The Supreme Archbishop of Fontaine

"This child has exhausted a great deal of her vitality. She pushed herself far too hard."

After bringing Astrea to the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Lisa, the librarian, examined her and delivered her diagnosis.

"While I don't fully understand the mechanics, the power she used to assist you likely came at the cost of her own life force. Trading vitality to temporarily grant elemental energy to others… I'm not sure whether to call it remarkable or reckless magic. Thankfully, you drove Stormterror away quickly. Otherwise, she might have died from overexertion."

"To think a foreigner risked her life for Mondstadt… while we did nothing…"

Acting Grand Master Jean bit her lip, her voice tinged with guilt. Her eyes, however, burned with resolve.

"We can't delay dealing with Stormterror any longer."

"Jean."

Lisa cut her off gently.

"Decisions made in haste often lead to regret. We're not at that point yet."

"But…"

"I know you feel guilty for this child, and I share your concern. But have you considered what would happen if you rashly decide to slay Stormterror? When this kind-hearted girl learns the truth about the dragon, do you think she'd rejoice in its death?"

Jean closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"What truth are you talking about?" Lumine interjected, her usual playful tone replaced by seriousness. "Explain. Are you saying you've been withholding action against Stormterror despite having the means?"

Jean met her gaze solemnly. "Stormterror is powerful, but not at full strength. Even with most of our forces deployed, the Knights of Favonius aren't entirely helpless against it. If we mobilize fully, we stand a chance."

"Then why—"

"Stormterror's identity… is complicated."

"Complicated?"

"We'll explain later." Lisa intervened. "Time is short. For now, let's focus on cutting off the source of Stormterror's power."

"Source of power?"

"The abandoned temples of the Four Winds," Jean explained. "As I said, Stormterror isn't at full strength. In its prime, it could have destroyed Mondstadt effortlessly. But now, it relies on residual power from the temples to fuel its storms. Sever that connection, and we weaken it."

"Our targets are three of the Four Winds' temples. The reason for three… well, that's another story for later."

Lisa turned to Lumine with a soft smile.

"Care to help us, cutie? I'll explain everything about Stormterror afterward."

Lumine nodded firmly. "For Astrea's sake, I'll see this through."

After the dialogue ended, Axue slapped her own cheek in remorse. "I'm the worst!"

The thought of carelessly draining Astrea's life force while taunting Stormterror made her want to kick herself. Though just a game, the story had fully immersed her in Astrea's plight.

「Stop self-flagellating! Check the Wish system!」

"Wish system?"

Following the chat's advice, Axue opened the new menu.

"So… it's a gacha?"

"Intertwined Fate… Acquaint Fate… Event Wish… Standard Wish… Weapon Wish…"

After studying the mechanics, Axue explained them to her viewers:

Standard Wish: A permanent banner with random 5-star characters, including Astrea. Pulling a 5-star is guaranteed every 90 wishes, but the character is entirely luck-based.Event Wish: A time-limited banner featuring rate-up characters. The current banner, Ballad in Goblets, highlights the 5-star Anemo Archon Venti and 4-stars Barbara, Xiangling, and Fischl. If the first 5-star isn't the featured character, the next is guaranteed within 180 pulls.

Axue's face paled as she opened the Standard Wish screen. Among the 5-star roster—Mona, Qiqi, Keqing, and Astrea—her eyes locked on the last name.

"Are you KIDDING ME, MIHOYO?! ASTREA'S IN THE STANDARD BANNER?!"