"I didn't expect us to get one too. Now if I run into anything strange out in the wild, I can contact Eula."
Amber fiddled with her Communication Device 3.0 and, following Albedo's demonstration, changed the nickname on it to her own name.
"The Communication Device 3.0 isn't perfect yet. If any of you run into issues while using it, let me know. After it's been tested for a while without problems, I'll start developing the 4.0."
Albedo had many ideas for future features, but technical limitations prevented him from implementing them now. He still needed to accumulate more knowledge about mechanics.
"Good thing Durin's power included Pyro control, or I wouldn't even be able to use this thing."
"Still, this device is incredible. You bastard Albedo—I didn't expect you to have studied mechanical alchemy as well."
Albedo Junior fiddled with his device, letting out a sigh of admiration. The more he learned about Albedo, the more unsettled he felt. He had thought he was already overestimating him, but Albedo turned out to be even more terrifying than he imagined.
Albedo smiled casually. He was still far from satisfied. The deeper he delved into knowledge, the more he realized his own insignificance. Perhaps that feeling would only fade once he reached the realm of Chalk. But Albedo had a feeling that even then, the vastness of knowledge would continue to humble him.
"Sometimes, ignorance is bliss."
Noticing Albedo staring at him, Albedo Junior shifted uncomfortably. Maybe it was his imagination, but he felt a complex mix of emotions in Albedo's gaze—envy tinged with pity, pity laced with resolve.
"Has this guy gone crazy from studying alchemy? Better keep my distance. Don't want it rubbing off on me."
Albedo Junior scooted closer to Bennett. He knew this young man—aside from his terrible luck, he was a good person. Bennett took the device from Albedo, feeling the metallic texture in his hands, and sighed.
"I never thought I'd get something this nice. I'm so luc—mmph!"
"Bennett, stop right there. Your words already blew a crater in the spot where I buried my failed bombs."
Before Bennett could finish, Albedo Junior clamped a hand over his mouth. He had witnessed Bennett's curse firsthand. One time, Bennett had casually remarked, "These bombs look like failures," and the entire pile of failed bombs had detonated. To this day, Albedo Junior couldn't figure out what mysterious force had set them off.
"Su Bai, are you really going to keep calling this thing 'Communication Device'? That sounds terrible."
"Oh? Do you have a better name, Lumine? If it's good, we might change it."
Su Bai and Albedo had discussed names before, but neither could come up with anything decent. Since this was the first of its kind in Teyvat, even the well-read Albedo and well-traveled Su Bai were stumped. That was why they'd settled on "Communication Device 3.0."
"Well, I do have a suggestion. How about calling it a 'phone'?"
"Phone... 'hand-held machine.' That's actually quite fitting. Albedo, what do you think?"
Su Bai rubbed his chin. "Phone" was a good name—descriptive and easy to remember. Still, he wanted Albedo's opinion. Albedo nodded slightly.
"The word 'phone' must come from another world. If I'm not mistaken, in that world, phones were also used for long-distance communication."
"That's right. I visited a world with advanced technology. People there could not only send messages but also do all sorts of interesting things with their phones. If you're interested, Albedo, I can give you some suggestions later."
"I'd appreciate that."
Lumine's words made Albedo resolve to visit her once he returned to Mondstadt. She likely knew a lot about phone functionality, which would give him a clear direction for his research.
"Everyone, as much as I hate to say it, it's time to part ways. If we don't leave soon, we won't make it to Liyue Harbor until nightfall."
Su Bai stood up. Though reluctant, it was time to go. Albedo rose as well. After Su Bai left, he would also take Klee and leave this place.
Seeing Su Bai about to leave, everyone stood up to say their goodbyes. Before he left, Albedo gave Albedo Junior a full ten crates of alchemical notes. If not for the pocket space Madame Ping had given Su Bai, moving them would have been a hassle.
"Some of those notes contain dangerous knowledge. Be careful when experimenting."
"Hmph. Don't you die on me, Albedo. Next time we meet, I'll show you whose alchemy is superior."
"Is that so? I'll be waiting. Hopefully, you won't leave any hidden dangers in yourself next time."
After a few exchanges, Albedo and Albedo Junior fell silent. Albedo Junior knew he wasn't Albedo's match yet, so he didn't push his luck.
"Lumine, if you don't have a place to stay in Mondstadt, you can use my house. Eula has the keys. Just ask her to make you a copy."
"Got it. Looks like I'll be saving some Mora."
Lumine and Su Bai chatted, but their attention was elsewhere—on Eula and Shenhe, who were nearby. These two Cryo-wielding big sisters, who had never gotten along, were finally parting. Strangely, Eula felt a tinge of reluctance.
"Hey, Shenhe. I don't know how I offended you, but that won't stop me from getting my revenge. You'd better be ready."
"Revenge? But I don't think you're a match for me."
Shenhe held a stone pedestal, her flat gaze betraying no emotion. She had seen Eula fight. With Calamity Queller in hand, she didn't think Eula stood a chance.
Eula's face stiffened. She now knew Shenhe was a disciple of a Liyue adeptus. Damn it. You're a cultivator picking a fight with a martial artist. Of course I can't beat you.
"You underestimate me! I'll remember this grudge!"
"Oh? Then let's have a sparring match next time."
Every time she saw Su Bai laughing and chatting with Eula, Shenhe felt uncomfortable. After Lumine had explained some things to her, Shenhe had learned that one needed a proper reason to fight—you couldn't just beat someone up because you felt like it. She hadn't had a reason to go after Eula before, but now Eula had handed her one on a silver platter.