Albedo crossed his arms. "This judgment hinges on the assumption that there are other locations capable of triggering your unique perception. If it's just this spot and the Statues of the Seven interacting with each other, frankly, it doesn't hold much significance."
When Gu Sanqiu transferred elemental energy to Aether earlier, Albedo had been carefully observing. It wasn't long before he arrived at the same conclusion as Gu Sanqiu:
This Traveler seems... weak.
The amount of elemental energy required wasn't substantial—it was within the range that both he and Gu Sanqiu could manage effortlessly. Yet the Traveler, this foreign visitor, couldn't reach the same level. There was a clear gap in strength.
The bigger mystery, however, was why an unknown creation would respond to this particular Traveler.
With his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand, Albedo pondered the enigma. Judging from the design of the artifact, it was certainly not a product of the current era—it was something far older.
And why couldn't any Mondstadter resonate with this teleportation statue? Why did it instead respond to a foreigner whose origins and purpose were shrouded in mystery?
Unless… there was some hidden truth about the Traveler. Perhaps he wasn't a mere wanderer from another land.
Albedo's gaze shifted to Gu Sanqiu. This man seemed to know something.
The details shared during their earlier conversation over drinks had been revealing. The Traveler had only recently arrived in Mondstadt, running into Amber and her companions in the wild—and accompanied by none other than a cap-wearing bard.
That last detail struck a nerve in Albedo. Wasn't that bard the very same wind god who had intervened during his heated altercation with Gu Sanqiu not long ago?
According to Captain Kaeya's recounting of Diluc's amusing "theory," the arrival of this blonde-haired Traveler fit neatly into what they jokingly referred to as the Gu Sanqiu Law.
Diluc had once remarked at a private gathering: "For reasons unknown, every time Gu Sanqiu visits Mondstadt, something strange happens."
And this time? Even more absurd: Gu Sanqiu teaming up with the Anemo Archon.
If Albedo knew that Gu Sanqiu had already enlisted the "Cryo and Pyro Brothers"—Kaeya and Diluc—to investigate Dragonspine, he'd only feel more convinced of his suspicions.
Not that Albedo could be blamed for being unaware of Kaeya's movements. The cavalry captain was notoriously secretive, often leaving even Acting Grand Master Jean in the dark about his plans. And as for Diluc? Being a "simple" Mondstadt citizen, unless Albedo uncovered certain truths from old records, there was no reason for him to pay the Dawn Winery master much attention.
---
A Liyue native, a foreign Traveler, and Mondstadt's Anemo Archon—three individuals with seemingly unrelated and highly distinct identities—had somehow forged a connection.
Anyone who claimed there was nothing peculiar about this would, in Albedo's opinion, deserve to have their head dunked in Cider Lake for a reality check.
After providing some parting advice to the Traveler and Paimon, Gu Sanqiu yawned, preparing to turn in for the night. He had to admit, the amenities at the Goth Grand Hotel were excellent. The bed was comfortable, with no trace of anything strange or unsettling.
On his first visit to Mondstadt, the Fatui had grudgingly offered up some vacant rooms for the Liyue delegation, but that was purely out of politeness.
Later, things changed. Apparently, word had spread through Fatui intelligence networks that Gu Sanqiu had acquired a Delusion—a genuine "Delusion of Nobility." Suddenly, their attitude toward him shifted.
Gu Sanqiu had once overheard them discussing the Doctor's "glorious achievements," praising him for developing such an important individual as a friend of Snezhnaya.
The comment left Gu Sanqiu bewildered. Weren't you the ones I begged to deliver a letter through Dottore? How did this turn into me being recruited as his subordinate?
Still, he didn't mind. The Fatui now treated him with such deference that staying at the hotel came with perks like meal service and fresh linens—like living the life of a Mondstadt aristocrat.
"Wait a moment."
Albedo placed a hand on Gu Sanqiu's shoulder. "Care for another drink somewhere? There's something I want to ask you."
Gu Sanqiu turned back but couldn't glean any hints from Albedo's blank expression.
"I have no idea what you want to ask, but I've got a vague feeling it's nothing good."
Albedo released him and started walking. "Don't worry. It won't harm you."
Outside the city, at one of Albedo's temporary research camps, the two set up a modest table with snacks and wine. They sat in silence, as though mourning the contents of the table.
Finally, Gu Sanqiu broke the silence. "You're worried about that Traveler, aren't you? That's what this is about."
"Exactly."
Albedo nodded. "Alchemy, no matter how miraculous it may appear to the untrained eye, follows a set of principles for those who understand it."
"But what we witnessed earlier defies any principle, be it general or specific. It aligns only with theories found in obscure folklore."
Gu Sanqiu chuckled and shook his head.
"That's one way to see it. But who's to say it lacks any pattern or logic? Or perhaps it already represents an answer, clear and unmistakable."
Albedo sipped his wine thoughtfully. "Go on."
Gu Sanqiu raised a finger. "It's about waiting and arrival."
Albedo considered this. "Hmm. A reasonable point. But that alone isn't sufficient evidence. Surely, you have more information?"
"Or maybe… you really do know something?"
Gu Sanqiu smirked. "A few days ago, didn't Mondstadt experience a massive, albeit somewhat anticlimactic, surge of elemental energy?"
"He was the source? Or at least one of them?"
If this were true, Albedo admitted he might be tempted to dissect the blonde-haired Traveler to uncover the truth.
"Exactly. You suspected as much the moment I mentioned running into him with Venti, didn't you?"
Albedo set his wine glass down. "Correct. If it were just you acting alone, I might keep an eye on the situation but wouldn't care too much.
"But if it involves you and the Anemo Archon, then the stakes change significantly. And I'd bet it was Venti who dragged you into this, wasn't it?"
"Well, you guessed right there."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "But don't ask me about the reasons or the purpose. Honestly, I'm as clueless as you are. I didn't even think I'd make it to Mondstadt this time."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Heh. The games gods play aren't something a mere drifter like me can easily join. Up until I crossed the border, I thought my family would drag me back home."
"The games of gods…" Albedo's gaze grew heavier. "A weighty subject. Somber, even."
He looked at Gu Sanqiu. "So, what's your choice?"
"My choice? As if my decision would change anything."
Gu Sanqiu spread his hands in mock surrender. "It's like a random civilian discussing national policy. Do you think anyone truly cares about their opinion? They don't even qualify as a threat worth monitoring."
He gestured first to himself, then to Albedo.
"It's clear. While we might seem powerful among ordinary folk, to those at the top? We're nobodies."
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