"It's okay."
As Lumine sat down, she wanted to talk about what just happened.
But seeing some people around, she hesitated and said softly, "We need your help with something."
As Lumine spoke, in front of Kael.
The virtual panel emerged again.
Accompanied by lines of text.
[After collecting supplies for Wildfire, the Trailblazer learned from Wildfire that they need Svarog's assistance to reopen the Furnace Core to return to the Overworld. Svarog might know information related to the Stellaron, but they cannot contact Svarog.]
[They also learned from Seele that you have dealt with Clara. They want to contact Clara through you to see if they can arrange a meeting with Svarog. Facing the Trailblazer's request, you choose...]
[ OPTION 1: DUTY-BOUND ]
You recall your father-daughter relationship with Clara and feel that helping contact her is not difficult. Moreover, the information Svarog holds is helpful to everyone. Since the Trailblazer has come this far, you don't mind giving them another push. You decide to try to contact Clara as soon as possible to see if a meeting can be arranged.
Reward: [Astral Express Special Blend: Diet Coke & Mentos].
Effect: Drinking a mouthful increases your stamina and energy by four times.Description: For many Amber Eras, civilizations have argued over which cooking oil is healthier. Diesel with high energy density won the championship in silenced hearts, and this special blend was born. One sip refreshes the mind, two sips mean never tiring, three sips mean hospital treatment.
[ OPTION 2: STAND BY AND WATCH ]
You ponder for a moment and finally decide not to intervene. After all, you are just a bystander, there is no need to bridge the gap between Wildfire and Svarog. Moreover, Svarog is an enigmatic existence. Rashly making connections might cause trouble, and the responsibility is hard to shirk. You politely express your inability to help and let the Trailblazer find another way.
Reward: [Enhancement Paste Recipe: Ice].
Description: A concise equation. Inputting it into the Omni-Synthesizer can unlock a new recipe.
[ OPTION 3: EQUIVALENT EXCHANGE ]
"Helping is fine, but..." You quickly weigh it in your heart. Even if you know the Stellaron information, telling the Trailblazer won't convince them because you can't explain the source of the information. Clara and Svarog's intelligence are not resources that can be easily exchanged. Since the Trailblazer needs your help, why not take this opportunity to ask for some "return"? Maybe some useful resources, maybe unique intelligence they master. In short, transactions between people should always be fair.
Reward: [Trailblazer's Destruction Path Ultimate: Stardust Ace].
Effect: Upon use, unleash a terrifying blow (with special effects).
Looking at the three options that appeared, Kael fell silent abruptly.
The rewards for these options were truly generous.
Increasing his stamina and energy by four times was no small buff for anyone.
After all, it only took one sip.
And a cup of special blend was more than one sip.
Besides this, the second recipe for Enhancement Paste: Ice was incredible.
He had seen the power of Enhancement Paste: Ice before.
Now that the recipe was given, it meant he could completely replicate it here in Teyvat.
As long as there were enough materials, he could create them endlessly.
Wait, materials.
Suddenly, Kael's eyelid twitched.
Teyvat didn't have the materials for this thing.
Then getting this recipe was useless for him.
Besides, it had to be input into an Omni-Synthesizer.
He didn't have an Omni-Synthesizer either.
He might get this thing in future options, but it wasn't suitable to get it now.
As for the third option, it tempted Kael even more.
It was actually the Trailblazer's Destruction Path Ultimate.
Although it didn't explain how powerful this skill effect was, a blow from the Destruction Path was definitely not weak!
Without hesitation, Kael decisively chose the third one.
As for the first one, although it was good, it was incomparable to the fourth attack method.
After all, he really lacked active attack methods now.
With this, he didn't have to worry about relying solely on swordsmanship in close combat in the future.
Using a weapon to bear the [Stardust Ace], and if he used Clara's skill to enhance the weapon again...
The effect would probably be more than 1+1.
Thinking of this, Kael was tempted.
After making a decision in his heart.
Kael snapped back to reality.
Looking at Lumine's gaze, he raised an eyebrow gently, a trace of playfulness flashing in his eyes.
"Need my help?"
The corner of Kael's mouth hooked up slightly, his gaze sweeping between Lumine and Paimon. "Of course I can, but..."
Kael deliberately dragged out his tone, tapping the table rhythmically with his fingers, seeming to be thinking about something.
Upon hearing this, Paimon immediately realized the subtext of these words.
She scratched her head distressfully and pouted. "That's true. We can't always trouble Kael... There must be give and take~"
But the problem was, what could they give Kael in return?
Paimon turned to look at Lumine, her eyes full of inquiry.
Lumine was also stunned for a moment.
Yeah, I can't trouble Kael one after another.
Lumine pondered for a moment before looking up at Kael.
Only to find him sizing her up with interest, his eyes deep, carrying a bit of teasing, making her heart tighten inexplicably.
"..."
Lumine's pretty face blushed slightly, seemingly thinking of something, but in the end, she didn't speak easily.
Instead, she asked carefully, with expectation and probing, "Then... what do you need? As long as I can do it."
Lumine's tone carried a bit of seriousness, and also a bit of hesitation.
After all, she really didn't know what request Kael would make.
Hearing this, Kael fell into deep thought.
What exactly do I want?
Money?
Resources?
Or some special things?
But thinking carefully, he didn't seem to lack these.
On the contrary, the most important thing right now was to go out and explore, collect resources as much as possible, and prepare for future actions.
And collecting resources, fighting, exploring, and finding clues outside all required manpower.
And Lumine was undoubtedly one of the most suitable helpers.
Thinking of this, the corner of Kael's mouth raised slightly, and he spoke indifferently: "After the matter is solved, be my assistant for half a month. An Adventurers' Guild assistant."
"Assistant?"
Lumine was slightly stunned, obviously not expecting Kael to make such a request.
Although confused, she didn't feel anything inappropriate.
She was an adventurer. Going out to explore and assisting in missions were things she was good at. Helping Kael for a while was no problem.
"Okay, I agree." Lumine nodded seriously, her eyes firm.
Paimon clapped her hands and smiled hippily. "Then it's decided! Kael, you can't bully Lumine!"
Kael laughed dumbly and shook his head gently. "Don't worry, I will treat my assistant well."
A deal was reached, and the relationship between the two changed subtly because of it.
"Right, we haven't said what the matter is yet."
Paimon suddenly thought of something and said quickly.
"It's about the Mondstadt Cathedral, right?"
Kael chuckled, making Paimon's eyes widen abruptly. "How did you know?"
Lumine was also astonished.
Kael knows our intention?
"Guess."
Kael smiled faintly, didn't explain, and asked, "When do we act?"
"Umm, early morning/midnight."
Paimon scratched her head. "We thought of asking you for help, but you haven't said how to help us yet."
If it was just Kael's speed buff, it might be a bit difficult.
After all, the Mondstadt Cathedral was one of the landmark buildings in Mondstadt.
Inside must not be simple.
Most importantly, they weren't familiar with it.
Trying to sneak into the Cathedral and steal the Holy Lyre unknowingly must be very difficult.
After all, that was the treasure used by the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt.
How could this treasure be placed randomly?
This was also the reason for Paimon's confusion and Lumine's distress.
Because they didn't even know where the Holy Lyre was in the Cathedral.
They didn't know the architectural layout inside.
If they got trapped inside, it would be troublesome.
"This is simple."
Kael smiled faintly and said, "I'll help you get it."
Just right, with Seele's Path Skill [Phantom] (he thinks of Fischl, but it's Seele's skill), getting a Holy Lyre der Himmel was absolutely no problem.
"Eh?"
Hearing Kael's words, Paimon's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Kael will help them get it?
Doesn't that mean they don't even have to bear the risk?
This deal is too cost-effective.
"How about I act with you."
Lumine was also stunned, not expecting Kael to act personally.
She thought Kael would give some plan to help her achieve it cleverly.
"No need."
Kael shook his head. "It's just a small effort. But if you follow me, that's fine too. If there's a risk, you can divert attention. And even if you are discovered, you can say you want to look around."
Kael didn't refuse Lumine acting with him.
After all, the blessing of Anemo power was also a boost.
He couldn't control Anemo power.
"Alright then."
Hearing this, Lumine nodded. "Then we act at midnight tonight. Paimon waits for us outside."
"Okay, okay, okay."
Beside her, Paimon also nodded quickly.
Then the two began to eat and drink.
Time passed quietly...
The night deepened, and the noise of Mondstadt City gradually subsided.
The streets were almost empty. Only the shimmering light cast by street lamps reflected on the bluestone-paved roads.
Inside Good Hunter, Lumine and Kael sat by the window, quietly enjoying a late-night snack.
Paimon was gnawing on a large piece of roasted meat while yawning, looking extremely sleepy.
Kael tasted the ale in his hand unhurriedly, glancing at the night scene outside the window from time to time, his eyes deep.
Time passed slowly in silence.
Until the restaurant owner came to clean the table, Lumine realized that the night was very deep.
"It's time."
Kael put down the wine glass, stood up, and glanced at Lumine and Paimon indifferently.
Lumine nodded. Paimon rubbed her eyes sleepily and said groggily, "You guys go. I'll wait outside. Anyway, I don't want to go into that kind of place..."
"Of course."
Lumine chuckled.
Pushing open the wooden door of the restaurant, she stepped into the night with Kael.
Midnight Mondstadt City was strangely quiet. Even the wind sounded exceptionally soft.
Lumine and Kael walked briskly toward the Mondstadt Cathedral.
Under the night curtain, the cathedral looked especially solemn and holy under the gentle moonlight.
The towering spire seemed to connect to the firmament, like the symbol of Mondstadt's faith.
There were no guards at the door.
Under the Path Skill [Ripple] and Anemo, the two were very fast.
They stepped into the cathedral smoothly.
The air was filled with a faint scent of incense. It was empty all around, not a single soul.
Only moonlight spilled onto the pews in the cathedral through the stained glass windows, reflecting colorful lights.
Lumine looked around and asked in a low voice, "Kael, the thing we are looking for... where is it?"
Although she entered the Mondstadt Cathedral, she didn't know how to go next.
"Inside."
Kael spoke softly.
Saying this, he walked straight toward the interior of the cathedral.
Finally, he stopped in a corner below the cathedral altar.
His gaze fell on a hidden small door.
That door was embedded in the wall, almost blended with the surrounding decorations.
If one didn't observe carefully, it was hard to find its existence.
"It's here," Kael said lightly, raising his hand and pushing gently.
Click—
The door panel opened inwards without hindrance, revealing a deep entrance.
Lumine's eyes widened abruptly, face full of astonishment. "This... This is the cathedral's basement? It's hidden so deeply?"
She probed inside to look.
Seeing a long flight of steps extending downwards. In the dim light, carvings on the stone walls could be faintly seen.
"How did you know there's a basement here?"
Lumine turned to look at Kael, her eyes full of doubt. "Could it be... you came here before?"
The corner of Kael's mouth raised slightly. He didn't answer directly, but said in a meaningful tone, "Some things... don't need to have been visited to know."
Lumine scratched her head.
Although skeptical of Kael's answer, now was not the time to question closely.
However, thinking that Kael was an adventurer in Mondstadt, he must know the Cathedral better than her.
Immediately, Lumine said softly, "Then let's go in now."
"En."
Kael stepped in first, and Lumine followed closely behind.
But the moment she stepped into the basement, Lumine's pupils shrunk sharply.
Gazing at the scene in front of her in shock.
This isn't an ordinary basement!
It was clearly a huge hidden space!
Soaring vaulted domes supported the entire hall!
The bluestone-paved floor was inlaid with ancient patterns.
Candlesticks lined up along the walls emitted a warm shimmer, immersing the whole area in a deep and mysterious atmosphere.
However, what shocked Lumine more were the guards here.
There were more of them than knights patrolling a street outside.
Lumine lowered her voice, unable to help whispering, "This... the underground of the Cathedral is actually so big? And... there are so many patrolling knights?"
Kael's gaze swept around, nodding faintly. "After all, the treasure of the Anemo Archon is hidden here. Strict security is only natural."
"Even the entrance is so hidden."
"If not many, do you think others wouldn't have ideas about this thing?"
Hearing Kael's words, Lumine couldn't help frowning.
Her sight shifted among those patrolling guards, and vigilance rose in her heart.
Because with such tight defense, trying to break through would not be easy.
Just as she wanted to ask Kael how to act next, she saw Kael suddenly turn his head to look at her, the corner of his mouth raising slightly, saying slowly, "Next, you wait here."
"Huh?"
Lumine hadn't reacted yet.
In the next instant—
Vmmm—
As if an invisible fluctuation spread, Kael's figure disappeared abruptly from Lumine's vision!
"...!!!"
Lumine's eyes widened abruptly, looking at the empty space in front of her as if seeing a ghost, standing there dumbfounded.
She even stupidly reached out and waved in the position where Kael just stood, trying to determine if he really disappeared.
"Kael?!"
Lumine exclaimed in a low voice, scanning around, but couldn't see Kael's trace at all.
As if he never existed.
Invisibility?!
This guy...
Can actually turn invisible?!
Lumine's mind went blank instantly.
She never expected Kael to master such incredible ability.
"Truly... getting more and more mysterious."
She bit her lip gently, an inexplicable emotion rising in her heart.
It was surprise, and also a slight curiosity about Kael's unknown power.
However, before she could think more, a slight airflow fluctuation suddenly came from her ear.
"Don't worry, I'm nearby."
A low voice seemed to come from the air, carrying a bit of teasing.
Lumine stiffened instantly, turning her head to look around abruptly.
But the surroundings were still empty, Kael's trace couldn't be found at all.