"This is truly astonishing… So, you want me to sign the contract just to complete a mission and get a reward, is that right?"
"Exactly. But it's not just about rewards—those who sign the contract can also team up."
"Incredible… Then, young lady, have you signed a contract too?"
"Yep! Zephyr promised this Hall Master that he'd become the Vice Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and help me establish branches across countless worlds, so I agreed." Hu Tao grinned cheekily.
Zephyr stared, dumbfounded. "When did I ever promise you that?"
"Then… should I leave?"
"…"
"That card—Obelisk the Tormentor—can I take a look?"
"Sure." Paimon handed the card to Venti.
"Incredible. I can sense an immense divine power from within… one I've never felt before. It's definitely godly power.
Though judging from the appearance, it feels more like a Demon God."
Venti was visibly impressed. Then he suddenly asked, "Traveler, you're just giving me the card like that? Aren't you afraid I'll try to steal it?"
"You can't. The card's ownership is bound to me. You won't be able to take it."
"Ah, I see."
"So, can we sign the contract now?"
Venti paused, then replied seriously, "If you can help me with one thing, I'll agree."
"What is it?"
Venti's expression grew solemn. "Help me save Dvalin."
"Dvalin?"
"Stormterror Dvalin. He's my friend, but lately… something's wrong with him. He's become violent and in pain.
If this continues, all of Mondstadt may be in danger. That's why I'm asking for your help.
If you can save Dvalin, I'll sign your contract."
Zephyr fell into thought. Dvalin, huh… So this part of the story is still happening.
"Let me ask—what level is Dvalin?"
"As a dragon with god-like power, in human terms… he'd be around Level 90."
"…Level 90."
Zephyr went quiet. How the hell do I fight that? It's not like in the game where you just go through the motions.
"And since Dvalin is a dragon, his strength far exceeds that of an average Level 90 Genshin character."
"…Then how the deer am I supposed to fight that?"
"I'm not asking you to fight him—just to save him."
Zephyr pondered. What happened to Dvalin in the original story again? I can't remember clearly…
Just vaguely recall the protagonist purifying his tears somehow, then blasting him with a laser cannon in the sky, and eventually waking him up.
Well, this is my main quest anyway—no way I'm refusing. Worst case, I'll just Google it later.
"Alright, I'll do it."
"That's great!"
Paimon whispered, "Traveler, are you really taking on this quest? Are you sure you can beat a dragon?"
"This is part of my main storyline anyway. Don't worry—if I can't beat him, I'll just run."
Paimon gulped. So basically, he's already assuming he can't win…
Hu Tao was buzzing with excitement. "Didn't expect to be fighting a dragon as soon as we got to Mondstadt—this is thrilling! So fun! Barbatos, do you know where Dvalin is now?"
Venti shook his head. "No idea. Dvalin won't even meet with me, so I don't know where he is.
But don't worry—during this time, I'll actively search for him. Once I find him, I'll let you know."
Zephyr thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright. By the way—what level are you?"
"Me? I'm Level 10. Why?"
Everyone stared in disbelief. Paimon shouted, "No way! You're one of the oldest and most powerful Archons in history, and you're only Level 10?!"
Venti scratched his head awkwardly and said, "Well, you said it yourself—that was in the past. A true hero doesn't dwell on old glories."
"It's because you spend all your time eating, drinking, and slacking off that things ended up like this."
"Ehe~"
Hu Tao added, "I've heard about this too. In Liyue, cities and people are governed by the gods.
But in Mondstadt, it's the people who govern themselves—and decide their own future."
"Exactly. Which is why this god here slacks off and does nothing."
"That's not entirely fair. Having gods in charge has both pros and cons. There are people who support it, but there are also many who resent being ruled by gods.
Take Keqing of the Liyue Qixing, for example. She's very dissatisfied with our Geo Archon. She believes that humanity's fate should be in their own hands, not left entirely to the gods.
Because if one day the gods are gone, humanity would face extinction."
Zephyr internally sweated. Pfft. That's only because you don't know Keqing's a secret Zhongli fangirl. She's got boxes full of his figures at home.
"…Huh? Seriously? How do you even know that?"
"Of course I know. Keqing and I are good friends!"
Yeah… good friends… mostly because she's always chasing you around whenever you stir up trouble!
Hu Tao said it with confidence—but Paimon and the others had no idea.
"Really? You and Keqing are friends?" Zephyr's eyes lit up.
"What's with that sudden enthusiasm? Don't tell me you've got a thing for Keqing?"
"Ahem!" Venti gave a deliberate cough.
Zephyr instantly straightened up. "I think Venti makes a very good point!"
"What did Venti even say?"
"I mean his method of governance. I think it's great.
As the saying goes:
> 'The highest rulers, people barely know they exist.
> Next are those they love and praise.
> Then those they fear.
> And finally, those they despise.
> If the ruler's trust is lacking, the people will lack trust.
> The sage speaks little, and when the task is accomplished, the people say, "We did it ourselves."'
It means that the best rulers are the ones whose presence is barely noticed.
Next best are those who are loved and praised.
Then those who are feared.
And the worst are those who are ridiculed.
When authority lacks trust, the whole structure collapses.
It's best to handle everything well behind the scenes so the people feel it all happened naturally."
Paimon squinted. "Did you copy that from that site again? What was it—Bing?"
"Bullshit! Not everything I say is from Bing. I Googled this!"
Venti scratched his head shyly. "Ehe~ You're praising me too much, I'm getting embarrassed."
"You? Praised? Don't flatter yourself. If anyone deserves praise, it's Acting Grand Master Jean. She works way harder than you ever do."
"Ahh… when you put it that way, I guess you're right."
Paimon narrowed her eyes. "Why is this guy so shameless?"
Hu Tao curiously asked, "So what do you think of our Geo Archon's style of governance?"
"I don't know about his style specifically, but as for Liyue's overall system—I don't like it."
"Why not?"
"Isn't it obvious? The evils of capitalism!"
"Hmph~ What capitalism? I don't even know what you're talking about. We Liyue folks live way better lives than people in Mondstadt!"
//END
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