The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [55]

“So, this is the Stormterror’s Lair?”

Jia Changjiang trailed behind Venti, dragging his bloodstained battle axe as they surveyed their surroundings. His eyes locked on the towering spire in the distance.

“That’s one tall tower.”

Venti nodded, his voice carrying a wistful undertone. “Yes, it’s quite high. It once belonged to a tyrant who ruled the winds. But that’s ancient history now.”

Though Venti’s words were accompanied by a smile, there was a tinge of sadness in his tone.

But before the melancholy could linger, a rough hand landed on his hat, tousling his hair mercilessly.

“Enough brooding,” Jia Changjiang said, giving Venti’s head another vigorous rub. “We’re here to save your friend.”

He grinned as he marched past the bard, gesturing toward the ruins ahead. “Whatever Mondstadt might have been, today it’s a land of freedom with no king."

"And right now, we’re here to save not just a person—but a dragon.”

He turned back briefly, extending a hand. “So, let’s go together, my friend."

"For the dragon, for Mondstadt’s wine and songs!”

Venti blinked, caught off guard, before a genuine smile spread across his face. “For wine, songs, and dragons, huh? I’d be honored.”

As the storm barrier dissolved, Paimon floated above the ruins, her voice filled with awe.

“So this is Stormterror’s Lair... It’s enormous!”

Her eyes darted across the decaying structures. “But how does Dvalin even get back here with his size?”

Venti chuckled. “Dvalin doesn’t take human roads, you know. He flies.”

Paimon opened her mouth to retort but faltered. “Huh. Fair point...”

“Let’s move forward,” Jia Changjiang said, his eyes scanning the ruins with a glint of excitement. “This place looks dangerous—who knows what kind of enemies might pop out.”

“You think there might be more Abyss Mages lurking here?” Paimon asked, cradling her face in her hands. “If so, we’ll just send Master Diluc and Mr. Jax to take care of them!”

“Don’t underestimate enemies I’ve already defeated,” Diluc said, his tone measured as they followed the winding path through the ruins.

“Rather, be cautious. The Abyss Order has many inhuman entities that defy expectations. Never lower your guard.”

As they walked, Jia Changjiang noticed Lumine’s uncharacteristic silence. She lagged slightly behind the group, her expression pensive.

“What’s wrong?” Jia Changjiang slowed his pace to match hers.

“I... feel a familiar presence,” Lumine murmured, her brows furrowed.

“Something about this place feels like... déjà vu, but I don’t know why.”

Jia Changjiang studied her for a moment before nodding. “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I’ll be fine,” she replied, her voice firm. “I’ll get myself together.”

The ruins of the old Mondstadt, battered and crumbling, were a testament to the city’s tumultuous history. Fallen structures blocked their path, forcing the group to find alternative routes.

“Looks like the way forward is blocked,” Paimon observed, floating near a collapsed wall. Her eyes darted upward to a gaping hole in the roof of a distant structure.

“Is that how Dvalin gets in?”

Venti followed her gaze. “Probably. Fortunately, there’s an updraft nearby. We can use it to reach that spot.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Jia Changjiang’s expression stiffened slightly, and Jean took notice.

“Mr. Jax, is something wrong?” she asked.

“I... didn’t bring my Wind Glider,” he admitted, looking somewhat sheepish. “After the one I bought broke, I never got around to replacing it.”

A brief, awkward silence followed.

---

A Few Minutes Later

“Thanks, Master Diluc,” Jia Changjiang muttered, clinging to Diluc’s legs as the latter soared upward with his Wind Glider.

Behind them, Paimon giggled uncontrollably as she hovered alongside Lumine.

“Oh no, I’m fine,” she teased, her voice trembling with suppressed laughter. “I’ll just... hang back and watch Mr. Jax hitch a ride!”

Despite the comical situation, Diluc maintained his stoic expression, refusing to acknowledge the absurdity of having a grown man dangling from his legs.

With the help of the updrafts, the group finally reached the top of the tower. The scene was desolate, with remnants of ancient mechanisms scattered amongst the ruins.

Dvalin had yet to return, granting the group a brief moment of respite.

“This is where Dvalin resides?” Paimon asked, her gaze darting across the cluttered surroundings.

“There are so many mechanisms and ruins... Isn’t it inconvenient to live here?”

Venti shrugged. “As I’ve mentioned, Dvalin doesn’t take human roads. He flies.”

His expression turned serious as he addressed Jia Changjiang and Lumine.

“Warrior. Traveler. Dvalin’s fate rests in your hands.”

“I’m ready,” Jia Changjiang replied, baring his teeth in a confident grin. “Just say the word.”

Jean stepped forward, her expression solemn. “Mr. Jax, Lumine..."

"The matter of the East Wind Dragon should have been the Knights of Favonius’ responsibility. I feel ashamed that it’s fallen to you to carry this burden.”

Turning to Diluc, she added, “And Master Diluc, thank you for standing with us. You were only caught up in this by chance, yet you’ve come this far alongside us.”

“This is simply my way of repaying the trust you’ve placed in me,” Diluc replied calmly.

“Everyone has their reasons for being here,” Paimon mused aloud. “The Traveler wants to prevent more separation, and Mr. Jax wants to fight the dragon..."

"But what about you, Venti? What’s your reason for coming here?”

Venti spread his arms wide, his expression serene. “Freedom.”

He began to speak, his voice filled with quiet conviction.

“Has anyone ever told you that Mondstadt is the City of Freedom?"

"Mondstadt is a land without kings, a romantic city-state where its people enjoy the greatest freedom among the Seven Nations.”

He paused, his gaze distant. “And Dvalin... Dvalin should never have been deceived into believing that this city betrayed him."

"Nor should he have been told that protecting this city was his eternal duty."

"Dvalin deserves the freedom to choose his own way of life. That is his right as Mondstadt’s East Wind Dragon.”

Before he could say more, Venti’s attention snapped to the sky.

A deep roar pierced the air as a colossal dragon emerged from the storm clouds, its form growing larger as it approached.

Simultaneously, a shrill voice echoed from within the ruins, harsh and grating.

“Ha! Mondstadt’s archon and outworlders alike... You will soon see that all your efforts amount to nothing but futile struggles!”

---

This is a fan translation of 武器大师在原神绝不死于徒手 by 徐人双. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!