Stormterror
With the Brute Hilichurl defeated and the camp thoroughly looted of any useful materials, a sense of shared accomplishment settled over us. My muscles ached, but the fatigue was a welcome one, a testament to a hard-won victory shared with allies.
"Alright, that takes care of that disturbance," Amber said, stretching her arms. "Let's head back to Mondstadt. I'm sure the Knights will want a full report."
Lumine nodded in agreement. "A good idea. And I think we could all use a proper meal."
Paimon, having recovered her usual bounce, cheered, "Yeah! Paimon's tummy is rumbling! Paimon wants Sticky Honey Roast!"
The journey back was far more relaxed than the cautious approach. The sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. We walked together, the earlier tension replaced by comfortable chatter. Amber and Lumine recounted other patrol stories, and I found myself laughing, genuinely laughing, for the first time in months. I even shared a few more vague details about my "tough training," omitting the system specifics, but painting a picture of relentless monster encounters.
As the iconic windmills of Mondstadt grew larger on the horizon, a profound sense of warmth spread through me. It wasn't just the physical warmth of the setting sun; it was the warmth of belonging. The city gates, which had seemed like a distant dream just yesterday, now welcomed me back like a familiar haven.
We passed through the gates, the guards offering polite nods to Amber and Lumine, and curious glances at me. The city was bustling, even as evening approached. Lights were beginning to twinkle in windows, and the delicious smells from Good Hunter and other stalls were even more inviting after the day's exertion.
"Home sweet home!" Amber declared, sighing contentedly as we stepped into the main plaza. "What do you two want to do now? Lumine, Paimon, will you be heading back to your usual spot?"
"Paimon's tummy is rumbling so loud, it sounds like a Geo Slime rolling downhill!" Paimon declared, zipping excitedly between Lumine and me.
Lumine chuckled softly. "It sounds like a good time for dinner, then. Lance, would you like to join Paimon and me for a meal? We know a good place."
My face lit up. A shared meal with actual people? After months of gnawing on monster meat alone, the thought was pure bliss. "Absolutely! I'd love to," I quickly accepted.
Amber, however, let out a small sigh. "Oh, I wish I could, but duty calls! I've got to head straight to Jean to give my report on the patrol. Brute Hilichurls aren't exactly common this close to the city, so she'll want all the details." She gave us a warm smile. "But I'll catch you all later, alright? Don't get into too much trouble without me!"
"Bye, Amber!" Paimon waved enthusiastically as Amber saluted us with a quick, cheerful gesture and then jogged off towards the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
"Alright then," Lumine said, turning to me with a gentle smile. "Follow us. Paimon knows exactly where to go for the best Sticky Honey Roast."
My stomach gave a hopeful rumble in agreement. The prospect of good food and actual conversation filled me with a warmth that even the setting sun couldn't provide. This was truly the beginning of something new.
Lumine led the way, with Paimon zipping excitedly beside her, through the bustling streets of Mondstadt. The aroma of cooking food grew stronger with each step, and soon, we arrived at a warm, inviting building with a cheerful wooden sign swinging above its door: "Angel's Share."
We stepped inside, and the comforting din of a tavern immediately enveloped me. Laughter, clinking mugs, and lively conversations filled the air. It was a stark contrast to the quiet solitude I'd grown accustomed to, and a welcome one. The interior was cozy, with sturdy wooden tables, a long bar, and a large fireplace casting a warm glow.
Lumine found an empty table in a quieter corner, and we settled in. A server quickly approached, a friendly smile on their face.
"What can I get for you three?" the server asked.
"Sticky Honey Roast for Paimon!" Paimon declared immediately, practically bouncing in her spot.
Lumine chuckled. "And we'll have a couple of those, please. And perhaps some universal peace to go with it," she added playfully, glancing at me.
"Just... anything hearty," I said, a little overwhelmed by the menu but craving something substantial after months of wild game. "Surprise me."
The server nodded and left to place our orders. The moment they were gone, Paimon turned to me, her eyes wide. "So, Lance! How does it feel to be in a real city? It's much better than fighting slimes and big, grumpy Hilichurls all the time, right?"
"It's... amazing," I admitted, looking around at the lively patrons. "It's been so long since I've seen so many people. It's almost overwhelming, but in a good way." I paused, then looked at Lumine. "I really appreciate you inviting me. And for leading me here. I was starting to think I'd never find a place like this."
Lumine smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "You're very welcome. It's good to have someone else to share the journey with, even for a little while. Paimon and I have been traveling for a long time too, seeing many places, but sometimes it can feel a bit... empty, without more company."
"Yeah!" Paimon agreed, nodding vigorously. "Paimon gets tired of just talking to Lumine sometimes. She always gives Paimon the same answer!"
I laughed, a rich, full sound that felt unfamiliar after so much silence. "I can imagine. So, you mentioned being from 'other worlds' and being separated from your brother by an 'unknown god.' That sounds like a lot." I leaned forward, curious. "What was it like, before? And what do you remember about this 'unknown god'?"
Our conversation was just beginning to deepen, a comfortable rhythm settling between us, when a sudden, piercing scream ripped through the cheerful tavern din. It was followed almost immediately by another, then a chorus of terrified shouts from outside. The clinking of mugs and laughter died down, replaced by a tense, fearful silence within Angel's Share.
Then, a deep, guttural roar vibrated through the very foundations of the tavern, a sound that spoke of immense power and untamed savagery. It was undeniably the roar of a monstrous creature, far too close for comfort. Patrons began to murmur, then scramble, some rushing towards the windows, others instinctively ducking for cover.
"What was that?!" Paimon shrieked, zipping behind Lumine's head, her eyes wide with alarm.
Lumine's hand instinctively went to the hilt of her sword, her gentle expression replaced by one of serious concern. Her gaze met mine, a silent question passing between us. The sounds from outside intensified – more screams, the splintering of wood, and another, closer roar.
The relative peace of Mondstadt had been shattered. It was clear that whatever was out there, it wasn't a minor disturbance.
My instincts took over. Without a moment's hesitation, I pushed my chair back with a loud scrape. "Sounds like trouble!" I muttered, already moving.
Lumine was right beside me, equally quick. "We need to see what's happening!"
"Wait for Paimon!" Paimon squeaked, flapping furiously to keep up.
We burst out of the Angel's Share tavern, and the sight that greeted us instantly stole the breath from my lungs. The bustling plaza, moments ago alive with people, was now a scene of utter chaos. Citizens were scrambling, screaming, running in every direction, their faces contorted with terror. Buildings smoldered in the distance, and the air was thick with dust and the acrid smell of ozone.
But all of that faded into the background as my eyes were drawn upwards.
Towering over the city, its immense form blotting out the setting sun, was a dragon.
It was colossal, easily the largest creature I had ever seen. Its scales shimmered with dark, almost corrupted energy, and its eyes glowed with an eerie, malevolent light. Wind howled around it, unnatural and violent, tearing at the very fabric of the city. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its chest, a sound that vibrated through the ground and up into my very bones. This wasn't just a monster; it was a force of nature, a harbinger of destruction.
"D-Dvalin!" Paimon stammered, her voice trembling, looking up at the majestic, yet terrifying, beast.
Amber's previous warning about a "Brute Hilichurl" seemed like a distant, trivial concern compared to this. This was a true calamity.
The dragon, Dvalin, was not just a static threat. As I watched in horrified awe, its immense wings beat once, twice, and with each beat, violent tornados of wind ripped through the city. They tore through rooftops, splintered wooden carts, and sent debris flying. Unnatural, gale-force winds howled through the streets, pushing against buildings, forcing people to stumble and fall. The very air was a weapon.
Amidst the swirling chaos, my honed combat reflexes and enhanced senses kicked in. While many were simply fleeing in blind panic, my eyes, accustomed to processing danger, quickly identified specific individuals in dire straits.
A young woman clung desperately to a wooden stall as a mini-tornado ripped through the plaza, threatening to tear her away. Further down, an elderly man had fallen, his cane skittering away, and the powerful winds were dragging him towards a crumbling wall. Near the city fountain, a child had become separated from their parents, crying out as a gust of wind knocked them off their feet.
Without a second thought, my duty to help overriding any fear, I surged forward. "Lumine, Amber, I'm going to help them!" I shouted over the roar of the wind.
My Dexterity and Dash skill were invaluable. I darted towards the woman clinging to the stall, fighting against the powerful headwinds. With a quick, powerful grab, I pulled her clear just as the stall splintered. "Go! Find shelter!" I yelled, pushing her towards a sturdier building.
Then, I turned to the elderly man. The wind was relentless, pulling at his clothes. I launched into a Dash Burst, closing the distance in an instant. Bracing myself, I planted my feet and shielded him with my body, letting the gale push against my strong Constitution rather than his frail frame. "Lean on me!" I shouted, helping him up and guiding him to the relative safety of an alcove.
The child near the fountain was next. They were small, being tossed about by the chaotic gusts. I didn't even consider my spear or bow; this wasn't a fight. This was a rescue. I wove through the airborne debris, my increased speed allowing me to dodge flying planks and tiles. Reaching the child, I scooped them up into my arms, holding them tight against my chest to shield them from the wind, and ran towards the nearest solid building where others were taking refuge.
My heart pounded, but it was a different kind of adrenaline than combat. This was about protecting, about saving. Dvalin roared again, its shadow falling over the city, and I knew this rescue was only a temporary reprieve. But for now, getting these people to safety was all that mattered.