Mondstadt City — Knights of Favonius Library.
Jean and Lisa looked at each other.
Both could clearly see a trace of unease in the other's eyes.
The reason they were here was simple—they had been discussing whether to investigate the abandoned Four Winds Temple to determine the cause of the abnormal ley line disturbances.
They believed it was connected to Dvalin's rampage.
And yet—
The light-screen had mentioned this exact matter.
"So it's not fake…?"
"The images it's showing really are from the future."
Leaning against the edge of the desk, Jean suddenly straightened up, her expression unfocused.
The decision to head to the abandoned Four Winds Temple had been made only moments ago—
Between her and Lisa alone.
There was no possible third party who could know this.
"Don't panic, Jean," Lisa said gently.
"Since the future has been confirmed, this is actually beneficial for us."
"If the Fifth Descender truly intends to do something harmful to the Seven Nations, then the light-screen revealing him must be meant to help us find a way to respond."
"Don't forget—it also mentioned that the future may save the present."
"I think that's the real reason this light-screen appeared."
Lisa glanced at the chat interface created by the light-screen, growing more confident in her judgment.
It clearly existed to allow people across Teyvat to communicate conveniently.
Moreover, many influential figures still hadn't spoken—
They were obviously observing.
After all, knowing both oneself and the enemy was the key to victory.
[Jean]: "Amber, did you really discover Hilichurl tribes moving toward Mondstadt? And that Traveler as well…"
[Amber]: "Acting Grand Master Jean, that's correct. The Traveler and I have already entered Mondstadt. We're heading to your office now."
[Paimon]: "Huh? What's going on—does she not trust us?"
[Jean]: "No, that's not what I mean. I'm just confirming the situation. And thank you for helping Mondstadt in the future."
[Lumine]: "May I ask—has anyone seen a young man with golden hair and golden eyes, wearing a braid? He's my brother, Aether."
[Lumine]: "If anyone has information about him, please let me know. I'd be extremely grateful."
The Abyss Order.
Aether silently observed every movement in the chat.
"Lumine…"
"I'm sorry. We can't meet yet."
"There are still things I must do."
Despite saying that, his mind was in turmoil.
At first, he hadn't believed that anyone could possess such power—
The power to project the world's future before everyone's eyes.
Now, he hesitated.
The Primordial Loom of Fate…
Could it be referring to that small creature beside Lumine?
Across all of Teyvat, there was nothing more unusual than Paimon.
Others might not understand what a Descender truly was—
But as one of the twins, Aether understood all too well.
"My Prince…"
Abyss Lector Pyro, wreathed in crimson flames, spoke respectfully from the side.
"I've just received a report. Dvalin was intercepted by a green-clad individual."
"That person helped Dvalin break free from our control—and is even purifying the corrupted blood within him."
Aether's golden pupils narrowed slightly.
His expression grew heavier by the second.
That green-clad figure was almost certainly Barbatos, the Anemo Archon.
No wonder Dvalin had gone silent.
The light-screen had only exposed the Abyss Order leading Hilichurls to attack Mondstadt.
Everything lined up.
"Could the Fifth Descender really be the greatest variable…?"
The moment that thought surfaced, Aether's expression changed drastically.
In his plan to attack Mondstadt, the Hilichurl army was supposed to launch only one assault.
What had the Outrider sensed at the very end?
Could it have been… the Fifth Descender?
Not good.
That being's first target was Mondstadt?!
Aether felt a chill run through him.
Whether now or in the future, Lumine was in Mondstadt.
He refocused his attention on the chat, hoping someone else would realize this possibility.
Unfortunately, the chat was eerily silent.
After all, he wasn't the only intelligent one.
The moment Amber confirmed that Hilichurl tribes were approaching Mondstadt, many had already accepted the light-screen's authenticity.
And Lumine and Paimon truly had appeared in Mondstadt for the first time.
Every exposed conversation matched reality perfectly.
Windrise.
"So it really all matches up…"
"The Abyss Order's objective is actually to attack Mondstadt?"
Dvalin snorted, waves of heat billowing from his nostrils.
Mentioning the Abyss Order made his anger surge.
"And yet we didn't take the initiative. Barbatos, this is definitely your doing."
"Don't think I don't know—you want the people of Mondstadt to solve things on their own."
"Hmph. Keep this up, and they'll forget you completely."
Just like they forgot me.
Many in Mondstadt had already forgotten the East Wind of the Four Winds, Dvalin.
They now called him the Stormterror.
"Ehe…" Venti let out an awkward laugh.
"We should trust them a little more. After all—"
"Enough, Barbatos."
Dvalin interrupted impatiently, growling.
"I understand the order that gods who love humanity follow. You don't need to remind me."
Seeing that Dvalin remained as understanding as ever, Venti didn't argue further.
Instead, his gaze dimmed as he looked back at the light-screen.
"I hope Amber's intuition was wrong…"
Not far away.
Hidden behind a rock, Aerin had been quietly observing Venti and Dvalin the entire time.
"Phew…"
He let out a breath, a faintly satisfied expression on his face.
"Good thing I came to take a look before releasing that content."
"So if Lumine and Paimon don't encounter Dvalin…"
"Barbatos really does manage to purify him."
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