"Usable?"
Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching. Fine. So Aether and Paimon could actually activate teleport waypoints.
But why was activating them in real life so demanding?
In stories, weren't these things easy to handle? Everyone would eagerly stumble upon dozens of waypoints, tapping them for quick rewards without a second thought. Now, however, it felt like activating one might cost a life.
Gu Sanqiu asked, "Do you feel any different? Like… does activating this make you stronger or something?"
Aether hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "It's just… something I can use."
"Fair enough," Gu Sanqiu sighed, shrugging. "Looks like we need an expert to figure this out."
Twenty minutes later—
Albedo stood before him, arms crossed and wearing his usual impassive expression. "What is it?"
"There's something odd going on here."
Gu Sanqiu succinctly explained the events, pointing to the exact location of the anomaly.
"I see. So, the Traveler has a unique sensitivity to a particular spot within Mondstadt, and upon touching it, the area absorbs elemental energy?"
Aether shifted uncomfortably, his legs fidgeting under Albedo's gaze. There it was again—that unnerving look Gu Sanqiu had given him earlier.
It was the I'm-considering-dissecting-you look.
Gu Sanqiu confirmed, "Exactly. The absorption rate was… significant."
Albedo raised a brow. "Did you trigger it as well?"
"Of course not. I only determined the energy drain by observing what it did to him."
Gu Sanqiu shook his head. "That's why I called you. You're the expert here—what do you think?"
Albedo's reply was straightforward. "It's fascinating. I'll look into it."
He began assembling a small device on the spot. "If the object or structure becomes tangible enough, I'll need to scrape some of its material for analysis."
Gu Sanqiu rubbed his chin. "So, teleport waypoints can be damaged? Could they erode under time and the elements?"
The only known cases involved Abyssal corruption, such as with their inverse statues. But even then, those seemed more symbolic than practical in their purpose—at least, as far as he could tell.
Still, there had to be someone in the Abyss Order with loose lips and a weak constitution whom he could… persuade.
His mind wandered to potential targets. If nothing came up in Liyue, there was always Inazuma or even Enkanomiya.
With Aether's strength partially restored, perhaps they could handle it together. Surely they'd manage to pin down one of these lunatics.
The Abyss's inverse statues were like a corporate motivational poster for their cause:
Q: What is the purpose of the inverse statue?
A: It represents our unwavering resolve to resist the Celestia-driven tyranny. Khaenri'ah will rise again, and our great mission will prevail!
…Corny. Yet vaguely ominous.
Gu Sanqiu shook off the thought. Based on rumors circulating in Liyue, if Sumeru's academic hubris continued unchecked, they might soon be dabbling in similar nonsense.
Knowledge has a cost. Progress demands sacrifices. But what is the price for treading forbidden paths? Where does folly lead?
Would Sumeru's scholars even remain human by the end? And what of their Archon—what role would wisdom play in such a scenario?
Not my problem.
The Sumeru scholars who visited Liyue were met with a unified stance from the Qixing: collaborations on historical research were welcome, but everything else was off-limits.
Trade? That's for merchants. Scholars? Stick to scholarship.
"Traveler, you can come over now."
While Gu Sanqiu had been lost in thought, Albedo had finished calibrating his equipment.
"Wear this bracer," Albedo instructed, handing it to Aether. "Then try touching the spot again."
He also pulled out a pouch filled with turquoise shards. "Judging by your energy signature, your elemental affinity is undoubtedly Anemo. If the energy drain feels overwhelming, use these to recover."
Albedo turned to Gu Sanqiu, who was observing idly.
"And you—don't just stand there. You can use Anemo, can't you? If these elemental crystals aren't enough, lend him a hand."
"Fine, fine," Gu Sanqiu replied, snapping his fingers. "Let's get started, then."
"Wait a moment."
Albedo raised his hand. [Solar Isotoma.]
The alchemy apparatus unfolded, its golden lattice wrapping around the area, reinforced by an intricate Geo construct.
Albedo explained, "Before coming here, I secured permission for a short-term perimeter lockdown. A small squad of Knights of Favonius will ensure civilians stay clear, just in case anything goes awry."
Gu Sanqiu gave him a thumbs-up. "Smart thinking, Albedo. This makes things a lot easier."
Having someone like Albedo around, who accounted for every possible contingency, was a blessing. No wonder Hu Tao often teased him about being overly meticulous.
Still, Gu Sanqiu had to admit—it was reassuring.
If activating this waypoint somehow triggered an elemental surge, they'd be prepared.
Albedo, unfazed by the compliment, gestured toward Aether. "Let's begin."
Aether nodded, offering a small smile of reassurance to Paimon before taking a deep breath. He reached out, his gratitude toward Gu Sanqiu and Albedo quietly noted.
Gu Sanqiu, however, couldn't help but feel exasperated. This kid is seriously trying to max out his friendship levels.
He glanced at Albedo, whose composed demeanor betrayed no outward reaction. Must be nice having a body and mind capable of suppressing emotional anomalies.
The hum and turbulence returned, louder than before. Albedo summoned a golden barrier around himself while Gu Sanqiu cast a small Geo shield over Paimon.
As the turquoise shards depleted rapidly, Albedo tossed another handful to Gu Sanqiu.
"Your turn."
"On it."
Gu Sanqiu lifted the shards with Anemo energy, simultaneously placing his hand on Aether's back to stabilize him.
"Keep going," he said. "Don't worry about running out. We've got Mondstadt's finest bankroll backing this."
Five or six minutes passed. Just as Albedo prepared another batch of shards, Gu Sanqiu raised a hand to stop him.
"That's enough."
He could sense Aether's energy no longer craved replenishment. The structure before them had also fully materialized.
The teleport waypoint now stood in its entirety—a mix of silver, blue, and white, with intricate patterns etched into its base. Despite its striking appearance, it emanated no discernible energy.
Even Albedo's usually measured tone wavered. "Is it… activated?"
Gu Sanqiu frowned. "Looks like it. But why can't we sense anything from it?"
"Beats me," he added, scratching his head. "But it should be working… right?"
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T/N: errrr yes hi im back >.>
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