123 Next Commission

'That's one thing done' Allen returned to Mondstadt, making a false report of his adventure to Katheryne and going to his room. 'Now there's only the need to wait for the right time.'

'Aether appearance could certainly be the big event that Alice was talking about. I could have stopped his recovery, but it would have only been momentary, he would have most probably recovered in another way.' Allen thought. 'But in this way, he will owe me a favor.'

'I am certainly curious about what Alice is thinking. If she wanted, I don't think that it would be difficult for her to detect and stop Aether. What would her plan be? That best destiny...'

'I also need to take a look over Stormterror, seeing how its condition is. I have some of Ursa's and Durin's blood, plus the amplification power of that stone, I don't think it will a problem to forcefully awaken as anyway, it won't take much for it to do it naturally.'

While thinking about his future plans, Allen finally fell asleep.

Waking up the next morning, Allen made his morning routine, some exercises, some running and a shower and breakfast before going over the Adventure Guild, wanting to know if this week happened something.

"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild." Katheryne greeted him like always.

"Good morning. There's anything new, Katheryne?" Allen asked without much hope.

"You have a special commission assigned by a Knight of Favonius" Katheryne informed "It was made some days before, but due to your absence it could not be shared until now."

"The knights? What would they want?" Allen asked.

"Its content is not specified in the commission, you should directly ask for more information" Katheryne explained giving him a paper.

Allen read it and certainly, it did not explain much. If it weren't from a knight, this type of commission would not even be accepted by the guild. But as the ones in charge of Mondstadt, they had some privileges sometimes using adventures for confidential operations. That's why on the paper, it was only requested his help and stated the name of the knight who put the commission.

'Eula Lawrence' Allen read the name in it, remembering the crash that they had the week before 'What would she want? Is she doubting me?'

In the end, Allen accepted the commission, curious about what it was about and not wanting to create more doubts by negating the request.

...

Allen reached a small cabin at the foot of Dragonspine.

"I am aware that you returned to the city yesterday, and I appreciate you accepting my commission so promptly." Eula was already outside the cabin as if waiting for him.

"No problem" Allen answered "So what is the commission? It has something to do with Dragonspine as you wanted to meet me here instead of Mondstadt?"

"The matter at hand does certainly involve Dragonspine, but that's not the sole reason for me seeking you out here," Eula replied. "I have taken some time off from my duties and am currently residing here in this cabin."

"I must admit that I find the people of Mondstadt to be somewhat lacking in manners and refinement, which makes it difficult for me to tolerate their presence," Eula remarked. "However, I am duty-bound to serve the city as a Knights of Favonius Reconnaissance Company, despite my personal feelings on the matter."

"So what would it be the work? I am not sure if I will be able to help you out." Allen stated "I am not very familiar with Dragonspine."

"That should not be an issue, as I am quite familiar with Dragonspine and its many dangers," Eula stated confidently. "As for your request, I could certainly use a skilled companion such as yourself on this mission. I have discovered a hidden domain and I believe it could be quite dangerous. Having you by my side to guard my back would be greatly appreciated."

"Wouldn't it be better and more trustful for another knight to help you rather than a stranger adventure as myself?" Allen asked, wanting to know the reason behind it.

"I strongly suspect that this domain is indeed connected to my own Lawrence clan. As you may know, my clan is not highly regarded by the people of Mondstadt, and I cannot trust them to handle this matter impartially," Eula reasoned. "That is why I have chosen to seek your assistance. I observed you previously and was impressed with your skill with a sword, as well as your keen awareness of your surroundings. Moreover, being from outside of Mondstadt, you will not be influenced by the biased perception of my clan held by the city's inhabitants."

"I understand" Allen nodded 'It makes sense. Most of the people at Mondstadt hate Eula just for her clan. If they were to hear a domain from them, they would think of some kind of hidden secret of their ruler's time, a way to return to power... Wait a moment!' Allen realized 'Could it be the same domain that I entered with Dottore?'

"Where is exactly that domain?" Allen asked 'It was certainly related to Lawrence. And if it's so, Eula has more reasons for not making it known to Mondstadt. But in the end, it won't have anything as Dottore destroyed it all.'

"Before I divulge any further information, I must make our agreement explicitly clear," Eula stated firmly. "This mission will be conducted under the strictest confidentiality, and you are strictly forbidden from sharing any information or discoveries made during the course of our investigation with anyone else. If you betray my trust and break this agreement, you can expect severe repercussions. I will take my revenge!"

"Secondly, I will compensate you for your services and you are free to claim any other treasures or valuables we may find as your own as long as they do not hold any historical value for my clan. Do you accept these terms?" Eula presented the written contract to the person, with all the previously mentioned points clearly laid out and her signature affixed to it.

'The pay is good, but I don't really require any Mora anyway and if it's truly the same one, nothing will be obtained from it' Allen thought about it

"Okay, I accept." Allen firmed the contract 'As I am already here, I am curious to know if it is the same. I would also be able to see the change in the domain's difficulty with someone with the Lawrence bloodline.'

"Excellent," Eula smiled, pleased that her terms had been accepted.

Eula quickly prepared for the travel and both of them began their trek through Dragonspine.

The frozen terrain was treacherous with the icy landscape, the harsh blizzard, and the sudden monster, however, Eula showed her strength and knowledge of the terrain, perfectly choosing the best path, avoiding and taking care of most of it, making Allen's help somewhat unnecessary.

Allen quickly found that their objective wasn't the Wyrmrest Valley, meaning that it wasn't the same domain. Instead, they were approaching the somewhat hidden Starglow Cavern,

After some hours of travel, they finally arrived at the location of the hidden domain. It was well-hidden and difficult to access, but with Eula's knowledge and guidance, they were able to find the entrance behind some scarped stones without much problem, and as she had told, a symbol of the Lawrence's Glacial Seal was drawn over it.

"Let's enter" Eula replied, stepping forward and leading the way into the narrow opening between the rocks. As they moved deeper into the passage, the air grew colder and the darkness grew more oppressive until they reached a wide door.

Opening it, they crossed to a wide room with 10 enemies that Allen could recognize. They were the same marked skeletons of the other domain.

"Let's dance!"