The feeling of this destructive power was simply too dangerous!
If this power did not come from the Abyss Order, but from some unknown entity… then the situation in Mondstadt might be far more complex than they had anticipated!
The two looked at each other, seeing the same confusion and solemnity in each other's eyes.
"All I can feel is an extremely cold aura, but it's not Cryo power."
"And violent Electro Element power."
"Finally, there's that mysterious destructive aura. I'm more inclined to believe the Abyss Order might be conducting some dangerous experiment."
Kaeya stood still, deep in thought: "They couldn't have partnered with the Fatui, could they?"
"Probably not."
Eula shook her head: "Even if the Abyss Order and the Fatui were to cooperate, it shouldn't be here in Mondstadt."
"You also said that last night, Fatui elites died in Mondstadt City, and even used the power of Delusions."
"Given such methods, I also think it was the Abyss Order who acted."
"Although I don't know what caused it, I think they are bound to clash again soon."
"After all, the Fatui elites have already met with misfortune."
"Kaeya, I think you'd best return to Mondstadt City and keep a close watch on the city."
At this, Eula looked at Kaeya: "There are Fatui within the city now, and the Acting Grand Master might be too busy alone. I'll be responsible for continuing to pursue the Abyss Order outside Mondstadt City; that's enough."
"Since Acting Grand Master Jean entrusted me to investigate this matter, it's to uncover the truth as quickly as possible."
Kaeya gently shook his head: "Even if the Fatui in Mondstadt City have grand schemes, they still need a plausible reason as an excuse."
"Compared to the Fatui, that destructive aura is what needs to be investigated most."
"Starfell Lake, Cider Lake, inside Mondstadt City, and now this place have all shown that unknown destructive aura. If it's not thoroughly investigated, I'm afraid greater chaos will erupt later."
Currently, it's clear that the Abyss Order is secretly plotting and experimenting with something dangerous.
For this, they even risked clashing with the Fatui, which shows how important it is to thoroughly investigate this matter.
Immediately, Kaeya sighed softly, his gaze sweeping over the messy Hilichurls camp, his brows slightly furrowed.
Even he, accustomed to various emergencies, had to admit that this incident was far more complex than imagined.
The Hilichurls' corpses were scattered, broken battle-axes, charred wooden stakes, and damaged tents all spoke of the brutality of this battle.
But what was most concerning was still the destructive aura lingering in the air.
It was a fiery energy even more violent than Pyro.
Compared to yesterday, an even more extreme freezing cold, more intense than Cryo, had appeared!
Last night's Cider Lake, Starfell Lake, and even now the Whispering Woods... this power is constantly appearing in different areas of Mondstadt.
If it's not investigated quickly, and it appears more frequently, it will undoubtedly be a disaster for Mondstadt.
Thinking of this, Kaeya took a deep breath, looked up towards Mondstadt, his gaze slightly sinking.
"We can't delay any longer..."
Kaeya raised his hand, a small metal whistle spinning between his fingers.
He then put it to his lips and blew softly.
"Screech—!"
A high-pitched eagle cry cut through the air.
Soon, a swift dark shadow swooped down from the clouds, wings spread, hovering steadily in mid-air.
The Falcon of the West, trained by the Knights of Favonius, Mondstadt's messenger!
Its golden eyes were sharp as knives, its wings trembling slightly in the moonlight, seemingly awaiting new instructions.
Kaeya reached out and gently stroked the eagle's neck.
His other hand took out a pre-prepared parchment from his embrace and quickly began to write.
Soon, the parchment was densely filled with the conditions of this camp.
"An abnormal destruction event occurred at the northern Hilichurls camp in the Whispering Woods. Battlefield remains indicate—"
The battle occurred in an extremely short time, with the Hilichurls having almost no power to retaliate.
A large amount of strong Cryo traces remained at the scene, but it was not ordinary Cryo ability, but some extreme cold power.
A destructive aura was detected in the air, its nature highly consistent with the Starfell Lake and Cider Lake incidents last night.
It is speculated that it may be related to the Abyss Order, which may be conducting some dangerous experiment, possibly involving Cryo, Pyro, and some unknown destructive energy.
Considering the Abyss Order's frequent activity around Mondstadt City recently, it is recommended to raise the alert level, strengthen patrols, and immediately conduct a more in-depth investigation.
— Kaeya, Eula
...Kaeya's sharp gaze swept over the handwriting on the parchment, confirming its accuracy.
Then he gently folded it and tied it to the Falcon of the West's leg strap.
"Take this to Acting Grand Master Jean."
Kaeya ordered softly, his tone no longer his usual playful nonchalance, but tinged with steadiness and solemnity.
The Falcon of the West flapped its wings, let out a clear cry, and then soared into the sky, transforming into a black streak of light, rapidly flying towards Mondstadt City.
Kaeya watched the eagle's silhouette gradually disappear into the sky, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips, but the chill in his eyes did not dissipate.
"So... next, we continue the investigation ourselves."
"Mhm."
Eula nodded lightly, her gaze still calm and profound.
And at this moment.
On the other side.
Mondstadt City.
The sun set, and the evening glow was like fire, casting golden-red light on the red-brick rooftops and cobblestone streets of Mondstadt City, warm and tranquil.
The city was still bustling, with vendors shouting out for their last round of business.
Travelers chatted and laughed outside taverns, children ran and played by the square, and the air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the rich aroma of fruit wine; everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.
"Boom—!!"
Suddenly, a deafening explosion resounded throughout Mondstadt City!
A violent shockwave swept through the area near the city gate.
Immediately after, a dense black smoke rose from a secluded house, soaring into the sky, blackening the afterglow of the sunset!
"Ah—?!"
"What's going on?!"
"What happened?!!"
...People on the streets stopped in their tracks, looking in shock towards the direction of the explosion, their panicked eyes filled with fear and unease.
"Oh my, was it a monster attack?!"
"Impossible, it was an explosion within the city. How could monsters be inside the city?"
"Stop talking, run! There was an explosion over there!"
"What caused it? How could the explosion be so terrifying?"
...Some vendors hurriedly packed up their stalls, some picked up their children and ran, while others stood dazed, still not realizing what had happened.
The Bard in the tavern also stopped singing, looking at the distance with a stunned expression.
Where everyone's gaze converged.
The house where the explosion occurred was none other than Albedo's Alchemy Workshop!