The sensation of this destructive power was simply too dangerous.
If this force did not originate from the Abyss Order, but from some unknown existence...
Then the situation in Mondstadt might be far more complex than they anticipated.
Kaeya and Eula exchanged glances, seeing the same doubt and gravity in each other's eyes.
"What I can sense is an extreme, bone-chilling aura, yet it is not Cryo elemental power."
"There is also a trace of violent Electro energy."
"And finally, that mysterious aura of destruction. I am more inclined to believe the Abyss Order might be conducting some kind of dangerous experiment."
Kaeya stood in place, deep in thought. "It can't be that they are collaborating with the Fatui, can it?"
"Unlikely."
Eula shook her head. "Even if the Abyss Order and the Fatui were to collaborate, it shouldn't be here in Mondstadt."
"You said it yourself. Last night, Fatui elites died in Mondstadt City, and they even used the power of Delusions."
"Given such methods, I also believe the Abyss Order made the move."
"Although I don't know the cause, I think they are bound to clash again."
"After all, the Fatui have lost their elites."
"Kaeya, I think it would be best if you returned to Mondstadt City to keep watch."
Speaking of this, Eula looked at Kaeya. "There are Fatui inside the city now, and the Acting Grand Master might be overwhelmed handling them alone. I can handle the pursuit of the Abyss Order outside the city by myself."
"Since the Acting Grand Master sent me out to investigate this matter, it is to bring the truth to light as soon as possible."
Kaeya shook his head gently. "The Fatui inside Mondstadt, no matter how grand their schemes, still need a plausible excuse to act."
"Compared to the Fatui, that aura of destruction is what needs investigation the most."
"Starfall Lake, Cider Lake, inside Mondstadt City, and now this place... That unknown destructive aura has appeared in all of them. If we don't investigate clearly, I fear even greater chaos will ensue."
From the current perspective, it was obviously the Abyss Order plotting in secret, testing something dangerous.
To that end, they didn't even hesitate to clash with the Fatui. One could imagine how important it was to clarify what this 'thing' was.
Kaeya sighed slightly, his gaze sweeping over the messy Hilichurl camp, his brows furrowed.
Even he, accustomed to various emergencies, had to admit that this incident was far more complicated than imagined.
Hilichurl corpses were scattered everywhere. Shattered battle axes, charred wooden stakes, and torn tents all spoke of the cruelty of this battle.
But what was most concerning was still that lingering aura of destruction in the air.
It was a blazing energy more violent than Pyro.
And compared to yesterday, an extreme freezing chill even more severe than Cryo had appeared!
Last night at Cider Lake, Starfall Lake, and now the Whispering Woods...
This power was constantly appearing in different regions of Mondstadt.
If they didn't investigate quickly, and it appeared more frequently, it would inevitably be a disaster for Mondstadt.
Thinking of this, Kaeya took a deep breath, looked up toward the direction of Mondstadt, and his gaze darkened slightly.
"We can't drag this on any longer..."
Kaeya raised his hand, a small metal whistle spinning between his fingers.
He placed it to his lips and blew softly.
Screee—!
A high-pitched eagle cry cut through the air.
Moments later, a sleek black shadow dived rapidly from the clouds, spreading its wings to hover steadily in mid-air.
A Falcon of the West, trained by the Knights of Favonius—Mondstadt's messenger!
Its golden pupils were sharp as knives, and its wings trembled slightly under the moonlight, awaiting new orders.
Kaeya reached out, gently stroking the falcon's neck.
With his other hand, he took out a prepared piece of parchment from his coat and began writing rapidly.
Soon, the paper was densely filled with the report on the camp's condition.
[Abnormal destruction event occurred at the northern Hilichurl camp in Whispering Woods. Battlefield debris indicates—]
Combat concluded in an extremely short time; Hilichurls had almost no ability to retaliate.
Massive traces of intense Cryo elements remain, but not ordinary Cryo ability—rather, some form of extreme freezing power.
Destructive aura detected in the air; nature highly consistent with the Starfall Lake and Cider Lake incidents last night.
Speculated to be related to the Abyss Order. The organization may be conducting dangerous experiments suspected to involve Cryo, Pyro, and an unknown destructive energy.
Considering the Abyss Order's frequent activity around Mondstadt recently, it is recommended to raise the alert level, strengthen patrols, and immediately conduct a deeper investigation.
—Kaeya, Eula
...
Kaeya's sharp gaze swept over the writing on the parchment. After confirming no errors, he folded it gently and tied it to the leather strap on the falcon's leg.
"Take this to Grand Master Jean."
Kaeya instructed softly. His tone was no longer his usual playfulness, but carried a trace of steadiness and gravity.
The Falcon of the West flapped its wings, threw its head back, and let out a loud cry.
Then it launched into the air, turning into a streak of black light, flying rapidly toward Mondstadt City.
Kaeya watched the eagle's shadow disappear into the sky. The corner of his mouth lifted in an imperceptible smile, but the chill in his eyes did not dissipate.
"Well then... Next, we continue the investigation ourselves."
"En."
Eula nodded gently, her gaze remaining calm and deep.
Meanwhile.
On the other side.
Mondstadt City.
The sun was setting, the evening glow like fire. Golden-red light spilled onto the red brick roofs and cobblestone streets of Mondstadt, warm and quiet.
The city was still bustling. Merchants were shouting for the last wave of business.
Travelers chatted and laughed outside the taverns, children ran and played by the square, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the mellow scent of fruit wine. Everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.
BOOM—!!
Suddenly, a deafening explosion roared through the entire city of Mondstadt!
A violent shockwave swept through the area near the city gate.
Immediately after, a plume of thick black smoke rose from a secluded building, rushing straight into the clouds and staining the evening glow black!
"Ah—?!"
"What's happening?!"
"What happened?!!"
...
People on the street stopped in their tracks, looking toward the direction of the explosion in shock. Their panicked gazes were filled with fear and unease.
"Heavens, is it a monster attack?!"
"Impossible, it's an explosion inside the city! How could monsters be inside?"
"Stop talking, run! It exploded over there!"
"What caused it? How could the explosion be so terrifying?"
...
Some merchants frantically packed up their stalls. Some picked up their children and turned to run, while others stood dazed on the spot, unable to react to what had happened.
The bard in the tavern stopped his song, looking into the distance with a stunned face.
Where everyone's gaze converged.
The building where the explosion occurred was unmistakably...
Albedo's Alchemy Workshop!