Deep within Stormterror's Lair.
Several dark figures surrounded the East Wind Dragon, who lay on the ground, writhing in pain.
Abyss Mages chanted vile incantations, filthy energy wrapping around Dvalin like chains, dragging his already shattered will further into the abyss.
Then—
The sky darkened.
Not a natural dusk, but an eruption of thick black clouds swallowing the heavens, as if the world itself were being consumed by rage.
The wind began to scream.
Not the chaotic air of Stormterror's Lair—but something colder.
Something furious.
The Abyss Mages trembled. Their chanting broke.
They looked up in terror.
Under the churning clouds stood a lone figure.
Wind tore at his clothes and black hair, his face obscured—
except for his eyes.
Eyes glowing like blood moons.
Alien.
Cold.
Inhuman.
"What… what are you?!"
The Ice Abyss Mage shrieked, staff trembling.
"Attack him! Use the dragon!"
They activated the curse crystals.
Nothing happened.
They turned—and froze.
Dvalin's amber eyes had turned blood-red.
The same rotating, eerie pattern as the figure in the sky.
With a low, almost relieved whine, Dvalin spread his wings and shot upward, vanishing into the storm clouds—leaving the Abyss Mages behind.
Yi Chen's Mangekyō Sharingan locked onto them.
He had never been this angry in his life.
He worked so hard.
Earned money.
Never even enjoyed it.
And these insects destroyed everything.
His smile curved—cold, cruel.
"Ready…"
"…to be blown away?"
The wind went berserk.
A colossal tornado engulfed the entire region, tearing ruins apart, pulverizing everything.
Yi Chen floated calmly in the eye of the storm, watching the Abyss Mages vanish without a sound.
After that day—
Stormterror's Lair was erased from Mondstadt's maps.
Not renamed.
Not forgotten.
When Amber later investigated, she found only a perfectly smooth, barren basin.
Nothing remained.
Far away, Dvalin regained clarity.
He stared at the distant storm.
Cold sweat slid down his scales.
What… is that power…?
Who is that human?
A terrifying thought crossed his mind.
A new Anemo Archon…?
Then—
A familiar, teasing voice spoke right beside him.
"Yo, Dvalin~ Long time no see! Why do you look like you're about to cry?"
Dvalin froze.
He turned slowly.
Venti floated there, grinning.
"…Why are you staring at me like that?"
Silence.
Then—
"BAR—BA—TOS——!!!"
"You're not dead?!!!"