As the final echoes of Fontaine's grand symphony fade into the sea breeze, my journey as the Traveler turns its gaze towards a land forged in fire and dragon's breath—Natlan. The whispers are growing louder, carried on the wind from that distant Nation of War. Neuvillette spoke of Saurians and of a Harbinger's keen interest, painting a canvas of conflict and mystery even before I set foot on its sun-baked soil. The official silence is profound, but the adventurer's grapevine, ever-resilient, has begun to hum with the first tantalizing secrets of the heroes who will walk beside me there. Is it not the promise of new companions that makes the unknown path so thrilling?
From the depths of these early, unconfirmed whispers, three distinct figures emerge, their silhouettes dancing in the heat haze of rumor. The source, known as Foul, has a history of reliability, yet the information comes wrapped in the cautious label of "Questionable." Such is the nature of peering into the future; we grasp at shadows, hoping they solidify into truth. HoYoverse's traditional curtain-raiser, the preview before the grand release, is expected around the week Version 4.8 arrives. If the celestial clockwork holds, that magical reveal could dawn upon us around July 15th. Until then, we have only these fragmented dreams to ponder.
Let me paint for you the portraits sketched by these leaks. They speak of a trio where rarity itself seems to be stepping into a new era for a nation's debut:
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The Verdant Vanguard: A 5-star warrior, rumored to be a young man with the spirit of the forests in his heart—a Dendro Vision. He is said to wield a claymore, a contrast of life's gentleness and a weapon's heavy truth. The whispers suggest he shares the youthful frame of companions like Bennett, a boy carrying the weight of a greatsword and the hopes of a new element's representation in this fiery land.
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The Azure Dancer: A 5-star muse of the waters, a female character whose power is said to flow from a Hydro Vision, channeled through a catalyst. She is described as a "front DPS," a star meant to shine brightly on the field, not from the wings. And most intriguingly, they say she possesses a gift of "rapid movement on water." Will she dance atop the waves like a memory of Fontaine's divinity, or will she be a torrent speeding through Natlan's hidden rivers? The mystery of her aquatic grace is a siren's call.
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The Earth's Sentinel: The anchor of the trio is rumored to be a 4-star guardian, a female warrior grounded by a Geo Vision and armed with a polearm. Of her, the details are most scarce. Her form, her skills, her story—all are still veiled in the dust of the plains. Yet, her presumed presence completes a fascinating elemental triangle at Natlan's dawn.
One resonant thread ties these three souls together: the color of their skin. The leaks speak of them being "black," a term noted from the original Chinese that broadly embraces darker tones. It hints at a visual tapestry for Natlan that may reflect the rich, sun-kissed hues of warriors like Dehya and Xinyan. After nations of varied palettes, could this be the dawn of a region whose people carry the deep, warm imprint of their blazing sun and volcanic earth? It feels like a poetic and long-awaited harmonization of land and people.
When I compare this whispered offering to the first steps I took in Fontaine, a wave of hopeful anticipation washes over me. Do you remember? Version 4.0 introduced three, but only one, Lyney, held the 5-star mantle, while Lynette and Freminet were 4-stars. The rumor for Natlan's grand entrance speaks of two 5-star characters and one 4-star. If true, the very gateway to the Nation of Pyro would open with a richer, more powerful array of choices. The initial roster would feel immediately potent, vibrant, and full of possibility. Yet, with such wealth comes the traveler's eternal dilemma: where to cast my precious Wishes? The prospect of two coveted 5-star units in one patch is both a blessing and a delicious agony.
And what of the 4-star Geo warrior? History sings a compelling song. When Sumeru and the Dendro element blossomed in Version 3.0, Collei was a gift to all, a gentle guide into the new elemental symphony. When Fontaine's waters beckoned in Version 4.0, Lynette was freely given, a key to both exploration and the mysterious Arkhe system. Is it not a beautiful tradition? It stands to reason, then, that the rumored 4-star Geo character may be given as a free gift upon Natlan's arrival. She would be our first companion from this land, a guide to its unique mechanics—perhaps secrets tied to the Saurians or the very essence of its warfare. She would be the hand extended, welcoming every traveler, regardless of fortune, into the heart of the flames.
My heart feels the rising heat of anticipation. These leaks, however fragile, paint a picture of a nation arriving not with a whimper, but with a roar of character and diversity. The potential for a stronger starting lineup, deeper representation, and the continuation of generous traditions makes the wait for late August feel like a slow-burning fuse. The official silence will break, the mirage will solidify, and these whispered names will step into the firelight. Until then, I, the Traveler, will listen to the wind from the west, dreaming of the Dendro boy with his greatsword, the Hydro dancer on the waves, and the Geo sentinel whose story is yet to be told. The Nation of War awaits, and it promises to send its most fascinating champions first.