A newly released story video for Genshin Impact has provided the clearest update yet on Varka’s long-running expedition, and it includes major lore developments involving Natlan, the Pyro Archon, and even Capitano.
The narration makes it clear that this is not a fictional retelling, but a continuation of Varka’s real journey as the expedition leader of Mondstadt.
Varka’s Detour to Natlan
After separating from his main forces, Varka travels to Natlan on personal business. There, he meets with Natlan’s representatives to discuss cooperation against the growing Abyssal threat.
The focus of the meeting is strategic:
- Sharing intelligence on the Abyss
- Exchanging combat expertise
- Preparing for an escalating northern calamity
Natlan is portrayed as open to alliance, welcoming Mondstadt’s support rather than rejecting foreign involvement. Knowing Mavuika, this is not surprising. Natlan is one of the rare nations that welcomed the Traveler with open arms and did not make him public enemy number 1.
This does mean that there is already coordination between nations ahead of the upcoming larger Abyss-related conflict. Varka researched information about the Abyss all around Natlan, way before he even made it to Nod-Krai.
A Cultural Exchange… and a Drinking Contest
The meeting is not purely military. As the true leader of Mondstadt, Varka brings Dandelion Wine as a diplomatic gesture. In return, he experiences Natlan’s Aphimead with Mavuika.
What follows is a friendly drinking contest (of course it is), and as Varka tells the story to Aino and Ineffa, the data logged by Ineffa reveals something… unexpected:
Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, has what is described as “god-tier” alcohol tolerance. Are we really surprised after all those years of witnessing Venti drown massive amounts of Dandelion Wine? Not really.
However, this scene also reinforces camaraderie between the nations, blending political alliance with cultural bonding. Varka did not just go on a simple expedition. He made sure the nations were aware and ready for the threat ahead. He made alliances where there were none before. And that might change the outcome of the upcoming fight.
Capitano’s Warning
The tone changes dramatically when the topic turns to the Abyssal calamity in the north.
Varka, addressed as the Knight of Boreas, acknowledges that the enemy constantly evolves and that expectations alone are meaningless. Not only did he talk to Mavuika, but also to Capitano. This means it was most likely before we reached Natlan, or during the time we were there. Since Capitano is no longer, it makes this even more important. It seems that Capitano gave Varka valuable information about the Abyss.
Then comes a warning from Capitano:
“The path you walk cannot be retraced.” Once committed, there is no turning back.
Varka accepts this without hesitation, stating he would not want it any other way.
What This Means for the Story
The video does more than confirm Varka’s whereabouts up until now. It establishes:
- Direct cooperation between Mondstadt and Natlan
- Personal interaction between Varka, the Pyro Archon, and Capitano
- A looming Abyssal threat serious enough to demand a cross-national strategy
- Foreshadowing of irreversible consequences
With the Abyss becoming more and more dangerous all over Teyvat, this update suggests that Varka’s expedition may have played a larger role in the coming arcs.
And if even Capitano was involved, the conflict ahead may not be limited to the Abyss alone either. It might date back a long time.
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