Chapter 28 — Venti's Request
Venti flopped onto the low stone wall outside the plaza with the easy grace of someone who has the wind on his side. He prodded the edge of his cup, amused as the little wad of foam trembled.
"Hey, this chat group is incredible," he said, grinning. "You can transfer items with points now? So — if I ever run out of Mora for drinks, Kael, I can just come to you for help, right?"
Zhongli's expression remained calm as a still pool. He inclined his head very slightly but did not answer aloud; the suggestion of asking him for handouts was, in his mind, unthinkable. Still, a ghost of a smile touched his lips.
Keqing, Ningguang, Madame Ping, and the others clustered around the spectral interface that Kael's authority projected. The new feature had appeared only hours ago, a simple "trade" panel that let members spend the chat group's points to acquire goods or download knowledge. It was audaciously practical.
"Wait — the group can transfer items?" Keqing said, eyes narrowing. She scanned the menu with sharp professional curiosity. "How did I not notice this before?"
Madame Ping gave a soft chuckle. "It must be a recent update. The purification work has been faster these last few days; perhaps that accelerated Kael's development of the system."
Ningguang folded her fingers around a pastry and tilted her head, measuring everyone with the perceptive gaze of a merchant who weighed people like markets. After a moment she leaned toward Keqing. "What do you think of all this?" she asked quietly.
Keqing rolled her shoulders. "What do I think? I don't know everything yet. But practical power — even if it costs points — can be decisive. If a single well-timed purchase saves lives or secures an advantage, then it's worth it."
Ningguang's eyes glittered. She had already begun calculating returns.
Across the small courtyard, Venti leaned forward, all bright-eyed curiosity. "This ability to download knowledge — and an internal cultivation technique on top of that? Can I spread the method in Mondstadt?"
Kael gave a patient nod. "You're already aware of the limits of Visions. My intention is to give people more paths to strength — internal cultivation that doesn't rely on Celestia's favor. Eventually I hope to offer alternatives to the Vision system, but I can only support so many at once. The purification power that comes through the group is finite; you'll need to help with Abyss-purging work if you want more spots."
Venti tapped his chin theatrically. "Heh. So the old man is grinding for points too. I never thought the two of us would be competing on the same scoreboard." He laughed, then grew suddenly serious. "By the way — may I add a couple of Mondstadt people to the group later? Mondstadt needs a new wind."
Kael spread his hands. "I don't object, but Liyue has pressing issues for now. Mondstadt's problems are real — the Knights of Favonius are thin on the ground, and Acting Grand Master Jean is carrying far too much. Freedom is fine in theory, but if everyone depends on a single person, the city becomes fragile. I shared the history files in the group; you should read them before making big plans."
Venti's expression sobered. He leaned back and watched the wind play across the treetops as if drawing comfort from the motion. "Mondstadt has its ways, yes. But if Liyue is reforming, I can't just stand aside and sing. We can turn this into a little contest: let's see which approach produces better results."
Kael arched an eyebrow. "A competition?"
"Friendly," Venti said, with a mischievous twitch. "But serious."
Kael considered, then agreed. "Fine. Two slots for Mondstadt — but I'll be strict about who gets them. Purifying the Abyss is not merely a point-farm; overexposure could draw the Order's attention."
Venti nodded in full agreement. "I understand." He stood, letting the wind lift the hem of his cloak. "I don't want to rush into Stormterror's lair just yet. There's an Abyss Order presence there; if they realize we can purge corruption, they'll focus attacks. We need distraction and cover."
Kael's eyes sharpened; he recognized the strategy immediately. "You mean the Traveler. Drawing their attention away while we work."
Venti's face hardened in a rare instant. "Exactly. I know the place. An organized diversion will give us a chance to cleanse Dvalin without the Abyss Order concentrating its force. If we can weaken the corruption first, the dragon's recovery will be steadier."
Kael nodded. "Very well. Who do you want to add to the group?"
A nostalgic light came into Venti's gaze. "First — Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights. She's dedicated to the city in a way that is rare. She's honest, brave, and… rough around the edges as a leader. If anyone can change and grow into a leader who doesn't shoulder everything herself, it's Jean."
Kael said nothing; he already knew Jean's reputation and heart. The choice made sense.
"And the second?" Kael prompted.
Venti's voice softened. "Someone who was betrayed by the Knights but still protects Mondstadt with all the fire he has. He does what he must, in his own way." He smiled faintly. "That one is — Diluc."
Kael's eyes flicked. He had met Diluc briefly on his way into town; the winery lord radiated quiet power and wariness in equal measure. Adding Diluc would be risky. He didn't seek fans or followers.
"Diluc will not be eager," Kael observed. "He prefers to work alone."
Venti shrugged. "It's not my job to convince him. Just offer the chance. If he accepts, marvelous. If not, we try someone else. But Jean — she will at least consider it."
A hush settled over the group as the implication hit them: Mondstadt's two most stabilizing people, placed in an inter-regional experiment in reform. It would be a test not only of individuals but of whole cultural approaches.
Ningguang already had an accounting of possible returns mapped in her head; Keqing's fingers twitched with the urge to draft deployment schedules. Madame Ping nodded, quietly ready. Even Zhongli, who rarely displayed emotion, allowed himself a small, satisfied hum.
Venti's voice dropped to a softer tone, almost to himself. "The wind once gave me power. Now I must use that power to protect the people who depend on it. If I can help Jean learn to lead and help Diluc find whatever peace he lacks… maybe Mondstadt's freedom will be steadier."
Kael looked at Venti and saw not just a playful bard but an archon who felt the burden of an entire culture. He gave Venti a concise plan: "I'll add Jean and attempt to open two slots. But know this: not every invite will be accepted. The power to cleanse the Abyss will be rationed — for safety. If you want Mondstadters to progress quickly, they'll have to earn points too."
Venti grinned like a child given permission to misbehave. "Oh, I love contests that involve work. I'll teach them songs to cheer them on!"
Before they left, Kael looked toward the distant crown of Stormterror's lair and felt the familiar lurch of responsibility. Dvalin's corruption was old and ugly — a tangle of Abyssal rot and dragon torment. The Traveler's sibling would likely be involved, and the Abyss Order would not let such an opportunity pass. The coming days would be a chess match played across air and stone.
"Prepare," Kael said quietly to the group. "We'll need diversions, scouts, and subtle cleansing operations. And Venti — be subtle with your invitations. Mondstadt is proud; they won't appreciate charity dressed as reform."
Venti saluted with a flourish. "Subtlety, like a bard's whisper. Got it, boss."
As the group dispersed — Keqing and Ningguang back to their plans, Madame Ping to her purifying tasks, Zhongli to The Chasm, and Venti to the wind-strewn streets of Mondstadt — Kael stayed behind for a heartbeat longer. The glow of his authorities settled warm against his chest: Geo like steady stone; Anemo like a restless sky. He would need both in the days to come.
Dvalin would not be an easy cleanse. But if the Archons and the mortals could be guided to act — carefully, decisively — then perhaps Teyvat's next chapter could be written without another catastrophe.
Venti turned back once more, eyes shining mischief and resolve together. "Oh — and Kael? If we win this little competition, you must come to Windrise and hear my new song. I swear it will bring a breeze to your heart."
Kael allowed himself a brief, almost human smile. "I will hold you to that."
The wind answered with a laugh, carrying the promise across the valley.