Venti blocked the storm Dvalin unleashed. Below them, the structures of Old Mondstadt collapsed one after another under the terrifying force, and the ley lines were thrown into chaos, trembling violently.
Dvalin had no intention of remaining locked in a stalemate with Venti and Lora.
After letting out a furious roar and whipping up a gale, it beat its wings and surged toward the higher skies, instinctively trying to flee this place for elsewhere.
The power of the Abyss urged it to destroy everything in its path.
"We can't let Dvalin leave!"
Lora said gravely to Venti.
"If it carries the Abyss's destruction to Mondstadt, it would be a catastrophic disaster for the present-day city. It would completely shatter any chance of reconciliation between Dvalin and Mondstadt!"
Venti put away the "Skyward Harp." Bringing his hands together before his chest, he stirred boundless currents of wind. Invisible gusts took on tangible form, becoming sky-blue ribbons that wrapped tightly around Dvalin's body and wings.
"Lora, I'm counting on you!" Venti shouted after restraining Dvalin.
Lora stepped forward and raised both hands. As her power descended, the surrounding Hydro elemental energy was instantly drawn out.
All the rivers and lakes across Old Mondstadt surged upward, their waters rising into the sky and converging into a vast, overwhelming torrent.
"It was her—she purified Dvalin's Tears!" Jean exclaimed as she witnessed the scene.
The moment she saw all the water across the land lifting into the air, she immediately understood who was controlling it, and couldn't help but feel awed by the sheer might of a god.
"Sacred Hymn of All Waters."
By using Hydro elemental power to command all surrounding waters, it could purify all corruption.
The Hydro elemental energy—refined and refined again by Lora—poured into Dvalin's body, relentlessly grinding away at the Abyssal power within.
The clash of the two forces brought unbearable agony, and the corrupted Dvalin let out a pained, anguished roar.
Venti's brow tightened slightly, his eyes filled with pain and compassion.
But he knew this was the most critical moment. He could not afford even the slightest lapse—otherwise, Dvalin would be in even greater danger.
As time passed, Dvalin's struggles weakened, and the Abyssal aura within its body grew thinner and thinner, until it finally vanished completely.
Only after sensing that the Abyss's presence had been entirely severed from Dvalin did Lora finally relax.
She released her control over the Hydro elemental energy, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and let out a long breath.
"It's done."
Dvalin's body began to fall from the sky.
Venti immediately supported it with gentle winds before turning to Lora and asking with concern, "Lora, can your body still hold up?"
"Don't worry," Lora replied, waving her hand.
"I resisted Abyssal erosion for five hundred years in the Amrita Pool. I have plenty of ways to deal with this."
Her complexion was a little pale, but not because of the Abyss—rather, her strength had yet to fully recover.
The water quality in Old Mondstadt wasn't ideal.
She had needed to purify it twice before it could be used to cleanse Dvalin. If a pure water spirit had been there to assist her, she wouldn't have been nearly this exhausted.
"I really don't know how to thank you," Venti said, looking at Lora's pale face. "Once we're back, I'll give you the Gnosis."
He knew full well the risk she had taken—reviving not long ago and then immediately wielding such overwhelming power to cleanse Dvalin.
No one could explain the cause of an archon's resurrection, nor whether excessive power consumption might cause them to return to the ley lines once more.
In Venti's eyes, Lora had undoubtedly risked her life for him and for Dvalin.
"Let's check on Dvalin first," Lora said with a smile. As for the Gnosis, she trusted that Venti would keep his word—whether as an archon or as a friend.
Under the watchful gaze of Venti and Lora, Dvalin slowly awakened. It opened its eyes, gently beat its wings, and looked at the two before it with confusion.
"Why… did you save me?"
"Because we're partners, Dvalin," Venti said softly. He stepped forward and embraced Dvallin's head.
"Barbatos…"
The wind flowed gently around them as a sky-blue light descended from above, merging into Dvalin's body. Feeling this power, Dvalin froze, then spoke in shock.
"This is… the power of the Anemo Archon's blessing? Barbatos… but I am no longer one of the Four Winds."
"That was just a title," Venti said, shaking his head. He pressed his forehead against Dvalin's. "Even without it, you're still my partner. From now on, carry my blessing—and fly with greater grace."
"Barbatos…" Dvalin murmured Venti's name. As its strength returned, it beat its wings and circled around Venti and Lora.
Once again, it stirred the wind—but this time, it was no longer a terrifying storm. It was a gentle breeze.
The breeze carried an irresistible force, sweeping all the Hilichurl and Abyss Mages remaining in Old Mondstadt up into the sky. Those who hadn't escaped in time met Dvalin's judgment.
They dissipated within the wind, leaving nothing behind.
Dvalin soared across the heavens, carrying newly reborn winds. Venti and Lora returned to the ground, smiling as they watched the others run toward them.
Lumine hurried over, breathing heavily, and asked with concern, "Lora, are you okay? Is your body alright?"
Paimon fluttered around anxiously. "Yeah, yeah! Are you hurt? Feeling dizzy? Tired? Hungry? Do you need water?"
Being cared for like this really felt nice.
Lora smiled and shook her head. "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine. With the Anemo Archon here, how could anything happen to me?"
Jean placed her right hand over her chest and looked at Venti and Lora solemnly.
"Mr. Venti, Miss Lora—thank you both for everything you've done."
"No need to be so formal, Jean," Venti said, waving his hand. "Dvalin has recovered. It's time for us to head back."
"Understood," everyone replied, nodding.
…
On the highest peak of Old Mondstadt, Aether stood silently, watching Lora and the others make their way toward the exit.
Two Abyss Heralds stood beside him. Looking at the departing figures, they said, "Your Highness, the Dragon of the East Wind has been saved. Should we—"
Aether's expression did not change. He shook his head.
"It's fine. I've already obtained what I wanted."
As his words fell, he raised his right hand. A dense cluster of pure Anemo elemental energy appeared in his palm—extraordinarily refined, a fragment he had stripped from the Anemo Dragon Sovereign's body.