*This is ported by Wattpad, feel free to come by as I've focused on making stories there rather here.*
More news to mention, after the Mondstadt Chapter is done, the extra info and other chapters that aren't tied in the story will be removed.
With the mission succeed, Lumine, Paimon and others have prevented the Fatui's action of a potential hidden infiltration. What's lucky, the Lyre der Himmel is there on that same secret hideout.
At the city, Lumine and Paimon are just going back to Diluc's Tavern, due to Amber and Eula have their other duties back to the Knights of Favonius. She didn't mention them the lyre at all, given this was a secret from Jean. But what irks Lumine's thoughts when hearing the man's words...
'Signora'... She has no idea who this person is, other than being in charge of this operation, she will need to ask Diluc who seemed to know about the Fatui...
Just as they arrived at the Tavern that is closed, but they go inside anyway as Paimon calls out, "We're back!" She waved.
Venti, Diluc, and Jean are here inside as the bard smiles and returns the wave. "Welcome back! I say you got the Lyre?" He asked.
Lumine nodded, "Here it is." She showed it out of her inventory as revealing the lyre itself. Venti now has his hands on it, she sees his expression shows nostalgia when holding the lyre.
"Oh, the memories..." Venti remarked. "The pattern of flowing wind carved on the rosewood... And the strings still feel cool to the touch too."
"What do you think Venit?" Jean asked. "Can you summon Dvalin?"
Venti stops his admiring the lyre as he sighed happily, "I doubt that's gonna work." He said as he shows the lyre. "As you can see, it's been through thousand years of history, it's power is completely dry. In this condition, you couldn't play music fit for even Diluc's tavern with it..."
"Bards fight to get on the stage of my tavern. Don't make assumptions." Diluc replied with arms crossed.
"Is that really important right now, Master Diluc!?" Paimon worried as she turns to Venti, her hands on her hips. "And you , did you just borrow the Holy Lyre to play music for drunkards to hear?" She questioned.
"Hehe." Venti giggled.
"What do you mean 'hehe'!?" Paimon angrily exclaimed.
"Anyways." Venti changed the discussion seeing the rest is staring at this small awkward talk. "We won't be able to call Dvalin with it. The Lyre is fine but the strings..." He observes then he smiles and turns to Lumine, "You're up, outlander!" He grabs her hand and arm.
"Huh?" Lumine blurted out. "I don't know how to fix this."
"Relax!" Venti assured. "It's not broken. It's just that the intensity of its Anemo power has greatly diminished. Do you still have Dvalin's Teardrop Crystal with you?" He asked. "Try to use it on the Holy Lyre."
The teardrop? Lumine takes it out the purified teardrop, leading to Jean's surprise of how purified it is. Then the energy is transferred into the Lyre as it glows warmly, as the dusty old strings become new...
"This youthful glow..." Jean widen her eyes.
"Yep!" Venti nodded. "She has purified the crystal, the Holy Lyre won't continue to lose power. That said, its power is far from replenished. It'd be great if we could get more tears."
"How can we gather more?" Paimon asked.
"Well I can surmise that Dvalin will already be crying..." Venti replied as his expression slightly goes somber. "Suffering alone in some deserted place..."
"..." Jean hears his words, feeling sorry for him. Lumine and Paimon joined in. "This is not something that an Honorary Knight can accomplish alone. I will mobilize the rest of the knights to assist."
Lumine thinks of this, but she has an idea, she has an outside helper. "Actually, we have someone outside who can help us..." She suggested.
Everyone looks at her as she calls out her communication device... "Zandra, you still here?" She calls out.
Venti watches Lumine speaking, "Ha! Heroes supporting each other and setting out on a journey together. How exciting!" He smiled. "Lemme come up with a song..."
"Is that all you're going to do? Just sing?" Paimon deadpanned asked.
"Wouldn't be much of a bard if I didn't now, would I?" Venti smirked.
Paimon puffed her cheeks, "Hmph. You're so cheeky... You deserve an ugly nickname." She muttered. "Oh, Paimon knows! From now on, you'll be known as Tone-Deaf Bard!"
"Okay." Lumine finishes the call, "She'll be coming with the rest of the tears, but she won't be returning to the city."
"That's fine, tell her to arrive at Dawn Winery." Diluc stated.
Leaving the city with ease, Lumine and Paimon are at the back, while DIluc is at themiddle while Venti and Jean are at the front.
Lumine decided to speak to Diluc, "Master Diluc?" She spoke. "I need to say something..."
"If you're gonna say something to me, drop the formalities." Diluc replied.
"Right." Lumine nodded. "When infiltrating the hideout, one of the Fatui warns me, that Signora is coming." She explained.
"Signora?" Paimon perked up. "What a strange name..."
Diluc sighed, "So my hunch is correct..." He muttered. "No. 8 of The Eleven Fatui Harbingers." He stated.
"Harbingers?" Lumine asked.
"I've known them, Cyro Archon bestow them in high rank positons, which the Fatui themselves can run amok across the seven nations due to them." He explained. "If what he said is true, we need to act quickly before she gets wind of what's going on."
"..." Lumine once again nodded. If he thinks they are bad news, she won't have to question it.
Then they finally arrived at the quite a big mansion, where Zandra is right here, although being guarded by maids.
Diluc approaches first, "Thank you Moco and Hillie, you may continue your duties." He said.
"Yes, Master Diluc." The two nodded as they head off.
"So you got it?" Lumine joined in, asking Zandra who seemed a bit paralyzed.
"Yep!" She replied with a pained expression. "It was hard trying to carrying them whiteout getting zapped..." She reveals three corrupted teardrop crystals.
"The color of these crystals looks... Muddy." Venti witness them. "...Let's start purifying these crystals first. Please, Lumine."
Lumine takes the crystals and soon they are purified with ease. Then the three are now transferring its energy to the Lyre...
"It is hard to believe such a thing is possible, until you've seen it with your own eyes." Jean remarked to the re-energize progress.
"It's like filtering wine. The process is... Refreshing." Diluc replied. And just that the Lyre is fully energized, filled with turquoise bright colors.
"It worked!" Paimon cheered.
"It seems completely different from before." Jean perked at the new look.
"The lyre's power seems fully restored. We should be able to use it now." Venti stated. "It's all thanks to you, Traveler." He smiled at Lumine.
"So..." Zandra spoke up. "As being recent in this conversation, where should we summon Stormterror?" She asked.
"It must be away from the city, else there will be casualties should we fail." Jean suggested.
"Hm... The wind that blows at sea or in high places should be able to carry a bard's words far away." Venti mentioned. "It's never going to work if the air is too dry or suffocating."
"Paimon understands. Sea or high places, right?" Paimon asked.
"If you go east from Starfell Lake, there are mountains south of the beach." Diluc informed as he turned to Venti. "What do you think, bard? Meets the requirements, no?"
"Lemme think..." Venti hummed for a moment. "Alright, let's do it there."
"Very well. Then let's meet at Starsnatch Cliff when we are ready." Jean stated. "Please don't be late."
"Hee-hee! Yes, Ma'am!" Paimon giggled.
"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to..."Jean quickly apologizes.
"Alright!" Zandra claps her hands. "Let's do this!"
Time has past, on the next day, they arrived at the edge of the Starsnatch Cliff... Venti has his lyre, while Diluc, Jean, Lumine, Zandra and Paimon whose wowing the view are waiting from a slight distance away. Everyone has already prepared what's coming, while unarmed, their instincts are ready.
"The view is beautiful..." Paimon pondered.
"Lovely for a fated reunion, isn't it?" Venti wondered. "Well, we must be prepared for a fight."
"I was a afraid you'd say that..." Zandra remarked.
"Regardless of the outcome, things finally seem to be taking a turn for the better." Jean stated. "Mondstadt has really been going through so much recently..."
"Huh! In the end, the solution to our problem was as simple as a traveler and a song." Diluc replied. "I suppose the may have played a part in it too..."
"Oh, we get it, Master Diluc... Everyone, please step aside!" Venti warned. "I, the best wandering bard of the mortal world, shall begin my performance with the Holy Lyre."
With that he begins to play... Music occurs, flowing on the air and sky... Just that... Wind rushes around the area they stand, almost everyone covered their faces by the gush of air pushing them.
Then came Dvalin, the dragon who arrived in front of Venti...
"You have come..." Dvalin's voice deepen as he spoke to the bard. "What has been done cannot be undone..."
"If so, then why do I see sadness in your eyes?" Venti questioned with concern. "Sadness that speaks of your yearning for this song..."
"Grr..." Dvalin grunted.
"They are... Communicating..." Jean witness the conversation...
"Yeah, if you know that would make sense..." Zandra added. "Wait..." She noticed beside Dvalin... An ice attack appeared! Hit Venti which knocked him afar!
"Tone-Deaf Bard!" Paimon exclaimed. Everyone tensed up seeing none other as an Abyss Mage appeared next to Dvalin.
"Do not be fooled by him, dear dragon..." The Abyss Mage spoke in cynical tone. "He left you to rot alone... Now he attempts to deceive you once more..."
Dvalin stared at Venti, "Barbatos..." He muttered out loud, revealing his true name.
"Let your wrath fester!" The Mage stated. "Mondstadt has already turned its back on you!"
With that, Dvalin's eyes dialed, he bellowed a loud roar that shock the ground they stood. "You!" He yelled enraged. "You were planning this all along?! To have me slain by them?"
"It's not like that!" Venti reasoned as he stood up.
"The time has come for the dragon to serve its true master..." The Abyss Mage interrupted. "While you bewail your pathetic selves, and watch the world tremble with fear!"
With that it disappear, as Dvalin roars again and flies off. All while Venti watched with a sadden look.
"Dvalin..." Venti murmured.
The dragon flies through the sky again, suddenly the sky colors itself turned grey. Clouds round up as thunder roars and the wind blows through. Mondstadt City are witnessing this event casued, with people worrying along that Amber, Eula, and others are watching as well.
Then suddenly, other Abyss Mages appeared then they waved their wands leading Hilichurls are summoned and many more in large and small sizes. They yelled in might as they are charging at the city... All while Stormterror flies off to the unknown area...
Seeing the situation has worsen, Jean and Lumine rushes up to Venti. "Venti, are you okay?" Jean asked.
"Hehe..." Venti softly chuckled. "You've known my true identity for some time now, haven't you Jean?"
"..." Jean didn't reply, but Venti knows she has heard it.
"Though, I thank you for continuing to use the name Venti." He said.
"What about the Lyre?" Diluc asked.
"Well..." Venti stares at the ground... The lyre is broken. "Unfortunately, I think it's beyond repair..."
"So what do we do?" Zandra wondered. "And, ever since Dvalin is mad, the sky has changed and I swear I see more Hilichurls and other monsters appeared."
"The Abyss Mage..." Lumine reminded. "It's controlling Dvalin, if we can destroy it..."
"Lumine's right." Diluc replied. "If we don't fight the evil at its source, then we can't save Dvalin at all."
"In which case I shall call upon to track it down..." Jean suggested.
"No need." Diluc assured as Jean stares. "I eradicated one, in one of the Four Winds' temples."
"What!? When...?" Paimon exclaimed.
"If you want to track those monsters down, then I'll seek answers from my contacts. I've got other means for getting the job done." Diluc stated.
"..." Paimon stares before she smile. "Though he dislikes the Knights of Favonius, he protects Mondstadt in his own way."
"Hmph." Diluc crossed his arms. "However, the girl is right, Hilichurls are summoned, no doubt by the Abyss Mage's work." He mentioned Zandra's words as he gazed the sight from the cliff.
"Then, Mondstadt is in trouble!" Paimon worried.
"Nope!" Zandra assured. "I'm sure the others are gonna have to deal with these hilichurls. And Red hair guy can hunt down the Abyss Mage." Diluc sighed when she gives him an alias.
Jean hears this and nods, "Very well." She then turns to Lumine. "Is Amber connected to this device?" She asked her as she nodded, "Then I need it to contact Amber to release Xavier and Jonathan from under watch custody. Mondstadt needs all the help it needs while we need to stop Dvalin."
"Of course." Lumine replied as she gives the device to her.
"Time's wasting, we need to find the Abyss Mage." Diluc stated.
With that, they proceed to leave as Venti takes the broken Lyre...
"Alright." Amber nodded hearing Jean's words. With that, she rushes to the Headquarters, and inside opens the door of the library. "Xavier! Jonathan! Jean needs you!"
Lisa is there as well, along with the two as she smiled. "My, my..." She replied. "You are free to go."
"I assume, something's bad has happened." Xavier assumed, reminding the current weather change has occurred.
Then one of the Knight arrived in the room, "I apologize for the outburst, but witness from the walls see Hilichurls and other monsters are ignoring other villages and heading to the city full speed." He explained.
"Oh?" Lisa perked. "It seems dear Jean needs us to defend it."
"Let's not disappoint Acting Grand Master!" Amber raised her hand. "We may need all the help we can get!"
"Let's hope they know what they are doing..." Jonathan remarked about the others outside.
At the Dawn Winery, Diluc has returned back as the others are waiting for his expertise skills to search the Abyss Mage.
"I found it, managed to dig up a few clues." He said.
"Really? That quickly? You really are well connected, Master Diluc." Venti thanked him. He gestured them to head off, as they quickly follow his lead. Paimon wonders something during the path...
"Hang on, Paimon wonders something..." Paimon realized as she turns to Venti. "Why do you need help from us? Aren't you the Anemo Archon?"
"Uh, well..." Venti replied. "How do I put it... The Seven Archons have presides over their own part of Teyvat. That is the role the archons play. Only in performing this duty can we attain power, but I don't like the idea of 'ruling' and I don't feel Mondstadt would really like it either. Thus, I am currently the weakest Archon out of all of them."
"Go forth and establish a city of freedom without rule. We have not forgotten your wish for Mondstadt." Jean reminded as Venti nodded.
"But why?..." Lumine questioned. "Why weaken yourself from this?"
Venti smiled at Lumine, "Remember, Mondstadt is known for the City of Freedom?" He recalled. Lumine nodded, reminded Paimon told of this city. "I gave them the freedom they need. Mondstadt is a romantic city, without the reign of a king. And its citizens enjoy the most freedom amongst the seven nations. I don't blame Dvalin for his words against me. No one should have deceived him by telling him that Mondstadt betrayed him. And no one should have told him that it was his eternal duty to protect the city. He has the right and freedom to choose his own way of life."
"..." Lumine remains silent. Venti... Is a unique person... If that's what he believes in...
"Hmph, a humble god." Diluc replied. "Is it a blessing, or a curse?" He wondered out loud.
Venti smiled. "Aww, you flatter me."
"There it is!" Zandra pointed out the distance. They all see an Abyss Mage summoning more Hilichurls.
"Let's get it!" Paimon yelled. Diluc first saw this and makes his first move with a silent voice.
The Mage saw him charging as it points its staff commanding the creatures to charge. Diluc summons his greatsword, proceed to swing his blade down onto the creatures. Other tired to aim its bows... Only to be shot by Zandra, Jean came in unleashing a powerful wind surge, launching them away while affected by Electro.
Lumine strikes down the rest, as Diluc faces no other opponents head straight at the Abyss Mage, as it summoned its Hydro shield... But his sword ignite with fire and swings a slash... Instantly vaporizing the shield before its gaze witness before getting killed by Diluc himself.
"Wow..." Paimon watched Diluc instantly dealt with an Abyss Mage with ease. "Master Diluc took it down with ease..."
"His skills is nothing to be scoffed at." Jean replied as Paimon understands.
"Huh..." Venti watches the Abyss Mage disintegrates as he sensed something...
"What's wrong Venti?" Zandra asked.
"A certain energy dispersed from its body, after its defeated..." He explained. "It seems that energy was being used to cut off the connection between me and Dvalin."
"What does that mean?" Paimon asked.
"...Lumine, do you know of Stormterror's Lair?" Venti questioned. Lumine shook her head, but Jean and Diluc understood as he noticed. "And it seems Jean and Master Diluc are no doubt aware of it."
"After Dvalin woke up, he took the ancient ruins as his lair." Jean explained.
Venti continued the explanation. "As it was with the storms that previously cut Mondstadt off from the outside world, the entrance to the ruins is also sealed by a special barrier... But now, as the energy dispersed from the Abyss Mage, I was able to read the rhythmic flow of how the barrier's magic was woven."
"So, that's where Dvalin goes..." Zandra assumed.
"I must admit, it sounds even more horrendous than a chorus of hilichurls, but..." Venti remarked. "...It should be enough to let us break through the storm barrier and reach Stormterror's Lair."
"Which means we're going to confront Dvalin?" Diluc assumed as he crossed his arms. "I'm fine with that... Jean is the one who wishes to avoid any direct confrontation."
"No. When there are no other options left, it is my responsibility to alter our course of action." Jean attested. "If slaying him is our only choice, I will gladly become the knight that leads the charge."
"Fortunately, we have yet to need to go that far." Venti replied.
"Hm?" Diluc remain quiet by her words.
"By that, you mean..." Jean hoping to hear an alternative.
"I mean that the Holy Lyre is not our trump card. It's her." He pointed to Lumine.
"Lumine?" Paimon questioned.
"Me?" Lumine pointed herself.
"Ever since you purified the Teardrop Crystal..." Venti mentioned. "The impurities in the tears, and the curse that binds Dvalin belong to the same maleficent power. Which means..."
"You Tone-Deaf Bard, don't you see how crazy this is?!" Paimon exclaimed.
"Yeah, sure she's strong, but she'd have to face the dragon up close!" Zandra worried.
"...I'll do it." Lumine affirmed as Zandra and Paimon turned to her in shock. "If it means to help Dvalin, no one should be suffered like this nor seperate."
Venti smiled at her words, as Diluc nodded, "Very well, we'll take this plan." He said.
Jean joined with a determination, "I am with you, Honorary Knight!" She stated.
Zandra sighed, "Okay... I'll see I can help, friends gotta do this together." She replied as Lumine glanced and this time she gives her a nod.
"So we just need to fight monsters from the abyss... And a dragon! No pressure or anything." Paimon sarcastically remarked.
"Here, here." Zandra muttered though she is slightly happy that Lumine confirmed an exchange.
"Humans aren't without their strengths. Let's go." Diluc stated.
With that they head off as venti retains his smile, with everyone determined... And so... The epic actions of brave heroes finally leads to this eleventh hour...
Back at the city, the knights wield their swords, the citizens are being escorted for safety. Kaeya is there beside him is Eula as they are waiting outside the gate. Then a young boy joins in, with fair skin, blue eyes, and curled golden hair. He has a Cryo Vision, while wearing, blue jacket and white hoodie, along with other color features such as silver armor plating and dark brown boots.
"The people are taken to safety Captain Eula." He reported.
"Thanks for your assistance, Mika." Eula stated.
"A invasion for this city is soon coming." Kaeya replied.
"And this will be its last." Xavier spoke as he joined in wielding his lance. Mika looks intimated by his appearance, while Eula glanced at him.
"Ah, good to gain some support." Kaeya smirked as seeing him, while Jonathan soon also joined.
"Consider this a return of favor." Jonathan stated.
"Hmph, Mondstadt doesn't recall this exchange." Eula replied.
"Well, we've have our own duties. Rest assure we won't stab your back." Jonathan remarked. Eula stares whilst the knights prepare barriers outside the city fort.
"For now, I'll put my trust in your vague words." Eula slightly scoffed.
Amber then joins in along with Bennett and Fischl. "Got help!" She smiled with determination.
"We won't let them take down the city!" Bennett pumped his fist up.
"Thou the monsters, shall face the power of Prinzessin der Verurteilung." Fischl stated.
"Appreciate the help..." Kaeya smiled, then he noticed others are coming. A man, with bright teal eyes, pale skin, and pale blond hair reaching below his shoulders, wearing a long white coat with short sleeves and a black hood. Along an indigo shirt and a pair of black shorts, embellished thigh-high black boots with silver accents, and long black gloves. His Vision being a Geo is right below the collar of his shirt.
A second one is a woman, shorter than the man. Fair skin, amber eyes, and light green hair that has pointed light green animal ears hidden as part of the hair. She wears dark brown round spectacles, along her Anemo Vision is attached as a brooch to her cape collar. She wears thick, white gloves, a blue corset with a ruffled hem and the crest on the black inner-part; and a pair of white boots and black thigh-highs.
Even the nun has arrived, "Rosaria, Albedo and Sucrose it seems you've returned back from Dragonspine." Eula remarked.
"As soon as the news are heard, I head in as soon as possible." He stated.
"...They are here." Rosaria, the nun calls out. Everyone once sees the incoming enemy... Hilichurls are coming at a steady pace... Smaachurls, Lawachurld, Mitachurls... And the ones the knights are surprised to see... Hilichurl Rogues.
"So many..." Sucrose muttered.
"We faced many challenges. Let's do this. For Acting Grand Master." Amber puffed in determination.
One by one, everyone summons their weapons. Jonathan, Fischl, Amber, Bennett, Mika, Eula, Xavier, Kaeya, Albedo, Sucrose, and Rosaria, all stood front while the knights are from the backlines.
"Rest of you... Defend the city..." Kaeya stated to the knights. "...While we go forward." A second his words are spoken, he charges forward. Then the Vision holders soon follow up. Xavier glanced at his 'allies' before continuing...
The monsters roared as they charging forward, two sides making their frontal assault... Amber, Fischl, and Jonathan begin firing their bows, Mika joined in shooting his cryo arrows. A few got shot down, then they continue firing back, throwing slimes, stones and arrows.
The battle of Mondstadt starts...
Ficshl comes first, and shoots her Electro arrow at the Pyro Slime held by a Mitachurl which overloaded an explosion, staggering it. Then came Xavier as his lance glows blue, encasing with ice. While they all dodged the projectiles, Xavier catch up at the front, being the first lead, as he jumps while the Hydro Rogue anticipates and joins before resulting a clash that pinned them into the ground. Then Xavier's sheer strength and ice powers pushes the rogue back.
"Cool it!" Kaeya unleashes his ice attack at the Mitachurl, before Bennett came and unleashed his flame strike, affecting them by an elemental reaction which knocked it away.
Eula swings her sword, already taking down a couple of hilichurls in front, while Sucrose then unleashed a gust of wind against a Lawachurl from behind, before Albedo came in striking the beast down.
Mika and Rosaria joined Eula's first strike taking down more Hilichurls that are keep coming. Jonathan lets go of the bow string, taking down one, before flipping front over the body then headshot a Sawachurl. But more comes as Amber came in beside, taking them down, shooting arrows from her bow. Both proceeds to take more of them down.
Meanwhile as the battle continues, from afar... The other group have arrived at the destination... Stormterror's Lair...
A vast area, displaying a massive tall ruined building structure, surrounded by cliffs, expect the entrance. Which itself is covered by a barrier of Anemo Energy.
"So this is the front gate to Stormterror's Lair. But still, Paimon wonders how Dvalin gets in there with a body that huge?" Paimon wondered at the gate's size, which it huge but still too small for a big dragon like Dvalin.
"He doesn't walk in, he flies in." Venti stated.
"Oh... Hm... You have a point." Paimon realized then she looks at the barrier. "So how do we get through?"
"Let me at it." Venti assured. "Although this wooden lyre is all I have... I don't need the lyre to break through this kind of storm barri-" Sudden sound occur gaining attention of the bard. "Ah, wait, what is that?"
Then more Hilichurls appeared. "Enemy attack! Prepare yourselves!" Jean readied her weapon as everyone joined the same.
"The stage will need to be cleared before I can begin my performance." Venti recalled. Zandra proceeds to shoot down the Hilichurls, Diluc, Lumine and Jean with sword users they slahsed down them with ease, in blitzing speed.
This was small fry, but Lumine sees the reactions from their faces.
"Uh, aren't they suppose to be taking the city?" Zandra pointed at the downed foes.
"She's right." Jean stated. "There shouldn't be any hilichurl camps in the vicinity of Stormterror's Lair... The hilichurls usually do not venture into areas with high elemental concentrations. It puts a heavy burden on their bodies."
"Clearly a work of the Abyss." Diluc concurred. "Yet they shouldn't have been able to determine that we would come."
"Without further ado... I suppose I can play faster if my only audience is the wind." Venti sighed as he played the lyre, somber music whistles out. Just then the wind barrier slowly disperses.
"It actually opened! You're not entirely useless, Tone-Deaf Bard!" Paimon cheered.
"This is it. Watch yourselves. Let's move." Jean assured the others.
"Hope everyone is hanging in there back at Mondstadt..." Zandra replied before they head off inside the lair...
Xavier grabs a Hydro Rogue, whilst down, he slams it down on the ground as ice slowly forms over the Rogue. Then he gets up lifting the ice ball, before throwing taking a few Hilichurls caught in the path.
The ones who are taken down by Xavier's attack are none other the ones who tried to swarm Eula. Wielding her claymore, with swift speed, she takes down the remaining. Downward, horizontal, then she turns to see the one up close, her stern gaze remains before delivering an upper swing launching the hilichurl away... Only to get shot down by Jonathan with his arrow, his bow glows Geo energy, his arrows turned into slightly larger versions of stone.
Jonathan turns to see Sawachurls summoning elemental attacks, a Anemo one raise and slowly swings its staff as small tornados are made. He runs off avoiding being sucked by the tornados, he sees a Mitachurl charging on all fours. Quickly rolling to the side, as it stopped to turn around he begins to shoot his stone arrows, hitting the monster. The stone arrow sticks out of its body, Amber and Fischl came and fired more arrows, both elementals caused an overload. However the stone arrow remains as Amber made the first strike, leading the arrow glowing red with Pryo Energy.
"Oz!" Fischl announced as the dark purple raven shoots lightning bolts to the one. Multiple overload explosions occur on the Mitachurl and the final one launches it up top onto the Sawachurls.
"It's stuck." Paimon worried seeing the main door leading to the tower is locked.
Lumine looks for the surrounding area, then she sees the hole of the roof. "There's a hole in the giant hole..." She pointed out.
"Hmm... I suppose we could make use of that wind current." Venti pointed a large wind gusher blowing up.
"Alright, let's make a detour then!" Paimon stated.
Back at the city, an Electro Lawachurl roars summoning electricity surges, Mika and Eula takes cover by Albedo's summoned rock barrier. They take cover from the attack, before the giant can attack, a stab of a lance tagger it sideways...
It was Xavier that thrown the lance. The Lawachurl roars in rage as it charges at him lifting its fists up before swinging down in quick speed, the impact onto Xavier created a cloud of smoke. Eula gazed to see the cloud cleared...
Xavier is holding its fists by sheer strength. The Lawachurl is surprised by this, as he used his ice powers to encase its arms before ripping out, shattering it leaving the monster armless. Eula takes the opportunity and runs at her staggering and retreating enemy. Swing her sword at the leg, it caused it to fall and before she can finish it...
Xavier came with his lance before stabbing the Lawachurl multiple times, finishing it. Eula lowers her great-sword glaring at Xavier. "This one is mine." She stated.
"Hmph." Xavier scoffed as he walks away. Eula sees this, yet another mark for vengeance against the unknown stranger. Mark her words, vengeance will be her!
"We can't advance any further. The ruins seem to be guarded by ancient seals." Venti remarked as seeing the glowing platforms. His demeanor is now serious than ever, as they have entered inside the top of the tower.
"Is this the work of Dvalin?" Paimon asked.
"No. These ruins were once part of an ancient city. Dvalin just happens to be nesting in these ruins for now." Venti shook his head.
"These ruins even predate the existence of The Four Winds. Mondstadt is a city without a ruler. However, before it was... It was ruled over by a tyrant." Venti mentioned. "I'll sing you that story when we have a chance ."
Lumine wondered about the history of Mondstadt. Jean and Zandra stay on guard for incoming Abyss Mages, Diluc then looks around the area, notably the seals... He stared at them before speaking out loud, "The markings on this seal... If my archaeological knowledge is not mistaken, this appears to be a light actuator." He stated. "If we retrieve and reintegrate all the halo parts, we should be able to get it working."
"Then we should be close to completing the ceremony for this actuator..." Jean nodded.
"Speaking of completing..." Venti pointed from the side to see a yellow glowing object on the ground. "Must be those light construct needed for the light actuator." He goes up and collect it, and then heads to the actuator, he inserts it lighting it up.
They look at the seal... Still nothing. "Seems there must be more to be unlocked." Diluc remarked.
Venti gazed outside the tower, "I sensed three halo circles around the tower itself." He noted. "And they are far out."
"Well, let's get this going." Lumine remarked. As she heads off while Paimon followed. Zandra notices and quickly follows them, the rest decides to go for the other ones.
"I will have Venti on my side." Jean explained.
"I'll be fine on my own." DIluc affirmed as he walks off.
They sent off, Lumine and Paimon joined by Zandra, they are on a slight fast pace given that the battle of Mondstadt could still be happening...
"Lumine!" Zandra calls out. "I just wanna say, are you mentally ready?" Lumine glanced at her. "Not that I doubt, but in case you have some worry within you..."
"Listen." Lumine replied. "This friendship, isn't gonna work out."
"Uh..." Zandra sweat-dropped.
"Paimon thinks you should let Lumine be, after all, you did cause us to join your group." Paimon remarked.
"But, Amber promises me to take care of you." Zandra mentioned.
Lumine stopped as she turns to her, "What promise?" She asked.
"To be with you." Zandra sighed. "I just want to be friends with you, I haven't gotten much. Amber is one of them." She explained. "Jonathan and Boss, aren't really friends, but family I guess if you think of us as the dysfunctional type..."
"Is that why you want to befriend Lumine?" Paimon questioned.
"And this there a reason or you just wanna be friends?" Lumine added.
"I... I don't know, but learning how lonely you are... Sure you have Paimon but I can say, I've got a gut feeling about you." Zandra explained. "And that, you can't just face alone."
"...Have you've been that alone?" Lumine assumed.
"Ever since I only remember being with Xavier, outside of that, I don't know..." Zandra muttered.
"..." Lumine gazed at her, maybe she's give her some credit, "Okay... I'll be with you as a friend, but right now we gotta go!" She clarified the situation.
"Okay!" Zandra beamed as she follows her run.
After the trial of activating the actuators has been activated, each of them faced a group of enemies... But it is over, they are back at the top of the tower...
"Alright... This is it..." Venti stated as he smiled. "I'll definitely be turning these adventures into songs after we're done... Hopefully, this song will be sung for years to come by the people of Mondstadt, just like The Legend of Venessa."
"Ah, I have loved that song since I was small." Jean recalled, she then turns to Lumine. "How are you feeling today? I am completely prepared and fully confident that we can do this."
"...I will admit... I am worried against the odds..." Lumine admitted as Zandra smiles seeing she is expressing herself. "But rest assured, I'm also completely prepared!"
"We have everyone counting on us!" Paimon resounded.
"Ah, well then, Lumine." Venti gazed at Lumine. "May the thousands of years of wind that have blown through Mondstadt go with you. Just like the last time when you faced Dvalin from the sky, I shall channel energy for you." He raised his hand transferring his energy to her.
Then Anemo energy intense around Lumine as she smiled at the bard nodding as everyone goes to the opened seal to the tower, facing- No saving Dvalin from this posion fate...
Three more chapters to go...
Also saw the upcoming Live Stream of "Genshin Impact - Update 4.2" along playing the story itself now!
Furina and Charlotte looks so good! I am hoping to pull for the Hydro Archon!
Anyone hyped for the update?!