Chapter 13: Shared losses. The calm breeze.
Cloud was confused. Lumine was looking at him with a sense of hidden nostalgia. Soon, the people of Mondstadt began to come in with cheers.
"I don't think I'll get used to this." Cloud responded with a shy tone, moving his head away from the crowd.
The people of Mondstadt cheered as the threat of the dragon was thwarted. Both Lumine and Cloud didn't know how to react. They were more occupied if the pressing matter with the dragon terrorizing the region. Soon Amber came up to Lumine as well as Diluc arriving to Cloud.
"Are you hurt?" Diluc and Amber asked to Cloud and Lumine respectively.
"I'm okay. No cuts nor bruises." Cloud responded.
Lumine nodded as well. Her sight soon befell to Cloud, whom was talking with Diluc. Amber followed to see the same swordsman.
'Who is that guy? Why is Diluc from the Dawn Winery here? Could it be due to the Stormterror threat?' Amber thought.
She soon took a good look at Cloud. A blush soon formed on her face. His eyes were the most mesmerizing in her sight. A soft blue-green color that had a faint glow was within his irises. She couldn't explain why, but the eyes were the most defining feature.
"Amber, do you know of that man in red hair?" Lumine asked to the bow user.
"He's Diluc, the owner of Dawn Winery. He owns the production of wine all over Mondstadt. I don't know of his acquaintance though." Amber responded.
Soon, a clapping noise was heard. This alerted the four as they turned to see a young man. He has a tanned complexion and navy-blue hair with streaks of lighter blue, accompanied by a waist-length lock of hair that begins at the base of his scalp on the back of his head at the left. His visible eye is periwinkle with a diamond-shaped pupil. Over his right eye, he wears a gold-trimmed black eyepatch that is mostly covered by his bangs. wears a half-cape with a fur collar; a white-collared, cleavage-revealing blouse; dark, tight-fitted trousers; and knee-length boots. His Vision, which holds the Cryo element, hangs from a loose brown belt, which also has a blue gem and a rope. He has a blue earring on his left ear. The Vision, unlike the ones Diluc and Jean held, had a wing on the right side of the back of his Vision. Also, the wings only held two feathers. Diluc had a displeasing, if not, shameful look on his face.
'Of course he had to show up in an extravagant fashion.' He thought bitterly.
"You two have the power to overcome the dragon. Are you both an ally or a new storm?" The man questioned.
"Not a storm. We just had a common goal in assisting the city from the events that happened." Cloud answered.
"Oh? An unlikely ally. It's still welcoming." The man said.
"We can't overlook the factor that Stormterror attacked the city. Kaeya, Lumine, swordsman. You three came at the right timing. We need…" Amber spoke.
"Hold on, Amber. Are you forgetting about introducing to our new acquaintances?" The man interrupted.
Amber looked sheepish for a moment till she calmed herself down.
"My apologies. This is Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. I do have a question for the man whom accompanied Diluc just now." Amber spoke, looking at Cloud.
"Oh? Ask him away while we are here." The man named Kaeya suggested.
"To begin, what brings you to Mondstadt, sir? You have an Anemo Vision from a different nation." Amber questioned.
"I was wishing to meet with the Anemo Archon. It was to help heal from a condition that I'm currently fighting against. My name is Cloud, by the way." Cloud responded.
"I can explain further with the Acting Grandmaster. Jean has been informed prior to the attack so she should inform every member about Cloud." Diluc reassured.
"Lumine and Paimon are travelers from afar. Alas, I have yet to find additional details prior to Stormterror's attack." Amber followed.
"Is that all we know about them?" Kaeya asked.
"Long story short…" Amber followed.
Amber proceeded to explain her side of the story. She didn't omit details of her investigation with Lumine and Paimon helping her.
"Well, I'm glad Amber had assistance earlier. Welcome to Mondstadt, though you three have come at the worst of times I'm afraid." Kaeya spoke.
"It's been well noted, Kaeya. Wish we could've seen the city in a pleasant time outside the dragon's threat." Cloud spoke.
"A sharp mind, I see. I can respect that. Still, I share the anguish of losing a family member." Kaeya spoke, looking to Lumine in the last bit.
'I see… This girl, Lumine, is searching for a lost family member. She did mentioned I almost looked like her brother.' Cloud realized in thought.
"I'm curious as to why Lumine is seeking the Anemo Archon, but I understand Cloud's story. Everyone has their secrets to keep." Kaeya commented.
Lumine kept her guard up, while Cloud was simply calm. The swordsman knew the person was trying to poke some fun, evident with Diluc groaning.
"Haha… You can relax. I won't press further for more. First and foremost, on behalf of the Knights of Favonius, I would like to extend our thanks to you three for the help you provided." Kaeya spoke, calming the tension down.
'This guy is almost as sly as Yae Miko in Inazuma. I can practically tell the similarities, but he seems calmer with a cool touch.' Cloud noted.
"From the way I saw the situation, there's no way I could ignore the danger." Cloud spoke.
"Same here. This was something not to ignore." Lumine followed.
"How about we treat you three with a Mondstadt delicacy: Sticky Honey Roast?" Kaeya offered.
"Sticky Honey Roast?" Cloud questioned.
"It's a sweet treat. It makes the locals feel energetic upon eating the meal." Diluc explained.
Cloud couldn't picture the image correctly. Still, he felt obligated to take a look and decided to take the offer.
"Might as well see for ourselves about this Sticky Honey Roast meal. I'll be glad to take your offer." Cloud spoke.
"Keep note that no small number of citizens witnessed your fight against the dragon to protect the city. The Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius wishes to speak to you both by inviting you to our headquarters." Kaeya spoke.
"I've already met with the Acting Grandmaster, but it doesn't hurt to speak to her. Best to update about the situation." Cloud agreed.
"Wonderful. Let us proceed then." Kaeya spoke.
Kaeya led the group into the Knights of Favonius headquarters. They were in the entrance. Lumine looked around curiously of the building while Cloud already had a grasp on how it is.
"Looks like a giant library, doesn't it?" Amber spoke to Lumine.
Lumine could only nod in response. This made Amber giggle, seeing how her new friend was trying to comprehend what she was seeing through her sight. However, both girls looked to Cloud, whom remained silent.
"He certainly seems dedicated on something. I wonder what that person is so focused on." Amber spoke.
"I'm unsure myself, but maybe we would find out once we speak with the Acting Grandmaster that Kaeya mentioned." Lumine followed, sharing her curiosity.
The girls quietly talked, ensuring their voices weren't heard in earshot. Kaeya and Diluc held an aura of distant reluctance. Cloud noticed the tension between them.
'Something tells me these guys may had an issue from the past. I'll see if I can help them out in a way.' He thought.
The second Vision Cloud got from Liyue soon began to resonate a little. It was forming an amber-yellow color in the gem, indicating it was a Geo element. This surprised everyone upon seeing the faint glow of the Vision.
"My word… Two Visions?" Kaeya spoke with surprise.
"My main element is Anemo, but this Vision was somehow given to me when I was in Liyue." Cloud said.
"How did you procure a Vision of the same design from Liyue?" Amber asked.
"I'm asking that myself since I got it. It just appeared from one of the Statues of the Seven in Liyue. It gave off a bright glow when I touched it till it faded. Right now, I have no way of knowing how to resonate it with my thoughts." Cloud answered.
"Looks like the mystery is getting deeper and bigger." Kaeya spoke with a mischievous tone.
"An understatement of the year if I have to comment. I'm still understanding much of Teyvat." Cloud noted.
"Let's just meet with the Acting Grandmaster so we can have our further questions answered." Diluc spoke, hinting his displeasure with Kaeya's behavior.
"Good idea." Amber agreed.
Soon, Jean was in her office, sorting documents. She soon heard the door open, which garnered her attention. Kaeya arrived with Amber and Diluc following. She recognized Cloud, but she didn't know of Lumine. However, the Acting Grandmaster was looking anxious, pacing in her room while looking at the clock, which was 14:30.
"Settle down, Jean. We agreed to meet with them here in this room." A woman spoke, reading a book.
The woman in question had light brown hair with peridot green eyes. Her hair was tied in a side long ponytail with a pale purple rose on the hair tie. Her choice of clothing consists of a purple and white dress with open slits at the sides and gold embroidery, along with black gloves with pale purple trim, a large witch's hat which sports another pale purple rose, black lace stockings, and black high heels, and an earring is visible on one ear. She wears a gold necklace with her Vision bearing the Electro element symbol clasped to the collar of her dress. Another accessory was a large ornamental golden rose is attached on her belt at the hip.
"There were sightings of Stormterror outside the city. I can't just simply stand idly about with the threat in constant presence. If we end up meeting it…" Jean paused.
"Calm yourself. I can lend a hand when the time comes." The woman reassured.
Soon the females heard the door open. Kaeya and Amber soon arrived with Cloud, Lumine, and Paimon in tow. Diluc also followed along, keeping a disdainful eye at Kaeya.
"Jean, I've brought them." Kaeya spoke.
"Thank you, Kaeya. It seems we meet again, Cloud and Diluc." Jean spoke.
"It appears so. Given the circumstances, I would assume you request not just my aid, but also Lumine's." Cloud deduced.
"I'll let Kaeya explain, but your deductions are correct." Jean revealed.
Diluc was impressed of Cloud reading through Jean. Kaeya began explaining the details of the events that happened prior to meeting Lumine and Cloud. Needless to say, Jean was surprised on how the two people managed to thwart the dragon and forced it to retreat. Diluc and Amber remained calm, having witnessed the battle prior.
"…Once the threat was over, I immediately brought them here." Kaeya finished.
"I apologize for our earlier conversation, Cloud. Perhaps a more formal introduction would alleviate the concern. Mondstadt welcomes you both, windborne travelers. I'm Jean, Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius." Jean spoke formally.
Cloud soon noticed the other female whom was staring at him. She had a flirty expression on her face, hinting of her playful allure. This got the swordsman to shutter internally, remembering the same feeling.
'Somehow this woman reminds me of Yae Miko in many ways… She not only looks playful, but she seems to throw a few glances at me.' He thought with an uncomfortable feeling.
"This is Lisa, the resident Librarian of the Knights of Favonius and a gifted mage." Jean spoke, introducing the female.
The mage named Lisa giggled with a flirting tone. This got Cloud feeling uncomfortable, knowing of how playful she might sound.
"Oooh, are you two planning to help us out with Stormterror?" Lisa asked.
"We would have to stop the problem at hand since we got here in separate ways." Cloud spoke.
"You two are looking adorable together." Lisa commented with a playful flirt.
"Lisa…" Jean groaned.
Cloud's face was dusted pink and shyly looked away. Lumine and Lisa noticed it, while the mage was thinking of ways to try and tease him. Diluc sympathized with Cloud, feeling the same feeling when he first met Lisa years prior.
'This Librarian has always been flirtatious with foreign faces. Years back when I was ambitious, she used to flirt with me till I learned to ignore it.' Diluc thought with disdain.
Soon, Cloud interrupted his thoughts, voicing his no nonsense to the brief moment.
"This is not the time for flirting…" Cloud commented.
"Yes, you're right. Sadly, this isn't the time." Lisa apologized.
"Indeed it isn't." Paimon spoke, agreeing with Cloud.
"From where do we start…? Stormterror has been causing quite the ruckus around the region of Mondstadt. Not just the town, but the surrounding region as well during its recent resurgence." Lisa explained.
"Resurgence? Was this dragon lying dormant years prior?" Cloud questioned.
"More so than we believe. Perhaps beyond human ancestors." Diluc followed.
Cloud and Lumine were silenced in surprise. Lisa soon continued her explanation.
"Simply put, the elemental sphere and leylines in this region are being played like a kitten with a ball of yarn." The mage followed.
"That's rather…troublesome." Cloud paused with uncertainty.
"For a mage, it couldn't get much worse. My skin is an elemental particle away from a full blown breakout." Lisa admitted.
"That might be an irrelevance to the problem…" Cloud sweat dropped.
"If it weren't for this interference, the Knights of Favonius would have better ways to help you than simply putting up missing person posters." Lisa spoke.
"What should we do in the mean time?" Lumine asked.
"We simply ask that you take a rest here in Mondstadt while we help you seek out your brother." Lisa answered.
"Still, I want to help with the problem. If it wasn't for Cloud helping me with attacking Stormterror, I would had trouble on my own." Lumine said.
"I agree. We should help them out." Paimon followed.
"Good. In that case, we need a plan." Kaeya said with a serious tone.
"With Stormterror directing its attack to the city, we can focus on the source of the problem. Lisa has revealed the source of the dragon's power through her detection magic." Jean spoke.
"Is that so?" Kaeya questioned.
"Mages are capable of such magic. One would be foolish to not know of their abilities." Cloud spoke in wisdom.
"Well, aren't you a wise cutie?" Lisa flirted with approval.
Cloud paused before remaining silent once again. His cheeks were dusted pink again, which got Lisa to giggle in response. Lumine didn't giggle, feeling a short pang of jealousy.
'Why is she flirting around at a time like this…?' She thought.
"My apologies. The location of Stormterror's power lies within the abandoned Four Winds' Temples. Stormterror's ability to whip up these storms can be linked to drawing power from those temples." Lisa explained.
"The objective is to deal with three of the four temples. I hope everyone understood as to why we need to deal with only three of the them." Jean spoke authoritatively.
"Sadly for us newcomers, we don't. Please explain." Lumine requested.
"Sadly, time is a luxury we can't afford right now. Knights of Favonius, we can no longer stand in defense against Stormterror for the storm has gone unchecked. We need to take the initiative and act while the chances are within our grasp. We can't risk the situation escalating." Jean ordered.
"Lumine, I'll help you with one of the temples." Amber said to the girl.
"Cloud, I'll aid you in one of them." Diluc said.
"I can help with Cloud as well." Lisa spoke , holding Cloud's right arm.
Cloud grunted with disapproval, finding Lisa's flirting to be uncomfortable. Though he had experienced with this personality in regard to women, he found it difficult to express his thoughts.
'Someone keep her distant from me please… I don't find this comfortable.' He thought.
The two females were led to the outskirts of the city, near the moat bridge of Mondstadt. Amber has led Lumine to an old temple. The entrance was in disrepair with moss growing on the rocks and stone staircase. Much of its foundation looked ruined due to lack of care, but the entrance was leading underground.
"This is it, one of the temples of the Four Winds. This is the Temple of West Falcon." Amber spoke.
"These temples look old. Have they been visited before?" Lumine asked with surprise.
"Sadly, these temples have been left to waste for years, perhaps centuries. No one exactly knows when they were last used. The people of Mondstadt haven't set foot in these tunnels. It's once in a blue moon for them." Amber explained.
"Why is that?" Lumine asked.
"There's a chance that monsters thrive in here or Hilichurls setting camp inside. Even Stormterror has given up its own temple…" Amber sighed in the last sentence.
"Wait, Stormterror had its own temple?" Lumine asked incredulously.
"I also find it hard to believe, but it was true. The dragon, during its tenure in history, was one of the Four Winds that protected this land with the Anemo Archon." Amber revealed.
"Whoa… That's something Paimon didn't know till now." Paimon admitted.
Amber soon sensed a presence nearby. She was now on guard.
"Wait, did you two feel that? The wind here… Something's off about it. We should head inside the temple, Lumine. But, be careful in there. The dragon's power has been disturbing the nature of this place." Amber warned.
Lumine knew not to be cocky when traveling in underground passages that were left untouched for years untold. Steeling her spirit, she soon walked up to the entrance, noticing a cube shaped object nearby.
"Ah, those are terminals. It's likely you'll find them across Teyvat. Just activate it so the dungeon will open up." Amber explained.
Lumine touched the terminal with her left hand. Soon, the ground made a soft rumble as an entranceway was slowly rising up to the ground. Two doors soon opened, revealing a deep passage. They were glowing red till they now turned a soft mint green-blue color.
"All dungeons have unique ways to be opened. It's how you complete a puzzle for them to reveal the passages to explore." Amber said.
"We should head inside. The longer we wait, the more we let Stormterror cause more problems." Lumine reminded.
"I agree. Let's head inside." Amber said.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Rhythm from Ancient Times)
Amber, Lumine and Paimon soon ventured inside the dungeon. Much to their surprise, it was quite spacious. Despite the lack of maintenance, the stones remained relatively untouched from time, save for the moss that was growing all over.
"Wow, I can see the temple far off from here." Amber commented in wonder.
Lumine noticed several plant roots with thorns that grew on the pavement. The thorns looked sharp while the roots look too thick to cut with a blade.
"Amber, looks like there are strange roots here. Anyway we can get past them?" Lumine asked.
"Leave that to me. A quick fire should clear off those thorny roots. Better stand back though, since these roots contain the elemental essence of Dendro, you don't want to get caught on fire." Amber said.
Lumine watched as Amber began taking aim with her bow. She loaded an arrow before charging elemental energy to the missile. She launched the arrow with an infused essence of Pyro. The resulting effect caused the roots to catch fire and burn away, clearing them in the process.
"Clearing these roots might help us with exploring this temple." Amber said.
Firing more Pyro infused arrows, she managed to unblock a passageway. However, a thick cluster of thorny roots blocked the rest of the way. Amber took aim, channeling her Pyro elemental power from her Vision to the arrow. She launched it from the bow, creating a small blaze that burned off the roots. Soon, a mystical presence shined within.
"Those look like mystical doors. I recall Lisa mentioning they serve a purpose for those whom explore dungeons, but they only seem to help adventurers when they're in a pinch." Amber spoke.
Soon, she shifted her focus below a ledge. She could see a Hilichurl, wielding a wooden shield. Her eyes soon looked focused for a moment till her Vision resonated. Her eyes began to glow from the irises, making them look bright orange-gold for a moment. Lumine was surprised on what she did.
"Amber? Your eyes were glowing bright for a moment." Lumine commented.
"Oh, that's the result of acquiring my Vision. Whenever any Vision bearer focuses their sight to see the elemental makeup of the world around them, the Vision will respond and thus, we can see the elements. This is called Elemental Sight, and only those who can use elemental energy can use this ability." Amber explained.
Lumine soon focused her sight and produced the same effect. Her fiery gold eyes blazed into a ruby-gold color. Amber took notice of this, surprised of Lumine not bearing a Vision, yet she was able to use the technique.
"Whoa… You can actually use the Elemental Sight. Even though you don't seem to have a Vision, you can use the elemental power of wind, can you?" Amber asked in surprise.
"Yes I can. I'm still trying to understand the world around me so there are wonders I have yet to see." Lumine spoke.
"Alright then. Let me give a quick guide on what you see. Since you can see me as a white shroud, that means there's no elemental status on me. The shield that Hilichurl wields, the thorny roots nearby, and those wooden containers will glow a bright green. That's the Dendro element. It reacts to fire for the most part, but there may be more to understanding Dendro." Amber spoke.
Lumine was amazed of seeing the elemental forces in different colors.
"The elements have different colors to be seen, don't they?" Lumine asked.
"Yes, they do. However, I'm no expert on elemental reactions. You may need to speak with Lisa about that." Amber suggested.
"I'll see her when I get the chance. Right now, she appears to be helping Cloud and Diluc at a different temple." Lumine said.
"Good. Let's finish the task at hand." Amber reminded.
She took aim at the Hilichurl and fired a Pyro infused arrow. The arrow managed to hit the shield, causing it to burn away. The Hilichurl struggled to stop the flames, but its shield was destroyed. Lumine soon took hold of her sword, which was a silver colored broadsword. She managed to take the monster down without a problem. However, a loud horn echoed through the halls of the dungeon.
"Oh no… A horn was used. The fighting must have riled the rest of the Hilichurls!" Amber spoke, hearing the horn.
A small group of three Hilichurls arrived in the area. This got the duo ready to fight them off.
"Leave them to me." Lumine spoke calmly.
She soon channeled Anemo energy, creating powerful gusts. Soon, a tornado formed before she swung her sword, sending the twister to the Hilichurls that arrived. Amber took aim at the twister and fired a Pyro infused arrow at the twister. The result was a Pyro infused tornado due to the reaction called Swirl. The result was a fire twister that burned and sliced the Hilichurls down. They collapsed dead on the ground.
"Wha…? Amber, was that from you?" Lumine asked with surprise.
"Yes. That's the result of Anemo mixing with Pyro. It also mixes with Hydro, Electro, and Cryo. This is called Swirl, which allows the range of the four elements listed to expand, which maximizes their effect." Amber explained.
"Wow… You learned about elemental reactions from Lisa?" Lumine asked.
"Yes. She has a book in the library that details of such reactions from the seven elementals. All have unique ways to produce such reactions." Amber answered.
The duo soon stumbled into a room that several barrels that were painted red. Three Hilichurls were seen sitting on the ground, unaware of what would befall on them.
"Those are explosive barrels over there." Amber said, spotting the barrels.
"Explosive barrels?" Lumine questioned.
"They contain elemental slimes that produce a variety of explosive reactions, depending on the elements they consist of. Those barrels are filled with Pyro slimes. They're known for being used as fire bombs by the Hilichurls." Amber explained.
"Any way we can use them to our advantage?" Lumine asked.
"A well aimed shot should set them off. Once the explosion riles them, I'll use my secret weapon: Explosive Puppet "Baron Bunny" at the first chance I get." Amber answered.
"Well, we got a plan to attack them. How will the secret weapon work?" Lumine inquired.
"It'll act as a distraction, provoking the Hilichurls to go after it. It will soon detonate on its own. Otherwise I can make the explosion happen if I shoot it." Amber said.
"That's a handy weapon there." Lumine complimented.
"Wait till you see it in action." Amber said.
She soon took aim and tossed a puppet doll. The doll in question was made in the likeness of Amber with rabbit ears and a comical expression. It had unique features, but it was wearing a modified outfit. It soon began to dance in a strange rhythm, catching the attention of the Hilichurls. They were provoked, attempting to attack it. However, Amber soon shot the puppet on the body, causing a large explosion of fire. The blast force caused the Hilichurls to fly into the air. It took one out, leaving the other two for Lumine to finish. She soon used her Anemo elemental power, creating a swirling orb of wind. It was condensing the wind around the orb before she launched the attack.
"Wind Blade!" She shouted.
The resulting attack was a gust of wind powerful enough to sweep up the two Hilichurls, knocking them back. The force was akin to being shoved by a wall of stone moving forward. The last two Hilichurls were taken out.
"Nice attack, Lumine. How did you end up using that ability, with a Vision no less?" Amber inquired.
"It's a difficult explanation to say. I'm trying to grasp on how I can handle this new power. It feels foreign, yet it has become a part of me." Lumine explained.
"That's quite a mystery to have." Amber admitted.
Amber, Lumine and Paimon stumbled near a chasm with a bottomless pit. They couldn't see the bottoms due to how fogged up it became. Amber noticed another platform that was out of reach above them.
"There's something up there, but it's too high to reach." Amber noted.
Lumine noticed a strange monument near the edge of the cliff. It was briefly glowing with a red color before fading in a rhythmic pulse.
"Does anyone know what this is?" Lumine inquired.
"That's an elemental monument. A Pyro monument to be exact. If a Pyro attack touches it, the monument should respond." Paimon said.
"Leave that to me." Amber said, taking aim at the monument.
She soon a Pyro infused arrow to the monument. It made a distinct humming sound before shining bright. The Pyro elemental symbol was glowing bright above it. Soon, currents of wind began to billow up.
"That monument triggered the release of updrafts. We can use them to ride our way up with our wind gliders." Amber said.
Lumine and Amber deployed their wind gliders, catching the updrafts. They flew their way up to the out of reach cliff with ease. Upon landing, they came across a small temple room. In the middle, they noticed a crystallized substance that was emanating billows of wind. It was an oval shaped crystal roughly the size of a small child. Amber immediately knew what it was.
"That's Dragon's Breath. This is the source of Stormterror's power. By destroying the crystal, we can cut off the dragon's power. A good hit should destroy the Anemo crystal." Amber said.
"Got it." Lumine said.
Lumine wasted no time and struck the crystal. It soon dissipated into wind breezes. Amber breathed a sigh of relief, having accomplished her part of the task.
"Phew. I'm exhausted. I'm glad we were able to help the knights out." Amber spoke with relief.
"You're quite passionate of the Knights of Favonius, Amber." Lumine noted.
"In the past, we were at least able to defend Mondstadt and kept it safe. This was due to Jean helping in providing genius plans to help defend the city. However, when Stormterror began attacking the city, we were pushed to the brink of failure. I guess this is what they mean by 'The winds change, so too should our tactics.'" Amber mused at the end.
"That sounds rather deep. Did you come up with that?" Lumine asked.
"It's what Lisa likes to say, thanks to her wisdom. Speaking of which, in regard to the Four Winds we were discussing about earlier… You should have a word with Lisa when she gets back. From what I heard, Lisa, Diluc, and Cloud are heading to the Temple of the Lion." Amber said.
"Are you not versed about the history of Mondstadt?" Paimon questioned.
"I'm not saying I don't know our history! It's just… A librarian should have more info than me, despite being an Outrider, right?" Amber spoke convincingly.
Having finished their mission, the trio stumbled upon an exit out of the temple. Lumine was stunned to see the exit appear, but Amber began explaining to reassure her.
"That's an exit portal. Practically every dungeon across Teyvat has them when you clear them. It helps to make a quick exit instead of walking our way back." Amber said.
"How do we use it?" Lumine asked.
"Step into the circle near the symbol and it will transport you to the entrance outside." Amber answered.
Demonstrating its use, Amber stood in the circle of light near the symbol of the portal, which had four rhombus symbols. There were three small ones, while the last one was above and looked larger. Altogether, the four rhombuses made a faint image of a larger rhombus. Amber soon disappeared, surprising Lumine.
"Let's go. Paimon wants to head outside." Paimon said.
Lumine soon stepped into the circle of light before she felt her body being absorbed by the elemental energy. It transported her outside the dungeon as Amber explained.
In another section of Mondstadt, Cloud was with Diluc and Lisa. The map Cloud had was updating with info of the region.
'Hmmm… Looks like we're near a place called Falcon Crest. From what I can briefly note, there are four directions of the compass. Hence why there are four directions of the wind… North, South, West, and East.' Cloud thought.
Lisa decided to speak with Cloud formally than her usual playful tone. The swordsman was keeping his guard up.
"So Cloud, I wonder why you want to help us out. It's not because of your altruism." She said.
"It's a part of it. My real concern was to meet with the Anemo archon before knowing what was happening." Cloud answered.
"What would be the reason to meet with the archon himself?" Lisa inquired.
"It's to treat the condition I'm suffering from. According to a researcher from Fontaine, I may have a chance to overcome it with the archon's help." Cloud explained.
"Hence why you came from afar. I can see why you came to Mondstadt." Lisa realized.
Soon, the group noticed the entrance of the dungeon.
"Let's hurry and take care of this temple. The disturbance of the elemental flow is proving to be unhealthy for me." Lisa admitted.
"Let's go inside and take care of things." Diluc said.
"Agreed. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can resolve the issue." Cloud said.
The group went inside the temple without hesitation.
"I can give this temple a go." Lisa said.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Magic Intrigues)
Inside the temple, vast wisps of Anemo elemental energy surged through the temple. Cloud could physically feel the energy coursing around the area.
"I knew it. There's strong elemental energy flowing within the deep area of this temple." Lisa said.
"We should be careful here. No telling what we'll find in here." Cloud said.
"I can agree as well. Be careful, Lisa." Diluc followed.
"I will. Don't you worry about me, you two. We should find a way to reach that platform." Lisa pointed out.
The trio soon looked around the temple. They followed the passage across the interior before noticing a powerful updraft.
"We should ride this wind current. Hey Cloud, don't you have a Wind Glider?" Lisa asked.
"I wasn't given one, even before the battle against Dvalin. I had to use my Vision to fly up in the sky." Cloud admitted.
"I won't ask how it was, but I can lend you my spare glider." Lisa offered.
"You sure, Lisa?" Cloud questioned with uncertainty.
"It'll be fine, cutie. You know how to use it?" Lisa asked.
"I know how to use a glider, but not this one." Cloud admitted.
"It's okay then, cutie. I can show you how to deploy it. Just have the glider attached on your back whenever you're falling from great heights. It'll respond and help you descend whenever you're far up mountains or cliffs." Lisa explained.
Lisa soon demonstrated how to deploy her wind glider. Diluc soon followed in example.
"I suggest you follow us up this wind current so you can feel how to use it, Cloud." Diluc spoke.
Cloud soon got the basics and learned how to deploy using the wind glider. To his surprise, he could feel the wind lifting him up.
"Well, this definitely felt better than how I used to get around in the air." Cloud admitted.
The trio soon found themselves in a sealed room. They activated nearby terminal to continue their progress. The doors opened, only for the group to encounter a lone life form.
"What is that?" Cloud asked.
"That's a Pyro Slime. Slimes are elemental beings of lower intelligence. They're typically not a problem, but they can grow into one if they're left unchecked." Diluc explained.
"Leave this one to me, Diluc. I want to teach Cloud on elemental reactions." Lisa offered.
"It's all yours, Lisa." Diluc said.
Lisa soon began hurling bolts of lightning to the slime. Upon touching the skin, the lightning caused a reaction with the Pyro element, forming the reaction called Overloaded. An explosion soon happened, splattering the slime and dispersing it.
"I remember that reaction back in Inazuma… I never thought it was caused by lightning and fire alone." Cloud admitted.
"That's the elemental reaction called Overloaded. When Pyro and Lightning mix together, it results in a powerful explosion. Based on what you said, you probably didn't know how the reaction occurs." Lisa presumed.
"I had some fights with some enemies in Inazuma whom used Pyro and Electro elements. My ability to use Anemo allowed me to extend the effect from either of them, caused the explosions to happen." Cloud explained.
"Sounds like you have good experience in using your Anemo abilities quite extensively. Perhaps we can use your help to demonstrate on how Overloaded works." Lisa offered.
"Perhaps it can serve as a training session for me to watch out for different reactions." Cloud said.
The trio soon noticed a strange monument with the elemental symbol of Electro. Lisa immediately knew what it is.
"That's an Electro monument. Let me see if I can help with that. Stand back, sweetie." Lisa spoke with a flirt.
She soon powered the monument, only for more Pyro Slimes to appear. There were four of them and they looked agitated.
"Cloud, try to channel your Anemo abilities with my lightning bolts. You'll see the Overloaded reaction in demonstration." Lisa said.
Cloud channeled his Anemo abilities through his sword, creating a strong draft. Lisa mixed her lightning bolts to the draft, creating the reaction called Swirl. A lightning infused wind raced to the Pyro Slimes, triggering Overloaded, causing them to explode.
"Nice use of your Anemo abilities, cutie." Lisa complimented.
Soon the trio heard a nearby, hidden door open. It led to them to a new room with a small pond on water with three Hilichurls wielding crossbows.
"Hilichurl snipers, their crossbows are a nuisance." Cloud commented.
"You got that right." Diluc noted.
"When it comes to enemies that are Wet from Hydro, this is my specialty." Lisa spoke with glee.
Lisa channeled her Electro power, forming a lightning storm that electrocuted the Hilichurls. They fell to the ground, dead from the electrocution. The reaction was Electro-Charged, which caused the water to channel the electric energy on the surface. It danced around the water for some time.
"I'll have to admit, Electro has good uses when exposed to water and fire. With water, it can be used like a lightning rod. Maybe there are more reactions besides the ones I've seen." Cloud spoke with amazement.
"There are, but I have details of the different reactions at the library. You can have a chance to look them up when we get back, cutie." Lisa said.
A hidden door soon opened, allowing the group to progress. Another wind current was shown billowing up to another passage.
"Oh, another wind current. Let's follow our way up." Lisa said.
The group soon noticed a large drop from the room. There was a large Hydro slime with three Hilichurl snipers. They were joined by club wielding Hilichurls.
"Looks like they have backup here. Let's be ready to fight them off." Cloud said.
"Agreed." Diluc followed.
"Keep me safe while I cast my elemental abilities, cutie." Lisa said.
Cloud and Diluc managed to take down the snipers, which provoked the club wielding Hilichurls to attack them. Noticing there was a small pool of water barely a foot deep, the two claymore users leaped out of the water when Lisa unleashed her elemental ability.
"Try not enjoy this too much." She said to the Hilichurls.
A small lightning storm surged forth, causing a chain lightning effect to take them down, including the large Hydro Slime.
"Chain lightning can happen between Electro-Charged enemies. It allows me to damage multiple enemies at once. It's due to the electrical discharge caused by the friction. I have to admit, it's a little less shocking than love at first sight." Lisa spoke.
"Your abilities come from your Vision. I only got mine just a few weeks ago in Inazuma, though I'm not a native to that land." Cloud said.
"You have a Vision from Inazuma and you're not a native there? That's very surprising from you, cutie." Lisa admitted.
"I know they can help channel elemental powers, but it depends on the element itself." Cloud said.
"You're catching quick on how they can be used. For me, my Vision is more of a magical lightning rod. For Diluc, it's his desire to protect which gave him a Pyro Vision." Lisa continued.
"Wind, lightning and fire… How philosophical that wind acts as a mediator between them." Cloud mused.
"Didn't expect to hear that one, Cloud." Diluc admitted.
"I only know how to channel my elemental abilities. However, I don't know anything else." Cloud admitted.
"Wait, you don't know about the Elemental Sight yet?" Lisa asked in surprise.
"Elemental Sight?" Cloud questioned.
"Looks like you haven't yet. Try to focus your eyes to your Vision mentally. It'll respond and show the elements in different colors." Lisa explained.
Cloud soon did as Lisa told him to. Soon, the world flashed in a monochrome sight to him. The swordsman can see the different colors from Lisa's and Diluc's Visions. Lisa was purple while Diluc was red orange. Cloud was surprised to see the different colors before the effect of Elemental Sight faded.
"That's how Elemental Sight works. It allows a user to see the elements based on the colors. Even Anemo possesses a color of its own. Lisa explained.
The trio soon noticed a terminal and activated it. Several floating platforms formed a small passage, creating a bridge that led them to another wind current.
"So you meant to say that you have been instinctively learning how to use your Vision and you haven't learned about Elemental Sight till now… I must admit, cutie. You're lucky you had a teacher like me." Lisa flirted.
The trio soon encountered a crystal of condensed Anemo energy. Lisa knew what it is.
"That's the source of this temple's power. Break it so we can leave here." Lisa said.
Cloud soon channeled his Anemo abilities to try and break the crystal. However, the crystal didn't have a crack. This made him grunt in disapproval.
"Looks like my Anemo abilities won't pierce it. Diluc, Lisa… Looks like you two can break this crystal." Cloud said.
"That's right, I almost forgot. Same elementals can't damage each other. For instance, if Diluc used his elemental abilities at the Pyro Slimes earlier, he wouldn't do any damage to them." Lisa explained.
Lisa and Diluc soon destroyed the Anemo crystal. A strange item was produced from the crystal.
"What is that?" Cloud asked.
"That's an elemental item called an Oculus. This one is called an Anemoculus. They're concentrated elemental items. These items are aligned to the wind." Lisa answered.
Lisa breathed a sigh of relief after accomplishing the mission.
"Phew… The thought of putting my feet up and relaxing has me all fired up!" She said.
Cloud snorted in response. Diluc exhaled in amusement.
"Dragon of the East, Lion of the South, Wolf of the North, Falcon of the West…" Lisa recalled.
"Those are the four winds of Mondstadt?" Cloud questioned.
"Yes, they are also titles of the respective winds. They're affiliated with Barbatos, the God of Anemo. The Dragon of the East, whom is called Stormterror, is actually named Dvalin." Lisa revealed.
"This dragon may be of the East Wind, but I don't see any reason to fight and slay it." Cloud admitted.
"Oh? Why are you sympathizing, Cloud?" Lisa asked.
"It's safe to say that the dragon was being controlled. Who? I don't know. However, we have to find the means to quell its sadness before we can free it." Cloud explained.
"It's reasonable to say, Cloud. Sadly, most in Mondstadt seemed to have forgotten Dvalin's name due to the Stormterror business." Lisa admitted.
"Pretty good reason to know if years have passed for the dragon. It probably had worshippers alongside Barbatos." Cloud reasoned.
"Now you know why Dvalin is channeling three of the Four Winds' power. It's actually consuming itself right from the start." Lisa revealed.
"Is there any reason why it would go through such lengths?" Cloud asked.
"It's due to its hatred, I presume." Lisa answered.
"Hatred? For the people of Mondstadt?" Cloud asked.
"It's possible. Hatred drove it to become something more powerful than the wind itself, to become Stormterror." Lisa replied.
"It doesn't give a decent explanation as to why one of the Four Winds would perform such actions out of hatred on the city it was supposed to protect… We're missing a clue here." Cloud said.
"Admittingly, you might be right Cloud. As a child of Mondstadt, it's something that's difficult to explain. Perhaps this old story from a century ago may offer some insight." Lisa said, offering a book.
The book was titled 'Breeze Amidst The Forest Supplement: The Dragon Tome. Cloud held on to the book, having some time to think on when to read it. He managed to help deal with one of the temples of the wind. There was one more left.
"How do we get out of this temple?" Cloud asked.
Soon, a portal opened up. Lisa began to explain what it was.
"This is an exit portal. All dungeons have this portal for explorers to leave the dungeon after clearing it. Just walk in the circle and it will transport you to the entrance outside." Lisa explained.
Lisa and Diluc walked in the portal, disappearing in the circle. Cloud soon followed, walking in the portal. A sense of displacement occurred to him, before he noticed he was outside the temple.
(Magic Intrigues OST ends here)