Chapter 38 — Jean Guesses the Truth
"A traveler named Lumine?" Jean repeated softly, her tone thoughtful.
She looked up at the Anemo Archon standing before her, his emerald eyes as deep and endless as the sky. "So, this traveler is the key to purifying Dvalin's corruption?"
Venti nodded gravely. "That's correct. But keep in mind—the Abyss Order is involved in this. I cannot act openly." His expression darkened slightly. "If I draw attention to myself, they'll realize how weakened I've become."
It was a simple explanation, yet the weight in his tone made it believable.
"The Abyss watches me closely," Venti continued. "That's why you must also be cautious. Don't reveal your new purification abilities to them—or anyone who might be listening. If they learn that Mondstadt has gained such a power, they will strike harder than ever."
Jean's expression hardened instantly. "Understood. I'll keep it secret."
And she truly meant it. The Archon's concern wasn't unfounded. The Abyss Order's ambitions had grown bolder with each passing year, and if Barbatos was struggling to regain his strength, Mondstadt would need to buy him time.
After a pause, Jean hesitated. Her heart was pounding in her chest.
"Lord Barbatos," she began carefully, "is there anything I can do to help you recover your power?"
Venti smiled faintly, shaking his head. "You've already done enough. For now, your task is to restore Mondstadt's stability. Defeat the monsters, protect the citizens, and rebuild your faith. Each act of courage strengthens the wind's blessing—and in time, it will strengthen me as well."
Jean's chest swelled with determination.
Venti's gaze softened. "Jean, you possess the same spirit as Vennessa, the first Dandelion Knight. She once fought for her people's freedom. You, too, carry that same light. I trust you'll lead Mondstadt with her courage."
Jean's eyes widened. "Vennessa…"
The name alone sent a rush of emotion through her. The legendary founder of the Knights of Favonius, the woman who had freed Mondstadt from tyranny… she had been Jean's idol since childhood.
To be compared to her by Barbatos himself—her god—was almost too much to believe.
Jean straightened, pressing a hand to her chest. "Yes, Lord Barbatos. I will not fail you."
Venti smiled in satisfaction. With a flick of his hand, the winds stirred. Both he and Kael faded into a shimmering swirl of light, vanishing from sight.
Jean exhaled deeply once the air stilled. "As expected of Lord Barbatos…"
But then, as her heartbeat slowed, her sharp mind began to turn.
That other man—the one who had appeared beside Barbatos—why had his presence felt so familiar?
That wind… it wasn't divine, but it carried the same purity, the same ancient rhythm as the Archon's.
Had she felt it before?
Shaking her head, she forced herself to focus. "I should understand how this Chat Group works first," she murmured.
---
The Mystery of the Chat Group
Jean sat at her desk and closed her eyes, reaching out to the strange new power within her mind.
The interface appeared instantly, as clear as thought: glowing names, messages, and an ethereal energy linking them all.
This is incredible… she thought.
Still half-doubting reality, she pinched her thigh sharply.
"Ouch."
No dream.
She opened the member list—and her eyes widened.
Kael.
Her breath caught. The wind signature from earlier… yes, it matched his perfectly.
No wonder he had felt so familiar!
If Kael was part of this Chat Group, then this entire system—this miraculous connection between nations—could very well be his creation.
And if he knew Lord Barbatos personally...
Jean's eyes drifted lower to another name:
Wendy.
Her pulse quickened. The name was simple, playful… and oddly familiar.
That bard who often sang in the plaza—he went by Wendy, didn't he?
Her gaze lingered on the name, and her mind began piecing things together: the tone of his voice, the wind that always followed his laughter, the faint trace of Anemo in his aura…
Could it be…?
She bit her lip, forcing herself to stop.
No. If Lord Barbatos wishes to keep his identity hidden, I have no right to question him.
For now, she would play along.
She would pretend not to know.
---
Liyue — Tianquan's Chamber, Jade Chamber Above the Harbor
Far across the sea, a different conversation was taking place.
"So, Jean Gunnhildr has joined the Chat Group."
Keqing's voice was brisk as she entered Ningguang's ornate office. She was holding a holographic projection of the group's roster, her violet eyes sharp with urgency.
"If we hesitate any longer, we'll fall behind," Keqing said firmly. "Mondstadt is already strengthening itself under this new power. If we delay, Inazuma, Sumeru, or even Fontaine could join before us—and that would make things far more complicated."
Ningguang didn't even look up from her documents. "Calm down, Yuheng Star. This might not be as dire as you think."
Keqing frowned. "Not dire? Mondstadt just gained direct guidance from Lord Barbatos himself! You can't tell me that isn't a problem."
Finally, Ningguang raised her eyes, her usual serene smile playing at her lips. "Think carefully, Keqing. Inazuma has locked itself behind the Sakoku Decree. No one enters or leaves. The Raiden Shogun will not allow any outside influence—not even this mysterious Chat Group."
Keqing paused, acknowledging the point but not fully satisfied.
"And Sumeru," Ningguang continued smoothly, "is ruled by scholars too arrogant to consider wisdom that isn't their own. The Akademiya would dismiss the group's knowledge as superstition before they'd even read a word of it."
Her voice carried a trace of disdain. "Still, their rainforests and harvests are vital to Liyue's trade. It would be unwise to antagonize them."
"So…" Keqing leaned forward. "You're saying we still have time, but not much."
Ningguang smirked. "Exactly. We move forward—but with precision, not panic."
Keqing nodded reluctantly. "Then let's begin preparations. The earlier we integrate this knowledge into the Qixing, the better."
"For once," Ningguang said with a soft laugh, "we're in complete agreement."
---
Back in Mondstadt
Kael, unaware of the brewing political maneuvers in Liyue, enjoyed a rare moment of peace.
He stretched lazily, letting the morning sunlight filter through Jean's window. The faint scent of dandelions drifted in the air.
Jean keeps her home spotless, he mused with amusement. No wonder this place feels like a sanctuary.
When he finally left the guest room, he noticed a girl quietly tidying the living room — humming a gentle tune. Her light blonde hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her blue eyes sparkled with warmth.
Dressed in the pristine white uniform of the Church of Favonius, she radiated kindness.
Barbara, he realized instantly, a small smile curving his lips.
So Jean's little sister was here.
Kael leaned casually against the doorframe, watching her for a moment. The way her voice resonated with elemental harmony… it wasn't just a song. It was a subtle manifestation of Hydro's purifying energy.
So she's the one Venti mentioned, he thought, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. The Saint of Healing — and perhaps, the key to cleansing the corrupted statue.
A small chuckle escaped his throat. "Well," he murmured to himself, "this should be interesting."
The wind stirred again outside. Somewhere in the distance, he could feel Venti's laughter riding the breeze.
Mondstadt's new dawn was beginning — and so was its reckoning.