"The aftermath of the last attack from the Stormterror… for now, it's settled."
Jean exhaled. "But the pressure from the diplomatic mission has grown too large to ignore…"
"Mission?" Paimon blinked. "Like, a diplomatic mission—from Liyue? Or Inazuma?"
"From Snezhnaya, the nation that worships the Tsaritsa," Jean said softly. "Their envoys have a special name: the Fatui. You've heard of them, haven't you?"
"Ah, the Fatui. Yeah, not a great reputation," Paimon muttered.
"I don't believe killing Stormterror outright is the right choice," Jean went on. "And the Fatui—under the Cryo Archon—covet the power of the Anemo Archon's vassal. That alone is suspicious."
"Power…?" Lumine fell briefly silent.
Jean noticed. "What is it, Traveler?"
"I… have something the Knights should take a look at."
Jean arched a brow. "Oh? Then let's return to Headquarters. This isn't the place to discuss important things. All of you, please come as well. Now that the windstorm is gone, I owe you proper thanks."
As they were about to leave, a cool, self-assured voice cut in.
"Our journey of cutting through the thorns of fate and slaying chaos is complete. The storm has abated—the calamity is ended!"
Fischl stood with hands on hips, gold eyes narrowing with imperious poise, her violet cape fluttering like the last flourish before night's curtain falls.
Oz flapped once and translated smoothly, "The young lady means she won't be accompanying us to the Knights. She'll head home."
Jean blinked, surprised, then smiled. "In that case, we won't keep you. The Knights will make a formal commendation and deliver it to your home."
A pleased spark flickered in Fischl's eyes. She coughed lightly. "Hmph. As is only natural!"
Oz added, "She is satisfied with that arrangement."
Paimon leaned toward Lumine, whispering, "She's… something else. Kinda fun, though."
Fischl raised a hand in a theatrical farewell. "Our paths part here—but the wheel of fate keeps turning. We shall cross again."
She turned on her heel, cape snapping, and strode off toward Mondstadt. Oz glanced back with a smile. "She means: she's going home. See you tomorrow."
They watched until the purple silhouette vanished in the sunset.
"She really is… unique," Paimon sighed.
"Indeed," Lumine nodded.
At that moment, a pale-blue interface flickered before Kairo's eyes.
You accepted Seele's invitation and traveled together for several days, walking a longer stretch by her side.
Reward granted—Seele's Path-power branch skill: Phantom Body. Upon use, become invisible for 20 seconds. While hidden, you won't be detected; initiating an attack immediately places you in an empowered state.
A tide of unfamiliar force poured into Kairo—nothing like Ripple or I Want to Help Too. This one erased presence itself. Not just sight—elemental perception, life-signs, everything—snuffed out like he had never existed.
Perfect for scouting. Perfect for opening gambits. Perfect for vanishing.
He resisted the urge to test it right there; disappearing in front of everyone would only cause a scene. Later, he told himself, already sketching combat lines in his head.
Back at the Knights of Favonius HQ, Jean had everyone sit.
"Mondstadt and Snezhnaya are equals—two of the Seven nations," she said. "We're an independent city-state, not beholden to any other. Snezhnaya merely uses different political forms. But in diplomacy… the Fatui are perhaps the most aggressive force on the continent."
"So that's how it is," Lumine said. Paimon huffed, "Like that woman just now—their tone is super annoying."
"Now then, about what you wanted to show us," Jean said, turning to the Traveler. "What is it?"
Lumine took out a dark red crystal—a droplet of blood suspended in air, black motes swirling within. Its glow was soft but oppressive, an unknown energy pulsing from its heart. The air itself seemed to tighten as it appeared.
Jean and Lisa were immediately transfixed; Amber and Paimon stared wide-eyed.
"It contains a certain power… Lisa, can you analyze it?" Jean asked.
"Let me try." Lisa lifted a finger, coaxing a thread of Electro into the crystal. The red light shivered, resisting her touch; the black impurities rippled like fog under a breath of wind.
"Hmm." Lisa withdrew her power, brow creasing. "It's intact on the surface, but… parts of it are corroded. There's filth mixed inside—some residue of a dark force. In other words, it's been polluted by something foreign."
She sighed. "But further conclusions… I'm sorry, not yet."
"This isn't a simple monster drop. Surface observation tells me little," she said, then smiled. "Give me some time. I'll check the restricted stacks."
Jean nodded. "Then the investigation's in your hands."
Lisa glanced at the crystal again. "Don't expect too much from old tomes. Also… that filth stings when I get close." She paused, then murmured, "Ah. So that's it—it clashes with the Visions in our bodies. Mutual repulsion."
She looked at Lumine. "Curious, though. You can wield elements yet aren't affected."
"In any case, little cutie—keep the crystal with you. In our hands it only causes pain."
"Little… cutie?" Lumine scratched her cheek but pocketed it. Seeing her unharmed, Jean breathed, "Incredible. Do you have any insight into your own… peculiarities?"
Lumine shook her head.
"I thought as much," Jean said softly, then stood. "Traveler, this is the Knights' second unabashed request: please accept the title of Honorary Knight of Favonius—and the Acting Grand Master's thanks."
She bowed deeply to Lumine, then to Kairo. "And to you, Mr. Kairo. Thank you for what you've done for Mondstadt's skies. Please, help us again—to find the truth behind the dragon's frenzy and this strange crystal. I believe the answer concerns Mondstadt's peace. May the winds wipe your eyes clean so you can see it."
As her words faded, the interface surged again before Kairo.
Alongside Seele, through your help, Bronya learned of her true origins. Her ideals now clash with Cocolia's actions.
You pulled her back to reality in time; afterward, you spoke of two girls from the same orphanage, easing hostility into camaraderie.
Her childhood memories resurfaced, but Bronya is adrift—suspecting her mother's deeds are wrong. Faced with Bronya's doubt and confusion, you choose…
Option 1 — Stoke the fire of rebellion.
"Yes—your mother's actions were wrong." Speak firmly. Tell Bronya she has the right to choose, not to be a puppet. The path of defiance is hard, but she should step out of her mother's shadow and live her own fate. You keep nudging her toward conviction that her mother is in the wrong.
Reward:Bronya's Path-power branch skill—Tactical Redeployment: Cleanse one negative status from a target and let them act immediately, increasing damage dealt this action by 33%/66%.
Option 2 — Gentle balance.
The world isn't black and white. Don't steer her—let her decide. Her mother may be wrong in part, but is she wholly wrong? Seek truth with reason, not emotion. Real strength is making a choice after understanding everything.
Reward:Family Hymn (a music box infused with Harmony's power).
Option 3 — Silent bystander.
Say nothing; it's not your business. The choice is hers—past and future both. Wait to see where she walks.
Reward:Meteoric Iron Pellets (minor boost along the Hunt).
"As expected," Kairo thought, eyes brightening at the new set of choices.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 50 chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/ZeusOp