"What happened?" Jean asked, her brows knitting tightly at Diluc's report.
Though the Knights of Favonius had their own sources of information, she was currently at Dawn Winery, and news from Mondstadt didn't always arrive swiftly.
Diluc didn't conceal anything, calmly laying out the details he'd received. "According to my informants, a large number of monsters are gathering around Mondstadt, accompanied by numerous Abyss Mages."
Listening carefully, Jean rested her chin on her hand, swiftly piecing together the puzzle in her mind.
Without a doubt, these monsters were being manipulated by the Abyss Order.
Their large-scale mobilization near Mondstadt left little room for speculation about their intentions.
"Amber already reported something similar, though at the time the numbers were fewer. I dispatched knights to drive them off, but apparently, their efforts were ineffective."
"Perhaps Dvalin breaking free of Abyss control pushed them into desperation," Diluc speculated.
"We can't rule out that possibility," Jean acknowledged seriously.
"What should we do then?" Paimon asked anxiously.
From what Diluc described, the situation sounded dire.
"At their current pace, they'll reach Mondstadt's perimeter by late tonight. They're likely to strike when the city's defenses are weakest," Diluc remarked calmly, displaying no sign of panic.
It wasn't the first time Mondstadt faced monster attacks, after all. Those tall city walls weren't just for show.
"Most likely, they're planning to attack while we're preoccupied with Dvalin, when Mondstadt's defenses are weakest and we can't send reinforcements quickly," Jean continued, her expression grave but composed.
Jiang Bai, Aether, and Venti watched the discussion from the sidelines, silently observing without intervening.
For Jiang Bai and Aether, it was understandable—they were outsiders after all. But Venti, despite being the Anemo Archon, seemed utterly indifferent, embodying a carefree observer to perfection.
Diluc and Jean probably knew the Anemo Archon's nature too well, not even bothering to ask for his input.
Instead, it was Paimon who expressed concern.
"Then Captain Jean, does that mean you can't come with us?"
"No, I have to go," Jean replied decisively. "Resolving the misunderstanding between Dvalin, the Knights, and Mondstadt is imperative. As Acting Grand Master, it's my duty to clarify matters with Dvalin and offer my sincere apologies in person."
She turned to Aether, continuing firmly, "Besides me, both you and Venti must come. Venti can locate Dvalin, and you're the only one who can purify the corruption afflicting him."
"But what about Mondstadt?" Aether voiced his concern.
"No need to worry."
Diluc chuckled lightly—though with his usual cold expression, it appeared more like a subtle twitch of his mouth.
"It's just another monster attack. Even if the Knights falter against the Fatui, they can handle monsters easily enough. Besides…" Diluc paused, glancing meaningfully at Jiang Bai. "I'm certain someone else is willing to lend a hand."
Noticing Diluc's gaze, Jiang Bai shrugged agreeably. "Helping isn't a problem—I'm actually curious about what a monster siege looks like. Just don't overestimate my combat ability. But are you sure your group will be enough for finding Dvalin?"
Jiang Bai worried deeply about the Abyss Mages returning. Although they'd defeated one, who knew if more were lurking nearby.
Jean placed a hand over her heart confidently. "With me there, you don't need to worry."
With her strength, even if Dvalin went berserk, she'd be more than capable of subduing him—perhaps even swiftly, if she disregarded restraint.
But Jiang Bai wasn't worried about their strength. His concern was the possibility of Abyss Mages setting a trap.
Considering the Abyss Order's intelligence, they certainly wouldn't relinquish control of Dvalin so easily.
Thinking briefly, he suggested, "Just in case, take Klee along as well."
Dvalin seemed rather fond of Klee, and it probably wasn't appropriate to bring a child to witness a monster siege anyway.
"Then it's settled."
Without waiting for Klee's opinion—still busy bathing—Diluc decisively ended the discussion.
"Jiang Bai and I will handle the monster siege. You follow the bard to find Dvalin."
Jean added a reminder, "Make sure to spread the word that I've left Mondstadt to find Dvalin. I've instructed Kaeya already—this is our chance to eliminate all unstable elements within the city in one sweep."
"Understood." Diluc nodded, clearly agreeing.
Though Diluc disliked the Knights and their approach, their objectives aligned here.
"Get some proper rest. We're about to face a tough fight."
...
After days spent camping outdoors, returning to a warm and comfortable room was immensely relaxing.
Clean and refreshed, Jiang Bai sprawled comfortably across the spacious bed at Dawn Winery, sinking into the soft blankets.
The stable life recently had significantly alleviated his habit of sleeping in enclosed spaces.
Perhaps it was the sense of security surrounding him, allowing the tension embedded deep within him to finally ease, no longer needing confined spaces for comfort.
He suspected this habit was linked to whatever happened before he lost his memories—perhaps an environment devoid of security, leaving subconscious scars, which persisted even without clear recollection.
Recalling this, Jiang Bai's mind flashed back to the vision he'd seen upon touching the corrupted Tear Crystal.
Though he'd carried Dvalin's Tear Crystal ever since, the scenes from that day hadn't appeared again.
Perhaps touching the same medium triggered the vision only once.
He stared up at the pristine white ceiling, those scenes frozen clearly in his mind.
Darkness. Silence.
No light pierced the sky, and strange particles floated like mist through air heavy with ruin.
Majestic buildings lay collapsed, their once grand columns eroded beyond recognition. Shredded cloth hung from dried, ancient trees, swaying feebly in the breeze, threatening to vanish entirely at any moment.
And deep within that dense, ominous mist, he'd seen sharp claws and eyes glowing crimson.
What was that place…? And those creatures…?
Piecing together these images was like assembling a huge puzzle with only scattered fragments, impossible to decipher clearly.
"Forget it," Jiang Bai muttered, rolling over and burying his head under the blankets.
Whatever he'd experienced before had no relevance now.
Instead of dwelling on uncertainties, it was far better to enjoy a good night's sleep.
---
Ah, parting is always such sweet sorrow, isn't it? Yet, even the gods must occasionally retreat into the shadows, leaving their beloved adventurers longing for more.
My darlings, thank you for accompanying me on this intoxicating journey. Remember, every end is but the prelude to a new beginning—and you've all entertained me immensely. Do continue to support our dear translator, won't you? Cast those Powerstones generously (Every 100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter!), and perhaps you'll lure me back sooner than expected.
Should your heart desire more, the translator's Patreon (patreon.com/wisetl) awaits, filled with optional yet enticing rewards—including exclusive early access chapters. And of course, the gates of our Discord (discord.gg/wisetl) remain wide open. Join your fellow adventurers; perhaps you'll find another divine secret hidden within~
Though I must withdraw for now, never forget—my eyes remain ever watchful. Grow stronger, shine brighter, and perhaps we shall meet again in another captivating tale.
Farewell, my lovely adventurers… Until fate entwines our paths once more.
-Freya