Chapter 39: Back to Mondstadt

When Dvalin left we all relaxed our nerves. Venti was very distraught when Dvalin left. His state was unnatural even when he was poisoned. I would bet my entire savings it was because of the black gem I saw that made contact with Dvalin.

Jean was the one who spoke first “Barbat— Venti, please, be careful…”

“Hehe... You've known my true identity for some time now, haven't you Jean? Though, I thank you for continuing to use the name Venti.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Amber asked, confused. I got closer to her and whispered “Venti is the Anemo god Barbatos.”

With the revelation, Amber was shocked “EEEHH!” she immediately put her hands to her mouth to keep quiet

“Venti is… Lord Barbatos…”

“Yes…”

“And you knew!?”

“Yeah…”

Amber was about to scold me but she stopped herself and put it to the side. This was not the time and place, especially in front of her god

“You better be prepared when we get home…” she said very menacingly. I gulped down a lot of saliva to push down my fears

“Lord Barbatos… are you okay…” Amber said

“I’m okay Amber but please call me Venti. I may be the god of Mondstadt but I have not been around for hundreds of years and certainly not a ruler. I am just a humble traveling bard.”

“Okay… Venti.”

“Thank you.”

“What happened back there? Dvalin suddenly went berserk.” said Diluc

“I think I may know what happened,” I said bringing everyone’s attention

“When Venti and Dvalin were talking I was looking around the surroundings. I suddenly saw a black gem flying toward Dvalin and made contact with the corrupted crystal on the back of his neck. I think this was what made him berserk and grow black lines around his body.”

“Are you sure Jun?” said Lumine

“Yeah, also the dark aura seemed familiar… Wait, I remember! It was when Amber, Eula, and I were attacked by the Hypostasis before. They were emitting the same aura!”

“Come to think of it they did feel the same.” said Amber agreeing with me

“Whatever this black gem is it sure was not done unintentionally,” said Diluc

“Someone purposely used it on the Dvalin and the results won’t be good.”

“Dvalin…” said Venti saddened

“I’ll go through my contacts to see if I can find anything more of this black gem. Hopefully, it could give us a clue on who is behind this.” said Diluc

“We should head back. This time was a bust, we should rest.” everyone agreed and we all headed back to Dawn Winery

…

We all arrived at Dawn Winery to rest while Diluc went to get his “contacts” to find out about the black gem. We were given food and drinks by the servants but we barely touched them worried about Dvalin except for Paimon who was eating at least 3 people’s worth of food

“Hey! It is not nice to waste food.” she said as we kept seeing her scarfing down the food

After a few hours, Diluc came back but from his face, there was no good news

“I’m back.” Diluc said

“Is there any new information?” Jean asked

“Unfortunately no… I went through all of my contacts but none have heard of any “black gem” making others berserk.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate.” Jean said disappointed

“How are we going to stop Dvalin now?” Amber asked worried

“If we can’t reason with him, I say we have to put him down.”

“Jun! Dvalin is part of the four winds of Mondstadt. He may have gone berserk but killing him is not the answer.” Jean said with no compromise

“Who said anything about killing him?” everyone was confused as to what I meant

“I mean all we have to do is restrain or knock him out long enough for Lumine to do her magic. She can already purify a corrupted tear and I’m sure she can purify the corruption in Dvalin. Although it may take time to completely cure him, it is easier said than done.”

“That is a great idea Jun! Although I don’t want to fight him… we truly don’t have a choice.” everyone nodded and accepted my idea no matter how hard of a plan it is

“Come to think of it, Mr. Big Anemo God Barbatos — why exactly do you need the help of mere humans...?” asked Paimon

“Ahh... How do I put it… "The Seven" as people now know them, were once known as "The Seven Archons." Each archon presides over their own part of Teyvat. That is the role the archons play. Only in performing this duty can we attain power, but I don't like the idea of "ruling" Mondstadt — and I don't feel Mondstadt would really like it either.”

"Go forth and establish a city of freedom without rule." We have not forgotten Barbatos' wish for Mondstadt.” said Jean quoting Venti’s words

“Jean... You're such a devotee! Maybe someone got a little too free and is just too lazy to care...” said Paimon quipping

“Ahh... However it may have come to be... I haven't been back to Mondstadt for an extended period of time. Without a doubt, I am now the weakest archon among The Seven!” said Venti proudly

Lumine deadpanned and said“And yet you sound almost proud… Guess that's why you're the god to the City of Freedom…”

“Aww, you flatter me.” said Venti taking it in stride

“Oh, such a humble god... Is it a blessing, or a curse?” said Diluc sarcastically