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Chapter 37: Jean Joins the Group
"Are you planning to use her to solve this?" Aiden asked, watching Venti closely.
"Yes, that's the plan for now. If it's her, she can purify the corruption from Dvalin," Venti nodded. "That way, we won't need to reveal ourselves. Of course, if possible, I'd prefer to handle the purification myself."
Venti's expression turned slightly serious. "Dealing with this kind of corruption takes a toll on me."
The Anemo Archon had been eroded over timeāsecond only to Morax in terms of accumulated wear. He even had to sleep for extended periods to recover.
Now that a solution was in sight, Venti wasn't going to let it slip away.
Besides, he could also use the Thousand Winds Movement to help Mondstadt clear out monsters. That, too, would earn him valuable power in return.
"Since you've decided, let's go with that," Aiden said after a moment's thought. Then, he glanced at Venti. "By the way, when are we bringing Jean and Diluc into the group?"
"Hmmā¦" Venti rubbed his chin. "Let's start with Jean right now. She could really use this power boost."
"It would also make things easier if she had more strength before heading to the Four Winds Temples. Otherwise, she could be in serious danger."
"Alright," Aiden nodded.
With a flick of his wrist, his clothing shifted, transforming into an elegant yet imposing outfitāa design somewhat reminiscent of the attire worn by the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles. His facial features also altered slightly.
Venti scoffed. "You really know how to make an entrance."
For some reason, seeing Aiden in this form made Venti lose all motivation to challenge him.
Still, he followed suit, shifting into his divine form.
He only hoped Jean wouldn't immediately recognize him. As a bard, Venti had crossed paths with her before. But if she did recognize himā¦ well, that wouldn't be the first time he had revealed his true identity to someone.
As long as his divinity remained hidden, it would be fine.
Glancing at Aiden, Venti smirked. "You're not trying to conceal your identity at all, are you?"
"Some things are best left unsaid," Aiden replied with a chuckle. "Smart people will pretend not to notice."
---
Jean's Office, Headquarters of the Knights of Favonius
After dropping Aiden off earlier, Jean returned to her office, made herself a strong cup of coffee, and buried herself in paperwork.
Ever since taking on the role of Acting Grand Master, her workload had only increased.
Today was no different.
She was pushing herself nearly twenty hours a day, but she knew that if she collapsed from exhaustion, Mondstadt would be in even greater danger.
As she scribbled away, an unusual gust of pure wind swept through the office.
Jean's instincts flared.
Her grip tightened on the Favonius Sword as she snapped to attention.
"Who's there?"
But as her gaze landed on the intruder, she froze in shock.
"Lordā¦ Barbatos?"
As a member of the esteemed Gunnhildr family, Jean had seen portraits of Mondstadt's Archon before.
Moreover, her father was the Cardinal of the Church of Favonius, meaning she had access to far more historical records than the average citizen.
And most importantlyāshe could feel it.
The elemental energy flowing from him was unmistakable. This was the purest Anemo essence she had ever encountered.
The Wind God himself.
"My devout believer," Venti said, resisting the urge to say "Hey, honorary knight!" in his usual carefree tone. Instead, he maintained a serious demeanor. "Are you troubled by the ley line disorder? By the corruption of Dvalin?"
Jean straightened, eyes firm. "Yes, Lord Barbatos. If our reports are correct, the Stormterror we're facing is none other than your old companion, Dvalin. How do we free him from this corruption?"
She already knew that, even if Mondstadt's strongest warriorsāDiluc, Lisa, Eula, and Kleeājoined forces, they might be able to defeat Stormterror.
But purification?
That was another matter entirely.
"Dvalin was tainted by the toxic blood of Durin during their battle five hundred years ago," Venti explained. "At the time, I was too drained from the war to intervene. I fell into a deep slumber, and nowā¦ I lack the strength to cleanse him alone."
Jean clenched her fists. Even the Anemo Archon himself cannot purify this corruption?
"But," Venti continued, "I have found someone who can." He turned to his side.
A swirling portal of wind and light opened beside him.
Aiden stepped through.
Jean barely had a moment to register his presence before a sudden voice echoed in her mind:
"Ding! Congratulations, you have joined the Chat Group."
Jean's breath caught.
Her first instinct was suspicion. Had she been cursed? Was this the work of an Abyss Mage?
But Barbatos was standing right beside her.
She could feel no malice.
And as the new knowledge settled in her mind, she quickly understood what had happenedā
This Chat Group contained people from across Teyvatā¦ and it granted power. Power that could purify the Abyss?
Jean's hands trembled slightly.
Thisā¦ this could change everything.
Then, a notification appeared in the group chat.
Ningguang: "Jean? You're joining too!? Welcome!"
Keqing: "Welcome!"
Venti: "Hey, welcome!"
Jean's eyes flickered in recognition.
Ningguang and Keqing?
She hadn't expected Liyue's leading figures to be involved in something like this.
But something else caught her attention.
"Wendy?"
That was the name of one of Mondstadt's bards.
Jean frowned slightly but chose not to dwell on it.
Barbatos spoke again. "I hope this power helps you grow stronger, Jean."
Then, his tone softened. "It won't be long before a traveler named Lumine arrives in Mondstadt. She possesses a power that may help free Dvalin."
Jean absorbed this information quickly.
A travelerā¦ with the power to cleanse corruption?
She had never heard of such a thing before.
But if Barbatos himself spoke of it, then she would be ready.
Mondstadt would be ready.