A gentle breeze lifted the hair of the three, and the leaves rustled softly, as if welcoming their arrival. The Statue of The Seven before them still emitted a faint glow.
Rover stepped on the damp soil, walking through the grassy field as he watched Venti sitting on a large tree root, strumming a melody.
Aether did not disturb Venti, instead sorting through many thoughts in his mind. After experiencing numerous complicated events, a song finally soothed his restless emotions. Venti slowly turned his gaze toward them, gradually revealing a smile.
"Ask whatever you'd like. I promise I'll answer everything I can."
Aether pondered for a moment before being the first to speak.
"What is a Gnosis?"
Venti thought for a while before giving his answer.
"As everyone knows, a Vision is an external magical organ possessed by only a very few in this world. Through their Visions, they can channel elemental energy. In truth, every bearer of a Vision has the potential to ascend to godhood, hence they are called Allogenes—those with the qualifications to ascend to Celestia."
Rover glanced at himself. He didn't possess a Vision at all—only the gourd at his waist. Or, in the terms of his own world, the so-called "Allogenes" could be likened to Resonators, while Visions could be compared to Resonance Abilities. But...
What medium did he use to channel this world's Anemo energy?
Rover fell into deep thought as Venti's soft voice continued.
"We, the gods, do not possess such rudimentary organs as Visions. Instead, our divine magical organs resonate with Celestia—this is the Gnosis."
Once Aether's question was answered, it was Rover's turn to ask.
"What is the Fatui's goal in stealing your Gnosis?"
Venti stroked his chin, weighing his words before speaking.
"Well... I'm not entirely sure myself. All I know is that this order was issued by the Tsaritsa, far away in Snezhnaya. The Fatui Harbingers number eleven, and La Signora holds the Eighth Seat. Each of them possesses authority granted by the Cryo Archon."
Rover nodded, roughly understanding the situation.
It was similar to how the Fractsidus in their world had imprisoned the Sentinel of Jinzhou—both seemed to covet the power of the divine.
Even now, Rover still didn't fully grasp the Fractsidus' true objectives.
When Aether explained his goal of seeking out the Seven Archons, Venti immediately suggested:
"Head to the neighboring nation of Mondstadt first. The Geo Archon there is different from me—he personally governs all of Liyue. He only descends once a year to deliver divine decrees, guiding the direction of Liyue's governance for the year."
Paimon crossed her arms and looked at Venti, teasing him.
"Even so, that still sounds like a much higher workload than a certain archon."
Venti chuckled sheepishly, letting out a playful "Ehe?" before adding, as if suddenly remembering something:
"This year's Rite of Descension seems to be coming up soon. If you miss it, you'll have to wait another whole year."
Hearing this, Paimon immediately grew anxious, tugging at Aether and urging Rover to hurry.
"Wait, I haven't finished yet."
Venti gently cradled the wind in his palm before waving his hand, sending a breeze drifting into the distance.
"Whether you call it a journey or a wandering, when you set out on the road again, always remember the meaning of the journey itself.
"The birds of Teyvat, the poetry and cities, the Tsaritsa, the Fatui, and the monsters... all are part of your path. The destination does not mean everything. Before you reach the end, use your eyes to observe the world as much as you can."
The group fell into contemplation. Rover raised an eyebrow—this was similar to what the Sentinel had once told him:
"As a participant in history, intervene, choose, and witness the development of civilization."
Though the general meaning was similar, the Sentinel emphasized experiencing things through one's own feelings—just like when he and Jinhsi climbed the snowy mountain, he reached out to help her, changing things in his own way.
Venti's words, however, focused more on observing, recording, and bearing witness to everything he saw.
"Alright, the Anemo Archon Q&A session is over. Now it's time for Venti's personal hours!"
Venti stretched, picked up the dandelion wine he had "borrowed" from the tavern, and found a comfortable spot to enjoy it.
"This guy..."
Paimon crossed her arms, giving the bard an exasperated look.
"Oh, right. I made plans with Amber—she's treating us to a meal."
Rover suddenly remembered and mentioned it to Paimon and Aether.
Paimon's eyes immediately lit up, pushing Aether to hurry back to Mondstadt. Aether could only shake his head helplessly.
The slightly tipsy Venti watched as the group walked away, setting down his wine with a complicated expression before sighing.
"Sigh... I wonder if that old blockhead can handle Rover. I'd love to see them fight."
...
"Sticky Honey Roast—it's my favorite!"
True to her word, Amber arrived, expertly ordering dishes from the waiter. Rover felt it wouldn't be right to enjoy such a feast alone, so he called out Abby.
"Paimon, why didn't you call me?"
Abby's first sight was the table full of food. He put his hands on his hips, narrowing his eyes at Paimon.
"I... I was going to call you later..."
Paimon guiltily flew behind Abby to give him a shoulder massage.
Abby glanced at the dishes, spotting his favorite, and immediately understood Paimon's little scheme.
"So you were afraid I'd steal your food, huh?"
"Aw, don't be mad~"
The two little white beings buried themselves in their meals, while Aether turned his gaze to Rover.
"Sometimes I feel too weak. Can you teach me how to improve my combat skills?"
Rover shook his head.
"That's something you can only achieve by constantly facing strong opponents. Strength is forged through accumulated experience."
Amber chimed in at the right moment.
"Want to learn archery with me? It's really easy to pick up! Oh, and as thanks, I'd like to give you both a gift."
Aether and Rover were both surprised. After the meal, Amber presented them with the gifts she had prepared.
For Aether, it was a Wind Glider. For Rover, it was a crossbow.
"I'm Mondstadt's Gliding Champion, so a Wind Glider is the perfect gift for you. As for Rover, this crossbow was 'borrowed' from the Treasure Hoarders. I had Master Wagner refine it."
Rover examined the crossbow in his hand, its cold gleam shimmering under the sunlight. Even the bolts were iron-tipped—its lethality was undeniable.
This made up for his lack of active ranged attacks. After all, his wind blades were a passive skill, requiring him to successfully dodge an enemy's attack to trigger them.
"Thank you."
Rover was genuinely grateful for Amber's gift, as was Aether—now he could soar freely through the skies.
Once Aether fully mastered the Wind Glider, the two bid farewell to Amber and set out on their journey once more.