ReruoIzayoi
patreon
Chapter 63: Albedo's Research Project
🕑 Added 2025-04-12 08:05:00 +0000 UTC"Hmph, I'll let you off this time," Lumine said reluctantly, releasing Paimon's cheeks from her pinching. In truth, she just enjoyed teasing Paimon and wasn't actually angry with her.
"Hehe, Paimon knew the Traveler is the best!"
Paimon giggled, clumsily picking up a small stick to help Lumine adjust the fire. Seeing her awkward movements, Lumine couldn't help but chuckle.
Soon, the Radish Veggie Soup was ready. Lumine served herself a small bowl and pushed the rest of the pot toward Paimon. The little companion muttered something about not being a glutton but still gulped down the soup eagerly, seemingly unfazed by how hot it was.
Watching Paimon's eating habits, Lumine picked up her own bowl, blew on it to cool it down, and began to enjoy her meal.
"It seems I'm a bit late," a calm and steady voice interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. Lumine was startled and instinctively summoned the Dawn Sword, a gift from Kaeya, pointing it at the source of the voice—a young man with sandy brown hair.
After taking a closer look, Lumine relaxed and lowered her sword. She had seen this person once before at the Windrise Plaza. Though they weren't familiar, she was certain he wasn't a threat.
"We meet again, Honorary Knight," the young man greeted her.
"Sorry, but you are...?" Lumine felt a bit awkward. She had only seen this person briefly after waking up from unconsciousness and hadn't spoken to him, so she didn't know his name.
"I am Albedo, the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius."
"I noticed this Treasure Hoarder camp a while ago, but I was too busy with my research to deal with it. Thank you for taking care of the problem," Albedo said. Though his tone and expression remained neutral, his sincerity was evident.
"Research? What kind of research? Can we see it?" Paimon's curiosity was instantly piqued.
"Paimon!" Lumine called out, stopping her. Paimon's behavior was quite rude and could easily be misunderstood.
"Hehe, sorry," Paimon scratched her head sheepishly. She was just curious.
"It's fine. Follow me. This isn't some secret research, and I think you might be able to help me," Albedo said, shaking his head and inviting them along. He was very interested in Lumine, the outlander. If he remembered correctly, she was closely connected to Yun Fan and might know something useful.
Seeing Albedo already walking ahead, Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances. After a moment of thought, they decided to follow him.
Soon, they arrived at Albedo's research camp, located halfway up Dragonspine.
The camp was filled with alchemical potions, scattered research equipment, and stacks of thick alchemy books. The entire place exuded an atmosphere of deep study and contemplation.
At the center of the camp was a large research table, on which lay several neatly arranged blocks of ice. Unlike ordinary ice, these blocks were exceptionally clear and emitted a faint, visible glow.
"These are..." Lumine asked, puzzled. She felt like these research materials looked familiar. Wait! Wasn't this the same ice Yun Fan had summoned? So Albedo hadn't been clearing the ice walls back then—he had been collecting research materials. But what was there to study about them?
"These ice blocks were created by a very special type of energy. I'm currently trying to isolate and study that energy, but so far, I haven't made much progress," Albedo explained to Lumine.
In truth, it was normal for the research to be slow. After all, it had only been about two days since he obtained the materials. If he had already made progress, that would have been strange.
"Honorary Knight, place your hand on the ice and try to sense the energy within."
"Special energy?" Lumine pressed her hand against the ice, trying to feel the energy fluctuations within. Unfortunately, all she felt was a biting cold.
Lumine wasn't ready to give up. She focused her consciousness, seeking help from the "feather" in her otherworldly sea.
The "feather" in her consciousness emitted faint golden light, responding to Lumine's call. Time passed, and Albedo and Paimon didn't disturb her, patiently waiting.
Finally, Lumine, with her eyes closed, grasped a pulse of energy she had never felt before.
"Got it!" Lumine clenched her hand, and a purple energy separated from the ice, now held in her palm. The ice, now devoid of its energy, melted into a puddle of water.
"What is this energy?" Seeing Lumine succeed, Albedo's usually stoic expression showed a rare hint of excitement. He reached out to touch the energy.
But the moment his finger made contact, the seemingly docile energy surged up his arm. Albedo frowned, pulling his hand back and channeling a large amount of elemental energy to counteract it. After some effort, he managed to expel the energy.
"Terrifying power," Albedo remarked, crossing his arms. He could tell this energy was far more corrosive than Abyssal energy. If mishandled, it could spell disaster for all of Teyvat.
But why wasn't the Honorary Knight, who was holding this energy, being affected? Was it because her body, as an outlander, was different from those of Teyvat's inhabitants, or was there another reason?
As Albedo pondered, the "feather" in Lumine's consciousness emitted a ripple, absorbing all the Honkai energy in her hand.
Seeing this, Albedo was momentarily stunned but quickly confirmed his suspicions. He spoke solemnly, "Honorary Knight, please allow me to study your body."
Lumine: ???
Lumine crossed her arms, looking at Albedo with suspicion. She hadn't expected him to be this kind of person.
"My apologies, I misspoke. I merely wish for you to assist me with some tests to determine how outlanders differ from the people of Teyvat," Albedo explained apologetically.
"While I'd like to help, I need to go to Liyue for the Rite of Descension. If I miss it, I'll have to wait another year," Lumine hesitated before declining.
"You're going to the Rite of Descension? Then why are you on Dragonspine?" Albedo asked, puzzled. Were they planning to cross Dragonspine to reach Liyue?
"Uh, well..." Lumine felt too embarrassed to admit they had taken the wrong path.
Seeing Lumine hesitate, Albedo understood the situation. "I can guide you over the mountain to Liyue. How does that sound?"
Lumine remained silent, but she was clearly tempted.
"Additionally, I can pay you a sum of Mora as compensation," Albedo added.
"I accept."
