Gu Sanqiu and Albedo both turned their gazes toward Aether.
"So, the device is here now. Do you know how to use it?"
Gu Sanqiu was subtly encouraging Aether to try teleporting. Naturally, he was curious about how it felt as well.
That said, only their small group seemed capable of this kind of "play," and whether or not others could join in teleporting remained an open question—something Gu Sanqiu figured would require live experimentation.
The golden-haired one had been brought straight to Mondstadt from the wild, and aside from the first Statue of the Seven he encountered, he hadn't interacted with any others.
Thus, this teleportation anchor seemed to serve only as a fixed-point transport tool for now, far less convenient than what it might become in the near future.
Considering the elemental energy needed to activate it—or perhaps some mysterious regenerative ability unique to Aether—it was likely that he'd stay in Mondstadt for a while longer.
Gu Sanqiu already had an outline in his mind: an 8,000-word cost-effectiveness analysis and summary of selective activation of teleportation anchors.
Still, if Golden Hair possessed any ability to sense teleportation anchors, deciding whether to activate them would likely depend on his own choices.
But Gu Sanqiu only needed to know one thing: this guy was going to remain in Mondstadt for quite a while.
Perfect.
Albedo, chin resting on his hand, examined the teleportation anchor with a thoughtful expression.
"Hmm, an unfamiliar design. But it seems to have some connection to the Statues of the Seven," he mused. "Traveler, do you know how to use this creation?"
Aether placed his right hand carefully on the anchor, closing his eyes to sense it. He nodded lightly.
"I think I do."
"Then give it a try."
Gu Sanqiu fanned the flames of curiosity. "Do you need to prepare anything first?"
Of course, he wasn't going to say, Should we pack an emergency kit? That would be a dead giveaway to the white-haired chalk boy that something was amiss.
Why would he be so certain emergency supplies were needed? If Albedo caught on, it'd be impossible to hide. Sometimes, having an overly clever friend wasn't great.
Chongyun was a prime example. Xingqiu always managed to tell when the exorcist was distracted, jokingly chalking it up to daydreaming about romance. With his own brand of high emotional intelligence, Xingqiu would defuse the tension with humor.
"No need," Aether replied firmly. "I'll just try it."
He gently scooped Paimon into his arms, determination flashing in his eyes. The teleportation anchor began to glow, radiating waves of white light.
When the light dissipated, Aether and Paimon were gone.
Albedo's eyes widened. "They've disappeared?"
The alchemist quickly retrieved an instrument from his bag and scanned the area where Aether had stood moments ago.
"There are faint spatial fluctuations. It's not like they vanished into thin air—it's more like…"
"Teleportation?" Gu Sanqiu ventured.
Albedo stood upright, nodding. "Yes, that's exactly the term for it. They've indeed been teleported."
Another flash of white light. Aether reappeared, one arm cradling Paimon as though she were a child, the other holding a freshly picked Windwheel Aster.
"Sanqiu, you won't believe what we just experienced!" Paimon exclaimed, practically bursting with excitement. She glanced at Gu Sanqiu and Albedo with a proud air.
I've experienced teleportation! You mere mortals who haven't? Hah!
Paimon puffed out her chest.
"Where did you teleport to?" Gu Sanqiu asked casually, catching Paimon completely off guard.
"Wha—how did you know we teleported?!" she stammered.
"Let's just say I have faith in the power of science. Or rather," Gu Sanqiu said, patting Albedo on the shoulder, "don't underestimate my friend's research skills."
"Alright then," he added, "time for you two to share your impressions."
Albedo took out a notebook and pen. "Let's start simple. During the teleportation, did you experience anything unusual? Any discomfort?"
Aether shook his head. Seeing him reluctant to elaborate, Paimon flew in front of him to explain.
"Nothing at all! It just felt like a breeze blowing past. One blink, and we were somewhere else! It was so much fun—you guys should try it next time!"
"Breeze?" Albedo frowned. "Teleportation isn't high-speed movement. It's instantaneous. How could you feel wind?"
Paimon shrugged. "That's just what it felt like! Maybe you should try it yourself?"
Albedo shook his head firmly. "I've visited this location countless times, yet I've never sensed anything special here. My current hypothesis is that only the two of you can do this."
"If we let others try recklessly, it could lead to uncontrollable situations. I don't take risks with such high-danger phenomena," he stated calmly.
Clearly, Albedo and Gu Sanqiu were on the same page: they both knew better than to attempt this without thorough testing.
Three to five rounds of live experiments, they figured, would be necessary to ensure safety and gather sufficient data.
Ah, looks like those Treasure Hoarders and bandits in captivity will come in handy after all, Albedo thought, nodding thoughtfully.
Treasure Hoarders, after all, were no different from tomb robbers—petty criminals who acted tough in front of civilians but cowered before organized parties or lone powerhouses.
But those locked up in Mondstadt or Liyue were undoubtedly the worst of the worst.
Using them as test subjects? Albedo felt no moral burden.
Gu Sanqiu pointed to the Windwheel Aster and Snapdragons in Aether's hand. "Freshly picked. So, was that your way of proving you really teleported?"
Aether smiled and nodded.
"Alright then." Gu Sanqiu clapped him on the shoulder. "Keep it up. If there are more places that trigger your special sense, you might be able to turn this into a courier service. Think of the income!"
"Extra money?!" Paimon's eyes sparkled, practically turning into Mora symbols. "Yeah! With teleportation, who could deliver messages faster than us?"
Albedo shook his head. "Not so fast. First, I suggest you improve your strength. Otherwise, the energy cost of activating these anchors will far outweigh any income you could earn."
If Aether's abilities remained at their current level, he'd definitely need external assistance to activate teleportation anchors. Neither Albedo nor Gu Sanqiu could accompany him forever—ultimately, it was up to him to grow stronger.
"Eh? That makes sense," Paimon admitted, scratching her head. She quickly calculated the cost-benefit in her mind—when it came to money, Emergency Food's brain worked fast.