At the center of the circular ruin, a massive cube floated in midair—utterly still, without the slightest trace of presence.
If Kaito and Diluc hadn't made it clear this was their target, the others would never have guessed it was a monster.
"That… is a monster?" Noelle and Barbara were locals, yet they'd never even heard rumors of something like this existing deep within Windwail Highland.
"Yes," Kaito replied. "This ancient ruin naturally gathers elemental energy from the surroundings. Over long years, it gave birth to this kind of creature."
Paimon tapped her chin. "But I can't feel any monster aura at all."
"Then why don't you go poke it?" Kaito said, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"No, no, no! I'll just cheer you on!" Paimon waved frantically.
"The reason you can't sense it is because its aura is sealed off by those inert cubic shells protecting it," Kaito explained anyway.
Then he started pulling out equipment for Diluc.
[Berserker's Timepiece]
Main Stat: 34.8% Max HP
Sub Stat 1: HP +167
Sub Stat 2: DEF +32
Sub Stat 3: DEF +4.7%
Sub Stat 4: CRIT Rate +5.3%
[Berserker's Bone Mask]
Main Stat: 34.8% Max HP
Sub Stat 1: HP +7.7%
Sub Stat 2: DEF +40
Sub Stat 3: ATK +3.3%
Sub Stat 4: Energy Recharge +3.6%
2-Piece Set Bonus: CRIT Rate +12%
4-Piece Set Bonus: When HP is below 70%, CRIT Rate increases by 24%.
These were the stats the System had determined.
"Among the higher-tier pieces I have, these two fit you best," Kaito said. "The rest you already have—last time you 'mysteriously acquired' two from me."
Diluc cleared his throat. "That was payment. Don't call it 'mysteriously acquired.'"
He put on the mask, hooked the timepiece charm onto the button at his chest, and carried the two pieces he'd "taken last time" as well.
A faint, mysterious force seemed to settle over him, guarding him from within.
He swung his claymore a few times, testing the feel.
These two new artifacts didn't seem to increase his damage much—
But he definitely felt… sturdier. Like he could take a beating.
Which was perfect for staying alive.
"And you?" Diluc asked.
"Of course I prepared my own," Kaito said.
He slipped a pocket watch into his clothes and pinned a Flower of Life to his chest.
[Instructor's Pocket Watch]
Main Stat: Elemental Mastery 139
Sub Stat 1: ATK +13
Sub Stat 2: Energy Recharge +10.3%
Sub Stat 3: HP +13.2%
Sub Stat 4: HP +167
[Instructor's Brooch]
Main Stat: HP 3571
Sub Stat 1: CRIT Rate +3.6%
Sub Stat 2: Elemental Mastery +43
Sub Stat 3: HP +4.1%
Sub Stat 4: DEF +2.7%
2-Piece Set Bonus: Elemental Mastery +80
These were among the few four-star artifacts he had fully strengthened. One of them had even dropped from an Electro Hypostasis half a year ago—something he'd leveled to the limit by feeding it lower-tier artifacts.
Which was why his System inventory didn't have many low-tier pieces left.
Artifact strengthening was an advantage the System gave him.
No one else in Teyvat had a method like this.
So even someone as wealthy as Diluc couldn't help feeling envious when he saw the high-tier artifacts Kaito handed out.
Kaito's confidence in challenging elemental hypostases above his level came mostly from knowing their fighting patterns—
And partly from the boost of fully strengthened four-star artifacts.
"You stay on the edge of the ruin," Kaito said seriously. "Without my command, you do not join the fight."
"Huh?" Lumine startled. "Kaito… you don't need our support?"
"If I need you, I'll call," Kaito replied.
"But…" Lumine hesitated, worry bright in her eyes.
"I told you I had something prepared for you," Kaito said, ruffling her hair. "So stay put."
Then he turned and followed Diluc into the ruin's range.
"Kaito really looks out for you," Barbara said softly.
"I know," Lumine nodded.
But her thoughts were already fixed on the enormous monster at the ruin's center.
Even back on their first day in Windwail Highland, when they ran into an Abyss Mage and an entire hilichurl camp, Kaito had still let them participate.
This time, facing this creature—
He'd forbidden them from approaching in a sharp, almost harsh tone.
That alone told her how terrifying it was.
Kaito wasn't confident he could protect them if they got involved.
"I need to work harder," Lumine said firmly. "One day, I want to stand beside him—like Master Diluc—when it comes to battles like this."
"That's a great goal!" Paimon clapped enthusiastically.
Noelle glanced at her and nodded in full agreement. "Mm."
"Then I'll support everyone!" Barbara said, hands behind her back, refusing to be left out.
A wind swept across the small plain of Windwail Highland.
The two unfamiliar intruders stepping into the ruin disturbed the windflow within.
With a massive crack—
The inert cubic shells around the Anemo Hypostasis's core snapped open, like a creature stretching after waking.
In that instant, a powerful life force burst forth.
Lv.36!
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