After all, he didn't want Klee to know that it was her bomb that reduced his workshop to this state.
Speaking of which, if he remembered correctly, every time Klee visited Lisa, Lisa would prepare sweets for her and wouldn't give Klee a chance to touch the workshop equipment.
"Klee, try not to play with bombs recently if you can help it."
Thinking of the current situation in Mondstadt, Albedo thought for a moment and said, "Mondstadt hasn't been peaceful lately. You should be careful. If you encounter any special situations, come tell me or Grand Master Jean immediately."
"Okay!"
Hearing this, Klee nodded. "Klee knows! Klee definitely won't trouble Big Brother Albedo. Klee will go play further away, at Windrise!"
Albedo: "..."
Stopping Klee from playing with bombs is indeed a difficult task.
"By the way."
Watching Klee preparing to run off, Albedo suddenly thought of something and asked, "Did you make a new friend recently? I saw you talking to someone just now. You seemed quite close."
"Eh?"
Hearing Albedo's words, Klee looked surprised. "Big Brother Albedo actually saw that?"
Klee tilted her head, blinking, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Then, she giggled, seemingly recalling something happy. She put her hands behind her back and said proudly, "That's Big Brother Kael! I just met him yesterday!"
Albedo raised an eyebrow slightly, a flash of curiosity in his eyes. "Kael?"
"Mm-hmm!"
Klee nodded repeatedly, her small face full of excitement, her golden pupils shining with adoration.
"Big Brother Kael is a super amazing adventurer! And—"
Klee deliberately lowered her voice, as if about to tell a huge secret.
She leaned in mysteriously, clenched her small hand into a fist, and whispered softly into Albedo's ear, "Big Brother Kael's swordsmanship is super powerful!"
Albedo's eyes flickered. He looked meaningfully at the excited little guy in front of him.
Adventurer. Powerful swordsmanship.
These keywords triggered several thoughts in his mind.
He quickly searched his memory for the name "Kael."
Mondstadt's Genius Swordsman?
In the next second, Albedo suddenly thought of something, and his amber pupils contracted slightly.
"Kael Arclight..."
He murmured the name, a ripple of recognition rising in his heart.
He was not unfamiliar with this name.
He suddenly remembered that not long ago, there was indeed a young genius swordsman in the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild.
It was said that this person's swordsmanship was breathtaking and sharp. He had completed a series of extremely difficult subjugation missions alone with high efficiency.
He was even more agile than veteran adventurers.
For a time, the name "Kael" had circulated in the Adventurers' Guild, causing much discussion.
Some even believed that this young swordsman would inevitably become a member of the Knights of Favonius.
The Knights of Favonius had indeed extended an olive branch, inviting him to join.
However, surprisingly, this person did not accept the invitation.
After refusing the Knights, he chose to continue operating in Mondstadt as a free adventurer.
After that, news about him gradually faded.
Albedo had assumed this genius swordsman had either left Mondstadt or turned to other fields.
He might even have ceased to be active in adventurer circles.
But who would have thought...
This guy is still in Mondstadt, and he has such a good relationship with Klee?!
He thought Klee would only be close to acquaintances like Jean and Lisa.
He didn't expect her to actively make friends with a stranger.
Albedo tapped his fingers lightly on his arm, falling into deep thought.
If it really was that genius swordsman, then he was indeed worth paying attention to.
And more importantly, what was the concept of "super powerful" in Klee's mouth?
Albedo knew Klee's personality.
This little guy had seen many experts.
Jean, Eula, Kaeya...
She was familiar with many members of the Knights of Favonius.
However, she rarely admired someone so much.
To treat someone as "Big Brother Kael" in just one day was rare.
This implies...
There might really be something extraordinary about Kael.
Albedo's amber eyes flickered, pondering a certain possibility.
Klee's words were enough to pique his interest.
A genius swordsman without a Vision...
However, just as Albedo was deep in thought, Klee was already preparing to run.
The little guy hummed a tune, skipped, and waved her hand. "Big Brother Albedo, I'm going now! Klee is going to make bombs~!"
Albedo snapped out of his thoughts, his brow twitching slightly. He nodded. "Alright. Be careful recently."
"Klee knows!"
Klee waved her hand and ran off excitedly, her red cloak fluttering in the night.
Watching Klee disappear at the end of the street, Albedo slowly withdrew his gaze, looking thoughtful.
A thick interest shone in his amber pupils.
If there's a chance, I should have a chat with this person.
"Better speed up the reconstruction of this workshop first."
In the next second, Albedo looked at the shattered alchemy workshop and shook his head.
Even with a Geo Vision and Alchemy...
It was impossible to rebuild it in a single night.
Without rebuilding it, alchemy research couldn't proceed.
Moreover, the explosion had destroyed many tools.
These tools all had to be remade.
Thinking of this, Albedo rubbed his brow.
There's a lot of work ahead.
While Albedo got busy...
On the other side.
Under the cover of night, inside a high-rise building in Mondstadt, the atmosphere was exceptionally oppressive and heavy.
In this hidden reception room.
Golden candlelight illuminated the luxurious furnishings, and heavy crimson curtains blocked the view from outside.
In the center of the room stood a long ebony table with exquisite silver wine vessels.
But there was no relaxed atmosphere of drinking and chatting in the air. Instead, an indescribable heaviness permeated the room.
At this moment, a Fatui Debt Collector slowly put down the goblet in his hand.
The amber liquid swayed slightly in the cup.
But he didn't even look at it. His cold eyes swept over the three people in front of him.
"Why are there only three of you? Where are the others?"
His voice was calm and flat, but it carried a chilling pressure.
It was as if an invisible cold had filled the air, instantly lowering the room's temperature by a few degrees.
The three Fatui elites stiffened upon hearing this.
They exchanged glances, confusion and unease appearing on their faces.
"Subordinate... Subordinate doesn't know either."
One of them spoke cautiously, his tone hesitant and confused. "Our numbers were complete last night, but today... we completely lost contact."
"We sent people to look for them, but not a single trace was found."
"Yes. It's as if... they vanished into thin air."
"We thought you had assigned them a mission, Sir."
Another person chimed in, his face pale and very nervous.
The moment these words fell, the atmosphere in the room became even more stifling.
Like an invisible icy shadow shrouding everyone's heart.
"I did not assign any mission."
The Debt Collector narrowed his eyes, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table. After a few seconds of silence, his face darkened abruptly.
"...Truly... each batch is worse than the last."
The Debt Collector's tone was low and disdainful. His cold gaze swept over the three present, carrying undisguised disappointment and disgust.
" The Fatui in Mondstadt are becoming increasingly useless."
"It was just a gathering, and you can't even find a shadow? Can't even find the reason for their disappearance?"
"Or did they choose to make a fortune on the day Stormterror attacked and then run away?"
Speaking of this, the Debt Collector sneered.
Then he stood up slowly, his sharp gaze sweeping over the three, and said slowly, "Perhaps... I should consider replacing the personnel here."
As soon as these words came out, the faces of the three Fatui elites changed drastically, their hearts sinking.
They knew clearly that the Fatui post in Mondstadt was definitely a "lucrative job"!
As official diplomats of Snezhnaya in Mondstadt.
Not only could they enjoy diplomatic immunity and walk freely in Mondstadt City...
They could also use the Fatui's background to skillfully intervene in Mondstadt's trade and economy.
Collecting considerable "protection fees" from multiple caravans and markets.
Even skimming profits from certain black market transactions.
Although this place didn't have a huge commercial system like Liyue...
Relying on the Fatui's influence, they could still make a fortune in Mondstadt, and their status was much higher than ordinary Fatui soldiers.
But if they were transferred, it meant they would lose all of this!
They might even be sent to the border of Snezhnaya to perform those incredibly dangerous combat missions!
They dared not imagine that kind of life. Cold sweat instantly broke out on their backs.
They immediately bowed, speaking anxiously, "Sir, please calm your anger! We will definitely find out the reason as soon as possible and find our missing companions!"
"Yes! Mondstadt is the city protected by the Anemo Archon, after all. Although we Fatui can walk freely here, sometimes... it is inevitable to encounter unpredictable situations."
"But please rest assured, we will get to the bottom of it!"
The three hurriedly stated their stance, afraid that the Debt Collector would really order a personnel change.
Hearing this declaration, the coldness in the Debt Collector's eyes faded slightly, but a sarcastic arc still hung on his lips.
"Better be so."
He sat back down, picked up the wine glass, shook it gently, and said faintly, "You should know the consequences of delaying Lady Signora's plan."
Hearing this, the faces of the three present turned pale, and they swallowed hard.
They naturally knew the terror of that Harbinger.
One wrong word, and she would burn people to ash.
Immediately, the group hurriedly took their leave and went down to investigate frantically.
The night passed without words.
The next day.
Dawn broke, and Mondstadt City radiated new vitality.
The morning sun shone through the thin mist onto the slate-paved streets.
Merchants in the city had already started shouting wares. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery, and early travelers in the tavern were leisurely enjoying breakfast.
Everything seemed orderly, filled with a peaceful atmosphere.
Kael stretched lazily, pushed open his door, and walked into the city bathed in morning light.
He walked along the familiar streets, feeling quite relaxed.
He didn't rush to the Adventurers' Guild but decided to find a place to fill his stomach first.
Soon, he walked into a familiar restaurant.
He casually ordered a simple breakfast—bread, stew, fresh fruit, and a glass of warm milk.
While eating, he listened to the surrounding chatter and discussions, as if completely integrated into the daily rhythm of this city.
After eating and drinking his fill, Kael patted his clothes contentedly and strode toward the Adventurers' Guild.
However, when he passed Albedo's alchemy workshop, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
The alchemy workshop that was blown up yesterday had now been completely renovated!
A brand-new building had risen from the ground.
The frame of the entire workshop was complete.
The stone walls were solid and smooth, and even the roof had been laid.
The whole building looked even sturdier than the original, carrying a kind of exquisite beauty.
Crowds of Mondstadt citizens surrounded it, discussing animatedly, their eyes filled with deep amazement.
"~This speed is too fast, right? It was a mess yesterday, and today it's built?"
"This is Mr. Albedo, the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius! Plus, he's a Geo Vision holder. Repairing a building is nothing, right?"
"That makes sense... Having a Geo Vision is convenient! Just rubbing stones together with bare hands to rebuild the workshop."
"No, no, no. The Knights of Favonius were also helping yesterday. Otherwise, Mr. Albedo couldn't have done it this fast."
Kael stood by the street, listening to the surrounding discussions, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
Truly exaggerated efficiency.
This wasn't as simple as piling up some stone bricks.
Instead, the main body of the entire building was completed in almost a day.
Even the decorative details were quite well done.
He had to admit, Geo Visions indeed had unique advantages in construction.
If it were Anemo or Pyro...
Just clearing the ruins would probably take a whole day.
Let alone building a new structure directly.
However...
Thinking of the reason for this workshop's destruction, Kael rubbed his brow.
Shaking his head, Kael didn't stay too long and continued walking toward the Adventurers' Guild.
Soon, he saw the familiar building.
Just as Kael walked in, a small red figure jumped out from the side, filled with thick expectation and excitement.
"Big Brother Kael!"
The crisp voice carried a bit of joy. Klee waved her small hand excitedly, her face full of a brilliant smile.
She had been waiting here early.
Even her backpack was bulging, looking like she had prepared today's "adventure props" very thoroughly.
Kael looked at her excited little appearance and couldn't help but chuckle. "You came this early?"
Klee nodded vigorously, her small face full of high spirits, speaking in a milky voice, "Klee is ready! We can set off anytime!"
Saying this, Klee patted her backpack excitedly, making a dull thud-thud sound.
Obviously, it was stuffed with various bombs and supplies.
Kael: "..."
Looking at Klee's backpack, Kael fell into thought.
Did this little guy bring an entire arsenal?
Thinking of this, Kael reached out and rubbed Klee's soft hair. "Don't rush. We have to wait a bit."
Klee paused, her watery eyes full of doubt, tilting her head to look at Kael.
"Eh? Big Brother Kael, is someone else coming?"
Her small face was written with surprise, her eyes sparkling, obviously full of curiosity about this "new member."
"Haha! Morning, morning, morning!"
Suddenly, a voice full of vigor rang out abruptly, carrying a unique vitality, straightforward and hearty like the morning sun.
Hearing this voice, Kael's expression turned strange.
This voice.
He looked up toward the west.
Sure enough, a young man with short silver-white hair was striding along the street in the distance, smiling and greeting the people around him.
It was Bennett.
But in the next second, Kael looked at the panel that suddenly floated up, his eyelid twitching wildly.
[You encountered Sampo in Boulder Town. He is enthusiastically greeting people everywhere. But having dealt with Sampo before, you know that Sampo at this moment must be sneakily planning something. Because the more he smiles, the more schemes he has. You choose...]