Mondstadt — outskirts.
Morning.
ROAR——
In the plains outside Mondstadt, a massive Hilichurl Berserker with a giant wooden shield bellowed toward the sky before charging straight at Durandal. A whole group of ordinary Hilichurls stumbled along behind it.
Durandal didn't dodge.
Instead, she simply tightened her fist, face expressionless—
HA—!
Her punch landed.
The result was… predictable.
The Berserker, its shield, and the entire mob behind it were sent flying like a string of kites with their strings violently snapped.
BOOM——
The Berserker's huge body slammed into a distant cliff, kicking up a cloud of dust. Durandal calmly lowered her hand and clapped the dust off.
She was currently accompanying the Knights of Favonius on a routine Hilichurl-clearing patrol around the outer regions of Mondstadt.
Technically, as an Honorary Knight, she wasn't required to take part in these missions.
But she didn't think so.
Since she'd accepted the title, she felt obligated to share their duties—plus, doing nothing all day really wasn't her style.
So early this morning, she'd approached Acting Grand Master Jean for a job.
And now—
The Knights behind her stared with complete disbelief.
One punch. She sent a whole Berserker and its group flying with one punch.
And THAT far??
Is she even human?
So the rumors were true…
She really IS the hero who saved Mondstadt…
Terrifying…
The knights exchanged looks, their worldview collapsing just a bit more.
It had only been—what, one or two hours?
And yet Durandal had already swept through the entire region around Mondstadt as easily as a gust of wind clearing autumn leaves.
What would normally take several days' worth of patrol work… she had soloed in less than a morning.
They, meanwhile, had spent most of the mission desperately trying to keep up with her.
Honestly, if she wasn't unfamiliar with Mondstadt's terrain, they doubted they'd even be able to see her shadow.
Is she really human? Even the Grand Master isn't this terrifying…
Their hearts trembled collectively.
Durandal turned around.
"Are there any more Hilichurls or monsters? It's still early—we can clear out a few more."
The Knights straightened up in panic.
"Um— u-uh— D-Durandal… lady—"
"I told you, just call me Durandal."
She raised an eyebrow. Who on earth had taught them this overly respectful way of addressing her?
…Actually, she knew.
Probably Paimon.
"R-right… Durandal Miss. Well, uh… the areas we're responsible for… are already completely cleared.
And… it usually takes us several days…"
Several… days?
Durandal blinked.
Do these simple exterminations really take several days?
Her expression subconsciously tightened.
The knight panicked under her gaze.
"O-of course! Normally we take breaks between each group… we don't fight non-stop like you… it would kill us…"
He shrank under her stare.
She sighed softly.
"I understand now. Let's head back."
Her tone was light, but the knights felt as though the skies had opened.
"Y——Yes! Durandal lady—!"
Durandal: "…"
They sounded like students cheering because class was finally dismissed.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters
Returning to Mondstadt, Durandal headed straight for the main office — she intended to discuss the patrol scheduling problem with Jean.
But as she approached—
"…I'll leave this matter to you."
"No problem! Leave it to us!"
Jean's and Paimon's voices could be heard from inside.
Durandal knocked politely.
"Come in—"
She pushed the door open.
Jean turned, surprised.
"Durandal? Didn't you just leave—"
"I finished. So I returned."
Durandal answered calmly.
"…Finished? Already?"
Jean wondered if she had misheard.
After all, that mission normally required several days.
She had purposely assigned it thinking it would keep Durandal occupied for at least a bit.
And yet—
Barely two hours later—
Done.
Durandal nodded matter-of-factly.
"Yes. Though honestly, I think it shouldn't take that long… I simply wasn't very familiar with the area, so it took a bit more time."
Jean: "…"
Jean could not speak.
In her head:
'That was you being slow??'
Paimon suddenly jumped in, eager:
"Durandal lady! Since you're done, why don't you come help us investigate something?"
Durandal blinked.
"What is it?"
"It's like this— Some citizens suddenly fell unconscious earlier! Traveler and I are going to investigate on behalf of the Knights!"
"…Alright. Let's go."
And just like that, Durandal left with Lumine and Paimon.
As for the issue she had originally wanted to discuss with Jean?
After seeing Jean's expression, she decided—
…Yeah. No point. I won't bother.
If she said anything, it would probably only break Jean's heart further.
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