Barbara stepped into Galehaven Comics. Her eyes widened at how spacious it was, especially since the alley outside was so cramped. "What a fascinating place—this decor is unlike anything in Mondstadt," she murmured, admiring the sleek lines and modern style.
Bookshelves were neatly arranged, with comfortable sofas and tables nearby. Portraits of a boy with a cap and a girl holding a wand made her curious. She felt drawn to the shop's warm atmosphere, a place that hinted at stories waiting to be discovered.
"Welcome, radiant and charming Miss Barbara!" a calm voice greeted, drawing her attention to the counter.
Harlan Flint sat there, his handsome face softened by a smile that made her cheeks blush slightly. "Oh, hello, boss!" she replied, her voice dropping shyly as she realized she hadn't noticed him earlier because she was so amazed.
His recognizing her didn't surprise her; her fame as Mondstadt's idol meant many people knew her.
However, Lumine's stories suggested that this shop owner had unusual powers.
"We have three comics now: One Piece: East Sea Saga, Cardcaptor Sakura's Magic, and Digimon: First Frontier—100,000 Mora for a daily read," Harlan said, pointing to the shelves.
Barbara's arrival wasn't a shock to him; Stormterror's battle must have reached the Knights by now. Lumine's wind-created dragon would have made them curious, and Barbara's presence proved that impact.
Barbara nodded, her purpose clear as she slid a pouch of Mora across the counter with steady hands. For her, 100,000 Mora was a small amount, though she still had some doubt about the shop's claims.
"Boss, can I truly gain something from these comics—like items or skills?" she asked, her voice hesitant but hopeful.
Harlan's nod was firm. "It could be anything—a song, a talent, or even great power, all from the pages."
Barbara's eyes lit up, her idol's heart skipping at the mention of songs she might gain. Strength was tempting, but new melodies to share at Mondstadt's concerts excited her even more.
"Why not read and find out for yourself?" Harlan suggested, his smile encouraging her toward the shelves.
Her excitement gave him an idea—future comics, like daily anime, could fill the shop with tunes for her voice. If Barbara got those, her idol fame might spread across Teyvat, perhaps even bringing back Mondstadt's old girl group.
As he thought, Barbara reached the bookshelf, her fingers hovering over the three titles with growing interest. Only three books sat there, their covers bright against the wood: One Piece, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Digimon.
"Lumine and Paimon read the first two—Digimon: First Frontier must be the new one, so I'll start there," she decided. She had heard about pirate quests and magical cards from Jean, but "Digimon" confused her—what did "digital" mean?
With a shrug, she picked up the book and sat down on a sofa, the soft cushions supporting her as she opened it.
"So that's the Digimon world!" she exclaimed, understanding its story of a computer network filled with virtual creatures. The concept puzzled her Teyvat-trained mind, yet its strangeness captivated her, pulling her deeper into the story.
As she turned pages, she got lost in the adventures of eight children and their evolving Digimon partners. "It's a wild, wonderful place—full of danger, like that Agumon turning into a monstrous Greymon," she whispered, fascinated.
Then came Tailmon, a graceful cat-like creature that took her breath away, its cuteness making her squeal. "No girl could resist this adorable cat—oh, Tailmon's my favorite now!" she gushed, her heart melting at its soft fur.
But the scars on Tailmon's body, marks of a lost and lonely past, brought tears to her eyes. "If I had a Tailmon, I'd cherish it—keep it safe and loved," she promised, her voice thick with empathy.
The quiet of the shop surrounded her, the comic's world a vivid escape from Mondstadt's remaining unrest.