Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [147]
Well, well.
With a grin, he said, "Young warrior, I'd advise you to step back a bit. I'm about to unleash an incredibly destructive attack, and I'd hate for you to get caught in the crossfire!"
"Earthquake Technique!"
His dragon-scale shield pulsed with energy, channeling the leylines beneath them until a tremendous surge of elemental force exploded into the ground.
Boom!
In seconds, the ground erupted with violent tremors, accompanied by monstrous howls as the very earth swallowed every creature around them.
Diluc, already well aware of Gu Sanqiu's capabilities, chose to heed the warning and jumped back to observe from a safe distance.
"A-Ah?!"
Shocked Kaeya noises (ΩДΩ)
He hadn't even raised his sword yet—how had every monster been wiped out already?
And that guy… he was definitely doing this on purpose!
"All done! This technique makes clearing out monsters a breeze." Gu Sanqiu dusted off his hands, putting his shield away. "Alright, Darknight Hero—or rather, Mondstadt's chief businessman. How about dropping the disguise so we can talk?"
Diluc didn't move.
"Come on now. He recognized your fighting style from the first swing. Keeping up the act is just a waste of time at this point."
"I thought you would've spilled it yourself," Diluc muttered, removing his mask. "Though I'll admit, that technique of yours is impressive."
"Eh, it's just enough to keep these short-legged creatures at bay," Gu Sanqiu replied, shaking out his hand. "If we're up against something stronger, I'd need better control over the tremors. So, why don't we find somewhere to grab a drink?"
"To Angel's Share. I need to change anyway," Diluc replied, matter-of-factly. "It's on me."
"Oh, great! I think the new Afternoon Death just came in. I'll have one of those!"
Diluc shot Kaeya a look. "As for our Cavalry Captain who barely lifted a finger, you'll be paying your own tab."
"What? I cleared most of the monsters on the perimeter for you! Isn't that right, Gu?"
"Oh, sorry." Gu Sanqiu feigned an innocent shrug. "Seems I've got this odd affliction called 'occasional selective blindness.' I didn't see you do a thing!"
Kaeya: …
(╬￣皿￣) You're asking for it, aren't you?!
"Hey, why not hit up Cat's Tail instead? Diona could mix us something nice."
"No thanks. Every time I walk into that place, she glares at me like I've personally offended her." Diluc shook his head. "Angel's Share is just fine."
"Aw, come on, Diluc! A few bottles of Afternoon Death won't break the bank, will they? Just one drink, can't you cover that for me?"
"I said: The Cavalry Captain who didn't contribute will pay for himself."
The three returned to Angel's Share, where Diluc changed into a crisp outfit, leaving his collar slightly unbuttoned to reveal a sliver of collarbone as he set about mixing drinks.
"Well, this is perfect. Getting to enjoy your handiwork while we drink," Kaeya remarked, taking a sip of his glass.
"Just perfect?"
"Oh? Since when do you care about getting praised over something like this?" Kaeya teased, eyeing Diluc slyly. "Or is it because you actually value his opinion?"
Diluc glanced at Kaeya. "A Captain drinking in the tavern this late… The others might be used to your habits, but shall I let your Acting Grand Master know?"
"I've been chastened! Please, dear Diluc, show mercy." Kaeya clasped his hands together, pleading. "Besides, I did work hard tonight! I was coordinating with Eula on the ground. Even if you think I didn't help, I did bring you some extra support, didn't I?"
Diluc poured the drink with a soft sigh. "I'll give you a pass, then. Base wine is low-alcohol grape wine—no idea if you'll like it, given Liyue's preferences."
"True, people in Liyue tend to go for stronger spirits, but not everyone loves high-proof drinks. Honestly, some only drink to be polite." Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "For instance, ever seen a wine with an eighty-two percent alcohol content? We've got someone over there who figured out how to make one."
"Eighty-two percent?" Diluc was taken aback. "And they just… drink that?"
"Yup, just one sip and you're done for. And these people pretend to drink it like water at banquets." Gu Sanqiu chuckled, taking a sip. "By the way, haven't you thought about changing that title? Doesn't 'Darknight Hero' sound a bit… underwhelming?"
"Agreed. It's certainly lacking in taste, but I'm not too concerned about trivialities. They can call me whatever they want."
"Why don't we come up with a new one while we have time?" Gu Sanqiu mused. "How about 'The Guardian of Justice'?"
...
"Even worse than Darknight Hero," Kaeya muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Alright then, what about 'Prince of the Night'?" Gu Sanqiu whipped out a pen and paper, showing them his suggestion.
Diluc frowned. "I'd rather keep 'Darknight Hero.'"
Kaeya shook his head. "That just screams attention-grabber. Besides, he's already conspicuous enough, what with the whole Pyro Vision thing. Rejected."
Gu Sanqiu slid the pen and paper over to Kaeya. "Your turn, then."
"Fine, fine." Kaeya picked it up, brow furrowing as he thought.
"Got it! How about 'The Nightwatcher'?"
"Sounds like a security guard from Liyue. Not exactly suited to our guy's aura," Gu Sanqiu retorted with a smirk.
"Then… 'The Nightwing Knight'?"
"No 'knight' titles," Diluc muttered, taking a calm sip.
"Then you suggest something!" Kaeya huffed, exasperated. "See? This is why I don't bother with names!"
Gu Sanqiu shrugged, taking another sip. "I still think 'Prince of the Night' fits—really captures both Diluc's charm and his flamboyance."
"Flamboyance?" Diluc raised an eyebrow at him, his meaning clear.
Are you looking to pay your own bill?
"Ah, well, technically, people like you would be called 'heroes of justice' where I'm from. And those kinds of folks usually prefer to keep a low profile." Gu Sanqiu spread his hands in mock innocence. "Some hope to be discovered one day so their deeds can inspire others. But a few, well, they're just happy not caring at all."
He grinned. "I'd peg you as the latter. But witnessing this whole 'righteous figure in secret' act in person, it's hard not to think of you as… well, flamboyant."
"A fair point. Art does imitate life," Kaeya chimed in, eyes gleaming. "How about I bring in a novelist from Liyue to write your biography?"
"Denied."
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