Lisa closed Cardcaptor Sakura's Magic at Galehaven Comics, her mind buzzing with the magic Harlan had hinted at. The comic showed a world where Clow Reed, a powerful sorcerer, created fifty-two Clow Cards, each filled with unique magical energy. Some cards, like Wind, Water, and Thunder, used nature's power for both offense and defense, while others had special abilities beyond combat. The story followed Sakura Kinomoto's journey to capture these cards, a quest that fascinated Lisa's scholarly mind.
"If I could use a set of Clow Cards, my magical skill might reach new levels," she thought, her eyes gleaming with new ambition. She imagined herself uncovering their secrets, a joy comparable to her days as a once-in-two-centuries prodigy in Sumeru. "Plus, Sakura's charm reminds me of little Klee—adorable and fierce at the same time," she added, a fond smile on her lips.
Harlan, sipping tea behind the counter, heard her comment and grinned—comparing Klee to Sakura was accurate. The system chimed in his mind, its panel showing Lisa's reward for finishing the comic. She had earned the Thunder Card, a Clow Card that controlled lightning. Thanks to system adjustments, its power could be used without a wand.
"It's a fitting match for Lisa," Harlan thought, nodding to himself as he considered how well it combined with her Thunder Vision. Her brilliant mind paired with this card promised more than just an addition; it could greatly increase her abilities.
A bright light descended, surrounding Lisa in a shimmering glow as she watched with sharp, unshaken curiosity. Harlan suspected she would analyze the phenomenon if she could, her scholarly mind eager to understand its workings. The glow faded, leaving a card in her left hand. It was labeled "Thunder" at the top, "THE THUNDER" at the bottom, with a wolf surrounded by lightning in the center.
"This is the Thunder Card—it controls lightning, no wand required," Harlan explained, his voice steady as he met her gaze. Lisa turned it over, her fingers tracing its edges as she felt the crackling power vibrating within its delicate form. "As a thunder wielder, I can feel its strength—it's brimming with potential," she said, a pleased smile curving her lips. Not only could it boost her combat advantage, but it also offered valuable research material—a double benefit she would enjoy.
"This shop is a goldmine—I've found my new spot for relaxation and study," she decided, already planning frequent returns.
Across the sofa, Jean finished One Piece: East Sea Saga, her mind still reeling from its vivid, exciting story. The adventure captivated her, though its brevity—ending before the Grand Line—left her wanting more pages. Yet, it wasn't just the pirate quests that impressed her most, but powerful figures like Hawkeye, Garp, and Shanks, their immense strength etched in her memory.
"If I had strength like theirs, Mondstadt's safety would be absolute," she whispered, her voice heavy with the weight of her duty.
Lisa waved her Thunder Card, her tone light but understanding. "This shop makes dreams real—look, I've got my prize already." As Jean's long-time friend, she understood the pressure on her—Stormterror, the Fatui, a city on edge. But Galehaven Comics eased that burden; its mysteries and Harlan's calm presence offered a beacon of hope. She cast a lingering glance at Harlan, his calm tea-sipping facade hiding depths she couldn't yet understand.
"Wonderful—I can't wait to see my reward," Jean said, turning to Harlan with anticipation lighting her serious features.
The system pinged again, its update glowing in Harlan's mind with Jean's earned prize. She had gained Conqueror's Haki, a force of pure willpower that could intimidate, stun, or knock out weaker foes. Higher levels could even exert coercion.
"Not Armament Haki, but Conqueror's suits her well—Jean's luck is excellent," Harlan thought, impressed by the match. As Acting Grand Master, her strength was proven—she could take on five Ruin Guards alone and planned to try to control them barehanded next time. This aura-based dominance matched her perfectly, a tool to crush Mondstadt's enemies with her presence alone. The Fatui's Lady was her main rival, Stormterror was a partial threat, while lesser fools and Abyss Mages would crumble before this power.
"Imagine Jean collecting all three Haki types—she'd be a truly dominant Grand Master," Harlan mused, chuckling at the vivid image.
A radiant beam of light bathed Jean, her reward ready to appear as she sat prepared to embrace whatever came.