Early in the morning, Lora arrived at the Good Hunter and ordered a serving of "Jade Parcels."
Enjoying a meal like this while the breeze gently blew was truly a delightful experience. After finishing her meal, Lora told Sara, the owner of the Good Hunter, "Send the bill to the Knights of Favonius."
"Uh… sure, sure."
Sara looked at Lora. She didn't actually know who Lora was, but judging by the way she spoke, Sara somehow trusted her words and didn't ask for Mora.
After breakfast, Lora strolled through Mondstadt. Walking aimlessly, she eventually arrived at the plaza outside Favonius Cathedral.
She looked up at the majestic statue of the Anemo Archon, then lowered her gaze, letting it settle on the green figure beneath it.
Venti was surrounded by children and adults, all listening to him play the lyre and tell tales of distant lands.
"Venti, telling stories again?"
Lora walked over and greeted him with a smile.
"Oh, it's you!" Venti waved cheerfully when he saw her.
"You're not at Angel's Share, and you're not at Windrise. What are you doing here?" Lora asked.
"Making Mora, of course! Otherwise, I wouldn't even have money for drinks."
Venti chuckled, making no attempt to hide his current situation. In his words, this was freedom, right?
Venti then asked, "Hey, what brings you here?"
"Digestion," Lora replied.
"Perfect timing, then. Come listen to my stories." Venti smiled and gestured for Lora to step closer.
The wind gently caressed everything around them. The people of Mondstadt, once weary from the dragon calamity, felt refreshed after hearing Venti's sung verses.
Seeing the change in them, Lora raised her brows and looked at Venti again.
This self-proclaimed "weakest archon," who claimed he couldn't rule Mondstadt, had been protecting the city all along—using his own strength and his own way.
The winds of a thousand years still blew, and Mondstadt's Anemo Archon remained.
At last, members of the Knights of Favonius arrived, and Venti brought his performance to an end.
"We've finally found you two! Acting Grand Master Jean and the others are ready. We can depart for Stormterror's Lair at any moment!"
The knight panted as he reported to Venti and Lora. "I was sent to inform you to assemble at the city gate!"
"Ah, it's finally time to end all this," Venti sighed and turned to Lora. "Let's go."
Lora stood up from the ground nearby and brushed the dust from her hips.
"Let's go! We're going to beat those Abyss mages!"
Jean had brought along many members of the Knights of Favonius. Although Diluc wasn't officially part of the Knights, he was still included in this operation.
However, when it came to the decisive battle, only Vision holders like Jean and Diluc—and Lumine—would truly be able to help. The Knights of Favonius mainly handled interference such as Hilichurls.
When she spotted Lora and Venti approaching the city gate, Paimon waved enthusiastically from afar.
"We're over here, Lora! Busker!"
"Everyone is ready," Jean said solemnly. "I will lead the team to Stormterror's Lair. During this time, all Knights of Favonius affairs in Mondstadt will be handled by Lisa."
Having already guessed Lora's true identity the day before, Jean's attitude toward the two of them was extremely respectful—almost as though she were reporting to her superiors.
"There's no need to report to us, Acting Grand Master Jean," Lora said with a smile. "You handle the early command. When it comes to fighting, that's on us."
"Understood. I'll humbly comply."
Jean nodded, though she still felt somewhat restrained.
Compared to Venti, the free-spirited Anemo Archon, Jean knew very little about the former Hydro Archon, Egeria. Though Lora appeared easygoing and approachable, Jean couldn't help but feel a subtle sense of pressure.
After setting off, Paimon chatted excitedly with Venti about what she'd eaten that morning and how delicious it had been, prompting Venti to sigh in admiration.
He also mentioned that he hadn't spent any Mora on breakfast, having traded stories instead.
"Huh? You didn't use any Mora at all?" Paimon stared at Venti in shock.
Lumine smiled and said, "If Paimon were as good as Venti, you could trade stories for food too."
"Really?" Paimon clenched her tiny fist, eyes sparkling. "Then I'll practice telling stories properly! That way, I'll have endless Sweet Madame!"
Lora noticed Jean glancing toward her from time to time. During a short rest, she walked over to Jean.
"Acting Grand Master Jean, I take it you've already guessed my identity?"
"Ah? Y-yes!" Jean grew nervous and stood up from the tree trunk she had been resting against. Although she was slightly taller than Lora, her presence felt far less imposing.
"There's no need to be nervous," Lora said with a smile.
"Just treat me the same way you did before. I'm no longer the Hydro Archon—just think of me as Lora. Whether I'm Egeria or Lora doesn't matter."
"Yes, I understand!" Jean nodded firmly.
She knew she needed to adjust her attitude. If she continued treating Lora as someone special, it might actually make her uncomfortable.
Once Jean understood that, she returned to her usual self.
Being gods was merely one of Lora's and Venti's identities. No matter who they were, they were companions now—and that was enough.
Besides, being able to travel alongside a god was something countless people could only dream of. Walking together with the Anemo Archon and the former Hydro Archon was an honor in itself.
Soon, they arrived at the outer perimeter of Stormterror's Lair.
Towering walls of violent wind still surrounded the area. Ordinary Knights of Favonius members couldn't approach—they simply couldn't withstand such terrifying gales.
Jean had them remain outside to stand guard and clear out any interfering Hilichurls.
Venti took out the "Holy Lyre der Himmel" and began to play, smiling as he said, "Listen to the most beautiful song in the world!"
As the melody of the "Holy Lyre der Himmel" spread outward, the storm gradually subsided. Stormterror's Lair, once impossible to approach, finally revealed its true form.
From where they stood, the ruins formed a vast, ancient city—broken walls and crumbling structures everywhere, all bearing the unmistakable architectural style of Mondstadt.
Paimon stared at the scene in disbelief and exclaimed, "Whoa! Is this an abandoned city? Why do these ruins look so much like Mondstadt?"