Chapter 5:

The morning air was crisp, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves as Anran stood at the bus stop, one hand clutching his duffel bag. He glanced down at his phone, the bright screen displaying a local community page.

"Aeons Mall Cosplay Event! Any cosplay enthusiast is welcome! The more, the merrier! We'll have a wide range of anime merchandise on sale, games, and more. No entry fee! Come join us and show off your favorite characters!"

Anran's lips curled into a faint smile. Sounds simple enough. He checked the time: 8:34 AM. The event wouldn't start until 10:00 AM, which gave him some time to relax and get something to eat before preparing.The rumble of an approaching bus pulled him from his thoughts. Anran straightened his back as the bus came to a stop, doors hissing open. He boarded, finding a seat near the window, and settled in, the duffel bag resting on his lap.

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Arrival at the Mall

The automatic doors slid open, greeting him with a rush of cool air. Inside, the mall was already bustling despite the early hour—shoppers weaving through stores, families with children clutching colorful balloons, and workers setting up displays near the entrance.

As he moved deeper into the mall, his eyes caught sight of banners featuring popular anime characters. One banner, in particular, showcased Raiden Shogun, her imposing stance and serene expression drawing attention to the upcoming cosplay event.Anran adjusted his grip on his bag, a hint of nervousness prickling his stomach. It'll be fine... just like the live stream. Besides, I look exactly like Raiden.

His thoughts were interrupted by the enticing aroma of food wafting from the food court. His stomach growled. Deciding to indulge a bit, he made his way to the food court.

Just as he passed the dessert stalls, a familiar logo caught his eye—Mixue. He couldn't help the sudden craving for something sweet and refreshing. He approached the counter, where the cashier greeted him with a bright smile.

"Welcome!" she chirped.

Anran gave a polite nod. "Bubble tea, please."

"That'll be 7 yuan," the cashier replied, handing him a ticket to wait.

With his order secured, he took a seat at one of the nearby tables, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. He spotted a message from his roommates in the group chat.

[Jin]: My head is killing me... Someone bring me back to life.

[Lin]: Told you not to drink so much, dumbass.

[Leng]: Rest, idiot. I'm getting breakfast. Anran, you out already?

[An]: Yeah, left early. Gonna eat something.

A soft chime announced his order, and Anran stood to retrieve his drink. He stabbed the plastic cover with the straw and took a long sip. The sweetness spread through his mouth, cooling his throat.

Feeling a bit more energized, Anran decided to treat himself to something heartier—Banmian. He walked over to the noodle stall and placed his order. The cashier tapped on the screen, giving him a total. Anran paid without hesitation, watching as the chef deftly prepared the dish. The rich aroma of soy sauce and broth filled the air, and his mouth watered in anticipation.

When the steaming bowl was ready, Anran carefully balanced it on a tray and made his way to a corner table. He set his bag down and slid into the seat, spooning some broth into his mouth. The savory flavor warmed him from the inside out.

As he ate, his phone vibrated again. Another group message.

[Jin]: You owe me bubble tea for last night, Anran.

[Leng]: You passed out. Anran doesn't owe you anything.

[Lin]: Lol. Just drink water. You'll live.

[An]: You're on your own.

[Jin]: Traitor!

Anran chuckled, his mood lighter now. He twirled the noodles with his chopsticks, feeling more at ease with every bite. The thought of cosplaying in public still made his nerves prickle, but the idea of earning 2,000 points was enough motivation.

2,000 point is 2,000 point.

He looked at the time again—9:15 AM. Still enough time to finish his food and get changed before the event officially kicked off. He took another sip of bubble tea, savoring the sweetness before wiping his mouth and packing up.

Anran walked briskly toward the restroom, his footsteps light but purposeful. As he passed a janitor mopping the floor, he gave a polite nod. The janitor nodded back, not paying much attention at first.

Once inside the male restroom, Anran glanced around to make sure no one else was present. The stalls were empty, and the sound of a faint hum from the ventilation filled the quiet space.

He approached the farthest stall and slipped inside, locking the door behind him. Setting his duffel bag on the small ledge, Anran unzipped it and carefully pulled out the neatly folded Raiden Ei cosplay. He took a deep breath, steadying his hands before starting to change.

One by one, he put on the layers of the outfit the flowing sleeves, the intricate patterns, the ornate accessories. The transformation felt almost ceremonial, and as he secured the last piece, he took out the makeup kit. He adjusted the mirror, making sure the angle was just right, and began applying the makeup with practiced precision.

When he finally finished, Anran couldn’t help but stare at his reflection. Raiden Ei’s flawless face looked back at him serene, powerful, with that characteristic coolness in her violet eyes.

"System, start the transformation," he whispered.

A tingling sensation washed over him as his form shifted and morphed, his body becoming Raiden Ei in every way. His chest felt fuller, his figure elegantly slender, and the unfamiliar yet surprisingly natural weight of the long, flowing hair brushed against his back.

[Transformation successful.]

Satisfied, Anran picked up Raiden Ei’s signature weapon, the Engulfing Lightning, and slung it securely across his back. One last glance at the mirror, and he couldn’t suppress a smirk. He looked exactly like the Electro Archon majestic, imposing, and undeniably real.

"Perfect," he murmured, the voice that came out was soft yet commanding Raiden Ei’s voice.

With his transformation complete, he stowed away his casual clothes and the duffel bag using the system.

[Item successfully stored.]

Anran unlocked the door and stepped out. The janitor, still busy mopping the floor, glanced up briefly to acknowledge him. At first, his gaze was dismissive, but as he looked again, his eyes widened. He looked from Anran to the restroom door, then back to Anran.

The janitor muttered under his breath, “I don’t get paid enough to question this kind of stuff...” and resumed his mopping.

Anran barely gave him a second glance, walking with a calm, purposeful stride. He carried himself with the cold, dignified presence that Raiden Shogun herself would embody—head held high, steps measured, and eyes fixed forward.

As he moved through the mall, the transformation did more than just change his appearance; it changed how people reacted to him. Shoppers paused mid-conversation, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of Raiden Shogun walking past.

A group of teenagers, probably fellow Genshin Impact fans, whispered among themselves, nudging one another and pointing in his direction. One of them tried to discreetly snap a picture. Anran ignored it, maintaining an air of unapproachable elegance. Just like Raiden Shogun—aloof and unaffected by mortal curiosity.

He passed by a couple discussing where to eat, and even they stopped, briefly stunned by his presence. One of them whispered, “Is that... Raiden Shogun? Are they filming something here?”

A little girl tugged on her mother’s sleeve and pointed. “Mommy, look! It’s the Thunder Lady from your game!”

Anran didn’t break character, not even to acknowledge the whispers. He kept walking toward the central atrium where the event was set to begin.

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The bustling event space fell unexpectedly quiet as Anran made his entrance. He hadn’t noticed at first, but the moment he stepped into the hall, all eyes turned toward him. Cosplayers and attendees alike froze mid-conversation, captivated by his presence.

It wasn’t just the flawless Raiden Ei costume or the strikingly authentic appearance that caught everyone off guard. It was something more an undeniable pressure, like the weight of a storm gathering in the air. Unbeknownst to Anran, he didn’t just look like Raiden Ei—he was Raiden Ei. The transformation had given him more than just her appearance; it had bestowed upon him the commanding presence of the Electro Archon.

Whispers began circulating through the crowd.

“Is that... the real Raiden Shogun?”

“No way, it’s just cosplay... right?”

“Did Mihoyo hire someone for this event?”

“She’s stunning... it’s like she stepped out of the game!”

Anran remained oblivious to the surreal atmosphere he was creating. He maintained Raiden’s composed, unyielding demeanor, eyes forward, movements precise and elegant. As he moved through the gathering, cosplayers in Genshin Impact costumes instinctively stepped back to make way.

Anran spotted a booth ahead, decorated with colorful banners and trinkets. The stall owner, dressed as Traveler Aether, was arranging merchandise. Curiosity piqued, Anran approached. As he did, Aether—the cosplayer—stiffened, eyes widening in disbelief.

When Anran stopped directly in front of the booth, the cosplayer visibly tensed. Anran fixed his violet gaze on him and spoke, her voice calm but undeniably regal.

“Ah, Traveler... I did not expect to encounter you here, adorned in such unfamiliar garments. Is this part of the ‘cosplay’ custom I have heard about?”

The Aether cosplayer looked as if he’d just been struck by lightning. His mouth opened and closed, struggling to form words. The voice the exact voice of Raiden Ei had left him speechless.

Finally, he managed to stammer, “Y-Your Excellency Raiden Shogun... I... I was just selling some items to support myself. Paimon... she’s been eating a lot lately...”

Anran gave a slight nod, maintaining Raiden’s authoritative yet gentle demeanor. “I see. In that case, I shall lend my support to your endeavors. I will take three of these.”

The cosplayer hastily handed over three packages of dango, barely managing to avoid fumbling them. Anran paid, accepting the sweet treats with graceful poise.

“Thank you, Your Excellency,” Aether murmured, still trying to process the encounter.

With a subtle nod, Anran turned and continued walking through the hall, leaving the Aether cosplayer frozen in awe. It wasn’t until Anran had disappeared into the crowd that he finally let out a shaky breath.

The moment Anran was out of earshot, the attendees around the booth erupted into chatter.

“Did you hear that? Her voice was perfect! Just like Raiden’s!”

“Are we sure that’s a cosplayer? Maybe it’s a professional actress hired by Mihoyo?”

“Even her presence felt different... like she really was Raiden Shogun.”

“I’m gonna follow her and see if I can get a photo!”

The Aether cosplayer, still dazed, finally snapped out of his trance. “That... was the most realistic cosplay I’ve ever seen. I swear, for a moment, I actually thought I was meeting Raiden Shogun herself...”

“I... I should’ve asked for a picture...” The cosplayer Aether muttered, regret evident on his face.

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As Anran continued to move through the event space, his regal gait and commanding presence made it difficult for anyone to approach. Though many whispered in admiration, no one seemed brave enough to disturb the Electro Archon.

Suddenly, a soft yet determined voice called out from behind him.
“Um... Teacher! Can I have a picture with you?”

Anran turned, meeting the gaze of a girl cosplaying as Kujou Sara. She stood there, clearly trying to maintain her composure despite her excitement. Her outfit was well-crafted, and her raven-black hair was styled neatly, resembling the loyal Tengu general.

Anran gave a slow, graceful nod. “Very well. I shall oblige. Let us take this picture together.” His tone was calm, regal—perfectly embodying Raiden Ei.

The Kujou Sara cosplayer beamed, quickly handing her phone to him. Anran raised his hand to take the photo from a slightly elevated angle, positioning both of them within the frame. He maintained Raiden’s poised expression while the girl smiled brightly beside him.

After the click of the camera, Anran handed the phone back. The girl bowed respectfully, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Thank you, Your Excellency!” she exclaimed before hurrying off, giggling to herself as she reviewed the photo.

Watching the girl walk away happily, Anran noticed that something had changed. The atmosphere around him seemed lighter, the tension dissipating. It was as if the girl’s boldness had given others the courage to approach.

A small group hesitantly stepped forward, clearly hoping for the same opportunity. Seeing their nervous expressions, Anran remained in character, offering a slight, approving nod. That was all it took one by one, people began to line up.

A young man cosplaying as Zhongli stepped forward first, his golden eyes wide with awe.

“Your Excellency, may I... have the honor of a photograph?” he asked, trying to sound composed.

Anran nodded. “Of course. It would be a pity to refuse a fellow Archon.”

The Zhongli cosplayer couldn’t help but break into a grin as they posed together. When the photo was taken, he bowed deeply. “Thank you. Truly, you are remarkable.”

Next came a group of girls cosplaying as Ganyu, Hu Tao, and Xiao. They giggled as they posed, clearly delighted by how authentic Anran looked and sounded. Some even tried to strike in-character poses, but none could quite match Anran’s natural grace.

Word of the “realistic Raiden Shogun” spread quickly through the venue. More cosplayers and attendees joined the line, eager to meet and take pictures. Despite the growing crowd, there was an unexpected orderliness.

One of the event staff approached cautiously.

“Excuse me, miss... um, Raiden-sama. Would you like to take a break? We can set up a spot for you to sit comfortably,” the staff member offered, clearly enchanted by Anran’s performance.

Anran gave a small nod, acknowledging the suggestion. “That would be appreciated. Your hospitality honors Inazuma.”

With that, the staff guided Anran to a small stage area where he could sit gracefully, giving people the opportunity to take photos without overwhelming him.

As Anran sat down, maintaining Raiden’s composed posture, the line continued to grow, and the event’s atmosphere grew even livelier.

(A/n: Mixue is the best. I still remember a time when I was short on money but wanted to treat myself. I went to Mixue, bought some ice cream, and just sat there eating it while staring at the water fountain in the middle of the mall)