[The Trailblazers all know that you grew up in Belobog. Why did you choose the Xianzhou Luofu as the first stop after becoming a Nameless?]
[Facing the Trailblazer's inquiry and curiosity, you choose...]
[ OPTION 1: REVEAL THE TRUTH ]
You choose to tell the Trailblazer directly that even without you, the Astral Express is destined to go to the Luofu. This is the inescapable fate of the Express. You only knew some information in advance and cannot change the warp of the Express. All you can do is provide some information about the Luofu to the Trailblazers.
Reward: Trailblazer's Path Branch Skill — [Architect's Legacy].
Effect: Each time you are attacked, gain 1 stack of [Magma Will], stacking up to 8 times.
[ OPTION 2: MAINTAIN MYSTERY ]
You decide to stay mysterious and not easily reveal your motives. You tell the Trailblazer that the Luofu is an important stop, but the reason you chose it hides more unknowns. You will remain silent until the time is ripe to give the answer. Perhaps some mysteries can only be solved after experiencing them personally.
Reward: [Bark of Knowledge].
Description: Dry bark seemingly possessing the power of Erudition. Its wrinkles tell of the accumulation of years and the wisdom of the earth. After being turned into pulp, it can tell even more.
[ OPTION 3: EXCHANGE CONDITIONS ]
Want to know? Then give benefits. You won't do it without benefits.
Reward: [Lost Gold Fragment].
Description: Fragmentum dust carefully collected, with an irregular shape. Can be expressed as a specific Relic form if conditions are correct. Can be added to equipment forging as mineral material.
Looking at the three options appearing, Kael fell silent.
Of these three options, only the first reward was beneficial to him.
The rewards of the other two options were useless to him.
Besides this, Kael was most curious about...
Since this option appeared, then Kafka would appear next.
The question was, who would correspond to Kafka?
Thinking of this, Kael looked around with a strange expression.
Currently around the road, there were not even monsters, let alone people.
Kafka's corresponding target shouldn't be small.
Shaking his head, Kael stopped thinking about it.
Anyway, he couldn't figure it out.
Instead, he walked while smiling at Lumine. "What information do you want to know about Liyue? Liyue's commercial port, Liyue Harbor, is the most prosperous and largest throughput port in all of Teyvat."
"Liyue's Golden House is the only mint in Teyvat, producing the unified currency of the entire continent, 'Mora'. The god Liyue people believe in is the God of Contracts, the Geo Archon Morax among the Seven Archons of the Mortal World. Thus Liyue has the title of the City of Contracts."
"Name of the Geo Archon?"
"City of Contracts?"
Hearing Kael's words, Lumine widened her eyes.
Kael really gave very useful information.
"No wonder Liyue is so prosperous. It turns out there is a contract."
Lumine pinched her chin, pondering. "I'm becoming more and more interested in Liyue."
"Hehe."
Beside her, Paimon chuckled. "Liyue definitely has a lot of delicious food. When we get to Liyue, we must eat a lot, otherwise we will be sorry for the Mora we earned in Mondstadt during this time!"
"Mm-hmm-hmm."
Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine nodded heavily.
Serving as Kael's assistant during this time.
Every time she came back from outside, she could get a large sum of Mora, giving her the feeling that money was really easy to earn.
Thinking of her current savings, Lumine narrowed her eyes.
A look of happiness.
At this time, the options in front of Kael reappeared.
[Facing the Trailblazer's inquiry and curiosity, you chose to Reveal The Truth, making the Trailblazer even more shocked. Is the Astral Express destined to go to Penacony? You know, the next itinerary should be Penacony roughly.]
[Congratulations on obtaining Option One Reward: Trailblazer's Path Branch Skill — [Architect's Legacy]. Each time you are attacked, gain 1 stack of [Magma Will], stacking up to 8 times.]
As the reward appeared, Kael only felt a vast power pouring into his body from the void.
This power did not make him feel any oppression or discomfort.
Instead, it was like a gentle spring water, flowing quickly and naturally into every inch of his skin, every nerve, and finally gathering deep in his heart.
This feeling was like a body exhausted for a long time suddenly wrapped in a comfortable warm current. Every cell in his limbs and bones was cheering and jumping.
As long as Kael moved slightly, he could feel that power circulating naturally in his body. It seemed he didn't need to control it deliberately at all; everything became so natural.
This feeling wasn't just an enhancement of strength, but a sublimation of the soul.
Kael could feel that power surging from inside out, as if every cell was burning, and his thinking became clearer and sharper accordingly.
Comfortable.
This kind of passive-like Path Talent was much more comfortable than active ones.
"Yah!"
Suddenly, a strange cry rang out abruptly.
Several monsters rushed out of the woods violently, pouncing on Lumine and the others with strong oppression.
"Ah!"
The sudden monsters made Paimon scream subconsciously, almost falling out of the air.
"Why are there monsters? Too sudden."
Paimon flew to Kael's side hurriedly.
Lumine drew her sword quickly.
Movements clean and neat, rushing forward without hesitation.
Mobilizing Anemo power without hesitation, Anemo swept in instantly, driving her body to leap suddenly, the one-handed sword slashing at the neck of one monster like lightning.
With a crisp fracture sound, the monster fell in response.
The remaining four monsters were also quickly resolved.
Everything was completed in just a few seconds. The air still retained the lingering charm of the wind.
After the battle ended, Lumine stood in place, put away the sword, and looked at Paimon.
"Phew."
Seeing Lumine solve the monsters, Paimon let out a long sigh. "Really, it's too dangerous outside now!"
"We haven't left Mondstadt City for long, and we encountered a monster attack!"
"Walking all the way to the border of Liyue, there will definitely be many monsters encountered."
"Sigh, when we walked from the island to Mondstadt City before, we didn't encounter many monsters."
Speaking of which, Paimon sighed.
"Is there a possibility..."
Hearing Paimon's sigh, Lumine looked strange. "The reason we didn't encounter monsters when we went to Mondstadt City before was because we met Amber?"
"That's right."
Hearing Lumine's words, Paimon was stunned.
Then suddenly realized. "Amber is the Outrider of Mondstadt. Taking us to Mondstadt City, she must have taken us on a safe road."
"Sigh, if I knew earlier, I would have dragged Amber along."
Paimon scratched her head. "How relaxing it would be to have Amber escort us for a while. Otherwise, these monsters jumping out from time to time... even if they can be solved, I will be scared."
"No choice, the wild is like this."
Lumine wasn't surprised at all. "And don't worry, leave the monsters to me."
"If we encounter many monsters, even if we can't beat them, we can run. Anyway, Kael is here."
Saying this, Lumine looked at Kael and chuckled. "Right, Kael."
"En."
Hearing Lumine's words, Kael nodded gently.
The sudden monster attack made Kael feel the need to treat it seriously.
Even if it could be solved easily, it was quite tedious.
Especially walking all this way, who knew how many monsters would be encountered.
Thinking of this, Kael thought of the option reward obtained before.
Without any hesitation.
With a thought.
The [Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow] obtained before appeared out of thin air in front of Kael.
Like an undead warrior walking out of a frozen abyss.
His whole body emitted heart-palpitating cold air, as if every step he took could bring an extreme cold storm.
That ice-blue armor on his body was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the weak light around, yet revealing a deadly cold.
The design of the armor was exquisite, but not as simple and practical as the soldiers of Belobog.
Instead, it presented a twisted beauty. Every metal plate was filled with frost patterns, seemingly a legacy frozen by cold air.
Especially his head, completely different from any creature or machine.
There were no facial features on the top of the head, replaced by a cluster of sharp ice prisms, like shattered ice crystals, interlaced into a sharp crown.
Every ice prism flashed with cold light, as if it could pierce the barrier of all matter.
Cold aura emanated from the ice prisms. The surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly. Frost climbed quickly on the surrounding grass and rocks, making the air colder and heavier.
The Ice Axe in his hand seemed to be composed of ice crystals. The axe blade was extremely sharp, emitting biting cold.
Believed that every swing would pull out streams of cold air in the air, forming cold winds that made people unable to breathe.
"Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow..."
Looking at this Shadow, Kael narrowed his eyes.
In his memory, he hadn't not dealt with this thing.
In combat, the Shadow swung that ice axe. The friction between the axe blade and the air produced a harsh sound, like the sound of cutting ice.
And with every swing, that cold power would spread out, covering the enemy, delaying the enemy's movements, as if time was frozen at that moment.
Only elite Silvermane Guards could contend with it.
And the Shadow felt no pain.
"What is this?!"
Facing the suddenly appearing Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow, Paimon's eyes widened as big as copper bells.
Staring at the sudden monster in front of her in shock.
The figure of the Shadow was cold and tall. The aura of frost on its body almost froze the surrounding air into ice. The grass on the ground turned pale instantly, as if the whole world was shrouded by an invisible cold air.
That sharp ice axe and the radiant ice prism head gave an indescribable oppression.
Making Paimon's heartbeat accelerate instantly.
Immediately, she retreated hurriedly, daring not approach this Shadow at all.
Lumine also looked vigilant.
Leaning forward slightly, hands gripping the hilt tightly, ready to deal with any possible enemy at any time.
Her gaze scanned the Shadow back and forth, her heart full of questions.
This monster obviously didn't belong to any kind she had seen.
Its appearance and the aura it emitted were so strange.
And what made her feel even stranger was...
Although this monster looked full of cold power, there was no perceived Cryo elemental aura.
What is going on?
"Don't worry."
Kael spoke. "This is summoned by me. You can understand it as a special elemental creature like Oz beside Fischl."
"For the next journey, with this one guarding us, you don't have to worry about encountering monster attacks."
"Eh?"
Hearing Kael's words, Paimon and Lumine didn't react for a moment, stunned.
A moment later, they looked at each other as if realizing something.
Paimon's eyes lit up, laughing, tone full of excitement and surprise: "There's such a good thing? Awesome!"
So it's a friendly force.
Paimon couldn't help turning her head to look at that majestic Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow.
That cold aura shook her heart, but more of a sense of security surged in her heart.
If there was such a powerful guardian, their journey next seemed to become incredibly reassuring.
Although she was curious about this cold creature, even a bit confused.
After all, its appearance was really puzzling.
How did Kael summon it?
But Paimon didn't pursue the question.
After all, she didn't seem to need to worry about these details now.
The feeling of powerful protection was really great.
She even felt that she and Lumine could really travel freely in this land, no longer troubled by any threats.
Lumine didn't have too many questions either.
Although she still had some doubts about this monster, Kael had provided enough explanation.
Moreover, looking at the powerful aura emitted by the Shadow, she couldn't help breathing a sigh of relief.
"With its protection, we indeed don't need to worry about monster attacks."
Lumine turned her gaze back to the Shadow, a few points of peace of mind generated in her heart.
The Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow stood quietly beside Kael.
Its cold aura was like a barrier, guarding their journey.
Paimon couldn't help jumping again, saying excitedly, "Hey! With such a powerful monster, I feel safe! Feels like having a gold medal for avoiding death, monsters have to detour!"
"Alright, let's continue."
Kael spoke.
Regarding this Shadow, he knew the power and uniqueness of this thing from the beginning.
He also believed this thing could provide effective protection for them in the next journey.
Dealing with monsters and such would definitely be easy.
No need to worry about monster attacks anymore.
As time passed.
Kael, Lumine, and Paimon moved forward all the way.
The Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow walked at the forefront, waiting in full battle array.
The cold aura emitted seemed to pave a layer of inviolable barrier on this road.
The cold wind raged around them, but there was no biting feeling, as if suppressed by the aura of the Shadow.
Along the way.
Although traces of monsters were encountered from time to time.
However, the appearance of the Shadow always made these lurking threats vanish into thin air instantly.
Monster attacks caused them almost no trouble.
Under that waving ice axe, ordinary monsters in the wild were almost killed in one hit.
From the morning sun to the heat of noon.
Then to the breeze of the afternoon.
The sunset descended slowly, sprinkling golden afterglow.
As if drawing a perfect full stop for this day's journey.
The steps of Kael, Lumine, and Paimon were unhurried, already accustomed to the peace of this journey.
Paimon was in a happy mood, narrowing her eyes.
Flying while looking up at the high sunset, chuckling: "I didn't expect there would be such a strange guy protecting us, simply too convenient!"
"Walking all the way, don't even need to worry about a monster, simply too happy!"
Paimon's words were full of relaxation and excitement, and even the smile on her face became exceptionally brilliant.
Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine couldn't help revealing a smile.
Looking at this warm and peaceful scene in front of her, a feeling of comfort surged in her heart.
"Yeah, with it here, indeed don't need to worry about monster attacks. Feeling carefree all the way."
The only pity is that this guy can't talk.
You have to know, Oz can talk.
As the sky gradually darkened, night fell as promised.
The starry sky bloomed brightly.
Stars dotted the night sky, as if sending blessings to their journey.
Kael, Lumine, and Paimon came to an open grassland.
The night breeze blew gently, the air filled with the fragrance of grass and wood.
Soon, a small fire built with wood and stones was burning.
The light of the flame looked particularly warm and quiet in the night.
The Eternal Winter Calamity Shadow stood in the distance, maintaining a cold posture, as if this silent night sky and everything around had nothing to do with it.
Its existence, although full of threat, also gave people an indescribable sense of security.
"It's night already. We haven't found a cave. Really sleeping on the grass today."
Paimon looked around while muttering, "But with this big guy protecting us, we should be able to sleep well tonight."
"Is it just me feeling a bit cold? Lumine, do you feel it?"
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