Within the databank embedded in his wristband, Shen Qin found numerous blueprints for Teyvat's advanced firearms. Using the technologies referenced in those designs, he began a series of magical modifications to his explosive projectile gun.
First came the gunpowder used within the shell casing to fire the projectile. For this, he adopted a formula once experimented with by Klee: sun-dried lizard tails ground into powder, mixed in specific proportions with magic crystals and amethyst dust, and finally blended with charcoal made from pine wood.
This concoction could be ignited directly using the electricity from Electro Crystals, eliminating the need for a mechanical firing pin. The space saved from removing the firing mechanism allowed him to install a recoil-reduction system that cut back eighty percent of the gun's recoil force.
As for the barrel, Shen Qin spent an entire day experimenting with materials before settling on a white iron alloy infused with Starsilver ore. Its cooling capacity was exceptional—at a rate of 500 rounds per minute, it could sustain continuous fire for half an hour without deforming.
The stock, grip, bolt carrier, gas system, and magazine didn't require particularly high-grade materials or intricate craftsmanship, so he preserved their original designs without unnecessary embellishments.
The final and most crucial piece was the propellant fuel used in the projectile's internal propulsion mechanism. In a creative twist, he replaced the standard formulation with an overcharged mixture made from three ingredients: Jueyun Chilis imbued with Pyro energy, Windwheel Asters infused with Anemo, and Naku Weeds containing Electro.
Before being fired, the processed powders of these three ingredients were stored in separate chambers within the projectile. When the shell's gunpowder was ignited by the Electro Crystal's spark, the explosion destroyed the barriers between the chambers, triggering a chain reaction: Anemo spread the Electro and Pyro, and the collision of Electro and Pyro generated an Overload reaction. The resulting energy blasted through a nozzle at the rear of the propulsion unit, accelerating the warhead forward.
To suit varying combat environments, Shen Qin designed three variants of his explosive gun.
The first was a handgun, codenamed "Hellhound." It had a magazine capacity of twenty rounds, an effective range of 150 meters, and a caliber of 2 centimeters. Compact in size, it served either as a backup weapon or a primary weapon in confined spaces. Its firepower was lower due to structural constraints, but within its effective range, a well-placed shot could still take down a standard monster instantly—and even elite foes would suffer considerable damage.
The second was a rifle, codenamed "Reaper." With a magazine of forty rounds and the same 2 cm caliber, it boasted an effective range of 2,000 meters. A longer barrel allowed its bullets to travel faster and hit harder, capable of blowing apart ordinary monsters in a single shot and seriously wounding elite ones. It was suited for use as a standard-issue weapon among regular troops.
The third was a machine gun, codenamed "Scythe." With a caliber of 2.5 cm and an effective range of 3,500 meters, it featured a thicker, longer barrel and recoil so intense it required a tripod anchored into solid ground. Its rate of fire reached 2,000 rounds per minute and used belt-fed ammunition, each belt holding 200 rounds. Just three bursts were enough to blow apart elite monsters!
Shen Qin designed five types of ammunition for both calibers:
A Standard Explosive Bolt: Equipped with a steel core and the same type of explosive as the one Klee had once gifted him for self-defense. Although, Bennett's clumsy footwork had nearly blown him up instead.
The Kraken-Piercing Round: One and a half times longer than the standard bolt, packed with more fuel in its propulsion chamber for greater kinetic energy. Its core was made from a crystallized bone-white iron alloy, capable of penetrating Mitachurl shields or enemy armor with ease, delivering direct internal damage.
Thirdly, the Judgment Thunderbolt: Replaced traditional explosives with unstable Electro Crystal shards. Upon impact, it generated a three-meter radius high-voltage shock field. Very effective against mechanical enemies like Ruin Guards and for breaking Pyro or Dendro shields.
Up next, the Infernal Blaze Round: Used synthetic powder from Flaming Flowers Stamen instead of explosives. When it struck, the powder clung to skin, clothing, or dispersed into the air, igniting in a delayed blast five milliseconds later. Perfect for breaking Cryo, Hydro, Electro, or Dendro shields.
And lastly, the Zero-Degree Frost Round: Filled with synthetic Mist Flower powder. On impact, it released supercooled frost fog, ideal for neutralizing Pyro, Electro, or Hydro shields.
While Shen Qin was immersed in his weapon research, the Knights of Favonius were making fiery progress in their campaign against the Abyss Order and its monsters. To the perceptive eye, victory was clearly within reach with only a matter of time.
Keqing had led Liyue's Millelith army squads on multiple missions, each yielding impressive results. In recognition, the Knights gifted her their most advanced hoverboard. After testing it in combat, she experienced firsthand how dramatically it enhanced squad performance.
This only deepened her appreciation of Shen Qin's value. In her spare time, aside from drafting Liyue's development plans at the guesthouse, she'd often wander into his alchemy workshop, subtly working her way into his orbit.
That day, she visited again. As soon as she entered, Haro floated over to greet her politely: "Haro-haro!"
"Good afternoon, Haro!" she replied cheerfully, waving.
The floating drone silently drifted back to its perch in the corner of the ceiling, always ready to protect Shen Qin.
She eyed it enviously. During the first dragon crisis, it had performed outstandingly in the defense of Mondstadt's gates. Though the Knights and Adventurers' Guild had intentionally kept the incident under wraps, she had learned the details through special channels.
The weapon hidden within it was incredibly powerful, and usable even by ordinary people. If the Millelith could be equipped with such tools, Liyue could finally achieve true "rule by man," no longer needing the divine strength of the Adepti for protection.
"Big Sis Keqing!" Klee and the little Duke behind her waved in perfect sync.
"Klee, Duke." Keqing walked over and glanced toward the sealed door leading to the workshop's new section. "He's still not out yet?"
Earlier, Shen Qin had asked the Knights to help tear down the wall between the workshop and a neighboring empty house, expanding his lab. He'd then spent five straight days locked inside, claiming to be working on a new invention. Meals and materials were all fetched by Klee, either from Good Hunter or the Adventurers' Guild.
"That's right! But Shen Qin said everything should be finished by this evening!"
Just as she finished speaking, the sealed door creaked open. Out walked Shen Qin, covered in grime, hair a wild bird's nest, and dark circles under his eyes darker than a panda's.
"Big Brother Shen!" Klee called out joyfully.
"Klee... Keqing, you're here too." He gave them a weak glance before trudging toward the master bedroom. "I'm going to catch a nap first."
After a few steps, he turned around, pulling a wad of paper from his pocket and setting it on the table. "Klee, help me ask the Knights for these materials. Leave them at the training field by tomorrow morning. Then tell Acting Grand Master Jean to gather anyone free for a demonstration. I've got a new alchemical product to show."
"If Keqing's free, come along too."
With that, he shut the door behind him, leaving Klee pouting at the threshold. "Hmph! Shen's bossing Klee around again!"
Keqing, meanwhile, cast a curious glance at the sealed door leading to the newly expanded lab.
'With so much effort put into it... just what kind of powerful new creation had he come up with this time?'