Ch 15

Without a doubt, this matter had caused quite a stir. In the hall, players were constantly discussing it, their expressions filled with excitement. For them, the Wind Archon had always been a legendary deity. Suddenly, he transformed into such a "down-to-earth" figure, leaving everyone momentarily stunned. This sensation first caused a commotion in the player community, but once this news reached the Cathedral of the Seven in Mondstadt, it would probably lead to a true crisis of faith.

The discussions and debates continued for nearly twenty minutes before the players gradually calmed down and accepted this fact. With the prior storyline buildup, it wasn't too abrupt. Some perceptive players had even guessed it earlier but were reluctant to admit it.

Following this revelation, many players erupted with an unprecedented enthusiasm, eagerly diving into the new storyline. Even some casual players, upon learning that Venti was indeed Barbatos, joined the ranks of those interested in the story's development. Since Lord Barbatos had already returned to Mondstadt, they believed that the situation would surely be resolved, right?

Players also gained a deeper understanding of the Windborne Dragon. Previously, they had thought of it as a ferocious dragon constantly threatening Mondstadt's safety. But now they finally knew the truth—it wasn't an evil or demonic dragon; it had once been one of Mondstadt's Four Winds, an attendant of Lord Barbatos himself.

After swallowing the venomous blood and enduring centuries of slumber, the dragon had been corrupted and cursed by Abyss Mages, enduring constant torment. Some players, upon learning this truth, even shed tears.

"What have we done?"

"We actually forgot our history and the dragon that once sacrificed everything to protect Mondstadt! We even called it the Windborne Dragon."

"Dvalin, I've seen this name in ancient texts before. I didn't expect it to be the Windborne Dragon."

"In any case, Lord Barbatos, the Traveler, Jean, and Lord Diluc must rescue Dvalin!"

Hearing these remarks, Lisa couldn't help but show a relieved expression. Through experiencing this game, the people had unknowingly learned the truth about Dvalin, understanding the Knights of Favonius' hardships. The Knights were not powerless against the dragon's rampage; they were doing their best to save their "companion" who had guarded Mondstadt for millennia.

However, what most people found lacking was that Lord Barbatos, as the Wind Archon, seemed a bit too casual and carefree. It didn't quite match the all-powerful Wind Archon they had in mind. This discrepancy might be due to their childhood perception, shaped by the deification of the Wind Archon in poems and scriptures. Now that the Wind Archon had transformed into a wandering bard named Venti, it was natural for some to experience a sense of disparity. As new storylines unfolded, players seemed to gradually accept this fact.

In front of Dawn Winery, the main characters' party gathered once again. Paimon asked the question on everyone's minds.

"But speaking of it, why did Lord Barbatos, the Wind Archon, rely on the power of humans?"

"Haha, how should I put it?"

Venti spread his hands, thought for a moment, and replied, "What people call the Seven are more fundamentally referred to as the 'Seven Rulers of the Earth.' Dividing the world, each governing one-seventh, is our duty as deities."

"Performing divine duties enables the accumulation of divine power, but I don't like ruling. I don't think Mondstadt would like it either," Jean seemed deeply moved by these words.

"For the establishment of a kingdom without a ruler - Lord Barbatos' ideology, we hold it close to our hearts," players seemed to understand this now.

After all, Jean was the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, and she had a deeper understanding than ordinary citizens.

Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, left Mondstadt not because he didn't care about it anymore, but because he wanted to spread the atmosphere and ideology of freedom in Mondstadt, even if it meant losing his divine power.

Players began to gradually appreciate the Wind Archon's actions.

Now, with Dvalin corrupted by the Abyss Order and threatening Mondstadt, the return of the Wind Archon during this crisis was proof of his continued affection for Mondstadt. Many players felt relieved.

But in the next moment, Paimon ruthlessly shattered their illusions.

"You're really devoted, Acting Grand Master Jean!"

"Have you ever thought that someone might be too carefree and irresponsible to handle the job?"

Venti: "Ahem..."

"Anyway, it's been so long since I returned to Mondstadt, so without a doubt, I'm the weakest among us now!"

"That's quite a bold statement."

"Well... with Wind Archon like him, is it a good or bad thing?"

Diluc voiced what players were thinking.

"But for now, let's set aside the topic of the Seven Nations and the Seven, and focus on our common enemy."

.....

[Prologue, Act Three: The Song of the Dragon and Freedom, Initiated.]

Lisa's fingers gently tapped the screen.

Finally, the new main storyline had begun.

She was quite eager for this chapter, as it should bring closure to the Dvalin storyline.

This morning, aside from Lisa, the fastest group of players had already completed Act Two of the Prologue. Now, everyone was on the same starting line. However, they hadn't experienced a two-day-long grass-cutting period this time. Takumi had seamlessly transitioned to Act Three as soon as they finished Act Two. Now that Venti's identity as the Wind Archon was exposed, everyone was eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the story. This curiosity even led them to temporarily ignore the new character pool and focus all their energy on the storyline.

"The Abyss Mages we're tracking this time are near the winery," Diluc said sternly. "We can't let them escape."

Jean was resolute. On the Starsnatch Cliff, the Abyss Mages had damaged Jean's barrier and taken Dvalin away. Though no one explicitly said it, everyone was holding their breath. The Traveler spoke up, "Let's start the hunt!"

Arriving at the marked location, Lisa controlled her character, swiftly using her quick-clear tactics to eliminate the monsters.

After the battle, Venti looked puzzled. "Huh? What is this?"

"After defeating the Abyss Mage, there's some kind of residual energy," Lisa explained. "Its original purpose seems to be to sever the connection between me and Dvalin."

Through this battle, Venti confirmed that Dvalin was currently inside the Wind Dragon's Ruin. The entrance to the Wind Dragon's Ruin had a special barrier, and now, with the residual energy from the defeated Abyss Mage, Venti could weave a magical rhythm.

Through this rhythm, Venti could enable everyone to break through the Storm Barrier and reach the interior of the Wind Dragon's Ruin. This time, the journey to the Wind Dragon's Ruin would involve a direct confrontation with Dvalin. They had been avoiding this outcome, but now there was no turning back. However, Venti insisted that the Traveler was the real trump card.

"The impurities in the Tears, and the curse that lingers on Dvalin, are the same kind of evil power, so..."

Before Venti could finish his sentence, Paimon interrupted. "Bard, this is too dangerous! If Dvalin gets angry, he might swallow you before you even get a chance!"

Paimon truly cared about the Traveler. She was indeed the best companion. And here, players faced two options.

"I've always said I'm good at fighting!" Lisa smiled slightly and chose the first option.

Their goal was the depths of the Wind Dragon's Ruin. First, they arrived at the massive Storm Barrier and cleared out the Hilichurl ambush set by the Abyss Mage. Then, Venti played the Wind Harp, accompanied by a unique rhythm, and the barrier was lifted.

On their way to the depths, they naturally encountered monsters and mechanisms. When they reached the tower's top, ancient seals appeared, requiring a "Light-Guiding Ritual."

It was called a ritual, but in reality, it meant activating three Light-Guiding mechanisms. Lisa was well aware of this seal, but the game had simplified it significantly. All they needed to do was collect the corresponding Light-Guiding materials near the mechanisms and place them in the slots. This level of difficulty was child's play for Lisa. In fact, real Light-Guiding mechanisms were much more complex.

However, for other players, it was not so easy. Just finding the Light-Guiding materials took a long time. After gathering them, a wave of Hilichurls and Abyss Mages appeared near the mechanism, requiring them to defeat them all within a limited time.

It was time to test their gaming skills and team strength once again.

"After the battle, Venti expressed his confusion. 'Huh? What is this?'

'After defeating the Abyss Mage, there's some kind of residual energy,' Lisa explained. 'Its original purpose seems to be to sever the connection between me and Dvalin.'

Through this battle, Venti confirmed that Dvalin was currently inside the Wind Dragon's Ruin. The entrance to the Wind Dragon's Ruin had a special barrier, and now, with the residual energy from the defeated Abyss Mage, Venti could weave a magical rhythm.

Through this rhythm, Venti could enable everyone to break through the Storm Barrier and reach the interior of the Wind Dragon's Ruin. This time, the journey to the Wind Dragon's Ruin would involve a direct confrontation with Dvalin. They had been avoiding this outcome, but now there was no turning back. However, Venti insisted that the Traveler was the real trump card.

'The impurities in the Tears, and the curse that lingers on Dvalin, are the same kind of evil power, so...'

Before Venti could finish his sentence, Paimon interrupted. 'Bard, this is too dangerous! If Dvalin gets angry, he might swallow you before you even get a chance!'

Paimon truly cared about the Traveler. She was indeed the best companion. And here, players faced two options.

'I've always said I'm good at fighting!' Lisa smiled slightly and chose the first option.

Their goal was the depths of the Wind Dragon's Ruin. First, they arrived at the massive Storm Barrier and cleared out the Hilichurl ambush set by the Abyss Mage. Then, Venti played the Wind Harp, accompanied by a unique rhythm, and the barrier was lifted.

On their way to the depths, they naturally encountered monsters and mechanisms. When they reached the tower's top, ancient seals appeared, requiring a 'Light-Guiding Ritual.'

It was called a ritual, but in reality, it meant activating three Light-Guiding mechanisms. Lisa was well aware of this seal, but the game had simplified it significantly. All they needed to do was collect the corresponding Light-Guiding materials near the mechanisms and place them in the slots. This level of difficulty was child's play for Lisa. In fact, real Light-Guiding mechanisms were much more complex.

However, for other players, it was not so easy. Just finding the Light-Guiding materials took a long time. After gathering them, a wave of Hilichurls and Abyss Mages appeared near the mechanism, requiring them to defeat them all within a limited time.

It was time to test their gaming skills and team strength once again.

....

'I'm thinking that after everything is over, I'll write all of this into a song,' Venti said in a calm tone. Despite the upcoming showdown with Dvalin, he seemed even calmer and more composed at this moment. It was in moments like these that you could see the traces of time etched on him. From the carefree bard, a bit of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, could be glimpsed.

'There have been many events during this time,' he continued. 'And it feels like I've become quite the old partner with Venti.'

For players, that was indeed the case. Just immersing themselves in the game's storyline had taken up a lot of time. During this period, Fool's Executive Officer appeared in the sky above Mondstadt, and the owner of the mobile game shop defended Mondstadt, engaging in a battle with the executive officer. This experience seemed worthy of being recorded in a poem. However, in this mobile game, there was no corresponding image for Mr. Takumi. Many players regarded the Traveler as Takumi's projection in the game.

'Yes, this song will probably be passed down among the people of Mondstadt, just like "The Ballad of Vanessa,"' Venti said. 'I've loved that song since I was a child.'

Jean smiled, seemingly recalling some fond memories, but the expression quickly disappeared, and her demeanor became resolute. 'I'm in my best condition now, and I will definitely be of help to all of you.'

'Rest assured, I'm in top form too!' Paimon pointed at Diluc. 'By the way, Master Diluc has been with us all the way to the end.'

'Even though I was just accidentally swept into it... a... bystander?' Diluc maintained his cold and aloof posture with crossed arms. 'You all shared your secrets with me, and I simply returned the same trust.'

Seeing this, Lisa smiled knowingly. Diluc was still the same proud and reserved character. Even though he was protecting Mondstadt in his own unique way...

'If Master Diluc's reason is "trust" and Acting Grand Master Jean's reason is "duty," what about Venti?' the Traveler asked.

'It's "freedom,"' Venti replied."

Venti spoke without hesitation, "Mondstadt is a romantic city-state without a [king's] rule, and its citizens are the freest among the Seven Nations. I hope that the dragon who once protected Mondstadt will be the same. No one should deceive it by saying '[this city has betrayed you].' No one should tell it that '[guarding this city is your eternal duty].' It has the right to choose its own way of life. So, Traveler, the thousand-year winds of Mondstadt are with you. Next, I will guide you with the power of [wind] as I did last time."

The pre-battle mobilization was almost complete. What they had to do next was to cross the seal in front of them and enter the secret realm of the Wind Dragon's Ruin. After setting up the team, Lisa initiated the challenge directly.

The scene changed. They were suddenly in the high sky, facing Dvalin flying in the air.

"Look! There are two glowing spots on Dvalin's body!"

"That's the venomous blood coagulated on the wounds."

"The Abyss Order concentrated curses on the wounds, corrupting Dvalin's spirit."

"To save Dvalin, we must first clear away those purple clots."

Venti's voice echoed. This challenge was somewhat similar to when they first arrived in Mondstadt and faced the dragon for the first time. They needed to continuously use Anemo-powered shots to attack specific spots on Dvalin's body. But this time, it was not as simple as before. Dvalin wouldn't just stand there as a target. It constantly maneuvered in the air, while firing intense barrages behind it. Players who couldn't dodge in time quickly ran out of health and had to use Sweet Flower Brew to revive.

"Ugh, this is so hard to control!"

Some players had already failed in the pursuit and respawned at the entrance of the secret realm. "I was so nervous earlier that I was sweating all over, and I still couldn't catch up to Dvalin. I've run out of food." "This level is really difficult, but completing it might save Dvalin!" "Let me take a five-minute break; I almost forgot to breathe earlier."

Even the fastest batch of players in advancing the storyline found it challenging in this stage. They failed their first pursuit attempt as expected and had to return to the entrance of the secret realm to analyze their failure patterns. However, one person was an exception.

Lisa's emerald pupils slightly trembled, reflecting dreamlike battle scenes. Above the land, below the clouds, with the vast mountains and rivers passing by below. The starry sky above was exceptionally brilliant. Moonlight outlined a beautiful border on the clouds. The scenery in the sky was like a dream. But none of this bothered Lisa. Her focus was on Dvalin's high-speed flight ahead and the incredibly dense barrage of attacks. Dodging, pursuing, and attacking. Lisa's slender fingers seemed to merge with the Traveler on the screen, as if she herself was smoothly engaging in an aerial battle.

"Roar!!!!!"

Finally, after continuous attacks, Dvalin's health reached its limit. It let out a roar. "Dvalin... Are you in pain? I'm sorry, just endure a bit longer, there's only one wound left!" Venti's voice echoed. It seemed to touch upon past pain, and Dvalin lost balance, starting to plummet. Below was where the storm gathered, the ruins of the tower. The group also landed on a circular platform accordingly. Below the cliff, the wind whipped up remnants of clouds, forming a huge eye of the storm.

"Boom!" A burst of green light surged out, nearly smashing everyone off the platform. And the storm continued to rise. Dvalin emerged from it, emitting a sharper dragon roar than a hurricane. Lisa saw the gigantic Dvalin in front of her with a full white shield value beneath its health bar. "The battle... has just begun...?"

....

The battered platform appeared as if it could collapse at any moment. The clouds in the sky kept churning, occasionally flashing with lightning. Everything spoke of the powerful and chaotic Anemo elemental forces here. In the aerial battle just now, one of Dvalin's blood clots had already been dealt with, and now it was time to clear the other one.

"This way, we can fight Dvalin on equal footing. The best poet in the world has come to help."

In the team of four, there was now a fifth assisting character, a new limited character introduced in version 1.0 - Venti! He was a five-star bow character. Lisa opened the character panel and got a rough understanding of Venti's talent skills.

When they returned to the storyline, Dvalin had already swooped down from the sky. Its sharp dragon claws left two marks on the platform. Lisa immediately used evasion to dodge this attack. Then, Dvalin returned to the sky. It seemed that Dvalin's attacks were not continuous but came in waves. So, as long as they dodged its attacks well, they would be fine. However, at its current altitude, none of the team's characters, whether using elemental skills or bursts, could reach it. Even Venti, as a bow character, couldn't lock onto Dvalin with his regular arrow attacks. This was the first time such a situation had occurred.