Chapter 35: The One Admired by the Supreme Bishop

"Is Fischl really just a chuunibyou?"

After the conclusion of the "Unreconciled Stars" event in version 1.2, this topic skyrocketed to the top of the trending list.

Countless people joined the discussion.

"She definitely is! Isn't it clearly written in her character story?"

"If that's the case, then what was the point of that animated short?"

"What do you mean? It was just Fischl seizing the opportunity to show off, right?"

"No way. Do you really think miHoYo created an animated short just to let Fischl show off?"

"Her 'Great Illusionary Dream, the Myriad Forms, the Madness, and the Eye of Judgment' was literally mentioned. Are you still trying to say she's not a chuunibyou?"

"Prinzessin der Verurteilung, Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort—she's just a character from a novel. Amy (Fischl's real name) is just roleplaying as that character."

"I still feel something's off. In that animated short, Fischl exuded an aura of a true powerhouse."

"True. Normally, Fischl speaks in her chuunibyou tone with chuunibyou lines. But in that animated short, even though she was still speaking in her chuunibyou style, the vibe was completely different!"

"So what? You think Fischl isn't a chuunibyou? Do you believe she's actually the Prinzessin der Verurteilung or something?"

"I think it's not necessarily about her being the Prinzessin der Verurteilung. Who says Amy can't have a powerhouse aura without being the Prinzessin?"

"Here's my take: the Prinzessin der Verurteilung might indeed be a chuunibyou fantasy, but perhaps, beneath that fantasy, Fischl herself is actually incredibly strong?"

"Being strong enough to rival a Fatui Harbinger and being a chuunibyou aren't mutually exclusive, right?"

"So I think that animated short might be hinting that Fischl has extraordinary strength, and she'll definitely have more story relevance in the future."

"An extraordinary 4-star character, huh?"

"What does gameplay strength have to do with story strength? And what's wrong with being a 4-star? Fischl isn't weak!"

The debate continued to heat up.

All evidence pointed to Fischl being a simple chuunibyou, but in the animated short at the end of version 1.2, Fischl's performance radiated an undeniable aura of power.

It wasn't the kind of chuunibyou act where she spouts chuunibyou lines in her usual tone, making it obvious she's just roleplaying. Instead, it was more like the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine—just a few words, a single appearance, or a casual gesture was enough to make people feel the overwhelming presence of her power.

Because of this, even though all evidence suggested that Amy was just a pure chuunibyou, people still held onto a lingering doubt about Fischl's character.

For now, it was just a seed of doubt. What kind of fruit this seed would bear would require at least two more years of patience to see.

At the moment, what drew more attention was the banner that opened alongside the second half of version 1.2, coinciding with the "Unreconciled Stars" event.

In the first half of version 1.2, Zhongli's banner and story quest were released. In the second half, it was Ganyu's banner and story quest.

Yes, Ganyu's banner.

Speaking of Ganyu, she was already quite famous.

Why was she famous?

Not just because of the meme about her being the half-adeptus "Cocogoat."

It all started with Astrea's voice lines.

After the first person to max out Astrea's friendship level uploaded her voice lines, which quickly went viral, Ganyu also sparked immense curiosity.

"First Meeting"

(Nervous tone)

"U-um, hello. My name is Astrea. I'm a trainee knight. Can I follow you and learn how to become a great knight?"

"Chat: Slimes"

(Whining tone)

"I don't know why, but slimes always seem to attack me. I can usually run away, but if I get surrounded, it's bad. If no one helps me, I have to wait until the slimes get tired and leave before I can escape."

"Chat: The Holy Knights"

(Scared tone)

"This... is something I can't talk about. It's a secret that, if revealed, would lead to my dismissal."

"Chat: Age"

(Annoyed tone)

"The Supreme Bishop said a girl's age is a secret. I'm not allowed to answer that."

"When It Thunders..."

(Shaking tone)

"P-please don't strike me..."

"When It Snows..."

(Shaking tone)

"It's so cold... Let's go back..."

"About the Supreme Bishop..."

(Scared tone)

"Don't talk about the Supreme Bishop behind his back. It's too scary."

"About the Hydro Archon..."

(Admiring tone)

"The Hydro Archon is a very gentle, kind, beautiful, and benevolent deity. No matter how many words I use to praise her, it's not enough. She's the one I admire the most."

"About Zhongli..."

(Cautious tone)

"I don't know much about Mr. Zhongli... but he's very strong."

"About Venti..."

(Cheerful tone)

"Oh, I know him! He's the drunkard Anemo Archon the Supreme Bishop always talks about, right? The Supreme Bishop said he's really good at tricking people. He also told me that if I ever meet a bard who claims to be a god, I should remind him to pay back the money he owes to the Northland Bank."

" About Fansetty..."

(Hesitant tone)

"I've always thought she would be the most suitable to become the Hydro Archon's guardian knight. Whether it's her appearance or her strength, she's a hundred times better than me. I really don't know why the Supreme Bishop chose me instead..."

"About Ganyu..."

(Admiring tone)

"I've known about Miss Ganyu for a long time. She's the one the Supreme Bishop admires the most. I don't know the reason, but someone who can earn the Supreme Bishop's admiration must be incredibly amazing!"

Yes, that's it.

The First Knight of the Holy Knights, Astrea, personally confirmed that Ganyu is the one the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine admires the most.

As the Supreme Bishop's prestige continued to rise, so did Ganyu's.

Why exactly is she the one the Supreme Bishop admires so much?

The answer to this question remains a mystery.

However, the number of players curious and excited about Ganyu is undoubtedly immense.

And now, her banner is here.

Let's not talk about how beautiful her artwork is, how interesting her PV is, or how strong her kit is. The fact that she's the woman admired by the Supreme Bishop is reason enough to pull for her.

Then, when the Supreme Bishop finally makes his official appearance, we'll use Ganyu to interact with him.

—This is what countless players are thinking.

Yes, even though he's only made one official appearance in the story so far, the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine's popularity has already reached such heights.

And as for the Supreme Bishop himself... he's already shifted his attention to other matters.