At this moment—
Somewhere atop a building in Mondstadt City, a few Fatui agents were gathered.
Seated in the center was a Debt Collector—one of the Fatui's feared 'Debt Processors.'
"Sir," one of the Fatui said respectfully, "as per your instructions, we've already destroyed the shipment. No one witnessed the process. If nothing unexpected happens, those shops will soon fall under our control."
"Also, those shop owners were all from Mondstadt's old noble families. Even if the Knights of Favonius intervene, they won't be able to do much. Our operating funds have grown considerably."
"Good."
Hearing this, the Debt Collector's expression was filled with satisfaction.
"Every time Stormterror attacks Mondstadt, we manage to secure a fresh batch of funds amidst the chaos."
"But when the dragon attacks again, don't repeat this operation. Once or twice is fine—but not a third time."
"Next time, our goal will be to pressure Mondstadt directly—preferably to gain access to the city's defenses."
"As long as we can insert even one of our people inside, it'll be worth it."
In his words, the elite Fatui agents nodded in unison, expressing their understanding.
"Oh, right, my lord," one of them suddenly said, as if recalling something. "Today, through one of the Hilichurls we control via Abyssal resonance, I discovered an excellent prospect. His swordsmanship is remarkable—he single-handedly wiped out a pack of wolves and Hilichurls surrounding him."
"According to the information I gathered this afternoon, he's an adventurer from Mondstadt's Adventurers' Guild."
"The most important part is—he's not a member of the old nobility, nor of the Knights of Favonius. Just a sixteen-year-old sword prodigy."
"He's even somewhat famous in Mondstadt."
"Oh?"
The Debt Collector raised an eyebrow. "A talent like that would fit right in with Fatui."
"Go. Invite him to join us. What we Fatui need most are people like him."
"I'm afraid an invitation won't work," the agent said quickly. "The man hasn't even joined the Knights of Favonius, only the Adventurers' Guild."
"Clearly, he values his freedom."
"We've tried recruiting plenty of others before, but few were willing. I doubt this one would be any different."
"Then just bring him back by force," the Debt Collector said dismissively, waving his hand. "We want talent. Whether he's willing or not doesn't matter."
"If he's neither an old nor new noble of Mondstadt, nor a knight of Favonius, and doesn't even possess a Vision, then he's just an ordinary human."
"Just grab him. Must I spell it out?"
"A mere genius—if Fatui can't have him, we certainly won't let Mondstadt have him either."
"These days, the world's full of geniuses."
"Yes, sir."
The agent nodded. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements tonight."
"The business with Mondstadt's shops—I'll leave that to you," said the Debt Collector, giving a slight nod before leaving.
The remaining agents dispersed soon after, blending into the shadows as a patrol of Knights of Favonius approached from afar.
Meanwhile—
At the Good Hunter, Kairo was eating when a translucent interface—visible only to him—suddenly appeared before his eyes, making his expression turn oddly stiff.
[Because you dealt with the Scavengers, but others witnessed it and reported the event to their faction, the Wanderer faction has learned that you helped a little girl connected to an anti-human robot. Instead of acting rashly, you chose to stay low-key and keep quiet. You have successfully completed Option Three.
[System Processing... Reward Granted.]
Reward: Bio-Wave Scanner — A reusable relic-detection gadget once used by Belobog's underground explorers. "The brighter it glows, the more valuable the loot. But if it's brighter than your lamp… it's probably broken."]
Kairo blinked in surprise.
So… it was complete already?
That didn't even take a full day!
But then, the glowing letters on the panel began to shift again.
[After learning of your strength, the Wanderer faction wasn't angry that you killed one of their own. On the contrary, they admire you and have decided to send someone to invite you. Faced with their invitation, you choose to…]
Option 1:Accept the invitation. Though you helped humans build the Wildfire, you were never truly one of them. You decide to go with the flow and join the Scavengers—after all, a group means food and resources. Even if there's dirty work, you can always delegate. Why not make use of them?
(Reward: Cryo Core — A shard of frozen starlight. When unsealed, the mist it releases feels like the sigh of winter itself. "Magnify a snowflake a hundred times, and marvel at nature's craftsmanship.")
Option 2:Reject the invitation. You know their tricks all too well—smiling faces today, betrayal tomorrow. You firmly refuse, preferring your free life. You know just how deceitful this organization is.
(Reward: Enhancement Balm: Ice — A salve made from destiny-touched materials. Apply it to a suitable weapon to grant temporary strengthening.)
Option 3:Accept ≠ Join. Obey the orders, not the authority. With a sly grin, you neither agree outright nor refuse completely. You agree to cooperate—but never to be bound. Freedom is your creed; a little side work for profit never hurts. It might anger the Scavengers, but you can always use them while it lasts.
(Reward: Solidified Pure Water — A crystalline lump of condensed elemental water. Cool to the touch, its purity is said to reflect one's heart. )
Kairo's expression grew stranger with each passing second.
The Wanderer faction wants to invite me?
Who even are the Scavengers?
The last time this sort of choice popped up, it was after he'd dealt with those Hilichurls and wild wolves.
Wait—don't tell me… those Hilichurls are part of the Wanderer faction's network? Are they the ones inviting me?
The thought made him pause.
If he remembered correctly, Hilichurls didn't even have full consciousness, right?
And yet they wanted to invite him?
"These rewards are getting stingier and stingier…" he muttered, shaking his head.
Last time, the rewards had at least been something connected to Fate.
Now? This junk?
He sighed, then willed it into existence.
In an instant, the Bio-Wave Scanner materialized in his hand.
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