[Option 1: Refuse the invitation. Matters involving the Wildfire are never simple—especially when Seele is involved. Nine times out of ten, they'll drag you into Lower District trouble. You're busy enough already; there's no need to get pulled into that whirlpool for no reason. You politely decline Seele's request, saying you have more pressing matters to attend to and can't help for now. (Reward: Seele's Phone Case — a case faintly imbued with the aura of the Path of the Hunt. It's a nice collectible, but utterly useless for anyone walking the Paths.)]
[Option 2: Accept the invitation. You recall the days when you once looked after a young Seele—now she's grown into a core member of Wildfire. Her growth is remarkable, and you know missions tied to Wildfire are never easy. But perhaps because of that, you don't want to miss this chance. This mission might rekindle the familiarity between you and Seele, tighten the long-lost bond between you, and give you a deeper understanding of Wildfire's current situation. (Reward: Seele's Path of the Hunt branch skill — Ripple. When used, it increases the movement speed of allies by 20%.)]
[Option 3: Agree—but negotiate terms. After some thought, you decide not to answer immediately. Instead, you'll see if you can get something out of this. Wildfire may call itself the guardian of the underground order, but their resources are scarce all the same. If you're going to help, you might as well earn something extra. Calmly, you agree but add, "We can cooperate—but I expect a little bonus. Perhaps… some internal intel only your group knows?" After all, helping a friend is one thing; looking after your own interests is another. (Reward: Seele's Hunt Suit — infused with the aura of the Path of the Hunt. Aside from Seele's unique girlish scent, wearing it grants increased mobility. Perhaps, if worn constantly, it could guide one closer to the Path itself.)]
Kairo: "…"
Staring at the three options that had suddenly appeared, Kairo fell into stunned silence.
Fischl corresponds to Seele?
Damn it.
That doesn't make sense no matter how you look at it!
He was completely speechless.
Still, since the choices had appeared, there was no point questioning their logic.
Scanning through the rewards, Kairo's gaze immediately settled on the second option.
The first and third couldn't compare.
What use was a phone case?
And as for Seele's outfit—he wasn't about to wear that.
A Path of the Hunt skill, on the other hand—that was actually useful.
Plus, it meant accepting Fischl's invitation.
Refusing outright, or agreeing only after demanding compensation, didn't really fit the situation.
He mulled over his upcoming plans.
"I'm still reviewing commissions," Kairo said calmly. "Haven't decided where to go yet, but—"
Before he could finish, Fischl suddenly threw her cape back, striking a dramatic pose that cut him off.
"Then let fate's decree reveal the truth!"
Her voice rang clear and passionate, eyes shining with conviction.
It was as if she already stood atop the summit of destiny, ready to embark on a grand epic at any moment.
"My eyes have long seen through the shadow's flow! The flames of corruption whisper through the Whispering Woods—they murmur in the dark, wailing within the fire!"
"Those vile Pyro monsters conspire to devour the land, using the frenzied hilichurls as their pawns!"
"If none intervene, the Whispering Woods shall be reduced to a burning purgatory! Only the Thunder of Judgment can purge their vile conspiracy!"
The hall fell silent.
A few adventurers twitched at the corners of their mouths.
They were clearly used to Fischl's eccentricity—but that didn't make it any easier not to laugh.
"…"
Kairo was silent as well.
Her chūnibyō flair was unwavering, as consistent as ever.
Still, as he thought over what she said, her "mission objective" actually aligned perfectly with his own interests.
The Whispering Woods.
That was precisely where he wanted to go next.
Now that he had the Bio-Wave Scanner he'd obtained yesterday, he'd been looking for a suitable field-testing location..
The Whispering Woods were rich in natural resources and close enough to Mondstadt to be convenient — the ideal spot for scanning and gathering.
Yesterday, he and Klee had gone there to collect Small Lamp Grass, but that was only because Klee had a detailed resource map.
This time, he wanted to see what the Scanner could uncover on its own.
All he needed were a few extra bags.
And those "Pyro monsters and illicit gatherings" Fischl mentioned?
That sounded intriguing enough to check out.
He looked at her and nodded. "...You're right."
Fischl's eyes brightened, a confident smile spreading across her face.
"Of course!"
"The wheel of fate ever turns along its destined path—and since my descent into this realm, it has been my purpose to rend the darkness asunder!"
Her voice carried solemnity, her gaze glowing with an almost divine intensity. "Then come, my loyal vassal! Together, we shall stride into the trial of destiny!"
"Let the Judgment of Night fall, and the Embers of Chaos scatter to dust!"
Beside her, Oz sighed softly.
"What milady means to say… is that her mission also happens to take place in the Whispering Woods. You can go together."
Kairo's expression twitched.
"…Yeah. I got that."
Thus, the journey to the Whispering Woods was settled.
Afterward, Kairo turned back to Katheryne, selecting a Whispering Woods exploration commission and another for Valberry gathering.
With the paperwork done, he and Fischl left the Adventurers' Guild together.
Sunlight poured down on Mondstadt's cobblestone streets. Crowds bustled past—vendors calling out their wares, adventurers chatting, the city alive with sound and color.
But that tranquil scene shattered in an instant with one dramatic declaration—
"Hear me, my subjects!"
"We go now to the crucible of destiny! In the forest tainted by shadow, I shall purge the flames of sin with the Thunder of Retribution! By divine decree, we shall cleanse the Hilichurls' wicked congregation!"
"Chaos shall perish in lightning's flash, and our footsteps shall guide the course of fate itself!"
…
Standing before Mondstadt's gate, Fischl raised her arm high, cloak billowing behind her.
Purple lightning danced faintly at her fingertips — like a prophet heralding the dawn of an epic.
Naturally, her proclamation drew every eye nearby.
Travelers stopped mid-step, staring at the confident, drama-imbued girl in utter bewilderment.
Even a few Knights of Favonius on patrol halted, exchanging looks as if to silently ask: What on earth is happening?
Nearby merchants gawked, speechless.
Kairo stood beside her, silent for a moment.
As expected—traveling with her was never boring.
Oz, now perfectly accustomed to his role, translated softly, "Master Kairo, she means… we're setting off for the Whispering Woods."
Kairo's mouth twitched slightly. He strode toward the gate.
"…Yeah, I got it. Let's go."
Fischl nodded, satisfied, then followed him with regal poise.
Side by side, the two walked down the winding stone path leading out of Mondstadt.
As they crossed the bridge outside the city gates, a few Knights of Favonius approached from the opposite direction, speaking quietly among themselves.
"By the way, did the investigation results for yesterday's explosion at Cider Lake come in yet?"
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