Mondstadt Cathedral under the night sky.
Gu Chen and his two companions arrived here, exchanging a tacit glance before Gu Chen sprang into action.
Lumine and Paimon had become the lookouts.
They also bore the heavy responsibility of creating chaos outside if anything went wrong, ensuring Gu Chen's safe escape.
In the video, Gu Chen effortlessly dodged the nuns and made his way to the cathedral's basement.
Several Knights of Favonius were patrolling there.
With a flash of his figure, Gu Chen easily slipped past them.
[Yanfei]: Mr. Gu Chen's movements are so practiced, and the plan is meticulously thorough. Looks like this isn't his first rodeo—he's a seasoned offender!
[Furina]: I recommend the Knights of Favonius sue Gu Chen immediately!
[Kaeya]: Seconded!
[Jean]: Lady Furina, Kaeya! Please stop fooling around. (sweat)
[Venti]: Hey, no kidding, Gu Chen really seems to have some skills. He's already got the Skyward Harp so easily.
[Lumine]: Wait! Something's off!
[Lumine]: When I went to steal the Skyward Harp back then, the Fatui got there first. Because of that Fatui Electro Cicin Mage, they not only took it ahead of me, but I ended up getting wanted!
[Paimon]: Yeah, I remember it that way too!
[Alhaitham]: From what we can see so far, Mr. Gu Chen's presence has altered many things, but it also shows that the events are inevitably converging toward the same ultimate goal.
[Collei]: What are you all talking about? I'm dizzy...
[Tighnari]: Silly girl, it means the goal is the same, just the process differs, and the aftermath after achieving it will vary too.
[Collei]: Oh, oh!
[Paimon]: Gu Chen got the Skyward Harp so easily. Wait, how did he run into Acting Grand Master Jean right as he was leaving?!
[Jean]: ???
In the video, Gu Chen, having obtained the Skyward Harp, exited the cathedral to rendezvous with Lumine and Paimon—only to bump straight into Jean.
"What... are you all doing?"
Jean's gaze toward the trio had turned suspicious.
[Hu Tao]: Jean's eyes look so heartbroken.
[Kaeya]: Jean: So I've misjudged you after all!
[Jean]: I can hardly imagine my past self's mental state right now, but I can totally empathize with that obvious heartbreak...
Gu Chen and Lumine exchanged a glance.
Though they'd only known each other briefly, their rapport was already perfect. Without hesitation, they sold out Venti.
"There was a bard who said that with the Skyward Harp, we could heal the East Wind Dragon, Dvalin," Gu Chen explained.
"How could that possibly work?" Jean shook her head in disbelief.
"I was skeptical too, but he was so dead certain, like he actually knew something. So... it's worth a shot as a last resort. Who knows, maybe it really will work?" Gu Chen said.
After pondering for a long while, Jean finally nodded. "Then I must come along. No matter what, I have to ensure the Skyward Harp's safety. And if it really can awaken the East Wind Dragon, all the better!"
"Sure." Gu Chen nodded.
Next, the trio brought Jean to find Venti.
After some thought, Venti chose to sing the tale of Dvalin to Jean.
Having heard the story, Jean gained a deeper understanding of Dvalin's plight.
Without delay, the group set off for Stormterror's Lair to save Dvalin.
[Jean]: Because of Mr. Gu Chen, the Stormterror incident in my past life unfolded like this?
[Paimon]: Master Diluc has no scenes this time!
[Diluc]: I don't mind.
[Kaeya]: Some people claim they don't mind, but deep down, they're dying to join the quest to save Mondstadt, aren't they?!
[Jean]: Huh? Is Senior Diluc actually that kind of person?!
[Diluc]: I'll sue you for slander!
[Kaeya]: I fully respect free will—Mondstadters should speak their minds freely!
Dude, aren't you a Mondstadter yourself? I know that much.
Diluc laughed in exasperation.
Amid the group's banter, the team saving Dvalin in the video had already arrived at Starsnatch Cliff.
[Venti]: Friends, behold the finest bard in the world grace you with his song!
[Zhongli]: From a rational standpoint, music conveys emotions. See, Dvalin has already come to Starsnatch Cliff.
In the video.
Dvalin flew to Starsnatch Cliff, lowering his massive dragon head to gaze at Venti by the cliff's edge. In a deep voice, he rumbled, "At this point, there's nothing left to discuss."
"Is that so?"
"Your eyes... they recall this melody."
Venti looked up, meeting Dvalin's gaze.
Just then, a surge of Elemental Power struck, knocking the Skyward Harp from Venti's hands.
An Abyss Mage floated over from behind Dvalin. "Don't let him fool you, poor dragon. He's long abandoned you... Hahaha, see? Now he's come to deceive you again..."
"Barbatos..." Dvalin murmured.
"Hold onto hatred! Embrace rage!"
"You're enemies with Mondstadt now. No turning back."
Hearing this, Dvalin flew into a fury and bellowed, "These people—are they with you—to hunt me down?!"
With a roar from Dvalin, a fierce gale swept everyone away.
Venti shouted loudly, "That's not it!"
"This dragon should serve its true master now. You lot can stay here and lament your powerlessness!"
The Abyss Mage stood atop Dvalin's back as Dvalin spread his wings and flew away.
Venti watched Dvalin depart without looking back, a trace of sorrow on his face.
[Zhongli]: Did you notice? Dvalin called Venti—Barbatos!
No need to point it out on purpose!
Venti looked utterly despondent.
[Kaeya]: Huh?!
[Barbara]: ???
[Rosaria]: This bard is the Anemo Archon Barbatos?!
[Kaveh]: What?! Mr. Venti is Barbatos?!
[Lynette]: It's Barbatos.
[Kaedehara Kazuha]: I knew Mr. Venti's identity was mysterious, but I never imagined he was the Anemo Archon Barbatos. That said... the Anemo Archon is this... free-spirited?
[Zhongli]: I don't get it. Utterly shocked!
[Raiden Ei]: Is this how wind governs? (puzzled)
[Nahida]: Ah... (dazed)
[Furina]: Ha? This guy's the Anemo Archon?
[Venti]: Sigh, these days, no one believes the truth. I even said it at the cathedral—I'm Barbatos himself!
[Venti]: Devout friends, rejoice! The world's greatest bard and the freest god stands before you! Shocked? Thrilled? On the verge of tears from the revelation?
[Dvalin]: Verdict: mentally ill.
[Signora]: Indeed.
[Tartaglia]: Mind blown.
[Jean]: Barbara, are you okay?
[Barbara]: ...
[Rosaria]: She's gone catatonic. (photo of Barbara with wide eyes and dazed expression)
[Jean]: Barbara, pull yourself together! We can't help how the Anemo Archon turned out!
[Xiangling]: Why is she like this? The Anemo Archon is... well, a bit unrestrained, but not to this extent, right?
[Kaeya]: Little do you all know, the cathedral records of Barbatos are all extremely positive—portraying him as noble and majestic. So, yeah, you get it!
[Barbara]: Thanks for the concern, everyone. Now my heart is as cold as a knife! (smiling)