The Surprise That Awaits Us All!

Oh, it's you guys! Good morning! How's everything been these past few days?

Fantastic! Awesome food, nonstop fun... Living the carefree vacation life has been pretty great!

Did anyone just hear that voice on the wind?

Huh? A voice? I didn't hear anything...

Seriously? Listen, there it is again! "Venti, Venti..." It's the Aphimead calling my name!

*sigh*... C'mon, Venti. At least save the drinking talk until an appropriate drinking hour, will you...

Think of it this way — your bard friend could be in a bar somewhere right now. But, instead, he chose to be here with you. Says a lot, don't you think?

Well, well, you really do have the eyes of a hawk. Just like a qucusaur, indeed!

♪

Hehehe, looks like the Asha's in a good mood too.

Wanna tell the others about our little friendly competition just now?

!

Haha, what's with that reaction? Now I'm intrigued!

Well, I was just getting ready to head out when the Asha started bouncing around the room, full of energy, and kept showing off his badge.

"Alright then, let's have a little contest. How do you wanna do this?" I said.

The last thing I expected was for him to stretch out his little hand... and challenge me to an arm wrestling contest!

So... Paimon's guessing you won?

Yeah, it was no contest. The size advantage was really unfair. I feel kinda guilty, honestly...

So, I was thinking... how about a graffiti contest instead! We can do it in a little bit. I've got the paint covered...

Hahaha... Well, sounds like the fun isn't over yet! I'm glad to hear it's been a good stay so far.

So, the main challenges in the four areas... I'm guessing you've completed them all?

Great! Let me take a look...

Huh!?

Hm? Something wrong?

This is... some kind of joke, right?

Aaaaah!!!

Geez, Paimon! Why'd you scream like that? Scared the life outta me... What's going on?

Sorry... Paimon's definitely a scaredy-cat, but this time it's deserved...

What in the...

Huh? ...How on earth did the photos turn out like that?

Right? It's like a whole different bunch of people...

Just calm down for a second, and take a closer look — the clothes, the poses... it really is us.

Then what's going on here?

Did someone paint over it? But... there's no trace of anything like that. The photo looks like this is exactly what the Kamera captured, but that doesn't make any sense...

What about the others?

Let me see...

...

...

All four photos have changed.

Uhh, you guys have fun with that... Paimon's just gonna float over here and try not to think about how creepy this is...

Could it be some kind of prank?

Is that the last one?

(Turn the page again...)

...

You'll have to excuse us, sir. We'll come back another time for the prizes.

Come on, let's talk over there.

So... Notice anything useful?

I can't make out the faces, but the outfits are unmistakable! They've gotta be from the People of the Springs, the Flower-Feather Clan, the Collective of Plenty, and the Masters of the Night-Wind...

The Tecpatl's Flintblades Adventure Team...

Hmm?

It's the Tecpatl's Flintblades Adventure Team... We read about them back in Villa Guiztli, remember?

A group of friends from different tribes, united by a single goal — to make the name of their Adventure Team, the Tecpatl's Flintblades, known throughout all of Teyvat.

But, then a couple in the group had a baby, and decided it was time to move on. So, they planned one final journey as a farewell to a life of adventuring...

Mind if I take another look?

Here.

I knew I'd seen that place before. It's right here.

What do you mean? How's that even possible?

Bennett said the events described in those notes took place a long time ago. There wasn't even a resort here back then!

Doesn't mean it's not the same place. Just look at the terrain.

Hmm... Well, that place doesn't look at all familiar to me...

I've flown past that area every day on my morning loop. I can show you exactly where it is.

Then, should we go take a look?

Yeah. Let's go...

Now, hold on just a minute... Why don't we think this through one last time before we head out?

Mmm... Prank or not, the person who left these pictures must be trying to tell us something.

If this clue is pointing to a specific location, the only way to find out more is to go there ourselves, that's what I think.

That's a fair point.

But, we also need to consider that Chasca never noticed anything odd while out on patrol. And, presumably, someone managed to slip these photos into our album without alerting a single one of us...

So, we shouldn't underestimate who we're dealing with here... Is that what you're trying to say?

Pretty much.

So, we keep our guard up.

Bennett?

The place we're heading to might be dangerous. Could you keep an eye on our Asha friend while we're gone?

Oh, I'm sorry, I... I saw him head in that direction already... I thought, maybe, you told him to go there? He left just now, while you were talking...

Uh oh...

It's okay. We're headed there, anyway.

Let's try to catch up with him. Keep an eye out on the way!

Well, here we are. This is the place.

It's so quiet... If someone lured us here, there's no sign of them...

Let's split up and have a look around. Don't go too far, though... and keep an eye out for any signs of the Asha.

It doesn't look like there's anything here...

Asha! Come out, come out wherever you are!

...

Was that...

Guys, get over here!

I hear something... A voice keeps calling out to me.

What did I tell you? The Aphimead, it speaks to people!

No, it's not the mead... But, it is calling my name, and asking me to walk towards...

Look!

Maybe it's a Domain entrance, but...

What's that doing here...

The voice... it's coming from inside.

Careful. What if it's a trap?

No... It's not a trap.

The tone of the voice... There's no trace of malice, only care and concern...

Bennett, you're not thinking about going in there, are you? Uh, Tone-Deaf Bard, talk some sense into him!

...

...

I know you're all worried about me, and I'm aware there could be danger ahead...

But I have this strange feeling like... The things I've been searching for, the voice calling my name, the mystery behind those pictures... The answers are here, inside this place.

My dads always tell me adventurers never shy away from a challenge or a chance to explore the unknown...

So, I need to go into this Domain, but I don't expect anyone to follow me... The last thing I want is to put you all in danger too.

What now?

"Adventure is all about teamwork." You said that yourself.

Yeah, I mean Traveler and Venti go without saying, but we're part of the team too at this point, right? We're not gonna let our captain go in alone!

You guys...

Alright, Paimon was going to try and talk you out of it... but she knows how hard it is to convince an adventurer not to go adventuring.

But, if there's treasure at the end of this adventure, we're getting a share too — don't even think about hogging it all yourself!

Well? What do you say, Professor?

Come on, you really think Professor Venti would abandon a student in their hour of need?

Save the thank-yous for the afterparty. Looks like someone else'll be picking up the tab again — lucky me, eh?

Haha, sure... Thanks, guys, it means a lot.

Alright then, is everyone ready?

Let's go.

Okay!

What... is this place?

It's so hot... Feels like my lungs are being compressed... Whew, it's hard to breathe...

Be careful. I sense the Abyss.

The Abyss!?

Ugh, the air currents are all over the place. I can't get a fix on its exact location.

Could the Abyss be after Bennett? Wait a sec... Where's he gone?

Bennett!

Bennett! Are you there?

How did we get separated? We all came in together, right?

Not good...

(Where is this place? It feels like I've been here before...)

(Why does it seem so familiar...?)

Traveler... Paimon...

Ugh... *cough* *cough*

(My throat... Ugh, it hurts...)

Anyone there...?

(Still no response, and no sign of anyone... Am I the only one who got separated from the others? Or did we all get split up?)

(No, no...)

(My heart's beating faster and faster, my back is drenched in cold sweat... and I can't remember anything... At this rate, I could pass out at any moment...)

(Feel like I need a moment to catch my breath...)

(I can't figure out if this counts as good or bad luck.)

(If I've ended up in a dangerous situation like this, even on my lucky streak, the others are probably in even greater danger...)

(I need to help them... I have to keep moving...)

(Come on, this pain is nothing... Just gotta keep pushing forward... I can do it...)

(I'm fine, absolutely fine... Everything is gonna be fine... I just need to find the others...)

Wait... for me...

Um, is it just me or did those weird stars just get darker? I've got a bad feeling about this...

We can't just wait here. We have to keep looking.

Oh no, things are bad if Tone-Deaf Bard's getting serious...

...Again!? Oh...

Paimon's stomach hurts... Feels like she's gonna puke...

It's getting more and more dangerous the further we go...

Tone-Deaf Bard, are you sure Bennett is up ahead?

Yes...

Fate has drawn him back to this place. It is a trial he must overcome... But if he tries to go it alone...

Hang in there, everyone! We need to pick up the pace.

Paimon... can't go any further...

♪

Tone-Deaf Bard...

...

Now, everyone, now!

You're saying... this place is my final destination?

Hahaha... Yes... Precisely...

"Lucky" little Bennett, the boy who cheated death itself...

You once slipped free from the grasp of fate and fled to a place beyond my reach... I imagine happiness came easy to you there...

It was sheer happenstance that allowed you to escape, but at last, fate has brought you back to face the death that should have been.

Haha, that's what you think... But I believe we all have to take fate into our own hands.

Being an adventurer... means rewriting the rules... It means discovering... and challenging what seems impossible.

Ah, always the amusing bunch, you adventurers... So much passion, so much spirit, yet in the end, so little to show for it... just like your parents.

Wh—What did you just say?

"Tecpatl's Flintblades"... What a laughable name. Hahaha... And ironic too, for the spark of their legacy dwindled long ago, and soon, I will snuff it out entirely.

Those who would have saved you are long gone. Behold, even your so-called "Wheel of Fate" lies in ruins.

Give up, Bennett... the child who cheated death...

Embrace your inescapable doom.

You are no match for meThe Abyss.

...

I can't...

That light... Is that...

The Asha! And look, one of them is Bennett's companion!

...

Bennett! Bennett! What's wrong? Please, Bennett, wake up!

This isn't working... His vitals are weak.

Bennett! Come on, everyone, think of something!

Does anyone have any kindling on them?

...Kindling?

What he needs right now is light, something to guide him through this fiery trial of fate.

Will a candle work?

Yes. Light it up, and the "sun" will guide him.

You sure that's gonna work...?

I have faith in Venti.

...Alright, then.

Let us pray for him.

As the sun sinks beneath the western shroud, let the sparks of flame guide us home.

And a blazing light burn anew to cleanse impurities of old.

Lost wanderer, hear these words.

Behold the sunlight, this blade of dawn, listen to the wind sing a familiar song, inhale a fragrance so sweet, so known...

Follow me, please. Follow me home.

Mom...

Is this a dream?

It's not a dream, my darling, not at all... Oh, look how much you've grown....

...Dad, Mom! It's really you!

...

Come here, my boy. Give your old man a hug...

Whew... The air doesn't feel so heavy now. Paimon can finally breathe...

So, what we just saw was a...

A memory left over from the past. Perhaps the Pyro Archon heard our prayers.

We owe her big time after this...

So that baby from Tecpatl's Flintblades turned out to be Bennett...

That's right. We strayed into this place all those years ago... and never made it out. All we could do was pour our dying hope into protecting this child... Our child.

Isn't it my turn to give him a hug now, dear?

Oh... alright then...

I know everything's been settled now, but this doesn't exactly strike me as the ideal place for a deep, meaningful conversation.

Come on, everyone. Let's take this outside.

Alright, this should do.

Looks like there was a treasure at the end of all this, after all...

You mean Bennett, right?

"Bennett"... That's what your friends call you?

Yeah, it's the name my dads gave me. A group of older adventurers from Mondstadt raised me.

Bennett... Hmm, Bennett...

"Blessed," that's what it means. Having a name like that... It shows those people care about you a great deal.

It's a fine name, indeed.

I'm so happy for you, my darling Bennett. Seeing the strong young man you grew up to be, knowing you're surrounded by people who love you, it... It means the world.

Don't worry, Mom, I'm doing great. Everyone's always been so kind to me...

Be sure to thank them, son, on behalf of myself and the rest of Tecpatl's Flintblades. Haha, just look at us, together like this!

I've seen more than my share of miracles, it's true — but after what happened, I never thought I'd get a chance to talk to my son, let alone...

Ah!

What is it, Dad?

Our adventures together over the past few days... All the memories just came flooding back.

And, speaking of... How could you call that arm wrestling this morning? That was full-on wrestling, my boy!

Uh... really?

Wait! Bit of a tangent, but Paimon just realized... This means Bennett's from Natlan, right?

Ohhh, and he's been disconnected from Natlan's Ley Lines all this time...

...Which must be why he's always been so unlucky... until he finally came back!

What are your thoughts about staying in Natlan, Bennett?

Oh, yeah... I could help introduce you to the Wayob! Would you rather go with the Masters of the Night-Wind or the Collective of Plenty?

...

You don't have to answer that right away.

Traveler, could I take a look at your album for a second?

Sure, here you go.

...Okay, all better now.

Aha, mystery solved! So the pictures were swapped, after all!

I should probably explain... After becoming Asha, we lost our memories, and our minds became so hazy we couldn't even remember who we were. All we had were our instincts to guide us...

But I was never as outgoing as Macani, and that was true even as an Asha. I guess some things, like your personality, never change...

So... Where's this going, exactly? Aroni, what have you been up to?

From the moment I saw your group, I've been following you around, taking all kinds of photos of your adventures.

And since there are Asha everywhere in the resort... No wonder I didn't sense any danger.

A vague sense of familiarity, and a bunch of hazy memories... That was what drew me towards you.

When I followed you all here, it was like this place was beckoning me in, and it made me extremely uneasy...

Thanks to all of you, everything turned out fine. But the fact is, I put everyone in grave danger... and I'm so sorry for that.

Don't worry about it.

After everything you went through, it wasn't your fault...

Exactly! The way I see it...

If fate is a giant wheel rolling down the road, then I'd say, for Bennett, the bumpiest stretch is behind him. And that's all that really matters.

Thanks, everyone... And, um... Thanks, Mom and Dad...

I love you... So, so much...

I love you too, my darling son. And, here. This picture is for you.

I've always loved taking pictures of you... And, nothing will ever change that.

Mom...

...

"Child of reverie / Clutching tail feathers tight / Open not thine eyes ere night be gone."

"'Til such gaze, enduring and unspoken / Cascading from on high / Ushers in the break of dawn."

You sure pick your moments to shine, don't you...

Of course! I would hate for us to miss the next chapter of this story, after all. The wind is blowing it this way as we speak.

And, by that, you mean...

Whew... I found you, at last!

!

Someone actually showed up!? Quick, don't let them see...!

What's up?

Good heroes, sorry to interrupt! I'm just here to let you know that the grand opening of the resort is about to begin on Tete Isle. We're just waiting for you to join us, and then we can start the show!

Oh no, I totally spaced out! What time is it? Forget it... Let's just go!

The Dance-Off Stage is all yours, Traveler. We'll go get into position.

The moment we've all been waiting for.

You've got it, guys! Professor Venti and I will be in the crowd cheering you on.

We'll also be—

Shhh!

Ohhh...

♪

Well, we don't get to be on a stage together very often. Why don't we take a group photo?

Yes, yes, yes! I'll get the Kamera set up!

Wow, when did Mualani become such a natural photographer...

She's taken so many pictures on this trip, she's practically a professional at this point...

Come on, scoot in towards the middle, everyone — Asha friends, you too!

...Thanks, Pyro Archon!

Is Ajaw in another timeout?

Well, he's prone to unending rants whenever he's around Cacucu, and I think we can all agree the decibel level around here is high enough already.

Wait, where's Cacucu, then?

He's still having fun on the Asha trampoline. I wouldn't be surprised if he's speaking Asha by the time we get back...

Another language under the belt? Little fella's turning into quite the polyglot.

So, no flaming hair today, Archon?

Hehe, isn't it hot enough already?

Yeah, hot as a volcano...

Enough with the chit-chat! Everyone looking this way? Ready for the countdown?

Three, two, one...

Party time!

...We always hoped you would have good friends around you, and it seems like that came true.

Yeah... They're the best.

You're not a picky eater, are you? And you don't stay up late every night, like your mom...?

Ahem...

Uh... Alright, I'll stop with the nagging...

Dad...

C'mere...

Can we... talk a little more?

Got it.

Listen up, son. And this is coming from one team leader to another...

I know you're strong, and I know you're hardworking. But when it comes to leading a team, that alone's not gonna cut it.

Remember what I said to you earlier, when you were down in the dumps? "Every journey is a lesson. Never lose sight of the bigger picture."

Your team is going to look to you for guidance one day. It'll be up to you to earn their dedication and trust, and offer them words of comfort during times of struggle.

Mm... I understand.

The name of our own Adventure Team, Tecpatl's Flintblades, embodies a particular idea — the striking of a spark, and the passing of the torch.

But then we brought you into the world, a little spark of our own, and our thinking began to change.

And we knew that what we wanted most of all... was not for you to be bound to our mission or legacy, but to forge your own path.

Dad...

As a father, there are things I want to say to you, son. So, humor your old man for a bit, okay?... Heh, even though I'm not actually that old...

Son, your mom and I have loved you all your life, even since before you were born. And as you grew up, you had friends to offer you love and support where we couldn't...

Never forget them, and never forget your dads back in Mondstadt. It's thanks to them, after all, that you're blessed with such a lucky name.

No matter where you go, or what path you choose, as your parents, we will always support you.

So all that's left to say is...

Trust in yourself, and be brave, my boy. Just like your friend said, you are our "lucky star"... forever and always.

*sobs*...

Look what you've done, you've upset him again!

C'mon, that's not my f—

Not your what?

N—Nothing... I'm just gonna... quit while I'm ahead.

Bennett?

*sobs* Yes, Mom?

Don't listen to your old man's rambling. I was always the smart one, and he knows it too.

Mom...

...It's scary business, having a child, you know that? But, the moment I laid eyes on you, I was at peace.

Because in your eyes, I saw your Dad's courage and my curiosity, and I knew you would be able to overcome any obstacle. So, don't cry, my son.

I—I'm not. I'm smiling... See? I'm smiling...

I know you are... I've always known.

Is it time for you to leave already?

...

Haha... I've said all that needed to be said. Now, I can be at peace, too.

...

Trust me, Mom and Dad... Some day, I'm gonna be the most legendary adventurer in all of Teyvat!

...

Bennett...

Bennett, are you okay?

I... I'm fine.

They're finally at peace.