The Knights and the Abyss Order… just what exactly are they searching for?
Inside a temporary Fatui stronghold in Mondstadt, La Signora stared at the intelligence report her subordinates delivered, sinking into deep thought.
Ever since the "fake Anemo Archon" incident and the exposure of her plot to steal the Anemo Gnosis, she had been forced to withdraw from Mondstadt City. But even so, she had not completely departed—her mission was not yet finished.
However, with her identity exposed, attempting to seize the Gnosis again would not be easy. Therefore, she had stayed hidden in the Fatui outpost near Mondstadt, waiting for a new opportunity.
Then today, unexpected intelligence reached her hands: both the Knights of Favonius and the Abyss Order were conducting massive search operations.
This alone was enough to pique her interest.
If both sides were so intent on finding something, then whatever it was… definitely wasn't ordinary.
And given the scale of the search around Mondstadt, Signora's curiosity had grown into certainty—she absolutely needed to intervene.
But before acting, she had to know what they were looking for. Acting blindly would be a fool's move.
She had already dispatched her spies to gather more detailed information.
A few minutes later—
"Lady Signora."
A Thunder Cicinv Mage entered and bowed deeply.
"Well? Did you obtain what I wanted?"
"Of course. I eavesdropped on their discussions. What the Knights and Abyss Order are searching for is a square object with purple patterns on its surface. But I still don't know what the object actually is. Most Knights involved in the search have no idea what they are looking for—however, the traveler named Lumine is among them."
The mage delivered the report word for word.
"Good. Continue as before."
Signora waved dismissively, eyes narrowing with interest as the subordinate withdrew.
A cube with purple markings…
Kept strictly confidential…
Even most Knights don't know the details…
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Clearly, this thing was no trivial object. Yet why a cube? And why would the Abyss and Knights both go after it?
As she was considering her next move—
Footsteps echoed from outside.
Signora frowned immediately.
That person again… how annoying.
She turned, seeing another tall figure leaning lazily against the doorway.
"Tsk. I heard you're stirring up trouble again?" Childe's tone was annoyingly cheerful. "Anyway, never mind that—I wanted to ask: what exactly happened a few days ago? That fake Anemo Archon… is she really that strong?"
"Strong enough to crush you with one hand. Satisfied?"
"Oho? That only makes me more interested. Someone who could kill me that easily—now that's someone I'd love to meet."
"Hmph. If you want to die, don't drag me into it. But before that—there's something else you need to do. 'Childe'."
—
Knights of Favonius Headquarters
"So… Miss Rita, you're suggesting we stop large-scale searches? Isn't that… a bit inappropriate?"
Jean looked at the elegant maid before her, puzzled yet cautious.
After meeting Rita at the city gates, Jean had brought her to headquarters for further discussion.
Originally, no one fully trusted this mysterious girl, but after Venti returned from Dragonspine and confirmed her story—especially her encounter with the grey-haired girl—everyone finally believed her.
Then Rita explained even more: three major forces—Entropy, Grounded Fate, and Hydra.
The group was stunned.
"Yes. I know it may sound unreasonable," Rita said gently, "but that power's corruption is extremely severe. Plants wither, wildlife mutates, and the surrounding terrain becomes warped. Those are the most basic symptoms."
She continued, voice calm but serious.
"I've been watching your search paths. You've swept almost every area around Mondstadt already, and none of those symptoms appeared. Isn't that correct?"
Jean hesitated.
Everyone exchanged glances.
"Paimon didn't see anything like that. What about you, Lumine?"
Lumine shook her head.
"Nothing."
"And you?"
Jean looked toward each returning Knight—none had observed anything that matched Rita's description.
"Then the conclusion is simple," Rita said with a soft smile. "The power you seek is not in the areas you searched. Perhaps someone has already retrieved it."
Her expression sharpened slightly.
"And if so, the most likely culprit is Entropy. Unlike us of Grounded Fate, they have always coveted that kind of power."
The meeting room fell silent.
"So many factions involved… I never thought the situation was this complicated." Jean massaged her temples helplessly.
"Don't worry, Acting Grand Master. Due to certain restrictions, each faction can only send one operative here. Just like me—I, too, came alone."
Rita spoke reassuringly.
Jean finally let out a breath.
"Thank you for your assistance, Miss Rita. For the time being, please allow us to arrange lodging for you. If you don't have a place to stay, the Knights will prepare one."
"It would be my honor."
Jean nodded to Lisa.
"Lisa, please show Miss Rita to her quarters."
"No problem~ This way please, Rita."
"Then I'll trouble you, Miss Lisa."
Rita followed her out gracefully.
The others also began to disperse from the meeting room.
Left alone, Jean exhaled slowly… and looked toward Liyue's distant direction.
This news… must be reported to Liyue at once.
The situation had already grown beyond Mondstadt.
And something felt ominous.
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