Chapter 115. Barbatos Appear
After a simple meal, Eula had almost reached for the bill—yet she was a step too late.
Futsu Mitama had already settled it.
As newcomers to Mondstadt, they had received more than enough courtesy from her; letting Eula pay was never an option he would consider. Using the excuse of ordering drinks, he quietly completed the transaction before anyone could object.
Sara noticed, of course.
But she said nothing—only offered Futsu Mitama a faint, knowing smile.
When Eula realized what had happened, she folded her arms and fixed him with a sharp glare, her tone fierce and resolute.
"I'll remember this grudge."
Futsu Mitama merely smiled in response, unruffled, then asked calmly, "Are you leaving now?"
"Mm."
Eula nodded. Her gaze drifted toward the sky, already deepening into twilight, her expression composed yet resolute.
"My task isn't finished yet. I still need to work."
She paused, then added seriously, "If something were to happen to them… how would I ever take my revenge?"
Those words drew helpless expressions from both Kuki Shinobu and Futsu Mitama.
Eula Lawrence truly was… difficult to define.
She spoke of vengeance at every turn, yet when danger arose, she was always the first to step forward, greatsword in hand.
In that sense, she was strikingly similar to the Adeptus of Liyue.
They would declare that mortal affairs were none of their concern, that humans should resolve their own problems—yet when calamity struck, it was always the Adeptus who descended first, standing at the very front of the battlefield.
They feared that if mortals bore everything alone, the cost would be measured in countless lives.
On the return journey from Mt. Aocang, Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, and Mountain Shaper had told Futsu Mitama as much.
If possible, within the bounds of propriety, they hoped he would lend aid to the Liyue Qixing.
And if the Qixing proved unable to resolve a crisis, they wished he would intervene decisively—even if he bore the title of the Raiden Shogun's retainer.
In the eyes of the Adeptus, Futsu Mitama was already one of their own.
And should disaster ever truly befall Liyue, the Adeptus themselves would undoubtedly be the first to charge into the fray.
Mondstadt, too, had its share of troublesome citizens—but it also held many who treated Eula with genuine kindness. At the very least, the Knights of Favonius regarded her with respect and trust.
Thus, Eula would mutter about "villains" and "vengeance," even as she placed herself squarely between danger and the people.
With that thought, she rose from her seat, gently patting Klee's head before turning to Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu.
"Well then, I'll be off," she said. "Next time I return, I'll treat you to drinks."
She gave a small, confident huff. "Then you'll see how I take my revenge."
Her intent was obvious—next time, she planned to drink Futsu Mitama under the table, all in the name of settling this "grudge."
"Alright," Futsu Mitama agreed with a nod.
He expected to remain in Mondstadt for some time—at least more than a week. If nothing unexpected occurred, he might even witness the fabled moment when the Traveler made their dazzling debut. Though, of course, it was equally possible that the Traveler was still wandering somewhere, having yet to even meet Paimon.
As for Eula's promised drinks, he quietly made a mental note.
Watching Eula depart with her greatsword slung across her back, Klee soon followed suit, cheerfully announcing that she was going off to play on her own. She understood that Brother Futsu Mitama and Miss Shinobu still had matters to attend to. And besides—Klee knew that if she asked, they would certainly agree. But she wasn't the kind of child who insisted on having things her way.
Before long, only Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu remained.
"Shall we go?" Futsu Mitama asked.
He had finished eating, and the next task awaited—purchasing a residence in Mondstadt.
Kuki Shinobu had already mentioned in the chat that she had identified several villas fitting his requirements.
There was no reason to delay. If it could be settled today, then today it would be.
"No problem," Kuki Shinobu replied readily.
She led him through the city, her efficiency unmistakable.
In less than a few hours after entering Mondstadt, she had identified the best channels, gathered intelligence, and shortlisted multiple villas perfectly suited for purchase and long-term residence.
Most of their owners were merchants who had either gone bankrupt or discovered new opportunities elsewhere—each desperately in need of liquid mora.
In other words, they needed money, urgently.
Earlier that day at Angel's Share, Shinobu had overheard several such cases while sitting quietly among the patrons.
Nearby drinkers mocked those sellers, saying that with such fine homes and ample savings, they should have lived without worry for the rest of their lives—how could they end up in such a predicament?
The speakers spoke casually.
The listener, however, listened with purpose.
Shinobu recorded everything, then discreetly inquired about each individual. After a brief screening, she and Futsu Mitama selected the best option: prime location, excellent furnishings, and the lowest asking price.
The owner was a Mondstadt merchant who had recently suffered devastating losses due to economic shifts in Liyue. His family was barely making ends meet. Left with no alternatives, he chose to sell his villa and relocate to Springvale.
Though his living conditions would worsen, at least survival would no longer be uncertain.
The villa stood near the heart of Mondstadt—close to the Anemo Archon's statue and the Cathedral itself.
The final price: twenty-five million mora.
That was after Kuki Shinobu's relentless bargaining. The merchant had originally demanded forty million—a painful loss already, yet one he still felt justified.
But desperation left no room for pride.
With the Dragon Crisis looming, property prices were bound to plummet. Others were also rushing to sell. If he hesitated, someone else would take the deal.
In the end, he signed. The villa changed hands.
What followed was a flurry of activity—belongings moved out, arrangements made, professionals hired. Shinobu oversaw everything with precise efficiency.
By the time the last item was settled, night had fully fallen.
Mondstadt after dark was unusually quiet.
With the Dragon Crisis unresolved, most citizens had returned home early, choosing safety over leisure.
Only the taverns remained lively.
As they passed Cat's Tail and Angel's Share, laughter and noise still spilled into the streets. On a quiet road, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu carried pots, bowls, and assorted items back toward their new home.
Then—
A figure burst from the shadows. A greatsword swept through the air, blazing with fierce crimson flames.
"Hm?"
Kuki Shinobu's brows knit together. Without hesitation, she passed the items to Futsu Mitama, her movements sharp and decisive.
Her tachi was drawn in an instant. Purple lightning erupted from her Electro Delusion, crackling violently through the night.
Clang—!!
Steel met steel.
The tachi and the greatsword collided head-on, Electro and Pyro erupting in violent opposition (Overload). Purple lightning and crimson flame tore into one another—
Boom—!!!
A deafening explosion tore through the quiet street, elemental energy surging outward in a blinding flash.
In that instant, Kuki Shinobu clearly saw her opponent.
An owl-shaped mask concealed his face. A dark cloak fluttered behind him, and from beneath its folds spilled a fiery red ponytail, vivid even in the night.
Strong. No—very strong.
From a single exchange, Shinobu understood immediately: this was another top-tier combatant. If she did not employ her Talisman Paper Art, she would be overwhelmed within a dozen rounds at most.
How strange.
Ever since leaving Inazuma, every formidable presence she encountered seemed to rival one another in strength. Yet before she could pursue the thought, her opponent ceased his attack.
That blow—was merely a greeting.
Lowering his greatsword, the masked man regarded her in silence before speaking in a hoarse, restrained voice.
"Why do you possess a Delusion?"
There was no overt hostility in his tone. He had revealed himself for one reason only. Delusions were dangerous artifacts—and those who carried them were almost invariably connected to the Fatui.
Kuki Shinobu cast a subtle glance behind her.
Futsu Mitama stood there, utterly relaxed, as though watching a play unfold. She understood immediately—he had likely already anticipated the reason for this confrontation.
"I took it from the Fatui," Shinobu replied evenly, tightening her grip on her tachi. A talisman slip silently formed between her fingers. "Believe it or not."
"…."
For a moment, the masked man said nothing. Then, without another strike, he sheathed his greatsword.
"I hope that is true," he said at last. "If you are colluding with the Fatui… then next time, it won't end so simply."
With those words, he vanished. His figure melted into the shadows as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving no trace behind.
Not long after, several Knights of Favonius on night patrol arrived at the scene. They found Futsu Mitama holding a bundle of miscellaneous items, and Kuki Shinobu calmly resheathing her blade.
Coincidentally, these knights recognized Futsu Mitama. Many of them rested during the day at the Knights' headquarters and patrolled at night—familiar faces were easily remembered. Because of that familiarity, they did not press the matter too harshly, merely asking what had just occurred.
Kuki Shinobu recounted everything truthfully—the appearance of the assailant, the weapon he wielded, and the brief exchange.
One of the knights clenched his fist, irritation clear on his face.
"It's that Darknight Hero again. Dealing with criminals is one thing—now he's targeting visitors?"
"Don't worry. The Knights of Favonius will handle this."
Shinobu blinked.
Darknight Hero?
So this was the figure Albedo had mentioned—the one tied to Angel's Share.
To prevent misunderstanding, Shinobu clarified that the incident stemmed from her possession of a Fatui Delusion, and that the man had likely mistaken her for a Fatui agent. The knights nodded in understanding, though their displeasure toward the Darknight Hero was unmistakable.
Soon after, the patrol departed.
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu carried the remaining items inside their newly purchased residence.
Once inside, Shinobu turned directly to him.
"Is the Darknight Hero the one from Angel's Share?"
"Curious?" Futsu Mitama asked lightly.
Yes. The man who had clashed briefly with Shinobu and then withdrawn without hesitation—was indeed Diluc. Upon seeing the Delusion, Diluc had clearly intended to test her.
But his test had been astonishingly brief. One strike—and he had already determined she was not an enemy.
Was it intuition? Or something deeper?
Truthfully, the moment Diluc appeared, Futsu Mitama had already prepared to intervene.
The Darknight Hero of Mondstadt was no ordinary individual.
To single-handedly disrupt the Abyss Order's schemes while secretly protecting the city—such feats spoke volumes of his strength.
If Acting Grand Master Jean was Mondstadt's shield in daylight, then Diluc was its blade in the shadows.
The Grand Master's confidence in leading elite forces on distant expeditions spoke to the trust he placed in Jean and Diluc alike.
Even Dottore had knowledge off Diluc.
It was because of him that Dottore abandoned his plans and withdrew from Mondstadt entirely. Of course, there was also the possibility that he had sensed looming danger and chosen retreat—just as he had in Liyue.
The difference was this:
In Mondstadt, no one stopped him.
In Liyue, Rex Lapis himself intervened, demanding the confinement of one of the Doctor's Segments.
"Naturally curious," Kuki Shinobu replied, rolling her eyes. "From the Knights' reaction, they clearly distrust him. But the Darknight Hero feels like someone who opposes the Fatui."
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. And since the Lady is targeting us, we need allies."
Her gaze sharpened. Even in that brief clash, she had grasped Diluc's strength. If they could secure his cooperation—
Mondstadt would become far less hostile.
"No rush," Futsu Mitama said calmly, setting items aside. "We'll go to Angel's Share later. We can meet him properly."
"Zhongli and Albedo can join us as well."
Time was short. Tomorrow, Futsu Mitama intended to draw the snake from its hole—to see whether the Lady would take the bait.
And there was another matter. Had the bard sensed Zhongli's arrival?
As fellow original Archons, Barbatos should have noticed Rex Lapis entering Mondstadt.
Yet there had been no sign. To confirm this, Angel's Share was the natural destination.
"Alright," Shinobu agreed, already tidying the last items.
Before long, they left once more, heading toward the warmly lit tavern.
Ring—
The bell chimed as the door opened.
"Welcome."
A steady male voice greeted them. Behind the counter stood a young man with a red ponytail, calmly wiping glasses, his expression unreadable.
"It's you," Shinobu said immediately.
Recognition came easily—between Albedo's hints, Futsu Mitama's reactions, and that unmistakable hair.
"Mm." Diluc nodded, unconcerned with concealment. "I know you have questions. But as guests—please order first."
Shinobu nearly laughed. He had attacked her moments ago—and now asked her to order. Before she could speak, Diluc's gaze shifted to Futsu Mitama.
"I've heard much about you," he said evenly. "What you did in Liyue… I respect it. Few dare confront the Fatui directly—fewer still gravely injure a Harbinger."
"You understand why they run rampant across the Seven Nations. The Harbingers are the reason."
Futsu Mitama was momentarily stunned. Il Dottore's Segment had fallen only days ago—news deliberately suppressed.
Even Acting Grand Master Jean had learned of it only through Ningguang's letter.
Yet Diluc knew.
"This drink is on me."
Diluc personally prepared a drink and set it before him. His expression never changed—but Shinobu sensed unmistakable respect.
Around them, patrons glanced over in surprise. For Master Diluc to personally mix a drink was no small honor.
"Thank you," Futsu Mitama replied, scanning the menu. "Four dandelion wines. Second floor, if possible."
Diluc glanced upward, then nodded.
"No charge."
He turned to prepare the drinks himself. Futsu Mitama lifted his glass, and he and Shinobu ascended the stairs.
"You know him?" Shinobu asked quietly.
"No," Futsu Mitama replied—truthfully within this world.
Soon, they reached a secluded corner.
Messages were sent.
Zhongli and Albedo replied promptly—neither wished to drink. That left an awkward surplus of alcohol.
Before they could dwell on it, Diluc arrived, setting down the wines. He then sat across from them, posture composed.
"I know you have questions," he said calmly. "Ask."
"Why did you attack me?" Shinobu asked directly.
"You carried a Delusion," Diluc replied. "Only the Fatui possess such things—and knowledge of them is rare. So I assumed you were one of them."
"But seeing him beside you," his gaze flicked to Futsu Mitama, "I understood. If you weren't a Vision holder, the Delusion's backlash would have already claimed you."
Futsu Mitama nodded.
"Her Vision was confiscated under the Vision Hunt Decree. The Delusion was taken from the Fatui."
Diluc's gaze lingered on the Delusion—nostalgia and pain flickering briefly within his eyes. Then he looked back up.
"As for you, Futsu Mitama—"
"I learned of you from the Fatui."
At once, understanding dawned.
So that was it. The Fatui's intelligence network—swift, pervasive, relentless. They never fabricated matters concerning Harbingers. Their authority rested upon those eleven figures alone. And Futsu Mitama had wounded one. Which meant—
From this moment onward, Mondstadt would no longer be quiet.
Diluc had always paid close attention to intelligence related to the Fatui Harbingers. Even now, he knew clearly that the Harbinger currently stationed in Mondstadt was an existence known as La Signora. He did not know the limits of her strength—only that she was terrifyingly powerful.
Yet nearly a month ago, a series of almost fantastical reports had begun circulating within Fatui intelligence channels. Reports such as—
The Sixth Harbinger, Scaramouche, had lost both an arm and a leg in Inazuma.
The Eighth Harbinger, La Signora herself, had nearly been slain by the Raiden Shogun.
The lowest-ranked Harbinger stationed in Liyue had sparred with a Retainer of the Raiden Shogun—and neither side had gained a decisive advantage.
One of Dottore's Segments, belonging to the Second Harbinger, had been gravely injured by that same Retainer, drawing the direct intervention of the Geo Archon Morax and receiving an unimaginably severe punishment.
At first, these reports sounded like absurd exaggerations. And yet—
They were all eventually confirmed to be true.
"From the Fatui," Diluc said calmly, his gaze steady as it rested on Futsu Mitama, "I learned a great deal about your actions—especially the most recent ones."
"Whether or not you care," he continued, "you seriously injured Dottore, forcing Rex Lapis to personally intervene and compel one of Dottore's Segments to end itself."
"You taught him a lesson profound enough to be remembered. For that… I am sincerely grateful."
There was no embellishment in Diluc's tone.
It was simply the truth.
Everything Futsu Mitama had done was relayed to him through Fatui intelligence, and it was precisely for this reason that Diluc held such respect—and gratitude—toward him.
Diluc had long harbored the desire to retaliate against Dottore. But desire alone was meaningless before overwhelming disparity in strength. He could do nothing but endure.
Though Futsu Mitama had not punished Dottore on Diluc's behalf, his actions had cost Dottore something invaluable—a Segment.
Moreover, Dottore had been placed on Liyue's blacklist as a result. Should any of his Segments dare set foot on Liyue's soil again, they would be imprisoned without exception.
To do otherwise would be an affront to Rex Lapis himself. And should that line be crossed—
Dottore would face the unrestrained wrath of the Geo Archon.
"You flatter me," Futsu Mitama replied, scratching his cheek slightly, visibly embarrassed. "In truth, I didn't do much."
And that was his genuine thought. His confrontation with Dottore had never been driven by justice or grand purpose—it had been selfish.
If not for Aila, he would never have provoked Dottore at all. Dottore was troublesome, dangerous, and utterly deranged. If he could not be killed outright, then antagonizing him openly was simply inviting disaster.
Yet because of Aila, Futsu Mitama had acted once—impulsively. And from that impulsiveness, he had gained crucial information.
He had obtained the Memory of Dust, brought Guizhong into the Chat Group, and unraveled truths that would otherwise have remained buried.
A misfortune that had become, in its own way, a blessing.
"Still," Diluc said, his expression sharpening slightly, "gratitude aside—what brings you to Mondstadt?"
"This city matters to me," he continued evenly. "I am not like those within the Knights of Favonius who truly believe you came here merely to sightsee."
It was a polite warning.
Diluc knew very well that Futsu Mitama was not here for tourism. If leisure had been his goal, Liyue's mountains and rivers far surpassed Mondstadt's gentle scenery. Yet the moment the Rite of Descension concluded, Futsu Mitama had departed without pause, crossing nations without rest.
There was no doubt—he had a purpose.
What that purpose was, Diluc did not know. And so, he asked. He trusted Futsu Mitama's character—but trust did not absolve him of responsibility.
"This—" Futsu Mitama hesitated.
Diluc's gaze was unwavering, and Futsu Mitama understood—this was not something he could casually brush aside.
"I can't explain it," he said at last, choosing his words carefully. "I can only say that I am acting under orders."
That much was true.
Raiden Makoto, Azhdaha, and Guizhong all required condensed resin to recover.
Whether Maha Rukkhadevata needed it as well was unclear—but likely.
Meanwhile, Kokomi's condition had been worsening. Her mental exhaustion was accelerating, burdened by crises within the Resistance.
Condensed resin could restore one's mental state with terrifying efficiency.
Yet Kokomi never used it. She endured through sheer willpower, fully aware of how precious the substance was.
This, too, was why Zhongli had come to Mondstadt in such haste—to seek out Barbatos.
When Futsu Mitama spoke of "orders," Diluc's gaze shifted subtly.
A Raiden Shogun's Retainer.
Across nations, divine retainers occupied a status beyond mortals. They did not intervene lightly, nor act without cause. And there was only one being capable of commanding such a figure.
An Archon.
"I understand," Diluc said quietly, nodding.
If the matter involved a deity, then it lay far beyond his authority. Only a Wind Archon's Retainer would be qualified to question Futsu Mitama further. And such beings—
Rarely revealed themselves.
The atmosphere grew subtly heavy. Diluc took a slow sip of his apple wine, remaining seated. There was still something he intended to ask.
The Dragon Crisis.
—
Elsewhere.
Albedo and Zhongli departed from the Alchemy Workshop, heading toward Angel's Share. They had spent the entire afternoon researching the special husk doll. Most of its components had been analyzed. Only one remained—
The core material.
Like condensed resin, it was the key of keys. Without it, replication was impossible.
Zhongli, too, was at a loss. The material did not resemble anything native to Teyvat. If it truly originated beyond this world—
Then the implications were dire.
For now, they decided to meet with Futsu Mitama first. Discussion, after all, sometimes flowed better face-to-face.
—
"Whoosh—"
A gentle breeze passed by.
Zhongli halted.
He turned his gaze forward.
"What is it, Mr. Zhongli?" Albedo asked, puzzled.
"He's here."
Ahead stood a young man clad in green, short black hair adorned with twin gradient braids.
He was smiling.
Albedo instinctively stepped back.
An Archon.
Wind gathered around him unmistakably.
The long-absent Anemo Archon—Barbatos.
Now it was clear. There was no need to search. He would come on his own.
"Oh my," Barbatos chuckled lightly, strolling over. "How rude of me to appear uninvited. Kreideprinz—ah, no. Albedo," he corrected himself cheerfully.
"Did you bring Morax into Mondstadt?"
It was not an accusation. But Albedo faltered all the same.
"…I—"
"I have a favor to ask," Zhongli interjected calmly. "My current identity is Zhongli, Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I apologize for arriving unannounced."
Barbatos' eyes lit up.
"A favor?! Hah! I thought you'd finally come to beat me up! Hearing this is such a relief—ahahaha!"
He laughed openly. For a long time, Barbatos had feared this moment.
What he had done in the past—for Mondstadt—had not been trivial.
When news reached him of Zhongli's awakening, he had panicked. And yet—
An old friend had come. And not for vengeance.
Barbatos transformed into a gust of wind, appearing beside Zhongli and slinging an arm around his shoulder.
"…."
Albedo watched silently. Something about deities quietly cracked in his mind. This was not what legends described.
"Since you're Zhongli now," Barbatos grinned, "I'm just Venti—the bard. Don't call me Barbatos anymore."
Albedo nodded.
Zhongli sighed, gently removing Venti's arm.
"Well?" Venti asked, straightening. "What is it? I'll help however I can. But don't ask the impossible."
Zhongli met his gaze. And spoke calmly.
"The power of Time."
"Huh?" Venti blinked. "You're serious? Old man, Didn't I said don't ask the impossible?"
Zhongli did not answer. He didn't need to.
Because without Time, condensed resin could never exist.
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