Chapter 13: Anemo Vision (✓)
Venti's request was demanding—a drink brewed from the wind.
Under normal circumstances, such a concoction would be impossible, but Roshin was empowered by the tavern's influence.
However, since this was no ordinary drink, brewing a single glass of Wind-Brewed Wine required five units of materials.
Which amounted to half a Primogem.
But Roshin knew full well which was more valuable—half a Primogem or twenty, especially with the additional rewards.
In fact, Roshin suspected that the reason Venti could grant him acknowledgment upon receiving the drink might be due to his two titles:
[Friend of Non-Humans]: Increases favorability with all non-human entities.
[Roshin the Banevolent ]: Makes it easier to gain others' trust.
Venti was never human to begin with, but a wind spirit, so naturally he fell within the scope of that purple title.
Thus, this was truly an auspicious start.
"This is absolutely divine craftsmanship," Venti marveled, staring dumbfounded at the glass of wine before him that emitted faint wisps of breeze.
Raising the glass, he could feel a familiar, gentle wind caressing his face.
Under the breeze's touch, Venti downed the entire glass in one go.
Roshin watched silently as Venti kept his eyes closed, savoring the aftertaste of the wine.
Roshin felt it wasn't right to disturb him now, even though this establishment was his own.
"Thank you, stranger. Hello, I'm Venti, Teyvat's finest bard. Pleased to meet you."
When Venti finally reopened his eyes after a long while, he extended his hand across the counter toward Roshin.
"Hello, I'm Roshin. My hobby is helping people," Roshin said, shaking the offered hand.
Wait, is this person really male? Why does his hand feel even more comfortable to hold than the Herrscher of Sentience's?
This was the thought that popped into Roshin's mind upon the handshake.
"Excellent, we're friends now then. So... as friends, could I trouble you for a refill?" Venti blinked playfully at Roshin.
"...Would apple cider work?" Roshin asked after a brief pause.
"Of course! Or rather, I'd be eternally grateful," Venti nodded enthusiastically.
Venti had always been particularly fond of apple cider.
That previous wine was something to be savored occasionally, drinking too much would dilute its indescribable magic.
"Take your time with this one," Roshin said, directly purchasing a bottle of premade apple cider from the shop and sliding it toward Venti.
"Such a large glass! Thank you, Roshin!" Venti exclaimed in surprise at the mug larger than his face.
"You're welcome." Since this was a premade drink requiring no mixing, the serving appeared particularly generous.
"But before drinking, let me fulfill my promise first, allow me to sing for you," Venti said, picking up the lyre beside him.
"Though there's only one audience, with the inspiration from that previous glass, this might be the best song I've ever performed."
"So... what's the song called?" Roshin asked.
"'If You're Trapped in a Windless Land' was my first thought, but that feels too melancholic. Let's change it to 'The Wind Rises' instead," Venti replied after some consideration, smiling.
Then, Venti plucked the strings of his Skyward Harp.
Though the genuine Skyward Harp resided in Mondstadt Cathedral, any harp in the Anemo Archon's hands became the Skyward Harp.
True to his reputation as Teyvat's finest bard, Venti's voice - bittersweet yet joyful - combined with the harp's melodious tones to completely immerse Roshin.
When Roshin finally emerged from the musical trance, he noticed the Vision hanging at his waist enveloped by a gentle breeze, floating quietly before him.
[Ding! Mission overfulfilled. Primogem reward doubled]
Divine recognition...
"I never imagined I could possess a Vision too," Roshin thought, gazing at the floating Vision with complex emotions.
"Perhaps Lord Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, is watching over you and has acknowledged your generosity as a bartender." Venti winked at Roshin before picking up the glass of apple cider before him.
Obtaining a Vision itself signified divine recognition. The activation of Roshin's blank Vision might have been related to the reward just distributed.
But regardless, Roshin now possessed an Anemo Vision—a divine Anemo Vision at that.
Wait, an Anemo Vision, a dull blade, a one-handed sword...
Happy Windblade?
Well, well.
Though Roshin would have preferred an Electro Vision over an Anemo one.
Electro Visions likely packed a stronger offensive punch.
Or a Hydro Vision—it could provide some healing, however minor.
A Geo Vision would work too, mostly for shielding capabilities.
Even a Cryo Vision would do, especially with summer vacation approaching—it'd help save on air conditioning costs.
That said, Roshin didn't dislike the Anemo Vision either. After all, wind symbolized freedom, and with its blessing, he could run even faster.
40 Primogems had been credited, and that inexplicable strengthening force had slightly enhanced Roshin's physical constitution.
"Apple cider—delicious," Venti praised after setting down his glass.
"Because it's free? Or genuinely good?" Roshin couldn't help but ask.
"Genuinely good. I wonder where all these drinks come from—their quality is consistently excellent," Venti nodded.
"Thanks for the compliment. Oh, by the way, if you don't mind, could my bar have the rights to play that song you just performed?" Roshin suddenly proposed.
"Meaning?" Venti looked momentarily puzzled.
"I noticed that while you were singing earlier, the bar automatically recorded your voice." As he spoke, Roshin lightly tapped the counter.
At his command, a melodious tune began playing, only to be promptly paused at Roshin's gesture.
The recording was nearly indistinguishable from Venti's live performance—astonishingly authentic.
"What a marvelous contraption! Truly befitting a magical tavern, capable of replicating someone's singing. If I had something like this, I'd never have to perform the same piece twice—more time for drinking!" Venti's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"So, how about granting me the playback rights? In return, every time you visit, you'll get a glass of apple cider like the one you just had. Though for exceptionally special brews, that'd be a different price," Roshin offered.
"Of course, why not? A bard's purpose is to share songs with others. Especially when the reward is a large glass of premium apple cider. Deal." Venti agreed without hesitation.
Though perpetually penniless, this was indeed Venti's genuine sentiment—to bring songs, hope, and the wind to others.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it. So... could I have another glass of apple cider? Consider it the first installment of my compensation." Venti slid his empty tankard toward Roshin.
"...You really are a drunkard. How do you even down such a huge mug?" Roshin eyed Venti with genuine bewilderment.
As someone who abstained from alcohol, Roshin truly couldn't comprehend this.