*Plink~*
A water arrow shot from afar, deflecting the burning projectile.
Keqing: Thanks, Big Brother, for the water arrow!
Feng Yi: Tartaglia is the GOAT!
Black Robed Figure: Damn you, Ajax!
Tartaglia: Hehehe... You flatter me!
Tartaglia leaped directly towards the Black Robed Figure, making a gesture towards Feng Yi that conveyed, "Leave this to me!"
"I'll leave this place to you! Eliminate these two at all costs!"
The Black Robed Figure glanced at Tartaglia, who was charging at him, and whispered a command to the Fatui Anemoculus Debt Collector beside him before flashing away from the battlefield, luring Tartaglia elsewhere.
"All for Her Majesty, the Cryo Archon!"
The Fatui Pyro Debt Collector roared, retrieving a tube of viscous, dark red liquid from his person. He removed the stopper and drank it in one gulp.
In the next moment, dark red mist billowed from the Debt Collector's body, his aura instantly soaring. His blood-red eyes bulged, making him resemble a demon conjured from hell.
The enraged Debt Collector let out a cold laugh and transformed into a red blur, streaking towards Keqing.
*Bang~*
Keqing, instinctively blocking, was sent flying by the Debt Collector.
"Such speed! Such strength!"
Keqing had no idea what the opponent had consumed, but his power had increased severalfold.
'Does the Fatui have that thing for everyone?!'
Keqing muttered inwardly, then heard continuous roars.
"All for Her Majesty, the Cryo Archon!"
"All for Her Majesty, the Cryo Archon!"
"All for Her Majesty, the Cryo Archon!"
"..."
Keqing: ...
I really wasn't jinxing it!
Electro Cicin Mages were robust vanguard soldiers equipped with Electro-infused warhammers.
After drinking the mysterious liquid, their strength was further amplified, and their warhammers swung with formidable force.
Their already burly physiques swelled further, and the ground trembled with their every stride.
Feng Yi seized the opportunity, using his Hydro-attribute eye to identify the mysterious potion.
[Corrupting Essence: A byproduct of the Doctor's development of Delusions, it is more potent than Delusions and can stimulate all of the user's potential.
However, the side effects are more severe. Stimulating potential comes at the cost of burning the user's life force, and once consumed, it cannot be stopped until death.
Note: This item is a trump card for the Fatui's special vanguard units. Once consumed, it signifies a resolve to die!]
This Corrupting Essence was indeed similar to the Delusions the Fatui would later spread in Inazuma three years later, both consuming the user's life force.
However, this Corrupting Essence was even more terrifying; once consumed, it could not be stopped.
Feng Yi speculated that the Delusions spread in Inazuma three years later were processed and improved products derived from the current Corrupting Essence as raw material.
Keqing, caught off guard by the information gap, was locked in a fierce exchange with the Debt Collector. Although she still held her ground, wasn't this a needless waste of stamina?
"Keqing, their buff has a time limit! Don't engage head-on!"
Feng Yi called out, confident that Keqing would understand his intention.
As expected, upon receiving Feng Yi's reminder, Keqing switched to hit-and-run tactics.
"You talk too much!"
The Electro Hammer Vanguard, wielding his massive hammer, charged directly at Feng Yi. It was clear that due to Feng Yi's words, they had now designated him as a primary target.
"Chase me, and if you catch me, I'll let you..."
Feng Yi finished collecting the barrels of explosives and bolted. He wasn't foolish enough to go head-to-head with a drug-fueled brute.
The Electro Hammer Vanguard was massive and immensely strong, but their weakness was obvious: their speed was far inferior to Feng Yi's, who left them trailing in his dust.
...
Meanwhile, Tartaglia had pursued the Black Robed Figure to the western peak of Mt. Tianheng.
"Ajax, I hope you understand your position. You are from Snezhnaya, you are a Fatui Harbinger, you are loyal to Her Majesty the Cryo Archon..."
The Black Robed Figure suddenly stopped, his back to the pursuing Ajax, and spoke slowly. Ajax's intervention in his attack required an explanation.
"Of course, I know that, Pantalone. You don't need to tell me! Feng Yi is my friend, and I promised to protect his safety..."
Tartaglia snorted, not fond of this colleague. He had his own principles.
"Watch your tone, Ajax! Don't forget who you're talking to!"
Pantalone reluctantly accepted Ajax's explanation, knowing full well Ajax's commitment to his word. Once he made a promise, he would go to any length to fulfill it.
Although it was a headache, he also admired this aspect of Ajax.
"Heh~ My apologies then, Esteemed Harbinger! With the 'Codex of the Unburdened' in hand, I have completed Her Majesty the Cryo Archon's assessment. All that separates me from you now is Her Majesty's investiture ceremony!"
Tartaglia waved the 'Codex of the Unburdened' he held, unconcerned by Pantalone's reprimand.
While Pantalone was a senior, he wasn't in a position to lecture him on how to make friends.
"It seems it's time I taught you how to respect your elders! Ajax, let me see how much you've improved during this time!"
After all these years, Ajax remained the same, looking down on the methods of his seniors.
Young and principled was a good thing, but it also led to unnecessary constraints when carrying out missions.
Only by employing any means necessary could missions be completed with the highest efficiency. Her Majesty the Cryo Archon bore too much pressure and had no time to waste.
As a senior, he needed to impart this lesson to Ajax before he could rest assured of Ajax's position as a Fatui Harbinger.
"That's exactly what I want! Enjoy the fight!"
Tartaglia flashed an excited smile. Chasing and fighting was the true joy of a man!
*Clang clang clang~*
Tartaglia's longsword clashed rapidly against Pantalone's short dagger, both entwined with elemental power. They engaged in deadly strikes from the outset.
His blade blurred into a multitude of images, delivering several swords strikes per second, each aimed to kill Pantalone.
Fighting with all his might was a sign of respect for his opponent.
However, Pantalone seemed to be fighting with ease, lecturing Ajax on life and conduct as they fought.
*Screech~*
They exchanged blows; Tartaglia slashed through Pantalone's cloak.
But Pantalone managed to wound Tartaglia's arm.
The outcome of this round was clear!
"Ajax, your martial arts, like your interpersonal skills, still have a lot of room for improvement..."
As soon as he found an opening, Pantalone continued his lecture. In his view, Ajax was a promising talent worth shaping and nurturing.
Tartaglia stated he didn't want to listen and took out a silver notebook.
On the three accumulated pages, all were inscribed with Pantalone's name.
A single silver page would trigger a curse, reducing the opponent's attributes by 30%.
The curse effects of three silver pages stacked, instantly reducing Pantalone's attributes by 90%.
Pantalone: Ajax, you fight dirty!
Pantalone, who was in the middle of his lecture, suddenly felt drained.