Shao Yun stepped out from the silent, solemn cemetery behind the Favonius Cathedral.
At the gate, he paused and slowly drew the newly acquired Gunslinger Revolver from his bag—a reward granted by the system. The steel gleamed with a cold luster beneath the sunlight.
He studied the weapon, and a flicker of conflicted emotion passed through his eyes.
"System. Show yourself."
The air shimmered faintly, and a translucent interface emerged before him, cursor blinking steadily—awaiting his next command.
Ever-loyal, always at his service.
Shao Yun gently stroked the silver skull on the revolver's grip and asked calmly, "If… back there at Lessig's grave, I had chosen to offer his soul to that demon instead—what weapon would you have given me?"
The system replied instantly. A brief, direct line of text appeared.
[Had you sacrificed his soul, you would have received 'Micah's Revolver'—once wielded by a notorious outlaw. Every pull of the trigger carries with it boundless darkness and sin.]
Shao Yun chuckled with relief.
"Good thing I didn't choose that. Imagine giving that to Lumine—it'd be revolting."
Sometimes, madness does come with perks.
He examined the Gunslinger Revolver again under the sunlight. Its compact and refined design made him mutter thoughtfully.
"This one's perfect. Just right for Lumine. As for Paimon… I'll figure something out."
Being a double-action revolver, it was beginner-friendly—no need to manually cock the hammer. Just pull the trigger, and it fires. A much better fit for Lumine compared to his Cowboy Revolver or the Schofield, which required more finesse.
He holstered the weapon and descended the stone steps from the cemetery—only to spot a familiar figure crouched in the grass.
Dainsleif, hiding in plain sight.
Shao Yun raised an eyebrow in curiosity and paused.
"Dain? What are you doing here? Weren't you and Lumine handling the Abyss Order?"
Dainsleif looked up slowly, arms still folded across his chest, and replied coolly, "Oh? Shao Yun. I could ask the same of you. Why are you here?"
Shao Yun pointed over his shoulder.
"Just came from the graveyard. But you—weren't you supposed to be fighting the Abyss Order?"
Dainsleif paused briefly, picking his words carefully.
"Well… things got a little complicated. It's a long story."
Shao Yun didn't miss a beat.
"Then shorten it."
Dainsleif nearly choked on his own breath from the abrupt reply.
"You… ugh…"
...
Eventually, Dainsleif filled him in on their expedition to Stormterror's Lair, the brief reunion in Liyue just half an hour later, the desecrated inverted statue, and the battle against the Abyss Herald.
"Hold up. I just had a quick breakfast and walked through a graveyard. How the hell did you people already reunite in Liyue?"
Then it hit him. Shao Yun smacked himself in the mouth in realization.
"Ah, right… teleport anchors. You and Paimon can use them freely when I'm not around."
Shaking his head, he asked, "Anyway—where are they now?"
Dainsleif motioned toward the cathedral behind them.
"Inside. They're questioning the sisters about the inverted statue."
Shao Yun nodded. "Thanks. I'll go find them."
Dainsleif watched him walk off and muttered, "This guy's got split personalities, doesn't he?"
...
Inside the Favonius Cathedral, sunlight poured through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the floor.
Lumine, Paimon, and Barbara were deep in quiet conversation—discussing remnants of Stormterror's fury and the "Wrath of the Tyrant."
Then, firm footsteps broke the stillness.
Shao Yun entered, his expression gentle. His eyes naturally found the trio.
"Morning, ladies."
Barbara looked up and froze when her eyes met his. A flicker of surprise—and then a wave of nervousness—swept over her.
She swallowed hard, calming herself, and replied with a slightly stiff voice, "Good morning, Mr. Shao Yun…"
Shao Yun noticed her unease. She must've heard about what happened at the Lawrence estate.
Albedo collected the bodies, which no doubt were buried behind the cathedral—Barbara, as a deaconess, would certainly have known.
He sighed softly and changed the topic.
"Sorry to interrupt. I'm actually here for Lumine and Paimon."
Barbara forced a smile and waved her hand quickly.
"No worries, Mr. Shao Yun… It's no interruption."
Lumine looked at him curiously.
"Did you… already find a weapon for us? That fast?"
Shao Yun nodded, then shook his head lightly.
"Not quite. I only found one for you."
He reached into his pack and presented the Gunslinger Revolver.
Lumine took it, stunned. "Whoa! You're seriously this fast?"
Shao Yun narrowed his eyes. Why did that sentence sound... dirty?
Girl, you haven't even tested the gun yet—how would you know if it's fast or not?
He smirked. "And what about you two? How the hell did you meet 'Captain Kaeya's cousin' again in Liyue? I just had breakfast."
Lumine blushed slightly and laughed awkwardly. "Uhh… well…"
She and Paimon quickly averted their eyes—clearly hiding something.
Shao Yun chuckled forgivingly.
"Don't worry. Everyone's allowed a few secrets. As long as you're safe, I'm happy. Go ahead—finish your conversation. I'll wait."
...
After handing off the weapon, Shao Yun stepped back and remained silent.
Eventually, Barbara admitted she didn't know much more about the statue. Paimon, ever upbeat, responded,
"That's okay! Thanks for trying, anyway."
Then came a voice, crisp and cool as ice.
"'Thanks'? That sounds like trouble."
Rosaria approached, her gaze resting on Shao Yun. Her tone held a trace of amusement.
"Morning, Destroyer of the Lawrence Family."
Shao Yun chuckled, hands on hips.
"I'll take that as a harmless joke."
Rosaria shrugged and turned to Lumine.
"I overheard you. If you're hoping the Knights will help… you'll be disappointed."
"The monsters that once attacked Mondstadt—they've returned. The Knights are tied up with that."
Shao Yun added dryly, "Let me guess. I have to guard Mondstadt Bridge again?"
As absurd as it sounded, if the Abyss really attacked again, it might actually be a good time for Lumine to train.
Rosaria shook her head slightly.
"Guarding the bridge? Don't flatter yourself. The creatures are gathering in Wolvendom."
Paimon's eyes went wide.
"What?! The Abyss Order's moving on Wolvendom?"
Rosaria nodded solemnly.
"Yes. They seem… drawn to the remnant soul of the Great Wolf of the North. I can't say why yet."
Inwardly, she pondered.
The Weinlesefest just ended. The decorations are barely down. The Lawrence family's corpses aren't even cold. And now this. These three show up—and suddenly all hell breaks loose. Are they like Diona? Cursed with fate itself?
She pushed the thought aside and addressed the group.
"Captain Jean's already gone ahead to investigate. I'm heading out as well."
Barbara, upon hearing that Jean was involved, stepped forward.
"I want to help too!"
Rosaria didn't hesitate.
"Captain Jean gave specific orders. You're to stay here and fulfill your duties as a cleric."
Barbara frowned. "But… aren't you a cleric too?"
Shao Yun muttered under his breath.
"Maybe she's a combat priestess…"
Lumine, standing beside him, caught his words.
"What was that, Shao Yun?"
He quickly waved it off, smiling sheepishly.
"Nothing. Just… thinking about dinner."
As Rosaria departed, Lumine and Paimon exchanged a look and silently reached the same decision.
"Time to check out Wolvendom."
Paimon waved goodbye to Barbara.
"We'll head out now! Take care, Barbara—see you!"
"Oh… see you. Sorry I couldn't help more."