As expected… She's incredibly strong.
Even Zhongli, who rarely allowed surprise to cross his features, could not keep his composure. He had been preparing to retreat and give Durandal enough space to battle Möbius safely—while also protecting Venti and the others from being caught in the crossfire.
But he hadn't even taken a single step when the battle ended.
Instantly.
Durandal's decisive victory exceeded even his most optimistic expectations. He had believed she could defeat the strange girl—yet he had never imagined it would take less than a heartbeat.
She is indeed far stronger than I am.
Zhongli looked toward Venti, then toward Durandal standing calmly amid the shattered battlefield. He released a quiet breath and abandoned all unnecessary movements, descending directly to her side.
Venti's Relief
This… really…
Venti didn't even know what to say. One moment, he was worrying about whether he should force himself into the fight; the next, the fight was already over.
It didn't feel real.
But soon he relaxed. Results were all that mattered—Mondstadt was safe. That was enough.
"Wow! That's what a real knight looks like, Lumine!"
Paimon's voice echoed loudly, completely ignoring the presence of dozens of bewildered Knights of Favonius.
But no knight was offended.
Because they were thinking the same thing.
Durandal wasn't merely strong—she embodied everything a knight should be. Her silhouette had already become the goal every Knight of Favonius now dreamed of chasing.
Honestly, she had already become their idol from the moment she first appeared. The instant victory over Möbius only carved that impression into stone.
Negotiations
Durandal, mounted on Krisnaught—her dark-blue warhorse—leveled her lance at Möbius, who still lay collapsed in the crater.
"Hand them over. You no longer have any chance of winning."
Her voice was calm, but firm. The atmosphere around her made it clear she wasn't bluffing—if Möbius disobeyed, she would simply strike again.
"Big sister, you're so strong… I didn't even have time to react before you beat me~"
Möbius didn't lift her head. She simply stared at the ground, her tone strangely playful as ever.
Durandal, however, remained silent. She simply lowered her spear another inch.
"Fine, fine. Since you've already beaten me, I'll return them."
Szzzt—
A patch of emerald-green liquid bubbled up at a distant point on the battlefield. Knights tensed immediately; several drew their weapons on reflex.
Jean? And… Dvalin?
They're inside?!
Venti sensed their auras instantly and flew toward the location with urgency.
More green liquid welled up—forming a pool large enough for a dragon. A massive shape gradually rose from it, and lying across its back was a motionless figure.
"W–why again?!"
Paimon squeaked and hid behind Lumine once more, expecting another monster.
Instead—
"It's Dvalin…! And… Acting Grand Master Jean?! They're really here? What happened?!"
Paimon darted back out in shock. Moments ago, the field was empty—now, somehow, Jean and the Stormterror itself had materialized.
"Big sister, bye-bye~"
Before anyone could react, Möbius's body melted into liquid and seeped into the earth, vanishing completely.
Goodbye… Möbius.
Durandal whispered the thought to herself. She did not pursue it.
Aftermath
"She escaped."
Durandal dismounted and walked toward Zhongli as if nothing had happened.
She had already shifted her attire via the system—keeping her knight form active. The Valkyrie armor form was inconvenient outside battle; she couldn't stay on horseback the whole time.
"That girl's abilities are indeed unpredictable," Zhongli said calmly. "But we are sincerely grateful for your assistance, Miss Durandal. Ah… I should introduce myself. You may call me Morax."
"Mr. Morax, think nothing of it. I should be the one thanking you—for taking care of Rita."
Durandal smiled lightly.
"You should tell that to Barbatos," Morax replied. "I only arrived today."
He was mildly surprised to hear Rita's name… but chose not to comment. It had been a long time since he'd last seen the maid from Schicksal.
Venti Reunites
Thank goodness… They're fine.
After checking on Jean and Dvalin, Venti finally let out a breath of relief. They were both merely unconscious.
"Eula, I'll leave Jean and the Knights to you. As for Dvalin… we can't bring him back to Mondstadt like this."
Eula blinked, surprised that the Anemo Archon knew her name—but quickly straightened.
"Y-yes, Lord Barbatos!"
Durandal watched Venti fuss over Dvalin and smiled faintly.
"Miss Durandal, I'm sorry—I have to take care of my companion first. Would you let Morax accompany you back to Mondstadt? I'll catch up as soon as Dvalin wakes."
"It's fine. Go. He's important to you."
Durandal didn't mind in the slightest.
The knights, however, were beside themselves with excitement.
She's coming to Mondstadt?!
Does that mean… we can learn from her?!
After witnessing her defeat an enemy that outperformed even an Archon, every knight silently vowed to earn even one word of guidance from her.
Thus—
Durandal, Morax, Eula, and several Knights began making their way back toward Mondstadt.
And so…
Miss Durandal's journey in Mondstadt begins.
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