Chapter 126. Dvalin Appears
After only a single day of training, Raiden Ei wanted to see just how much Futsu Mitama's Musou no Hitotachi had advanced.
To be honest, even with Raiden Ei saying so, Futsu Mitama still felt a trace of hesitation. A Musou no Hitotachi driven solely by Electro elemental power and Authority—combined with martial profundities absorbed through what could only be called last-minute, high-pressure instruction—
How strong could it really be?
He did not know. Instinctively, he felt it could not possibly surpass the slash born from the fusion of two Authorities.
Yet Raiden Ei had spoken. And Futsu Mitama had no intention of defying her.
He drew a slow breath.
Futsu Mitama gently closed his eyes. Within his mind, countless sword forms unfolded—postures, timings, principles—each one something Raiden Ei had demonstrated again and again throughout the day. The glow of Musou Isshin in his hand dimmed slightly, as if retreating inward.
Zzzzz—
The air trembled. Electro crackled, sharp and restless. Futsu Mitama first called upon the Electro element. Then, without restraint, the Authority of the Electro Archon within him surged forth.
His eyes snapped open.
Behind him, the phantom of Chakra Desiderata manifested, solemn and oppressive. Musou Isshin swept through the air, and in that fleeting instant, more than a dozen sword and blade profundities—still crude, still incomplete—overlapped and fused.
They converged into a single intent. A single slash.
Rumble—!!!
The moment Musou no Hitotachi was released, the world responded. Thunder roared, clouds churned, and the surrounding land seemed to shudder beneath the weight of divine intent.
Kuki Shinobu watched in silence, a strange light flickering in her eyes. At that instant, gazing at Futsu Mitama's back, she felt something uncanny—his figure seemed to overlap with that of the Shogun herself.
It was as though this slash had not been unleashed by Futsu Mitama at all. It was as though Raiden Ei herself had swung the blade. Why had she never felt this before?
The question lingered in Kuki Shinobu's mind.
Clang—!!!
As expected, Raiden Ei effortlessly intercepted the strike. Musou Isshin met Musou Isshin. The divine blade did not tremble in her grasp. Her expression remained tranquil as she caught the force of Futsu Mitama's Musou no Hitotachi head-on.
She nodded slightly. "Not bad. Compared to last time, this is not a small improvement."
Futsu Mitama froze. He looked down at the sword in his hand.
He was not exhausted?
That alone shocked him. Musou no Hitotachi was his trump card, no different in status from Planet Befall. Neither could be used casually.
Under normal circumstances, his body could withstand at most two uses of either Musou no Hitotachi or Planet Befall. After that, he would collapse—or require someone else to support him.
During the battle against Il Dottore, Shenhe had needed to help him stand, and even then it had taken a long while to recover.
And that had been at his peak condition.
But now?
He had just been beaten into exhaustion by Raiden Ei less than ten minutes ago. Even with the Chat Group's mysterious acceleration of recovery, how much stamina could he realistically regain in such a short time?
Yet after unleashing Musou no Hitotachi, although his energy had been heavily drained, it was nowhere near the brink of collapse he was accustomed to.
Something was different.
"It seems you've noticed."
Raiden Ei met his gaze and nodded faintly. Her voice was calm, explanatory rather than reproachful.
"Ever since Liyue, I have been aware that your Musou no Hitotachi contained too many impurities."
"The essence was not wrong," she continued, "but those impurities made it impure. As a result, the burden placed upon your body was excessive. A great number of elements and concepts did increase its power. But diversity without refinement is a grave taboo."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"This slash is not as strong as the one you used this morning," Raiden Ei said evenly. "But you should already understand which one is better."
With that, she calmly returned Musou Isshin to her chest. Her posture was unhurried, composed beyond measure.
She knew Futsu Mitama would understand. He had already demonstrated more than enough potential. Now that his strength had reached this stage, he was finally capable of formally receiving her inheritance.
His path had deviated somewhat—but it was far from irreparable. And she would correct it.
"Indeed."
Futsu Mitama nodded, unable to deny it. Under Raiden Ei's accelerated, almost ruthless instruction, his Musou no Hitotachi had evolved at astonishing speed. This version was far weaker than the slash that fused both Authorities—but he could now unleash it seven or eight times in succession.
The dual-Authority Musou no Hitotachi would remain a final card: a strike where either the enemy died, or he did.
But this refined slash still had room to grow. Once he fully mastered the profundities Raiden Ei had taught him—once his own strength reached the level of an Archon—this Musou no Hitotachi might truly become a blade that reshaped landscapes.
Not the current version, which carried the aura of a god, yet lacked the power to even slay a Primo Geovishap.
Every time he sparred with Raiden Ei, Futsu Mitama gained something new. And each time, the path before him became clearer.
This was the difference in what Raiden Makoto had uploaded in "Raiden Style · Martial Arts"—something that the false Raiden Shogun over there could never provide.
Fighting that Raiden Shogun would, at most, refine one's practical combat experience and impart a few minor techniques, but nothing beyond that.
"That will be all for today."
Raiden Ei gave a slight nod. Seeing that Futsu Mitama had grasped her painstaking guidance, a faint smile surfaced at the corner of her lips.
At this moment, Raiden Ei felt an immense sense of relief. She cast her gaze toward Mondstadt in the distance and spoke calmly. "If we continue this special training at this pace, you will likely reach the minor accomplishment stage of Musou no Hitotachi within three days."
"Your talent exceeds even my expectations. I originally believed it would take you roughly half a month to reach the minor accomplishment stage of Musou no Hitachito."
Hearing this, Futsu Mitama asked with a hint of curiosity, "Are we not continuing the training?"
At present, Futsu Mitama was actually beginning to enjoy this painful yet exhilarating regimen. The reason was simple: who would dislike becoming stronger? Although the process was undoubtedly painful, watching his strength grow at a visible pace was truly intoxicating.
At this moment, Futsu Mitama felt like Dio after consuming poisoned blood—his excitement was overwhelming. (Idk this reference, since I didn't see Jojo at all. The graphic is not quite my taste)
"Balancing work and rest is the proper path for martial arts advancement. One must not overexert oneself." Raiden Ei shook her head and extended her hand.
Thunder tore through space itself, opening a violet teleportation gate.
Raiden Ei stepped inside, and upon seeing this, Kuki Shinobu and Futsu Mitama followed her into the purple portal.
Soon, one god and two mortals arrived in Mondstadt. Raiden Ei continued, "You two should rest early today. I will come to find you again tomorrow. As for now…I need to go find that drunken bard."
With those words, Raiden Ei vanished from the spot in a flash of teleportation. She was clearly heading to find the Anemo Archon, Barbatos.
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu watched the scene unfold without saying much, then turned and walked toward the villa.
They were indeed exhausted today. Although Futsu Mitama had originally wanted to continue the special training for a while longer, seeing Raiden Ei depart, he yawned and prepared to rest early as well.
After returning home, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu each washed up and lay down on their beds, preparing to sleep. However, once they were both settled, they opened the chat group almost simultaneously, as if by unspoken agreement.
[Futsu Mitama: "Today was truly a day full of gains."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Elaborate. In what way was it full of gains?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "We were both guided by the Raiden Shogun. To be honest, even now…I feel that what I've gained is incredibly substantial. If I manage to fully digest all of this, I might even be able to defeat Sara."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Receiving personal guidance from the Raiden Shogun…that truly makes one envious."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Indeed. You know, the Raiden Shogun has always remained in Tenshukaku. Aside from Futsu Mitama, she hasn't guided anyone else in centuries."]
[Yae Miko: "So? What exactly did you gain? What did the little one obtain from Ei?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Hmm…a more fluid Musou no Hitotachi, perhaps? At the very least, I now understand how to make it stronger. Musou no Hitotachi, formed from countless profound mysteries, originally carried such meaning. To be honest, it was quite shocking. I had wondered about this before."]
[Futsu Mitama: "How can so many profound mysteries be condensed into a single strike? After direct learning, the Shogun's guidance, and my own insights, I finally understand."]
[Aila: "Young Master has grown stronger again. Congratulations, Young Master. I must also continue working hard."]
[Futsu Mitama: "By the way, Aila, I have something to ask you. Can you still sense her presence?"]
[Aila: "I can vaguely sense it—only that she is still alive. And a few days ago, I felt her presence suddenly vanish."]
[Futsu Mitama: "I see. I understand. It seems the Harbinger did not lie. This is rather troublesome."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "What's wrong?"]
[Azhdaha: "This is a matter of moderate importance. You see, you don't know yet, but this Aila is Futsu Mitama's maid, and the two of them are inseparable. Simply put—like Morax and Guizhong?"]
[Guizhong: "Oh, you! Azhdaha, even if you say that now, that stone-headed one won't hear it anyway. Why not wait until he joins the group?"]
[Azhdaha: "Hahahaha. If Morax truly joined, I would say it openly. But for now…we can only wait for the next Rite of Descension."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Morax and Guizhong? I roughly understand the analogy. What happened to her?"]
[Azhdaha: "To put it simply, she was abducted by a Fatui Harbinger when she was young. Her fate and memories were stripped away, and a new 'individual' was created. Later, with Cloud Retainer's help, she found her other self. However, perhaps even Cloud Retainer did not expect that this Aila's 'individual' would be far more powerful than anyone imagined."]
[Azhdaha: "Originally, Aila and Futsu Mitama were inseparable. But Aila and 'Black Aila' are destined for a confrontation. They both must complete themselves—there can only be one Aila in this world. Because of this, Aila can only remain on Mt. Aocang, diligently cultivating and strengthening herself, trying to grow as much as possible before 'Black Aila' arrives."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "I see…a battle of consciousness. That is indeed quite troublesome."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Yes. This is a rather troublesome matter. Even Ei, Morax, and even Barbatos cannot interfere within the spiritual domain."]
[Zhongli: "However, Maha Rukkhadevata is the Archon of Wisdom. She should possess a solution."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "I do have a method, but in my current state, a method becomes no method. Even so, a battle of consciousness is indeed extremely troublesome. If you, Futsu Mitama, accept my Inheritance, I can help you observe this battle of consciousness at all times, and you may intervene once if necessary."]
[Futsu Mitama: "This…"]
[Raiden Makoto: "!!!"]
[Azhdaha: "Maha Rukkhadevata! You?!!!"]
[Venti: "Ehehe!"]
[Zhongli: "…"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "I already have an heir to my divine position, so there is no need for concern. I merely wish to assist the group leader. I have no other intentions."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "If we count Maha Rukkhadevata's Inheritance, then does that mean Futsu Mitama now carries legacies from four Archons?"]
[Keqing: "Raiden Archon's Inheritance and Authority, the Geo Archon's Inheritance, the Anemo Archon's Authority, and now the Dendro Archon's Inheritance…To be honest, if I hadn't joined this chat group, I never would have imagined such a thing."]
[Keqing: "That someone could receive the favor of four Archons. And I even once considered bringing Futsu Mitama to Liyue to work for me."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "To be honest…me too…"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Ah~~ me too~~~"]
[Yae Miko: "Back then, I was quite optimistic about Aila. I even hoped she might inherit my position and become the next Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine. But speaking of which, why aren't Albedo and Klee speaking today?"]
[Venti: "They've both gone outside the city. I'll @ them."]
[Venti: "@Albedo, @Klee."]
[Albedo: "Hmm? We're eliminating monsters. Klee just used Jumpy Dumpty to blow away a group of Hilichurls and Slimes. And while stealing a moment, Klee also tossed a Jumpy Dumpty into the river, blasting a few fish."]
[Klee: "Ehehehe~~~ Klee is helping!!! Albedo big brother, don't say weird things."]
[Albedo: "Yes, yes, yes. Just be careful not to get hurt by the bombs. Otherwise, Acting Grand Master Jean and Aunt Alice will surely blame me."]
[Klee: "Klee understands! Klee also wants to help the Knights of Favonius!"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Are you all acting together?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Even Klee has been allowed out. It seems Mondstadt has entered a very dangerous state."]
[Aila: "It does seem that way."]
[Albedo: "Yes. Mondstadt is quite dangerous at the moment. We must resolve the Abyss Order and the Dragon Crisis within five days. Otherwise, the Fatui will begin stirring trouble. While it would feel satisfying to arrest all the Fatui in Mondstadt at once, the aftermath would be extremely troublesome."]
[Albedo: "In Mondstadt, obstructing official duties earns ordinary citizens seven days in jail. Snezhnaya has already received word. It likely won't be long before they take action. Under Fatui pressure, we will probably release the Harbinger after five days."]
[Keqing: "The Fatui are truly this audacious in Mondstadt?"]
[Albedo: "Mainly because the charge of obstructing official duties is somewhat forced. The Fatui are exceptionally skilled at exploiting loopholes. Whether openly or covertly, they will take action. We must resolve the Dragon Crisis quickly as well. I hope the Anemo Archon Barbatos will display his divine power, @Venti."]
[Venti: "Ehe~ That depends on when you finish the antidote. I have a way to summon Dvalin. At that point, it will be up to you and Futsu Mitama. After this matter is resolved, I also need to deal with the condensed resin situation."]
Venti and Albedo continued their discussion in the group. Through @Albedo, Futsu Mitama obtained first-hand information regarding Mondstadt's current situation.
At this moment, a peculiar emotion flickered in Futsu Mitama's eyes. Indeed, the Mondstadt Dragon Crisis needed to be resolved swiftly.
Although Mondstadt had no shortage of troublesome citizens, Jean, Albedo, Klee, and Eula had all provided him with considerable assistance. Venti had even granted him the Anemo Archon's Authority. In a sense, he also wished to resolve the Dragon Crisis as quickly as possible.
That said, Jean's rare outburst came as a surprise to Futsu Mitama. In the original storyline, Jean had always been gentle and approachable, someone who handled matters both great and small with tireless dedication. Compared to her younger sister Barbara, Jean was either on the front lines—or on her way there.
This time, Acting Grand Master Jean had made a decisive move. Whether it was deliberately orchestrated by the Harbinger remained unclear. But regardless of the truth, since it involved the Fatui, Futsu Mitama would unquestionably assist the Knights of Favonius.
As Aila and Kuki Shinobu had mentioned, Mondstadt had even released Klee—their so-called "strongest combat force"—which meant the city was truly short-handed.
Klee excelled in large-scale destruction. Entire Hilichurl tribes meant little to her.
The issue, however, was the aftermath. Once Klee finished fighting, the damage she left behind posed a significant problem for the Knights of Favonius. Under normal circumstances, Klee would be allowed out once, then promptly sent back to solitary confinement. Compared to enemies, Klee herself was often the bigger headache.
But now…it seemed Mondstadt had chosen to prioritize its enemies.
Thinking this, Futsu Mitama could only sigh at how difficult things had become for Mondstadt under the Fatui's interference. Their behavior showed blatant disregard for Mondstadt's circumstances. In Liyue or Inazuma, the Fatui would never dare act so openly—they would only move in the shadows.
Their audacity in Mondstadt stemmed from two reasons.
First, the majority of the Knights of Favonius's elite forces were absent.
Second, Mondstadt's Archon, Barbatos, had not appeared for a thousand years. Though the people still remembered him, none had seen him or heard his voice.
How strong could a nation governed solely by humans be? How much confidence could it possess?
The Fatui's contempt for Mondstadt was not without cause.
At this moment, Futsu Mitama closed his eyes and drifted into sleep. He had experienced far too much that day and needed proper rest.
Tonight, he would not enter the group space to spar with the Raiden Shogun from "Raiden Style · Martial Arts." He would recover fully and prepare for Raiden Ei's training the next day.
The night passed without incident. Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu slept soundly.
The next morning, just as they finished breakfast and prepared to head out, Raiden Ei arrived once more. This time, she said nothing. She directly seized Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu, brought them into the wilderness surrounding Mondstadt, and began guiding them again.
This special training lasted an entire day, leaving both utterly exhausted. Raiden Ei personally escorted them back to the villa before disappearing once more—likely to find Zhongli and Venti.
The third and fourth days proceeded much the same.
In the blink of an eye, four days had passed. Under Raiden Ei's intense training, Futsu Mitama's foundation became exceptionally solid.
He could now execute Musou no Hitachito a total of eight times.
Yes—eight times.
Previously, he had been left gasping after using it twice. Now, under Raiden Ei's guidance, he had reached eight consecutive uses. The improvement was astonishing. During this time, Futsu Mitama had grasped numerous profound mysteries, albeit still at an introductory level.
Yet, for his current self, that was more than sufficient.
All he needed now was time to fully digest what Raiden Ei had taught him before pursuing further advancements. Although Kuki Shinobu's growth was not as explosive as Futsu Mitama's, her gains were still substantial. Over these days, she had not even begun comprehending Talisman Arts.
Every day, she and Futsu Mitama trained together under the Raiden Shogun's guidance, until exhaustion blurred their consciousness.
On the fifth day, Raiden Ei once again arrived at Futsu Mitama's villa.
This time, however, she did not take Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu out for special training. Instead, she had come to bid farewell—she had remained in Mondstadt for far too long.
"I am preparing to leave today."
Raiden Ei looked at Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu and spoke calmly, her tone carrying unquestionable finality.
"I have been away from Inazuma for four days. It is time for me to return. Yae Miko should be arriving in Liyue soon. When the time comes, she will assist you."
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu nodded silently.
Over the past few days, they had both taken the time to check the Chat Group. They were already aware that the situation on Yae Miko's side had stabilized, and that she was expected to reach Liyue within four days. This Guuji, who had been traveling for so long, was finally nearing her destination.
Keqing had also mentioned that when Yae Miko arrived, she—as the Yuheng Star—would personally go with Ganyu to welcome her.
"And…"
Raiden Ei turned her gaze toward Futsu Mitama, her expression growing notably solemn.
"Although the Anemo Archon Authority is beneficial to you, after assisting Barbatos in resolving the Dragon Crisis—"
"Remember to return the Authority to him. This thing will only dull your Musou no Hitotachi. I have also left something with Yae Miko. When she arrives, have her give it to you. As for what it is specifically—she knows very well. You will understand when the time comes."
Hearing these words, Futsu Mitama was momentarily stunned.
Something left with Yae Miko? Would Raiden Ei leave something with Yae Miko?
How could he not—wait.
Suddenly, a realization struck him.
His heartbeat quickened, and without hesitation, he said, "Shogun-sama, I cannot accept such a gift without earning it. I—"
"It is decided."
Raiden Ei cut him off without granting him the opportunity to refuse. Her voice remained calm, yet carried unquestionable authority.
"Over these four days, I have discovered that your physique is special. That thing will be useful to you. And your understanding of the Electro Element is still insufficient. Relying on it will allow you to deepen your comprehension."
With that, Raiden Ei said no more.
She turned around, casually opened a spatial portal, and spoke as she stepped forward, "I look forward to seeing your growth in seven days."
After those words, Raiden Ei entered the portal and completely vanished from the sight of Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu.
"It's over… it's completely over now."
Futsu Mitama slumped into a chair, his expression utterly dejected.
"?" Kuki Shinobu looked at him in confusion. "What's wrong with you? The General gave you something—why aren't you happy?"
"Could it be…that you already know what it is?"
Faced with her question, Futsu Mitama sighed helplessly. "Yes. I know exactly what it is. That's why I don't want it. Because that thing is the Shogun's Gnosis. Before she entered the Plane of Euthymia, she entrusted it to Yae Miko for safekeeping."
"And a major reason the Fatui are conducting so many operations is precisely because of this Gnosis. Simply put—whoever possesses it will become a target of the Fatui. And the enemies they face will all be at the Harbinger level."
At this point, Futsu Mitama felt his head ache. Fatui Harbingers, at the very least, possessed strength comparable to an Adeptus.
Tartaglia—the lowest-ranked among them—had once forcefully suppressed Aila, who had activated her Mirror's Reflection of Tranquility, after entering his second-stage Delusion form.
At that time, Futsu Mitama had been the strongest existence below the Adeptus, and he had only managed to fight Tartaglia's second stage to a draw. Not to mention that Tartaglia still possessed his Foul Legacy Transformation and the Tsaritsa's Authority.
His trump cards came one after another.
The Harbinger rankings were based on strength. If even Tartaglia was like this, then even if the higher-ranked Harbingers were weaker in some aspects, the difference would not be significant. Thus, before his own strength reached even the level of a weaker Archon, Futsu Mitama had no intention of involving himself with a Gnosis.
The temptation was undeniable—but he did not want it now.
"?!"
Hearing this, Kuki Shinobu finally understood. So that was the reason.
As for how Futsu Mitama knew that Shogun had entrusted the Gnosis to Yae Miko, she chose to remain silent and did not inquire further.
"Today…it's almost time to resolve the Mondstadt Dragon Crisis."
Although he sighed, Futsu Mitama still stood up. Mondstadt had been under immense pressure these past few days. Under the pretext that Mondstadt had imprisoned a Snezhnayan diplomat, Snezhnaya had been exerting diplomatic pressure layer by layer.
Meanwhile, Fatui troops from Snezhnaya repeatedly attempted to station themselves within Mondstadt City—but Acting Grand Master Jean had turned them back every single time. She stated that Fatui Harbinger Signora had repeatedly obstructed official duties. While others could be released, Signora had to remain imprisoned for the full seven days.
Furthermore, for reasons unknown, photographs of Signora confronting Futsu Mitama that day had begun circulating.
Public opinion shifted.
People began questioning: even if Signora was in the wrong, wasn't Futsu Mitama also at fault? Was a Raiden Shogun's retainer truly more noble than a Snezhnayan diplomat?
Such sentiments quietly took root within Mondstadt City.
The Fatui seized the opportunity and demanded that the Knights of Favonius act impartially. They insisted that Futsu Mitama—who had used Electro Archon Authority within Mondstadt City—should also be imprisoned for at least seven days.
However, the moment such discussions emerged, that very night, four uninvited guests appeared at the Snezhnayan encampment outside Mondstadt.
One wielded the power of Pyro. One wielded Electro. One wielded Anemo. One wielded Cryo.
The four cooperated seamlessly, severely injuring hundreds of Fatui elites.
All were gravely wounded—yet none died. A miracle, in its own way.
After that night, such discussions largely disappeared from Mondstadt City.
But the seed had already been planted.
Shortly afterward, the Knights of Favonius publicly announced that Signora would be unconditionally released in two days.
That meant tomorrow.
Which meant that Futsu Mitama had to resolve the Dragon Crisis today.
Only then could the Knights of Favonius finally breathe and focus entirely on dealing with the ill-intentioned Fatui. Outside Mondstadt City, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu hurried toward Starsnatch Cliff. Soon, the two arrived at the famous landmark, where Albedo and Venti had already been waiting for quite some time.
"Ah~ I've been waiting for you two for ages."
Venti looked at them and complained cheerfully. "I've already finished several bottles of dandelion wine and apple cider. You'll have to compensate me properly."
Seeing only Venti and Albedo present, Kuki Shinobu asked in confusion, "Where is Mr. Zhongli? Would someone of his stature really miss such an occasion?"
It felt strange.
Zhongli was known for enjoying observation—whether it was the Rite of Descension or other grand events, he was always present when he was in Liyue. Aside from that one incident at Mt. Aocang, he had never missed such gatherings.
Even during the twin Archon meetings and the recent exchanges between the Anemo and Electro Archons, he had appeared.
Albedo, on the other hand, had often been absent due to various obligations.
Between researching a cure for Dvalin's corruption, combating the Abyss Order, eliminating monsters, and keeping a close eye on Klee to prevent excessive destruction, Albedo barely had time to breathe.
Participating in Archon gatherings was a luxury he simply did not have.
"Him?"
Venti gazed into the distance, expression subtle, lifting another glass of apple cider.
"He's in Mondstadt City. Said the journey was too long and that he didn't feel like coming. He's very interested in a newly opened restaurant there. Apparently, they have storytellers who recount Mondstadt legends, so he went there eagerly this morning."
Kuki Shinobu stroked her chin, doubt flickering in her eyes.
Futsu Mitama, however, said nothing.
He could roughly guess the reason.
If Zhongli appeared here, Dvalin might assume Barbatos had brought Morax to kill him—and completely lose control.
Moreover, it was inconvenient for a deity of another nation to intervene in Mondstadt's affairs.
An Archon Retainer like Futsu Mitama could still be explained. But if Zhongli and Raiden Ei—two Archons—interfered directly, the implications would become far too delicate.
Perhaps this was also why Raiden Ei had chosen to leave. She had likely already anticipated the plan.
"Alright."
Not wanting Kuki Shinobu to overthink things, Albedo took out a small bottle filled with pale golden liquid.
"This is an antidote I developed based on the knowledge in my memory," he said calmly.
"Although Durin is dead, his remains are still on Dragonspine. I conducted numerous experiments using his body and residual venom. This is an emergency antidote. It can quickly suppress Dvalin's pain. However, if an accident occurs—"
As he spoke, Albedo produced another bottle—this one filled with transparent liquid.
"Isn't this…Klee's?"
Kuki Shinobu recognized it immediately. It was the purification water obtained from the group sign-in. Normally, sign-in items remained with their owner. Only in rare cases—such as Kuki Shinobu herself, who despised shrine maiden attire—would items be given away.
Even knowing that the miko outfit enhanced combat strength, she would rather die than wear it, handing it straight to Aila. Aila, accustomed to her maid outfit, likewise left the miko attire unused in Inazuma.
So why was Klee's purification water here?
"Mm." Albedo nodded calmly. "I borrowed it from Klee. She said she doesn't need it for now. If my antidote fails, this can be used to save Dvalin."
"According to Venti, Mr. Zhongli, and my own test results, this purification water possesses extraordinary cleansing power. No matter the poison or curse, it can dissolve it."
Hearing this, Kuki Shinobu and Futsu Mitama nodded without further comment.
Klee had agreed—there was nothing more to say.
Futsu Mitama stepped forward and took both the antidote and purification water from Albedo.
He would be the main force.
Albedo and Kuki Shinobu would provide support.
Venti would observe only—absolutely not attacking. According to him, if he intervened, regardless of the outcome, the situation would inevitably worsen.
"It's about to begin~"
Seeing Futsu Mitama ready, Venti smiled slightly. The The Holy Lyre der Himmel appeared in his hands—the genuine article. The original had been secretly replaced by Albedo with an almost identical replica. As for how that was accomplished—it was best left unexplained.
"Mm."
Futsu Mitama responded and stepped toward the edge of Starsnatch Cliff, gazing into the distance. Before him stretched an endless sea, dotted with scattered reefs, but no visible islands.
In his memories of another life, there had been an island there. Players once affectionately called it "Crab Island."
Early-game resources—especially crabs—were scarce, and visiting that island allowed for quick farming. A single trip could yield over a dozen crabs, along with a Ruin Guard and a hidden quest.
If he wasn't mistaken, Venti would be heading there later. That island housed the hidden quest "Time and the Wind." And if nothing unexpected occurred, it contained traces imbued with the Power of Time.
According to the Archons in the group, merely going there was harmless—but interacting with that power was akin to gambling with one's life.
Perhaps that was why Zhongli had tolerated Venti's recklessness so many times.
Guilt, perhaps.
Venti didn't truly need condensed resin—erosion did not seem to trouble him.
Those who needed it were Azhdaha and Guizhong. Even Raiden Makoto felt she had no need for it. Yae Miko's hurried departure from Inazuma, on the other hand, was due to the special husk doll.
Thinking this way, Zhongli likely did feel some guilt toward Venti.
If anything happened in Mondstadt, Liyue would not stand aside.
Just as Futsu Mitama's thoughts drifted, Venti gently plucked the strings of his lyre. The melody spread, and the Anemo Element surged alongside it—summoning something unseen.
Albedo and Kuki Shinobu stood behind Venti, guarding vigilantly.
They waited.
Then—
"ROAR—!!!"
A deafening dragon's cry split the sky. A colossal dragon with three pairs of wings descended amid raging winds, carrying with it a violent storm. The gale forced Albedo and Kuki Shinobu to brace themselves to avoid being blown away.
Futsu Mitama stared at the enormous figure before him, shock flickering in his eyes.
This was the Dragon of the East.
Dvalin.
Compared to the mountain-like Primo Geovishap, this true weekly Boss finally revealed itself before his eyes. It was simply… far too large, wasn't it?
Yes—before Futsu Mitama's eyes, Dvalin's sheer size was overwhelming. Compared to this ancient dragon, even a Primo Geovishap could only be described as marginally larger than an ordinary beast.
Before Dvalin, humans were truly insignificant—so small that one had to focus intently just to notice their presence.
"Old friend, long time no see~"
Venti wore a gentle smile as he looked toward Dvalin and spoke softly.
"I've heard of your suffering, you see. So I specially awakened from my slumber…to bring you a potion that can ease your pain."
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