17 Ch17
" but I still want to thank you all on behalf of all of Mondstadt for your assistance!" After a bit more idol chat Barbara got down to business. " sounds like quite the story so did you bring the holy lyre with you?"
"We cannot ask you to keep defending the lyre forever. The Seneschal has been pressing me for awhile now…" Hyman scratcher head and said in a reluctant tone. "We ahh… did bring it with us… ummm… it's just… it's a little…"
"Oh don't worry! I'm not here to collect rent! The church has always received special funding…" Barbara said unworried.
However, she had not yet realised the seriousness of the situation, when the Traveller presented the broken Holy Lyre to Barbara it was as though her soul had left her body.
"Ah, AAAAAARGH!!! THE HOLY LYRE!!!"
"Oh Lord Barbatos… even if I atone for these sins for the rest of my life… it would still not be enough!"
venti sighed with his hands on his hips.
Saying this the surrounding players, including Amber Had a small bout of laughter. After all as players they knew that the bard before Barbara was the genuine Lord Barbatos.
" oh give it here…"
Venti took the Holy Lyre and while infusing it with the power of Anemo the damaged Holy Lyre bridge restored to its original states as if by magic.
"How could this— the holy lyre… but how?"
" huh? Let Paimon see!"
" no, no, I don't know how you managed to fix it, but you'll never touch the Lyre again!"
Barbara ran away holding the Lyre close to her chest.
The Venti spoke up. " … we ahh… really should get going."
" that trick I used to " repair" the Holy Lyre… Hehe, I mean the magic I used… isn't going to hold forever, you know." Venti said while giving a wink.
Jean Paimon and the Traveler. "what!?"
" You — Tone-Deaf Bard!!!"
" Hey! Don't go!"
The third act of the prologue seemed to be concluding on this lighthearted and humorous atmosphere. The players crowding around have smiles on their faces, after going through so much, Mondstadt had finally returned to the embrace of peace. It was a satisfying ending for everyone, Including the little trick by the Anemo Archon at the end, it was an interesting experience for the players.
However, just as they exited the cathedral, The atmosphere suddenly shifted. Two dark shadows appeared behind Venti. Fatui agents emerged and without saying a word launched an attack on Venti.'
Everyone was still immersed in the humorous atmosphere from moments before, so when this unexpected twist occurred, they were all taken aback. No one had expected that the Fatui would set up an ambush right at the cathedral's entrance!
Fortunately, the Traveler reacted swiftly, using the power of Anemo they helped Venti fend off the agents ambush. As the Traveler prepared to deal with them, The Fatui agents turned into shadows once more and disappeared into the ground.
At the same time from the other side of the group a figure wearing black high heels approached. She snapped her fingers and a biting cold wind immediately surged. Paimon immediately became encased in ice, while the traveller and Venti managed toward off the cold winds, Vantes legs up to his knees, was encased in ice.
The two agents reappeared at some point and instantly pinned down the Traveler, The tall lady walked over without a rush.
"At last, Mondstadt's Rodent ruler in the flesh." The Lady said, wearing a black Coronet shaped mask.
"The Fatui harbinger [The fair lady]!" Amber exclaimed.
Many of the players didn't know who this person was, but after Amber shouts they all sensed something was amiss.
She acted as if she was going on a casual stroll yet exuded a very strong aura.
" scurrying through the streets, looking for leftovers…"
The lady arrived in front of Venti, Gripping his chin with one hand.
"Mondstadt calls this a god?"
" residential rodent… beats invasive vermin"
Venti began to argue, but the lady slapped him right across the face.
This scene immediately filled the watching players with a rage they never knew they had!
The experiences they had gone through so far had Helped them understand Venti more deeply. Although this Archon of their could be unreliable at the best of times, in critical moments, he always displayed his unique show of kindness. He was no longer the aloof deity in their minds, But a good hearted friend who shared their love for Mondstadt. While the players did not say it aloud, they had already excepted and acknowledged the current wind god. And if he wanted to be called Venti, then they would call him so.
However now, a Fatui harbinger was treating Venti in such an arrogant and disrespectful manner. How would this not in-rage them?
===
"Don't you dare speak back to me, insolent bard." Signora said not even addressing Venti by his name, referring to him as an insolent bard.
Among all the watching players, many of them clenched their fists and gritted their teeth. If the situation had they would've rushed to fight The fair Lady. Venti body then began to net swirling Anemo energy. The ice on his legs gradually breaking off.
Signora initially displayed a hint of surprise, but then quickly sneered.
"Absentee archon of Mondstadt… how impotent you have become…" signora sneered
" that smirk you wear looks out of place. Did you steal it from your master's face?" Venti rattled back.
Signora's eyes sharpened she thrust her hand forward, sending Venti flying back.
Undeterred Signora ran right up to him.
"Should have held your tongue"
A pale light beamed through Venti's chest.
Amidst The Azure green light, Signora retrieved an item surrounded by anemo energy.
"So, this is a Gnosis?"
" wouldn't be caught dead wearing this ugly thing in public."
" beauty is a waste… when the beholder has no taste…"
Even when on the ground Venti didn't forget to taunt back.
As A result he was kicked by Signora, and fell unconscious.
"Venti…" they travel whole nights but was restrained by the two agents and couldn't break free.
Signora's gaze shifted towards them.
" Well, we have what we came here for."
" Come, before our deer Favonian Friends arrive. Leave nothing for them to find."
The Traveler was then knocked down watching them walk away before falling unconscious.
After this was over the surrounding players remaind stunned for a few seconds before reacting.
" the damn Fatui… they're disgusting… they're too arrogant!"
"Rah, why did they have to attack dear Venti!"
"The fair lady, show your health bar! Even if I have to die against you 1000 times, I will eventually take you down!"
"Damn Fatui! I knew they were never up to any good!"
Many players, if not on a war path, were damn close to it.
They were ready to grab their pitchforks and shovels and march around Mondstadt to clean up any member of the Fatui they find.
" everyone calm down this is just a storyline for the game. It hasn't happened in reality!" Amber quickly reminded everyone.
Upon hearing Amber's words, the parents finally managed to calm down from their chaotic emotions.
" Right, The Fatui has already been blasted out from Mondstadt by Mr. McCall!"
" I heard that Mr. McCall also destroyed a Fatui base And besides the fair Lady, there was another harbinger there, and Mr. McCall personally killed them!"
" is that true? Where did you even hear that news?"
" didn't you hear the thunder and see the red lightning in the sky over The city last night? That's Mr. McCall's power!"
" I guess Mr. McCall and our Archon are good friends and both deeply care for Mondstadt!"
" that's practically stating the obvious isn't it? Did you forget who created this mobile game?"
" I really love this mobile game and I love Mr. McCall. With Mr. McCall in Mondstadt, we are truly honoured!"
" with Mr. McCall Around, Venti's Gnosis Will never be taken by the Fatui!"
The players were completely run over by Taylor. They decided they would be his hard-core fans and guards.
He ever dared to speak ill of Taylor or make any trouble in the gaming cafe would face the consequences.
Once they all come dying, they return to the storyline.
{after much time had passed} the traveller woke up from unconsciousness.
He was healed up, but Venti had woken up earlier and had gone to the [ symbol of Mondstadts hero].
Barbara's healing had no effect on Venti's injuries, which was understandable. Almost any mortal injury could be healed by a deity, but the injuries suffered by the divine were incurable by mortal means.
With the wind was blowing around, Venti stood under a massive ancient tree, admitting a faint azure light around him.
" the wind among the branches is good, I love the way it smells… Haha, I said the exact same thing last time. *sigh* why do I only say these things when I'm down on my luck?"
"So… what is a Gnosis?"
"Ah, so you noticed. *sigh* this isn't something I meant to discuss with ordinary people. But I suppose I can let you in on the secret." Venti replied. " as you know, visions are external magical foci only a small minority of people possess, they use these visions to channel elemental power."
" in truth every Wilder of a vision is one who can attain godhood and ascend to Celestia. We call such people allogenes."
"Allogenes? Paimon's never heard of them before."
"Hehe, That's because this is a secret that only archons are privy to. We don't need primitive tools like visions."
" instead, H Archon Has an internal magical focus that resonates directly with celestial itself… Known as a Gnosis."
At this point, there was a small commotion among the crowd.
They did not expect that a vision would have such a secret.
However, even if they know you the secret it didn't hold much significance for them obtaining a vision as an ordinary person was already an unattainable dream for Many, speak less of ascending to godhood.
It was like knowing there was a solar system beyond earth and beyond the solar system. There was a Milky Way that was made up of countless Solar systems and the Milky Way is still a speck of dust in the grand cosmos.
Compared to all that they were more concerned about the continued development of the storyline.
" the seven don't always get along well, But still — I never thought that she would plot to steel another Archon's Gnosis…"
"What sort of god is the Tsaritsa?" The Traveler asked.
" ah… how should I put this?" Venti pondered for a moment and then answered. " 500 years ago, I knew her well. But I can't say the same is true now."
" You see a certain catastrophe happened 500 years ago and after that she cut off all ties with Me but we can save discussions of the Cryo Archon and the Fatui for another day."
"Traveler, if you seek the rest of the seven many difficulties lie ahead of you still."
" you should Head for Mondstadt's neighbouring nation of Liyue. The Geo Archon Who reigns there unlike Me administrates his entire region personally."
" he only descends once every year to give his divine predictions which sent the direction for Liyue for the rest of the year."
" even so it sounds like he works much harder than a certain someone." Paimon jibbed.
"Eh-eh… in any case this year's Rite of dissension is soon to begin if you miss it you'll just have to wait another year."
" WHAT!? Why didn't you tell us before? Well then, bye. Traveler, We're going!" Paimon said anxiously.
" one moment [windborne outlander]."
In this final chapter Venti offered a sincere reminder.
"Traveler, as you set off on your journey? Once again? You must remember that the journey itself has meaning."
" the birds of Tayvat, The songs and the cities, the Tsaritsa, her Fatui and the monsters… they are all a part of your journey."
" the destination is not everything so before you reach the end keep your eyes open. Use the chance to take in the world around you."
===
It has gotten late into the night, Taylor and Eula had already gone upstairs to sleep leaving the gaming area fully open to the players. Was seen as a form of great trust in them and they did not want to break that trust.
In the past around this time, perhaps only three or four players accustomed to stay up late would still be grinding it out in the game. However, today was different. There were 34 players who refused to go home and still lingered in the gaming area.
Some were actively discussing the plot while others were immersed in the world of Genshin impact. it could be said that the plot today was extraordinary, the series of quests last night caused the immersion factor to reach its peak. Making it quite difficult for the people to calm down.
Undoubtably those who completed the main story quest had already fallen head over heels for this game. Although there were no scenes that would bring one to tears the continuous emotional buildup throughout the stories experiences was evident in hindsight.
" mr. Taylor is amazing!"
" this isn't just a game, it's a Mondstadt Epic!"
The prayers gave high praise to the three acts of the plot.
And this praise would come to affect the entire city of Mondstadt. The plot had revealed so much important information. The most important of all was the anemo Archon, Lord Barbatos, i've returned and taken on the mortal form of Venti the bard.
However, for those who hadn't experienced the plot would probably find it difficult to understand let alone except, Especially the people from the church they might Think these players had gone barking mad or had been brainwashed.
They said, " has the illustrious Lord Barbatos Actually become a bard? How could that be possible? Do you really believe you understand the Anemo Archon better than we do?"
But watching these players speak with such passion and reason and even articulate some of Lord Barbatos' understanding of freedom such as, " the winds change their course." And " someday it will blow towards a brighter future." And this really caught the churches attention.
They decided to send Barbara to investigate the situation at the gaming cafe. They wanted to see what kind of content was being discussed in this recently sensational game that has made players praise it to such an extent.
In addition, the game's storyline spread far and wide and started to attract attention from some members of the adventurer guild.
"A Fantasia of another world, This Prinzessin would like to see if it can recreate even a fraction of my realm in where I truly reside."
Amidst the astonished gazes of everyone, A golden haired girl entered the gaming cafe with her Raven Oz.
" I heard this game has a 'wishing' Function, hmm… I'm not quite sure what that is, but I wanna give it a try."
A white hair junk man also enthusiastically entered the gaming cafe not long after. However the moment he stepped inside it caused a small panic among all the players.
" oh my god, Bennett is here!"
"Quick, stop wishing for today!"
" Bennett, what are you up to, buddy? I was just about to wish for Venti, why did you have to come in now?!"
Bennett scratched the back of his head while giving a slight smile, " what do you mean by wishing for Venti? Can I take a look?"
" please don't come over here bro. I'm begging you!"
However, not everyone was afraid of Bennett. Some players weren't planning to wish in the first place so they had nothing to fear.
" Bennett look your characters in this game too!"
A player pointed to the character panel said to Bennett.
"Wow it really is Me!"
Bennett's eyes lit up, but he then sighed, "Ah, unlucky as I am even if I'm re-created in the game, I'm probably just a useless character right?"
"Well… i've only just figured out the character attributes, skills and talents. At the moment you're just a four star character and the strongest characters in the gamer five star characters, like Diluc and acting grandmaster Jean."
In any case the atmosphere at the gaming cafe today was unprecedented. A large influx of new customers had arrived. There were now about four or five people gathering around each seat.
Those manage to secure the seat felt extremely lucky and started playing the game under the envious eyes of others.
Undoubtably, Taylor's mobile gaming café had become extremely popular all throughout Mondstadt. Within the first day of the new version update the revenue broke the previous records, earning over 30 million mora and just one day! This clearly showed the players enthusiasm for in-game purchases.
The players who previously sworn they would never wish for Venti were now saying, " it would be illogical not to wish for him!" after experiencing the new storyline, The Anemo Archon He already held a special significance for the people of Mondstadt now had even more significance. However, no, they prefer to call him by his bard name - Venti. This was because Lord Barbatos Who created this city of freedom and granted True freedom two Dvalin. So the players chose to honour and respect Barbato' Choice, this was the meaning that the game had brought, allowing the people of the windborne region to understand their Archon in this way.
Taylor was also pleased to see this change. After all in this world Genshin impact had taken on a much more special meaning and this was only the prologue of the story the first nation of the journey. Next was Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru and more. More astonishment and emotion would be witnessed in these nations and of course above all else there would be plenty of mora
===
These days when Taylor had nothing special to do, he would just browse through the items in his shop through the system interface. There are quite a few interesting items or abilities, but a lot of them were relatively inefficient or useless in the world of Tayvat, so Taylor didn't want to waste any mora on them.
However, he did come across one item - [A Reality Marble]
[ after being bound to the host, it becomes a personal space for the host to enter and exit, it will be able to continuously expand forming into a world for the host to control.]
[the host has absolute control over this space within the marble and can forcefully pull living beings within 200 m of the host into the marble.]
When Taylor saw this item, he was extremely tempted and it was priced at 10 million Mora.
