When it came to heavy weaponry, the first thing Shen Qin thought of was the legendary DF-series ballistic missiles from his past life. Intercontinental missiles equipped with nuclear warheads were the ultimate weapons of mass destruction. (T/N: author's very patriotic.)
Unfortunately, nukes were a no-go in Teyvat.
Shen Qin hesitated for a long time between explosive cannons and plasma cannons. In the end, he steeled himself— 'Why not both? Both is good.'
Thus began yet another grueling research journey.
While Shen Qin was still deeply immersed in his research, the Knights had already cleared out all the clusters of monsters and small Abyss strongholds in various ruins. Their next target was a massive ancient ruin in the Brightcrown Canyon. After repeated surveys by adventurers and spies from the Dawn Winery, it was confirmed that a major Abyss stronghold was located within.
While Amber led a scouting team monitoring the ruin's entrance, the rest of the Knights returned to Mondstadt. Squad leaders gathered in Jean's office to discuss the upcoming operation.
"It took me a long time to find information about that ruin in an ancient Khaenri'ahn text. Translated directly from Khaenri'ahn, its name should be 'Windless Watch.' The ancient text also included an incomplete internal structure diagram. It seems even the original explorers couldn't fully map it out."
Lisa pinned a hand-drawn map to the whiteboard and pointed at it. "From the diagram, it appears to be a classic 'multi-layered, four-path' structure. Upon entering, there are four branching paths. Each leads through a different zone before all converging into a central hall."
"Beyond that hall, there are another four paths leading to a second hall. After that, the map cuts off. We don't know if there's yet another set of halls and paths beyond."
Jean continued, "According to intelligence from Diluc, the internal space of the ruin is very limited, making it impossible for large forces to push through. We must rely on elite squads to infiltrate. We'll split into four teams, each advancing down one path. Once all teams meet in the central hall, they'll proceed to the next branching point together."
She scanned the room. "I'll be joining the operation personally and taking one path. Earlier, Miss Keqing told me she'd lead the Millelith along another. That leaves two teams. Who will take command?"
Eula and Kaeya stood up at the same time. They exchanged a glance before Kaeya smiled. "Leave it to us. As the Cavalry Captain and Guerrilla Squad Captain, we both have experience leading teams. We won't be caught off guard."
"Albedo, Lisa, Sucrose. You'll each join one of the other teams. The more Vision holders in each team, the better. The ruin's structure is complicated, and unknown threats may lurk inside. You'll need to complement each other."
Jean had temporarily recalled the three alchemists from their shield research for this mission.
"Huh? But what about Captain Jean?" Sucrose asked. "Is she going in alone?"
Ahem
Kaeya cleared his throat. "I just saw Diluc stop by the Knights headquarters at noon. If I had to guess, he'll be entering the ruin with her."
Jean nodded without hesitation. "He came to purchase a batch of bolter rifles and asked about our plans. Upon hearing them, he volunteered to assist."
Kaeya squinted with a smile. "Sounds like he's worried about someone…"
"Oh my! Jean, I didn't see our little sweetie today. He always had such brilliant suggestions at past meetings." Lisa cut in cheerily, giving Kaeya a warning glance.
Jean ignored Kaeya and answered Lisa's question. "Although he's not here, he did give me some excellent tactical ideas."
She pinned two scribbled diagrams to the board. Under the team's puzzled gazes, she said awkwardly, "These are tactical sketches he gave me. As long as you get the idea, it's fine."
Albedo muttered, "His design schematics are so clean. Why are his doodles of people so awful?"
The first sketch featured several stick figures. The ones at the front and rear were circled. One in the middle held a gun labeled "5," while another behind it carried a cylindrical object with a cross on it.
"Shen Qin recommends assigning two members with the smart wristbands to each team, meaning us. Our primary task is to shield the team with energy barriers."
"Leading the charge is the assault unit wielding the Reaper Rifle for firepower. Behind them is a medic equipped with healing spray and a Hellhound Pistol, ready to support the front line and provide covering fire."
Next, Jean had everyone look at the second doodle. The first panel showed figures crouching behind a wall with their ears covered. One figure tossed something into a room. In the next panel, the figures were charging in with guns blazing.
"He discovered a special type of bomb from Klee's designs. It doesn't do much damage but produces a blinding flash and loud bang. He calls it a flashbang. He recommends we throw a few into unknown rooms before entering. This will temporarily blind and disorient enemies, giving the assault unit an opening to eliminate them."
Kaeya thought about it and was surprised by how effective the tactic sounded. "Where does he come up with this stuff? Maybe he should lead the squads!"
「 Shen Qin: I saw it in movies, just theorycrafting. don't @ into this. 」
With everything arranged, Jean had the team leaders select their squad members and begin brief tactical drills. The strike on Windless Watch was scheduled for 8 p.m. that night.
By around 7 p.m., all squads had assembled and departed from headquarters, traveling across Cider Lake as swiftly as possible to reach the ruin. (Keqing and the Millelith, in recognition of their help in the previous purges, each received a premium hoverboard, a Hellhound Pistol, and a Reaper Rifle from the Knights as gifts.)
Upon seeing them arrive, Amber, who had been monitoring the ruin, quickly reported, "Since yesterday, thirteen Abyss Mages have entered the ruins, and not a single one has come out."
"Got it. Continue surveillance. We're launching the assault immediately."
Jean gave the signal to the other three squad leaders. She led her team into the ruins first, followed by Keqing, Eula, and Kaeya's teams.
"You all have to succeed!" Amber prayed to the Anemo Archon for their victory.
"Achoo! Who's talking about me?" Venti, tipsy at Angel's Share, suddenly sneezed.
"Mr. Venti, someone asked me to deliver this to you." Bartender Charles placed a small square box in front of him.