"Searing Blade!"
Diluc roared as even more Pyro energy surged from his grip into the greatsword.
The flames coiling around the blade flared violently, transforming it into what looked like a weapon forged entirely of fire.
The Cryo Abyss Mage spun around, hastily raising its staff to block the descending strike.
But it stood no chance against the raging flames.
In the blink of an eye, its defenses were overwhelmed.
The difference in raw power between it and Diluc was simply too vast.
Its body was smashed into a stone pillar, flames crawling over its robes as it slumped unconscious.
"Tch."
"Good thing I didn't overdo it."
Diluc stepped forward and grabbed the Abyss Mage by the collar.
He planned to take it back for interrogation.
"Of all the people who could've come to save me, I didn't expect you to be one of them."
Kaeya leaned against another pillar, smiling bitterly.
"I wasn't here to save you," Diluc replied coldly.
"I was here for the Abyss Mage."
"If anyone fits the role of 'heroic rescuer,' that'd be Jiang Yan."
He added flatly,
"If Jiang Yan hadn't insisted we hurry, you'd probably be a corpse by the time I arrived."
"I was just being cautious," Jiang Yan said lightly.
"Didn't expect you to be this unlucky, Kaeya—running into an Abyss Mage with the same element."
"Yeah. I was ambushed," Kaeya admitted, relieved.
"Either way, I'll remember this favor, Jiang Yan."
He pointed toward the altar at the very back of the hall.
The crystallized node of the dragon's lingering power was still intact.
"After I got trapped, I deliberately protected that crystal," Kaeya explained.
"That way, when you noticed the storm over Mondstadt hadn't subsided, you'd realize something was wrong and come looking."
"…Though now it seems that precaution wasn't really necessary."
He raised his hand and fired several ice shards, shattering the crystal completely.
With that, the Temple of the Wolf of the North was finally cleared.
"You're still calm under pressure," Diluc remarked, glancing over.
Even in a life-or-death situation, Kaeya had been thinking about survival and countermeasures.
Clever, as always.
"Heh. Should I take that as sarcasm?" Kaeya chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Interpret it however you want," Diluc replied indifferently.
"Since you're already here," Kaeya said, "help me out a bit."
"I told you—I came for the Abyss Mage."
Despite his words, Diluc still stepped over and let Kaeya lean on him.
Jiang Yan moved to the other side.
The two supported Kaeya between them, while Diluc carried the unconscious Abyss Mage.
They exited the temple together.
"I wonder how Lisa's doing," Kaeya said, gazing southward.
"Lisa? No need to worry about her," Jiang Yan shook his head.
According to the system, Kaeya was Lv10.
Lisa was Lv18.
And for reference—Jean was Lv15.
Even Diluc was only on par with Lisa.
She was very good at hiding her depth.
And in the current environment, Electro was downright overpowered.
Diluc, rarely agreeing with anyone, nodded.
"If she were willing, that woman could become the Knights' most reliable pillar."
"She's that highly regarded by both of you?" Kaeya said in surprise.
Jiang Yan aside, getting Diluc's recognition purely on strength was no easy feat.
Jean, for instance, was someone Diluc considered more of a hindrance than help—someone best kept far away.
Jiang Yan, on the other hand, treated Jean rather well.
Kaeya suspected that had more to do with personal interest than professional judgment—and that Jiang Yan was dangerously close to success.
"A seriously injured man shouldn't be worrying about others," Diluc snapped, already annoyed.
The three made their way back toward Mondstadt.
By now, the chaotic elemental turbulence from earlier was gone.
"The flow of elements and ley lines has stabilized," Kaeya said.
"Looks like Lisa finished things at the Temple of the Lion of the South as well."
He immediately realized his worries had indeed been unnecessary.
"Jiang Yan, he's your problem now."
Diluc abruptly released Kaeya, then disappeared into the darkness with the Abyss Mage in tow.
Dragging a prisoner like that meant he couldn't exactly walk through Mondstadt's main gate.
That would invite endless questioning from the Knights—
and they'd probably want to take over the interrogation entirely.
"That guy…"
Kaeya gave a helpless smile. "Sorry to trouble you, Jiang Yan."
"We're already here. No need to talk about trouble," Jiang Yan replied.
Kaeya was just about to feel touched—
When Jiang Yan suddenly waved toward the city gate in the distance.
One of the guards hurried over.
"Captain Kaeya."
"Boss Jiang."
The Knight, Lawrence, snapped into a standard salute once he recognized them.
"You—"
"Here," Jiang Yan cut him off, casually shoving Kaeya forward.
"Your Cavalry Captain, returned. Take him back to the Knights and get him treated."
With that, Jiang Yan turned and walked into the city.
"…Huh?"
Kaeya was left speechless.
"So that's what 'since we're already here' meant?"
For some reason, it felt like he'd just been thoroughly discarded.
As Jiang Yan passed through the city gate, Mondstadt was already lit by warm lamplight.
Knights of Favonius maintained order while citizens cleaned up the damage outside their homes.
When Jiang Yan reached the Good Hunter, he noticed a suspicious figure sneaking around out front—
A wide witch's hat bobbing up and down as its wearer peeked around furtively.
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