Successfully turned Klee's sketching class into a culinary lesson.
Thankfully, the Consecrated Bass didn't disappoint. Its rich protein and trace fats, once heated, released a uniquely savory aroma that intensified with grilling—mouthwatering to the extreme.
The flavor far surpassed its kind. To put it simply, this bass was to other fish what the Great Snowboar King was to wild boars.
Hmm… the Great Snowboar King.
Speaking of which, why did Eula forbid anyone from mentioning boars around her? That one's still a mystery.
"Here, all done."
Klee, who had been drooling for ages, snatched the first grilled skewer and began munching with gusto.
"So good! When Mommy comes back, she has to try this!"
To prepare for diving, Victor Wang had left his potions, pocket watch, Adventurer's Certificate, and other items at the inn. Thankfully, Teyvat's sun was punctual—rising at 6 AM and setting between 6 and 7 PM. It was now around 4:30 PM.
He had gone into the water at 8 in the morning and spent roughly eight hours submerged—meaning… he hadn't eaten all day!
Victor Wang was starving enough to eat a cow, but he endured the soul-snatching aroma and dutifully fulfilled his role as chef.
Only after grilling the entire chunk of fish did he pick up one skewer in each hand, dipped them in seasoning Albedo had conjured out of thin air, and feasted heartily.
"So, Dust, did you suddenly burst out of the lake just to catch a giant fish?"
"Ah…" Victor Wang tilted his head in thought, then answered uncertainly, "Probably, yeah."
"Awesome! I've never seen a fish this—big!" Just this one slab of meat hinted at how massive the whole creature must've been.
"Maybe they don't like sunlight, so they stay deep. That's why we don't see them often."
"No worries! Mommy's super strong—she could catch one for sure!"
Victor Wang glanced at Albedo, thinking, Forget your mom—your brother Albedo could catch one easily.
"I'll be leaving Mondstadt in a few days. The road back will be long, so it might be a while before I return. I'm glad we could share some grilled fish before I go—just a shame Sucrose isn't here."
"Why are you leaving, Dust?"
"Because… I love freedom. I love exploring the world."
A lie.
A forced journey, no matter how far, is still a form of captivity.
Albedo gave a slight nod. "Then I wish you safe travels. I'll say goodbye to Sucrose for you."
"Thanks. I'll leave you to your sketching, then."
After parting ways, Victor Wang didn't rush to report to Diluc. Without his mask, he felt exposed—like going out without underwear. Even with clothes covering him, it was mentally unbearable.
Unfortunately, the general goods store that sold masks was closed. According to nearby shopkeepers, Patch, the owner, had gone out to restock and wouldn't be back until tomorrow.
Looks like I'll have to hide out at the inn tonight. One day won't hurt.
Victor Wang pulled his cloak tighter, yanking the hood down until it covered even his nose, then turned toward the Goth Grand Hotel.
"Vice President?! Going to see Lady Barbara's charity concert too?"
Albert had just paid for a bouquet at the flower shop when he spotted Victor Wang, the long-absent vice president of Barbara's fan club, and rushed over to greet him.
"Sorry, I've got something to do. I won't be going," Victor Wang declined coldly.
Patch's store was on the same street as Floral Whisper. When he arrived, he'd seen Albert there agonizing over flower choices, muttering things like "Dandelions or Cecilias? Windwheel Asters and Small Lamp Grass are nice too…"—classic case of decision paralysis.
Then, showcasing his wallet-fueled determination, Albert ordered 100 of everything—except Sweet Flowers and Lotus Heads. Unfortunately, the shop didn't have enough stock, so he only got 10 of each.
Now he was cradling a massive bouquet. One side of his mouth lifted, eyes narrowed in mischief.
"You really don't want to miss this. It's the first-ever charity sobriety event, hosted jointly by Lady Barbara and Cat's Tail's famous bartender, Diona!"
"Oh?" Victor Wang rubbed his chin. This was surprising. Diona really was pushing anti-alcohol efforts—and collaborating with Barbara no less.
"…Fine, I'll go show support."
"Heh!" Albert smirked, looking smug—as if no one could possibly refuse.
He started walking east.
"Wait, Cat's Tail is that way."
"Heheheh! And here's the best part—guess where it's being held? Angel's Share! That stiff Diluc must've been swept away by Lady Barbara's charm to agree to host an anti-alcohol event in his most iconic tavern!"
"…No kidding. Didn't expect that."
"Hurry up! It's about to start!"
"..."
Outside Angel's Share, Victor Wang double-checked that his cloak fully covered his face before stepping inside with Albert.
Diluc was seated at the bar, half-turned, leaning against the wall. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Victor Wang. His presence meant the lakebed expedition had yielded results—sooner than expected.
"You're here?"
"I'm here."
Of course I'm here. Otherwise, how would you know I'm here? Why do you always ask these pointless questions, Grandpa Luc?
At 5 PM, the tavern was packed. Every table was full.
The tables in the center had been shifted, clearing space for Barbara and a few church sisters to use as a "stage." Closest to it sat Diona, arms crossed, glaring suspiciously at the guests.
Among those seated opposite the stage were Kaeya and Rosaria. Upstairs, Venti lounged on the second floor.
Damn, so many familiar faces…
Victor Wang's gaze scanned the room before landing again on Diluc, who was staring back—eyes conveying something unspoken.
He stepped forward and leaned in, ready to ask for the Night Owl Mask.
Being maskless among so many Vision-wielders felt like walking around without underwear. Even if no one could see anything, he still felt insecure.
But Diluc raised a hand to stop him.
"Too many people here. Upstairs."
"Uh…"
Clearly, Diluc misunderstood his intent.
Victor Wang had no choice but to follow him. As they crossed the stage area, Barbara spotted him and looked pleasantly surprised.
She opened her mouth as if to say something but remembered she was on duty. So instead, she just gave him a quick greeting.
Diona glared fiercely at her rival Diluc, then turned to Victor Wang with concern. "What're you doing here? Don't let him turn you into a drunkard!"
"Don't worry. I'm not much of a drinker."
"Hmph! Right—someone like you would never be ensnared by alcohol."
The second floor was nearly full. Diluc didn't stop, heading straight up to the third floor.
This area stored Angel's Share's aging barrels. Half the level was filled with casks. He sat at the lone square table, folding his fingers before his mouth like Gendo Ikari, the head of NERV.
"Did you find something below the lake?"
Victor Wang mirrored the pose across from him. With his black cloak and posture, he almost looked the part.
"There's a dragon skeleton beneath Mondstadt. A massive one. The entire city is resting on its back. That space has multiple entry points—the best is from the deepwater area north of Springvale."
He circled the location on Diluc's map with a marker.
"And," he added, pulling the bone sword of the Consecrated Bass from his back, "there are mutated bass down there that've eaten dragon marrow. They don't seem to use elemental energy—just physical attacks. But in groups, they're very dangerous."
Diluc examined the bone sword, running his fingers along it. "Consecrated beasts. The reason they don't use elemental power is because they haven't encountered a threat to their survival yet. That dragon… it really is god-level. With a body that big… this won't be easy."
"Should we contact the Knights?"
"Heh." Diluc gave a scornful chuckle and shook his head.
"Let them play their role as the righteous protectors under the sun. No need to bother them with small matters like this.
"And allow me to remind you—North Wing is seen as a gray organization by other nations. When there's profit, they'll work with you. But if they feel threatened, they won't hesitate to strike."
"Fair point. Also… can I borrow your Night Owl Mask? Just until tomorrow."
Diluc blinked, puzzled. Victor Wang always had a way of catching him off guard.
"That thing? I only had one. You saw me crush and throw it into Cider Lake yourself."
"…Oh."