"Oh~, so that's how it works." Only after listening to Paimon's explanation did Natsume finally grasp how the system dropped characters into the world.
In short, as soon as a character appeared, they would automatically receive a perfectly legal identity that could withstand scrutiny.
There was one more thing Natsume was curious about: 'Paimon, can these characters still use their combat talents and elemental bursts?'
She'd already noticed that, although the outfits had been toned down so they no longer looked as flamboyant as in the game, the Visions hadn't been removed—Alhaitham's Vision still hung from his coat, identical to the one in-game. She wasn't sure whether Visions could function in the kexue world; after all, she'd heard Conan could kick satellites before she transmigrated, but this was fundamentally a physical world and might restrict game-like abilities.
Paimon: "Traveler, originally these characters would have to obey the laws of this world, so abilities beyond local comprehension couldn't be used. But, Traveler, you must realize—this world has witches."
'Witches?' Natsume was puzzled; Conan had plenty of cases that invoked monsters or witches, yet every culprit turned out to be human—no supernatural element whatsoever.
Suddenly, a flash of insight struck her—Kaitou Kid.
Right: Conan's world wasn't limited to one series; another anime shared the same setting—Magic Kaito. And that show had a witch: Koizumi Akako, Kaitou Kid's classmate.
'So, Paimon, you're saying because supernatural factors exist here, the characters' talents can be used?'
"Mm-hmm," Paimon nodded. "And the effects are almost the same as on the continent of Teyvat; the Vision will light up and everything."
Lowering his voice, Paimon added, "But Traveler, when you use talents, better keep a low profile. I hear if you're discovered, mad scientists might drag you off for dissection. Eek—scary!" His voice trembled; he'd frightened himself.
Natsume comforted him: 'Don't worry, Paimon, we'll be careful. Even if someone sees, we can pass it off as stage magic—some of Kaitou Kid's tricks look almost like real sorcery.'
Reassured, Paimon brightened. "Any other questions, Traveler?"
Natsume: 'Not right now. Though I'm wondering—should I found an organization?'
Paimon: "An organization? Why would you think of that?"
'Look, Paimon, I'm bound to pull more characters. So many people, different identities yet mysteriously linked, all sporting similar accessories—Detectives in this world will definitely notice. They'll assume they belong to one big syndicate. Rather than letting them speculate, I might as well create the organization first and spare those Detectives their wild theories.'
Thinking of her main quest—to balance the power of the black and red factions—she added, 'And to complete the mission, I'll need a faction anyway.'
Paimon nodded sagely. "Mm~, Traveler, you make a good point."
'Since it's an organization, it needs a name. What should we call it?' She wanted something decent; not necessarily classy, just not as uninspired as "Black Organization," which sounded like a clothing retailer.
Paimon instantly reverted to type, excitedly suggesting: "'Fungus Gang'? Rolls right off the tongue!"
Natsume face-palmed. Worse than Black Organization. 'Too childish—no.'
"Then how about 'the dark night hero'?" he tried.
'Too chuuni. And appropriating Diluc's nickname feels wrong.'
After several rejections Paimon got cranky: "Agh—Traveler, naming is hard! Let's just call it 'Teyvat'."
Natsume's eyes lit up. '"Teyvat" it is.'
"Eh—" Paimon pondered and decided it fit.
She elaborated: 'Black Organization has intel divisions, action teams, etc. We can do the same. Each nation can correspond to a department: Mondstadt for diplomacy, Liyue for finance, Inazuma for intelligence, Sumeru for R&D, Fontaine for enforcement, Snezhnaya's Fatui for military might... Departments distinguished by Vision styles, with the Seven Archons as management—how's that?'
The framework poured out of her.
"Clap-clap-clap—" Paimon applauded in her mind. "Traveler, amazing!"
'Heh, hardly~' Embarrassed by the praise, she said, 'Then it's settled. I'll tell Alhaitham tomorrow. For now, bedtime.'
"Mm~" Seeing her close her eyes, Paimon whispered, "Good night, Traveler."
Her lingering wakefulness dissolved; drowsiness swept in and she faintly heard Paimon.
'Night, Paimon.'
Silence fell.
Next morning she awoke to bright daylight.
After washing up she stepped out and found Alhaitham already up, reading by the window; breakfast waited on the table.
"Since you're awake, eat before it gets cold." Without looking up, he spoke.
"Oh... sure." Unused to someone preparing breakfast, she thanked him once she collected herself.
"No need. Bread and Milk were in the kitchen; I only assembled it. I have to eat too—simple." He turned a page.
After finishing and cleaning the dishes, she told him her plan from the night before.
He closed the book. "Interesting idea, quite feasible. Proceed; I have no objections."
He added, "I'm here for academic exchange with a research institute, staying at the Hotel Haido. Free for three days, then the conference begins."
"Which institute?" she asked.
"Shirohato Pharmaceuticals."
"Eh!"