"Who knows?" Venti shrugged and said:
"But since Takagi spoke with such certainty, presumably he can at least let one passenger step onto a Path. That's great. I also want to step onto a Path and see if there truly is a power that can heal erosion."
Even for someone as carefree as Venti, the prospect of healing erosion is exceptionally appealing. After thousands of years, he has already lost many important memories he absolutely did not want to forget. Although Takagi didn't explicitly mention whether the Abundance could heal erosion, it still made Venti very concerned.
"Never mind, I'll just quietly wait for a future opportunity. Acting Grand Master Jean, you must still be busy, so I won't bother you further. Also, while you are away from Mondstadt, I will help handle matters here."
As he finished speaking, Venti turned into a breeze and disappeared, just as suddenly as he had appeared.
"Those are truly reassuring words. Well then, I should also go make preparations." Acting Grand Master Jean took a deep breath and walked towards the door. She wanted to personally prepare the supplies Takagi requested.
One night passed quickly. One had to admit that Acting Grand Master Jean's efficiency was extremely high. When Takagi piloted the Astral Express back to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters from Dawn Winery the next day, the square was already filled with supplies.
"Takagi, is this enough?" Acting Grand Master Jean greeted them as Takagi, Diluc, and Kaeya descended from the train.
"I trust your word, Acting Grand Master Jean. Thanks, I'll take all of these." Takagi nodded and waved his hand, storing the supplies into his imaginary space. Inside, there were also several crates of juice and wine gifted by Master Diluc.
"Next, is it time to depart?" The Traveler, carrying a large package, approached Takagi. Behind her were Paimon, Barbara, and Klee, who were also carrying many items.
"That's right. If everyone is ready, you can board the Astral Express. There are enough rooms for five people to rest. You can choose a room and put your luggage inside," Takagi said.
"Alright! Can I start a live stream, Takagi? Also, after reaching Belobog, will the Teyvat Forum still work?" Paimon asked excitedly.
"Don't worry, the forum will be usable even outside of Teyvat. After all, I can use it there as well. As for the live stream, go ahead with confidence, Paimon," Takagi smiled.
Even if Paimon didn't start one, Takagi would have. A considerable number of people still didn't believe his words about traveling the universe. He intended to use the live stream to thoroughly dispel their doubts. Upon receiving permission, Paimon immediately started the broadcast, and a large number of Teyvat residents flooded into the post.
[Hu Tao: Wangsheng Funeral Parlor event! Now buy one, get one free! Don't miss out!]
[Xiangling: Hu Tao, you're too fast! You appeared as soon as Paimon started the stream.]
[Hu Tao: Hehe, doing business requires a keen sense.]
[Beidou: This time the title is "Preparing to Depart"! Does that mean Takagi has already decided on the travelers?]
[Yae Miko: Let me see which lucky people got this opportunity.]
[Yoimiya: Little Paimon wasn't selected too, was she?]
"Hehe, good morning, everyone! That's right, I was indeed chosen. Besides me, the other four have also been selected," Paimon waved at the camera, her face full of pride.
[Grand Sage Azar: The list is finalized just like that? What a pity!]
[Focalors: Let me see who exactly was chosen.]
[Zhongli: Since Paimon is by the Traveler's side, the Traveler should also have been chosen.]
"Hehe, this person named Zhongli understands quite well! That's right, both the Traveler and I were chosen. To be precise, we were internally decided upon by Takagi. In addition to us, Acting Grand Master Jean, Miss Barbara, and Klee were also chosen."
[Prince: What?! The Traveler was internally decided? What exactly is Takagi's motive!]
[Keqing: Besides the Traveler, they are all from Mondstadt. Good—at least no one from the Fatui was chosen.]
[Tartaglia: No way, La Signora, you weren't even chosen?]
[Dottore: How useless.]
[La Signora: Hmph, I just had slightly bad luck this time.]
[Arataki Itto: Am I the only one who cares that the Traveler and Paimon were internally decided? Why? Why couldn't I be chosen?]
"Hmph hmph, Takagi said that the Traveler and I are special," Paimon puffed out her chest.
[Furina: Special? Why are you special? It can't be because you're a strange floating object, right?]
"H-how dare you call me a strange floating object! That's it, I've decided to give you an ugly nickname. Oh no, I haven't actually met this person named Furina... how should I give her a nickname?" Paimon stamped her foot and turned to the Traveler. "Traveler, what should I do?"
Traveler: "How should I know? I haven't met Furina either. Besides, I'm not you; I don't have a hobby of giving others nicknames."
[Furina: Hehe, can't do it, can you? If you can't, why not transfer your spot to me, strange floating object?]
Paimon: "Who wants to transfer it to you? Also, I will definitely give you an ugly nickname, just you wait!"
[Dehya: I'm really curious why Paimon gets special treatment.]
[Nahida: Probably because of the Traveler. Since she is from outside Teyvat, and Takagi is also an outsider, he is willing to give her a chance.]
[Neuvillette: Paimon was included simply because she is the Traveler's companion.]
[Prince: Just for that reason? Takagi, do you really not have other intentions?]
"It seems this 'Prince' cares about the Traveler very much," Takagi walked to Paimon's side and spoke meaningfully to the camera.
"This man!" Aether clenched his fist. Between his private message being ignored and Takagi taking Lumine into the universe, a wave of anger surged within him. Takagi's special treatment of her made it hard for Aether not to suspect other motives.
"I can't let this guy take her away easily. You, tell Stormterror to stop him. You don't need to defeat him; just stir up strong winds to prevent the Astral Express from departing."
He turned to the Abyss Mage nearby, speaking sternly.
"Yes, my Prince," the Abyss Mage replied respectfully.