"The aftermath of Stormterror's last attack has temporarily come to an end."
"However, the pressure from the delegation has reached a point where it is difficult to ignore..."
Speaking of this, Jean sighed.
"Delegation?"
Hearing Jean's words, Paimon looked confused. "Is it a diplomatic delegation... from Liyue Harbor? Or Inazuma City?"
"It is Snezhnaya, the nation that believes in the Cryo Archon among the Seven."
Jean said softly, "Their envoys have a special name: the Fatui—have you heard of them?"
"Ah, the Fatui. Indeed, I have heard of them!"
Hearing this, Paimon suddenly realized, scratching her head. "But they have a rather bad reputation."
"I don't think killing Stormterror directly is the right course of action."
Jean shook her head and continued, "Moreover, the Fatui led by the Cryo Archon covet the power of the Anemo Archon's familiar..."
"This matter itself is already very suspicious."
"Power?"
Hearing this, Lumine fell silent for a moment.
Jean noticed this scene suspiciously and asked immediately, "What is it, Traveler?"
"There is something I want the Knights to see..."
Lumine hesitated and spoke, making Jean raise an eyebrow.
Then she nodded. "Hmm? Alright, let's go back to the Knights Headquarters."
"Don't discuss important matters in... this kind of place."
"You guys come too. The storm shrouding Mondstadt has disappeared, and I want to thank you as well."
As she spoke, Jean looked at Kael and the others.
These people acted together, and in Jean's opinion, they indeed deserved thanks.
"We have broken through the thorns of fate and severed the chains of chaos. Now the storm has scattered, and the calamity has been removed... My mission is also complete!"
Just then, a cold and confident voice rang out abruptly.
Everyone turned their heads instantly.
Fischl stood proudly at the back of the team.
Hands on hips, her golden pupil narrowed slightly, shrouded in an aura of disdain for the world.
Her purple cape fluttered gently in the wind, like the last stroke of gorgeous color before nightfall.
Oz, long accustomed to his master's dramatic performance, flapped his wings gently and translated with a smile: "My Lady means: She does not intend to go to the Knights of Favonius, but wants to go back."
Jean was stunned, seemingly not expecting Fischl to choose to leave at this time.
After thinking for a moment, she nodded and revealed a gentle smile. "Since that is the case, I won't force you."
"The Knights of Favonius will remember your contribution. A formal written commendation will be sent to your home afterward."
Hearing this sentence, a flash of satisfaction appeared in Fischl's eye.
In the next second, Fischl hummed lightly and nodded gently. "Hmph... Naturally!"
"I am Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort, the Arbiter of Fate. The end of Mondstadt's disaster naturally deserves the glory belonging to this Prinzessin!"
Oz translated accurately again: "My Lady means: She is very satisfied with this arrangement."
Paimon watched, dumbfounded.
Then she quietly approached Lumine and whispered, "This Fischl is really unique... but also quite interesting."
Lumine immediately revealed an awkward but polite smile.
"Our journey ends here for now."
"But the Wheel of Fate is still turning. One day, we shall intersect again—"
At this time, Fischl raised a hand, half-covering her cheek, making a dramatic parting pose.
Like a protagonist of a stage play about to leave the stage.
Watching this scene, the corner of Kael's mouth twitched.
Fischl's farewell was always full of strong dramatic flair.
But he had to say...
This was Fischl's uniqueness.
In the next second, Fischl turned dashingly, her cape rising, and strode toward her home in Mondstadt.
On her shoulder, Oz smiled at Jean and the others. "My Lady means—She is going home. See you tomorrow."
Everyone watched the purple figure drifting away.
Until she completely disappeared into the glow of the setting sun.
"She really is... a special guy."
Paimon sighed again.
"Indeed."
Lumine nodded gently.
Kael looked at Fischl's retreating back, his eyes flickering slightly.
Because at this time, the virtual panel appeared again.
Pale blue light interlaced in his vision, accompanied by lines of text appearing rapidly.
[You accepted Seele's invitation. You traveled with the girl for a few days, spent more time together, and walked a rather long road with her.]
[Congratulations on obtaining Option Two Reward: Seele's Path Branch Skill — [Phantom].]
[Effect: Upon use, enter a Stealth state for 20 seconds. While in Stealth, you cannot be detected by enemies. Initiating an attack while in Stealth immediately triggers an Ambush, entering combat with a buffed state.]
An unprecedented power surged into Kael's body like a tide from all directions.
It felt as if some invisible energy was flowing through his limbs and bones.
Kael could clearly feel it.
He could now hide his figure anytime, anywhere.
The nature of this power was completely different from [Ripple] or [I Also Want To Help] obtained previously.
If the previous Path Skills were more inclined toward combat assistance and enhancement...
Then [Phantom]... was a completely different concept.
It wasn't increasing attack, nor increasing speed.
But a power that completely erased one's own sense of existence.
Invisibility.
Thorough invisibility.
Not only disappearing from the senses, but even elemental perception and life aura fluctuations would be completely shielded, as if he never existed in this world.
This power was extremely eerie, yet incredibly practical.
Kael narrowed his eyes slightly, immersed in this newly acquired ability.
This Path Skill is stronger than I imagined.
He could feel that if he wanted to...
Even right now, he could instantly vanish from everyone's sight, becoming a shadow that could not be detected.
In combat, this was almost the most perfect stealth ability.
It could be used to scout enemy situations, hide in moments of crisis, strike first before battle starts...
He could even avoid everyone's sight when necessary, completely transforming into a phantom and vanishing without a trace.
But... now was obviously not the time to test it.
Kael glanced around. Amber, Lumine, Paimon, Lisa, and others were still there.
They were chatting, preparing to return to the Knights to report the mission.
If he suddenly vanished into thin air at this time, it would probably scare the hell out of them.
"Forget it, I'll test it when I get back."
Kael thought secretly, keeping a low profile and restraining his aura, temporarily not triggering this new skill.
But deep inside, he already had countless combat plan concepts.
Regarding how to use this new skill flexibly to maximize its value in future battles.
This might be...
The most special ability he had obtained so far.
Thinking of this, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly, and he put his hands in his pockets.
Then he went to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters with Lumine and the others.
When they arrived at the Headquarters...
Jean motioned for everyone to sit down.
At the same time, she spoke to Lumine: "Mondstadt and Snezhnaya are equal, both being one of the Seven Nations of this world."
"Mondstadt is an independent city-state and does not belong to any other country."
"Snezhnaya is just called differently because its political system was different when it was established."
"But diplomatically, the Fatui of Snezhnaya can probably be considered the strongest party on the continent..."
"I see."
Hearing Jean's words, Lumine suddenly realized.
Paimon beside her puffed up angrily: "Like that guy just now, his tone was very annoying."
"Then next is the thing you mentioned."
In the next second, Jean looked at Lumine. "You said there was something you wanted us to see. What is it?"
Hearing Jean's words, Lumine immediately took out a dark red crystal.
It was a blood-red crystal teardrop.
As soon as it appeared, it suspended in mid-air, like a tear about to fall.
Inside the crystal, traces of black shadow flowed faintly, as if some ominous aura was circling within.
Its surface glowed with a faint red light, soft but oppressive, emitting some unknown energy fluctuation.
It looked ominous, turbid, yet possessed some mysterious power.
The moment Lumine took out this crystal, the surrounding air seemed to stagnate slightly.
Jean and Lisa's gazes were instantly attracted.
Amber and Paimon also widened their eyes, staring at it in surprise.
"It's a crystal containing some kind of power... But, Lisa, can you analyze its composition?"
As Jean spoke, she looked at Lisa.
"Hmm, let me see."
Lisa raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at the crystal with interest.
Then she raised her hand, gathering faint Electro power at her fingertips, trying to sense the energy fluctuation within.
However, the moment her elemental power touched the crystal, the crimson light trembled violently, as if resisting the outsider's contact.
At the same time, the black impurities inside the crystal also rippled, flowing slowly like black mist.
"Ugh..."
Lisa frowned, withdrawing the Electro power in her hand, and sighed softly.
"Judging from the appearance, this crystal is not damaged, but some parts... seem to have been corroded."
Her voice paused slightly.
Then she continued, "The interior of this crystal is mixed with some filthy impurities. It seems to be the residue of some dark energy, or rather... polluted by some external power."
"However..."
Lisa's tone carried a bit of helplessness, and she shook her head gently. "Further research is... I'm sorry, I can't reach a useful conclusion right now."
She sighed, spread her hands, and shrugged helplessly.
"This is not a simple monster crystal. Just observing the surface, the information I can get is very limited."
Lisa thought for a moment, her eyes flickering slightly, then revealed a meaningful smile.
"Give me some time. I'll go to the Restricted Section to find some materials."
Lisa blinked, speaking briskly.
Hearing this, Jean nodded, revealing a look of approval. "Then Lisa, I'll leave the subsequent research and investigation to you."
"En. If there is any progress, I will notify everyone."
Lisa nodded gently.
Then she looked at the crystal thoughtfully. "But, don't expect too much help from ancient documents. Moreover..."
"The filthy impurities in the crystal... just getting slightly close makes me feel a stinging pain..."
"...I see. So that's it... It's mutual repulsion with the Vision."
"That filthy power will repel the elemental power in our bodies, intertwining and killing each other."
"But, it's really strange. The Traveler can obviously use elemental power too, but she isn't affected."
"Anyway, let the Cutie keep this crystal. Keeping it in our hands will only add pain."
"Cutie?"
Hearing this, Lumine scratched her head.
But she still put the crystal away.
Seeing Lumine completely unaffected, Jean exclaimed, "...Truly an incredible phenomenon."
"Do you have any clue about all this—about the special aspects of yourself?"
Lumine shook her head.
"I thought so..."
"Then, Traveler. This is the Knights' second presumptuous request:"
"Please accept the title of Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius... and the gratitude of the Acting Grand Master."
Saying this, Jean bowed deeply to Lumine.
Then she bowed to Kael as well. "And Mr. Kael, thank you for your contribution to Mondstadt's storm."
"Please also help us again to find the answers to these mysteries."
"The dragon's madness, and the weird crystal... I think the answer behind this must be related to Mondstadt's peace."
"May the wind wipe your eyes and let you see the truth."
"If there are any latest discoveries, let's meet here again."
When Jean said this sentence, in front of Kael.
The text on the virtual panel emerged again.
[On the journey with Seele, with your help, you let Bronya learn her true background through Seele, causing Bronya to be conflicted between her own thoughts and Cocolia's actions.]
[Fortunately, you pointed it out in time and pulled her back to reality. After that, you told them about your experience coming from the same orphanage, which also slowly turned their relationship from antagonistic to companions.]
[Because of your help, her vague childhood memories were recalled. But Bronya is very confused right now because she feels her mother's actions might be wrong. Facing Bronya's wavering and confusion, you choose...]
[ OPTION 1: IGNITE THE FIRE OF REBELLION ]
Since she is already wavering, you might as well add fuel to the fire. "Yes, your mother's actions are indeed wrong." You tell Bronya firmly that she has the right to choose, not to be manipulated forever.
Reward: Bronya's Path Branch Skill — [Combat Redeployment].
Effect: Upon use, immediately removes one debuff from a designated ally, allows them to act immediately, and increases their DMG by 33%/66%.
[ OPTION 2: GENTLE MEDIATION ]
Things are not black and white, Bronya. You choose not to guide her directly, but let her make her own decision. Perhaps her mother is wrong, but is she entirely wrong? Truth requires reason to explore.
Reward: [Family Hymn].
Description: A music box containing the power of the Path of Harmony.
[ OPTION 3: SILENT SPECTATOR ]
You watch her expression change but give no answer. Just shrug, as if saying: "This has nothing to do with you." The choice is ultimately in her hands.
Reward: [Meteorite Bullet].
Description: Iron pellets cast to hunt monsters. Slightly increases progress on the Path of The Hunt.
"As expected."
Looking at the new options, a light appeared in Kael's eyes.