Chapter 20

In the skies above Windrise, several streaks of light glided across, accompanied by a string of silver-bell laughter that echoed between the heavens and the earth.

The gentle breeze brushed against their faces as Hiroshi and his companions advanced swiftly through the sky. Based on Venti's deduction, Dvalin's tears were most likely left in sparsely populated areas. Their goal for this journey was to find Dvalin's tears and, along the way, test out Klee's new magic.

Jean led the way, with their first destination being the Thousand Winds Temple area. As for Klee's magic experiment, it would take place at the nearby Starsnatch Cliff—a request from the girl herself.

As the sword light passed through Windrise, the ground below became more rugged, and the traces of human habitation gradually dwindled, replaced by scattered villages and an increasing presence of Hilichurls and slimes.

"Let's land here," Jean said, pointing to an area below where there were many Hilichurls. "From here on, it's a desolate region. This land centers around the Thousand Winds Temple and has numerous Hilichurl camps and slime populations. Dvalin's tears could be in any of these places."

"Got it," Hiroshi nodded, and the light of the sword descended toward the ground.

"Hey!" Klee excitedly jumped off the sword light, looking at the Hilichurls running towards them. She happily pulled out a Jumpy Dumpty.

"Boom!"

A joyful shout echoed as one of the charging Hilichurls was sent flying. Its once yellow fur was now charred black, and its mask was shattered.

"Big brother Hiroshi, Klee's Jumpy Dumpty is even stronger now!" Klee exclaimed in surprise as she saw the scorched remains of the Hilichurl in the distance. "And I didn't even use much elemental power—just the regular kind!"

Hiroshi smelled the burnt scent in the air and landed beside Klee, tapping her forehead gently. Seeing her happy smile, he shook his head helplessly. "Don't run so fast, Klee. Be careful not to fall."

"Captain Jean, how are we supposed to find Dvalin's tears?" Paimon floated over to Jean, asking in a low voice.

Jean smiled slightly and put her right hand over her chest. "As a knight, I am quite adept at searching. Just follow me."

The mountain path was rugged, and wild grass grew in abundance. Jean led the way, using her knightly sword to carve out a path for everyone to follow. As they moved forward, the density of weeds gradually decreased, replaced by a forest filled with towering trees. A bumpy dirt road appeared before them, with chaotic footprints of various sizes scattered along its surface.

"This should be the path to a Hilichurl camp," Diluc knelt down, examining the tracks. He pointed towards the depths of the forest. "That direction should lead us to the Hilichurl camp."

Lumine curiously looked in the direction Diluc pointed, then squatted down, mimicking Diluc's posture to examine the footprints.

Paimon flew over to Lumine, who was crouching with her arms folded, and asked, "Lumine, did you figure something out?"

Lumine looked at Paimon, then stood up and shook her head. "No, I can't understand it at all."

"Yeah, I figured," Paimon nodded knowingly. "If you could, we wouldn't have been hungry before because we couldn't find any game."

Diluc took the large sword strapped to his back. The black blade gleamed faintly under the scattered light of the forest, while the brass-colored edge seemed as if it could cut through anything. Holding the sword, Diluc asked Jean, "Jean, do you think Dvalin's tears could be in that camp?"

Jean nodded, gripping the Favonius Sword. "I can sense an unusual fluctuation in the wind—similar to the tainted tears Lumine brought earlier."

"So, how are we going to retrieve Dvalin's tears? Aren't there a lot of Hilichurls in their camp?" Paimon exclaimed as she flew over, waving her hands around. "And there could also be Mitachurls and Shamans! If a Stonehide Lawachurl is ruling over them, there's no way the few of us could take them all on!"

Jean smiled at Paimon's antics. "Don't worry, little Paimon. With me and Master Diluc here, as long as it's not a large camp, a typical Hilichurl camp poses no threat. But Paimon is right—we can't afford to let anyone get hurt."

"Master Diluc, how about you and I head in, retrieve Dvalin's tears, and retreat immediately?" Jean suggested.

Diluc glanced at the group, then nodded silently.

"Hey, why not ask Hiroshi to help?" Venti strummed his lyre casually, smiling.

Jean instinctively refused. "No, Hiroshi might be able to defend himself, but having him join us in attacking a Hilichurl camp would be far too dangerous."

Hiroshi shot a glare at the carefree Venti. Then, looking at Jean, who was worried for his safety, he said, "Don't worry, Captain Jean. I won't rush into the center of the Hilichurl camp. But I'll still participate in the battle and protect myself."

Jean remembered Hiroshi's occasional attacks along the way. He always struck from a distance, and the enemy would be downed instantly by a flash of his sword. Relieved, she nodded. "Then Master Diluc and I will count on your support from a distance."

Hiroshi nodded readily. Klee tugged on his pants and said, "Big brother Hiroshi, can Klee try out the Explosion Magic first?"

Hiroshi expanded his divine sense, scanning the Hilichurl camp up ahead. Then, he shook his head at Klee and patted her on the head. "Klee, it's not suitable for Explosion Magic here. If you use it, the whole camp might get wiped out, and the valley could collapse and bury everything. How about I speed things up, and we head to Starsnatch Cliff sooner to try it out?"

Klee nodded obediently. "Alright, big brother Hiroshi. Klee will wait patiently."

Nearby, Lumine stared wide-eyed at Hiroshi and Klee, feeling a chill. She silently prayed for the Hilichurls.

Above the Wolvendom camp, Klee's and Paimon's heads peeked out, quietly watching the scene below.

The camp was large. Four tall watchtowers had Hilichurl archers in red and purple keeping watch. Below, several large buildings surrounded a circular fortress. Patrol squads of Mitachurls led teams, while the camp bustled with Hilichurls either preparing food or gathered together to rest. Occasionally, small Hilichurls would run around, only to be dragged back to the huts.

Jean pulled Klee's head back, her pupils contracting as she observed the orderly camp. She turned to Diluc and whispered, "Master Diluc, this looks like a medium-sized camp. I estimate there are over 600 enemies, including around 50 Mitachurls, 80 archers, and 5 Shamans. Given how organized they are, it must be led by an Abyss Mage rather than a Stonehide Lawachurl."

Diluc stepped forward to examine the camp. After a moment, he spoke with some relief. "It's fortunate we found this camp now. It has the potential to become a large camp. If left unchecked, it would be much harder to handle, and it would pose a great threat to the people of Windrise."

"Alright then, Jean, let's take them down while we still can." Diluc gripped his greatsword, eyes fixed firmly on the camp below. "We must eliminate any threat to Mondstadt's safety."

"Understood, Master Diluc," Jean nodded and handed Klee to Hiroshi. "We'll need your long-range support."

Diluc moved toward the Hilichurl camp, and Jean followed. "Is this how the Knights handle daily sweeps—ignoring obvious threats like this? I guess the Knights always show up after the danger's over," Diluc remarked.

Jean had no words. Half a year ago, when the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Varka, led the elite knights on an expedition, Jean was suddenly left with the full responsibilities of the Order. Although initially overwhelmed by her lack of experience and personnel, she eventually managed to stabilize things with the help of her companions. However, with recent crises—Dvalin's attacks, the arrival of the Fatui, and more—she found herself struggling once again.

Even though there were countless reasons, the fact that such a significant threat had been left unchecked represented a major failing of the Knights in maintaining Mondstadt's safety.

"Master Diluc, when we return, I will lead the Knights in thoroughly sweeping Mondstadt for potential threats. As the Dandelion Knight, I swear this will not happen again," Jean vowed.

"Hmph! I hope so," Diluc scoffed, though in his heart, he made up his mind. He would scour Mondstadt's wilds until every corner was free of danger, only then would he return to the city.

"Um, are you two done talking yet?" Hiroshi asked as Jean and Diluc were about to head down. The atmosphere between them was so intense that Hiroshi had hesitated to interrupt, only holding a warm Klee while watching them.

Diluc and Jean turned, staring at Hiroshi holding Klee.

Lumine stepped forward, holding her one-handed sword. "Captain Jean, I'll join you. Don't worry, I'm an experienced warrior. I'll be fine."

Jean saw Lumine's determined gaze and nodded. "Alright, but stay close to me. I will protect you if anything happens."

"Actually, there's no need for all this trouble," Hiroshi interjected once more, watching as they seemed ready to head down.

Diluc was growing impatient. If not for Hiroshi stopping them, he might have already begun clearing Mondstadt's threats. He took a deep breath and turned to leave.

"Sigh." Hiroshi sighed as he watched Diluc, Jean, and Lumine move away.

Venti snickered at the side, strumming his lyre. "Haha, looks like you've made things awkward, Hiroshi. Should've made a move sooner—we might've been able to catch breakfast."

"Yeah, yeah, says the guy who's always slacking off." Hiroshi rolled his eyes, then stretched out his hand. The three who had walked away suddenly reappeared by his side.

"What?!" Diluc exclaimed in shock as he found himself back where they started.

"Just stay here. It'll be over soon," Hiroshi said, stepping forward while setting Klee down.

"Domain, open."