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Artist's commentary
Iansan: Tempered in Molten Stone
Gold-Standard Trainer from Teteocan #GenshinImpact #Iansan
"Do you dream of pushing beyond your limits? Do you aspire to unfettered power?"
"Why not take a trip to the Collective of Plenty to attend the Pilgrimage Victors Academy? Under the skilled tutelage of our world-renowned coach, we can help you break free from your weak, feeble self!"
Many visitors making their first trips to Natlan have received such flyers, and the fitness pedigree of the Collective of Plenty is well known. As such, more than a few curious souls have signed up to unleash their inner strength. However, when they first lay eyes on this "world-renowned coach," it's not uncommon for aspiring athletic acolytes to feel cheated and ask for their money back.
Such situations fill Iansan with a sense of helpless exasperation. After all, even she has to admit that it's hard to draw connections between her child-like physique and notions of "strength" and "power." For many, it's difficult to imagine how someone so diminutive could guide them to "break free from their weak and feeble selves."
Whenever this happens, Iansan invites prospective students to name a fitness activity of their choice, challenging them to compete against her. Still smarting from being "cheated," it's rare that anyone refuses this opportunity to take their anger out on some fitness equipment.
Then, once her erstwhile inductees have exhausted themselves trying to outdo her, Iansan picks up their discarded weights and racks up a dozen or so more sets by herself.
"How is that even possible? Elemental power? A blessing from the heavens?"
"No, my strength comes from a well-scheduled workout routine, controlled caloric intake, and precise supplemental nutrition."
Even after experiencing defeat in this manner, many trainees still harbor doubts over Coach Iansan's words, but most of them still sign up for her academy all the same.