The following story is the tale of "We Will Be Reunited."
This time, the story revolves around the Traveler encountering Lan and Ganyu discussing matters related to the Treasure Hoarders. After learning about it, the Traveler takes on the commission to deal with the Treasure Hoarders.
In the story, the Traveler's goal is simply to resolve the "Treasure Hoarder" issue—everything that follows is purely coincidental.
However, in reality, Lumine uses the Treasure Hoarders as a stepping stone, with her primary objective being to search for her brother.
It's worth noting that when Lan mentions the term "Great Treasure Hoarder," Lumine also brings up the "Great Adventurer" Stanley.
[Lan: "Oh? Have you met that esteemed senior in Mondstadt? Indeed, the status of a 'Great Treasure Hoarder' is just as lofty as his."]
This surprised Hans—even the adventurers of Liyue hold Stanley in such high regard! This is truly wonderful!
In fact, after Stanley's story was revealed, his fame only grew. Now, nearly all of Teyvat knows of Stanley's tale.
Moreover, everyone genuinely admires this Great Adventurer—not only for his spirit of adventure but also for his willingness to sacrifice for his comrades.
The title of "Great Adventurer" is well-deserved.
Returning to the story itself, the Traveler accepts this commission, which was posted by Ganyu.
Ganyu is no ordinary person either. If she could join the adventure, she would undoubtedly be a powerful ally.
Unfortunately, Ganyu is the god of overtime and has no time to leave Liyue Harbor for adventures. After posting the commission, she must return to her paperwork.
"Little Yangu is still as busy as ever," Yae Miko remarks, lightly covering her mouth with a delicate gesture as she giggles.
This fox is also quite busy, spending every day reading novels—not just Lucian's works but also those from Yae Publishing House.
You can't say the fox isn't working, though—after all, her job is being the editor-in-chief of "Yae Publishing House." Reading is literally part of her job.
In the end, the Traveler in the story has to explore the ruins alone—well, not entirely alone, as Paimon is there to provide some... "difficulty adjustments."
Paimon can elevate the challenge from "Normal" to "Hard," and Lumine has to take extra care to protect her during the exploration.
Arriving at the ruins Ganyu mentioned, Lumine and Paimon proceed cautiously.
[Paimon: "Be careful! I-I'll stick close behind you!"]
Paimon activates her "backseat ghost" mode again. In crowded situations, she always latches onto the strongest, most reliable person to "attach" herself to.
But now, with only the Traveler around, she has no choice but to cling tightly to Lumine.
Deep inside the ruins, Lumine finds a person kneeling, seemingly in prayer.
[Paimon: "Could this be... the 'Great Treasure Hoarder'?"]
The readers are shocked—a figure comparable to the Great Adventurer Stanley, just... dead like that?
When the story first mentioned the "Great Treasure Hoarder," everyone assumed he'd be a key character, at least someone the Traveler would have to fight.
Who knew he'd die as naturally as if his lifespan had simply run out? And this guy is supposed to rival Stanley?
Though everyone criticizes the Great Treasure Hoarder for dying right at the start, his death pose still catches their attention.
A praying posture—and in front of him, an upside-down Statue of The Seven. What could this mean?
Since a dark mass obscures the statue's face, Shikikan doesn't specify which Archon it represents.
But based on other descriptions, everyone guesses—this seems to be the Anemo Archon's statue?
Good grief, Barbatos! Why is it always you!? You're free-spirited as a person, but must your statue be this "free" too?!
In the story, just as Lumine and Paimon are examining the statue, an earthquake suddenly strikes. Unsure of what's happening, they have no choice but to retreat.
Then, they encounter the Abyss Enigma-Speaker.
[???: "The secrets of the 'Abyss' are not to be glimpsed."]
[???: "You have come here. You have gazed upon it. Thus, you must bear a price equivalent to your transgression."]
[???: "—Punishment, delivered by the 'Herald.'"]
Now, the audience understands the identity of this Abyss Enigma-Speaker. Since he calls himself a "Herald," he must be an Abyss Herald!
Most people can't decipher his riddles, and those who can won't bother explaining them to ordinary folks on the street.
While the riddles remain unclear, the subsequent dialogue is easier to grasp—the Traveler mentions the name "Dainsleif."
[Abyss Herald: "Dain... Dainsleif? I see. I thought you were merely stray mice who stumbled in, but you are connected to that relentless pursuer..."
[Abyss Herald: "Did he send you here to die? His resistance against the 'Abyss' has long reached a stalemate. A trivial ripple like this will not change the tide..."]
Still cryptic, but at least it provides one clear piece of information: this Abyss Herald seems to know Dainsleif.
This makes sense—Dainsleif has been relentlessly chasing the Abyss's traces. Of course the Abyss would recognize him.
After a brief skirmish with the Abyss Herald, the Herald seems to realize something.
[Abyss Herald: "Such power... feels familiar..."
[Abyss Herald: "...I understand now. So you are... that one!"]
With that, the Abyss Herald retreats.
Clearly, the Abyss Herald has recognized Lumine as the sibling of the Prince.
However, even knowing that Lumine's brother is connected to the Abyss, no one doubts Lumine's allegiance.
After all, readers have followed the Traveler's journey for a long time. They often unconsciously adopt the Traveler's perspective, so they'd never see her as an outsider.
What everyone is curious about is—did this Abyss Herald just attack the Prince's little sister?
Won't this get him fired by the Prince for using Hydro powers?
If this were Ayato or Lyney... How many divisions do you have? How dare you hurt my sister?!
Speaking of which, Barbara is also furious—specifically, over the desecration of Lord Barbatos's statue.
If she weren't a pacifist, she'd probably storm off to the Abyss and give them a couple of punches.
Other Mondstadters, while not as devout as Barbara, still worship the Anemo Archon. Seeing his statue defiled fills them with anger.
Yet, this anger is hard to vent. How exactly are they supposed to vent it?
Go after the Abyss, the culprits? But where would they even find them?
Blame Liyue, where this happened? But Liyue is innocent—they don't even know if this bizarre ritual will cause any trouble.
Helpless, the people of Mondstadt can only grumble into their drinks and post a few more commissions for adventurers to clear out some monsters.
Back to the book—shortly after leaving the ruins, the Traveler encounters Dainsleif.
[Dainsleif: "Reunion... has come sooner than I expected."]
Indeed, it's very soon—especially for readers who just finished the part where Dainsleif and Lumine parted ways.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice: Traveler — About "We Will Be Reunited"
Paimon: "Speaking of which, we should thank Lucian."
"Thanks to his help, we got to have a proper chat with your brother this time."
Lumine: "Yeah, though when I thanked him, he didn't seem too pleased."
"Hmm... maybe I should try a different way to thank him?"
Paimon: "A different way?"
Lumine: "Like... letting him pinch your cheeks again?"
Paimon: "Hey! No pinching my face!"