Several Fatui agents gathered in a dim room atop a quiet Mondstadt rooftop.
At the center sat a Debt Collector, his expression calm and calculating.
"Sir," one agent reported respectfully, "as you instructed, we destroyed the targeted shipments. No witnesses. Those shops will soon collapse. Afterward, they will fall into our hands."
"These merchants are old Mondstadt nobles. Even if the Knights of Favonius intervene, they will find little leverage. Our operating funds will increase again."
"Good."
The Debt Collector nodded in satisfaction. "Every Stormterror incident is another opportunity for us to profit. But the next attack must not be used in the same way. Once is chance, twice is skill, three times becomes suspicious."
He leaned back slightly.
"Next time, we push harder on Mondstadt. Gaining influence over their city defense is our true goal. Even if we plant only one operative inside, it will be worthwhile."
The agents nodded in unison.
One suddenly remembered something.
"Sir, I discovered a promising candidate today using our controlled Hilichurls. A young swordsman. He defeated wolves and Hilichurls alone with remarkable ease. According to my investigation, he is an adventurer from Mondstadt's Adventurers' Guild."
"More importantly, he is not part of the old aristocracy or the Knights. He is sixteen. A prodigy swordsman."
"Oh?"
The Debt Collector raised an eyebrow. "A talent like that would be valuable to the Fatui. Invite him. We need such people."
"Inviting him will not work," the agent warned quickly. "He has not joined the Knights despite their interest. A free spirit. We have tried recruiting several others like him, and almost none agreed. This one is even more talented."
"Then bring him by force."
The Debt Collector waved the concern away. "If he is not a noble, not a Knight, and without a Vision, he is just a mortal. Take him. Whether he agrees or not is irrelevant."
"We cannot let Mondstadt have him if we cannot."
"Yes, sir."
The agent stepped back and bowed. "I will arrange it tonight."
The Debt Collector left.
The other agents dispersed as well, heading toward the approaching Knights to maintain cover.
Meanwhile…
At the Good Hunter, Kael Arclight had just taken a bite of his dinner when the familiar transparent panel unfolded before him.
His expression stiffened.
[Because you took down a Strider, and someone secretly reported it, the Strider organization has learned of your strength. You acted discreetly and low-profile.
Option Three completed.
Reward: Bio-Wave Prospecting Device. A reusable treasure-hunting tool.
"The brighter it glows, the more valuable the treasure. If it outshines your lamp, it is probably broken."]
Kael stared at the message.
"…Already?"
It had not even been a full day since the previous selection.
Before he could think further, more text appeared.
[The Strider organization, impressed by your strength, has decided to invite you instead of retaliating.
Faced with their invitation, you choose…]
[Option One: Accept. Although you helped build the Fire-Iron Circle, you are not one of them. Joining the Striders grants resources, shelter, and people to handle dirty work.
Reward: Frost Core. A fragment of fallen starlit ice. Cold vapor forms upon opening its sealed container. "Magnify a snowflake one hundred times and witness nature's craftsmanship."]
[Option Two: Refuse. You understand their tricks. Today they greet you, tomorrow they use you as cannon fodder. You reject them, choosing the freedom you value.
Reward: Enhancement Balm: Cryo. A salve made by grinding materials infused with Path-like energy. Applying it to a suitable weapon grants a temporary Cryo enhancement.]
[Option Three: Accept ≠ Join. A sly smile. You agree to cooperate, but you refuse to be tied down. You are free. You will listen only when it suits you.
This will anger them, but you can use the situation to your advantage.
Reward: Solid Purified Water. The frozen form of pure H₂O. A life-sustaining compound for carbon-based organisms, kept solid for easy storage.]
Kael blinked at the panel.
"…The Strider organization wants to invite me?"
He frowned slightly.
Who even were the Striders supposed to be?
His last option had triggered when he had taken down wolves and Hilichurls.
Did that mean Hilichurls were… inviting him?
Kael pressed his fingers to his temple.
Hilichurls barely had coherent minds.
The idea of them forming an organization that could send invitations was absurd.
"And the rewards this time…"
Kael narrowed his eyes at the list.
Compared to the path-linked rewards he had received previously, these felt almost disappointing.
"Last time I got Clara's branch abilities. This time I get… bottled water?"
He sighed in resignation and summoned the newly acquired Bio-Wave Prospecting Device with a thought.
It appeared in his hand, humming faintly.
He stared at it.
"…What am I supposed to do with this in a restaurant?"
^_^ that one was deserved.
The device flickered in his palm, signaling faint readings from somewhere nearby.
Kael slowly set down his fork.
"…You have got to be kidding me."