19: The Nether Star

Running into Keqing was an unexpected delight for Saphir. Back in Liyue Harbor, she had ordered her subordinates in the Fatui to investigate the Yuheng Star's whereabouts, planning to orchestrate a "chance" encounter to foster some goodwill. Unfortunately, the report she received said that Keqing had been tied up with official business and was not in Liyue Harbor at the time.

But Keqing held a special place in Saphir's heart.

She had been her first five-star character, the one who had carried her through the hardest parts of her early adventuring days. Keqing was also the first character she maxed out friendship with. Together, they had conquered every corner of Teyvat—from overworld exploration to Spiral Abyss 12-3. No matter the challenge, Keqing had always been by her side. Even after Sumeru released and dendro buffs made the Aggravate reaction a powerhouse, Keqing had gotten even stronger, further solidifying her place in Saphir's team.

In the open world? Keqing.

For traversal? Keqing.

In the Abyss? Still Keqing.

Unless she was up against enemies with electro resistance or immunity, there were always two constants in her party: Keqing and Nahida.

After a few bowls of tea and a nice rest, Saphir finally stood up, reluctant to leave this purple-haired catgirl who no longer "belonged" to her.

"It's about time I hit the road," she said with a smile. "Boss, miss, perhaps we'll meet again if fate allows."

"Alrighty then! Come back for tea next time you pass through!" Old Uncle Zhou called out cheerfully.

Keqing stood up as well. Despite feeling unsettled by Saphir's oddly affectionate gaze, her noble upbringing wouldn't allow her to forget her manners. "Until we meet again," she said politely.

Saphir waved and turned away, departing.

Heading north from Stone Gate, past Bishui Plain, she reached the region of Windwail Highland—its first stop: the Dawn Winery.

Back on Liyue's side, patrols of Millelith were visible along the border. But once she stepped into Mondstadt territory, the roads became eerily empty. Saphir found a vantage point overlooking sprawling vineyards—the heart of the Dawn Winery's business.

Grapes were the foundation of Mondstadt's wine industry, and the Dawn Winery's reputation had been built on their quality. Though it wasn't harvest season, a few workers could be seen laboring among the vines.

Without lingering, Saphir continued toward her true destination.

As she walked, she began analyzing Mondstadt's current crisis. The so-called "dragon disaster" could be split into four main factions: the Knights of Favonius led by Jean, including Diluc and other loyalists; the Fatui, led by Rosalyne (La Signora); the Abyss Order; and Barbatos, the Anemo Archon himself.

The Knights and Barbatos had formed a temporary alliance, with the Traveler as a wild card who ultimately helped resolve the crisis. The Fatui, meanwhile, had done little beyond stealing the Holy Lyre der Himmel from the Church and trying (unsuccessfully) to frame the Traveler.

The Abyss Order had only dispatched a few Abyss Mages in an attempt to control Dvalin, but otherwise had minimal involvement. Still, there was one detail that stood out to Saphir: during Lisa's questline, a certain Abyss Mage had stolen a book—The White Princess and the Six Dwarves. There was probably something hidden in that book. Perhaps she should pay Lisa a visit and try to secure some kind of library access.

Soon, night began to fall. Saphir finally arrived at Windrise.

She sat cross-legged beneath the massive oak tree beside the Statue of the Seven, closed her eyes, and felt the wind stirring around her. After all, once the dragon crisis began, Barbatos would awaken—and no matter what his next move might be, Windrise would be his first stop.

As long as she didn't arrive too late, she would inevitably meet the drunken bard here.

"Whoa~ didn't expect someone to be waiting for me here," came a youthful, playful voice.

Saphir opened her eyes.

Standing before her was a green-clad figure with dark green hair, a feathered hat adorned with a blooming Cecilia, and turquoise eyes that sparkled with perpetual mischief. A wind vision hung from his hip, and his white-striped shirt and cape matched the vibrant colors of Mondstadt's skies. His white stockings and short boots completed the picture—if one looked closely, his long legs weren't something to overlook.

"Hello there, first time meeting. My name's Venti. So, what brings you looking for me?" He smiled, but within those carefree eyes, Saphir could sense a deeply buried divine pressure.

Saphir stood up and nodded slightly. "Greetings, Mister Venti. My name is Sharp. I've come to Mondstadt without much fanfare, but I do have a small request—only one thing I ask of you. I hope you won't be stingy."

"Eh? You want something from me?" Venti feigned panic and took a step back. "I'm just an ordinary bard—I don't have any money! My only treasure is this lyre, and I can't give it away~"

Saphir smiled faintly—and then vanished.

Shadow Step triggered.

Before Venti could even react, her right hand pierced straight through his chest.

Heartpiercer: A deadly forward attack that performs a reverse rip if striking from behind. Critical hit guaranteed when extracting the heart from the back.

"This is what I want."

She withdrew her hand, and a glowing teal orb pulsed in her palm. She didn't crush it—instead, she withdrew her elemental energy, and the glowing orb transformed into a shimmering green chess piece.

Venti looked down. No pain. No wounds. No damage. Then he looked at the glowing object in Saphir's hand—the Anemo Gnosis.

"So you wanted that?" he said. "Honestly, there was no need to be so rough." His carefree tone returned, but then he noticed something unusual about Saphir.

Constellation: Nether Star

Activated.

Triggered by contact with the Anemo Gnosis.

Celestial Body: Belial, Star of Sloth.

Effect: The demon mocks divine authority, scoffs at false justice. Gains rudimentary access to the laws of time—momentarily stretching perception during an attack for surprise advantage.

Saphir's ruby-red eyes glowed brilliantly—twin crimson gemstones. Venti's smile faded as he turned his gaze to the sky.

A scarlet star was glowing faintly—her fate star had activated.

"So she triggered a fate resonance from the Gnosis... What a strange little thing." Venti circled her curiously. "Good thing it was me. If she had done this to, say, Ei... she'd have been electrocuted before she could blink."

He chuckled and sat down beside her, pulling out his lyre and casually strumming a tune while Saphir remained frozen, overwhelmed by the surge of divine resonance.

By the time she came to, the Gnosis was still in her hand—and Venti was right next to her, grinning like a fool.

Her face turned beet red.

She hadn't expected such a backlash. Sure, her target was Barbatos, the chill Archon, but if it had been Raiden Ei? She'd probably be fried to a crisp. Or worse—if it were Yae Miko, she'd be the victim of prank after prank until her social standing collapsed and she had to flee to another planet. The horror.

"Are we done?" Venti asked casually, clearly unfazed. "If not, take your time. I can wait~"

Saphir gave a tiny nod, speechless.

Venti didn't press further. Instead, he patted her shoulder encouragingly. "Don't worry about it. Everyone makes mistakes. That's how we learn. You're still young!"

That only made her feel worse. "Don't—don't say that. I might actually die of embarrassment."

"Fine, fine. Let's just pretend none of this ever happened, okay?" Venti said. "Anyway, let's make a deal."

Saphir steadied herself and replied warily, "What deal?"

"I'll keep this whole thing a secret. I won't tell anyone, not even Morax. Sound good?"

That was a deal she could not refuse. She never wanted to be known as "the girl who tried to heartstab Barbatos and got turned into a meme."

She cleared her throat. "...Fine. What do you want?"

"Well, since you've got my Gnosis now, that leaves my friend in danger, you know. Don't you think you ought to help me save him?"

Saphir squinted at him. "You lazy bastard. You're really trying to use this as an excuse to slack off? That 'friend' is Dvalin, isn't it? You're just trying to dump the mess on me!"

"Ehe~"

"Don't you 'ehe' me, damn it! Get your act together, Barbatos! Do your damn job!"

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