The Abyss Mage hadn’t even managed to summon its Cryo shield before the blazing phoenix slammed into it and carried it far out over the distant sea.
Diluc smoothly lowered the massive Wolf’s Gravestone and walked back without a trace of emotion on his face.
"Now that an Abyss Mage has appeared, it means the mastermind behind this chaos has finally revealed itself."
Venti picked up the broken Holy Lyre der Himmel with a pained expression and gently ran his fingers over its damaged strings.
"The corrupted blood inside Dvalin originated from the Abyss in the first place. It’s hardly surprising that those people would take advantage of it."
As he recalled the terrible tragedy from all those years ago, Venti’s gaze became unfathomably deep.
The monster created by the alchemist Rhinedottir had once plunged all of Mondstadt into darkness.
Although Dvalin had fought desperately and torn out its throat, he had unfortunately swallowed its deadly poisonous blood in the process.
That suffering had tormented him for hundreds of years.
"What should we do next?"
Acting Grand Master Jean pressed her lips together and looked toward Venti, who seemed lost in thought.
"Everyone should head back and rest tonight. We’ll meet at Stormterror’s Lair in two days. The Traveler’s purification ability is the only key."
"No problem."
Everyone nodded before setting off together toward Mondstadt.
"We’ll be counting on a powerhouse like you to keep things under control when the time comes."
Venti grinned and waggled his eyebrows at Kamisato Satoru.
"Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he behaves himself."
Kamisato Satoru casually waved a hand.
He’d already beaten Dvalin twice. Surely the third time would go even more smoothly.
Venti could only silently mourn for Dvalin.
As long as it saved his life, suffering a little physical pain couldn’t be helped.
"As long as you don’t cripple him, do whatever you want."
(Dvalin: I’m begging you, please do something a god is actually supposed to do, my god!)
"Then it’s settled. See you later."
Suddenly, Kamisato Satoru seemed to sense something.
His head snapped toward the depths of the forest, and his figure vanished in an instant.
...
"Well, if it isn’t the dashing blond pretty boy. What are you doing hiding in the woods in the middle of the night, feeding the mosquitoes instead of sleeping?"
Kamisato Satoru abruptly appeared behind an ancient tree and greeted the figure before him with a cheerful wave.
The young man had striking golden hair, and two grim-looking Abyss Mages stood beside him.
He was none other than the older brother Lumine had been desperately searching for all this time.
Aether.
But he was no longer the innocent traveler from another world he had once been.
Now, he was the Prince of the Abyss Order.
Unlike Lumine, whose natural warmth seemed capable of winning over almost anyone, Aether radiated a chilling aura of deathly silence.
In his eyes, aside from the younger sister who shared his blood, the entire world seemed to be nothing more than a stepping stone toward the realization of his grand ambitions.
"Kamisato Satoru. It seems no one truly understands you," Aether said calmly.
"It’s not anything that mysterious. My not-so-bright little brother knows a thing or two about me."
A carefree smile hung on Kamisato Satoru’s face as the corner of his mouth curled upward.
"Your Highness, shall this servant eliminate this eyesore for you?"
The white-robed Abyss Mage bowed slightly, its withered claws gripping its staff tightly. Its voice was filled with flattery and reverence.
"Pfft... That’s hilarious!"
Kamisato Satoru casually pulled off the blindfold covering his eyes.
His crystal-clear blue eyes, as vast as the heavens themselves, were now filled with undisguised contempt.
"Hyaa!"
With a shrill cry, the Cryo Abyss Mage violently swung its gnarled wooden staff.
The surrounding temperature plummeted.
A cluster of icy crystals rapidly condensed in midair before shooting forward with a piercing whistle.
Crack!
The seemingly razor-sharp shards struck some invisible barrier and instantly shattered.
"That’s it?!"
Kamisato Satoru kept both hands in his pockets, watching as the fragments turned to powder before they could even touch the corner of his clothes.
His voice was filled with impatience.
"You’re way too weak!"
He glanced sideways at the Abyss Mage, which had already shrunk back on itself, the mockery in his eyes practically overflowing.
"Stand down."
Aether, who had remained silent from beginning to end, finally spoke.
His face was as cold as ice, almost like a stone sculpture that had been stripped of every emotion.
"Oh? Is His Highness, the Prince of the Abyss Order, planning to step in personally?"
"Or should I just call you Aether?"
A hint of interest entered Kamisato Satoru’s gaze.
Abyss Mages that did nothing but throw around elemental attacks were far too boring.
But this prince, one half of the twins, ought to be capable of displaying something far more exciting.
"Hm?"
The moment he heard his true name, Aether’s expression finally shifted.
His brows knitted tightly together.
"Just who are you?"
In this world, only a tiny handful of people knew his true name.
Aside from those lofty gods, almost no one should have known it.
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