The Tsaritsa collecting the Gnosis—what could she possibly gain? Even if she didn't say it outright, Venti could likely guess.
Perhaps the secret was too significant for them to know now, which is why he was keeping it to himself.
Nolan, considering the game's storyline, had his own suspicions that Venti might have willingly handed it over, at least partially.
"Well, before you leave, let me give you this as compensation for that treasure chest I took last time," Venti said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. He extended his hand, and a thin, azure shard appeared in his palm.
"What's this?" Nolan asked, puzzled.
"This is a scale I got from Dvalin. It's a fine Wind element material, Oh and I've also inscribed an archery technique on it," Venti said with a smile.
"An archery technique?" Nolan's eyes widened in surprise.
The Anemo Archon's archery technique—just the thought was thrilling. Could it be an ultimate skill beyond the secret art-level techniques?
"Well, it's called the 'Divine Generation Archery Technique' from the era when many Demon Gods(Archons) existed, with some improvements from me in it.
"According to current terms, it should be an Arcane Level or an Ultimate Art. However, to unleash its full potential, you need to master the Anemo element. Unfortunately, bestowing a Vision isn't within my power; otherwise, I would have given you one," Venti said regretfully, spreading his hands.
After all, bestowing the Vision was actually not too related to the Archon of the corresponding element.
"It's not relevant, I can actually use a little bit about the wind element, I'm just not very skillful yet."
Nolan said, accepting the cyan scale with a pleased expression.
The skill Venti gave him was indeed more advanced than a secret art technique—it was a legendary Ultimate Art, a level of skill said to be attainable only by those who had mastered their craft to its utmost limits.
And this kind of martial art technique that possessed the Ultimate Art, if a systematic learning method was organized, it could be similarly passed on to future generations.
This was the concept of an Ultimate Art, which Nolan had read about in the Knights' library. He hadn't expected to obtain something so rare today.
"Oh? As expected of someone from another world, like the Traveler. You both have unique abilities," Venti said, somewhat surprised.
"Hey, bard, I don't recall anyone telling you they were from another world. How did you know?" Paimon asked, puzzled.
"Oh, this is of course because on you guys, there is a completely different 'wind' aura from the Teyvat continent."
Venti explained simply.
"Hmm? I don't sense anything at all," Paimon said, leaning in to sniff Lumine's hair, then spreading her hands. "Just the scent of hair."
"Paimon, you idiot, it's not something you can smell," Lumine retorted, her legs, clad in knee-high white boots, swinging gently. She spoke in a teasing tone.
"When your understanding of the 'wind' reaches the level of a god, you'll be able to sense it too," Venti nodded, then added, "I need to go busk to earn some Mora to pay off my debt to Master Diluc, so I'll be off now."
"Alright, see you," they all watched him head towards the Angel's Share tavern, feeling amused. He truly was a down-and-out god.
"Why doesn't he just ask Dvalin for another scale to solve his problem? It's worth a luxurious chest, after all," Paimon wondered, her hands on her hips, tilting her head in confusion.
Don't say that, Paimon. I can already imagine Stormterror covered in treasure chests. Nolan silently mused, struggling to contain his thoughts.
"Nolan, Lumine, What are you two planning to do next?"
Eula asked, her white, ample thigh partially revealed above her knee-high black leather boots as she turned slightly, arms crossed.
"I plan to buy some supplies this afternoon, then leave for Liyue tomorrow to continue my journey to find the next Archon," Lumine said, pressing her soft chin with her pale fingers as she thought.
"I'd like to see Liyue too, but it seems too far to travel by carriage. How about you find a teleport waypoint there and come back to bring me along?" Nolan suggested with a smile.
His lazy suggestion made Lumine and Paimon put their hands on their hips and glare at him with disdain.
"Even though what you said makes sense, why do I feel like we're doing your work for you?"
Lumine crossed her arms, looking at him with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.
"Exactly!" Paimon agreed vehemently.
"Well, laziness is human nature. How about I cover the cost of your supplies for the journey to Liyue as compensation?"
Nolan offered, not intending to have them work for free.
"That sounds more like it," Lumine and Paimon nodded in satisfaction.
"Oh, what a pity. I was hoping to invite you to the Wolvendom this afternoon to clear out some Rift Monsters," Eula said with a hint of regret on her fair face.
"Forget it, it'll take another couple days to get over there." Paimon said, shaking her head.
"In that case, since it's almost noon, why don't we go to the Cat's Tail Tavern for a drink?" Eula suggested to the group.
"Drinking in the middle of the day? Eula, are you upset because of what those people said earlier?" Paimon asked, surprised.
"Hmph, who cares about such trivial matters!" Eula crossed her arms and slightly raised her soft, white chin, looking away.
"..."
Isn't it obvious that she cares a lot. Nolan and the others thought silently.
"Hehe, sure, it's also lunchtime anyway," Paimon said with a smile.
"Hmph, then let's go. This round is on me," Eula declared.
As they walked near the fountain square, Eula led the group down the steps toward the Cat's Tail Tavern.
At the same time, a notification appeared on Nolan's character panel.
[Eula Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 200 Affection Points. Current Affection Level Lv.4 (225/400)]
The Cat's Tail Tavern primarily sold alcohol and beverages, with only soft bread and cakes as food. Overall, it was enough to fill their stomachs.
The main attraction was the numerous cats that didn't scratch, and petting them noticeably lifted everyone's spirits.
After lunch, Eula returned to the Knights of Favonius to prepare her Reconnaissance Company for their mission. Nolan and Lumine spent two hours buying supplies for their long journey.
They prepared basic medicines, healing potions, jerky, grains, and more. Both of their loads were full, and they still had bags to carry by hand.
Nolan spent a total of 200,000 Mora, which made him wince a bit.
Back at home, while Lumine and Paimon packed their things, Nolan went to the Adventurers' Guild to ask Katheryne where Fischl was.
After all, if Venti offered an archery skill and Dvalin's scale as compensation for a luxurious chest, then Fischl deserved a share too.
Naturally, he had to inform her.
(End of Chapter)
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