Afternoon, Brightcrown Mountains: Road to Stormterror's Lair.

A Night-Raven travels across the mountains, tracking down a group of Hilichurls that is following the Abyss Mage to the Stormterror's Lair. Without alerting them, the Night-Raven flies away.

Evening, Mondstadt: Main Street..

The Outrider feels refreshed after the hangout with the Travelers.

Amber: Thanks for hanging out with me!

Aether: It was fun.

Amber waves her goodbye before she heads back to her home.

Lumine: Amber's quite the Hyper-Active one, don't you think?

Aether: Yeah. I barely keep up with her competitive mood, especially when it comes to gliding race.

Then, a fairy teleports besides them, joining in their conversation.

Paimon: But all the friendly competition makes Paimon hungry.

Lumine: You think you can outrun Amber, Paimon?

Paimon: Huh!? What are you talking about? Paimon can only float. There's no way Paimon can catch up with Gliding expert like Amber!

Lumine: Hehe.. Just guessing. Do you think Master Diluc had tracked down the Abyss Mage?

Aether: I don't know.. Let's visit the Acting Grand Master for Master Diluc's status. I'm sure she's curious as well.

Lumine: Maybe after dinner. I wonder how Venti's doing right now..

Paimon: Probably doing performance somewhere around the city, maybe at the upper area or at the Angel's Share Tavern?

Lumine: Let's pay him a visit after dinner, shall we?

Aether: Sure..

The siblings head to the Good Hunter to grab a bite. Meanwhile, a Night-Raven just departed from the Adventurer's Guild building after finishing updating with their latest report, flies through the evening sky to the Windwail Highlands, heading to Dawn Winery.

Night, Windwail Highlands: Dawn Winery.

After requesting a commission to the Adventurer's Guild and Fischl managed to track down the Abyss Mage that the group had encountered on the Starsnatch Cliff with corrupted Dvalin. The Prinzessin reports every information she had found after tracking down the Abyss Mage.

Diluc: Have you tracked down the Abyss Mage?

Fischl: Just as you have requested. With my left eye, Auge der Verurteilung. Which reveals all that is true in the world, has finally revealed that the wickedness wanders in a realm where echoing in the abyss of time, the burning winds of the old, all of which shape the spire forgotten in the torrents of karma.

He got confused by her way of words.

Diluc: Sorry.. I don't quite understand what you're saying at all.

The Night-Raven translates it for Diluc.

Oz: We should be the one saying sorry, Master Diluc. Mein Fräulein means she can confirm all those clues left by the wicked beings at the Starsnatch Cliff, are pointing towards the Stormterror's Lair. But it's more in the vicinity of the Dawn Winery due to the last sight of them is at the Road to Stormterror's Lair.

Diluc: Is that so?

Oz: Yes. Are you going to confront the Stormterror all by yourself?

Diluc: I got others with me. You two did your part well.

Oz: Pleasure to be working for you for the first time.

The girl replies with proud tone.

Fischl: Everytime you have request, prepare to receive the great wisdom of the Prinzessin anytime.

Diluc: ...

The Night-Raven translates it for Diluc.

Oz: She means if anything you need help collecting information, the investigator of the Adventurer's Guild will always be a good option for your decision. To be precise, Mein Fräulein will be the best choice for you.

Diluc: Thanks.

Fischl: The Prinzessin and her loyal companion shall take their glory departure from here then.

Oz: As you wish, mein Fräulein. And be careful, Master Diluc.

They both exit out the Mansion of Dawn Winery. Using Electro elemental power, Fischl transforms into Oz form, flying its way back to Mondstadt. Diluc watches them fly away.

Diluc: What a strange and interesting pair.. I better take care other things before heading off to the Tavern and meet with the others.

Night, Mondstadt: Market District..

After dinner, the siblings and Paimon just arrived at the Angel's Share Tavern. Stumble across Venti as he is heading to the Tavern as well.

Venti: Oh, hey guys.

Paimon: It's Tone-Deaf Bard. Are you here for the meeting as well?

Venti: Yeah.. I'm checking on Master Diluc and wanted to know how's the progress he made so far..

Charles: Oh, you guys are here.

Lumine: It's the Bartender.

Charles: Master Diluc told me that you should go meet with him at the Dawn Winery. He also requests that you should tell the Acting Grand Master Jean this as well.

Aether: Sure. We'll let her know.

Charles: Also most importantly, be careful of the Fatui.

Paimon: We'll take care of ourselves.

Charles: I guess I've done my part.

The Bartender takes his leave. Paimon comes up with her suggestions immediately.

Paimon: Let's go visit the Headquarters and let Jean know.

The others nod before heading to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. Aether decides to head there on his own.

Aether: I'll go inform Jean. You guys should meet up with Diluc first.

Lumine: Hm.. Okay.. Be careful, Aether.

The boy of the traveling siblings head to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters while the rest of the group travels to Dawn Winery.

Knights of Favonius Headquarters..

Entering the HQ, he notices most of the Knights are still on their duty despite it is night time and the lights are still brightly on. He knocks a few times on the door before twisting the door knob slowly and pushing forward.

Aether: Acting Grand Master?

The sound of door creaking attracts her attention who is busy at the moment, just as usual.

Jean: Honorary Knight? What brings you here?

Aether: We're heading to the Dawn Winery, Diluc said we should meet there.

Receiving words from Diluc's message, Jean already can tell how his progress had made so far.

Jean: Seems like he has found something else. Very well then.. I'll catch up after this, and thanks for informing me.

Aether: Guess I will wait for you outside. We should head there together.

Jean: Right..

Night, Windwail Highlands: Dawn Winery..

Diluc, Lumine, Paimon and Venti are currently gathered at the Dawn Winery. Lumine waves out to her brother after Paimon noticed Aether and Jean's presence.

Paimon: They're here!

Venti: Great! With everyone's here, you can start the briefing now, Master Diluc.

Diluc: We managed to dig up a few clues and tracked the Abyss Mage to the vicinity of the Dawn Winery. I assume they're heading towards the Stormterror's Lair.

Jean: That place is sealed with barrier. So we need to get to it, fast. I cannot stress enough how important it is to not let it escape.

Lumine: Let's hunt it down!

Paimon: Before we head there, there's something I want to ask. It's about Tone-Deaf Bard.

Venti: Oh? What is it, Paimon?

Paimon: Since you're a god of Anemo, Barbatos. Why would you need the help of mere humans?

Diluc: Hm.. Come to think of it.. I'm curious on this one.

Venti: Ah.. How do I put it..? "The Seven" as people now know them, were once known as "The Seven Archons." Each Archon 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" Mondstadt. And I don't feel Mondstadt would really like it either.

Aether: That explains why Mondstadt is the city of freedom.. And that was his wish?

Jean: Yes. "Go forth and establish a city of freedom without rule." And we have not forgotten Barbatos' wish for Mondstadt.

Paimon: Oh Jean.. You're such a devotee. Although it sounds like that, but Paimon can't help but feel someone got a little too free and is just too lazy to care..

The bard stutters a bit..

Venti: Ah.. However it may have come to be.. I haven't been back to Mondstadt for an extended period of time.

Lumine: So.. You're the weakest archon among The Seven?

Venti replies still with his positive side.

Venti: Yeah! It is unfortunate but it's true. ^^

The others drop a sweat..

Aether: And yet you sound almost proud, Venti.

Venti: Well, the Knights of Favonius did a really great job protecting and maintaining the city when I was away. The happiness from the city folks during my time on the street proved it well. So that's why I'm proud of them.

Hearing the god praising the Knights of Favonius, the Acting Grand Master replies to his gratitude.

Jean: Oh, Venti. I don't know how to express after hearing this. But Grand Master Varka would be glad to hear that as well.

Diluc gives a compliment before resuming back to their quest.

Diluc: Such a humble god.. Is it a blessing, or a curse? But we digress.. Let's hunt that Abyss Mage down now.

The others nod to him. Heading to the Path to Stormterror's Lair. Meanwhile...

Galesong Hill: Windrise.

Even with the night's still young, the Knight's patrol duty outside the city isn't ended yet. Thanks to the Outrider's report about Hilichurls recent activities and managed to fend off several of the Hilichurl's coordinated attacks. With the Acting Grand Master Jean's command before leaving the city, the Knights already set up the defense on any entrances to the city. Amber tinkers the string of her bow, tighten up the string's stretch. Noelle also joined the front line to set up spiked barricades in front of the main bridge, adjusting the angle of the spiked barrier. She asks one of the Knights on the front line.

Noelle: Is this the right spot, Swan?

Swan: Yeah. This should work well holding them off. You should get some rest. Besides, you know what the Section 3 of the Knights of Favonius handbook said.

Noelle: Don't worry, it is my decision to help. So I won't report to the Acting Grand Master. Besides, you worked hard as well. It's better to save some stamina to fight off the monsters.

Swan: I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Noelle.

Swan goes to help the others first. Amber just notices the maid's presence when she just returns back after her duty on keeping her eyes on any threats.

Amber: Noeellle!!!

The Outrider happily surprises the Maid from behind, who is carrying several heavy crates on her own.

Noelle: Ah! Outrider Amber! You almost spooked me.

Amber: I'm sorry. Glad to see you here at the front line, Noelle!

Noelle: Of course, I have to protect everyone in Mondstadt, that's a part of the work as a dutiful maid.

Amber: I am sure the Knights will be A-okay with your barrier power on us!

???: Ahem!

The girls turn their attention to the one who clears throat. Amber surprises that it's the Spindrift Knight who is also back with her scouting team.

???: Outrider Amber, what in the devil are you doing? Interfering a Maid's work?

Noelle: Huh? Ahem!

The Outrider releases the maid.

Amber: Oh! It's Eula!

Eula: *sigh* Do I have to remind you about the basic manners?

Amber: Ah! Sorry. But I'm glad to see you here too. I thought you're still out with your team for a hunt.

She crosses her arm while she feels left out. Amber notices it by her upset yet arrogant expression.

Eula: The Acting Grand Master mobilized all the Knights to stay on guard in this perimeter while she's away with the "Honorary Knights". The Abyss Order have been causing a ruckus around Mondstadt's wall.

The Outrider couldn't help but notice the Spindrift Knight being upset.

Amber: But you seem kinda not really happy..

Eula: Hmph, of course! I cannot believe the Acting Grand Master chose to take the Honorary Knights with her instead of me. What if they are actually enemies? She better be back with a decent explanation!

Amber: Don't worry about Jean! The Travelers are actually good and capable people. You should meet them someday! ^^

Eula: It better be! I shall have my vengeance from them when that time comes! They will mark my words.

The Outrider let out a sigh.

Amber: Oh, Eula..

Eula: For now, what is the situation here?

Amber: No signs of Hilichurls around.. But I bet the Abyss Order are planning something big.

Eula: Hm.. I shall conduct an investigation around Galesong Hill on my own this time.

Amber: Huh? That's kinda sudden. But will you be okay on your own, I can join you on your investigation if you don't mind.

She brandishes her Greatsword, Songs of Broken Pines. Warming up with a few dances and swings of her favonius bladework, Edel. The Outrider can tell she is being serious this time while keeping her cool and calm.

Eula: No. This defense needs an overwatch. And that will be fitting for the Outrider's job. Plus, I'm more familiar in the wild than the city same as you do.

Amber: Oh.. Be careful, Eula.

Eula: I will..

The Spindrift Knight heads out in the wild alone. The Maid feels unease after hearing the Spindrift Knight's "threat". Amber just sighs while still keeping her usual smile.

Noelle: S-She sounds intimidating.. Should I warn the Travelers?

Amber: She always like that, that's just a part of her personality. You should get to know her well, Noelle!

Noelle: Y-You sure?

The Outrider nods back with confidence to the maid who is admiring Eula's moves but also still intimidated by her personality.

Amber: That's because you'll be working with her one day after you become an official knight!

Noelle: I can't imagine battling against someone with that level of Claymore bladework like her. Such flexible and agile moves even with a Greatsword..

Amber: You will reach that someday, Noelle!

Meanwhile, Windwail Highlands: Path to Stormterror's Lair.

Cryo Abyss Mage: Get them!

Multiple Hilichurls charging forward recklessly, the Acting Grand Master Jean sprints forward, gathering her Elemental power of Anemo with her sword, execute a powerful upward thrust that sends all the Hilichurls in the air. Lumine, who just got boost by her brother's palm vortex explosion, did a front flip before executing her palm vortex onto the Hilichurls, sending them down crashing on the ground. Diluc takes his chance to send a powerful eagle.

Cryo Abyss Mage: Curse you, humans!

The Pyro elemental power of the Flaming Eagle completely wipes out the Abyss Mage who is commanding the Hilichurls. Its body disperse out its energy after meeting its own end.

Diluc: That should be the one.

Jean: Nice work, everyone.

The bard who is figuring out something from the Abyss Mage.

Venti: Hm.. So that's the cause of it.

Paimon: What cause?

Venti: A certain energy dispersed out from its body when defeated, that energy was being used to cut off the connection between me and Dvalin. But before I explain.. Do you know of Stormterror's Lair, Travelers?

The siblings shook their head.

Lumine: I heard people talking about it in Mondstadt.

Venti: Of course, I believe the people of Mondstadt all know of it.

Aether: So what about it?

Venti: After Dvalin woke up, he took the ancient ruins as his lair. 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.

Paimon: Your point is..?

Venti: Thanks to that energy dispersed from the Abyss Mage. I was able to read the rhythmic flow of how the barrier's magic was woven. It should let us break through the storm barrier and reach the lair.

Diluc: Which means we're going to confront Dvalin.. I'm fine with that. Jean is the one who wishes to avoid any direct confrontation.

The Acting Grand Master shakes her head as she disagree on keep avoiding confrontation.

Jean: No. When there are no other option left, it is my responsibility to alter our course of action.

Aether: So our only option is to slay him down?

Jean: If that's the action we chose to do, I will gladly become the Knight that leads the charge.

Venti: Well fortunately, we have yet to need to go that far.

Diluc: Hm?

Jean: By that, you mean..

Venti: What I'm saying is, the Holy Lyre is not our trump card. Our real trump card is the Travelers of course.

Paimon: Them?

Aether: I can sorta tell what Venti means...

Lumine: Hm? You know something, Aether?

Aether: The Teardrop Crystals are created and filled with Anemo power but also mixed with impurities by Dvalin because of the curse that binds him. And we managed to purify it somehow. So that makes us the trump card exactly like Venti said just now.

Lumine: Oh..

Venti: Correct! Never thought you'd be this sharp.

Paimon: You Tone-Deaf Bard! Don't you think how crazy this is!?

Lumine: This is kinda sudden.. But I guess that's the plan we can come up with.

Aether: Yeah. It's better than fighting anything without a plan at all. Right?

Diluc: Yes, indeed.

Jean: I am with you, Honorary Knight.

The fairy responds sarcastically.

Paimon: Oh~, so we just need to fight the monsters from the Abyss, and a dragon! No pressure or anything.

Diluc: Humans aren't without their strength.

Jean: I can fully entrust the safety of Mondstadt to Amber and every Knights. That way I can fight without having any worries about the citizens.

They resume on their way to the Stormterror's Lair, Lumine still has a question for Venti.

Lumine: Uh.. So how's the energy flow from the Abyss Mage?

Venti: Oh? Uh... I must admit, it sounds even more horrendous than it looks, like a chorus of Hilichurls.

Aether: Can't imagine how bad it is when you read its energy.

Venti: I think let's just set that aside for now, Aether. The epic actions of brave heroes finally leads to this eleventh hour.

Aether: Right..

Meanwhile.. Mondstadt: Main Bridge..

With the Outrider's overwatch from the defense, Amber notices a few movements around the bushes from a far. Suddenly, a group of Hilichurls, alone with Mitachurl with shields on the front, launch an attack as the Mitachurls charging forward with their wooden shield.

Amber: Enemy sighted!

Hertha: Defensive position!

All the Knights form a formation as soon as one of the Knights command out. Noelle noticed the alert, setting down the things she's carrying and grabs her Favonius Greatsword. Immediately cast her Geo Barrier on them.

Amber: Thanks!

She shoots a Pyro infused arrow on Mitachurl's shield. But there are multiple Mitachurl approaching with dash.

???: Burst forth!

A concoction contain with unstable element being thrown out from the defense, the concoction breaks on impact, unleashing a butterfly wind spirit. Spreading the Pyro element all around the Mitachurl and the Hilichurls behind them. Burning them all in result.

Amber: That butterfly.. Sucrose!?

???: She's not here currently. That was my doing just now.

Amber: Albedo!? Glad to see you here!

Albedo: No time for chatter, below us!

Amber: Huh?

She looks down below from her archer tower. Noticing several Hilichurls are advancing under the bridge with the support of Cryo Abyss Mages and Cryo Samachurls paving ice bridge on the water while moving.

Amber: Not on my watch!

She gathers a massive amount of her Pyro elemental power, aiming straight up to the sky before releasing an huge projectile. The Pyro projectile forms into a shower of arrows, raining down on the monsters and also melt the ice platform they're standing on. Some of them are defeated but the rest are inevitably drown into the river.

Amber: Took care of them!

Albedo: Nice work.

The sound of several familiar explosions occur somewhere on the side of the city.

Amber: Explosions!? Did the Abyss Order-!

Albedo: Wait.. I recognize this explosion.

Judging by the Chief Alchemist's reaction, Amber immediately realized what the explosions are from.

Amber: Oh.. It's Klee..

Albedo: I hope someone's watching over her.

Meanwhile...

*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*

Klee: Boom! Boom! Boom!!!

The Spark Knight summons and throws out a series of bombs from her palm, bombing out the Hilichurls who are trying to cross the lake via ice bridging and rafts to the docks just in front of Mondstadt's side entrance.

Klee: There are so many fishes today! And Jean is currently out! This is probably the best day of Klee's life!

Adding fuel to the fire, the Cavalry Captain encourages her more.

Kaeya: There are still more "fishes" swimming towards us, waiting for you to fishblast them. Make sure not to leave anything behind or else the fishes will tell Jean. ^^

Klee: They will!?

Kaeya: Yes. If you blast them all out. Maybe Uncle Kaeya would consider giving you a reward.

Klee: *Gasp!* Really!? Uncle Kaeya!?

The Cavalry Captain nods back in reply, resulting the Spark Knight to jump in excitement. Then, she summons a Sparkling Flower above her shoulder like a cannon, assisting her in battle.

Klee: My Blazing Delight and my bombs should handle it well!

Her Spark 'n' Splash cannon shoots out a spark that blows up the Hilichurls rafts upon impact. The Cavalry Captain watches the Spark Knight doing her job out of enjoyment, taking care of all invading Hilichurls all by herself.

Kaeya: This side is already cleared. Klee sures live up to her Spark Knight title as always.

The Cavalry Captain leaves the side defenses all to Klee. Heading back to the front line to assist the Knights where all the enemy's main force is attacking at.

Meanwhile... Brightcrown Mountains.

The group are now fighting their way to the barrier that seals the Stormterror's Lair. The Acting Grand Master rushes to the front towards a group of Hilichurls fighters. Executing an upward thrust, doing the same move as she did to the Mitachurl before. Diluc takes his chance to finish them off with one single slash. Venti wields his bow, unleashes a powerful Anemo arrow that vacuums the rest of the Hilichurls and Abyss Mages into the huge Stormeye that continuously deals Anemo damage. Defeating them all completely.. They all advance forward until they encounter the storm barrier that seals the Stormterror's Lair.

Paimon: That was easy...

Venti: Even though I'm the weakest one of the Seven. My skills with the bow still good as new, same goes for my performance as a bard.

Jean: We're at the barrier. You sure you can break through this even without the Holy Lyre?

Venti: Yup! Leave it to me! But.. I think the stage needs to be cleared before I can begin my performance.

Diluc: Huh?

They all look behind, noticing a group of Hilichurls, along with a shield Mitachurl and a Hydro Samachurl as their healer.

Jean: Enemy attack! Prepare yourselves!

Paimon: Ugh! How many of them!?

Diluc: Seems that they know we're here already.

The others engage into battle while the bard gathers and concentrates his Anemo power in the meantime. Diluc takes the first strike with 3 consecutive Pyro attacks. First with a hammer down bash, next is upward cut and last is 360 sideflip slash. Both siblings blows the flame created by Diluc all around the enemies with their palm vortex as usual. Unleashing the power of the Dandelion Knight, the Acting Grand Master Jean cast a formless wind that repels the Hilichurls back. The damage built up destroy them in result. At the same time, the music played out from Venti's Lyre sends out immense elemental power, breaking the barrier of the Stormterror's Lair.

Jean: Well done, everyone.

Venti: Now that is unusual. Hilichurls usually don't venture into areas with high elemental concentration. It puts a heavy burden on their bodies. My prediction is probably the same as Master Diluc or the Acting Grand Master.

Diluc: The Abyss Order must be manipulating them behind the scenes, yet they shouldn't have been able to determine that we would come. They're presumably spreading their forces to halt our plans.

Jean: I assumed the rest of the Knights are prepared for it. That way I can put my mind at ease and focus on our task and ourselves.

Venti: Without further ado, let's go.

The group advances into Stormterror's Lair.. In the Meantime...

*Slash!*

The Spindrift Knight's Claymore, Song of Broken Pines, cuts a Hilichurl fighter in half. Then, she slashes the incoming Hilichurls one by one during her consecutive normal but elegant combos. A Mitachurl with an Axe infused with Pyro from Pyro Slime it picked up, attacking from her rear. With sharp frost and swift round attack, Eula parries the axe that is swinging at her direction, also annihilates the Mitachurl as well. She does her first sideflip slash then throw her Claymore straight at the Mitachurl with Wooden Shield during her second sideflip. The Claymore stabs the Mitachurl through the shield, defeating it. The Abyss Mage panics a bit.

Hydro Abyss Mage: You're not getting me, human!

While summoning its homing bubble trap, Eula grabs her Claymore that is stuck on the shield and swings her Claymore in one-handed. The amount of velocity used to throw the Wooden Shield that is released from the blade of her Claymore so hard that it pops through the bubble trap and breaks the mage's barrier. Without any mercy, the Grimhearts that Eula has stacked shoots out towards the Mage, launching it up in the air.

Eula: Flood of Frost!!

Brandishes her Greatsword, she infuses her Claymore with immense amount of Cryo energy and does a full swing. Launching the mage even further up. Her strong strike generates a huge Lightfall Sword that appears above the launched up mage. Like cold-blooded tide, it stabs the target brutally before its violent explosion that annihilates the mage completely. The glowing light feathers released out from the explosion makes the sky more appealing view for Eula before sheathing back her Claymore.

Eula: Vengeance completed...

The feathers slowly disappears into thin air, revealing the dark night sky. Realizing the night isn't young anymore.

Eula: I hope the other are okay.

End of Chapter...