Oath [BL; Book 2]

12

Zhongli was sitting across from Aether, "Hm, you ingested a strange liquid Xiao retrieved from a ruin some adventurers ment to discover?"

Xiao was sat with them staring at the liquid in question. He had gone to retrieve more only to find the ruin was collapsed, there was a small way in he managed to get into to get some, but was now left with the question on who did that to the ruin.

"Yes," Aether gave a nod looking at Xiao not speaking of what happened to him, "um, I thought it was just water. So I drank it without thinking."

"Might you elaborate the flavor?" Zhongli asked, "Perhaps there is more to this... obscure substance than meets the eye. A liquid such as this is alien to Teyvat."

That was enough to answer Xiao's concern on whether or not it originated from Teyvat. Aether thought for a moment then answered, "It... sort of tasted like I was-uh-"drinking" a rock? Like licking a rock."

"It had a distinct flavor, a mineral taste then?"

"Yeah, it was really weird, but it was smooth? Almost like drinking milk tea? Or maybe like a light smoothie."

"I see. A drink that is smooth with a mineral taste. Fascinating, after drinking it, did you feel any sort of discomfort Traveler? Perhaps any nausea?"

"Huh, not really, I thought I was going to throw up because it tasted weird but that's about it."

"I'm unsure as to what this substance could be," Zhongli said honestly, "it's quite remarkable to see a liquid poured into a solid. The location of the ruin is nearby, no?" Zhongli asked Xiao who gave a nod,

"Yes."

"Are you able to retrieve more of it? This could prove to be a new source material for building. The composition of the solid makes for perfect shaping, if one could mend the liquid into a permanent solid state it could prove to be a good resource."

"... I am capable of getting more though I don't see a reason for such a.. strange thing to be implicated into human society."

"Right, it could also be dangerous." Aether agreed with his point, "I'm not really affected by most things of this world, but that's only me. We shouldn't rule out that it could have some hazard around others."

Zhongli understood their concerns and said, "That is understandable, very well. I will test this small sample for a few things, try to rest Traveler. This analysis may take some time before I have a clear answer."

"Ah~ I've been resting so long. This is the last day for my visit so I'll be back to adventuring by tomorrow." He sighed, hearing it was his last day to rest Xiao became concerned, but in the face of Zhongli he hid it behind a composed expression.

"Then you would be wise to take it easy until your body can naturally dispelled the liquid from itself. Considering the time it took to find me I would say it is already being digested."

"Haha yeah, I do feel full?" He said and then added, "Could it have turned into a solid in my stomach?"

"Perhaps." Zhongli didn't rule that out, "Regardless, it is best to rest for now."

"Right!" Aether smiled.

They left and Zhongli looked at the small sample Xiao had retrieved. It was truly a strange thing and held such a strangely divine essence. He now had to wonder just where such a thing could come from.

Back at Wangshu Inn having taken him back, Xiao set Aether down. "Haa so I have to rest today too."

"Traveler, there you are." Tighnari and Cyno came over to greet them packed and ready to go.