools will probably keep them as factory workers or something. Maybe the so-called test is actually an "in-factory interview."

Paulenka shook his head immediately: "Impossible, we're not recruiting anymore."

"Oh?" Han Fulai was a little surprised. This guy had just acted like a superior, but it turned out he was just fooling people.

But Nathan never mentioned this. It's normal for the Fatui to recruit outsiders locally; it happens in every country. Nathan himself is also developing his own network within the resistance. Moreover, there are Fatui members infiltrated into some of the sea monsters and pirate crews near Hachiman Island. Many small groups have been absorbed into the Fatui's outer circle to work for them.

"Lord Nathan, you haven't returned for quite some time, and I suppose you haven't received the news yet. The 'Lady' sent an order the day before yesterday, saying that the experiments on Bayon Island must be temporarily suspended, the base on Bayon Island must be completely scaled back, and the factory may also be closed. Even if you didn't send a signal requesting backup, we were going to send someone to notify you to evacuate."

“If the factory is shut down, won’t all our efforts over the years be wasted? Why did ‘Madam’ give such an order?” Han Fulai subtly tried to get information out of him.

"It's all because that infamous 'Sukabry' came to Inazuma and caused trouble!"

Paulenka sighed; this was what bothered him the most.

If he had continued the experiment, he would have had a chance to earn merit and be promoted. But with this pause, it's uncertain when that promotion will be possible.

"I don't know what's wrong with this guy, he's always going against us wherever he goes. The situation in the Inazuma civil war has changed, the Liyue people have intervened in the war, and in order not to give them any ammunition, 'Lady' ordered a halt to our activities... 'Lady' is currently engaged in diplomatic negotiations on Narukami Island, maybe she can use General Thunder to kill that Liyue bastard..."

“Nata… the Palace Supervisor has also given orders to eliminate any future troubles. All those on the periphery who know of our existence must—” He made a clear gesture, “If I’m not mistaken, those two recruits will be injected with ‘Suijin’ just like the miners in Hikimura, and made into living samples.”

Chapter 125 I'm Here to Beat You Up [4k]

Xingqiu and Ying were taken to the other side of the factory by those foolish soldiers.

Unlike the factory area filled with the roar of machinery, this place is much quieter, and it looks more like an "office area". Occasionally, you can see people in white coats carrying documents in and out.

Is it a medical check-up at the infirmary?

The thought popped into Xingqiu's mind.

Just as the rebels had wounded soldiers' camps, the Fools probably had similar facilities.

However, she soon discovered that this was not the case.

After walking around a few corners in the corridor, the sounds from the factory area could be barely heard, and even the corridor lights dimmed considerably.

Xingqiu felt that they might have reached the depths of some underground cave. Although the slope was not obvious, they were definitely heading downwards.

Before long, the fools led the two of them to an office and knocked on the steel door.

"Lady Natashka, we have brought back the two new recruits that Lord Nathan brought back."

Soon a woman's voice came from inside the door: "Bring them in."

Xingqiu noticed the sign on the door—Dianzhongjian.

This position is the highest-ranking person in charge of the Evil Eye Factory, equivalent to the Tokugawa Sunametsuke of the Shogunate, roughly meaning the factory director.

Unexpectedly, the "new recruit test" was quite rigorous, with the interview conducted personally by the Palace Attendant.

Yingmei looked at the door and frowned slightly for some reason.

She had never heard of the name "Natashika," but... that voice sounded somewhat familiar.

One of the Fools spread his hands toward them, gesturing for them to hand over their training spears.

It's really inappropriate to bring weapons when meeting a superior.

Anyway, Xingqiu and Ying's real weapons weren't these two broken guns, so they readily handed over their weapons on the ground.

The leader of the Fools soldiers pushed open the door and led the two men into the office.

"Huh?" Xingqiu was slightly surprised as soon as he entered.

This office is enormous, almost comparable to the command center of the Tasha Sand Camp. It's fully equipped with desks, chairs, potted plants, screens, bookshelves, and more. Maps and reports, presumably production data from the Evil Eye Factory, can be seen on the walls.

These were all fairly standard... but apart from these, the part that took up more of the indoor space was filled with various small mechanical props that she couldn't name.

Among them were some things she recognized, such as test tubes, flasks, alchemy tables, etc.—she had seen them when she visited the Liyue Academy of Arts with Brother Han.

Several large beds were arranged side by side in the center of the office, but they were not for rest or medical ward beds. The beds had no pillows or blankets, but instead contained various restraints such as belts and shackles.

Beside those "large beds," several members of the Fools, dressed in white coats, were busily moving various instruments, seemingly doing some preparation work.

Xingqiu immediately knew where he was.

laboratory.

The Fools who had brought them in closed the iron gate and then lined up in front of it, blocking the exit.

In such a place, making such a move... Xingqiu has already realized that this "new recruit test" is probably not very friendly.

Almost simultaneously, Ying asked, "What are you trying to do?"

A long-haired woman wearing a blue sorcerer's robe and a black eye patch looked up from her desk: "Didn't that piece of trash, Borenka, teach the recruits basic manners?"

The fools behind them quickly shouted, "Don't be rude!"

Ying ignored her, her eyes fixed on Natashka: "You're their leader, aren't you? What do you want to do to us?"

Natashika stood up and silently watched the rude "recruit".

She was very tall, almost as tall as that of Borrenka—the selection criteria for the Thunder Hammer Vanguard were all strong men over 1.9 meters tall.

Several light blue prisms quietly surrounded her, reflecting Ying's face.

Although her eyes were covered by an eye patch, making her look like a blind person, Ying could feel her gaze and the pressure of being stared at by that gaze.

...It was as if she were staring at herself through those mirrors, and she was just a reflection in the mirror.

Natashika is known as the "Lady of the Mirror" in the Fatui's battle order. She was originally just a lightning pyromancer, but after making great contributions in Mondstadt, she was promoted to lieutenant and thus became the "Lady of the Mirror".

The "Hidden Mirror Lady" was actually a lady-in-waiting serving the Ice Queen in the Winter Palace, and was a priestess of the Winter Kingdom.

Covering one's face with a black eye patch is a sign of humility, meaning "one should not look directly at Her Majesty the Queen's imposing presence."

Only the most outstanding sorcerers of the Fools will receive this honor, and they will possess the magic "Water Mirror" bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen. Without the need for the naked eye, the "Water Mirror" can reflect all things—serving the gods with a heart as clear as a mirror, and all actions will be righteous.

Most people would feel intimidated by her looking down at them like that.

Ying remained unmoved, staring directly at Natashika with her head held high. She was the one asking the question, and Natashika hadn't yet given her an answer.

Natashika seemed surprised that one of the "new recruits" possessed such courage, completely disregarding the pressure exerted by "Water Mirror".

Interestingly, this "recruit" might actually survive the "test" and become one of them.

Of course, a more likely explanation is that he went mad because he couldn't bear the power of the "evil spirit".

Those restraints were prepared for this purpose.

However, that doesn't matter. These "new recruits" themselves have no value to the Fools, nor is there much need to train them. But as living specimens, they are very valuable for scientific research.

As the Palace Supervisor of the Evil Eye Factory, Natashika is now effectively a technocrat whose job is to advance the research progress of the Evil Eye.

Due to the orders of "Lady", the activities of the Fools on Hachimonji Island need to be suspended for a period of time, which means that they will not be able to obtain new samples for a long time.

The two experimental samples that Nathan brought back were a godsend.

At this moment, the researchers next to the experimental bed had already set up the necessary instruments, and one of the researchers raised a prepared syringe to signal to Natashika.

"This is a test for you, and also a ritual to bestow your power."

Natashka pointed to the experimental beds in the room.

"We, the Fools, are determined to burn down the Old World. For Her Majesty the Queen's goals, we must have sufficient power. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them after you pass the test."

Ying shook her head. "I don't want to be your guinea pig."

She was actually a little disappointed that Paimon wasn't around, and there was no one to help her complain—what was going on with Inazuma's side? The Thunder General wanted to build her into a statue, and the Fools wanted to turn her into a specimen... Did these people have some special hobby of making figurines?

Natashika shook her head: "You have no choice."

She could tell that something was wrong with this "new recruit".

There have been other intelligent living samples that have noticed the truth behind this "test" before, but their behavior was very different from that of this "small mountain".

Panic, fear... these emotions that ordinary people should have were completely absent from this female soldier in the resistance.

Natashika could only see one emotion in the "water mirror"—anger.

"The villagers that the Fools harmed on Ba Yun Island, the evil eyes they spread within the resistance, and these wicked experiments... were all your doing?" Ying stared at Natashika, enunciating each word clearly.

"Who exactly are you?" Natashka asked, her brows furrowing.

Someone who could say something like that could never be one of Nathan's "deputies" in the military...

Ying waved her hand and ripped off her straw hat and wig, revealing her brilliant blonde hair.

"We've met in Mondstadt, haven't we?"

She recognized her immediately. Natashika was the same lightning mage who stole the "Sky Harp" from the Cathedral of the West Wind, and one of the people who later followed the "Lady" and ambushed her at the cathedral entrance... Her arrogant attitude and mocking voice were exactly the same as the "Lady's".

Strictly speaking, Natashika was merely the head of the frontline operations team. The technology to create the Evil Eye was provided by "The Doctor," and the orders came from "The Lady." She was simply carrying out orders from her superiors...

But she did participate in the experiment.

Not only that, she was also very enthusiastic about the experiments, and most of the live samples were prepared by her, the Palace Supervisor—for her, this was all credit.

"It's actually you!"

Natashika was instantly shocked. How did that traveler manage to sneak into the Evil Eye Factory?!

She had just been speculating about the identity of this "new recruit"—the Fools' "funding" of the resistance might have already been discovered by Coral Palace Heart Sea, and these "new recruits" might be Coral Palace Heart Sea's foolish test of the Fools...

No need to guess anymore.