Following Diluc's gaze, a rusted greatsword stood embedded in the center of the clearing. Out of habit, Su Bai extended his adeptal senses toward it—and was immediately struck by a fierce aura mixed with killing intent and an unyielding spirit.
Startled by the sudden burst of energy, Su Bai soon chuckled. 'Well, well, quite the temperamental weapon. First time I've seen one with such attitude—even Hu Tao's Staff of Homa isn't this spirited.'
"Hey Diluc, why don't you try pulling it out? Out here in the wilderness, this sword must be ownerless. If you can draw it, it's yours."
Though tempted by Su Bai's words, Diluc knew this blade was no ordinary weapon. Having witnessed the legendary Wolf of the North in Stormterror's Lair, he wasn't foolish enough to believe a sword in the Wolf King's territory had no owner. What if it belonged to that Wolf King? He'd be done for.
"The fox boy isn't wrong. Red-haired lad, if you can pull that sword, it's yours."
A deep voice echoed from beyond a massive gate. Thick fog suddenly enveloped the wide clearing. Everyone except Razor and Diluc—who had seen Boreas before—raised their weapons warily, staring toward the gate.
Under their watchful gaze, a massive wolf wreathed in Anemo and Cryo energy slowly emerged from the mist. With a howl, the fog dispersed, revealing the Great Wolf King of the North in all his majesty.
"Lumine, Lumine! That wolf is huge! It must be twenty Paimons big! And it looks really strong!"
"Barbatos above! Am I seeing things? The legendary wolf from the stories actually exists!"
Amber rubbed her eyes. Boreas's appearance dealt quite a shock to this young knight's innocent mind. As a Lawrence clan member, Eula's family records mentioned Andrius's existence, so while surprised, she wasn't as shaken as Amber.
"So you're the ones seeking the trial? Your strength is... passable."
Boreas swept his gaze across the group. When his eyes landed on Su Bai's three fox tails, he paused momentarily. 'So this is that fox's junior? Wonder how this poor little one got bullied by Dvalin.'
"Trial? Is that greatsword the reward?"
Diluc's eyes lit up. Truly worthy of the Great Wolf King of the North—generous indeed. Boreas nodded. That sword had been with him for quite some time. If this red-haired youth could claim it, that was his own skill.
"Not just that sword. Over the millennia, my followers and subjects have brought me many treasures. Pass my trial, and I'll gift you some."
Boreas's words instantly elevated the stakes. Everyone except Su Bai felt their breath quicken—especially Paimon, whose eyes were now filled with Mora symbols. A millennium of accumulated treasure? How much must that be? If they won, she and Lumine would never worry about food again!
"So? Care to try?"
Sensing the strength of Diluc and Eula—who hadn't fought humans in ages—Boreas found himself intrigued. These youngsters' potential seemed no less than that Varka fellow. With proper guidance, their future achievements wouldn't be low.
"Very well. Thank you, Wolf King"
A rare flash of blush crossed Diluc's face. Boreas glanced at him, then casually swatted him with a paw, sending him tumbling toward the greatsword.
"Your trial is to draw that sword. By the way, its name is Wolf's Gravestone. You've heard of it, I assume."
Leaving the disheveled Diluc to his task, Boreas turned his attention to Eula. This Cryo-wielding girl he could instruct—he commanded Cryo himself, so he already had a favorable impression of her.
"Since the Wolf King invites me, I'll give it a try."
Eula gripped her Sacrificial Greatsword and slowly approached Boreas. Paimon looked between Eula and Lumine, then tugged Lumine's hand worriedly.
"Lumine, maybe you shouldn't go. Let's just watch."
"Oh? Little Paimon doesn't want that Wolf King's valuable treasures?"
"Uh, no thanks. Lumine's safety is more important. Paimon has a feeling that the big wolf is really strong."
Paimon refused to be provoked. She could distinguish between eating well once and eating well forever. If something happened to Lumine, she'd be the one going hungry.
Lumine, unaware of the real reason, was quite touched. Who knew her emergency food actually had some conscience? Maybe she'd throw away that stew seasoning packet she'd bought from Sara and hidden under the bed.
Amber, having endured multiple shocks to her young psyche today, was in no state for a trial. She still couldn't accept that the legendary wolf king from stories actually existed.
---
Back in Liyue Harbor, Zhongli walked through the streets with Azhdaha draped over his shoulder. The dragon squirmed restlessly.
"Zhongli, let me go! Why does your stick of tanghulu have eight fruits while mine only has seven?!"
"I'm not accepting this! I need to have words with that tanghulu seller!"
Many pedestrians stopped to stare at Zhongli. No one expected the cultured and refined Zhongli to be carrying a little girl through the streets. Whispers spread.
"Sister Wang, do you think that little girl on Mr. Zhongli's shoulder is his daughter? I was planning to introduce him to someone."
"Sister Zhang, I think so! Look how similar their clothes are—and I've seen Mr. Zhongli carrying this girl around many times."
"Exactly! Auntie Zhang's right. That child looks just like Zhongli. What a shame—I was saving him as my secret weapon to introduce to eligible young ladies!"
Several professional matchmaking aunties stamped their feet in regret. If they'd known Mr. Zhongli had a child, they would have introduced him earlier! His generosity was famous throughout Liyue Harbor. If they'd succeeded in matching him, the benefits would have been enormous!
"Enough, Azhdaha. Stop arguing. I'll give you my tanghulu if it'll make you happy."
Zhongli's head throbbed from Azhdaha's complaining. He never should have let Hu Tao teach him. Even A-Ping could only endure two days before complaining bitterly, refusing to continue no matter how he pleaded.
"That's even worse! You're my brother—you shouldn't have to suffer! I must demand justice!"
"No one messes with you except me. Anyone else who does is challenging ME!"
Zhongli felt somewhat touched by the first half of that sentence, silently acknowledging their years of brotherhood. The second half made him want to enroll Azhdaha in school immediately—Mora be damned. He mainly wanted Azhdaha to experience a proper childhood.