Chương 106: Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking [106]
Venti retrieved another harp from his embrace, strikingly similar to the one he usually carried, and began to sing softly.
"In the past, in the world where I lived, there were beings called Archons. Driven by their desires, they fought relentlessly, spreading endless war and devastation. The land suffered greatly under their rule."
"For the mortals of this world, standing against the tempestuous Archons was futile. To survive, they relinquished their dignity, living like livestock under the Archons' rule."
"Back then, the era I lived in was later named 'Old Mondstadt.' The city was surrounded by hurricanes, barring even birds from passing through. The unrelenting winds ground the city's land and rocks into fine, dust-like sand."
As the melody flowed, Venti wove a vivid tale of Barbatos' past.
"High atop the tower ruled the Tyrant of Storms, Decarabian, the Archon of Tornadoes. He looked down on his subjects, bowing under the endless winds, and believed their subservience was love, just as he 'loved' them in return."
Hearing this, neither Seele nor Bronya needed Venti to elaborate further. They knew this was where Barbatos, the 'hero,' would appear.
They asked expectantly, "What about you, Venti?"
"At that time, I was but a wisp among the thousand winds of the north. Before I became Barbatos, I was not an Archon, merely a minor elemental spirit—a fleeting breeze of hope and small miracles."
Despite their skepticism, the atmosphere of the tale was so immersive that no one voiced any doubts.
The bard continued his recollection.
"In the land ruled by the tyrant, I met a boy. He played the harp and composed his own poems, but he had never seen the blue skies beyond the wind wall."
'I want to see birds soaring in the sky.'
"The boy's eyes sparkled with determination, his voice nearly drowned by the howling winds. Decarabian only allowed hymns of praise, silencing all else."
"But the true sky—the songs and poetry outside the cage—weren't they worth fighting for?"
"So, the boy invited me: "
"'Come with me—together, let's shatter the tyrant and tear down the wind wall!'"
The harp's melody grew passionate, igniting the listeners' resolve.
"The boy raised the flag of rebellion, and I joined his fight for freedom. Together, we broke through the cage, toppled the Archon's throne, and brought down the high tower amidst chaos and triumph.
Amidst the smoke and ashes, we witnessed the tyrant's demise and the collapse of the tower. Thus began the 'New Mondstadt.'
From that day forward, no one sat on the throne again."
As the story ended, Venti's voice grew somber.
"However, though we claimed victory, I couldn't fulfill the boy's wish."
"The boy gave his life for poetry, blue skies, the freedom of the birds, and the people trapped within the wind wall. The falcon feather I brought back for him never saw the day it could adorn his hair."
"After the fall of the old throne, I was reborn as a new god. I used my newfound powers to craft a body in his likeness—the one you see now."
Venti gazed at his slender fingers plucking the harp strings, his tone wistful.
"Even though this mortal form is far less convenient than that of an Archon, I still prefer it. Only in this shape can I play the harp he loved and chase the freedom he cherished."
Turning his gaze back to Bronya and Seele, he saw that they seemed touched by his story, their expressions tinged with sadness. Yet, they didn't know how to console him.
"Don't feel sad for me. I've already found the freedom he wished for and witnessed the birds soaring high."
"But—this journey gave birth to my own wish."
"I want to explore a freedom as vast as the stars, witness the breathtaking beauty of the galaxies breathing in unison, and document the adventures I share with my companions."
His wish was so grand, it left them in awe, feeling it was almost unattainable.
Neither Seele nor Bronya had ever experienced freedom. They hadn't considered whether the stars above had people like them gazing back.
It seemed so far beyond their reach, ephemeral as a mirage.
But now, this bard named Venti had brought hope and change.
Would they now, having accepted freedom from him, strip him of his?
"..."
Their gazes fell, weighed down by conflicting emotions. Yet, with Venti's cheerful demeanor, it was impossible to stay melancholic for long.
"Don't look at me like that! You've done so well. Belobog is improving, and I believe that with time and effort, the people here will also touch the stars."
"But," Bronya said, her voice heavy, "none of us are ready to lose you—neither Belobog nor I. We don't know what it would mean to lose you…"
Her tone was somber.
"I know it's selfish and unreasonable, but… could you stay a little longer? Just so we can figure out how to say goodbye?"
"Hehe. Are you planning a grand farewell party for me?" Venti teased with a playful grin.
"You deserve nothing less," Bronya replied earnestly, not catching his jest.
But Seele grabbed the hem of Venti's clothes. Once the strongest among them, she now seemed like a child unwilling to be left behind.
"Take me with you."
Her voice was low.
"Eh?"
Venti blinked in surprise.
"What about Wildfire and Belobog?"
"They'll be fine without me. Wildfire has its leader, and Belobog's affairs are in capable hands. I'm not the Supreme Guardian, so why shouldn't I go with you?"
She was serious. Bronya could tell Seele wasn't being impulsive; she genuinely wanted to leave with Venti.
That was their difference—
As she watched Seele clutch Venti's sleeve, Bronya felt a voice within her urging her to act. If she didn't seize this chance, it might never come again.
And so, as Venti and Seele debated, Bronya stepped forward and kissed Venti on the cheek.
"What are you doing!?"
"Just a farewell kiss for a departing friend," Bronya said, blushing but feigning composure.
Seele, however, was unconvinced.
"Don't lie to yourself! If you wanted that, why am I not allowed to do the same?"
Before Bronya could respond, Seele, unwilling to be outdone, leaned in and kissed Venti's other cheek.
Caught between the two, Venti froze, his mind overwhelmed.
Both had valid reasons, but choosing between them felt impossible.
This timeless bond of affection had now become a source of conflict, leaving Venti in a dilemma.
...
---
Meanwhile, at the Goethe Hotel—
March 7th let out a loud yawn, stretching lazily. This so-called trailblazing expedition felt more like a vacation, and she was clearly enjoying it. Turning to her companions, she said,
"Well, with this, the missions from Himeko and the Black Tower are complete. Shouldn't we prepare to head back to the Express tomorrow?"
"Yes, all the environmental and atmospheric data have been collected. We've also learned enough about this planet's history. It's about time we bid farewell," Welt nodded in agreement. For him, this expedition had been a thoroughly satisfying one.
Dan Heng, on the other hand, gave a subtle nod. Unlike the others, he hadn't found anything particularly memorable on this trip. If anything, he merely thought the pleasant climate made it a potential candidate for future retirement.
"By the way, though," March 7th said with renewed energy, "Venti's performance today was incredible, wasn't it? It really makes you want to hear more!"
Seizing the chance to chat, she pulled the two of them to sit on a church bench, her enthusiasm evident.
"How about we come back next year for the Windblume Festival? Let's bring Himeko and Pom-Pom too! We'll have three whole days to enjoy ourselves, and we can end it with another concert!"
"Well, it's a good idea," Welt said thoughtfully. "Though it'll need Himeko's approval first. But don't worry, I'll vote in your favor, March."
This was an established habit within the Astral Express crew—when decisions were difficult, they'd settle them with a vote. Hearing Welt's support, March 7th pumped her fist in victory.
"Uncle Yang, you're the best!"
"Cough, cough."
Her exclamation was so loud that it drew a few curious glances from nearby patrons. Even Goethe, the former innkeeper and now priest, cast a brief look their way, gently clearing his throat.
March 7th awkwardly laughed it off. "Hehe… Sorry about that!" she apologized to the worshippers she'd disturbed.
Thankfully, the church atmosphere, while solemn, wasn't overly rigid. Perhaps the lingering festival spirit made everyone more tolerant, as they simply nodded in understanding and returned to their prayers.
Relieved, March 7th lowered her voice and turned back to the group. "So, Dan Heng, what do you think?"
"...I have no objections," he replied evenly.
Though he wanted to agree, Dan Heng couldn't help but recall how March 7th had dragged him around relentlessly over the past two days. He suspected next year would be no different. His tone was deliberately neutral, leaving his feelings ambiguous.
March 7th, however, took his answer as a positive sign and counted his vote without hesitation.
"With Uncle Yang's and Dan Heng's votes, that makes three! Once we get back, we'll bring it up to Himeko. She'll definitely agree!"
Her eyes sparkled with delight, her excitement contagious.
"You really like it here, don't you, March?" Welt teased, unable to resist a small smile. "It seems this trailblazing expedition was everything you hoped for."
"Well, duh!" she replied with a grin. "This is the first planet we've visited where everything went so smoothly—and the sights were amazing! Of course it deserves special treatment!"
Her laughter was light and carefree as she added, "And I just feel so at ease here. It's like the wind blew all my worries away."
"March, you have worries?" Dan Heng interjected, his tone deadpan.
"Hey! Just because you're Dan Heng doesn't mean you get to say that!" she pouted, turning to Welt. "Uncle Yang, say something! Isn't it unfair to assume I'm always carefree and clueless?"
Dan Heng gave her a puzzled look, as if her complaint defied logic.
March 7th clenched her fists in frustration, but knowing she'd risk being kicked out of the church if she threw a tantrum, Welt quickly stepped in.
"All right, March, Dan Heng. Save the bickering for later. Tonight is our last in Belobog. Take some time to finish anything you've left undone and write your trailblazing notes. Let's leave without regrets."
Welt's words made March 7th realize she hadn't sorted through her photos from the trip yet. Muttering to herself, she reluctantly headed to her room. Dan Heng nodded and walked away quietly.
Once they were gone, Welt sat alone, lost in thought. After a moment, he picked up his phone, checking for any replies to his previous messages.
Instead, he found a string of notifications:
"Urgent, Mr. Welt—an unexpected incident!""I need immediate help from the Trailblazers."
"Location: Rivet Town, Underworld."
"Venti-panic.jpg"
Frowning, he read on, only to see the updates:
"Ah, never mind! A kind passerby helped me rescue the cat."
"Silvermane Guard-rose.jpg"
"By the way, about boarding the Express, I'll give you my answer in a few days. Sorry, hehe!"
The situation…
Why did it feel so familiar?
---
Oh, hey there, Traveler! 🍃 My friend here is the one bringing these stories to you—quite the talent, wouldn't you agree? If anything feels off, just give them a nudge—they're always happy to make things even better.
Now, don't forget to take a moment to rest! Grab a drink (perhaps something as refreshing as Mondstadt's finest), and let the stories whisk you away.
Oh, and if you're feeling generous, you could check out [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Supporting them is like throwing a coin to your favorite bard—it keeps the magic flowing!
Here's to more adventures and endless inspiration~ 🎵
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