A month has passed since the purification of Azhdaha.
Ganyu has visited me more than I imagined. Sometimes she brought documents and asked for my opinion; other times, we simply sat and talked while drinking qingxin flower tea. She never said it aloud, but every time she appeared, her expression when she saw me was one of quiet relief—as if she wanted to make sure I was still here. That I hadn't left like so many other Adepti.
I'm not the most skilled with words, but our conversations were always peaceful. Once, she asked me if I missed the starry sky of my homeland. I didn't know how to answer. I just looked at the lights of Liyue and said:
"They shine here too."
(Even if it's a lie.)
One day, she brought me a letter written by Ningguang.
Ningguang didn't request my presence directly—she never would, not with an Adeptus. But in her letter, she expressed growing concern for Liyue's merchants settled in Mondstadt.
According to the letter, an urgent report had arrived from Mondstadt, stating that a dragon had begun roaming the region. At first, they mistook it for the Anemo Hypostasis… but now they call it "Stormterror." It's said to attack from the skies and has already destroyed some buildings in the surrounding villages.
(If Dvalin has started appearing, that means the main story must have begun.)
Ganyu watched me as I finished reading. At first, she said nothing, simply waiting for my response with that quiet patience so characteristic of her.
"I still don't have a fixed role in Liyue," I said as I folded the letter. "Perhaps now is the time to take one on."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"You're going to Mondstadt?"
I nodded.
"Not as an Adeptus. As Liyue's ambassador. If I can protect our people and prevent a rift between nations… it's worth trying."
She lowered her gaze for a few seconds, as if holding back something she couldn't say.
"Then… I'll speak with the Jade Chamber to arrange your departure. You'll have official documentation. It'll be easier to move as an emissary."
I thanked her with a slight nod.
As I turned to leave, her voice reached me:
"Be careful, Dan Heng. Stormterror… is no ordinary threat—if what I suspect is true, it must be one of the ancient followers of the Anemo Archon, Barbatos."
I paused for a second and, without looking back, replied:
"I'll know… when I see it with my own eyes."
*****
After three days of preparations, I set off for Mondstadt.
(Who needs transportation when you can fly?)
After attempting to teleport and realizing I couldn't—since the landscape was too different from the game—I flew at full speed. Until before me stretched a vast vineyard bathed in the soft red hues of dawn.
My first stop: Dawn Winery.
(I can buy some wine here… just to see why that drunkard bard drinks it like water. Maybe it'll help me understand how he thinks.)
I landed softly among the vines. The air was calm, carrying a sweet scent of ripe grapes. Nothing hinted at the chaos brewing in Mondstadt's skies.
I pushed open the door of the main building. A gentle chime announced my arrival—though it wasn't necessary. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and rustic, smelling of oak and aged wine.
And there he was.
Leaning against the counter, checking crates with near-military precision, was a man with a slender yet clearly trained build. Crimson eyes that gleamed even in the dim interior light, scarlet hair tied into a messy ponytail that fell down his back. His black coat, adorned with gold trim and dark fur accents, contrasted sharply with his expression… stoic, yet alert.
"I wasn't expecting visitors at this hour…" he said, barely lifting his gaze. "Much less someone as distinguished as a man from Liyue."
"I'm not here as a noble or an official envoy," I replied. "Just someone who came from Liyue and wants to buy a good bottle of wine."
The man straightened, carrying himself like someone who had commanded and protected far more than just a vineyard. He extended a hand.
"Diluc Ragnvindr. Owner of this estate. I assume the wine you're looking for is dandelion wine."
"Exactly. That wine is famous across Teyvat, so I wanted to try it," I replied, briefly shaking his hand. "Though I'm no wine connoisseur, so I'd appreciate a good recommendation."
Diluc nodded, turned toward a small back door, and returned moments later with a bottle carefully wrapped in white linen. The liquid inside had a faint golden glow, catching the morning light.
"Due to Mondstadt's current situation, this is from the last batch."
I handed him a small pouch of Mora stamped with Liyue's seal. He took it without surprise.
"Be careful," he finally said, his tone grave. "Mondstadt sings with the wind, but sometimes… what it sings isn't to everyone's liking."
I nodded, carefully stored the bottle, and turned toward the door.
"I'll keep that in mind."
I stepped outside. The sky was still clear, but in the distance—just to the north—the wind was growing thicker.
From above, I saw Mondstadt's white walls rising between the cliffs. The flags waved proudly, but their movements were tense, uneven, as if fearing they might be torn away at any moment.
I secured the dandelion wine in my bag and descended slowly, landing right in front of the city gates. The guards stared at me with a mix of confusion and respect, unsure whether to let me pass or stop me.
"And who might you be?" one of them asked hesitantly.
"I come as an emissary from Liyue," I replied calmly.
I showed the emblem Ningguang had given Ganyu for formal occasions. The guard examined it, swallowed hard, and nodded nervously.
"Go ahead… Welcome to Mondstadt."
I stepped inside without another word.
The cobblestone streets greeted me with familiar sounds—hurried footsteps, merchants calling out, the distant songs of bards. Yet everything felt… subdued. Wary. As if even the cheeriest souls knew the storm could break at any moment.
I walked past the central plaza. The statue of Barbatos stood silent, its wings outstretched as if trying to shield the city. Some citizens left flowers at its base, others only whispered prayers. No one said it aloud, but everyone knew something lurked in the skies.
"Stormterror."
The name lingered in the alleyways like a curse.
I made my way toward the tavern, taking in its rustic charm. It was still early, but I'd wager the bard was already awake… or rather, hadn't yet gone to sleep.
But before seeking him out, I had to introduce myself to the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.