Ascension of the Celestial Archon (Genshin Isekai AU)

The Ultimate Werewolf

Diluc, Axo, and I step into the tavern, surrounded by familiar faces: the knights, Barbara, Bennett, and Venti. The atmosphere feels heavy, a somberness hanging in the air, but Axo doesn't seem to notice. With a carefree grin, he shrugs off his coat and tosses it to the side.

"Alright, let's eat!" he declares as he sits in between Kaeya and Lisa, eagerly tapping his fork and knife on the table.

Diane appears with a large platter in hand, balancing it with ease. "Perfect timing! I've just finished bringing out everything."

The obese salamander's eyes widen as he scans the feast before us—roast meats, grilled vegetables, fragrant stews, and warm bread rolls. "Oh my god, this looks amazing!"

Diane smiles warmly. "I figured after a long day, you'd want a little bit of everything. Help yourselves."

Axo practically salivates at the sight. "Roast beef, potatoes, and—wait, is that lasagna?! I don't even know where to start!"

I laugh at his excitement as we take our seats. "Looks like someone's found their heaven."

Diane smiles warmly and then turns to Axo with a special gleam in her eye. "Actually, Axo, I made a separate lasagna just for you."

Axo blinks, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "All mine? Like, I don't have to share it?"

That's right. You don't even need to share."

Axo's eyes practically sparkle with joy, and he claps his little fins together. "This is the best day of my life! Thank you, Diane!" He rushes over to the lasagna as if it's a treasure chest filled with gold.

Dinner is quiet—save for the sounds of Axo scarfing down everything on his plate, offering up a running commentary on each dish as he eats. "Mmm, these potatoes are like little clouds," he mumbles between bites, and moments later, "Oooh, the roast beef melts in your mouth!" His enthusiasm brings the occasional soft chuckle from around the table, but no one else says much. Axo, too distracted by the feast, doesn't seem to notice the quiet atmosphere.

As he finishes the last bite of roast beef, Axo leans back in his chair and pats his stomach with a satisfied sigh. "That was good."

He pauses for a moment, his eyes scanning the room. The usual lighthearted banter is absent, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts. His cheerful expression fades slightly as he looks from one face to another, his confusion growing. "You guys are quiet... Did something happen?"

Jean shifts in her seat. "Yes. But it's not just something small, Axo—it's multiple things."

Axo tilts his head in curiosity, still oblivious to the gravity of the situation.

Jean exchanges a glance with Lisa before sighing. "Teyvat may be facing a third war. Everyone, including the Archons, could be in danger."

Lisa offers Axo a sad but kind smile. "You know Jean and I are leaving the country, right?"

Axo nods. "Yeah. You're going on vacation."

Lisa shakes her head. "No, Axo. Jean and I are going on a mission—to Snezhnaya."

Axo blinks in confusion, the excitement draining from his face. "Snezhnaya? But... that's where the scary Fatui are. Why would you go there?"

Jean leans forward, her voice calm but firm. "Because we have to. The Fatui and the abyssal archon are planning something dangerous, and we need to gather information to stop them. It's not safe, but it's necessary."

Axo's tail droops as he processes her words. "But I thought you were going somewhere fun... What if something happens to you guys?"

Lisa places a gentle hand on Axo's shoulder, her smile reassuring but tinged with sadness. "We'll be careful, Axo. We know it's risky, but it's something we have to do. We're trying to protect everyone—including you."