When Kairo and Fischl stepped into Mondstadt, they were greeted by a scene of chaos and excitement.
Unlike the city's usual leisurely atmosphere, the streets were abuzz with voices—everyone was talking at once.
Kairo's Crimson Echo.
Merchants abandoned their stalls mid-sale, whispering to one another as they craned their necks toward the direction of the alchemy workshop, faces filled with surprise and unease.
"Archons above, Master Albedo's workshop actually exploded?"
"In all these years, I've never heard of such a thing! Master Albedo is Mondstadt's greatest alchemist—how could he cause such a massive blast?"
"Maybe a failed experiment? Or… does it have something to do with those terrifying Abyssal monsters?"
"Nah, I think he's researching some new weapon—something powerful enough to fight those creatures."
Some frowned in worry, while others speculated with eager excitement, treating the whole affair like juicy gossip.
A few even pulled out Kamera devices, pointing them toward the smoke rising in the distance.
"Gotta record this—might fetch a good price later," muttered a young merchant, adjusting his Kamera's lens.
"Come on, let's get a bit closer and take a look!"
A few daring youths started forward, curiosity overcoming caution.
But before they could get far, several fully armed Knights of Favonius stepped in front of them, raising their hands to block the way.
"This area is under lockdown by order of the Knights of Favonius," one said sternly. "Civilians are not permitted to approach."
"But—"
"No 'but.' This is no place for bystanders."
The knights' calm but commanding tone silenced most objections.
Though reluctant, the crowd had no choice but to stay behind, gathering at a safe distance to keep watching and gossiping.
"Even Acting Grand Master Jean came in person—it must be serious."
"That explosion was no small thing. I could feel the elemental surge from here. Do you think Master Albedo's hurt…?"
"If Albedo's injured, what'll happen to Mondstadt's alchemical research?"
"You're overthinking it—he's got a Geo Vision and a mastery of alchemy. He probably came out unscathed."
"I'm just curious what he was researching. If it's some weapon against monsters, that's something to look forward to!"
"No joke, the explosion was huge—his whole workshop's wrecked. It'll take at least two days to rebuild."
"The power of it was terrifying. If it had been anyone else inside, they'd have been blown to bits!"
Speculation filled the air—some worried, some thrilled, and some simply there for the spectacle.
Kairo walked through the chatter, expression twisting strangely as he listened.
He could already tell—this explosion absolutely had something to do with the bombs he had strengthened earlier.
That faint aura lingering in the air… wasn't it the same energy as Crimson Echo?
Yesterday, when he and Klee had been fishing at Starfell Lake, the bombs infused with Crimson Echo had left behind that same lingering presence after detonation.
Now, as he drew closer to the city center, that aura only grew stronger—far more intense than yesterday.
It could only mean one thing: every single one of Klee's modified bombs had gone off.
But the real question was—
Why was Albedo studying those bombs in the first place?
Had he discovered something?
Or was it merely scholarly curiosity at work?
Or… had Klee mentioned something to him?
"…Forget it."
Kairo shook his head, setting the thought aside for now. He continued forward.
Fischl, on the other hand, looked positively delighted. Listening to the buzz around them, she lifted her chin slightly, a mysterious smile playing at her lips.
With a theatrical cough, she raised a finger and declared grandly,
"Hehehe… the threads of fate converge once more! An omen of upheaval descends! We, chosen witnesses of destiny's storm, shall behold the coming of chaos!"
Oz gave an exaggerated sigh and translated dryly, "My lady means that things appear to be getting quite interesting."
Kairo ignored her dramatic proclamation and simply pressed on.
"Let's check in with the Adventurers' Guild first—and cash in these materials."
The first priority was to unload the sacks he was carrying; walking around town with armfuls of regional specialties was far too inconvenient.
Hearing that, Fischl—who'd clearly been tempted to stay and watch the commotion—immediately followed behind him, falling into step like an obedient little follower.
Together, they pushed through the bustling streets toward the Adventurers' Guild.
When they stepped through the doors, Katheryne—busy sorting reports behind the counter—looked up instantly.
Her attention wasn't drawn by Kairo and Fischl themselves… but by the four large, bulging sacks they were carrying.
"Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild," she greeted automatically.
But as her eyes locked onto those sacks, her voice faltered slightly. A rare flicker of astonishment crossed her usually serene expression.
Four sacks?
That much volume… surely they weren't all filled with loot?
Without a word, Kairo strode to the counter and, without hesitation, tipped the sacks over.
"Clatter—!"
A cascade of crisp, ringing sounds filled the air as countless items spilled out—forming a small mountain right in front of the counter!
Small Lamp Grass, Windwheel Asters, Wolfhook, Flaming Flower Stamen, Mist Flower Corolla…
And even a variety of Rare ores—all jumbled together, every piece a valuable Mondstadt specialty!
Katheryne: "...…???"
Nearby adventurers: "...…???"
For two stunned seconds, the entire guild hall fell silent.
Then, a wave of incredulous gasps erupted!
"In Barbatos' name—?!"
"W–wait a second… Am I seeing this right? That's two whole sacks of Mondstadt specialties?!"
"No way! Windwheel Asters, ore, Mist Flowers—how long would it take to gather that much?!"
Dozens of adventurers rushed over from their desks, eyes wide in disbelief as they stared at the pile of materials.
"How… how did you even do this?" one adventurer asked, nearly stammering.
He pointed at the cluster of Mist Flowers in particular, throat bobbing as he swallowed hard.
Those plants were notoriously rare—finding even a few took hours of combing frozen cliffs. Yet here they were, piled high like common herbs.
Several low-ranking adventurers who specialized in gathering looked as though their worldviews had just collapsed.
They spent entire days scouring the wilderness, often returning with only a handful of plants.
And this guy—this one man—had walked in with four whole sacks?
Even traveling with a Vision holder, that was utterly absurd.
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