I Became A Hilichurl

On his way back to Mondstadt, Victor Wang was trembling with excitement, hands shaking as he continuously attempted to gather Anemo energy.

Each swirl of pale cyan that formed and dissipated became, in his eyes, the most beautiful color in the world—like holding the entire world in his palm.

The heart that had once grown quiet after becoming a Hilichurl was burning again. The gates to an extraordinary future were slowly opening.

But to take the first step through that gate, he needed to figure out how to actually use this elemental power.

Without delay, Victor Wang rushed to the Mondstadt Library.

"Miss Lisa, where are the books on elemental energy?"

Though curious about the change in Victor Wang's voice, Lisa didn't question it and simply pointed him in the right direction.

"Different elements have different characteristics. Using elemental energy to do things aligned with those traits yields twice the result with half the effort."

Of course, Victor Wang thought. No one's using Pyro to build ice walls. He glanced at the book's title: Foundations of Elemental Theory.

Flipping through it, he found it filled with the most basic information imaginable.

"This is too basic."

He switched to another book: Advanced Elemental Theory.

Unfortunately, this one seemed to have been written by someone without a Vision. The author attempted to understand elemental power from a non-user's perspective and cited many unverified academic papers.

"Was this a failed thesis by some Sumeru student?"

Scanning the shelf, Victor Wang found another title: Understanding Elemental Energy.

"I've interviewed several Vision holders and combined it with my personal understanding of elemental power to write this book. I hope it can help those newly blessed with a Vision learn how to use their power."

Perfect. You're the one.

Victor Wang skipped the preface and opened to the first chapter: The Origins of Elemental Power.

*"The gods worshipped by mortals are not the true gods.

The true gods number seven. All existence in this world is built from seven elemental forces. The masters of these elements are the Seven (hereafter, 'Seven' refers to the true elemental masters; those unworthy of acknowledgment will be referred to as 'the Seven of the Mortal World').

The true Seven are likely pure elemental life forms. I suspect they have no self-will."*

"?!"

Victor Wang's eyes widened. What kind of content is this?!

And this book was published? Then he remembered—self-publishing required no approval. Ah, that explains it. Definitely self-funded.

Despite the bizarre ideas, much like a certain popular program with a similar name, the book's boldness kept Victor Wang reading.

*"You might wonder where Visions come from. I believe the Seven of the Mortal World are merely agents of the true Seven. They've somehow obtained the right to act in their name, and now distribute Visions to the mortals. This matches the common lore: [When someone's will is strong enough, a god casts their gaze and grants a Vision.]

The Mortal Seven use the true Seven's authority to observe humanity and decide who receives a Vision."*

Victor Wang frowned. This part's definitely wrong. The game made it clear that the distribution of Visions is beyond the control of the Seven. Even the Electro Archon outright admitted it.

Still, the "agents of the true Seven" theory wasn't entirely new to him—just with different framing. Some said the Seven acted as proxies of Celestia, not of the elemental beings themselves.

Emmm… I'll just ask Venti next time I see him. Hopefully he won't just say 'You'll find out eventually' again.

The author had some interesting ideas, but clearly wasn't a top expert—just an imaginative Vision holder trying to make sense of the world.

Flipping back to the preface, Victor Wang found the disclaimer: "All opinions presented in this book are the author's own and do not guarantee factual accuracy." The author was anonymous.

"Heh, no wonder this isn't in the restricted section. Seems the world didn't exactly buy into your theory."

Victor Wang turned back to where he left off.

*"Now I'll explain the relationship between Visions and elemental energy.

Elemental power exists in the air, the earth, and all things—but it is the power of the Seven. Only those granted permission may wield it, and the Vision is their token of access.

The true Seven distribute Visions to mortals via the Mortal Seven. Holders of Visions can then draw upon elemental energy.

But what's infuriating is that some Vision holders use god-blessed materials to forge weapons. These people are heretics—strengthened perhaps, but like the Mortal Seven, unworthy of my acknowledgment.

People like me, divinely favored, can enhance our power purely through control of the elements, without relying on external tools.

When one's control reaches a high enough level, they can manifest elemental energy in tangible forms. Though this consumes much energy, it's incredibly powerful.

Weaker Vision holders can only perform enchantments and elemental infusions."*

What an ego, Victor Wang thought. Who needs your approval anyway? Still, he had to admit—the claim that weapons could boost strength probably had some truth to it.

*"Some may ask: with so many using elemental energy, why doesn't it run out?

Because typically, the energy returns to the world—and thus, to the Seven. But some, like the Mortal Seven, borrow the power and don't give it back.

Here's how I classify elemental control into three levels:

Elemental Infusion – Can only bind elemental power to one's body or weapon, or use it in basic, detached forms. Elemental Shaping – Can form elemental energy into defined shapes with partial traits of the object. Elemental Creation – Using elemental power to create true objects that do not revert back to energy.

Above these tiers are the Seven—the true elemental masters, capable of creating sentient elemental constructs.

That's a level no human can reach. Out of respect, I will not rank the power of the Seven.

What follows are real experiences from me and other Vision holders, and studies of elemental creatures, to prove my theory."*

What followed was a series of stories, tracking observations, and detailed documentation of the habits, features, and experiments involving elemental creatures.

It was clear the author deeply respected the so-called "masters of the seven elements" and was determined to validate their theory.

Victor Wang grinned wickedly. What if I told this guy about the First and Second Thrones? Would his faith implode?

"This chapter could work as a guidebook for adventurers dealing with elemental creatures."

Setting aside the outlandish philosophy, the next chapter—Practical Uses of Elemental Power—was exactly what Victor Wang needed.

The author carefully categorized methods Vision holders use to boost their combat power. It was detailed and practical.

*"After discussions with several Vision holders, we agreed that combat effectiveness hinges on three core components: [Elemental Power], [External Tools], and [Mental Fortitude].

[Elemental Power] is the foundation of all. Within it, elemental type plays a major role—if your element is countered, you're at a serious disadvantage, all else being equal.

Beyond that, elemental power divides into: elemental control, elemental absorption rate, and skills.

[External Tools] include two major categories: weapons and artifacts. Alchemical potions and other tools exist, but that's another discipline beyond this book's scope.

[Mental Fortitude] is the most abstract. I cannot claim to fully understand it."*

Victor Wang paused. Artifacts? As in… real artifacts? You're telling me wearing a flower on my head and a cup on my belt actually boosts my power?

He quickly scanned the rest of the book, eager to find out more about these so-called relics.

If there was anyone in Mondstadt with a Vision and the know-how to explain this, it was his most trusted connection—Kaeya.

"Miss Lisa, do you know where Kaeya usually goes when he's working?"

"Anywhere in the city. Finding him is a matter of luck. But..."

"But?"

"But he still checks in and out at the Knights' headquarters. If you're not in a rush, you can wait here."

"Well, actually—I could just ask you."

"Oh?" Lisa looked intrigued.

"Do you know how to use artifacts?"

"Artifacts... ah yes, artifacts."