Variations on the Song of the Dragon and Freedom
Last updated 2026-04-02
Variations on the Song of the Dragon and Freedom is the third part of the Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind Event.
Steps
- Wait until the following day (08:00 – 10:00)
- Go to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters and participate in the test
- Enter the anomalous bubble
- This step appears if the Special Story Mode is exited.
- Defeat the monsters
- Wave 1:
- Wave 2:
- Talk to Venti and go over the current situation
- Collect the tears and find your companions
- Gather the contaminated tears in the city (0/4)
- Help Diluc near Angel's Share and collect the nearby tear:
- Wave 1:
Hilichurl ×3
- Wave 2:
- Wave 1:
- Help Jean near Mona's Laboratory and collect the nearby tear:
- Wave 1:
- Wave 2:
- The remaining two tears are at the north side of the city and the Knights of Favonius training grounds
- Help Diluc near Angel's Share and collect the nearby tear:
- Gather the contaminated tears in the city (0/4)
- Go to the plaza in front of the Cathedral
- Clear out the monsters present
- Outside the gates:
- Next to the Adventurers' Guild booth:
- Discuss what to do with everyone
- Defeat Dvalin, who has been corrupted by the Abyss
- Wait for Alice in the library
Gameplay Notes
- During steps 2-10, the Echoes of Memory subevent cannot be accessed.
- During steps 4-10, the player will enter a Special Story Mode.
- Barriers will prevent players from leaving or advancing past the areas of the fights involving the group of Rifthounds initially faced by Venti, Jean's fight when she is located, and Diluc's fight when he is located.
- During steps 4-6, Nicole will help the player by placing healing buffs and elemental devices all over Mondstadt City. The devices that have the witches' bubble over them and the healing buffs can be activated via interaction and are infinitely re-usable with a cooldown of 5 seconds. Hydro Elemental Ambers do not respawn.
- Lightning triggered by activating mechanisms behave as follows:
- The lightning ignores the player even if it hits them.
- There is no visual indicator of where the lightning will strike.
- No energy particles are created.
- The lightning will strike as long as there is a target in the nearby area and the mechanism is not deactivated.
- During steps 4-10, the active party will be limited to a trial Venti and Traveler (Pyro).
- Optional enemies in the city:
- Next to Good Hunter:
- At the top of the stairs leading to the side gate:
- Next to the side gate near a Hydro Elemental Amber:
- Next to the side gate near a Hydro Elemental Amber:
- Next to the large Adventurers' Guild building:
- At the bottom of the stairs next to the Goth Grand Hotel leading downward:
- In the stairwell south of the Goth Grand Hotel:
- At the top of the stairs leading up and northward from the Goth Grand Hotel, near a Hydro Elemental Amber:
- In front of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters:
Trial Characters
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
  Lv. 88 C6 Traveler (Pyro) Lv. 88 R1 Prototype Rancour |
|
 Max HP: 17,436 ATK: 1,497 DEF: 891 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 57.1% Crit DMG: 112.9% Energy Recharge: 192.6% DMG Bonus: 46.6% |
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|
9 |
Lv. 90 C6 Traveler (Pyro) Lv. 90 R3 Prototype Rancour |
|
Max HP: 17,603 ATK: 1,669 DEF: 903 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 57.1% Crit DMG: 112.9% Energy Recharge: 192.6% DMG Bonus: 46.6% |
|
|
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
  Lv. 88 C3 Venti Lv. 88 R1 The Daybreak Chronicles |
|
Max HP: 17,060 ATK: 2,204 DEF: 787 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 57.1% Crit DMG: 155.1% Energy Recharge: 172.8% DMG Bonus: 46.6% |
|
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|
9 |
Lv. 90 C3 Venti Lv. 90 R3 The Daybreak Chronicles |
|
Max HP: 17,224 ATK: 2,234 DEF: 798 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 57.1% Crit DMG: 157.0% Energy Recharge: 172.8% DMG Bonus: 46.6% |
|
|
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
 Lv. 88 C3 Diluc Lv. 88 R1 Wolf's Gravestone |
|
Max HP: 21,072 ATK: 2,811 DEF: 916 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 52.2% Crit DMG: 161.1% Energy Recharge: 140.8% DMG Bonus: 61.6% |
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|
9 |
Lv. 90 C3 Diluc Lv. 90 R3 Wolf's Gravestone |
|
Max HP: 21,293 ATK: 2,962 DEF: 928 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 52.2% Crit DMG: 161.1% Energy Recharge: 140.8% DMG Bonus: 61.6% |
|
|
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
 Lv. 88 C3 Jean Lv. 88 R1 Skyward Blade |
|
Max HP: 21,596 ATK: 1,701 DEF: 998 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 37.0% Crit DMG: 112.9% Energy Recharge: 245.3% DMG Bonus: 15.0% |
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|
9 |
Lv. 90 C3 Jean Lv. 90 R3 Skyward Blade |
|
Max HP: 21,825 ATK: 1,933 DEF: 1,012 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 39.0% Crit DMG: 112.9% Energy Recharge: 247.7% DMG Bonus: 15.0% |
|
|
| WL | Character & Weapon |
Talents & Artifacts | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
 Lv. 88 C3 Varka Lv. 88 R1 Gest of the Mighty Wolf |
|
Max HP: 20,634 ATK: 2,495 DEF: 929 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 64.6% Crit DMG: 199.5% Energy Recharge: 152.5% DMG Bonus: 24.9% DMG Bonus: 24.9% |
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|
9 |
Lv. 90 C3 Varka Lv. 90 R3 Gest of the Mighty Wolf |
|
Max HP: 20,849 ATK: 2,767 DEF: 941 Elemental Mastery: 105 Crit Rate: 66.1% Crit DMG: 199.5% Energy Recharge: 152.5% DMG Bonus: 25.0% DMG Bonus: 25.0% |
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Dialogue
Quest DescriptionThe second day's tests have come to a successful close. After a joyful banquet, the third day finally arrives. It's time to test the story's ending...
- (Approach Alice in the Grand Master's Office)
- Paimon: Alright, we made it. Time for round tw— Huh?
- Paimon: Was this bubble this color before? Is something wrong?
- Nicole: I'm not sure. It was like this when I came to check on things this morning.
It's the Abyss...- Paimon: Wh—What? That... That can't be! How would the power of the Abyss even get in there?
- Varka: You sure know your stuff, (Traveler). That's where my head went too. But, I don't know... something is different about this power.
- Yeah, it's hard to describe...
- It's Abyssal in nature, but also... not a threat?
- Diluc: What does that mean?
- Venti: It seems to be in an "embryonic state." Like an egg that hasn't hatched, the dark clouds before a storm, or... an omen before disaster strikes.
- Nicole: Of course, the world within the magic bubble is imaginary, so the same should be true of this Abyssal power... at least for now.
- Paimon: You created this magic, right, Alice? Do you have any idea what's going on here?
- Alice: New magic does often come with its issues. So, I can't say I'm entirely surprised something like this would crop up.
- Alice: As for a solution, however, I'm afraid I need more information first.
- Jean: One thing is for certain, at least... Given the current threat, we'll have to close off the bubble to event participants.
- Jean: My apologies, Miss Alice. I know you've made a promise to Klee, but I'm not sure you'll be able to keep it.
- Alice: ...
- Paimon: Uh, have we ever seen Alice look this serious...?
- Breaking a promise to Klee...
- ...Might make her angrier than all of Dottore's scheming combined.
- Alice: Unprecedented crisis notwithstanding, it's too soon to just throw in the towel. What we should be focusing on is how we're going to fix this.
- Varka: Are we talking about the Klee situation or the Abyss situation...?
- Alice: Both! Now, I have my suspicions, but I'll need someone to head into the bubble and confirm a few things.
- Alice: It's not like we can avoid going in there, right? We have to nip this crisis in the bud, after all.
- Jean: I agree. We have to take action.
- Alice: Alright. I'll go convince Klee to play somewhere else for now and then head right back.
- Alice: In the meantime, Nicole, be a dear and keep observing the bubble from out here. Oh, and provide any fixes you can while the rest are inside.
- Nicole: I don't know, Alice. There are quite a few unknowns here. It's not like I can force people to head in there and take that risk. We angels aren't miracle workers...
- Alice: ...You sure about that?
- Nicole: ...Fine, I'll do what I can. Just be quick, okay? This is your magic, after all.
- Paimon: Well, guess this is our best option. We're definitely not gonna sit back and watch!
- What was today's story meant to be again?
- Nicole: The part where Barbatos uses the Lyre to summon Abyss-corrupted Dvalin.
- Nicole: Then, everyone joins forces to fight him inside Stormterror's Lair, purges him of Abyssal influence, and there you have it... happy ending.
- Paimon: Yep, that sounds like how it happened...
- Diluc: Well, we've got the gang from back then all here. Let's go in and find out what's happening.
- Varka: Count me in too. Potential threat or not, if there's even the slightest chance Mondstadt is in danger, I need to get to the bottom of it.
- Jean: ...
- Venti: Jean?
- Jean: It's nothing. I was just feeling a bit... nostalgic, getting to work together like this again.
- Diluc: Yeah, yesterday felt like that too.
- Jean: Yes, but that was for fun. That which confronts us now is a real crisis. So, I suppose the memories just... came back to me all at once.
- Paimon: Ooh, look at you getting all sentimental! That's a first!
- Jean: I... Ahem. Well, I suppose I am a bit too high-strung most of the time.
- Varka: Hey, don't be embarrassed to say what you feel. I think that's how things should be. It's how we all grow closer.
- Varka: Besides, the more you open up, the less people will be surprised like Paimon here when you choose to share something.
- Venti: Just look at Paimon, no filter whatsoever, word vomits whatever comes to mind... And that's what makes her so... endearing and approachable.
- Paimon: Hah, it's about time you gave Paimon a compliment, Tone-Deaf Bard... Hang on, was that a compliment?
- Nicole: Before we set off, I just want to stress that whatever is happening in the bubble right now is a huge unknown.
- Nicole: I was able to maintain contact before, but right now, all I can observe within is chaos. So, I imagine communication might be cut off as well.
- Nicole: It might be difficult for us to guide you, so proceed with caution.
- Diluc: Don't worry. This isn't our first time leaping head-first into a dangerous situation.
- Alice: There's also a last resort I can fall back on if worst comes to worst... Though it would mean all our recent hard work going to waste.
- Venti: You mean... destroying the bubble entirely?
- Alice: Yes. If it comes down to it.
- Nicole: Alright. I'll monitor the situation from outside, and provide whatever external fixes and support I can in the meantime.
- Varka: Understood. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Sound good?
- Diluc: Alright, let's go.
- (After the transition into the bubble world)
-
- (The Traveler and Paimon approach Mondstadt City while the entire area is cloaked in purple fog)
- Paimon: Whoa... I—Is this Mondstadt?
- Paimon: Didn't we all come in at the same time? Where are the others?
- The bubble must be highly unstable right now.
- Paimon: Look! There's Venti... surrounded by a whole bunch of monsters!
- (Venti stands at the city gates, surrounded by Thundercraven Rifthounds)
- We should go help him.
- Paimon: Yeah!
- Venti: Ah, perfect timing. C'mon, let's show these unwelcome guests the door.
- (Enter the city after defeating the first three Rifthounds)
-
- (The witches' bubble appears nearby)
- Nicole: Can you hear me, everyone?
- Nicole: I fixed together some of the communication and control functions and managed to scrounge together some items that should give us an advantage.
- Nicole: These elemental devices should prove useful in a pinch. Be sure to use them when things get tough.
- (The camera pans to the Hydro Elemental Amber near the Rifthounds, and the witches' bubble by the Adventurers' Guild booth is also visible)
- (Ask Nicole for help next to the Adventurers' Guild booth, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Paimon: All good, Venti?
- Venti: Very much so, thanks to your timely arrival. But, Mondstadt looks like it's in bad shape.
- The story's all messed up now.
- Paimon: Yeah! The city's crawling with Abyssal monsters! It's almost like... we've already lost.
- Venti: I'm not sure what happened, but the rest of our group might need backup. Let's find them first.
- Paimon: Good point. Let's go!
- Dvalin: ——
- Paimon: Look, it's Dvalin! Is it just Paimon, or... does he look way worse than back then?
- Venti: You're right. The corruption has spread throughout his entire body. If we had failed to purify him in real life, I imagine this is what would have become of him.
- Paimon: Wait, it looks like something's falling!
- Venti: It's his tears...
- Paimon: Like the ones we purified in the past?
- Venti: Yes, but at this point... These tears are essentially crystallizations of Abyssal power.
- Venti: If left unchecked, they will continuously summon Abyssal monsters, and this disaster will never end.
- Venti: We also need to get our hands on one of them.
- Right, so I can purify it.
- Venti: No, this degree of corruption cannot be cleansed. Besides, we need them in their corrupted state if we want to summon Dvalin.
- Venti: I doubt the pure sound of the lyre can reach him in his current state.
- Paimon: Sounds like this whole thing is still gonna end in a confrontation, though. Just like back then...
- Venti: Yes. I wasn't certain before Dvalin showed up, but now I'm sure this situation is more than simple chaos.
- Venti: It seems more like... an alternate version of events, and I have some idea of how it came to be.
- So do I.
- But we should find our companions first.
- Venti: Well, monsters abound no matter where we look. You choose where to go, and I'll follow.
- (Approach Diluc near the Angel's Share)
- Paimon: Hey, Diluc is over there!
- (Activate the mechanism, optional)
-
- (The mechanism activates as a Flamethrower)
- (Ask Nicole for help next to the Angel's Share, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Diluc: Phew, made it. Thanks for the assist.
- Diluc: It looks like Mondstadt is in dire straits... Did you see any Knights or civilians on the way here?
- No...
- Diluc: Hm, then my initial suspicion could be right... The Knights have abandoned the city and evacuated all civilians to a different location.
- Paimon: A—Abandoned the city...?
- Diluc: In the face of unrelenting Abyssal attacks, it's possible they had no other choice. But, none of that matters now.
- Diluc: An empty city has its advantages. We won't need to divert our attention to protecting civilians, for one.
- Diluc: Oh, and this thing... It looks like one of Dvalin's tears. I don't feel good about just leaving it here.
- Venti: That happens to be just what we were hoping to find. Let's take it with us.
- Paimon: Wait, what about Varka? Have you seen him?
- Diluc: No, I'm not sure where he is. We'll just have to keep looking.
- (After the dialogue)
-
- (If the player hasn't found Jean yet)
-
- Diluc: Oh, I think I saw Jean on the other side of the city. I was going to head over after clearing out these monsters. We should go help her.
- Venti: Good idea.
- (If the player has already found Jean)
-
- Diluc: Better to find him soon than later. The Grand Master is an exceptional warrior, but this is the Abyss we're dealing with. You can never be too careful.
- (Pick up the crystal)
-
- (Obtain
Severely Contaminated Teardrop Crystal ×1)
- (Obtain
- (Approach Jean near Mona's Laboratory)
- Paimon: Look, it's Jean!
- (Activate the nearby mechanism, optional)
-
- (Lightning strikes are continually unleashed)
- (Ask Nicole for help next to Mona's Laboratory, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Jean: Thanks for the help.
- Jean: I know everything we encounter in this bubble is imaginary, but these monsters sure fight like the real thing. It's a bit too true to life.
- Venti: Don't worry, as long as we collect Dvalin's tears, we can use this Abyssal power to our advantage.
- Jean: I see... In that case, let's get moving.
- Paimon: Have you seen Varka, by the way? We haven't found him yet.
- Jean: No, he might be at the upper levels. Let's search together.
- (After the dialogue)
-
- (If the player hasn't found Diluc yet)
-
- Jean: Ah, right. I remember seeing Diluc on the other side of the city. We should go help him first.
- Paimon: Sounds like a plan. Let's go!
- (If the player has already found Diluc)
-
- Diluc: Better to find him soon than later. The Grand Master is an exceptional warrior, but this is the Abyss we're dealing with. You can never be too careful.
- (Pick up the crystal)
-
- (Obtain Severely Contaminated Teardrop Crystal ×1)
- (Obtain
- (Activate the mechanism at Good Hunter, optional)
-
- (The mechanism activates as a Flamethrower)
- (Ask Nicole for help near Good Hunter, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (Ask Nicole for help next to the flowerbeds, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (Activate the mechanism at the large Adventurers' Guild building, optional)
-
- (The mechanism activates as a Flamethrower)
- (Ask Nicole for help near the large Adventurers' Guild building, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (Activate the mechanism at the bottom of the stairs next to the Goth Grand Hotel, optional)
-
- (The mechanism activates as a Flamethrower)
- (Pick up the crystal on the north side of the city)
-
- (Obtain Severely Contaminated Teardrop Crystal ×1)
- (Obtain
- (Ask Nicole for help at the top of the nearby stairs on a table, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (Activate the mechanism next to the stairwell south of the Goth Grand Hotel, optional)
-
- (Lightning strikes are continually unleashed)
- (Ask Nicole for help near the training area behind the Headquarters, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (Pick up the crystal in the training area behind the Headquarters)
-
- (Obtain Severely Contaminated Teardrop Crystal ×1)
- (Obtain
- (Approach the Goth Grand Hotel after all contaminated tears are collected)
- Paimon: Huh? What happened?
- Paimon: Th—The statue's broken!
- Diluc: The Grand Master should be over there. C'mon, let's hurry.
- (Ask Nicole for help at the fork in the stairs leading up, optional)
-
- (Summons three healing orbs)
- (Approach Varka near the Anemo Archon Statue)
- Jean: We're here to help!
- Varka: Perfect timing. Let's do this!
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Varka: Looks like we're all back together. Everyone in one piece?
- Diluc: Yes. The Honorary Knight arrived just in time to help us out.
- Venti: Now that we've collected Dvalin's tears, the monster attacks appear to be easing up, too.
- Venti: I'm sure you've noticed, Varka, but the city is pretty much a ghost town at this point.
- Varka: Yeah, we should get out of here. No sense wasting our strength.
- (The group runs to a lower level)
- Jean: This place should be safe from monster attacks for now, at least.
- Nicole: Anyone there? The communication function bugged out again. Do you copy? It's me, Nicole. Alice just got back too.
- Paimon: Yeah, we can hear you now! What's going on!?
- Nicole: When designing this experience, we cut out the part where (Traveler) cleanses the Abyssal power, and we didn't think to replace it with a different sequence of events. I think what we're witnessing is a direct result of that.
- Nicole: Alice and I thought the events in the bubble would be independent from each other.
- Nicole: But since the magic is contained in one place, it appears a causal link has formed between all the events within it...
- Nicole: And so, because Dvalin was never purified, we've encountered a major bug.
- Venti: I knew it.
- Venti: So, what we're witnessing now is like an alternate version of events where the Honorary Knight never appeared in Mondstadt.
- Paimon: Wait but, even if (Traveler) never showed up, you could have done something, right, Venti?
- Venti: The Abyss is a far greater enemy than one person can face. I could have handled that specific situation, sure, but it wouldn't have gone quite so well.
- Venti: If I'm not mistaken, you've seen how that version of the story goes yourself, right, Varka? Through the mages' scryglass?
- Varka: Yeah, it was a kind of... prophecy. It felt so real, I doubt I could ever forget it.
- Varka: In the end... You were able to seal Dvalin away, but you were wounded in the process.
- Diluc: But if Dvalin was sealed, how did things get to this point?
- Alice: Because a seal doesn't solve the root problem. Over time, the Abyss would just grow stronger and stronger, deteriorating Dvalin's consciousness until there was nothing left.
- Paimon: Wait, does that mean what we saw earlier was...
- Alice: The aftermath of Dvalin breaking free from the seal... That's right. He is in dire straits.
- Alice: The power of the Abyss has fused with his flesh and bones. Purifying him now, in this state, is no different than sentencing him to death.
- Everyone: ...
- Jean: So, if we want to resolve this crisis...
- Varka: We have to kill Dvalin.
- Varka: I know that sounds intense. But remember, this is a fictional world. The real Dvalin is right as rain, and a lot more mellow than this one, that's for sure.
- Varka: We have our solution, so let's hop to it. Should be a piece of cake for a group like this.
- Varka: No time to lose, right? We've got Klee waiting for us, after all.
- Alice: Hahaha, she's playing somewhere else right now, so we do have some time. Of course, the sooner we resolve this the better.
- Venti: ...You're right. This is the only way.
- Varka: I know Dvalin means a lot to you. If this is too hard, you can leave it to us, y'know. No need to scar yourself over a game, right?
- Venti: I'll be fine. I was... prepared for that possibility back then, too.
- Venti: Let's go. Stormterror's Lair awaits.
- (The player is teleported to Stormterror's Lair)
- (After the transition)
- Venti: This is it. Ready, everyone?
- Diluc: Hah. More than.
- Jean: Of course. I just hope I learned a thing or two since the first time around.
- Varka: Haha, guess I'm the newbie, huh? Good thing I'm a quick learner, then.
- Paimon: What about you, (Traveler)? This was your first big fight in Teyvat. Were you nervous back then? How about now?
- (Traveler): I'm not nervous. We've all grown a lot since then.
- (Traveler): We overcame this challenge once, and we can do it again.
- Paimon: Paimon believes in you!
- Venti: Then let the mournful cries of this lyre, tainted and defiled, summon a familiar now utterly warped.
- (Venti begins struming his lyre, and the four teardrops appear before him)
- Venti: Ugh...
- (Venti's eyes briefly glow)
- Varka: You alright, Barbatos?
- Venti: Turning the surging Abyss into musical notes is no simple task...
- Venti: But how could I claim to be the finest bard in Teyvat if I didn't rise to the occasion?
- Dvalin: ▉▉▉▉▉, ▉▉▉▉▉... I have heard enough!
- (Dvalin arrives)
- Dvalin: You call me forth ▉▉▉▉? ▉▉▉▉▉▉▉!
- (After the dialogue)
- Paimon: Well, this hulking dragon is as intimidating as ever...
- Venti: Remember, we need to wear him down first before we can attack his weak spot.
- (After destroying Dvalin's non-elemental shield for the first time)
- Diluc: Now's our chance — climb up and attack the Abyssal core.
- (After Dvalin recovers from the destruction of the first Deepdark Shield)
- Varka: Nice job! One more to go!
- (When Dvalin unleashes his Energy Lightning attack)
- Paimon: Oh, boy! He's super mad now!
- (When Dvalin unleashes his Rending Vortex attack)
- Jean: Time to switch positions!
- (After reducing Dvalin's HP to zero)
- (A cinematic plays)
-
- (Varka aims a sword strike at Dvalin, but is knocked aside by the dragon's tail)
- (As he lands, the platform beneath him crumbles, but Jean summons a wind current to catch him)
- Varka: Thanks, Jean
- (Diluc and Venti attack, causing Dvalin to stagger in the air)
- (The Traveler swipes Paimon out of harm's way as Dvalin unleashes a powerful beam of Abyssal energy and destroys all of the platforms)
- (The real Dvalin breaks through the cloud of debris with everyone on his back)
- Paimon: Dvalin?
- Paimon: You're here?
- Dvalin: I follow the lyre's song
- Dvalin: Wherever it leads
- Venti: Thank you
- Venti: Looks like the mage's tale
- Venti: Isn't over yet
- (The real Dvalin dodges the fictional Dvalin's attacks)
- (Venti shoots an arrow at the Abyssal core on the corrupted dragon's neck, but he dodges just in time)
- Varka: Might not be a happy ending...
- Varka: But someone's gotta strike the final blow
- Dvalin: It's your turn to be the hero
- Varka: Heh
- Varka: I'll take knight
- Varka: Over hero any day
- (Varka runs down the length of Dvalin's back and leaps off, followed by Diluc and the Traveler)
- (The two versions of Dvalin continue dueling in the air as Varka rushes to the tower's summit, with Diluc and the Traveler additionally launching attacks when they can)
- (Varka uses Anemo to launch himself at the corrupted Dvalin, landing a devastating blow on the Abyssal core with both claymores)
- (Outside of the bubble world, Klee runs excitedly towards the Knights of Favonius Headquarters)
- (Meanwhile, Alice and Nicole watch as the Abyssal energy drains from the bubble)
- (The bubble suddenly ejects the Traveler and their non-dragon companions back into the office and Dvalin through the nearby window)
- (Dvalin crashes into Cider Lake)
- (Klee flings open the door to the office)
- Klee: Mom
- Klee: I'm here to play!
- Klee: ...Huh?
- (Klee looks shocked at the messy office with people haphazardly lying on upended furniture, while Alice and Nicole try to stifle their laughter)
- (Cinematic ends)
- The bubble crisis is resolved without incident, while Alice and Nicole fix the flaws in the magic to prevent any recurrence of the problems.
- Klee doesn't notice a thing, and embarks on a relaxing adventure alongside her mother and Nicole.
- Now, the only issue left for the Knights to resolve... might be the window Dvalin broke.
- Paimon: Looks like it was a happy ending after all.
- Paimon: It was kinda like a Choo-Choo Cart ride — it had its fun moments and its thrills. All in all, Paimon had a great time.
- Venti: Guess it wasn't without some collateral damage, though... Sorry about the window, Jean.
- Jean: It's fine. As long as the building itself is intact, I consider that a win. I'll arrange for the window to be replaced at a later date.
- Jean: In any case, we were lucky Dvalin arrived when he did. It would have been tricky to deal with a flying opponent otherwise.
- Venti: I suppose I could've created a gust of wind to whisk us up, but I'm not sure our gliders would have survived the process.
- Diluc: Honestly, after everything we faced, I can't believe Alice still decided to bring Klee in there to play. She's a daring one, that's for sure.
- Diluc: I mean, can we be certain there aren't other bugs that just haven't cropped up yet?
- Jean: I suppose that speaks to the confidence the mages have in their magical mastery.
- Varka: Heh, if I know Alice, the whole bubble could've been blown to bits, and Klee still wouldn't have had a single scratch.
- Diluc: Her abilities do speak for themselves, I suppose.
- Varka: So, what now? Anyone down for a drink? My treat.
- Diluc: Hm, sounds like a great idea, but tonight, it's on me. I happen to have a bottle of fine wine set aside just for the expedition team.
- Varka: Haha, even better. Count me in.
- Venti: Say no more. You had me at " fine wine"!
- Diluc: Alright, let's head over to my place then. You're coming too, right, Jean?
- Jean: I'm afraid not. There's still a lot of work to do...
- Varka: So what? The world's not gonna end if you push it off. C'mon, we never get a chance like this.
- Jean: Hm, I suppose that wouldn't be a problem... if you head back to headquarters with me after we're done and help make up the work.
- Varka: Uh, on second thought. How about you just... join us when you're done with that!
- Varka: What about you, Honorary Knight? Gonna tag along?
- I've still got questions for Alice.
- I'll wait for her to get back from her adventure with Klee.
- Varka: Okay. All's well that ends well, am I right? To the bar, haha!
- (After the cutscene)
- Paimon: Alice loves going to the library. Let's wait for her there.
- (Enter the Grand Master's Office, optional)
- Paimon: Whoa, looks like it's been fixed already.
- (Talk to Albedo, Jean, or Sucrose in the Grand Master's Office, optional)
- Sucrose: Ah, that explains the loud noise I heard outside. So it was Dvalin who fell into the river...
- Albedo: Considering his size, the fact that he broke a single window and not the entire wall seems like a feat of magic in itself.
- Jean: Thanks for helping with the repairs, you two. This place looks as good as new now.
- Paimon: Does that count as a great feat of alchemy, then?
- (Approach the marked location in the library)
-
- (After spending some time in the library, Alice meets the Traveler and Paimon)
- Alice: Looking for me?
- Alice: I'm glad. I wanted to thank you for helping me keep my promise to Klee. She had a splendid time in the bubble.
- Alice: Nicole came with us to make sure all was in order and prevent any similar incidents from happening in the future.
- Alice: *sigh* You live and you learn. It's rare, but even the Dodo-King isn't immune to a small slip-up here and there, I suppose.
- Paimon: So, it's all fixed?
- Alice: Yes, quite. The recording work is done as well, so now all we have to do is play it on loop.
- Alice: It should be smooth sailing from here on out. Anyone and everyone can now enjoy the bubble at their leisure.
- Alice: Nicole will keep an eye on them, of course.
- The disaster we experienced...
- That was "fate" before we changed it, right?
- Alice: Hmm... I wouldn't put it quite like that. It was more like... a "fate that will not come to pass."
- Paimon: Huh? What's the difference between the two?
- Alice: Let us not forget, the courageous dragon slayer in the story? Well, in real life, he had already left on an expedition to Nod-Krai at that time.
- Alice: Of course, that doesn't mean Dvalin would have escaped his destined death, for another hero would have come along and paid a painful price for victory.
- Paimon: But, what we saw in the bubble was what happened after Dvalin broke free from the seal. So, couldn't Varka have been back by then?
- Alice: Hehe... Dear Paimon, you're free to ponder such questions yourself, of course, but it's of little use to ask them aloud.
- Alice: Word to the wise — do not lose sleep over all those "what ifs," over the "fates that will not come to pass." It's an exercise in futility.
- Alice: Those who can observe fate see both the good and the bad of what could have happened.
- Alice: But, all that matters is what did happen. Those alternate fates are nowhere near as important as the world that exists in the here and now.
- Paimon: Uh... Alright...
- There's something else...
- The Abyssal power inside the bubble was far too real...
- Alice: Ah, you're saying it was as if the bubble itself had become contaminated?
- (The Traveler nods)
- Alice: I suppose some "gunk" could have stuck to my luggage while I was wandering the "border," and got mixed into my magic without me noticing...
- Alice: Haha, just kidding. I would never be so careless.
- Alice: Your intuition is spot-on, (Traveler). What developed in the bubble was a nascent form of Abyssal power that, if left unchecked, would evolve into the real thing.
- Paimon: What, so it didn't come from outside? It just... appeared out of thin air?
- Alice: The Abyss is perilous, cunning, dangerous, obsessive, and most infuriating of all, a complete and utter mystery. I'm sure you've seen for yourself how complex it can be.
- Alice: The Hexenzirkel has been observing its energies for a long time, and I think Barbeloth's interpretation is the most accurate.
- Alice: The essence of the Abyss lies in the hatred carried by all the fates that will not come to pass.
- The hatred carried by fate...
- Alice: This world is filled with conflicting elements. That one thing should happen signifies that a different possibility has been eliminated.
- Alice: These events can be small, almost trivial. I had Sweet Madame for lunch today, for instance. That means the "Alice who chose Tea Break Pancakes instead" is no more.
- Alice: Of course, they can also be events that threaten the world, such as my friend Rhinedottir's decision to tap into the Abyss. In that instant, the tale of a future in which she remained pure was gone forever.
- Alice: So then, the question at the heart of it all is this... Why must these fates be the ones to disappear?
- Paimon: Ahh, Paimon gets it. It's hatred that stems from not being chosen.
- Alice: Precisely. The magic we wove this time involved recreating the past. However, some of the variables we added allowed a certain amount of these "unchosen fates" to come very, very close to reality.
- Alice: And, thus, the Abyss showed its teeth. Of course, much like always, it is not existence that it seeks... but the destruction of all.
- Alice: In the end, though, it wasn't a huge issue. Things like this happen on the "border" all the time.
- I see.
- No wonder the Abyss is so full of hatred.
- Alice: It has quite the victim complex, that's for sure.
- Alice: It's obsessed with entering this world at all costs. And that is precisely why we must protect our lives and those of our loved ones.
- Alice: Because, when you think about it, to exist in this world is to be a spark of luck amidst countless possibilities. How precious is that?
- Having crossed swords with the Abyss many times...
- I'm beginning to think along the same lines too.
- Jean: Ah, Alice. You're here.
- Jean: I'm truly sorry about this, but per the regulations of the Knights of Favonius, I'm afraid I must send you to confinement.
- Alice: Whatever for? Things turned out just fine with the magic bubble.
- Alice: Besides, if that's what this is about... Shouldn't Nicole come along, too?
- Jean: It's not about the bubble. We received word that a number of fish have been injured as a result of explosions near Starfell Lake...
- (Amber is shown observing dead Black-Back Bass floating in the water)
- Jean: As I'm sure you're well aware, fish blasting is strictly prohibited.
- Alice: Oh dear...
- Alice: Run, Klee! Save yourself!
- Jean: She's already inside.
- (Alice gasps)
- Alice: ...
- Paimon: Guess it's a day of firsts for the Dodo-King, huh...
- Alice: ...*sob* Farewell forever, (Traveler). You shall never see me again!
Post-Quest Dialogue
Alice and Klee
- (Interact with the solitary confinement door in the Knights of Favonius Headquarters)
- Alice: Here, I'll draw him for you. Look, this is the bad guy who made a whole bunch of trouble for Daddy. It's all his fault Daddy couldn't make it back this time.
- Klee: That big meanie! We should blow him up!
- Alice: That's right, he is a big meanie! But, thanks to the Honorary Knight and (his/
her) friends, he's not going to be much trouble anymore. - Klee: Yay! The Honorary Knight is the best!
Soundtracks
| No. | Soundtrack Name | Album | Played In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Welp, Didn't Expect That | City of Winds and Idylls | Kaeya's Troubles, Cooking Appointment, Cooking Showdown, Another Day as an Outrider!, To Mondstadt, A Bewildering Fate, Guizhong (Quest), Teucer's Terrific Tour, Ode to Flower and Cloud, The Snowy Past, The Golden Apple Vacation Returns! (Quest), Receiver of Friends From Afar: Part IV, Variations on the Song of the Dragon and Freedom Event Gameplay |
| 53 | His Resolution | City of Winds and Idylls | The Hunger of Many (during monster invasion), Variations on the Song of the Dragon and Freedom, For a Reunion Without Tears (domain combat), A Knight's Resolve (experiment site, combat) Combat, Event Gameplay, Special Gameplay |
| 05 | Caelestinum Finale Termini | The Wind and The Star Traveler | Variations on the Song of the Dragon and Freedom Domains, Event Gameplay |
Gallery
Cutscene Animation- "The Dragon-Slaying That Fate Set Aside" - Genshin Impact
Trivia
- The name and setting of this quest is a throwback to the third act in the Prologue chapter of the Archon Quests: Song of the Dragon and Freedom.
- During step 6, faint lines of Abyssal energy will appear leading to Dvalin's contaminated tears when close. These will disappear after the corresponding tears are collected.
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Variations on the Song of the Dragon and Freedom | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 巨龙与自由的变奏 | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 巨龍與自由的變奏 | |
| Japanese | 龍と自由の変奏 | |
| Korean | 드래곤과 자유의 변주 Deuraegon'gwa Jayuui Byeonju | |
| Spanish | Variación del dragón y la libertad | |
| French | Variation de la chanson du dragon et de la liberté | Variation of the Song of the Dragon and Freedom |
| Russian | Вариации песни о драконьей свободе Variatsii pesni o drakon'yey svobode | |
| Thai | บทแปรผันแห่งมังกร และอิสรภาพ | |
| Vietnamese | Biến Tấu Về Rồng Và Tự Do | |
| German | Variationen von dem Drachen und der Freiheit | |
| Indonesian | Perubahan Lagu Naga dan Kebebasan | |
| Portuguese | Variação do Dragão e Liberdade | |
| Turkish | Ejder ve Özgürlük Şarkısı Üzerine Çeşitlemeler | |
| Italian | Variazioni de La canzone del drago e della libertà |
Change History
Released in Version "Luna V"
Sort Voice-Overs (already present in the hidden HTML comment at the end of the Dialogue section)