Barbara pushed open the door to Jean's office at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, her voice bright with excitement. "Sister—Captain Jean, I'm back, and oh, Lisa's here too!"
Inside, Jean and Lisa paused their quiet conversation and turned to greet her with warm but reserved smiles. Jean softened her tone, her eyes searching Barbara's face. "Thank you for your help—how are the people holding up out there?"
Their childhood, marked by distant parents, had created a gap between the sisters, one Jean wished to close despite Barbara's shy glances. Jean felt her sister's care beneath the awkwardness, a clumsy bond that reflected her own unspoken affection.
Barbara beamed, holding Snowballmon in her arms. "The crisis passed quickly, so damage was minimal, and the city is stable now." She added, "I promised a song for everyone once the Stormterror matter is settled—something to lift their spirits," her smile widening.
Lisa leaned against the window, her voice teasing. "Our idol is planning a concert—count me in for the front row!"
"Sister Lisa, don't tease me!" Barbara protested, her cheeks flushing as she bashfully lowered her head.
Lisa's gaze sharpened, landing on the fluffy bundle in Barbara's arms. "Wait—what's that adorable white thing you're holding?"
Barbara set Snowballmon on the table, her excitement overflowing. "This is Snowballmon—an infant Digimon, according to Boss Harlan—and I've named it Snowball!"
"Chirp!" Snowballmon chirped, its round eyes blinking up at them, its soft call melting Jean and Lisa's calm. The sisters crowded closer, captivated by the creature's soft fur and gentle coolness against the office's warmth.
Lisa poked its cheek, curious. "It's soft and cool—definitely not from Teyvat, that's for sure." As the Knights' librarian, she had traveled to distant lands and read countless books, yet this creature was unknown to her vast knowledge.
"You got it from Galehaven Comics, didn't you?" Jean asked, remembering their earlier conversation about the shop's wonders.
Barbara nodded eagerly. "It's from a new comic, Digimon: First Frontier, that wasn't there when Lumine visited."
Jean and Lisa exchanged a glance, the mention of a new title sparking their interest in the shop's growing collection.
"Don't let Snowball's size fool you—it's not weak!" Barbara continued, her tone earnest and animated. "Boss Harlan says Digimon evolve—with elemental feeding, Snowball can become a Gatomon, and its combat strength is incredible!" she explained, her eyes gleaming. "There are even mightier Digimon in the comic—some are much stronger than Vision holders," she added, recalling the powerful creatures in the story.
Jean stood up, her expression tightening with astonishment. "Stronger than a Vision wielder—are you serious?" She stared at Snowballmon, disbelief battling with the implications of such power in such a small package. At first, she had thought it was just a charming pet, but its ability to evolve into a fighting force changed everything she had assumed.
Who was this Harlan Flint, creating comics that birthed warriors from mere pages? In her mind, Galehaven Comics loomed larger, a mysterious enigma promising both secrets and strength.
"We need to visit that shop ourselves," Jean declared, her voice resolute as she turned to Lisa with purpose. If Barbara's claims were true, a few Digimon could strengthen Mondstadt's defenses beyond the Fatui's wildest fears.
Lisa stretched lazily, her tone casual but her eyes bright. "I'm in—my curiosity is piqued, and I wouldn't miss it." Their decision was quickly put into action, and they set off for the alley, leaving Barbara to look after Snowballmon in the office.
At Galehaven Comics, Wendy closed Digimon: First Frontier, his face softened by the story's lingering effects. The tale of children and their Digimon battling darkness brought back memories of Mondstadt's own struggles over thousands of years.
Oppression met defiance as those young heroes fought the Four Dark Kings and Apocalypse Beast, bringing peace through sheer determination. He saw parallels to his own past—rebelling with a boy named Wendy against the Lone King 2,600 years ago. Later, he had encouraged Vanessa to overthrow the old nobles, leading to the creation of the Knights in a quiet push for freedom. This spirit of resistance, deeply ingrained in Mondstadt's soul, resonated in the comic's pages, touching him deeply. He decided to weave parts of this saga into his songs, spreading its fire to the city's people.
The system chimed in Harlan's mind, its message glowing with Wendy's reward for reading. He had gained a Meowthmon, a mature Digimon with large ears and a bushy tail, whose shy nature hid sharp claws. Its twin head-tendrils also served as a scarf, and the system had removed any infectious traits for safety.
Harlan frowned, puzzled. "Meowthmon? Isn't that from a later Digimon Adventure story?" The system hummed back: "Same worldview—cross-era appearances are possible." Harlan nodded—Digimon Adventure tri followed Taichi's grown-up group, its continuity linked to the first, despite its problematic plot twists. A purified Meowthmon could evolve into decent strength, a solid prize for Wendy's efforts.
Yet a smirk tugged at Harlan's lips—Wendy's fear of cats made this reward a hilariously ironic twist.