The feeling of that destructive force was far too dangerous.
If it didn't come from the Abyss Order, but from some unknown source,
then Mondstadt's situation was far more complicated than either of them had anticipated.
The two exchanged a glance, and in each other's eyes saw the same gravity—the same unease.
"I can sense an intense, freezing cold," Eula said quietly, "but it's not Cryo elemental energy."
"There's also a surge of violent Electro energy… and finally, that strange aura of destruction."
She hesitated briefly. "My instinct says—the Abyss Order might be conducting some kind of dangerous experiment."
Kaeya frowned, deep in thought. "Don't tell me they've… joined hands with Fatui?"
"That seems unlikely."
Eula shook her head decisively. "Even if the Abyss Order and the Fatui were to cooperate, it wouldn't be here in Mondstadt."
"You said it yourself—last night, elite Fatui soldiers were killed inside the city. They even used Delusions."
"With that level of escalation, I'd wager it was the Abyss Order's doing."
"I don't yet know why they're clashing—but I'm sure this isn't over. There will be more conflict to come."
"After all, the Fatui have already lost important personnel."
She looked at him seriously. "Kaeya, I think you should return to Mondstadt. Keep an eye on the city. There are still Fatui agents within the walls, and Acting Grand Master Jean might not be able to handle everything alone."
"She sent us out to investigate because she wants answers—fast."
Kaeya shook his head slightly. "Whatever schemes the Fatui are plotting, they still need a cover story that can hold up in the open."
"In comparison, that Destructive Aura is the real concern."
"Starfell Lake, Dawn Winery, inside Mondstadt, and now here—" he said slowly, eyes narrowing.
"That same destructive energy has appeared at every location. If we don't uncover its origin soon, the next incident could be far worse."
All signs pointed toward the Abyss Order experimenting in secret—testing some forbidden power.
If they were even willing to clash with the Fatui over it, the implications were terrifying.
Kaeya exhaled softly, scanning the wreckage of the Hilichurl camp—
splintered axes, charred posts, shredded tents, and frozen corpses scattered across the ground.
He was used to chaos and crisis, but even he had to admit—this was no ordinary incident.
The air was still thick with the scent of destruction.
The energy was fiercer than flame, and colder than Cryo—an impossible contradiction.
From Starfell Lake to the Whispering Woods,
This mysterious power had appeared again and again across Mondstadt's territory.
If its emergence grew more frequent,
Then disaster was inevitable.
Kaeya drew a deep breath, his gaze turning toward the distant city of Mondstadt.
"We can't delay any longer…"
He raised one hand, and a small metal whistle glinted between his fingers.
Bringing it to his lips, he blew a sharp note.
A piercing cry echoed overhead—
West Wind Falcon, trained by the Knights of Favonius, swooped down from the clouds in a flash of black and gold.
The proud bird spread its wings, hovering steadily in the air before them.
Its golden eyes gleamed, awaiting command.
Kaeya reached out to gently stroke its neck,
then pulled a sheet of parchment from his coat and quickly began to write.
His handwriting was brisk but precise, line after line recording every detail of the scene:
[Report — Northern Whispering Woods Hilichurl Encampment Incident]
Severe destructive event detected.
The battle concluded within moments; Hilichurls annihilated without resistance.
Large traces of Cryo Element energy remain, but composition differs from standard elemental power—suggests exposure to extreme subzero energy.
Destructive aura identical to that from the Starfell Lake and Dawn Winery incidents.
Possible involvement of the Abyss Order; hypothesis: conducting high-risk experiments involving Cryo, Pyro, and an unidentified destructive force.
Given the Abyss Order's increasing activity around Mondstadt, recommend immediate escalation of alert level,
expanded patrols, and urgent joint investigation.
— Kaeya & Eula
Kaeya scanned the parchment one last time, confirmed its accuracy,
then folded it neatly and tied it to the eagle's leg strap.
"Deliver this to Acting Grand Master Jean," he instructed softly.
His tone was stripped of its usual playfulness—
steady, calm, and edged with quiet resolve.
The eagle let out a sharp cry, beating its wings before launching skyward.
In an instant, it became a dark silhouette slicing across the crimson dusk, streaking toward Mondstadt.
Kaeya watched it go, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips—
but his eyes remained cold.
"Then…" he murmured, "it's up to us to continue the investigation."
Eula nodded, her voice low and firm. "Understood."
Meanwhile — Mondstadt.
The sun was setting, and the city glowed beneath a sea of golden clouds.
Warm light bathed the red-tiled rooftops and cobblestone streets.
Merchants called out their last sales of the day,
travelers laughed and drank outside the taverns,
children chased one another across the plaza.
The air smelled of freshly baked bread and sweet dandelion wine.
Peaceful. Ordinary.
Until—
"BOOM!!"
A deafening explosion ripped through the air!
The shockwave blasted through the city's outer district,
shattering windows and hurling dust and debris skyward.
A column of black smoke rose from a small, secluded building near the city gates,
turning the sunset's glow into a haze of shadow.
"W–What was that?!"
"An explosion?!"
"Something's happened!"
Panic swept through the streets.
"Gods—is it a monster attack?!"
"No, that was inside the city! Monsters can't get in!"
"Forget it—run! That blast came from over there!"
Vendors scrambled to pack their stalls,
parents snatched up their children,
and others froze in disbelief, staring at the rising smoke.
Even the bard at the tavern fell silent, his lute trembling in his hands.
And at the center of everyone's gaze—
The source of the explosion was unmistakable:
Albedo's alchemy workshop.
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