Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"But, Mr. Gu, don't underestimate Klee. She's one of our Knights' aces."

"Yep! Klee's an ace!"

ヾ(@^▽^@)ノ

Klee cheered, still struggling to slice into her grilled fish with a fork and knife, fully absorbed in her meal.

Half an hour later, dinner ended. For a buffet setup, it might've felt a bit short, but with business approaching, thirty minutes was already a generous allotment.

"Everyone, if I could have your attention."

Kaeya took the opportunity to step up to the podium, clearing his throat before diving right into the main topic.

"Along with our own Vision holders from Mondstadt, our guests from Liyue and Snezhnaya should also be aware of why we've gathered here under the guise of a symposium."

"The items you've received were circulated deliberately by us through the Adventurers' Guild—not leaked accidentally by them."

Childe raised an eyebrow. That explains why Mondstadt suddenly seemed so much better at intelligence gathering. To think they'd let slip information of this caliber on purpose… Well, guess that reward's getting cut in half.

"Recently, some materials were excavated by adventurers from a certain domain. These were found to contain traces of highly reactive Anemo energy, and, somewhat alarmingly, they appear to be remnants of the legendary tower of the Lord of the Towering Winds."

Kaeya continued, "After extensive investigation, we found that certain… changes have been occurring within the Nursery Domain. Even the monsters on its outskirts seem to have gained enhanced Anemo abilities."

Gu Sanqiu and Childe both raised their hands, and the latter gestured for Gu Sanqiu to go first.

But, judging by the situation, he figured they were probably asking the same thing.

"What exactly do you mean by 'enhanced'? Are there any detailed reports?"

"Certainly. Since someone asked, let's go over the data now."

Barbara distributed stacks of papers, while Kaeya went over the details.

"Monsters infused with Anemo energy haven't shown increased physical durability. However, their speed and jumping capabilities have improved significantly."

"Previously, our senior adventurers had no trouble handling an average monster camp, but last time, even a team led by Vision holder Bennett was defeated outside the Nursery."

…

A squad led by Bennett, the ever-unlucky hero?

Was this because of his "bad luck," or were the monsters genuinely stronger?

Gu Sanqiu shot a look at the white-haired adventurer, who was scratching his head and sheepishly taking the blame.

This guy—often called a "traitor" to his Vision element and even rumored to have been foreseen by the Geo Archon himself as bad luck personified.

When Barbara handed him the data sheet, Bennett even blushed a little.

As Gu Sanqiu reviewed the data, he noticed detailed graphs clearly illustrating the monsters' increased speed and mobility. The Anemo-infused Hilichurl Shamans on the outskirts, who once only conjured small whirlwinds, now wielded deadly "Gale Blades"—powerful, slicing wind attacks.

The Hilichurls with torches now carried blazing staffs nearly a meter long, with wind-imbued flames reinforcing their scrawny arms.

If these were previously fueled by resin or animal fat, then their new energy source seemed to be pure elemental force!

...

How was an average adventurer supposed to handle that?

"Excuse me, Mr. Kaeya."

Childe raised his hand, visibly skeptical. "This change… does it stay contained within the domain, or is it spreading outward?"

If it was restricted to the domain, Mondstadt's strong fighters could launch a raid and likely quell the problem. But if this was expanding… Mondstadt might need to prepare for full-scale battle.

"I'll take this one," Jean said, stepping forward as Kaeya graciously yielded the floor to his superior.

"Since none of you wield Anemo Visions, you may not have noticed the recent shifts in the Anemo currents," Jean began, her expression grave. "The wind itself now carries faint traces of agitation, pain, and confusion, spreading outward from the direction of the Nursery Domain."

"Two days ago, this unsettling wind seemed to stop expanding. We suspect that either the force in the Wolfendom region—a rumored, high-level presence—halted it, or that this strange energy simply cannot spread further."

"So after two days of observation, we've concluded that this influence won't expand beyond its current range."

Her voice grew firmer as she went on. "And so, I am inviting all of you to join us in investigating the domain."

"In exchange, Mondstadt will offer compensation for your assistance, provided the terms are within reason and do not harm Mondstadt's interests."

Compensation—within reason, and not at the expense of Mondstadt's legal rights?

Gu Sanqiu's mind wandered.

Fine, no greed here—how about ceding Windrise to me as a personal estate?

Uh, maybe not. Even a simpleton could see that was pure provocation. Better to convince Childe to pitch some absurd idea like that for him later on.

"Alright, everyone, if there are no objections, you have two hours to discuss freely, though we ask that you remain within the Knights' headquarters."

"Barring any unforeseen complications, we plan to set out tonight."

Naturally, Gu Sanqiu and Childe grouped up, the two foreign visitors finding each other out of habit.

Klee, holding her new lollipop, looked like she wanted to follow, but Kaeya stepped in, discreetly pulling her aside upon noticing the Fatui Harbinger.

"Mm mm mmm! Let me go, Kaeya! I want to play with that big brother who gave me candy! It's free time, isn't it?"

"Be good, Klee. Your friend has business to take care of, alright?"

.‸.

"Okay… Klee will be good."

Meanwhile, Gu Sanqiu and Childe's conversation was straightforward and blunt, with no pleasantries needed.

"Your team strong enough to handle these monsters?"

"Easily. The vanguard troops, paired with our Electro Cicin Mages, could even clear them without me stepping in."

"And you?"

"Heh, remember what the Millelith are all about?"

"True enough. Liyue's Millelith—warriors with the grit to fight gods."

Childe chuckled. "So, the whole 'tournament' might just be a precaution to cover our time in the domain, in case the monsters end up attacking Mondstadt or even Springvale?"

"Possibly."

Gu Sanqiu considered it. "Still, the real problem's in that domain. If there's truly a higher presence in there—whatever it may be—we're in for a fight."

---

T/N: Kleeeeee!

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