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Chapter 64 - Anastasia's Gambit 

Saying this, Kael stepped forward first.

A dizzying light flashed, and everyone appeared outside the temple.

"Truly unbelievable smoothness."

Walking out, Lisa narrowed her eyes, gazing at the dim sky. "Compared to before, the Anemo elemental power has gradually become more peaceful."

"Although it's not as exaggerated as around Mondstadt City, it was still greatly affected."

"So, are we going to the Temple of the Wolf next?"

Beside her, Paimon rubbed her hands excitedly. "The Falcon and the Lion temples are solved. Only the Temple of the Wolf remains."

"Eh?"

Paimon rubbed her small hands excitedly.

Just as she was preparing to plan for the next temple trip, she suddenly froze.

Her eyes were round as saucers, her mouth slightly open, as if she had seen something incredible.

Everyone subconsciously followed Paimon's gaze.

They saw the sky, originally shrouded by the storm, suddenly change.

The thick, leaden dark clouds were slowly receding.

Warm orange sunset glow spilled onto the earth through layers of clouds, illuminating the entire sky of Mondstadt.

At this moment, the storm seemed to be dispelled by some invisible force.

The restless and oppressive feeling in the air dissipated.

Replaced by a long-lost fresh breeze, brushing gently against everyone's cheeks.

"It seems Kaeya has succeeded."

Lisa narrowed her eyes and smiled, a trace of surprise in her tone. "We don't need to go to the Temple of the Wolf anymore."

"Really?"

Paimon came back to her senses immediately, a surprised smile on her face. "Wah! Does that mean we can go straight back to Mondstadt City?!"

Amber and Lumine looked at each other and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Although exploring the temple wasn't too difficult, the continuous battles had made them a bit tired.

It was hard to imagine...

How tired they would be without Kael.

Now that the storm had subsided, it meant Mondstadt's crisis was temporarily relieved.

Meanwhile, in Mondstadt City—

"The storm scattered?!"

"Heavens! Look, the sky cleared!"

When the raging storm originally hovering outside the city suddenly dissipated...

The residents of Mondstadt stopped their work one after another, looking up at the sky, their eyes full of disbelief.

"The... The storm is completely gone!"

After a brief silence, the entire city erupted in cheers of surprise.

"Really! The whole sky was gray before, suffocating us. Now it's finally back to normal!"

"Did the Knights of Favonius solve Stormterror?"

"Hahahaha, great! We can set up stalls again!"

Merchants in the market patted their stalls excitedly.

Before, due to the storm, many open-air merchants couldn't set up stalls at all.

Even shops with indoor spaces didn't dare to open because of lost goods.

And now, the storm scattering meant life could return to normal!

But some were skeptical, frowning. "Don't be too naive. How could Stormterror be eliminated so easily?"

"This must be temporary..."

"But speaking of which, the Knights of Favonius' previous operation should have been to solve the source of this storm, right?"

"Anyway, it's a good thing the storm is gone!"

"This storm didn't exist before."

At this moment.

The entire Mondstadt City boiled over.

People took to the streets, standing on high ground looking toward the city gate, wanting to see the return of the Knights.

On this day, the long-lost peaceful atmosphere of Mondstadt finally returned.

On the other side, Lisa and the others also stood at the temple entrance.

Looking at the gradually calming land, Lisa smiled. "Now the storm has subsided, but Stormterror's storm isn't over. Let's go back to Mondstadt and have a good rest."

Hearing Lisa's words, Fischl immediately raised her chin.

Hands on her hips, a proud smile appeared on her face.

Her purple pupils shone with the brilliance of "Sense of Accomplishment."

"Hmph. As I predicted, the trajectory of fate has tilted toward justice!"

Fischl raised a hand, gently brushing her bangs, assuming a high-spirited posture. "At the intersection of shadows, we stepped through the deep realm and cleansed the residue of the storm with thunder!"

"Now, the evil spirits have fled, and the roar of the Wind Monarch has also calmed..."

"This is precisely the wise guidance of this Prinzessin!"

Oz beside her took over skillfully: "My Lady means—The mission was completed well. We can go back and rest."

"..."

Hearing Fischl's words, Lumine and Paimon looked at each other and fell silent.

Walking this way and getting along with Fischl, they seemed to have discovered the secret of this chuunibyou girl.

They thought the Prinzessin had a big background before.

In reality, it seemed to be a personality issue.

Especially listening to Fischl recite these flowery words seriously, it still made the corners of their mouths twitch.

Kael stood aside, his expression calm, but he was pondering inside.

What's going on?

Why... hasn't the reward triggered yet?

Haven't I spent enough time with Fischl?

From the initial meeting to the cooperation over these few days, it could be said that he walked a part of the road with Seele (Fischl).

He thought he had met some hidden conditions.

He should have obtained "Seele's Phantom Path Skill" (Invisibility).

But now, there was still no movement.

Kael frowned slightly, pondering possible reasons.

Could it be...

It must be triggered under a special opportunity?

Or is the "Companion Bond" with Fischl not deep enough?

But how is that possible?

Kael thought about it and shook his head gently.

Since there were no clues for now, he wouldn't dwell on it.

"Alright, back to Mondstadt."

Lisa's gentle voice brought Kael back to reality.

He looked up and saw Lisa already stepping forward, walking toward Mondstadt.

"Haha, finally going back!"

Amber breathed a sigh of relief, stretching her arms, her tone carrying a bit of excitement. "This temple exploration went smoother than I imagined."

"Of course, it's all thanks to Kael!"

Hearing Amber's praise, Paimon nodded repeatedly. "Right, right, right! If not for Kael, we definitely wouldn't have finished these temples so fast! Kael, you are amazing!"

Paimon looked at Kael excitedly. "Next, if you're free, Kael, can you act with us?"

If she and Lumine had Kael by their side, it would be so convenient.

Just thinking about it was exciting.

Lumine also looked at Kael with slightly glowing eyes.

Although she hadn't spent much time with him, she felt that if Kael could accompany her, she would be like a tiger with wings!

"Of course, if I'm free."

Hearing Paimon's words, Kael smiled faintly. "Alright, time to go back."

Saying this, Kael stepped forward.

The sunset was setting, dyeing the sky with a layer of pale gold.

Accompanied by a breeze.

Kael and the others walked along the winding mountain road, embarking on the journey back to Mondstadt City.

Even on the way back.

Kael casually waved his hand and applied [Ripple] to everyone.

"Does this ability have no cost?"

Feeling her speed increase, Lisa glanced at Kael thoughtfully.

You have to know.

Even for Vision holders, mobilizing the Vision to convert elemental power takes time.

They even need rest.

They cannot convert elemental power for a long time.

Because once there is no elemental power to convert, elemental attacks cannot be unleashed.

They have to wait for elemental power from other places to flow in.

A Vision, in the end, is an external magic conversion device.

Without elemental power for you to convert, you can't conjure it out of thin air.

But the air of this world is filled with elemental power.

Yet the power Kael used was not elemental power at all.

How can there be no consumption?

Where does this power come from?

And he cast it repeatedly and casually, without any consumption at all.

Not even basic physical exhaustion.

Kael's face had never been pale.

So Lisa was very confused.

What exactly is the source of this power?

Any energy should have a source.

Especially since Kael had more than just this mysterious power to increase others' speed.

There were other energies too.

It was simply like an inexhaustible source.

Thinking deeply about it, it was simply incredible.

Thinking of this, Lisa became more and more interested in Kael.

Time passed quickly.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled on the high walls of Mondstadt, plating the entire city with a layer of warm gold.

The west wind blew gently, and the air was filled with the aroma of ale and roasted meat.

Pedestrians on the street were bustling. The noise and warmth of the past finally returned after the storm dissipated.

When the guards at the city gate first saw Amber, Lumine, Kael, Fischl, and Lisa walking from afar...

Originally serious and steadfast, their eyes widened instantly, and then they erupted in cheers—

"They're back!"

"Everyone is back! The warriors who solved the storm have returned in triumph!"

With this shout, the entire Mondstadt City became lively.

Merchants near the city gate and passing residents stopped their work one after another, casting their gazes on the returning group.

Their faces were full of surprise and excitement, as if seeing long-lost relatives.

"It's Amber!"

"Lumine and Paimon are back too!"

"Ms. Lisa?! Even she went out personally?!"

"Her Highness the Prinzessin... Oh no, Excellency Fischl has returned in triumph! She must have cut off the calamity with the wrath of thunder!"

Hearing the last sentence, Fischl nodded with satisfaction, standing straight.

Gazing into the distance deeply, as if she had just returned from an epic battle.

Oz sighed helplessly, but skillfully added: "My Lady means: The mission was very successful."

The onlookers heard Oz's translation and showed expressions of relief.

Many had already gotten completely used to Fischl's unique "way of expression."

Is the disaster really solved?

At this time, someone in the crowd couldn't help but ask loudly: "Amber, is the Stormterror matter... solved?!"

"Yeah, the storm outside Mondstadt has dissipated. Was Stormterror destroyed?"

"Amber, tell us!"

Hearing these questions, Amber stopped.

Turning to face the enthusiastic citizens, she stood straight, revealed a confident smile, and announced loudly—

"Please rest assured, everyone! The source of the storm caused by Stormterror has been solved!"

"Mondstadt City will not be invaded by the storm again. Everyone can return to their lives with peace of mind!"

Amber's voice was powerful, carrying the determination of a Knight of Favonius, putting the surrounding crowd completely at ease.

"Really?! The storm won't come again?"

"Great! We can open for business again!"

"Haha! Finally can go hunting. The house is almost out of food!"

Hearing this news, the residents of Mondstadt cheered instantly.

Many raised their hands high, hugging friends and family around them, their faces brimming with long-lost smiles.

Small vendors cheered excitedly on the spot.

Merchants on the street began to organize their stalls, preparing to reopen.

Some children even surrounded Amber and Lumine, chattering and asking questions: "Big Sister, Big Sister, how did you solve the disaster?"

Surrounded by a group of children, Lumine didn't know how to answer for a moment.

Paimon interrupted excitedly: "Hehe, that was a super exciting battle!"

"If we hadn't bravely rushed into the ruins, Stormterror's power would definitely continue to rage!"

"Wow!"

The children listened with shining eyes, looking at Lumine and Paimon with admiration.

Cheers rose one after another.

For a time, the streets and alleys of Mondstadt were filled with long-lost vitality.

The disaster passed, and life returned to the right track.

However, Amber did not immerse herself in the celebratory atmosphere for too long.

She took a deep breath and looked at everyone. "Alright, our mission is not over yet. Now we have to go report to Grand Master Jean. If you need help, feel free to find the Knights of Favonius."

"Right, Grand Master Jean should still be waiting for us at Headquarters."

Lisa chuckled, her tone gentle.

Fischl snorted lightly, raised her hand, and flicked her hair dashingly. "Our achievements should be made known to the wise ruler of Mondstadt, letting her know that we have severed the chains of chaos in the torrent of fate!"

Oz sighed and translated skillfully: "Fischl means: Time to go ask Jean for the reward."

"Eh? Isn't that Grand Master Jean?"

Hearing Oz's words, Paimon suddenly pointed to the direction of the Mondstadt Plaza ahead.

Over there, Jean was facing away from them.

And in front of Jean stood a Fatui elite, seemingly communicating.

Immediately, everyone walked over.

"...So, this is our attitude."

As everyone approached, the Fatui elite standing in front of Jean put her hands on her hips and sneered, "If you cannot immediately exterminate the chaotic dragon, you might as well hand over Mondstadt's city defense to the Fatui."

"Mondstadt's Dragon Disaster can be handled, as long as you let us deal with that beast..."

"Beast?"

Hearing this, Jean frowned. "Anastasia, please watch your wording!"

Anastasia snorted cold. "Hmm? What does the Acting Grand Master mean?"

"Phew..."

Jean took a deep breath, her face incredibly serious. "I hope the diplomats of your country can show a more professional attitude."

"You want to deal with one of the Four Winds of Mondstadt?"

"I don't wish to hear such crazy talk in front of the Knights of Favonius."

"Heh... Hehehe... Not as crazy as you say."

Anastasia sneered.

Just as she wanted to say something, she suddenly saw Amber and the others walking over, and narrowed her eyes. "Very well. Today's consultation ends here."

"The result of this time is that both sides frankly exchanged constructive opinions, right?"

"I will... record it truthfully..."

Saying this, she turned to leave directly.

However, upon leaving, seeing Kael, she paused and smiled. "Mr. Kael, we meet again. You shouldn't have joined the Knights of Favonius, right? The Fatui welcomes your joining at any time. We are all waiting for you."

Saying this, Anastasia smiled, greeted him, and left.

Kael: "..."

Okay, okay. Sowing discord like this, huh?

Looking at the gazes from the people around him, Kael rubbed his brow.

So the form of "not being absolutely trusted by any party" manifests like this.

"Ah, Mr. Kael, Traveler, you're back."

At this time, seeing the returning Kael and others, Jean said pleasantly surprised, "Thank you very much for your assistance. The elemental cycle around the city has finally stabilized."

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