Triumphant Warrior
Last updated 2026-04-02
Triumphant Warrior is the first part of Varka's Story Quest, Lupus Majoris Chapter: Act I - To Those Who Embark on the Expedition.
Steps
- View Letter
- Go to Starsnatch Cliff
- Check the situation
- Defeat the Wild Hunt
- Talk to the knights
- Face the Wolf Spirit
- Talk to Jean
- Leave the Knights of Favonius Headquarters
- Go to the Angel's Share
- Talk to everyone (0/3)
- Go to Wolvendom
- Defeat the Wild Hunt
- Investigate the area
- Go deeper into Wolvendom
- Talk to Venti
- Go to Nod-Krai
- Enter the fray
Gameplay Notes
- During step 1-2, a Wind Current will appears near the Midsummer Courtyard Domain for easier access to the quest location.
- During steps 4 and 6, the active party will be limited to a trial Varka.
- During step 10, you can choose to talk to Rosaria and the quest will instantly proceed to step 11 without needing to talk to Diluc and Kaeya. You can still talk to them afterward.
- During steps 11-16, the player will enter a Special Story Mode.
Trial Character
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
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8 |
  Lv. 90 C3 Varka Lv. 90 R1 Wolf's Gravestone |
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 Max HP: 20,849 ATK: 3,196 DEF: 941 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 33.0% Crit DMG: 199.5% Energy Recharge: 152.5% |
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9 |
Lv. 90 C3 Varka Lv. 90 R3 Wolf's Gravestone |
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Max HP: 20,849 ATK: 3,292 DEF: 941 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 33.0% Crit DMG: 199.5% Energy Recharge: 152.5% |
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Dialogue
Quest DescriptionThrough everyone's united efforts, the Abyssal calamity in the north seems to have been quelled...
The day of triumph draws near.
The day of triumph draws near.
- (Upon accepting quest)
- Paimon: ...Huh? Where'd this letter in our bag come from? Did it just blow in on the breeze?
- (Obtain
A Letter Carried by the Wind)
- (Obtain
- (Read the letter)
-
- To (Traveler):
- Hey! Long time no see, my friend.
- What's that? You say we just met recently? For a heart that always misses its friends, every second feels like an eternity!
- And after such a grand adventure in Nod-Krai, you must have gathered quite a few stories along the way, yes?
- Are you, perhaps, looking for an old friend to talk to?
- Do you happen to need a bard, one who can turn your tales to verse?
- If so, come and catch up with me at Starsnatch Cliff. The wine is poured, and the strings are already tuned.
- A Bard
- Paimon: Oh, it's from the Tone-Deaf Bard. Apparently, he wants to hear all about our adventures in Nod-Krai... Heh, maybe we can get some tasty treats out of him in return! Come on, let's go to Starsnatch Cliff!
- (Approach Venti at Starsnatch Cliff)
- Venti: Ah, welcome back, old friend. And how should I be addressing you these days? The Honorary Knight of Mondstadt? The "Tumaini" of Natlan? Or the great hero of Nod-Krai?
Just call me by my name...- Paimon: Wow, you sure have your finger on the pulse... We've barely caught our breath since Nod-Krai, but it sounds like you've already heard about what went down.
- Venti: Heh, news travels fast on the wind. But before I can turn your tales into tunes, I need to hear them from the horse's mouth.
- Venti: My wine and my lyre are at the ready. So please, (Traveler), take a seat and tell me your tale.
- You tell Venti everything that happened in Nod-Krai...
- Venti: ...Amazing, incredible! The Rächer of Solnari and The Doctor... Truly a tale for the ages!
- Venti: So I'm guessing the Wild Hunt is a thing of the past now that you've defeated the Rächer of Solnari?
- Paimon: Seems that way... We were kinda focused on dealing with The Doctor, though.
- There are still some vestiges of the Wild Hunt around...
- But not enough to pose a major threat.
- Venti: Well, that's good to hear. Hey, now that the Northern Abyss Calamity is finally resolved, Varka must be getting ready for the triumphant return of his expedition, right?
- Venti: I haven't seen him in the longest time... He must have so many stories to share.
- I was gonna ask... You two have really met before?
- Paimon: Right, Paimon was wondering about that too! He did call you Barbatos... But weren't you still fast asleep back when he was in Mondstadt?
- Venti: Umm... Let's call it half-asleep. I was resting my eyes in the Thousand Winds Temple one day when I heard a commotion outside...
- (A flashback begins as Venti continues to narrate)
- Venti: It was a young knight, who had journeyed there in search of trials and oracles after hearing some tall tales at the local tavern...
- Venti: In fact, all that awaited him were moss-covered walls and an angry Ruin Guard. But he seemed completely unfazed, laughing heartily as he sent the Ruin Guard's missiles flying off into the horizons...
- (Flashback ends)
- Paimon: They must have been making quite a racket if it was enough to wake up the Tone-Deaf Bard...
- Venti: Yeah... It sounded kinda like...
- Ruin Guard: BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
- ???: Hey! Is that all you've got?
- (An unknown Knight is fighting a Ruin Guard nearby)
- ???: Bring it on! Hahaha!
- Venti: ...Like that...
- (The Ruin Guard falls)
- ???: Giving up already? Hey, you're not half as tough as Varka said.
- Venti: A young Knight of Favonius, trekking out to the Thousand Winds Temple in search of adventure... Now there's a sight I haven't seen in a while.
- ???: Hmm? A bard in green clothes... Does this mean... you're Venti?
- ???: Hah! I was just wondering how I was gonna track you down.
- Paimon: Oh... So you were looking for the Tone-Deaf Bard? Strange place to start your search...
- I would have tried the Angel's Share...
- I would have gone to The Cat's Tail...
- ???: Hold on — blond hair, white hair... You must be the Honorary Knight and Paimon? The Grand Master talks about you all the time.
- Lohen: Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lohen, Vice Captain of the 5th Company of the Knights of Favonius and a member of the expeditionary force. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
- Paimon: Ohhh, so you're part of the expedition, huh? Right, so that's why Paimon's never seen you around in Mondstadt... Hey, wait a second! We never saw you in Nod-Krai, either!
- Lohen: That's probably because when the Wild Hunt was still running rampant, I spent most of my time out on my own, making mincemeat out of monsters. I barely went back to base at all.
- Lohen: Then, once the Wild Hunt calmed down, I got sent back to Mondstadt... Mixed blessing, if you ask me. Sounds like I missed out on some serious action.
- Paimon: No wonder we never saw you while we were dealing with The Doctor... So, why did Varka send you back?
- Don't tell me he sent you to—
- Lohen: Deliver some letters.
- ...I was gonna say deliver a letter...
- Lohen: There's one for the Knights of Favonius, one for the church, another for the Dawn Winery... At least ten of them in total.
- Paimon: Geez... How many people has he sent to deliver his mail now? Mika, Ineffa, Lohen... He should just hire a full-time mailman already!
- Paimon: In fact, he's earned himself a new nickname. Let's go with... Sir Writes-A-Lot!
- Another day, another nickname, huh, Tone-Deaf Bard?
- Venti: Hehe, I'll have you know that poetry and letters were humanity's earliest means of expressing their thoughts.
- Venti: So, tone-deaf or not, I wear the title of bard with pride — and I consider "Sir Writes-A-Lot" to be quite a compliment.
- Paimon: Wait, really? Darn it... Maybe Paimon should come up with some harder-hitting nicknames for these two...
- Venti: Anyway... Since this young man has come all the way to the Thousand Winds Temple looking for me, I assume he must have a letter for me, too. Am I right?
- Lohen: You sure are. To use the Grand Master's own words:
- Varka: "This one is for the bard in green clothes. These days, I think he goes by... Venti?"
- Varka: "Doesn't really have an address, as such... You could start by asking around in Mondstadt. Or maybe try your luck at the Thousand Winds Temple."
- Lohen: I figured that since there was this punching bag here— oh sorry, "Ruin Guard," I could get some practice in while I was at it. So, I came right here the second I got back to Mondstadt.
- Paimon: That Varka is so slapdash sometimes... It's a good thing we happened to be nearby.
- So? What does the letter say?
- Lohen: Oh — he also said to remind you to write back.
- (Venti frowns slightly as he reads the letter)
- Venti: ...Nothing in particular — just some idle chatter between two drinking buddies. But if I'm supposed to write back this time... Hmm, I'll need some time to mull over my response.
- Venti: Varka gave you a whole bunch of letters to deliver, right? Maybe you can head into Mondstadt and deliver the rest of them first?
- Lohen: My thoughts exactly. Assuming I can find the way... Hopefully the roads haven't changed too much since the pre-expedition days?
- Venti: Well, why don't we have Mondstadt's Honorary Knight escort this homeward-bound wanderer to the city? I'm sure some of the recipients of Varka's letters will turn out to be old friends of yours too.
- I have no objections...
- Paimon: Let's go! It's been a while since Paimon's done any guide work!
- Lohen: Thank you so much, Honorary Knight — and you, Miss Guide!
- (The Traveler, Paimon, and Lohen walk away, leaving Venti alone at the Temple)
- Venti: The Abyss... The Wild Hunt... Andrius...
- Venti: ...Get home safe, Varka.
- (Meanwhile, elsewhere)
- Varka: Hmm... Why do my ears feel so hot all of a sudden? Is someone talking about me...
- (After the transition)
- Varka: ...Surely, there's no way anyone found the secret stash of cash in my office? That would be terrible...
- Winfried: Grand Master! Bad time to get distracted!
- Ekbert: Watch out! Enemies approaching!
- (A group of Wild Hunt monsters approach)
- Varka: Huh? Oh, it's just a few stragglers. They're no real threat to us.
- Varka: This expedition is almost over. We just need to deal with these final few targets... and then...
- Varka: We will make our triumphant return!
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Winfried: Without the Rächer of Solnari to direct them, it seems like all that's left is their primal urge to destroy.
- Ekbert: If this is all that the Wild Hunt can muster now, surely the Lightkeepers of Nod-Krai will be able to deal with what's left?
- Varka: (Just like I thought... What we should be wary of now, is—)
- Leifhelm: Grand Master, based on Lightkeeper intel and our own reconnaissance, one of the suspected targets should be just up ahead.
- Varka: Good. You know the drill — Stay here and stand guard. Leave the rest to me.
- Winfried: Yes, Grand Master!
- (Varka continues onward until he encounters a ghostly wolf's head)
- Varka: ...We meet again, Andrius.
- (After the dialogue)
- Wandering Knight: ...So, you've returned from Mondstadt? Don't you want to see what it looks like now?
- Wandering Knight: ...I was planning to take a look around there myself. Perhaps you could be my guide?
- Varka: (What's this? ...An echo from a thousand years ago?)
- (Approach the spirit)
- Varka: (Everything seems normal so far... Here's hoping I'm just overthinking things. There are two other places to check... Maybe this'll all go smoothly after all?)
- Varka: ...It's your turn, my friend.
- (Varka turns to his claymore, which begins to glow)
- Varka: Come, Andrius.
- Wandering Knight: ...Although if we're returning to your old home, perhaps "Andrius" is a little too ostentatious...
- Wandering Knight: Hmm, might be better to go by...
- ???: ..."Boreas"?
- ???: ...Boreas.
- (A black-and-red version of Boreas appears before Varka)
- Varka: ...!
- ???: ...Injustice, corruption, iniquity...
- ???: Is the surface world still as wretched and foul as ever?
- ???: Answer me, heir to the knighthood of Boreas.
- Varka: Heh... Looks like I'm not getting out of this without a fight!
- (The scene transitions to the Knights of Favonius Library, where Lohen reads Varka's letter aloud)
- Varka: "...That's where things stand with the expedition. The victors will be returning home soon — so make sure to stock up on wine for the celebrations!"
- Varka: "P.S.: I hope everyone's keeping up with their daily training! I'll be testing you all when I get back to make sure no one's regressed."
- Varka & Lohen: "P.P.S.: I wrote individual letters for each and every one of you. Don't forget to write back!" — That's all.
- Paimon: Everyone gets one? Wow, Sir Writes-A-Lot is really living up to his name!
- Amber: I guess the Grand Master must have something specific to say to each of us.
- Noelle: Even I got a letter — and I'm not a real Knight yet...
- Jean: ...
- Lisa: ...Jean?
- Jean: Oh... Yes, that's our Grand Master for you.
- Lohen: By the way, anyone know where I can find the Cavalry Captain? I have a letter for him as well.
- Eula: You mean, Kaeya? He said he was meeting a friend from the church at the Angel's Share.
- Eula: Allegedly for work — said he was "exchanging intel." But I'd say there's a fifty-fifty chance he's just there for a drink.
- The Angel's Share...
- Intelligence from the Church of Favonius?
- Paimon: Paimon bets there'll be lots of familiar faces there... How about we deliver Kaeya's letter? ...And these other two as well!
- Lohen: Really? That would be a great help, thank you.
- Jean: Our thanks to you too, Lohen. The other knights will help distribute the remaining letters. You've had a long journey — please, go get some rest.
- Lohen: Great! But I won't be resting just yet. I have one last letter to deliver to Wolvendom. This one, I was planning on delivering personally.
- Lohen: I heard that another challenger recently passed Boreas's trial? Well, with any luck, that wolf might be willing to reveal himself to me, too...
- Jean: *sigh* ...Very well. But please remember to show respect to the local wolves.
- Lohen: I will. Goodbye!
- Jean: ...
- (Traveler): (Clearly, something is bothering Jean. I should talk to her before going to the Angel's Share.)
Step DescriptionA colossal wolf spirit, emerging along with the Wild Hunt, bars the knight's homeward journey...
The hour of triumph hangs in the balance.
The hour of triumph hangs in the balance.
- (Talk to Noelle on the lower floor of the library, optional)
- Noelle: The Grand Master offered lots of advice in his letter regarding my recent assessments... I didn't think he'd spare a thought for that kind of thing in the middle of an expedition.
- Noelle: So, um... Honorary Knight, if you have the time... do you think you could help me out with my special training?
- (Talk to Eula on the library stairs, optional)
- Eula: He wants to test me to see if my skills have regressed? Hmph, I still haven't forgotten how he went easy on me last time!
- Eula: I'm assuming you must have seen him going all out before? When the time comes, you'd better keep an eye on him for me!
- (Talk to Lisa on the upper floor of the library, optional)
- Lisa: Ah, the Grand Master... The archives are filled with documents awaiting his review. I'm not letting him run off again until he's finished dealing with every last one.
- Lisa: On another note... have you spoken to Jean? I hope she'll finally be able to relax a little once Varka returns.
- (Talk to Sucrose next to Klee's solitary confinement room, optional)
- Sucrose: The Grand Master wrote in his letter that the Boom Blossom Bombs we sent worked really well — he wants to know if we've made any more...
- Klee: Uncle Varka's coming home? Yay! I can't wait to go outside and play with him!
- (Talk to Amber or Mika in the main hall, optional)
- Amber: Okay, we'll deliver these letters to the Adventurers' Guild and The Cat's Tail! You can just handle the ones for the Angel's Share.
- Mika: Phew... The expedition is finally wrapping up. I hope the maps I made on our way there are good enough to get them safely home.
- (Approach Jean in her office)
- Jean: Honorary Knight? You're still here?
- I'll be setting off shortly, but...
- It seems like there's something on your mind?
- Jean: ...Is it that obvious?
- Paimon: Huh? But... Varka's coming back, the situation in Nod-Krai is stable... Surely things are looking up?
- Jean: True. From what you and Lohen have told me, the expedition has indeed accomplished its strategic objectives.
- Jean: It seems that Mondstadt no longer faces any threat from the perils of the North, be they the Wild Hunt or The Doctor.
- Jean: And yet... For some reason, I can't help but recall something the Grand Master said to me before he left...
- (A flashback begins)
- Varka: ...If I don't make it back from this expedition, you'll have to assume the mantle of Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
- Varka: If it comes to that, remember to train the next Knight of Boreas in my stead.
- Varka: I've planted some promising seeds in Mondstadt, but they still need time to grow.
- Varka: Some have yet to master the art of social interaction, some don't yet understand that they, too, need protecting, and some... Well, some might not even want to be a knight yet.
- Varka: ...What's wrong? Ah, there's no need to frown — I'm going on an expedition, not marching to my death! This is all just a contingency plan in the event that I'm unable to return.
- Varka: Until I return, I leave them in your care.
- (Flashback ends)
- Jean: ...The lineage of the Knights of Boreas has nearly been extinguished twice in Mondstadt's history.
- Jean: The first wandering knight to claim the title arrived in Mondstadt a thousand years ago, along with his wolf companion.
- Jean: He was as free as the wind. He left no succession plan behind — even his name was lost to history. The title of "Boreas" could have disappeared from Mondstadt just as he did...
- Jean: But he had an informal disciple — a knight named Ravenwood, who admired the Knight of Boreas greatly. Ravenwood's valor and swordsmanship earned him the Wolf Spirit's recognition...
- Jean: ...When the old aristocracy tried to regain power, Ravenwood came once more to Mondstadt's defense. From then on, the title of Knight of Boreas was passed down from generation to generation within the Knights of Favonius.
- Paimon: "Wolf Spirit"... You mean that big blue wolf in Wolvendom?
- Jean: Correct. As you may already know, the Wolf of the North is the surviving spirit of an ancient god.
- Jean: And the Knight of Boreas serves as an intermediary between him and humanity.
- Jean: "Lupus Boreas, who had never known what it meant to love, came to understand it through the journey with his human companion. In the end, he chose to allow his power to become one with the land..."
- Jean: This was once a well-known tale in Mondstadt. But these days, few people are aware that the starting point of the Wolf King's journey was not Mondstadt, but Nod-Krai.
- Paimon: ...Huh!?
- (Could it be...)
- (He set off from the royal court of the Seelie...) (Available if Echoes of a Forsaken Song has been completed)[verification needed]
- Jean: You don't seem surprised... Did you sense something in Nod-Krai? Once again, you do us proud, Honorary Knight.
- Jean: The Great Wolf King of the North came here from Nod-Krai... Although, he doesn't like to speak of his past. In fact, he rarely shows himself to people at all nowadays.
- Jean: As such, this tale can only be found deep within the Knights of Favonius Library. Even among the Knights of Favonius, few are aware of it.
- Jean: The Grand Master didn't disclose any concrete objectives before departing on his expedition. I couldn't help but wonder whether it might somehow be related to Nod-Krai's Wolf of the North...
- Jean: I kept my speculations to myself, however. Sharing them would only spread unwarranted suspicion toward The Four Winds among the people of Mondstadt.
- Jean: You experienced the turmoil caused by Dvalin, the East Wind's actions for yourself. Surely you can understand my concern?
- Paimon: No wonder Varka wasn't clear about his motives... Is that what he was worried about?
- Jean: Very possibly. He was probably also reserving judgment. Having heard about your experiences in Nod-Krai, I now suspect that the Grand Master hadn't yet ascertained the true identity of our enemy at that time.
- Jean: And as it turns out, the Calamity Born in the North wasn't an ancient god, but rather the Wild Hunt and The Doctor... I guess we were both jumping to conclusions.
- Well, always better to be overprepared than caught off guard.
- Facing the worst-case scenario with no backup plan would have been far worse.
- Jean: Yes, I completely agree. The tide can turn rapidly in times of battle. It's a leader's responsibility to prepare for every possible contingency.
- Jean: Even if his contingency plan never needs to be put into action, I'm sure the Grand Master is relieved to know that it's in place.
- (Talk to Jean, optional)
- Jean: Thank you for being such a patient listener. I feel much more settled after talking with you.
- Jean: If you have any spare time, would you mind stopping off to say hello to the other knights? I'm sure they have all missed our Honorary Knight just as much as I have.
- (Leave the Knights of Favonius headquarters)
- Paimon: That turned into a pretty long conversation, huh? We should probably go deliver those letters to the Angel's Share now!
- (Enter the Angel's Share)
- Kaeya: "When you're mixing drinks in hot weather, start by pouring in cold water, and add ice cubes, then drain out the water before adding the other ingredients." How's that for a secret recipe? Maybe it's worth a little intel in return?
- Rosaria: *scoff* Please, I've known that little trick for a good ten years at least. You'll have to offer something a little more substantial if you're serious about trading.
- Diluc: I know there's no one else in the tavern right now, but do you two really need to talk so loudly? Especially if you're supposed to be exchanging confidential information.
- Paimon: Kaeya! Rosaria! Diluc! Paimon knew we'd find you here!
- Diluc: ...Looks like it's about to get even noisier.
- Kaeya: Haha, a little liveliness never killed anyone. (Traveler), Paimon, what brings you our way?
- I have a letter for each of you...
- You deliver Varka's letters to their recipients...
- Varka: "...Please allow me to once again express my sincere condolences regarding your late father and the incident with Eroch. We make absolutely no excuse for his crimes."
- Varka: "...I hope you will give some serious consideration to the question I asked you before I left — though I'm sure you're tired of hearing me ask by now. The Knights of Favonius will always welcome you."
- Diluc: Hmph… [sic]
- Kaeya: From the look on your face, I'm guessing the Grand Master is still refusing to drop it?
- Rosaria: He nags like an old man. It's hardly surprising.
- Paimon: Huh? Drop what? What's this about?
- Diluc: Nothing, really. Before leaving on the expedition, Varka came here to chat with me over a drink. I failed to avoid him.
- Diluc: He asked me if I'd consider rejoining the Knights of Favonius, and I declined. He expressed his regret about everything that happened and asked me to reconsider. That's all there is to it.
- Paimon: Yeah, right... Sounds like you skipped a lot of details. There's clearly more to it!
- Diluc: Whatever details I chose to omit are in the past. Dragging them back up now serves no purpose.
- Kaeya: You say that now, but back then, you couldn't let it go. You and the Knights of Favonius were constantly at odds.
- Diluc: ...I wasn't seeing the full picture. I've had a lot of time to reflect since then.
- Diluc: But my answer remains unchanged — I'm not rejoining the Knights of Favonius.
- Diluc: Both the Grand Master and the Acting Grand Master are too upright and honorable.
- Diluc: They can't see the shadows that lurk beneath them due to the size of the organization they lead... They need someone on the outside to keep watch vigilantly.
- Kaeya: If I had a Mora for every time I've heard you repeat that argument... I actually don't disagree with the first part of what you said. But don't you think someone can keep tabs on things from the inside?
- Rosaria: When you join an organization, you're bound by its rules, no matter how free it may seem on the surface.
- Kaeya: You think so? Never mind the Knights... Have you honestly ever been bound by the rules of the Church?
- Rosaria: Good question. Have you considered that maybe, that's why I chose to join the church and not the Knights to begin with?
- Paimon: Um... (Traveler), are they arguing or not? It's kinda hard to tell...
- They're not arguing.
- They just have different ways of protecting those around them.
- Paimon: Ohh... Kinda like the "contingencies" Jean was talking about? The more ways they have to protect their home, the better! ...Huh? (Traveler)?
- (Traveler): (I wonder if... this is exactly what Varka was hoping for?)
- (Talk to Diluc)
- Diluc: My reply won't be a long one — as usual. I'm sure Varka won't be surprised.
- (Talk to Kaeya)
- Kaeya: What should I report back to the Grand Master on? Let me think...
- Kaeya: Public order inside the city, monster activity in the wild... oh, and a review of the latest vintages. Haha, I think I'll leave it at that.
- (Talk to Rosaria)
- Rosaria: If you hadn't had to deliver that guy's mail, you wouldn't have been subjected to all this tedious arguing. When I write back, I'll tell him to quit making trouble for other people.
- Paimon: It's no trouble! Lohen did most of the work. We just volunteered to do the last leg of the journey — mostly so we could come say hello!
- Besides, I wouldn't really call that an argument.
- You just have different ideas on how to protect Mondstadt.
- Rosaria: Heh... So you see what's really going on here. All three of us fell for that old rascal's scheme far too readily.
- Paimon: Huh? Scheme? What do you mean? Was Varka lying in his letters, then?
- Rosaria: No. While I'm sure Varka knows full well that Diluc would never agree to rejoin the knights, I believe the sentiments he expressed were genuine, as was his offer to welcome Diluc back.
- Rosaria: There are people like Kaeya and I... and then there are those who are true champions of justice to the core. Those people are the most susceptible to being driven to extremes by great upheaval... It's happened in Mondstadt before.
- Rosaria: Not only that... But it happened to a Knight of Boreas. That'll really hit home for Varka — and that's why his nagging is even more persistent than usual.
- A champion of justice driven to extremes?
- You're saying, that happened to a Knight of Boreas?
- Rosaria: Yeah... So no one's told you this before? The lineage of the Knights of Boreas has nearly been extinguished twice in history.... The first was at its inception. The second was the case I was alluding to.
- Paimon: Oh! Wasn't Jean telling us about this? Wait, and then we got caught up talking about the expedition, and we never got around to the second time...
- Rosaria: I happened to hear about it from Varka once when he was drinking and started yammering on. The second crisis in the Knights of Boreas lineage... It was five hundred years ago.
- Rosaria: Although the Knights of Boreas are meant to be intermediaries between humans and wolves, in practice, very few of them have been truly recognized by Lupus Boreas over the past millennium.
- Rosaria: Of those who have, the best known are the first Knight of Boreas, Ravenwood, the "Wolf Pup" Rostam, and... hmph... Varka himself.
- Rosaria: But five hundred years ago, there was one who earned the respect of Boreas even before gaining the title.
- Rosaria: He was a disciple of Rostam. They thought he would become the mightiest Knight of Boreas who ever lived...
- Rosaria: He was the perfect knight. Righteous, principled... His name was Roland, the "Bloodstained Knight."
- Paimon: Yikes... "Bloodstained Knight"? That sounds a little ominous...
- Rosaria: Well, apparently his original title was the "White Knight."
- Rosaria: But he lost countless comrades during the Abyssal calamity five hundred years ago... including his tutor and mentor, Rostam.
- Rosaria: The endless bloodshed stained his sword and armor a crimson as deep as black, transforming the White Knight into the Bloodstained Knight.
- Rosaria: After that, he threw himself completely into battling monsters, leaving Mondstadt and the Knights of Favonius behind. To this day... no one knows his final whereabouts.
- Rosaria: It's hard to say whether the loss of an important figure in his life is what drove him to the point of obsession, or whether he was already too far gone to save.
- Rosaria: But had he known that the Knights of Favonius would always welcome him back... perhaps things would have turned out differently.
- Rosaria: So if you want my opinion... The reason why Varka keeps asking Diluc to rejoin, despite knowing that he'll never say yes, is to let him know: You are not alone.
- Rosaria: ...Hmph. After all these years, he's still as persistent as ever. Just like how he used to be with me...
- (The Traveler and Paimon leave after talking to Rosaria)
- Paimon: Huh. Turns out Varka's a lot more thoughtful than he lets on... Paimon had the wrong idea about him.
- Paimon: Anyway, there's still something about this whole Boreas business that Paimon isn't really getting. Wasn't Andrius a god in Mondstadt thousands of years in the past?
- Paimon: If so, why did Jean say that Boreas and the Wandering Knight only arrived here just one thousand years ago? Plus, Paimon's super curious about what happened to Roland...
- Shall we go get answers straight from the horse's — or wolf's — mouth?
- We can meet up with Lohen in Wolvendom while we're at it.
- Paimon: That's a great idea! Jean said he hasn't been showing himself much lately, but he always seems happy to oblige whenever you show up! Let's go!
- (Talk to Rosaria again, optional)
- Rosaria: Let me guess... you're heading to Wolvendom next? Say hi to Razor for me.
- Rosaria: Oh — but I'm not helping him write his response to Varka. He needs to learn to be independent.
- (Approach the marked location)
-
- (The Traveler and Paimon arrive at Wolvendom to find it shrouded in dark purple fog)
- Paimon: What's going on here? Was Wolvendom always like this? Paimon has a baaad feeling about this...
- Paimon: The Wild Hunt!? What are they doing here!? ...Watch out!
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Paimon: (Traveler)! Are you alright?
- Stay alert!
- There's still something nearby!
- Paimon: Oh no, what now? It better not be more Wild Hunt monsters...
- Lohen: ...Huh?
- ...Lohen?
- Paimon: Phew... You scared Paimon stiff! She thought you were—
- Lohen: Stop right there. Answer me this — the two letters I gave you, who were they for?
- Paimon: Um... Two letters? Wasn't it three...?
- ...There were three.
- Kaeya, Diluc, and Rosaria.
- Lohen: Okay... Well, Paimon's clueless, naive expression doesn't appear to be an act...
- Paimon: Hey! What are you trying to say... Wait, what are you trying to say, huh? Huh!?
- He's saying, you passed the test.
- Paimon: Paimon passed a test? Really!? She didn't even realize she was taking one...
- Boreas: You may dispense with your suspicions. The wolf pack has borne witness — they fought against the aberrations that encroached upon this land, and our attackers showed no ability to disguise themselves this time.
- Boreas: Ah, a familiar scent... Come, I will await you at the usual grounds.
- Lohen: Well, if the boss of Wolvendom has vouched for you... I guess I should apologize for doubting you just now.
- It always pays to remain vigilant.
- Were you attacked by the Wild Hunt, too?
- Lohen: Sure was. Fortunately, my experience in Nod-Krai didn't go to waste — turns out the Wild Hunt all feel the same when you stab them... They didn't stand a chance.
- Lohen: Something seems wrong with that old wolf, though... Go on, you should check on him.
- (The player is teleported closer to Andrius's arena)
- (Enter Andrius's arena)
-
- (Razor stands beside Boreas on the far side of the arena)
- Boreas: *pant*... *pant*...
- Razor: Lupus Boreas not injured... why so weak? Am I... not strong enough?
- Boreas: You are not to blame... With your Ironclaw, you successfully blocked their attacks. However... their assault went beyond the mere physical world.
- Boreas: They followed my trail from the distant north across the Ley Lines... They sought to corrupt the territory I protect. But I shall not let them succeed without a fight.
- A trail starting in the north...
- So they came from Nod-Krai?
- Boreas: ...We meet again, Human Lupical.
- Paimon: So... Are you saying that the Wild Hunt we just got attacked by came all the way from Nod-Krai to Mondstadt? How is that even possible...
- Boreas: ...As you know, I stand before you as an incomplete being. I am but one remnant of the god, Andrius's soul.
- Boreas: The source of this turmoil... I can sense it. It lies in the north — It is the part of me that remains in Nod-Krai, from whence I came.
- Paimon: Huh? Now Paimon's even more confused! How can you be in two places at once?
- Are all gods like this?
- Do you all like to split yourselves into multiple parts?
- Boreas: ...
- (Venti touches down on the ground nearby, gently strumming his lyre)
- Venti: For many gods, housing a part of their soul within an object is no difficult feat... but those who can perform such delicate partitions as this are rare, even among the gods.
- Venti: The Wolf King, Andrius, was particularly adept in this art — otherwise, no remnants of his soul would have survived till the present day.
- Lohen: ...Huh? The bard's back?
- Paimon: Tone-Deaf Bard! What are you doing here?
- Venti: Hehe, maybe the God of Anemo guided me here... For it appears that someone is in need of a tale from the distant past — and our wolf friend doesn't seem too keen on recounting it himself.
- Venti: Who better than a bard to do the honors? Lord Boreas, do I have your blessing to share this story?
- Boreas: Hmph... As you wish.
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "Lupus Boreas wandered the frozen tundra, and stumbled into the Seelie Hall. Enchanted by their song, tender as the dawn starlight, and curious about the ways of humankind, the wolf bade farewell to his home, and set off for the city to the South."
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "...As the high tower crumbled and the fierce winds fell silent, Lupus Boreas, who once had hunted with the storm winds himself, looked within and inquired: Was the shelter he provided for humanity really any different from that given by the reclusive king in his tower?"
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "The wolf entrusted those under his protection to a new god, and quietly returned to the frozen North. There, in a palace long since abandoned by its former master, the great wolf closed his eyes and slept."
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "Five hundred bitter winters passed, then five hundred equally frigid springs. He slumbered undisturbed until a knight stumbled in from the cold — just as Lupus Boreas had once done at the Seelie Hall — and woke him at long last."
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "The knight asked the wolf to join him on a journey south, to see once more the land that had all but faded from his memory. The gentle wolf, unwilling to refuse the human's earnest plea, split his soul into two halves and left his home once more."
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "Seeing how the ice and snow had given way to verdant plains, hearing the laughter and song that now filled the once-somber city, the aging Lupus Boreas turned to his friend, the God of Anemo, and remarked:"
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "'So, this is the world the humans dreamed of.'"
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "...Though the knight's journey was not yet over, the wolf chose to bid farewell to his companion here."
- In Pursuit of Wind and Shadow: "He had written the end to his story. What knowledge he had been gifted flowed into the land. Everything he was, he gave unto the world."
- Venti: Well, that's how a bard would tell the tale. Lord Boreas, is there anything you'd like to add?
- Boreas: ...There is no need for you to ask that question.
- Paimon: So that's what happened... You returned to Mondstadt with that knight a thousand years ago... and then, for the sake of the new Mondstadt... you...
- Boreas: You need not feel remorse on my account. That was my answer, my decision.
- Boreas: If anyone should feel regret, it is the part of me who remained in Nod-Krai... I fear Andrius has not found peace in his heart even to this day.
- Boreas: ...That is surely why those vile aberrations were able to exploit his weakness, sowing the seeds of all the turbulence that has ensued.
- Lohen: But we followed Boreas's trail in Nod-Krai. We investigated and discovered no signs of instability...
- Boreas: Andrius should still be slumbering by the lakeside... Perhaps all the recent turmoil in Nod-Krai has had unforeseen consequences.
- Boreas: And there's more — I detect another familiar scent from across the Ley Lines... a scent that reeks of blood.
- Could it be Roland, the "Bloodstained Knight"?
- Paimon: Oh, the White Knight who became the Bloodstained Knight? The mightiest Knight of Boreas? But wasn't he from 500 years ago? You think he's immortal or something?
- Boreas: I remember him as just a man. His lifespan should be no longer than any other of his kind. But before he severed his connection to "Boreas," his final destination...
- Boreas: It was the ancient kingdom of "Khaenri'ah," as you call it. Beyond that, I know not if he lived or died.
- Khaenri'ah, five hundred years ago...
- Venti: ...If you want to get to the bottom of this, I'm afraid you'll have to make another trip to Nod-Krai yourselves.
- Venti: As luck would have it, another old friend of ours just so happens to be free right now... If you ask him nicely, he might give you a lift. That could save you a lot of time on the road.
- Boreas: Hmph... No wonder I can suddenly sense the East Wind's presence.
- Venti: If even Mondstadt has been affected by the fallout, Nod-Krai must be in real trouble by now. I hope Varka can handle it.
- Razor: Varka? Is he... in danger? I...
- Venti: Ah, I believe too many passengers would slow our dear friend down... I fear he only has room to carry one person... along with, perhaps, a diminutive companion.
- ...I understand. I'll go.
- Lohen: ...Alright. Wish it could be me, but I accept that we should send our strongest warrior to fight Nod-Krai's battles.
- Lohen: I'll stay here and deal with any Wild Hunt that try harassing Mondstadt — it'll be a good chance to try out some new moves.
- Razor: I... I...
- Razor: ...I... stay in Mondstadt, too... With (Traveler)'s help, Varka will be safe...
- Boreas: ...Razor, give me your Ironclaw.
- (Razor hands over his Ferrous Shadow, and Boreas imbues it with some of his power)
- Boreas: Golden-haired Traveler, give this token to the current Knight of Boreas.
- What's this?
- Boreas: It is a Wolf Spirit. It contains my power and thoughts. Though I have given him a piece before... this should bring him new strength.
- Venti: The Dominator of Wolves once bestowed the power of his soul upon his pack, strengthening their hearts and sharpening their claws and fangs.
- Boreas: ...But human hearts and flesh cannot bear the soul of a wolf directly. It would be akin to forcefully merging a human and a wolf into one being... they would descend into chaos.
- Boreas: To prevent the entanglement of souls, the most I can do is temporarily house my power and thoughts within claws and fangs wrought of steel.
- Boreas: Although, truth be told, that knight does not lack for power. What he needs more is the thoughts within... Hmph, but I shall leave this for him to explain.
- Is it safe to separate a piece of the Wolf Spirit at a time like this?
- Boreas: The Great Wolf King of the North remains strong for now. Besides... Do I not have the protection of my lupical?
- Razor: I... will protect lupical! The north, and Varka... I leave to you.
- Venti: Just give me the word whenever you're ready, (Traveler).
- (Talk to Razor, optional)
- Razor: I can read Varka's letter. I will try my best to write a reply.
- Boreas: A wolf's claws make poor instruments for writing human words. But that token will suffice to convey my thoughts.
- (Talk to Lohen, optional)
- Lohen: I sure didn't expect my experience fighting the Wild Hunt in Nod-Krai to come in handy back here in Mondstadt. Almost makes me wonder if this was the reason I was sent back...
- Lohen: Also, how come that bard knows so much? And what was he doing at the Thousand Winds Temple...? Hmm...
- Lohen: ...Well, whatever — I don't really care, as long as I get to do some fighting. I'm looking forward to trading blows with Lupus Boreas when he's fully recovered... I bet he'll wipe the floor with me!
- (Talk to Venti)
- Venti: Any questions before you set off? Better ask now — you'll probably have to hit the ground running when you get to Nod-Krai.
- About the Wolf of the North...
- Venti: The root of this turmoil lies with the remnant soul that Andrius, Dominator of Wolves and God of the North Wind, left in Nod-Krai.
- Venti: He once left Nod-Krai and braved the blizzards to confront the God of Storms and claim the right to rule. Yet even as the tower fell, he chose to abandon his claim.
- Venti: Instead, he returned to the North and slumbered for a thousand years, before finally journeying back — under the name of Boreas — with the first Knight of Boreas to witness the new face of Mondstadt.
- Venti: When the wolf's spirit could no longer maintain his physical form, Boreas chose to pour his power into the Ley Lines... with that, he became the North Wind of Mondstadt, as he is still known to this day.
- (Dialogue returns to option selection)
- About Roland...
- Venti: Five hundred years ago, Roland seemed destined to become the mightiest Knight of Boreas ever to have lived... But he was too pure of heart.
- Venti: He believed firmly in his own ideals of chivalry, vowing to eliminate all injustice from the world. But the world had never been perfect and pure, nor would it ever be.
- Venti: Neither his mentor, the "Wolf Pup" Rostam, nor the Grand Master — known as the Lion of Light — could persuade him to temper his obsession.
- Venti: But what was the "scent that reeks of blood" that Lupus Boreas sensed? And what is its connection to Khaenri'ah and the Abyss? Perhaps you will uncover the truth in Nod-Krai.
- (Dialogue returns to option selection)
- About the "token" and the Wolf Spirit...
- Venti: The soul of a wolf is as unyielding as ice, and Andrius is a master of molding and shaping it. His people once drew great strength and wisdom from the Wolf Spirit.
- Venti: But human hearts and flesh cannot contain the soul of a god... Attempting to place the Wolf Spirit in a human vessel would slowly devour their sense of self, even if Lupus Boreas did not intend for that to happen.
- Venti: That's why Lupus Boreas developed the technique of imbuing weapons with his soul. It is his way of blessing his human lupical with the Wolf Spirit's protection.
- Venti: In fact, there is an ancient song that tells this tale: "A weapon once of common iron, now through friendship turned divine, twixt man and wolf a bond was made, a power born within the blade..."
- Venti: Hehe, as much as he might claim not to accept humans, his actions sing a different tune... Oh, but keep that little observation between us, will you?
- (Dialogue returns to option selection)
- I'm good. Let's go.
- Venti: Alright. Over to you, Dvalin!
- (Dvalin delivers the Traveler and Paimon to the skies above Dreadshade Mire)
- Dvalin: The Knight of Boreas awaits below. We must part ways here. Barbatos and I have other plans — we will meet you again later.
- Paimon: Alright... Hey, wait! How are we getting down!? Aaaaah!
- (Approach Varka)
- Varka: Hold the line! The enemy's on the brink of collapse!
- Ekbert: Grand Master, it's... it's...
- (The Traveler dives down from above, using the power of Dendro to eliminate a few enemies as they land)
- Varka: Haha, reinforcements... It's about time!
- Honorary Knight reporting for duty, Grand Master!
- Paimon: ...And Paimon too!
- Let's cut to the chase.
- What's the situation?
- Varka: We're just about hanging in there. Most of their grunts are taken care of now. Their leader's gonna have to make a decision soon.
- (Varka looks up at the corrupted wolf spirit watching them from a nearby cliff)
- Varka: Fight or flight... What will it be, "Mightiest Knight of Boreas"?
- ???: As expected, this hastily summoned Wild Hunt horde is nothing but a disorganized rabble, a mere shadow of the forces gathered by the Rächer of Solnari.
- ???: But they have served their purpose. I now understand your tactics, and you, in turn, understand mine. This is fair... this is the way of chivalry.
- "Roland": Farewell, heir to the knighthood of Boreas. Whether you choose to resist me or not, I shall set right the injustices of this world... in the name of the Bloodstained Knight.
- (The wolf spirit bounds away)
- Varka: Guess they're retreating for now...
- Paimon: So that Wolf of the North lookalike... that was Andrius? But why would he be leading the Wild Hunt? And why was he talking about the Bloodstained Knight?
- Paimon: Uhh... Forget that, we can save the details for later! He was the enemy boss, right? Are we just gonna let him get away!?
- Varka: Aah, there's no point chasing after him. We've crossed blades already, and it ended in a stalemate. Right now, there's nothing we could do about him.
- Why? As strong as he might look...
- Surely he can't be any stronger than the foes we've fought before?
- Varka: True... We're still not certain of his true identity, but whether he's a god corrupted by the Abyss, or a legendary knight...
- Varka: "Killing" him might be just about possible — especially now that you're here.
- Varka: The difficult part is, we can't kill him right now.
- Paimon: Huh? What do you mean, is he immortal or something?
- Varka: No. Judging from our skirmishes so far, I don't think he's got any special abilities of that caliber. Nor does he have the ridiculous level of power wielded by the Five Sinners.
- Varka: But compared to Rerir, our current foe clearly has a better understanding of how to exploit Nod-Krai to his advantage... particularly when it comes to Andrius's remnant soul.
- So what you're really worried about...
- ...But the god remains?
- Isn't so much the enemy himself...
- ...But the god remains?
- Varka: ...Exactly. Sounds like you realize what the crux of the issue is.
- Varka: I managed to cut off a sample from our foe, which Albedo and Durin are analyzing as we speak. Meanwhile, our other allies should be making their way home from their own battles by now. Let's discuss this further when they're back.
- Varka: ...We still have some big challenges ahead before this expedition can finally be declared a victory.
- (The player is teleported to Favonius Keep)
- (Quest ends)
Soundtracks
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Triumphant Warrior | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 凯旋的远征者 | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 凱旋的遠征者 | |
| Japanese | 凱旋の遠征者 Gaisen no Enseisha | |
| Korean | 승리의 원정 Seungniui Wonjeong | |
| Spanish | El expedicionario triunfante | |
| French | Guerrier triomphant | Triumphant Warrior |
| Russian | Победоносный воин Pobedonosnyy voin | |
| Thai | นักสำรวจผู้มีชัย | |
| Vietnamese | Người Viễn Chinh Khải Hoàn | |
| German | Triumphaler Krieger | |
| Indonesian | Pejuang yang Menang | |
| Portuguese | Guerreiro Triunfante | Triumphant Warrior |
| Turkish | Muzaffer Savaşçı | |
| Italian | Guerriero trionfante |
Change History
Released in Version "Luna V"