Genshin Impact: The Crit Archon

Aether arrived to the bar owned by Diluc, as sat down as the Bartender then spoke

Bartender looked at Aether. "Have you heard of the dark knight hero".

Aether just looked at him. "First of all I just came for a drink second who starts a conversation like that, I just sat down".

The bartender raised an eyebrow but continued, "It's just that the Dark Knight Hero is quite the legend around here. People say he works in the shadows to protect Mondstadt from danger."

Aether took a sip of his drink, intrigued. "And what's his story? Is he really as mysterious as they say?"

The bartender nodded. "No one really knows much about him. He keeps his identity hidden and operates outside of the law, but he's saved the city more than once. Some even say he's connected to the Winery's owner."

Aether's interest piqued. "The Winery's owner? You mean Diluc Ragnvindr?"

The bartender gave a knowing look. "That's the rumor. But remember, it's just speculation. The Dark Knight Hero could be anyone."

Aether glanced around the bar, spotting Diluc behind the counter, quietly polishing glasses. He seemed lost in thought, an air of melancholy about him.

Deciding to investigate, Aether approached Diluc. "Excuse me, Diluc, I've heard a lot about the Dark Knight Hero. Can you tell me more?"

Diluc looked up, his eyes cold and distant. "Why are you asking about him?"

Aether shrugged. "Just curious. I've heard a lot of stories and wanted to know if there's any truth to them."

Diluc sighed and leaned on the counter. "The Dark Knight Hero is someone who fights against the darkness. It's not something I discuss openly."

Aether nodded, sensing there was more to the story. "I understand. It sounds like a complicated matter."

Diluc's gaze softened slightly. "Indeed. But it's not something I can easily explain. Just know that sometimes, those who fight in the shadows do so to protect what they hold dear."

As Aether prepared to leave, he felt a new sense of curiosity about Diluc. The enigmatic bartender's connection to the Dark Knight Hero was clear, but the details remained shrouded in mystery.

Paimon looked at him. "We are totally going to investigate this aren't we"

Aether just looked at Paimon. "Yep, but not as a knight, as a traveler and 3..2...1.

As the system window poped open with a new quests

[ new Quests: Investigate the rumners above the Dark Knight Hero

Completing this skill levels up all you mage craft that works with stealth mage craft ]

Aether just looked at the system. "New it"

Paimon just looked at him. "You do remember Paimon can't see the system right".

Aether gave a small nod. "Yeah, I remember. This quest is just another part of figuring out the Dark Knight Hero's true identity and story."

Paimon floated beside him. "So, what's the plan? How do we start investigating?"

Aether took a thoughtful sip of his drink. "First, we need to gather more information. If Diluc is indeed connected to the Dark Knight Hero, we might find clues in his personal life or through his interactions with others."

Paimon nodded enthusiastically. "Alright! Let's start by talking to people who know Diluc well. Maybe someone at the bar or around Mondstadt has some information."

Aether agreed. "That sounds like a good start. We'll need to be discreet, though. The Dark Knight Hero is known for his secrecy, so we have to be careful not to draw too much attention."

Paimon gave a thumbs-up. "Got it! We'll be as sneaky as a stealthy little sprite!"

As they left the bar, Aether and Paimon began their investigation. They started by asking around Mondstadt, speaking with locals who might have seen or heard something unusual. Their first stop was the Adventurers' Guild to see if anyone there had any gossip or stories about the Dark Knight Hero.

Throughout their investigation, Aether used his knowledge and abilities to gather information quietly, while Paimon provided insights and clues she picked up along the way. As they pieced together the fragments of the story, they moved closer to uncovering the truth behind the mysterious figure who protected Mondstadt from the shadows.

Aether and Paimon began their investigation at the Adventurers' Guild. The bustling atmosphere was filled with chatter and the clinking of glasses. They approached the counter where the receptionist, a friendly woman with a warm smile, was working.

"Hello," Aether said, leaning slightly on the counter. "We're looking into some local rumors about the Dark Knight Hero. Have you heard anything interesting lately?"

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, the Dark Knight Hero? That's quite the topic. There's been some talk about mysterious sightings around Mondstadt at night. Some say he appears to help those in trouble or to fight off dangerous creatures."

Paimon floated beside Aether, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Have you heard any specific locations where he might have been seen?"

The receptionist thought for a moment. "Well, there have been reports of him around the Stormbearer Mountains and the eastern part of Mondstadt. Some adventurers have claimed they've seen him in those areas. You might want to check there."

Aether thanked her and left the guild with Paimon. They made their way to the Stormbearer Mountains, a rugged and secluded area known for its treacherous terrain and occasional monster appearances. As they approached, they kept their eyes and ears open for any signs of the Dark Knight Hero.

In the mountains, they encountered a few Hilichurls and handled them quickly. After the skirmish, Aether and Paimon continued their search, following any leads or strange occurrences.

As dusk fell, they arrived at a secluded cave. The entrance was partially obscured by foliage, and there were signs of recent activity—a few fresh footprints and discarded items. Aether's instincts told him this might be worth investigating.

They cautiously entered the cave, moving quietly through the shadows. Inside, they found evidence of someone having recently stayed there—makeshift bedding, a small cooking area, and a few items that looked out of place for an ordinary adventurer.

Aether examined the items closely. "These don't belong to the typical adventurer. They look more like personal belongings. Could this be where the Dark Knight Hero rests?"

Paimon looked around, noticing something peculiar. "There's a faint smell of wine in the air. Do you think it's possible that Diluc could be connected to this place?"

Aether nodded. "It's possible. Diluc's known for his connection to Mondstadt's darker side. Let's keep looking and see if we can find more clues."

As they continued their search, they found a hidden compartment in the cave wall. Inside, there was a small journal with entries written in elegant handwriting. Aether carefully read through the journal, noting mentions of battles against Abyss Mages and other threats to Mondstadt.

"Looks like this journal belongs to someone who's deeply involved in protecting Mondstadt," Aether said. "But there's no direct mention of Diluc. However, this does seem consistent with what we know about the Dark Knight Hero."

Paimon floated closer, peering at the journal. "So, what now?"

Aether thought for a moment. "We should keep investigating. If this is indeed connected to the Dark Knight Hero, there might be more clues elsewhere. Let's return to Mondstadt and try to gather more information from people who might know more."

As they left the cave and made their way back to the city, Aether and Paimon continued their investigation, piecing together the clues and working towards uncovering the true identity of the Dark Knight Hero.

Aether then notice something, he saw a few sword mark. "These seem like sword mark, will more like Claymore"

Aether then saw a red metal a peace of the claymore chipped. "Now this is good"

Aether then activated a invisibility Mage craft, that turns him and Paimon invisible, then he sent a tracking mage craft as well.

Aether and Paimon, now invisible thanks to the Mage craft, continued their investigation with heightened caution. The faint glow of Aether's tracking spell cast a subtle light on the red metal fragment. The tracking spell would help them trace the source of the item, potentially leading them to its owner.

As they followed the signal emitted by the tracking spell, they moved quietly through the mountains, staying close to the shadows to avoid detection. The path led them deeper into the rugged terrain, where the environment became increasingly harsh and the air cooler.

After a short while, they arrived at a secluded glade. In the center of the glade was a small, well-maintained campsite. It was clear that someone had taken great care to keep the area tidy and secure. The campsite had a few scattered supplies, including a clean bedroll, cooking utensils, and a well-worn claymore lying against a nearby tree.

Aether carefully approached the claymore, examining it closely. The design was intricate, and the red metal fragment matched the piece they had found in the cave. This was clearly the weapon of the person they were tracking.

Paimon, still invisible, hovered nearby, keeping watch for any signs of movement. "This must be the Dark Knight Hero's campsite. But where is he?"

Just then, they heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. Aether signaled Paimon to stay quiet and remain hidden. The footsteps grew louder, and soon, a figure emerged from the trees—a tall man with a broad build, dark hair, and a serious expression.

He was dressed in a black cloak with a deep red lining, and his eyes scanned the surroundings with a keen sense of awareness. As he reached the campsite, he stopped and began to tend to the fire, his movements deliberate and practiced.

Aether and Paimon observed from their hidden position. The man's demeanor and the care with which he handled his equipment suggested he was highly skilled and experienced. Aether's eyes were drawn to the claymore, which the man had now picked up and inspected, brushing off some dirt with a practiced hand.

Paimon whispered to Aether, her voice barely audible. "This guy looks intense. Do you think he's the Dark Knight Hero?"

Aether nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the man. "It's possible. The equipment and the way he carries himself align with what we know about the Dark Knight Hero. But we need to be sure."

The man suddenly paused, as if sensing something. His gaze swept the area, and for a moment, Aether felt a chill. The man's sharp eyes seemed to be searching for something—or someone.

Aether held his breath, knowing that their invisibility spell could be at risk if they were detected. The man's gaze lingered for a few moments before he resumed his tasks, seemingly satisfied that nothing was amiss.

Once he settled down, Aether decided it was time to make their presence known, but carefully. He and Paimon would need to approach the man with caution, ensuring that their approach would not provoke any hostility.

Aether dispelled the invisibility spell and stepped into view, Paimon floating beside him. "Excuse me," Aether said, his voice calm and respectful. "We didn't mean to intrude. We've been investigating the rumors about the Dark Knight Hero, and it seems like you might be the person we're looking for."

The man turned, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Aether and Paimon. He placed the claymore down and straightened, his demeanor cautious but not hostile. "And who might you be?"

Aether took a step forward. "I'm Aether, a traveler from another land. This is Paimon. We heard about the Dark Knight Hero and came to investigate. We're not here to cause trouble. We just want to understand more about the hero who's been helping Mondstadt."

The man studied them for a moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. I am indeed the Dark Knight Hero. My name is Diluc. What do you wish to know?"

Aether was taken aback, but he quickly composed himself. "We've been trying to learn more about the hero and his connection to Mondstadt. We found some clues that led us here. Could you tell us more about your role and what you've been doing?"

Diluc's expression softened slightly. "I protect Mondstadt from threats that others might not see or handle. My actions are my own, driven by a desire to keep my city safe. If you've come to understand more about me or my actions, then I will answer your questions to the best of my ability."

With that, Aether and Paimon began their conversation with Diluc, hoping to uncover more about his motivations and the true nature of the Dark Knight Hero.

Aether looked at Diluc. "You knew did some that hates the knight, you are very will nice to meet me, Diluc"

Diluc looked at him. "It depends are you here as the traveler that came to Mondstandt or are you being the knight".

Aether looked at him and smirked. "So which one are you Diluc, the one who runs Mondstandt wine industry or are you the dark knight hero, which is the Mask Bat man".

Diluc was puzzled by that part, wonder what Aether was saying. "Batman?"

Aether just looked at him. "Ignore that just memory".

Diluc raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but choosing to focus on the present conversation. "I see. To answer your question, I am both. My public persona as the owner of the Dawn Winery is a part of my life, but my role as the Dark Knight Hero is a separate path I follow to protect Mondstadt."

Aether nodded, his curiosity piqued. "So you balance both roles. What drives you to take on the mantle of the Dark Knight Hero, despite the risks and the fact that many do not even know who you are?"

Diluc's expression grew serious. "It's simple. Mondstadt is a place I hold dear, and I've seen what threats lie in the shadows. The Knights of Favonius do great work, but there are dangers that they might not always be able to confront directly. That's where I step in."

Paimon hovered closer, her eyes wide with interest. "But why keep it a secret? Why not let everyone know who you are and what you do?"

Diluc sighed, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Not everyone would understand or accept the methods I use to protect the city. Revealing myself might also endanger those I care about. Sometimes, being a symbol is more effective than being a known entity."

Aether considered Diluc's words, his mind racing with implications. "It sounds like you carry a heavy burden. Is there anything specific you're dealing with right now, or any particular threat that you're focused on?"

Diluc's gaze hardened. "There are always threats lurking, some more immediate than others. Recently, I've been dealing with some disturbances in the city's underbelly. Corruption and crime that threaten the safety of our people. It's an ongoing struggle."

Aether nodded thoughtfully. "If there's anything we can do to help, just let us know. We're here to assist Mondstadt in any way we can."

Diluc's expression softened slightly, showing appreciation. "Thank you. Your offer is noted. For now, it's important for me to continue my efforts quietly. The less attention drawn to my activities, the better."

With that, Diluc turned back to his campfire, signaling that the conversation was coming to an end. Aether and Paimon took this as their cue to leave, having gained valuable insight into the enigmatic figure of the Dark Knight Hero.

As they made their way back, Paimon couldn't help but voice her thoughts. "That was quite the encounter. Diluc seems like a complicated person, balancing his public life with his secretive hero work."

Aether agreed. "Indeed. It's clear that his commitment to protecting Mondstadt goes beyond just his role as a businessman. His actions speak volumes about his dedication to the city."

To be continued

Hope like this Ch and give me power stones