The blue system panel unfolded before Kael's eyes.
[Option One: Decline her invitation. Matters involving the Firelight Organization are never small, especially missions tied to Seele. Getting involved usually means getting dragged into lower-district trouble. You are busy enough already and have no interest in walking into another mess. You politely refuse, explaining that you have more important work to handle and cannot assist for now.
Reward: Seele's Phone Case. A trinket faintly touched by the Hunt. Keepsake only. Offers no benefit toward any Path.]
[Option Two: Accept her invitation. You recall the girl Seele used to be, the one you looked after back when the Firelight Organization was newly built. That hungry ten-year-old who traded scrap for biscuits had survived chaos and brutality, and now stands as one of Firelight's pillars. Her growth is astonishing. You know Firelight missions are never simple, but that is exactly why you do not want to miss this. This may be a chance to rebuild the bond you once had, understand Firelight's present state, and close the distance that time created.
Reward: Seele's Path-Echo Skill — Ripple. When activated, increases the target's movement speed by twenty percent.]
[Option Three: Accept, but negotiate terms. You agree slowly and deliberately, deciding to probe what you can gain before committing. Firelight protects the lower district, but their resources are stretched thin. If you are going to risk yourself, you should earn something worthwhile. You respond with a calm request: "I can help, but I want compensation. Preferably information only your organization keeps." Helping a friend is one thing. Securing personal benefit is another.
Reward: Seele's Hunt Battledress. Bearing the aura of the Hunt. Infused with her presence. Wearing it enhances mobility and may one day help you touch the Path.]
Kael silently stared at the panel.
Seele… tied to Fischl?
Impossible. There was no logical connection between the two, yet the system insisted.
He let out a quiet breath.
Between the rewards, there was no comparison. The second option was the only one worth considering. A phone case was useless. As for wearing Seele's combat uniform… that was absolutely not happening.
A Hunt-aligned skill, however, was invaluable.
He composed his thoughts and looked toward Fischl.
"I'm still sorting through missions," Kael said calmly. "I haven't decided where to go, but—"
He never got to finish.
Fischl swept her cloak aside in a dramatic flourish, violet eyes shining with radiant confidence.
"Then let destiny reveal the answer."
Her tone rose with theatrical certainty, as though she stood already at the summit of fate itself.
"My eye has witnessed the stirrings of corruption within the Whispering Woods. Flames of decay writhe beneath the canopy. They whisper in the night and howl in the firelight. The vile creatures of flame gather their pawns, and the hilichurl hordes bend to their will. Left unchecked, the forest will fall to burning ruin. Only judgment by thunder may cleanse this blight."
The guild hall fell silent for a breath.
A few adventurers' expressions twitched, struggling not to laugh.
Kael remained quiet, resigned and slightly amused.
Yet her target location aligned perfectly with what he needed.
The Whispering Woods.
With the bio-pulse detector in hand, he had wanted a broad, resource-dense area to test it properly. The forest held abundant flora, ores, and elemental signatures. Close enough to Mondstadt to stay safe, yet wild enough to be worth exploring.
Yesterday's search with Klee had relied entirely on her hand-drawn resource map. Kael wanted his own evaluation this time.
He also had a feeling the forest held more than just plants and ores. Fire elemental creatures and hilichurl clusters… it might even be fun.
He looked at Fischl and nodded once.
"You're right."
Her posture straightened instantly, a triumphant smile on her lips.
"Of course. Since my descent upon this realm, I have been destined to tear apart the shadows."
Fischl raised her chin with ceremonial pride.
"Then, my loyal companion, let us depart. Let judgment fall, and let the chaos of flame be silenced."
Beside her, Oz flapped his wings, tone far more grounded.
"Miss means: her assignment happens to be in the Whispering Woods. She can go with you."
Kael's mouth tugged slightly.
"I understand."
Decision made. The Whispering Woods would be their next stop.
He turned back to Katheryne, selecting several reconnaissance missions related to the forest, and a commission to gather berries. Once confirmed, Kael left the guild together with Fischl.
Outside, Mondstadt's streets shimmered in warm sunlight. Merchants called out their wares, adventurers exchanged stories, and the city felt alive with morning energy.
Then Fischl raised her arm, and the world shifted tone.
"Hear me, citizens. We march toward the crucible of fate. Within the forest, evil gathers under the cloak of night. I shall scatter their corrupted flames and sever their schemes. Thunder shall guide our steps."
Her voice rang across the plaza.
Passersby slowed.
Vendors blinked.
A few knights stopped mid-patrol.
Kael paused for half a second.
Traveling with Fischl would always be dramatic.
Oz, ever reliable, translated quietly.
"She means: we are leaving. It is time to go."
Kael exhaled, stepped forward, and answered simply:
"I know. Let's go."
Fischl followed with proud, confident strides.
The two headed toward the city gate, crossing the stone bridge just as a patrol of Knights approached, chatting among themselves.
"By the way, did the investigation about last night's explosion at Cider Lake finish yet?"
The words drifted toward them just as Kael and Fischl passed.