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The Alien Hero of Teyvat

Chapter 8 – Research Invokation


Mondstadt is basking in the glow of yet another glorious day, as its inhabitants bustle about with energy and enthusiasm. Amber's day was moving at a snail's pace, so she decided to take a breather from her outrider duties. Afterwards, she planned to catch up with her buddy Ben for some much-needed hangout time. Taking a break from their commission work, they headed to the serene Cider Lake docks on the east side of Mondstadt. As they skipped rocks across the shimmering water, they enjoyed a leisurely chat and soaked up the peaceful surroundings.

"So Ben, it's been a month of you staying in Mondstadt, and I've remembered before you mentioned wanting to return to see your friends and family. How are you coping so far?" Amber inquired in order to satisfy her natural sense of curiosity as she flung a pebble and watched as it ricocheted four times before coming to rest.

"Honestly, I really miss them and they miss me too. But I know even though they're bummed that I'm not around, they're probably happy to know that I'm here in Teyvat doing good for others." As Ben hurled a rock into the water, he shared his insights on why he was performing the way he was. The rock skipped an impressive five times before finally plunging into the depths below.

"Cool, good to know! Hey, just wondering and don't mean to pry, but is it okay if I ask? What are your family and friends like?" Amber had this question in mind because, despite the fact that she was excited to hear about his aliens, she was also curious about the man who was responsible for the transformations.

"Let's see… my smart and reliable cousin Gwen is strong with her magic powers and is currently in college at a young age for being a bookworm. My best friend, Kevin, is with her because they're dating. Rook Blonko is my partner that helps me in superhero missions; honestly, he would be a great Knight of Favonius here. And the greatest mentor and family member in the world is my Grandpa Max." While Ben gazed up at the sky, a bittersweet smile played on his lips. He couldn't help but imagine the faces of the significant people he had mentioned, giving him a reassuring thumbs up.

"You're just like me! In my opinion, nobody in Teyvat compares to my grandfather." Amber's eyes lit up with excitement as Ben began to share about his grandpa. She could relate to the admiration he felt, as her own grandfather held a special place in her heart as the most remarkable person she had ever known.

"Really? Since you asked me about my family, I wanna know what your grandpa is like." It was Ben's time to pose the question back at Amber, and he was curious as to whether or not her grandfather was comparable to his own.

"He's the best! My grandfather was the founder of the Outriders. He's really enthusiastic and kind to everyone, and he inspired me to be like that along with becoming an Outrider. Ah, he even introduced me to my best friend Eula, and we grew up and trained together ever since." With a beaming smile, Amber shared with Ben all the wonderful qualities of her grandfather that she admires and holds in high esteem.

"He sounds exactly like my grandpa. Though, is his cooking normal?" Ben was utterly fascinated to discover the striking similarities between his and his friend's grandfathers. The resemblance between them was so uncanny, it was as if they were mirror images of one another.

"Well, he's not much of a chef, but he can definitely whip up some tasty roasted meat." Amber reflected about the meals she had with her grandfather and the items they had to eat. His culinary skills were limited to meat dishes, leaving them with no choice but to order out whenever they craved vegetables.

"Where is he by the way?" Ben was curious about the whereabouts of her grandpa. He wondered if he could meet him and experience the same warmth and comfort he feels when he's with his own grandpa.

"He mysteriously disappeared one day with no trace other than leaving his sword and coat. Shortly after, I took up the mantle of leading the Outriders. Even though I'm the only one. But I'm sure one day he will return, and I'll show him that I've finally accomplished my dream." Amber's determination to make her grandfather proud never wavered, even though she hadn't seen him in over four years. Instead, she channeled that longing into becoming the most skilled Outrider the world had ever seen.

"Imagine if our grandpas met. It's going to be a huge, fantastic barbecue party. But I'm crossing my fingers that your grandpa and not mine will be in charge of the kitchen." Ben made a joke about the previous section, and Amber just let out a giggle. As they sat down by the edge of the docks, the two friends were enveloped by a serene atmosphere that seemed to permeate the air around them. The tranquil sounds of water gently flowed by, creating a peaceful ambiance. In this moment of quiet companionship, they felt a deep sense of contentment and gratitude for each other's company.

"E-excuse me!" Just as they were lost in their thoughts, an abrupt voice jolted them back to reality. As they spun on their heels, they were suddenly face-to-face with Sucrose, whose timid demeanor was as palpable as ever.

"Oh, Sucrose! You must be here to see Ben, right?" Being one of the individuals that requested to meet Ben, Amber wasn't too shocked to see her fellow colleague. And the hero's face lit up with recognition as he recalled Sucrose, who was accompanied by a bed-haired companion, from his epic battle against Signora.

"You're correct, Amber, and it's an honor to finally meet you in person, Ben Tennyson. I'm Sucrose, a researcher of alchemy, and I've always wanted to research you up close." As soon as Sucrose began her introduction, her shy demeanor melted away and her eyes lit up with excitement as she locked gazes with Ben.

"Research me?" The alien hero was taken aback by the request, as it sounded like a declaration that would come from a notorious supervillain.

When Sucrose suddenly realized that she had phrased it in an odd way, she rapidly waved her hands in an effort to clear up any potential confusion. "Ah! Disregard that portion. But I was wondering if you might be inclined to offer your assistance to myself and Mr. Albedo, should you find it agreeable."

"Albedo? Why would I want to help him? All he does is try to one-up me and Azmuth all these years, failing horribly all the time." Ben let out a sigh as he was not really in the mood to deal with his doppelganger, but if he had to, then he'll simply kick his butt again as he always does.

"U-um… did you already meet Mr. Albedo?" Sucrose was completely caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. She never imagined that the person she held in such high esteem would suddenly be the target of negative comments.

"Yeah, most of the time I've totally kicked his butt. Look, if he persuaded you to do this, just tell me where he is, and you'll be free from his lame, evil schemes." Ben's mind raced as he considered the possibility that Albedo had coerced Sucrose into doing his bidding. Despite the fact that this does not seem to be the case, the shy girl was prepared to defend her fellow alchemist against the false allegations that were being leveled against him.

"Ben, remember when you explained to us your origins? I told you there's a respectable person within our ranks named Albedo. Don't confuse him with your Albedo." Amber reminded Ben of the day he first met the important members of the knights.

"Oh right. Sorry about that, Sucrose. I'm still adjusting to hearing the words "respectable" and "Albedo" in the same sentence because I've fought someone before with the exact same name." As Ben came to the realization that he may have come off as foolish to Sucrose with his outburst, he offered an awkward and contrite grin in an attempt to apologize for his behavior.

"It's... um... okay. I understand your confusion. But I would like to know if you would accept our invitation. We are really interested in learning more about your extraterrestrial lifeforms." Despite feeling a bit awkward, Sucrose decided to push past it and dive right into the excitement of seeing his aliens. She didn't want to let any awkwardness get in the way of this enticing experience.

"Don't worry, Ben; they're trustworthy and won't let you down." Amber noticed Ben's skeptical expression, so she quickly came to the defense of her fellow timid friend, assuring him that they had no malicious intentions.

"If you say so. Alright, lead the way." Ben agreed to the invitation, but he made a mental note to exercise caution and not reveal everything.

"Really?! Thank you! Oh… *ahem*, before we leave... um, if it's okay with you, maybe you could consider putting on some warmer clothes before we go?" Sucrose breathed a sigh of relief as the alien hero accepted her proposal, but she knew she had to give him a heads up about the difficult environment they were about to face.

"Why?" Ben was surprised by this comment since the weather in Mondstadt was so bright and sunny that he had to remove his white jacket for a period of time.

"Albedo loves to stay by Dragonspine, and it's the coldest area in all of Mondstadt; it never stops snowing there. Come on, I think we have some spare scarves and mittens in headquarters." Amber explained to Ben the reasons why he required the winter garments, and the hero just nodded his head in response. After that, the two of them headed back to the headquarters to acquire some warmer clothing for the chilly weather, and Sucrose followed closely after them.


As Ben, Amber, and Sucrose set off on their adventure to Dragonspine, they made sure to bundle up in cozy winter coats, scarves, and mittens to brave the chilly weather. They had a rather long walk ahead of them, clocking up at close to thirty minutes, before reaching their destination. Dragonspine is a massive mountain that is covered with snow-capped sections and ancient ruins. It is also the location of the skeletal remains of Durin, the Shadow Dragon. It's fascinating how the snow accumulates on the mountain and never seems to melt, making the area quite unique. Because the weather is so bitterly cold, this location is considered to be among the most hazardous in all of Mondstadt.

"Now I know where to go when the summer heat in Mondstadt becomes unbearable." Ben exhaled a frosty breath, watching it dance away into the crisp winter air.

"Yup! Dragonspine is the perfect spot to just chill out. You know, I also wonder if Barbara was able to get sister Rosaria to come with her to choir practice." When they approached the entrance to Dragonspine, Amber's mind was still consumed by the events that had taken place earlier. The group of three saw that Barbara was there, and that she was unsuccessful in her efforts to persuade Rosaria to attend the church choir rehearsal. Once they passed by, the deaconess gave them a friendly wave, which they also returned.

"Honestly, she'd be better off starting a metal band than singing at church." Ben can't get Rosaria out of his mind because he has the impression that she is staring him down or doing something else menacing when he is turning his back on her.

"We should be able to locate Mr. Albedo at his lab's mountainside campsite. I can take you all there as soon as possible to meet him." Sucrose gestured towards the path ahead, indicating the direction they should follow. Just as they were about to make a routine right turn, something unexpected caught their eye and made them pause.

"Hey, isn't that Albedo over there?" As Amber gazed ahead, her sharp eyes locked onto a figure in the distance. She knew immediately that it was the renowned alchemist, just as she had suspected. He was quite preoccupied with visualizing how the snowy landscapes that he was painting would come out on the canvas.

"Oh, indeed. That's ideal; we can now meet up with him. Although he appears to be quite occupied with his painting," Sucrose was hardly taken aback to find Albedo in the vicinity, given that she knew painting was one of his favorite pastimes. He even painted a portrait of her at one point, which she proudly hung up in her home and continued to keep there.

"It's nice and all that he's painting snowy landscapes to save money on white paint, but he should really take a look around." Ben is aware that painters typically monitor their surroundings in order to copy them in their paintings. Nonetheless, he wondered whether Albedo was so blind that he was unable to notice the potentially lethal Hilichurls dancing in front of him.

"Let's help him out before they ambush him." Amber prepared her bow while the alien hero activated his Omnitrix, and the two looked at each other, signaling that they knew what to do as if they'd done this a lot before. In all actuality, they have, as the two have frequently collabbed with each other on missions where they would be an Outrider and Alien tag team duo.

"Wait! Mr. Albedo is painting those Hilichirls also-" Despite her best efforts, Sucrose struggled to prevent what was about to happen. Her timid nature caused her to react slowly as a brilliant green light consumed the entire area.

Once the light died down, Ben's place has been taken by a red, mollusk-like extraterrestrial with green four-slit eyes, a gray mouth, and a rough, bigger, hexagonal-shaped hood. His body is covered with barnacle portholes. Sharp, dactyl-like fingers. Finally, his chest features eye-like decorations and his stomach has crab-leg ribcages. In the center of his chest, the Omnitrix symbol is visible.

Meet Water Hazard, an extraterrestrial being known as an Orishan, whose DNA is stored within the powerful Omnitrix. He was first unlocked after Ben scanned Bivalvan, who was on the run from Aggregor. This alien is distinctive because, so far, he is the only one in Ben's collection with water-based abilities. With a flick of his wrist, he can unleash a torrent of water from his portholes, each blast more powerful than the last. And if that's not impressive enough, he can even control the temperature and pressure of his aquatic attacks. In addition to his other abilities, he has the power to soak up moisture.

"Water Hazard!" As soon as his name echoed through the air, the Hilichurls' lively dance came to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned to the source of the interruption, curious and perhaps a little wary of the unexpected visitors. With the tension mounting, the Outrider's bow was taut and ready, its arrow ablaze with the fiery power of Pyro. Meanwhile, the Orishan took aim with his portholes.

"Now then, you Hilichurls look a little bit chilly. How about we give you a nice, relaxing, hot bath with a tan free of charge?" From the mighty portholes of Water Hazard, a scorching and pressurized torrent of water erupted, casting all the Hilichurls asunder, drenching them to the bone. The vile beasts attempted to rise once more, but they were stunned when a barrage of scorching arrows, provided by the valiant Amber, hurled them back down to the ground with a thunderous crash. The Hilichurls were no match for their opponents and had to retreat in fear to save themselves. Water Hazard and Amber then exchanged a triumphant fist bump, knowing that their teamwork had prevailed once again.

"Why did you all alarm them?" Albedo's sudden voice caught their attention, causing them to turn towards him. His face was etched with confusion, leaving them wondering what was on his mind.

"Well, you should be more careful with your surroundings, Albedo. You coulda gotten hurt by them." Amber encouraged her fellow knight to remember one of the principles of their training, which was to maintain a state of constant vigilance.

"No, Outrider Amber I was aware of their presence and deliberately approached their vicinity. I had been engaged in the act of painting them, and fortuitously, I completed the task prior to your sudden disturbance of their state. It would have been regrettable to leave certain Hilichurls incomplete." With a shake of his head, Albedo made it clear that he was in complete control of the situation. The Hilichurls were exactly where he wanted them to be and there was no need for concern. Amber's face contorted into an apologetic smile as she realized her mistake, but Water Hazard remained perplexed, unable to comprehend the reason behind her expression.

"Why? I mean, I get it that artists need cash, but this is like next level insane." As Ben transformed back from Water Hazard, he couldn't help but scratch his head in confusion. Why on earth would Albedo choose to paint a group of Hilichurls instead of something more conventional like fish? The mystery lingered in his mind.

"This is just a hobby of mine. I don't earn anything from this unless you place a commission for a certain piece. While I am inclined to provide a detailed explanation of my art, I find myself captivated by your shapeshifting abilities. Are you perhaps Ben Tennyson?" The alchemist's attention has been captured by the enigmatic alien hero, whom he is eager to study and learn more about.

"That's right Albedo…" Ben struggled to maintain his composure as he uttered the alchemist's name with a hint of reluctance, despite his best efforts to sound personable.

"Hmm? Is there an issue or problem present? It appears that you exhibited reluctance in articulating my given appellation. I sincerely hope that I have not committed any actions or made any statements that may have caused offense to you." Albedo's keen perception didn't fail him as he quickly noticed the unease of his companion. Without hesitation, he probed further to uncover the reason behind it.

"Well… you, uh, share a name with one of my enemies. So… it's kinda awkward for me to say your name. Do you have a nickname I can call you?" Ben explained it and hoped that maybe, just maybe, this Albedo has another name he goes by. Otherwise, he'll simply label him as alchemist dude.

"I see. If you're bothered by that, then feel free to call me Calx. It's my pen name for artistic commissions, such as drawing book covers." Even though Albedo would much rather have people refer to him by his real name, he is willing to overlook this small detail in order to ensure that he and Ben do not have to deal with any awkward situations.

"Calx. Pretty cool name, if I say so." As Ben pondered the name Calx, he couldn't help but imagine it as the perfect nickname for a new alien creature he might discover in the future.

"Although it is delightful to make your acquaintance, I am curious. Are you and Outrider Amber here on a commission, or did you go out of your way to meet me?" With one of their concerns put to rest, Albedo's curiosity shifted to the other pressing question: "What could they possibly be doing here?"

"Actually, Mr. Albedo I invited them to join us since you wanted to learn more about Ben's aliens." Sucrose then interjected herself into the dialogue to clarify that she was responsible for bringing them here.

"Ah, thank you, Sucrose, for bringing them here then. In any case, I have been apprised of your reputation as the Alien Hero of Mondstadt. You can turn into various different creatures, and you use them to help others. I have observed the utilization of three of them by yourself in a live setting, and it was a captivating experience to behold." The alchemist was full of admiration for Ben's accomplishments in Mondstadt, and made sure to express his appreciation once all questions had been addressed.

"Yup. It's only natural that an awesome hero can do all of that." The alien champion couldn't help but bask in the glow of the admiration bestowed upon him.

"However, none of the extraterrestrial beings that have been presented thus far have been observed to exist within the realm of Teyvat. This implies that there is only a singular possibility remaining. You came from afar — from another world. Correct?" The atmosphere was electric as Albedo's compliments built up to a stunning revelation that left everyone in the group reeling.

"Finally! I knew people like you could easily figure it out." Ben couldn't contain his joy as he finally found someone who believed that he hailed from another world, and wasn't just a delusional person. Well, technically, Lumine, Paimon, and Venti also know, but the more the merrier.

"Amazing. It is reasonable to accept this claim as the presence of the individual's extraterrestrial beings is expected to offer ample proof." Sucrose was captivated by the discovery that she had jotted down in her notes alongside her account of witnessing Water Hazard up close and personal.

"Wait. Wait. Wait. So… Albedo, you're saying Ben doesn't really belong in Teyvat?" Because of this, Amber was completely perplexed, especially once she realized that what Ben had stated in the past may possibly be true. And the reason why she could accept it today is because Albedo's hypotheses are almost never incorrect.

"See. I told ya I was right." Ben gave Amber a friendly elbow to the shoulder while maintaining a smug smirk on his face.

"All you did was tell a narrative, and the only proof you offered was your trusty Omnitrix. I wanna see more proof." Despite being presented with some evidence, Amber remained a bit stubborn and demanded further proof. Sure, there have been arguments in the past that she easily believes in things, like when she was easily fooled by Collei's story with Jean and Kaeya. But being from another universe is just too ridiculous for her to believe in.

"You know what, now that I've thought about it. Maybe I should've shown ya my phone." The alien hero was struck with a sudden realization that left him feeling stupid. He couldn't believe that he had overlooked such a simple solution all along - presenting photos to the Knights of Favonius during their conversation.

"Your phone?" Amber and Sucrose were intrigued by the mysterious foreign word and were eager to uncover its meaning. Though it looks like Albedo might have a small understanding of what it is.

"This thing. It should have all the evidence you need." Ben reached into his pocket and brought out his green phone so that they could look at it. The perplexity of Amber and Sucrose was palpable as they struggled to comprehend how this brick could possibly be considered as evidence. However, they were taken aback when they saw a picture of Ben enjoying a smoothie after the alien hero turned on his device and revealed the wallpaper that was set as his lock screen.

"Then please follow me to my campsite. Your comprehensive explanation of the subject matter has the potential to assist in the advancement of my research." To avoid the discomfort of being in the snow for too long, Albedo extended a warm invitation to everyone to join him at his familiar campsite.

"Your research on what?" Interestingly, Ben wanted to know more about the research that the alchemist was talking about and how it involved his participation.

"Ah — forgive me, this must be confusing. Where should I begin? Hmm... The essence of life?" Albedo shared the title of his latest research, which may sound complex at first glance, but it all boils down to a single seed.

"I… you should probably ask a philosopher about that, but I'll see if I can help... I guess." Despite his lack of understanding, Ben is determined to lend a helping hand. After that was taken care of, the group continued their journey to get to Albedo's research campsite as quickly as possible.


Nestled within the depths of a mysterious cave lies Albedo's intriguing lab campsite. As soon as you step inside, your eyes will be delighted by the diverse array of items that are sure to keep you and your guests entertained. Imagine cozying up by a crackling fireplace, with the added bonus of a cooking pot simmering away, filling the room with delicious aromas. A canvas and several boxes filled with supplies were scattered around the room, waiting to be used. Not to mention, a complete collection of alchemist equipment to fuel his scientific explorations.

Everyone sat down at a table in the middle of the room to listen to Ben's story of being from another world. Although everyone was staring at the table since Ben transformed into a tiny alien.

Ben changed into a six-inch, grey-skinned, frog-like alien with rectangular pupils and horizontal eyelids. His attire consists of a green jumpsuit with a black collar and belt. Along with that, he has on a pair of fingerless, black gloves with a green rectangle on the back. Lastly, the insignia of the Omnitrix is emblazoned on his back.

This is Grey Matter, the DNA sample of a Galvan stored in the Omnitrix. He is one of Ben's original 10 aliens and belongs to the same race as Azmuth, who created the Omnitrix. Since Galvans are widely acknowledged to be among the most intelligent life forms in the cosmos, it stands to reason that Grey Matter would also fall into this category. His mind is mostly focused on the technical aspects of things, but as a result of his remarkable brain power, he is able to grasp concepts very fast just by looking at them. Because of their tiny size, they are able to maneuver through tight areas, and they have the ability to breathe underwater.

The sight of the tiny Galvan elicited a range of reactions from all who beheld it. Amber couldn't contain her excitement as she marveled at how adorable and petite Ben had become. With a playful glint in her eye, she couldn't resist teasing Grey Matter about his size difference. She jokingly poked his head with her finger, unable to contain her amusement. The Galvan wanted to put an end to the awkward situation, so he deftly pinched one of the Outrider's nerves. She let out a sharp yelp of pain, much to the amusement of Grey Matter who couldn't resist flashing a smug grin. Meanwhile, poor Amber could only pout in frustration. And the two alchemists were completely engrossed in Grey Matter's every move, meticulously documenting their observations of him in their notebooks.

The Galvan has now started disseminating brand new information, which will continue for the rest of this sentence. Grey Matter began his captivating tale by revealing the treasure trove of photos on his phone. From iconic landmarks in Bellwood to cherished moments with his loyal companions, the pictures showcased a life full of adventure and wonder. Intriguingly, he revealed that in his dimension, visions are non-existent and the extraordinary abilities possessed by his extraterrestrial counterparts are simply innate traits of their kind. The climax of the conversation was truly mind-bending as he revealed the existence of the multiverse, describing it with the same captivating clarity as Paradox did when enlightening No Watch Ben.

"That summarizes the entirety of the matter. I trust that the information has been comprehended by all. Primarily, I am hopeful that Amber comprehended the information, given that Calx and Sucrose appeared to have no difficulty in understanding it." Grey Matter had just wrapped up his extensive lecture, and as he surveyed the room, he could sense that the Outrider was still grappling with the information overload. Meanwhile, the two alchemists were beaming with delight, having just acquired a wealth of fresh knowledge.

"Okay, let me make sure I'm following you. So, you're living in a world where there are no Visions, but aliens are just hanging out like it's no big deal. Oh, and you've met and battled with and against various versions of yourself. I feel like I'm getting a headache from this." Amber calmed herself by placing her palm on her forehead, and immediately after, she thought that she should go out and get some grape juice so that she could wash it all away.

"It seems that string theory and quantum mechanics are all true. Honestly, it makes me happy to know those are the correct theories. Think of all the possibilities of knowing more about life in different dimensions." With a satisfied grin, Sucrose put down her pen, feeling a rush of excitement at the endless possibilities that lay ahead.

"Given your experience traversing dimensions, would you be able to assist me in resolving this matter? I have discovered a seed that appears to originate from another world based on my knowledge and speculation. Despite my efforts to nurture it and provide it with the necessary conditions for growth, the plant remains stubbornly dormant and refuses to sprout. Perhaps you possess the ability to discover the solution to this inquiry." The next thing you know, Albedo is pulling something out of one of his cabinets. Eagerly, he presented Grey Matter with a tiny yet vibrant orange seed.

The Galvan's eyes grew wide with amazement at the sight of the seed. As he embraced the towering object, he couldn't help but notice its striking resemblance to something from his own dimension. "Regrettably, Calx, it is highly unlikely that this will thrive in this location, regardless of any efforts you may undertake."

"Why is that?" Albedo's curiosity was piqued by Grey Matter, but it appeared that he was open-minded and would accept any response, no matter what it was.

"The object in question is a seed from the Amber Ogia fruit. This particular crop has exclusive growth capabilities limited to the planetary boundaries of Revonnah, a celestial body situated within my designated universe. If you're interested in its potential, this fruit is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be utilized for various purposes, such as crafting furniture and fueling alien armadas." The Galvan fully detailed the myriad of versatile properties possessed by the spectacular fruit hailing from Rook's planet.

"Alright. So it's really like life itself. The seed, much like a child, has the potential to thrive and reach its full potential when provided with the appropriate nurturing conditions. If individuals are brought up in unfavorable surroundings with negative impacts, they may develop into a dejected rendition of their true selves." Albedo's words flowed like a river as he delved into his thoughts on the latest discoveries he had witnessed, creating vivid depictions with his analogies.

"You didn't really need to go too in-depth about it, but you're right." The topic of Grey Matter seemed to have been thoroughly covered by the alchemist, leaving little else for discussion.

"At least it's really cool that I share a name with some amazing fruit." Amber seemed to have found her footing again, and she couldn't help but mention the captivating Amber Ogia seed.

"You know, you guys are taking it pretty well that I'm not from here." After he shared all of the significant material, the Galvan found out that they weren't all responding too strongly. Well, even though Amber joked she was going to have a headache, they all took it really well.

"Does it really matter? At the end of the day, you're still Ben, who helps people and is a fun, reliable friend all around. If anything, we should hang out more because you never know when you might suddenly return to Bellwood and have to say goodbye." It didn't matter to Amber where Ben came from since, in the end, he was and is the same amazing guy regardless of his background.

"Amber is correct. You should cherish your time here in Teyvat, Ben. Enjoy the different life that it offers you while you still have the chance to explore this world." Even the normally reserved Sucrose shared her thoughts with Ben, and Albedo nodded his head in agreement to each of her points.

After some consideration, Grey Matter realized that he was, in fact, having a good time while he was in Mondstadt. He embarked on exciting adventures with his newfound comrades, forging unforgettable memories along the way. If he were to be completely truthful with himself, he would acknowledge that what he is doing seems like a wonderful combination of being a hero and going on vacation. And he shouldn't be too worried about Bellwood since after the universe was rebuilt and he went on a galactic road trip with his friends and family, there haven't been any threats that much. Heck, when he was in Rex's dimension, deep down, he kind of wished he stayed a bit longer just so he could explore the world.

Everyone in the room gave the Galvan some time to consider what they had spoken to him before continuing. Once Albedo observed that Grey Matter had come to terms with his predicament and smiled about it, he made the decision to question him about something. "Assuming you are feeling well, would you be willing to showcase some of your extraterrestrial abilities? I am interested in observing the diverse wonders of various life forms."

"Sure. I won't show you all of them, but three aliens should suffice, right?" It was necessary for Grey Matter to clarify that he would not display all of his aliens since he does not want to engage in combat with another huge dodgeball on spider legs specifically engineered to counter him again. Plus, the other reason he agreed to this is because both Albedo and Sucrose are good friends of Amber, which makes it highly unlikely that they have any ulterior motives.

"That would be satisfactory. And may I request that you classify each of the chosen aliens into distinct categories such as strength, speed, and intelligence?" Because all Albedo wanted to do was see some new lifeforms in action, he didn't have a problem with his proposition.

"In that case, it can be inferred that intelligence has already been exhibited, given the demonstration of my astute Galvan acumen." It seemed as if Grey Matter was no longer required for this, so he made preparations to transform back into Ben.

"Prior to transitioning to a different extraterrestrial being, would you be willing to examine and rectify this alchemical equation?" With a swift motion, Albedo produced a set of alchemy notes and laid them out on the table for Galvan to peruse.

"Oh! That's my formula for making plants grow superfast! But it appears like you haven't solved it yet, Mr. Albedo?" As soon as Sucrose laid eyes on the formula, she knew exactly what it was - her very own alchemy creation designed to accelerate the growth of plants. Last week, she sought the assistance of Albedo as she was facing difficulties in getting it right.

"Unfortunately, not yet. Your original formula just made the plants cause a tiny explosion, and the only improvement I've made to it is that it instantly grows but also instantly withers out." Albedo has already worked everything out and has the formula ready, which is something that took him a week to do. This is not strictly a lie, but it is misleading to say otherwise. He lied because he wanted to test Grey Matter's intelligence to see whether or not it was higher than his own.

Grey Matter, known for his technological prowess, was about to embark on a new challenge. Despite not being an alchemist by trade, his superintelligence gave him the confidence to tackle this project with ease. With a focused gaze, he delved into the text, scouring every word for meaning. He even enlisted Albedo's help, requesting additional reading material on the unique offerings of Mondstadt. When he had the whole picture in his head, he bolted to the far end of the table and heated some water with extreme caution. With a precise hand, he carefully measured out the soil, added a dash of mysterious ingredients, and mixed in a few potent chemicals into the reagent bottle. With a few quick stirs, smoke began to billow from the potion, signaling its completion. The next thing that happened was Grey Matter rushed up to a pot that had a Windwheel Aster seed placed in it. After adding a few drops of his concoction, he waited a few moments before observing the flower as it gradually opened its petals and became vibrant with life.

The room fell silent as the audience sat in anticipation, holding their breath to see if anything bad would unfold before their eyes. As the minutes went by, the Windwheel Aster appeared to be frozen in time, unchanged and steadfast. In addition to excitement in their eyes, Sucrose and Amber dashed towards the object to get a closer look. Sucrose's reaction was akin to that of a child in a candy store, leaving both of them in awe. With a gracious gesture, she lowered her head before Grey Matter, showing her deep appreciation. "You have enhanced it! Thank you! However, what went awry with my initial formula?"

"Initially, I modified the watering schedule as it appeared to be excessively intense. Subsequently, I ensured to utilize the identical nutrient-dense soil that was employed for cultivating Small Lamp Grass. Lastly, I have incorporated Philanemo Mushrooms and Dandelion Seeds infused with Anemo energy into the ingredients." Sucrose was all ears as the Galvan divulged the secrets of his alchemy process, and she meticulously jotted down every crucial detail.

"The complexity and capabilities of the alien brain are truly remarkable. Upon initial inspection, it became apparent that you lacked familiarity with the contents of the notes. Your ability to swiftly comprehend the situation and provide a functional resolution is commendable. It is plausible that this extraterrestrial being could swiftly acquire proficiency in algebra, even with only a rudimentary understanding of mathematics." As is customary for him, Albedo provided further details and insights into his evaluation of Grey Matter's accomplishment.

"Galvans are the smartest beings in the universe." With a grin as wide as Azmuth's when he boasts about his smarts, Grey Matter couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

"I can't argue with that. Now let's move on to the next test." Albedo indicated his agreement with a nod of his head and expressed his eagerness to proceed to the tests of speed and strength.

However, before anything could take place, it appears that Amber had a brilliant idea and loudly snapped her fingers to grab everyone's attention. "I know! Ben, you could maybe give them a bonus feature by using your scanning ability on Sucrose."

"Scanning ability?" Albedo and Sucrose were left wondering what the meaning of this new phrase was that Amber had brought up.

"I am able to acquire more transformations as long as it's a species I haven't discovered yet and they are sentient with basic intelligence." Grey Matter quickly told them of the Omnitrix's ability to acquire new lifeforms.

"If that's the case… feel free to scan me, Ben!" Upon hearing this, Sucrose quickly offered to be the test subject for the experiment. She is the only member of the gang who is not human, and she is doubtful that Ben has any members of her species in his arsenal.

Following this, Grey Matter jumped off the table and promptly reverted back to Ben. He then said the necessary command codes in order to activate the scanning ability. "Omnitrix, activate scan mode, Code 10."

"Command confirmed. Performing scans for genetic samples of uncatalogued DNA." The audible voice of the Omnitrix's robotic voice was followed by the emission of a yellow light in the direction of Sucrose. The timid alchemist was startled by this sudden turn of events, but she managed to compose herself and remained motionless. She was afraid that any movement on her part would disrupt the scanning process.

Ben's alien collection just got a little sweeter when he added Sucrose's DNA to the mix. Eager to try out his new acquisition, he quickly activated his Omnitrix and transformed.

Once the green light died down, Ben's latest change has resulted in him taking on an appearance that is indistinguishable from his human form. The only change is that he has grown brown animal ears on his head, and the emblem for the Omnitrix appears on the collar of the white hoodie that he is wearing. What emerged from Ben's transformation was a human representation of a Wolf Tengu. And who knows, with this newfound power, perhaps he could even master the ability to shift into the creature's animal form.

Pop-Up Trivia: This isn't exactly Sucrose's species, because the only thing the lore hints at is that she's some sort of canine creature. Because of that, people are just speculating on what she is exactly. After searching for something, I decided to settle on her being a Wolf Tengu like Momiji Inubashiri from Touhou because I could see some similarities.

"Huh. Seems like I'm a human… but dude, my senses are on another level right now! I can hear everything crystal clear." As Ben (Wolf Tengu) gazed at his reflection, he couldn't help but feel a bit underwhelmed. Despite the addition of some striking animal ears, he still looked pretty much the same. Nevertheless, he is now able to perceive his environment and his senses with a greater degree of accuracy.

"Aw. You look so cute!" With a mischievous grin on her face, Amber playfully patted Ben (Wolf Tengu)'s head, getting even for the painful pinch she received from Grey Matter earlier.

"H-hey! Stop that, Amber! Not cool!" Ben (Wolf Tengu) attempted to resist Amber's teasing, but his efforts were in vain as the Outrider swiftly knocked him to the ground. He valiantly fought back against her taunts, but found it challenging to do so.

As the other two were preoccupied, Sucrose approached Albedo with a sense of wonder and eagerness to hear his intriguing hypothesis. "Incredible! Mr. Albedo I am certain that Ben's contemporary biology is identical to mine."

"It appears that the device on his hand may be the causative factor. Judging by its appearance, it likely aids in stabilizing his power during his various alien transformations. Initially, I presumed that his options would be restricted solely to the pre-existing beings within his realm. It appears that his scanning capacity is boundless, provided that the subject matter is not already present within his database." That was the rationale that Albedo proposed for the situation. For hours on end, his eyes remained fixated on the Omnitrix symbol, captivated by its immense potential and endless possibilities.

"No offense, Sucrose... but I'm probably never gonna use this transformation again." Ben was able to dislodge Amber's hold on him, and after that he went back to being his regular human self.

"None taken, Ben. Ultimately, I was able to recognize another manifestation of my species in another individual. And you were able to experience what it would be like to live as I do." It didn't bother Sucrose too much since she was well aware that her race wouldn't be able to contribute much to the fight, with the possible exception of tracking.

"Now that we have concluded the intellectual component of the experiment and you have even exhibited an additional facet of your abilities, let us proceed with the remaining evaluations of speed and physical strength. Please follow me; I am familiar with a location where we can conduct these activities." Albedo left everyone else behind so that he could get a good start on setting up the courses for the subsequent two experiments. The other members of the gang soon joined him at his new location when they had caught up with him.


"You must discover a means to cross that lake in the shortest amount of time possible from the peak of this mountain. I will incorporate both the duration of your activity and your maximum velocity into my comparative analysis. No matter what choice you make for an alien, it's all part of the experiment. To my research, every detail holds immense value. I am eagerly anticipating the outcome." Albedo showcased the first experiment Ben would have to do. Standing atop a towering mountain slope, the man gestured towards a shimmering lake below, indicating to Ben the path he must take.

Ben had initially planned to flaunt his breathtaking speed with XLR8, but he ultimately opted for Jetray to get the job done. With a graceful display of aerobatics, the Aerophibian extended its vibrant yellow patagias before elegantly plunging headfirst towards the earth. Just as he was about to hit the ground, he pulled off an impressive move and soared upwards, propelling himself towards the goal with lightning speed. Jetray deftly dodged the floating blue and brown circular hazards that threatened to impede his progress. But with his expert maneuvering skills, he made quick work of them and continued on his way. As he arrived at the tranquil lake, he soared through the air with such velocity that the water beneath him rippled and surged, leaving behind a trail of mesmerizing waves. As the task came to a close, he pulled off some impressive flying maneuvers to impress the trio who had arrived at the finish line using a teleportation potion.

"It's the soaring manta ray again; if I recall correctly, his name is Jetray. The fact that he completed the course in only 10 seconds is nonetheless commendable." With a quick glance at her trusty pocket watch, Sucrose diligently jotted down all the fascinating things she had observed in her notes.

"After this, I will inquire with Ben regarding the specific nomenclature of its species. Regarding the topic under discussion, his timing is remarkable given that the typical human being in this context requires 50 seconds to complete the same task. In my opinion, granting him additional time to accelerate and operate at maximum capacity would likely result in him completing the course in less than a full second. Judging by the wind's response and the rapid movements that create a blur, it is plausible that his velocity exceeds the speed of sound, if not surpassing it by several times." Albedo delved into a fascinating analysis of the mysterious Aerophibian, offering intriguing theories to unravel the secrets of its incredible power. With their research complete, the chief alchemist beckoned Ben to join them for the thrilling finale: testing his strength.


Excitingly, the group has now ventured to a new location for the final stage of their strength experiment. They relocated to a new location that had a return to the level, solid ground that was covered in snow and had some trees around it. Despite the fact that there was a significant gap in terms of distance, there existed a gigantic cryo monster known as a Frostarm Lawachurl. They were not opponents to be trifled with due to the fact that they had a high level of physical prowess and were capable of using cryogenic power.

"Observe the Frostarm Lawachurl in the vicinity. To demonstrate your physical prowess, you are required to engage in combat with it. The immense strength of this creature is evident in its ability to swiftly uproot colossal trees. It is important to exercise caution as the it has the ability to summon ice spikes, which could potentially cause harm if one were to be impaled. Please select an extraterrestrial being from your collection categorized as "muscle" to utilize." Before returning with Sucrose and Amber to the secure place to watch Ben, Albedo described the task he had to do.

Ben surprised everyone by introducing a never-before-seen alien to the group. Right now, the alien he transformed into stands 10 feet tall and has crimson skin. Two sets of four-fingered arms with well-developed muscles He has four eyes and three black stripes along his chin. He's sporting a sleek black tank-top with a bold green stripe down the center, paired with black pants and fingerless gloves that have stylish green cuffs at the wrists. The green and white belt he's wearing is especially eye-catching, featuring the iconic Omnitrix symbol front and center.

This big alien is Four Arms, and he's the DNA sample of a Tetramand stored within the Omnitrix. He is one of the original 10 aliens from Ben's first Omnitrix and his go-to when he needs some extra muscle. As a member of a species that is naturally more powerful than base-size Vaxasaurians, Four Arms has impressively high levels of strength in both the lifting and striking domains. Impressively, his skin is so resilient that it can endure the impact of missiles, the sharpness of claw slashes, and even the scorching heat of fire. Last but not least, his reflexes and speed are rather strong, as shown by the fact that he can run for reasonable distances and leap as high as a building.

"Alright, Frosty, let's rumble!" While Four Arms hastened his approach to the Frostarm Lawachurl in order to get himself ready for battle, he gave his knuckles a light cracking sound.

As the snow gently drifted down around him, the imposing Frostarm Lawachurl sat in quiet contemplation, pondering the mysteries of existence and the path he should take in life. Before he had a chance to gather his thoughts, Four Arms tackled him from behind, sending him tumbling to the ground. With a menacing growl, the colossal creature rose to its feet, fixing a deadly glare on the fearless Tetramand. But the taunting alien remained unfazed, grinning in the face of danger.

With a thunderous roar, the Frostarm Lawachurl lunged towards him, its massive frame barreling forward in a shoulder tackle. The ground shook beneath its feet, and as it charged, razor-sharp ice shards trailed in its wake. The monster lunged forward with a fierce growl, but Four Arms was too quick for it. He dodged the attack with fast reflexes and countered with a powerful side-kick straight to the monster's face. The Frostarm Lawachurl winced, but he struck back with a powerful blow to Four Arm's face, sending the latter flying toward the ground. With a deafening roar, the frost monster slammed his massive arms onto the ground, causing sharp ice spikes to erupt from the frozen earth. Fortunately for the Tetramand, he was able to gather his bearings and leap far into the air in order to avoid it. After that, he started to fall freely and had the intention of delivering a deadly punch to the Lawachurl's face. However, even though the punch connected with the monster's face, it didn't do much damage since the monster was able to activate his ice barrier at the very last second. The Frostarm Lawachurl struck Four Arms with his left hand before pushing him violently to the ground with his right, which resulted in the formation of a crater. The beast then leapt into the air, ready to deliver a crushing blow by slamming both of its massive arms onto Four Arms. The Tetramand dodged the attack with swift movements, but was blasted away by the powerful shockwave that followed, causing ice spikes to rain down upon them.

Four Arms knew that he needed to breach the ice barrier of the Frostarm Lawachurl first, so he produced a powerful thunder clap with all of his hands that generated a shockwave. This caused the atmosphere to tremble, and the ice shield of the Lawachurl ultimately broke. In a stunning finale, the Tetramand sprinted towards the Frostarm Lawachurl, snatched an ice shard, and wielded it like a baseball bat. With a mighty swing, he delivered a crushing blow to the Lawachurl's head, sending it toppling to the ground in a dazed stupor. Four Arms finally emerged victorious, triumphantly hoisting the ice spike into the air for a signature victory pose.

"Encountering a creature with more than four limbs is a delightful experience. Indeed, Four Arms possesses not only immense strength but also impressive agility." Sucrose's pen flew across the pages of her notebook as she tried to capture every detail of the experiment. However, her focus was momentarily interrupted when she caught sight of Amber whispering something to Albedo.

"Absolutely. Given his impressive physical prowess, it seems plausible that he could potentially confront a significant number of the aggressive beings present in Teyvat without assistance. In addition to his remarkable agility, this extraterrestrial being poses a formidable challenge to defeat, even when confronted by a legion of vision wielders. It appears that he possesses an immense amount of power, capable of unleashing a thunderous clap that could potentially shatter every window in Mondstadt. Regardless, Ben, we appreciate the opportunity you have granted us to witness your extraterrestrial beings. Sucrose and I will be returning to the campsite, but I highly recommend that you remain here, as there is an unexpected surprise in store." As Albedo and Sucrose departed, Four Arms found himself standing amidst the serene snowscape with Amber as his sole companion.

"Surprise? Don't tell me he secretly created a robot behind my back designed to fight-oof!" The moment that Four Arms began thinking some dubious ideas, a snowball unexpectedly smacked him in the face, which abruptly shut short his train of thought. The onslaught of snowballs showed no mercy, relentlessly bombarding him with icy projectiles. He had to quickly defend himself, shielding his face from the flurry of attacks.

"Hey! Cut that out!" With a booming voice, the Tetramand flailed his arms in every direction, frantically trying to catch a glimpse of the culprit responsible for the chaos. Unexpectedly, the culprit behind the mischief was none other than Amber, who was casually playing with a snowball in her hand.

"Hehe. Hey Ben, I asked Albedo if we could play a fun game together. After all, all work and no play is a crummy way to spend your day. Now… check out these awesome moves!" Amber burst out in a broad grin just before leaping into the air and simultaneously releasing five arrows, each of which had a snowball affixed to the end of its shaft. They all descended onto the Tetramand, which resulted in snow falling once again and covering him completely.

"Oh, it's on like Computron!" After enthusiastically accepting the dare, Four Arms quickly gathered up a number of snowballs and hurled them in Amber's direction. With super quick reflexes, the Outrider deftly dodged the incoming snowball barrage. Not one to be caught off guard, she swiftly retaliated by launching a flurry of her own icy projectiles straight at the Tetramand's chest. This presented an opportunity that Four Arms took advantage of by digging deeply into the snow. As a result, the snow that was already on the ground was rapidly forced to rise up and begin falling on Amber. The Outrider used her Pyro Vision to swiftly burn off part of the snow that was falling in order to shield herself. After that was finished, she immediately turned around and used pinpoint precision to strike Four Arms in the face with a snowball while he was looking the other way. Instead of retaliating, the Tetramand turned around to prepare something, but Amber just used this opportunity to continue firing her snowballs at him.

"You giving up, Ben? I thought you were much more resilient than this. Heck, maybe you should switch to Big Chill to have a chance at winn-" But Amber's attempts to speak were cut short as she became aware of what Four Arms had in mind. The Tetramand's mischievous grin was a dead giveaway that something was about to happen. Despite the snow covering everything, he slowly turned around and slammed a massive 10-foot snowball right onto her face.

As the fog rolled in and the snow continued to fall, a mysterious green light enveloped the area. Suddenly, two figures appeared, nestled in the snow and sharing a lighthearted moment. Ben and Amber couldn't help but laugh as they gazed up at the wintry sky. "Thanks, Amber! I kinda needed that.."

"No worries, Ben! That's what best buds are for—to make sure your day doesn't go dull." The Outrider relished in the delightful activity they shared together. She came to the realization that she needed to spend more time hanging out with Ben since she never knew when he would up and leave her unexpectedly for good.

"Pathetic. I have observed all your group's activities and yet you have recklessly lowered your defenses to engage in a juvenile pastime." In a split second, Ben and Amber were jolted from their peaceful state as an unexpected visitor made their grand entrance. Their gaze fell upon Rosaria, who stood with crossed arms and a crestfallen expression.

"Sister Rosaria? What are you doing here? You should be at choir practice with Barbara." Amber was taken aback by the situation, as she was certain that Rosaria had departed with Barbara just a little while ago.

"And you better start being more vigilant of your environment. So-called Outrider, yet she didn't notice how weird it is that Albedo is too attached to seeing Tennyson's power. Perhaps he has already influenced you, given that you are both affiliated with the same faction." Rosaria expressed her frustration to both of them, feeling let down by Ben's lack of attentiveness and trust in others. She had higher hopes for him and couldn't help but share her disappointment.

"Okay, lady, your guard is higher than those mountains. You should just chill out." The alien hero can't help but notice that Rosaria seems to be the type of person who is always on high alert, suspicious of anyone who crosses her path. He's so confident that he's willing to bet that she wouldn't even trust a cute little puppy.

"What. Did he also do to win you over with his compelling-sounding hypothesis and friendly demeanor? You have already begun obeying commands from an utter stranger and taking part in all sorts of bizarre experiments for him." Rosaria had a quick comeback for Ben, pointing out all the red flags that he should have noticed from a mile away.

"First off, Amber vouched for him, so I think he's cool. And second, those experiments were all too easy; there's nothing fishy about them. What makes you think you know so much about him?" Ben remained skeptical of Rosaria's claims, as she was a mysterious nun rather than a member of the esteemed Knights of Favonius.

"I know him better than you, Outlander, and even the Outrider. She rarely sees him because he's always stationed here. I've been keeping a watchful eye on him every single time I set foot in this place." Rosaria boldly revealed that she had been covertly monitoring certain individuals whom she believed posed a potential danger to Mondstadt.

"It's unethical to snoop on a knight, and you know it." Amber's reaction to the information that was shared by the sister was not favorable. She is meant to be a follower of Barbatos, but in reality, she was engaging in some shady activity behind the scenes, such as gathering information on other individuals.

"I'm not merely spying on him, just ensuring that he poses no danger to the safety and security of Mondstadt." Rosaria was unmoved by Amber's warning since she does not believe that what she is doing is inappropriate in any way.

"Or are you just like a Fatui in disguise, waiting to take us all down? Sorry, but I'm ready to fight you losers." Ben was ready to throw down with Rosaria as he slowly activated the Omnitrix.

"Don't be stupid. The safety of Mondstadt is the only thing that concerns me. Also, I can probably take on a few of your aliens, like that tiny brain frog of yours. But I would ultimately meet my demise if you used someone like the walking lava furnace." As much as she was curious to test her skills against Ben, she couldn't shake off the thought that he would eventually transform into an unstoppable alien, leaving her no chance to win.

"Wait. Have you been creepin' on me too?" Ben's mind raced as he tried to recall an exact day when Rosaria began her relentless pursuit of him, causing him to become hyper-vigilant and cautious. He despises nothing more than individuals covertly monitoring his activities without his permission.

"It's quite disappointing that despite all your flashy abilities, you seem to lack the basic intuition that comes with a sixth sense. But despite all of that, you should consider yourself lucky, Tennyson. I deem that you pose no immediate threat… for now." Rosaria delivered her judgement about her present musings over whether or not the extraterrestrial hero should be considered a friend or foe.

"Uh… thanks?" Ben found himself at a loss for words. It's a bit of a dilemma - she may have some redeeming qualities, but he definitely doesn't appreciate being followed around like an infamous person.

"You should be thankful. I would have been one very unhappy Sister if you'd made me work overtime on your account." With a deep sigh, Rosaria contemplated the one thing that truly gets under her skin, aside from pesky individuals.

"Overtime?" The extraterrestrial champion was puzzled by the concept of "overtime" mentioned by the sister. He was aware that nuns usually retire early to prepare for their morning prayers. Then again, to him, Rosaria doesn't look like a typical nun.

"Before we go our separate ways, Tennyson, a word of advice: Don't be so quick to trust Albedo, and don't repeat the same mistakes that you made this time. You made a lot of rash decisions today and could have exposed a weakness in each of your powers. The truth is, you can be hurt." These were the last things Rosaria spoke to Ben before she eventually left the place. She wasn't heading home just yet since there were some odd ruins nearby that she wanted to check first.

"*sighs* Never mind her, Ben. It's tough to argue with stubborn folks like her. Let's just go back to see Albedo and Sucrose." With a subtle gesture, Amber beckoned Ben to join her on the journey back to camp. As they walked, she offered words of comfort, urging him not to give credence to Rosaria's unfounded suspicions. But deep down, the alien hero didn't tell the suspecting nun that he indeed was cautious a bit around Albedo. If he really wanted to, he could very simply just employ the full potential of aliens who were more suited for certain conditions. But instead, he chose to hold back and just use his powers in the same way he uses them to showcase them to his fans.


After some time, Ben and Amber made their way back to the campsite, where they found Albedo and Sucrose nearing the completion of something. The timid alchemist was nearing the end of drafting a book that included all of the information, while the senior alchemist seemed to be working on another experiment.

"Ah, it appears that the two of you have returned! Excellent timing, Ben. I have a few topics that I would like to discuss with you." Albedo's face lit up with delight as he saw their return. He didn't even bother asking what took them so long, assuming they must have been having a blast playing in the snow.

"And what exactly would it be?" At this point, the alien hero actually couldn't predict what Albedo was going to talk about with him. And at this time, the warning that Rosaria had given him continued to remain in his consciousness.

"The findings of the study. Today, we received a vast amount of data, which made it challenging to complete all the research in a single session. Based on my analysis, it appears that despite undergoing various alien transformations that alter your DNA... you ultimately remain fundamentally human, much like the inhabitants of this world." Albedo finally unveiled the outcome of his hypothesis. Both Ben and Amber could not help but feel a modicum of dissatisfaction as they considered the glaringly apparent facts.

"You forgot to add "cool," but duh, I am a human." Ben had really sort of anticipated him to come up with some weird hypothesis that his DNA should now be regarded as alien, but this result was still a disappointment due to how generic it sounded.

"It is important to recognize that while this may appear obvious to you, it is crucial to avoid assuming anything in life. Have you ever pondered the possibility that the realm of Teyvat could inherently exhibit animosity towards outlanders?" Albedo, sensing the lack of enthusiasm from his audience, deftly pivoted to a new and captivating topic that seamlessly tied into the previous discussion.

"Are you gonna give me a whole lecture on how different universe laws affect me? You can totally skip that. A friend of mine already explained the gist of it." The alien hero was skeptical about the new discussion since Paradox had already given him a condensed version where everything seemed to be fine. He wondered if it was worth his time.

"While I would assume that you are already aware, please pardon me as I provide an explanation nonetheless. My first theory about you is that if you were unaffected by Teyvat's laws, you would be some trans-dimensional omnipotent being. Although you were visible to us, our devices were unable to track your movements. While you have the ability to touch us, we, unfortunately, lack the capacity to reciprocate and touch you in return. Almost as if you were an optical illusion." This theory of Albedo has a striking resemblance to a thrilling scenario where a powerful void dragon wages an invasion against a colossal plant monster reigning over a planet.

"That makes it sound like Ben is some sort of Archon or someone who rules over Celestia itself." The mere thought of encountering a being like that sent shivers down Amber's spine.

"Although it may seem implausible, Mr. Albedo and I have dismissed that theory. Based on the results of his experiments, he can interact with apparatus and experience pain from Teyvat's native creatures." Sucrose then continued by assuring them both that this notion has been shown to be untrue by their findings.

"An additional theory arises: your demise may have been a possibility due to your atoms being unaccustomed to existing in the appropriate universe of Teyvat. The various dimensions exhibit distinct wavelengths, and failure to align oneself with the appropriate dimension or acclimate to it would result in cellular decay and gradual disintegration over an extended period of time." Albedo's latest theory is quite intriguing, as it suggests that a mishap during a dimensional super-collider experiment could potentially lead to some unexpected consequences.

"Okay, that sounds dark and a bit scary." With a feeling of unease running down his spine, Ben couldn't help but recall the harrowing encounter with death during a visit to Legerdomain. Needless to say, he was in no hurry to repeat that experience.

"There is no need to worry, as you have been present for more than a month and have not encountered any harm. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the aforementioned theory is also incorrect." Sucrose couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as she heard Albedo's theory. Despite her fear, Albedo quickly put her at ease by reassuring her that it was just a theory and nothing to worry about.

As both theories were debunked, Ben couldn't help but ponder about Albedo's mysterious agenda. Apart from his fascination with studying diverse life forms, what could be his ulterior motive that involved him? "So, what's the bottom line?"

"You're able to converse with me here without consequence, and nothing seems amiss. One could argue that it is a small miracle. Similar to how it is truly remarkable and invaluable to have the ability to experience the world from the perspective of extraterrestrial beings. Consequently, it served as a source of inspiration for me to explore alternative methods of germinating the seed." When Albedo opened the palm of his hand, he revealed the Amber Ogia seed, and it seemed as if it had been treated with a few different chemicals. Suddenly, the seed burst forth with vitality, producing a luscious, golden fruit the size of a coconut. The assembled group was left in awe after witnessing the demonstration, which was particularly surprising given that Ben had previously discredited the notion as impossible.

"Whoa! Oh, hey! Something's popping up!" Amber couldn't help but drool at the thought of trying the exotic fruit that had traveled all the way from Ben's universe.

"You actually got it to bloom." Ben was at a loss for words. He couldn't help but feel that the Revonnahganders would be both amazed and wary upon witnessing this incredible feat.

"The process of transformation from a state of non-existence to existence, from a budding shoot to a fully-formed stem... And now, the desired outcome has been achieved. Could it be argued that by neglecting the nurturing of otherworldly life, we are also neglecting the nurturing of the world itself?" The alchemist's heart sank as the fruit he had created began to wither away before his very eyes, unable to sustain its beautiful form.

"Oh dear. It lacked the ability to sustain itself." Sucrose was feeling quite disheartened as she watched the exotic fruit from another dimension slowly wither away. She had so many exciting experiments planned to test all the incredible capabilities that Ben had boasted about, but it seemed that time was running out.

"*sigh* It appears that we have reached the limit of our progress. The ephemeral flourishing of unparalleled magnificence is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable accomplishments of existence. One can lead a fulfilling life even if it is brief. An existence that is optimized and executed flawlessly requires the absence of solitude. So, do you understand what I meant about us conversing here arguably being a small miracle?" Albedo's insightful demonstrations left a lasting impact on Ben as the presentation came to a close. The hero started to contemplate everything as he looked back on his past and saw all the things that seemed insignificant to him turn into miracles without him knowing. As if all of his unintentional transformations were in reality miraculous interventions on the part of the Omnitrix, designed to provide him with the ideal alien form for the task at hand.


With their time running short, Ben, Amber, and Sucrose knew they had to start getting ready for their journey to Mondstadt. Since Albedo was aware of this fact, he went to his desk, gathered some paperwork, and then gave it to his assistant. "Here you go, Sucrose. Kindly ensure that these are delivered to Timaeus. This resource is likely to aid him in his ongoing research."

"Understood, Mr. Albedo. Rest assured, I will ensure the safe delivery of this to him." With utmost care, Sucrose secured the alchemist's notes in a binder and stowed them away in her bag, ensuring that they remained pristine and unblemished.

"Hey Albedo, don't forget to keep yourself warm, okay? A few more fireplaces should help this place out. Getting frostbite would be a terrible ordeal." Amber said her farewells to Albedo as she and Sucrose made their way out of the camp and back into the wintry environment.

"Duly noted, Outrider Amber." The wise chief alchemist took note of her suggestion, knowing that her ultimate goal was to ensure the safety and happiness of all.

"Albedo… I got you all wrong. You're a great guy, and keep up with your dreams of being curious and doing experiments." Just Ben's revelation of his real name was enough to elicit a trace of astonishment in Albedo's demeanor. The two of them then gave each other respectful nods before the alien hero finally left.

As the last of his companions departed for Mondstadt, Albedo found himself alone with his thoughts. Gazing up at the vast expanse of sky above him, he couldn't help but reflect on the mysterious individual who had entrusted him with the seed that had sparked his latest experiment. "Paradox was right. He truly is a fascinating and potent individual. In the event that I were to lose control and cause destruction to Mondstadt and its surroundings… I can take solace in the knowledge that the Omnitrix's legendary bearer would be able to intervene and prevent further damage. Nevertheless, according to the professor, he will find a means to bring me back into the light."


The trio's journey from the frigid Dragonspine to the breezy city of Mondstadt was a refreshing change of scenery. Instantly as they entered the bustling city, they shed their heavy winter layers and eagerly slipped back into their everyday attire. As they strolled through the city, the vibrant atmosphere was contagious, with friendly residents greeting them at every turn. One member of the trio seemed to have an itch for thrilling activities, as if they were not quite ready to call it a day.

"Man, all that research and experiment talk is making me wanna simply unwind and do something fun to pass the time." Ben yawned as he looked about for anything to do in an effort to alleviate the boredom that he was now experiencing. After the exhilarating snowball fight, he was eager to explore more exciting activities.

"Want to play ring toss? It's a fun game to play." Since this is pretty popular during Ludi Harpastum, Amber decided to suggest this game to Ben.

"Too simple." Ben shot down the notion right away since it seemed like the kind of activity that only young children would find entertaining.

"What about a game of memory based on the periodic table? Engaging in such activities serves as a means of occupying my time, although I hold a preference for conducting further experiments." Sucrose was feeling quite at ease while chatting with Ben, having spent some time experimenting together and finding him to be a laid-back kind of guy. She even felt confident enough to offer up some suggestions of her own.

"Too much brain power. Honestly, all I want to do is play a fun card game or video game." Ben is not interested in having games that are dull either, therefore he rejected that suggestion as well. In point of fact, he is homesick for his video games and expresses a desire to have a portable gaming system equipped with the most recent installment of the Sumo Slammers video game.

"Oh, speaking of cards… Amber, I would like to inquire about a certain matter. A scholar hailing from Sumeru, who arrived in Mondstadt for academic pursuits, presented me with a token of gratitude as a gesture of appreciation for our collaborative research efforts. The gift she gave me comprised a collection of peculiar cards. I brought one with me." Sucrose reached into her pocket and drew out a card, which she then displayed for Ben and Amber. As they peered closely, they were captivated by the intricate artwork on the 3-inch card. It depicted Sucrose, the skilled alchemist, intently experimenting on Anemo Crystalflies in her lab.

"Maybe her gift is helping you send that picture of yours to your secret boyfriend." Ben couldn't come up with anything more to say, so he decided to make light of the situation by cracking a joke.

"N-n-no! I-I don't have anyone like that!" Due to the fact that Sucrose had not been anticipating such response, she almost instantly began to flush and partially hid her face.

"Oh, cool! That's a Genius Invokation TCG card. Recently, dueling with decks has been incredibly popular, and people have been very eager to participate. Check it out, I got my own card." In a flash of recognition, Amber produced her very own TCG card from her pocket, clearly a seasoned player. The card depicted a serene scene of her perched on a wooden log, gazing contentedly at a dainty feathered friend.

"What kind of name is Genius Invokation TCG?" Ben's only theory was that the Knights of Favonius had crafted this one-of-a-kind game in order to reward themselves with some entertainment after they had finished their work for the day.

"I can't say for sure. All I know is that it was invented by a scholar at the Akademiya. It even has its own light novels published by Yae Publishing House. Some of them were entertaining to read because their protagonists, with long, spiky hair, were striving to become the best TCG players in the world." The Outrider was absolutely enamored with those books, particularly the sections where the duelists would become completely consumed with passion and unleash the full potential of their cards with thunderous shouts.

"Hmm. Do you possess knowledge on the means by which I may gain access to the game? Since it's a gift from a researcher I've collaborated with, I thought that I should at least try to learn the rules." Now Sucrose was interested not only because she wanted to show gratitude for the present she had been given, but also because she was inquisitive about how the popular card game at the moment was played.

"I could show you, but it's probably easier if you just go to Cat's Tail. Everyone in the TCG community comes there to duel and trade cards. In addition to being kind to beginners, they will also provide you with a crash course on how the game is played." With a confident gesture, Amber indicated the precise direction of Cat's Tail, beckoning towards the spot with a knowing smile.

"Understood. Then perhaps we should travel to Cat's Tail to inquire. It could also help with your boredom, Ben." Sucrose tilted her head to look at Ben, and she hoped that he would come along with them.

"I used to collect Sumo Slammers cards, which were the last trading card game I had, but I never got around to actually playing them. And after hearing all of this information, I'm really curious to play the card game. Alright, then let's get going." Through a sense of curiosity, Ben eagerly agreed to join the group as they made their way to the lively tavern. The prospect of discovering a new and thrilling card game filled him and Sucrose with anticipation.


Nestled in the heart of Mondstadt, The Cat's Tail tavern awaits you with its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality. The ambiance inside is incredibly inviting, thanks to the charming decor and warm lighting. One of the most appealing features of the building is the abundance of friendly felines that roam the premises, eagerly awaiting your affectionate pats. Cat's Tail has gained immense popularity owing to the exquisite range of drinks they serve. Even with the most bizarre ingredients imaginable, their beverages still manages to tantalize the taste buds.

"Greetings and welcome to The Cat's Tail. Oh, Sucrose the alchemist, Amber the outrider, and even the alien hero Ben Tennyson. What a delightful surprise! Whom do we owe the delight of having such notable figures visit us?" Margaret, who is the proud proprietor of the Cat's Tail Tavern, was the one who welcomed them as they entered the establishment. She wasn't shocked to see Sucrose and Amber, but since it was Ben's first time coming to the bar, she was astonished to see him there. The same could be said for the audience, who put down their drinks or their decks of cards in order to watch the extraterrestrial hero for a moment before going back to what they had been doing while intently listening.

"Hello, Margaret." Sucrose was the first one to say hello to the owner by extending a cordial wave in her direction.

"I'm sorry, but I've already told you that The Cat's Tail staff fur is not for sale, regardless of the amount of Mora offered." Even while Margaret enjoyed seeing familiar faces in the shop, she made it a point to caution the alchemist from repeating a mistake that she had previously made.

"Ah, don't fret, Margaret. Our presence here is not related to the research project I mentioned during our previous conversation." Sucrose felt a twinge of embarrassment as she thought back to the time when she had to beg and plead with Margaret in order to get even a single strand of cat hair.

"You know there are a lot of stray cats around Mondstadt, Sucrose. Why not just go ahead and pick up those guys?" Amber was well aware of Sucrose's passion for conducting experiments, but she couldn't help but wonder why the feline residents of Cat's Tail seemed to be the sole focus of her attention.

"I believe that the felines present in this location possess distinct characteristics that set them apart from their counterparts in the outdoors. But, uh, we can talk about that later. Actually, Margaret, our purpose of being here is to gain further knowledge about Genius Invokation TCG." The timid alchemist didn't want to stray too far from the matter at hand, so she quickly moved on to the explanation for why the party was gathered in this particular location.

"Ah Genius Invokation TCG. Yes, it has become increasingly popular among residents, so we figured, "Why not make Cat's Tail a venue for casual games and tournaments?" As soon as Margaret began discussing the rise of Genius Invokation TCG in Cat's Tail, her passion was palpable.

"Yeah, when it's my free time, I usually come here to play. I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty good at Genius Invokation TCG." The fact that Amber was a TCG player filled her with a sense of accomplishment, and she grinned with pride. With an impressive tally of 28 wins and only 9 losses, she has proven to be a formidable opponent in her field.

"You are among the most skilled and valued patrons of this establishment. Perhaps you're confident enough to challenge Prince right now." Margaret was aware that the Outrider was a notable player in the game, and she pondered the possibility that she could be able to defeat the tavern's most skilled competitor.

"Nah, not yet. I need to rack up some more wins before I have a shot at challenging him." Amber has never lacked confidence, but at one point, she was able to see for herself how incredible of a TCG player Prince is. Even if she used all of her previous expertise and had the best deck possible, she still wouldn't have a chance.

"Care to fill up the rest of us on who Prince is? Is he, like, the king of the game where nobody can beat him or is it just his name?" Intrigued by the mention of a seemingly important character, Ben was eager to learn more about them and their significance.

"Meow." Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a jet-black cat dressed in a white hat and tie appeared on top of the counter and welcomed them.

"A cat? Hang on, my bad; there are cats all over the place here. Why am I even surprised?" As Ben looked around the café, he couldn't help but feel a bit foolish for asking such an obvious question. After all, the place was practically overrun with cats.

"Ahem. Allow me to interpret that for you, alien hero. Prince expresses his admiration for the opportunity to meet you and is delighted to witness your burgeoning enthusiasm for dueling cards. He eagerly anticipates observing your progress as you embark on your journey towards becoming a TCG player." Another individual has just emerged to provide assistance in translating what Prince has just stated. His name is Shuyun, and he is a person who fled from Inazuma and is now living in Mondstadt.

"You can understand that cat? Don't tell me you're related to a girl wearing a purple cat suit." When Ben recalled his battle with Nyancy Chan, he couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine.

"I have no notion what you're talking about, Mr. Tennyson, as I am an only child and my mother has never worn a preposterous costume. Or maybe a certain Nekotama delivery girl has caught your eye?" The only assumption that Shuyun could make was that the extraterrestrial hero probably found out about Inazuma's number one delivery girl via word of mouth.

"Nah. I'm just glad I don't gotta deal with someone like her. But is that all I need to do to get into TCG? Beat this cat in a duel of cards?" With a smirk on his face, Ben was certain that he could outsmart Prince in a swift game of Genius Invokation TCG.

"Preposterous! The individual in question is widely regarded as the most skilled and formidable player of Genius Invokation TCG. The average player is incapable of comprehending the complexity and pure brilliance of Prince's every move. And how could you use such an offensive term as "this cat" to characterize the one and only Prince? He possesses unique qualities that set him apart from others. Such a comment is derogatory against Prince!" Shuyun passionately defended his beloved feline master when he disagreed with Ben's portrayal of Prince, and went on an intense rant to express his feelings.

"Dude. He's just a cat." It honestly baffled Ben to see how defensive Shuyun got all of a sudden when he didn't really say anything bad about Prince.

Just as Shuyun was about to fire back with a sharp retort, Prince unexpectedly spoke up and shared his thoughts. "Meow."

"Oh? What's that? "Shuyun, from the perspective of the general public, my appearance is indistinguishable from that of an average cat. Making such an error is a common occurrence, and it is advisable not to respond excessively." Ah, understood... I sincerely apologize." Through a swift motion, Shuyun humbly lowered his head in a gesture of contrition towards Ben.

"It appears that he possesses the ability to communicate effectively with the cat. Might this be an outcome of a potential alteration to his brain's language center?" As Sucrose pondered, her mind raced with various scenarios of how Shuyun could communicate with Prince. Perhaps Shuyun's expertise in animals had contributed to his knowledge of common species, she thought.

"If we go by the light novels... it was the sacred duels of Genius Invokation TCG that brought Prince and Shuyun closer together. So the more you play the game, the more players can develop a deeper level of understanding between one another." Amber offered her opinion on how she believes the Prince should connect with his servant and how she feels he should respond. Ben simply thought it ludicrous but feasible. It's ludicrous because it seems impossible that a card game could forge a connection this strong between two people. But feasible for him to say so since he's seen aliens that are capable of doing such things.

"Right on! That is precisely how Prince and I are able to communicate with one another." The fact that Amber knew so much about the TCG light novel had Shuyun in awe, and he almost joined in on fanboying.

"Does engaging in a game of Genius Invokation TCG establish a form of telepathic connection between its players?" This was the conclusion that Sucrose was able to arrive at after taking into consideration the just-heard explanations.

"Uh-huh... Anyway, if you have any questions concerning Genius Invokation TCG, please ask Shuyun... uh, who will ask Prince." Margaret enjoyed playing TCG, but she wasn't too invested in the backstory. Which left her in awe listening to Shuyun and Amber's enthusiasm for the game's lore.

"Meow... " The illustrious Prince has once again graced them with his presence, imparting his delicate words of wisdom.

"Similar to a skilled warrior who can anticipate the movements of their adversary's sword, I, as an expert in TCG, possess the ability to anticipate each move of my opponent. I regret to inform you that it would not be appropriate to engage in a card game with a novice such as yourself. Therefore, I must respectfully decline your invitation. Ahem, that's what Prince said." And being the obedient servant that he is, Shuyun continued to interpret every word that Prince spoke.

"You could've just said his paws can't hold cards. Then how about you, Amber? You're a pro, so you can show us the ropes." With a glint in his eye, Ben looked over at Amber and couldn't help but think she would make the perfect TCG teacher.

"Hehe… I might go a little overboard during the duel, so you should probably ask someone else." The Outrider smiled to herself and let out an inside laugh. The excitement of the game is so intense that she worries she might lose sight of the fact that she needs to take it slow for beginners.

"If Prince is unwilling to participate and Amber the outrider, is unwilling to do so, then I suppose we should seek a substitute. How about this... Diona!" Margaret's voice echoed through the halls as she summoned one of her employees to her side. Amber and Sucrose are no strangers to this individual, but for Ben, it's a lively first encounter.

"Yeah, blah blah blah, what is it? I'm super-duper busy, you know!" As soon as the bartender emerged from behind the counter, she let out an angry sigh. The girl was small with pink hair, cat ears, and a calico cat tail. She wears a dark indigo cap, shorts, a midriff-baring sleeveless turtleneck shirt with an orange-yellow scarf, pale pink sleeves, a vest, and white gloves with light pink paw-like patterns. She also wears a cat collar with her initials and an orange handkerchief around her tail. Her Cryo vision is linked to a cold-drink canteen that hangs from her belt.

This is Diona, the adorable bartender at Cat's Tail, who also happens to be a descendant of the historic Katzlein family. Despite her aversion to alcoholic beverages, she possesses an exceptional skill in bartending that sets her apart from the rest. Her ultimate goal as a bartender is to create the most reviled drink ever concocted, in hopes that it will turn people away from alcohol forever. The reason behind her disdain for the wine industry is rooted in a personal experience. She witnessed her father's demeanor shift when he consumed alcohol, which left a sour taste in her mouth.

"Hmph, why does everyone who comes to play Genius Invokation TCG here have to grab a drink... so annoying. Ugh! Do these people even understand that the most basic requirement for playing a game is to have a functioning brain? Like, seriously, get it together! Everyone knows that games and drinks don't mix. How clueless can people be... It's you!" Diona's passionate rant about her biggest pet peeve was interrupted as her cat-like eyes widened and she dramatically pointed her finger at Ben.

"I'm guessing you want to see an alien." The Omnitrix bearer was feeling generous and decided to let the kid have some fun by transforming just once. After all, what's a little transformation when it comes to making kids happy?

"Not just that, but I have a proposition for you. C'mere." In a split second, Diona's hand shot out and grabbed Ben's, pulling him behind the counter with surprising force. The hero now found himself crouching in a cramped space, wondering what was going on.

"You know, all you had to do if you wanted an autograph was ask nicely." Ben wasn't particularly comfortable bending down, so he came dangerously close to hitting the edge of the counter with his head as he was doing it.

"I don't need something as useless as that. I need you to transform into one of your stupid, wild animals and do it now. Preferably, I want ones that could totally destroy an entire industry." Diona had been eagerly anticipating this moment. At first, her plan was to create a commission tailored exclusively for him. But the fact that he did nothing more than walk into her cat's paws makes the situation far more favorable.

"They're called aliens. And why would I do that? I'm a hero, not a villain." This was probably the most bizarre request Ben has ever heard in his life. For example, he most likely received some requests from children to demolish something like an ugly playground (something he never really did), but he never received any demands to eliminate something like an entire legalized business.

"You will be a hero. The wine industry is, like, sooo full of these total villains that seriously need to be stopped? It's, like, such a problem. Your name will forever be engraved in the history of Mondstadt as their savior!" Diona was determined to convince him, convinced that this was her golden opportunity to rid the world of drunkenness once and for all.

"No, I'm still not doing that. My name will forever be engraved on the Knights of Favonius wanted list." Ben continued to turn it down for the simple reason that if he does that in Mondstadt, he'll be considered a terrorist.

"Hmph. I knew you'd be a big softie. Fine, just give me an alien where they can spit out something disgusting and dreadful." Diona's face twisted into a scowl as she resigned herself to the second option in her backup plan.

"Out of all the people I've met, your request for me to transform is the weirdest." The alien hero hesitated to accept that option, worried that it could lead to her inadvertently poisoning innocent individuals.

"Ahem... If you two are unaware, we can all hear you." As soon as Margaret's voice echoed through the room, they sprang to their feet in anticipation. Unfortunately for Ben, he hit the table with his head and is now rubbing it to lessen the pain.

"Whatever. You call yourself a hero but can't even bother to listen to the cries of the helpless? So why do I need to teach you Genius Invokation TCG?" Diona made a threatening gesture toward Ben by crossing her arms and giving him a cold look.

Before any arguments could be made, Margaret did her best to think of a statement that would put their best bartender at ease. "Consider this as a break, given that you have been diligently working throughout the day."

"Ha, hahah! Yeah! What kind of lame break are you talking about? I don't wanna, hmph! Oh... why are we allowing these slobs inside the building in the first place to play Genius Invokation TCG? It only makes more people want to come to the bar and have a drink... *sigh* Ya know, if drink sales keep rising like this, fairly soon, Mondstadt's alcohol business is going to reach new heights... Grr, it seems like the first stage in my plan to ruin the alcohol businesses in Mondstadt is to stop the spread of Genius Invokation TCG." Diona's fists clenched as she unleashed a fiery tirade of alcohol-induced frustration, desperately hoping that her prayers would be answered by the divine Barbatos.

"If you really don't like alcohol, why are you even bartending here?" Ben has a strange feeling that being around Diona might give him a headache just like Pakmar did, but he can't quite put his finger on why.

"Because my other alternative goal is to make the worst drink possible, people will stop drinking any alcoholic beverages." Diona is absolutely convinced that her current job is a stroke of genius and sees no flaws in it whatsoever.

"That doesn't even make any sense. They'll just grab some other wine. Like when Mr. Smoothy's once made the worst flavor ever, it didn't stop me from being a regular; I just went on to never buy that flavor again." As Ben launched into his rebuttal, Diona braced herself for another round of verbal sparring. The tension in the air was palpable, and it seemed like things were about to escalate into a full-blown argument.

"Meow." Just as tensions were about to reach their boiling point, Prince cleverly interrupted with another loud noise, successfully redirecting everyone's focus back to him.

"My dear, you are quite mistaken. As per your statement, a lucid mindset is imperative for achieving success. In the near future, their desire to achieve success will surpass their desire for alcoholic beverages." The aforementioned statement was articulated by Prince and, to be candid, it holds veracity. The proliferation of Genius Invokation TCG may not impede your objective of dismantling Mondstadt's alcohol sector, but rather, it could potentially aid you in achieving this aim." In an effort to eventually diffuse the tension, Shuyun promptly translated what Prince had stated.

"C-could it really?" Diona found herself speechless. Perhaps it's time for her to reconsider her stance and view Genius Invokation TCG from a fresh perspective.

"That worked?" Ben shouldn't be surprised since it's easy to fool a kid, but Diona sounded somewhat like a mature, bratty adult from work.

"Just go with the flow, Ben. You only have this one opportunity to master the rules." Amber had just finished telling the alien hero to simply accept the situation and go on.

"Sure, why not. Alrighty then, our two customers are waiting to learn... Shuyun, I would like to assign you the task of preparing the beverage mixes at this time." In light of the fact that everything seems to be proceeding well, Margaret proceeded to allocate Shuyun to the tasks of bartending while she moved on to perform her daily walk.

"Meow... "But Shuyun is destined for a far greater purpose..." Despite Shuyun's apparent reluctance, he seemed content to linger with Prince and simply take in the surroundings.

"Shuyun. Drink-mixing. Now." Unfortunately, his boss was not as gullible as Diona, and firmly reiterated the importance of adhering to his job responsibilities.

"O-okay!" Since Shuyun did not want to risk losing his job, he promptly agreed, and then he went out to make the beverages that had been requested by customers. Margaret stepped out of the building, feeling content with the way things had unfolded, and decided to take a well-deserved break.

"Ooo... alright! We need lots of room to learn, heheh. Let's go sit at that empty table over there!" Diona gestured in the direction of a table that was located at the far end of the room. Everyone in the group agreed that this was a good spot to remain, so they all proceeded to walk closer to the table.

"Awesome! It's cool to watch TCG matches live even if I'm not playing." Amber's excitement was palpable as she anticipated the Genius Invokation TCG battle that would take place between Ben and Sucrose.

"You're right about that! But wait, let's check out the rules! Okay, first thing's first! Put your deck down first since you'll need it to play." As Diona eagerly anticipated the moment when her new students would reveal their decks, her expression quickly transformed into one of bewilderment as the seconds ticked by with no action.

"A… deck?" Sucrose was completely confused by Diona's statement and could only stare into space as she tried to figure out which word in the dictionary she should look it up under.

"It's like a bunch of cards you picked out to play with. That gift from your friend should have a full deck." Ben was familiar with the term "deck" since, back at Bellwood, card games were commonplace in the days before the advent of video games.

"That's right, we have some cards that I received from a friend." Sucrose eagerly opened the box and carefully placed it on the table, revealing the treasure trove of cards inside. The deck was comprised of exactly 32 cards.

"Uhh... you're gonna need a few more cards than that. It's only enough for you, Sucrose. Ben would still have an empty deck. Wait no. The only character cards you have are two Sucrose cards, so you're missing two more." Diona felt a pang of frustration as she realized that she wouldn't be able to give both of them the quality instruction they wanted, all because of the inadequate equipment.

"You can borrow my deck if you want to, Ben. And let's make it fair: I say you should have the same action cards as Sucrose." Amber's collection of cards was impressive, and she was willing to share them with her friends. However, she was very particular about which cards she lent out. Only the ones that weren't part of her main deck were up for grabs.

"Sounds good to me… Hey, wait a minute, there are more cards of Diluc and Kaeya here. Plus a blank card." The alien hero saw the cards tucked away on the table behind the container for the utensils.

"Ah… Oopsie, I forgot to hide it by the counter! A customer left them a day ago. But I could've sworn I'd cleaned up this table and hid these cards. Let's use them too." Diona's feline intuition is on high alert as she senses that the cards behind the counter have been purr-loined and deliberately placed in their current location. The mystery of who could have done such a thing has her whiskers twitching with curiosity.

"Are you certain that Ben may use them?" Sucrose was feeling a bit anxious, wondering if the owner would be upset about using their belongings without asking first.

"Eh, it's already been a few days, and he still hasn't come back to claim them. Who knows? Maybe he left them here on purpose." Diona is privy to the identity of the card owner, but she's chosen to keep that information under lock and key.

"Call me back when you're done learning the basics. I'm gonna go duel with some folks over there." Seeing that they'll do a tutorial run first, Amber decided she might as well battle other TCG players and come back once they're ready to duel each other.

"If there aren't any more things to take my attention away. Let's learn how to play Genius Invokation TCG!" Diona continued to outline the rules with vigor. Despite her seasoned experience, she still harbors a fiery enthusiasm for discussing the game with fellow enthusiasts.

1 Hour Later…

"Alright, cool, those are the basics. Did ya get all that?" The feline mixologist concluded her rundown of the regulations and asked the novice duo if they had comprehended the mechanics of the game. While Ben seemed to be fighting against sleep with all of his might, Sucrose appeared to be paying close attention to every aspect of the conversation.

"While I acknowledge that there may be additional nuances to comprehend, I believe I have grasped the fundamental concept of the game." Sucrose performed a thorough review of her notes to ensure that the information was still readily accessible in her head.

"Shouldn't be a big deal. Just get rid of all your opponent's cards. I do that every day with my hero gig, so beating a card should be easy peasy." The alien hero let out a big yawn, feeling a bit nonchalant about the upcoming game. He decided to rely on his natural talent and hope that luck would be on his side.

"Ben, you should not undervalue TCG players. Nonetheless, that was a very thorough explanation. I had no idea that the renowned mixologist at Cat's Tail had such a diverse skill set." Suddenly, a voice chimed in with their thoughts on Diona's explanation of the rules. All eyes were fixed on the side as a mysterious figure made their way towards the table. To everyone's amazement, it was none other than Diluc himself who stood before them, commanding attention with his presence.

"Waah! Wha- Oh! When did you get here..." Diona was taken aback, and not in a pleasant manner, as Diluc happened to be one of the individuals she held in disdain.

"I stepped in while you were in the middle of your explanation... I trust I didn't ruin the atmosphere." Diluc was beginning to feel a little uneasy about the possibility that everyone's attitude toward learning the game right now had been altered as a result of his presence.

"Dude, of all the places in Mondstadt... I didn't think I'd see you here." That was about all Ben was able to say since he envisioned Diluc mostly centered in areas where he could eradicate the Fatui.

"The Cat's Tail is a participant in the alcohol industry of Mondstadt. Evidently, they collaborate with my winery in some way. I'm here today to discuss several business matters with Margaret." Diluc was originally about to leave the tavern, but he only chose to stay and observe when Ben's presence in the vicinity caught his eye.

"Too bad, she just left. But if you head off right now, you might still catch up with her!" Diona was hoping that Diluc would leave at this very moment since it was becoming more difficult for her to even attempt to keep eye contact with him.

"Don't worry, it's not essential. In fact, I'm probably more intrigued by this card you're using to teach them the game." The secretive Darknight Hero pointed to the card that was now held in the hand of the alien hero.

"You mean this card? I'm impressed that you actually got your own card." The extraterrestrial hero was also holding out hope that if Diluc, Kaeya, and Sucrose each had their own card, eventually they would make a card based on him as well.

"Although I have some degree of experience with Genius Invokation TCG, seeing this particular card is a first for me..." Diluc was left in a state of perplexity upon laying his eyes on his own character card. Lost in thought, he pondered over the mysterious card that bore his image. Who could have possibly created it without his consent or knowledge?

"That's kinda weird. I expected you to be the first one to own this card." Even back at Bellwood, Ben would always get to see his merchandise firsthand, but only the official ones.

"Uh, someone forgot it here a few days ago. But, like, he wasn't even playing the game when he was here." Diona let the cat out of the bag about the background of the location where the character card was discovered.

"Oh? And what sort of a customer was he?" Diluc's curiosity was piqued, driven by the tantalizing possibility that the mystery customer's identity held the key to unlocking all the answers he sought.

"Uh… he didn't have a patch on his eye, okay? He was really pale and had a super-duper serious face. He didn't talk much and seemed like he was just sipping his drink and being sad. Well... I've never seen him around here!" The anxious cat bartender laughed nervously as she did her best to recount the specifics of her customer in an honest manner.

"What an unbelievable lie you just told, Diona. Wow, I totally fell for it and didn't think it was Kaeya." Ben stated in a mocking tone, and even Sucrose shook her head at the heinous falsehood that was spoken.

"Gah! I was trying to say the opposite thing, but I accidentally spilled the beans. Sorry, Guard Captain..." Diona's heart raced as she anxiously tugged at her hair, dreading the consequences of betraying Kaeya's trust by revealing his secret.

"Don't fret. I don't believe he will give you any trouble about it." Diluc reassured her, as even he knew Kaeya might have planned this somehow.

"So… are you gonna take this away from us?" Ben inquired Diluc, albeit with a tinge of reluctance, as he was eager to dive into the game without any further delay.

"I don't mind. It's merely a card bearing my image." As is customary for the mysterious Darknight Hero, he did not place a great deal of importance on inconsequential things.

"Honestly, I don't know what's more surprising. You have a card created by Kaeya or you actually playing this game." The alien hero had a stronger preference for the second available course of action.

"Recently, it is difficult to go anywhere without hearing someone mention the game. Regularly, I take a break from serving clients at Angel's Share to sit down and play a game with them." Diluc divulged the details of his entry into the game as well as his rise to prominence as a competitive TCG player.

"Then I bet you must be itching to duel one of us then?" As Ben locked eyes with Diluc, he could sense an unspoken desire to shuffle up and deal a fresh round of cards.

"I hoped we would be able to play a game... However, the fact that someone left a Character Card bearing my image at The Cat's Tail is... quite intriguing. It's growing late, and someone must provide an explanation... That duel will have to take place at a later date." Alas, work comes first to him, and he still has to prepare for his Darknight Hero duties later.

"Yeah, sure, but just so you know. I could be the strongest TCG player by then." Ben exuded an air of confidence that seemed to linger around him.

"I like your conviction, Ben. So then, I shall depart." Diluc gave a courteous nod to everyone in the room before reversing course and walking towards the Cat's Tail exit.

"You know where the door is! Don't let the door hit ya where Lord Barbatos split ya! Uh-oh... guard Captain..." Diona's initial happiness at Diluc's departure was short-lived as she found herself once again consumed by worry, this time about what would Captain Kaeya do to her.

"Hey guys, I'm back. Seems like you had a chat with Diluc." After accumulating two more victories in the TCG, Amber was ultimately able to make her way back to the group.

"Apparently, he didn't know he had a character card." Ben divulged this information to the Outrider, and her reaction upon hearing it was one of genuine astonishment.

"Weird. I got this from a trade with Kaeya, and I assumed it first came from Diluc trading it to him." As Amber pondered the situation, she couldn't help but wonder if her captain had gone to great lengths to obtain a card from Diluc, perhaps even resorting to shady tactics just to spite him.

Before anything more could proceed, Ben had the distinct impression that a glimmering light was hovering around his palm. With a quick flip, his eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected turn of events. "What the?! The blank card changed into… Swampfire?"

"Oh, so that's what Swampfire looks like? He looks pretty cool with his plant-like body and fiery-looking head." Despite this, the Outrider had a different expectation of him since Klee had provided her with a summary of his physical appearance.

"Yeah, but this is Swampfire's old look from when I had my old Omnitrix. His new look right now is more muscular and a bit more yellow, I guess." Ben couldn't help but ponder why the Methanosian's appearance was still the old design from his recalibrated Omnitrix, instead of the updated look he was expecting.

"Fascinating. So, his extraterrestrial race possesses the ability to alter their physical appearance." Sucrose murmured something to herself under her breath as she carefully recorded the information in her notebook.

"He doesn't look special, just like some oversized plant. The most usual cards are monster cards with cool characters, but sometimes a blank card can turn into a vision wielder! So, if you have a blank card, you can make more and trade them with your friends who also have blank cards! That's how the Jean and Barbara cards have been popular lately." Diona delved into the intricate process of crafting specific cards. Blank cards will manifest themselves on special individuals and will look in their history to pick which abilities they have that can fit a Genius Invokation TCG match.

"But I don't even have a vision." That did not address Ben's query, and in fact, it just made him even more perplexed about the situation.

"Maybe cause of your weird aliens, it picked one of 'em... boring! Let's talk about something else. I wanna know what this card can do! Explain it to all of us." Diona revealed a nifty trick to Ben. With just a flick of a thumb, he could unveil his card's incredible abilities to all who were watching. As if by magic, a window would appear, showcasing the full extent of his card's power.


Swampfire

Card Type: Character

Health: 10

Element: Dendro

Faction: Alien

Weapon: Other Weapon Cards

Skills

Regeneration (Passive): Heals 1 HP to Swampfire at the end of the round.

Punch (Normal Attack) (Cost: 1 Dendro Dice and 2 Unaligned Dice): Deals 2 Physical DMG.

Vine Generation (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Dendro Dice): Deals 2 Dendro DMG, creates 1 Vine Thorns at the opponent's play area. After a character to which Vine Thorns is attached uses a Skill: Deals 1 Dendro DMG to their team's active character. Usage(s): 2

Flamethrower (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Pyro Dice): Deals 3 Pyro DMG.

Elemental Burst: ?


"Now that's rare. The only other character I know that has a dual element is the Maguu Kenki character card. But why is your elemental burst a bunch of question marks? This cat wants to know!" Curiosity burned within Diona as she yearned to uncover the secrets of Swampfire's elemental burst. The same gesture was made by Amber, and some spectators decided to tune in on them.

"Perhaps the revelation will occur once Ben and I commence our match." That was the hypothesis that Sucrose developed in order to explain how to penetrate the mystery surrounding Swampfire's ultimate attack.

"What are you guys waiting for, huh? Have a duel already! Hey, don't forget! If you wanna play a real duel, your deck needs 3 character cards and 30 action cards. Got it?" Diona couldn't resist stirring the pot, eager to see if the two of them would finally engage in an epic card war.

"We could incorporate a selection of cards from the Sumeru researcher's gift, Amber's collection, and Captain Kaeya's contributions. Collectively, our arsenal comprises of 30 action cards, while our chosen characters are Sucrose and Diluc. The sole disparity lies in the fact that I possess Kaeya while you possess Swampfire. Shall we initiate our inaugural duel?" Sucrose shuffled both cards, then divided them in half before handing them over to Ben, who gladly took them in his possession. Both sides have the same action cards and the same character cards: Diluc, Kaeya, and Sucrose. The only significant alteration is that the bearer of the Omnitrix has switched Kaeya for Swampfire.


Details for the TCG cards to be used. If you already know this or are not interested in reading this part, please skip to the next line. "This is gonna be exciting!"

Sucrose

Card Type: Character

Health: 10

Element: Anemo

Faction: Mondstadt

Weapon: Catalyst

Skills

Wind Spirit Creation (Normal Attack) (Cost: 1 Anemo Dice and 2 Unaligned Dice): Deal 1 Anemo DMG.

Astable Anemohypostasis Creation - 6308 (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Anemo Dice): Deals 3 Anemo DMG, the target is forcibly switched to the previous character.

Forbidden Creation - Isomer 75 / Type II (Elemental Burst) (Cost: 3 Anemo Dice and 3 Energy): Deals 1 Anemo DMG, summons 1 Large Wind Spirit.

Large Wind Spirit: End Phase: Deal 2 Anemo (s): 3. After your character or Summon triggers a Swirl reaction: Convert the Elemental Type of this card and change its DMG dealt to the element Swirled. (Can only be converted once before leaving the field)

Diluc

Card Type: Character

Health: 10

Element: Pyro

Faction: Mondstadt

Weapon: Claymore

Skills

Tempered Sword (Normal Attack) (Cost: 1 Pyro Dice and 2 Unaligned Dice): Deals 2 Physical DMG.

Searing Onslaught (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Pyro Dice): Deals 3 Pyro DMG. For the third use of this Skill each Round, deals +2 DMG.

Dawn (Elemental Burst) (Cost: 4 Pyro Dice and 3 Energy): Deals 8 Pyro DMG. This character gains Pyro Infusion.

Pyro Infusion: The character to which this is attached has their Physical DMG dealt converted to Pyro DMG. Duration (Rounds): 2

Kaeya

Card Type: Character

Health: 10

Element: Cryo

Faction: Mondstadt

Weapon: Sword

Skills

Ceremonial Bladework (Normal Attack) (Cost: 1 Cryro Dice and 2 Unaligned Dice): Deals 2 Physical DMG.

Frostgnaw (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Cryro Dice): Deals 3 Cryo DMG.

Glacial Waltz (Elemental Burst) (Cost: 4 Cryo Dice and 3 Energy): Deals 1 Cryo DMG, creates 1 Icicle.

Icicle Buff Icon Icicle: After you switch characters: Deal 2 Cryo DMG. Usage(s): 3


"This is gonna be exciting! Two newcomers are about to have their first TCG battle ever. I can't wait to see who'll be the victor!" The atmosphere was electric as Amber and the rest of the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the beginner duel. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, brimming with anticipation for what promised to be an exhilarating showdown.

"Duels are like the ultimate way to see who's stronger between two players. Let's get ready for some epic battles until the very end! Myeowza!" Diona took on the role of a boxing referee, poised and ready to kick off the match.

"Alright, let the duel begin!" Upon hearing the announcement that their very first Genius Invokation TCG battle was about to begin, Sucrose and Ben both let out loud exclamations.

The anticipation was palpable as the dice clattered and tumbled across the stage, each roll determining the fate of the game. The game got off to a rocky start as both players were dissatisfied with their initial dice rolls and requested a change. In spite of the fact that it seems as if it does not make a difference, Ben and Sucrose did not appear to be pleased with the outcomes, judging by the expressions on their faces. The timid alchemist's luck turned around during the card drawing as she finally received a set of cards that she was pleased with, prompting her to hold onto it tightly. Unfortunately for the alien hero, his loot consisted of a plethora of weapon cards that were utterly useless since none of his characters could equip them. Once more, misfortune befell him as he swapped his hand, only to find that his cards remained as useless as ever, adorned with artifacts that were of no use to him due to their incorrect element.

Ben kicked off the round with a fiery start by choosing Swampfire (TCG: B10) as his opening character. He wasted no time in unleashing the power of his Flamethrower skill, singeing Sucrose (TCG: SHS) and causing her to lose a whopping 3 HP. The battle intensified as Sucrose seized her turn and unleashed her card's elemental skill, causing Swampfire (TCG: B10) to switch to Diluc (TCG: B10) and inflicting a solid 3 points of damage on the hapless hero. Ben was caught off guard by the unexpected outcome, but he quickly regained his composure and launched a strategic counterattack. With a swift strike from Diluc (TCG: B10)'s normal attack, he managed to whittle down Sucrose (TCG: SHS)'s HP to a mere 5 points. As soon as the turn was passed back to Sucrose, she made the decision to play a more passive game. First, she equipped her own card with the "Viridescent Venerer's Diadem" action card, and then she added the "Favonius Cathedral" support card to her playing field. After that, she ended her turn. Since Ben was dealt a pretty lousy hand of cards and only had two dice to work with. Feeling a bit thwarted, he was left with no choice but to switch back to his trusty Swampfire (TCG: B10) and call it a turn. Just as the first round was drawing to a close, Sucrose (TCG: SHS) managed to restore 2 HP, bringing her total to 7 HP, all thanks to the incredible healing powers of the Favonius Cathedral. On the other side, Swampfire's passive ability kicked in and he was able to heal himself for 1 HP, bringing his total health back up to 8 HP.


Details for the TCG cards that were used and current health status of the character cards. If you already know this or are not interested in reading this part, please skip to the next line. "That skill on your card is gonna be a pain."

Ben 10 (B10)

Swampfire: 8 HP

Diluc: 10 HP

Sucrose: 10 HP

Sucrose Harmless Sweetie (SHS)

Sucrose: 7 HP

Diluc: 10 HP

Kaeya: 10 HP

Viridescent Venerer's Diadem (Action Equipment Card) (Cost: 3 Unaligned Dice): When a character uses a Skill or equips a Talent: Spend 1 less Anemo Die. (once per Round) (A character can equip a maximum of 1 Artifact)

Favonius Cathedral (Action Support Card) (Cost: 2 Matching Dice): End Phase: Heal your active character for 2 HP.


"That skill on your card is gonna be a pain." Ben learned the hard way that Sucrose's TCG card packs a powerful elemental punch. He regrets not choosing a different card to start with.

"This strategy is highly effective in thwarting opponents who aim to execute a specific play. Assuming the standard turn-taking protocol, it appears that I will have the opportunity to take the first turn." Sucrose was thrilled with how smoothly her turn went and how everything fell perfectly into place. The rolling of the dice and the dealing of the cards both proceeded as planned, and much to the satisfaction of the alchemist, she was successful on both fronts. The alien hero's luck was a mixed bag. While his card draw was in his favor, the dice seemed to be against him once again.

Sucrose (TCG: SHS) kicked off her turn with a bang, unleashing the power of the "Starsigns" action card to fuel her energy reserves. With her elemental burst now fully charged, she was ready to unleash a devastating attack on her opponents. She let lose her elemental burst at Swampfire (TCG: B10), causing a powerful gust of wind to sweep through the battlefield. As the dust settled, a majestic wind spirit appeared by her side, ready to assist her in the fight. Despite only dealing 1 damage, her attack had a significant impact on the battle. Ben takes the turn back from his opponent and unleashes the power of Swampfire (TCG: B10). Using the first elemental skill, he infuses Dendro into Sucrose (TCG: SHS) and unleashes a barrage of vine thorns, dealing a staggering 2 damage to her. With her back against the wall, Sucrose decided to release her full offensive potential on her opponent. Through a strategic move, she played her "Leave it to Me!" and "Changing Shifts" action cards, granting her the ability to switch to Diluc (TCG: SHS) without using any dice. In a thrilling battle, Diluc (TCG: SHS) led the charge while Sucrose expertly activated his elemental skill. The result was a bonus 4 damage dealt to Swampfire (TCG: B10) thanks to a perfectly executed elemental reaction with the burning effect summon triggering. Nevertheless, Diluc (TCG: SHS) wasn't spared from the wrath of the vine thorn effect, as it dealt a devastating blow of 1 HP damage.

In a nail-biting moment, Ben found himself in a race against time to rescue Swampfire (TCG: B10) from certain elimination. With no other options, he bravely stepped up to the challenge. Ben bestowed the action card "Sweet Madame" upon Swampfire (TCG: B10), allowing him to regain 1 HP and continue the battle with renewed vigor. Ben placed the "Favonius Cathedral" support card to enhance his course of play. In a stunning move, Ben utilized "Calx's arts" to extract the powerful energy of Diluc (TCG: B10) and transfer it to Swampfire (TCG: B10). With this infusion of elemental power, Swampfire (TCG: B10) is now fully charged and ready to unleash an explosive burst of energy in the next round. The alien hero wrapped up his turn, having accomplished everything he set out to do. Sucrose, on the other hand, found herself without any dice to roll, so she gracefully conceded her turn. The round finally concluded, and Sucrose's TCG summons launched a fierce attack on Swampfire (TCG: B10), leaving him with only 1 HP remaining. Fortunately, thanks to his quick thinking and the power of the Favonius Cathedral, he was able to restore his HP back to 4, saving himself from certain defeat.


Details for the TCG cards that were used and current health status of the character cards. If you already know this or are not interested in reading this part, please skip to the next line. "It's time for Ben to unleash his elemental burst."

Ben 10 (B10)

Swampfire: 4 HP

Diluc: 10 HP

Sucrose: 10 HP

Sucrose Harmless Sweetie (SHS)

Sucrose: 5 HP

Diluc: 9 HP

Kaeya: 10 HP

Starsigns (Action Event Card) (Cost: 2 Unaligned Dice): Your current Active Character gains 1 Energy.

Leave It to Me! (Action Event Card) (Cost: 0 Matching Dice): The next time you perform "Switch Character": The switch will be considered a Fast Action instead of a Combat Action.

Changing Shifts (Action Event Card) (Cost: 0 Matching Dice): The next time you perform "Switch Character": Spend 1 less Elemental Die.

Sweet Madame (Action Event Card) (Cost: 0 Matching Dice): Heal target character for 1 HP. (A character can consume at most 1 Food per Round.)

Calx's Arts (Action Event Card) (Cost: 1 Matching Dice): Shift 1 Energy from at most 2 of your characters on standby to your active character.


"It's time for Ben to unleash his elemental burst." The anticipation in the air was palpable as Amber's voice rang out, signaling the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting. Unveiling the enigmatic elemental burst and deciphering the reason behind its blurred appearance.

"Come on, use it already! This kitty's wondering what those question marks are all about." Diona's patience was wearing thin, and she wished there would be no more air of mystery from this point forward. Luck was on both players' side this time as the dice and card draw proved to be fair. Ben had the honor of starting the turn.

The otherworldly hero watched with bated breath as the enigmatic question marks slowly dissipated, revealing a single, powerful word: "Ultimate." Ben widened his eyes as he slowly realized what the elemental burst would do. He did not waste any time and started using it straight away.

The card came to life with an animated scene featuring Swampfire fiercely slapping the Omnitrix, causing sharp spikes to burst out from either side. A mysterious transformation occurred as he was bathed in a brilliant green glow. He now has the appearance of a dark brown humanoid tree, complete with blue gooey shells by his arms and a gigantic one on his back. Ultimate Swampfire yelled out his name in order to finish off his look completely.

"Ultimate Swampfire?" Just when they thought they had Ben all figured out, he managed to surprise them yet again. The card had captured Amber's attention and the crowd was equally mesmerized, their minds racing with wonder and intrigue. Curiosity sparked as they pondered whether this extraterrestrial being belonged to the Swampfire subspecies or if it was an entirely new species altogether.

"I'm surprised. It's been a hot minute since I busted out my ultimate forms. And now, here they are in a card game!" Ben was taken aback as he gazed upon his own ultimate forms once more, never imagining he would witness them in the flesh again (excluding the ones Albedo had taken on for his latest Omnitrix).

"Your aliens have ultimate forms?! Are you implying that you have the ability to facilitate the hyper-evolution of entities into a state that surpasses their original form in terms of power?" With a sudden burst of curiosity, Sucrose turned her attention away from the TCG game and eagerly bombarded Ben with questions about all the new information. She found great joy in the rapid evolution taking place, as it opened up exciting possibilities for experiencing life in fresh and novel ways.

"More or less." The otherworldly hero shrugged his shoulders, certain that the timid alchemist would have no trouble understanding the notion of his ultimate forms.

"Then why haven't you shown us that ability of yours? You could've totally used it against the Crimson Witch of Flames." As Amber pondered about the ultimate forms of the other aliens from Ben, her imagination ran wild with vivid images of extraterrestrial beings beyond her wildest dreams. Her mind wandered to the possibilities of vision wielders having an ultimate function, and she couldn't help but imagine how amazing it would be.

"I can't do it anymore since I traded it in for a more stable Omnitrix." Ben was a big fan of his ultimate forms, but he knew exactly why Azmuth had to take them away. After all, having those forms kind of went against the whole point of the Omnitrix.

"Blah blah blah. He just looks uglier than before, and nothing really happened other than your dice changing to full Omni Dice. If that's it, then you have one disappointing Elemental Burst." Diona appeared unimpressed with Ben's latest alien transformation, and her expression turned to one of disgust upon seeing Swampfire's new form.

Ben had a strong desire to disprove Diona's claims, and he was gazing at his card to see if there were any fresh developments. A smug smile crept onto his face as he stumbled upon something that would surely make the cat bartender eat her words. "Hey, my skills changed."

"Wait what?" Diona asked with a perplexed expression as she turned to gaze at the new abilities Ultimate Swampfire possessed, along with the rest of the folks who were spectating. As the details of the card's newfound power were revealed, a collective gasp escaped from the onlookers as their eyes grew wider in astonishment.


Ultimate Swampfire

Card Type: Character

Health: 10

Element: Dendro

Faction: Alien

Weapon: Other Weapon Cards

Skills

Punch (Normal Attack) (Cost: 1 Dendro Dice and 2 Unaligned Dice): Deals 3 Physical DMG.

Seeds of Entanglement (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Dendro Dice): Deals 3 Dendro DMG to all opposing characters, creates 1 Enhanced Vine Thorns at the opponent's play area. After a character to which Enhanced Vine Thorns is attached uses a Skill: Deals 2 Dendro DMG to their team's active character. Duration (Rounds): 2

Usage(s): 2

Fire Bombs (Elemental Skill) (Cost: 3 Pyro Dice): Deals 4 Pyro DMG, deals 3 Pyro DMG to all opposing characters on standby. If Fire Bombs comes into contact with Dendro, deals Azure Fireblast instead of Burgeon reaction.

Azure Fireblast: Deals 7 DMG to all opposing characters.

Ultimate Swampfire (Elemental Burst) (Cost 2 Dendro Dice and 3 Energy): Considered a fast action and changes into his ultimate form that turns all dice into Omni Dice. Duration (Rounds): 1


"MEOW! What kind of skills are those?! If Ben does it right, he can make all of Sucrose's cards disappear! That card is so unfair! It should be banned!" Diona let out a piercing yell, unable to get her head around the incredible might of Ultimate Swampfire. A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd as they debated the fairness of the situation amongst themselves.

With a smile on his face, Ben couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he experienced the thrill of going Ultimate once more. He unleashed the fiery power of Ultimate Swampfire (TCG: B10)'s Elemental skill, dealing a devastating blow of 3 HP Dendro aoe damage to all of Sucrose's cards. It was a bold move, but he knew it was necessary to gain the upper hand in this intense card game. The timid alchemist is in a state of panic and is unsure of what steps to take next. In a moment of anxiety, she fumbled and executed Diluc (TCG:SHS)'s basic attack, dealing a measly 2 points of physical damage to the formidable Ultimate Swampfire (TCG: B10), leaving him with a mere 2 points of health. A subtle grin crept across Ben's face as he realized that his opponent's misplay had just handed him the key to victory. The alien hero unleashed his elemental prowess, channeling it into a powerful Azure Fireblast that left his opponent, Sucrose, reeling. The Dendro reaction amplified the attack, causing a spectacular chain reaction that obliterated all of Sucrose's TCG cards in one fell swoop. Ben's triumph was nothing short of miraculous. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, he summoned the strength and skill to emerge victorious. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their spirits lifted by the thrilling spectacle they had just witnessed.

"I can't believe I lost. Had I refrained from panicking and instead utilized Diluc's elemental skill, I would have successfully eliminated Ultimate Swampfire from the equation. It would be beneficial if there existed a method to rectify a minor error made during a match." Sucrose was feeling pretty down after her loss. She couldn't help but think about what she could have done differently to secure the win. If only she had kept her cool and not let her nerves get the best of her.

"That's not how the rules work, Sucrose. Don't be a sore loser. That kind of thing is looked down on in TCG circles." Despite her cranky demeanor, Diona is surprisingly easygoing when it comes to losing a card game. Expect a rematch to happen as she'll likely blame her loss on getting distracted.

"Oh, I am sorry... I acknowledge that I was defeated in a just and equitable manner. I just can't stand losing. Nonetheless, the match was entertaining." Sucrose quickly shook off her gloomy expression and resumed flashing her precious little grin.

"It was a close call, but I didn't expect you to get all competitive, Sucrose." Even Ben had to admit that the timid alchemist deserved credit since, if it weren't for that one little misstep, the battle would have ended in Sucrose's favor.

"Experiencing disappointment upon losing is a common emotional response for me. Similarly, the same applies to my research. I find it quite disheartening when my experiments fail to yield the desired results, especially when there's an alchemy genius like Albedo around to compare myself to..." Sucrose captivated her listeners by drawing a compelling analogy to describe the depth of her loss, much like her esteemed chief alchemist.

"Uhh… you lost me with all your mumbo-jumbo words, but sure, it's normal to feel that way. And to you, Ben... I'm gonna make sure Ultimate Swampfire gets banned! I've never seen a whole team with almost full health just get completely wiped out like that." With a swift turn, Diona shot a sharp glare at Ben, silently warning him that his days of wielding the powerful Swampfire card may be numbered.

"Just beat Swampfire before he goes ultimate. Simple as pie." Ben folded his arms across his chest, relishing in the satisfaction of seeing Diona's expression change. It seemed as though she finally had some positive thoughts to share about his aliens.

"Easier said than done!" The feline mixologist chastised him in return, proving that the task at hand was not as effortless as it may have seemed.

"At least I am an official TCG player now." Now that the alien hero has achieved his goal, he has a thrilling new pastime to turn to when he's not saving the world from danger. The idea crossed his mind that Genius Invokation TCG might just be the next big thing, the Sumo Slammers of this universe. He couldn't help but wonder if he would become completely hooked on this franchise.

"Meow." Prince made a grand entrance, this time being carried on a luxurious pillow by none other than Shuyun.

"Becoming a TCG player requires a certain level of dedication and effort. One cannot consider oneself a genuine TCG player until successfully passing the test." After that, Shuyun continued to explain the last condition that Ben needed to satisfy in order to finally be considered an official TCG player.

"Test? Don't you think just learning the basics is good enough? Oh, come on! Is this one of those quizzes about the Genius Invokation TCG light novels?" Ben got the strange impression that this was one of those sorts of situations in which a crowd just expects you to answer queries that only the most devoted fans can solve in order to be acknowledged as a genuine one.

"That is not the designated assessment, however, rest assured that it is not excessively challenging. To attain official recognition as a TCG player, it is necessary to emerge victorious in a duel against three opponents." Shuyun seemed quite intrigued by the notion of incorporating a TCG quiz inspired by the light novels.

"If I understand correctly, you are required to emerge victorious in three separate duels against three distinct opponents, is that correct?" Sucrose believed that doing that task wouldn't be too difficult, which is why she requested further information.

"Yes. I would like to acknowledge both of you for your efforts. Both of you are playing for the first time, but your performance felt comparable to that of expert players. The audience was highly engaged and attentive. Heck, we're actually thinking about whether we should really ban Swampfire. In any case, Ben requires only two triumphs as his previous win against you is included." Shuyun's thoughts were so detailed that every bit of information was laid out for all to see. At this time, the alien hero was thinking about where he was going to locate two more people to play with, and Prince was about to recommend him to use the Casket of Tomes when something unexpected took place.

"That can be arranged." The sound of an audible voice echoed through the room, causing heads to turn in unison. To everyone's surprise, Amber and the entire population of Cat's Tail had formed a line, eagerly waiting for their turn to challenge Ben in a thrilling game of Genius Invokation TCG.

"What the?!" The Omnitrix bearer was taken aback by the situation at hand. Despite being a rookie, he could sense the eagerness in everyone's eyes to engage in a battle with him.

"You see, Ben, all us TCG players got super excited when we saw your alien as a playable character and a new powerful gimmick being introduced. We gotta try it before it's banned forever!" Amber proudly displayed her TCG card with a grin on her face because she was eager to see Ultimate Swampfire in action for herself. She's up for a challenge and determined to discover how she can outsmart that formidable card.

"To make things simpler for you, we were going to suggest that you acquire a Casket of Tomes. However, it appears that you may be able to complete that task at a later time." Shuyun was amazed as he watched a large crowd gather, all eager to take on one person in a challenge. It was a sight that's rarely seen and he couldn't help but let out an impressed whistle.

"Meow!" Prince let out his loudest and most passionate meow of the day.

"Seize victory, and become a TCG champion!" Prince has expressed great expectations for you, Tennyson. And perhaps in the future, additional aliens will be playable." Shuyun's energy was contagious as he spoke with the fervor of a boxing announcer, looking forward to the start of the match.

"Bring it on!" With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Ben let out an exhilarating exclamation, eager to take on the new challengers that lay ahead.


Author's Notes

Well, this took a while, as other than having other things to do, this chapter is the one that got rewritten the most. There are a lot of scenes that I deleted or changed entirely. Anyway, I just hoped this turned out fine. Also, Genius Invokation TCG was something I wanted to write ever since December, and I just waited for the moment it would fit. And in terms of the ultimate forms, to maintain the accuracy of the lore, he won't acquire them again with his new Omnitrix. It'll just maybe appear in flashbacks or more TCG cards if I want to write more of it. So my plans right now (which could change) will be an Eula-based chapter for the next one, one more Mondstadt-related chapter, and then Ben will prepare to leave for Liyue. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and have a good day.

To LogicalTips: Yes, he would. My plan for that is that if he scans the Adepti or Youkai, he'll first have their beast form, and he'll have to learn how he can shift to their human form. The only exception was, I guess, him scanning sucrose DNA, because I'm not sure if I'll bring it back.

To Frontiers9: For your first one, yes, he'll get more interactions with others. For your second one, it could be possible, but mostly for Paradox only. And your last one, I don't have plans to make a spin-off involving the Archon War if Paradox was there to observe it.

To Zerofox3: At the moment, I have no plans.

To Naitomea-Zero: For your first one, no, there won't be strands of consciousness. For your second one, yes, it could be possible for Ghostfreak to be affected if he gets caught off guard. For your last one, no, it'll be different DNA.

To Vanilla 12: Yes, considering that she's capable of slicing an island in half. So it shouldn't be too farfetched that she's strong enough to make some cracks on Diamondhead.