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Jade had always been a fan of Genshin Impact. It was her escape from the monotony of the real world, a world she wasn't all that happy with. Life was real, grounded, and disappointingly normal. At least, that's how it was supposed to be.On a lazy Sunday morning, she sat in bed, still in her pajamas, her phone clutched tightly in one hand as she navigated her way through Mondstadt, grinding for materials and exploring every nook and cranny with her favourite character, Xiao. The music was calming, the fantasy world a pleasant distraction, and the characters had become more like old friends than pixels on a screen.But today, something felt off.Jade had always been cautious about glitches, nothing ruined a good gaming session like a sudden bug. She was just heading to the Anemo Archon statue to regain some health when, as if on cue, the game froze. The screen flickered, and a strange scene appeared. It was a familiar scene from an archon quest that had scared many players long ago. It was the defiled statue, an upside-down Anemo Archon statue. No one could quite understand why it had happened, but no one gave an absolute explanation, even the developers themselves.Maybe it's just an Easter egg, she thought, rolling her eyes at the idea of it. Still, she hadn't seen it in years.But this time was different. The moment she tapped the screen, a blinding flash of light filled her vision. Jade gasped, her fingers instinctively grabbing for the edge of her phone, but everything around her felt... wrong. The world around her blurred as if she were being sucked into the game itself. The sensation of being yanked violently from her reality made her stomach lurch, and the next thing she knew, she wasn't sitting in her bed anymore. She was standing on soft grass, the sounds of rustling trees and distant birds filling the air."What the hell...?" She muttered under her breath, looking around.She blinked rapidly, her mind racing to make sense of what just happened. She was still holding her phone, though the screen was now black and she was still in her pajamas.She looked around. The forest she found herself in was unlike anything she'd seen in her bedroom. Giant, twisted trees surrounded her, their branches reaching up into the sky in strange angles. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. The sun was faintly shining through the dense foliage above, casting long shadows on the forest floor. Jade rubbed her eyes, convinced she was hallucinating, but the sensation of the soft earth beneath her bare feet felt too real.She fumbled with her phone, trying to open the screen, but it was unresponsive. A wave of panic crept up her chest as she glanced around, trying to figure out where she was. The forest wasn't familiar to her. It didn't look like any of the areas from Genshin Impact. This wasn't a place in the game... it was real.Her heart started to race, her breath quickening. What is happening?Suddenly, a rustling sound broke her from her thoughts. Jade froze. Something-someone was coming. Her eyes darted to the side just in time to see a shadow emerging from behind a large tree. The figure crawled on all fours and covered in fur with a set of wild, silver hair that cascaded over his shoulders. He had red and sharp eyes, with an expression almost... feral.Her stomach tightened with anxiety, but before she could react, the figure came closer, and Jade fell to her knees. Yet the figure stopped in front of her, barefoot (like her), crouching slightly, sniffing the air as if trying to pick up her scent.Her mind screamed, yet she managed a slight plea, "Please... Don't hurt me...". The figure didn't move.He stared at her for a long moment, his gaze intense and curious, his nose twitching. Then he spoke in a low, gravelly voice."You... smell like... not from here," he muttered, eyes narrowing. "Friend... or foe?"Jade blinked, trying to wrap her head around everything. Her mind screamed at her to run, but her feet were rooted to the spot, her body frozen in shock."I-I don't know what's going on!" Jade stammered. "I don't know how I got here. I just woke up in this forest, and I don't know where I am."The man.. well, the wolf-like guy, tilted his head, his wild hair swaying in the breeze. "Forest... dangerous. You... come with me. Safe... city."Jade hesitated, glancing around once more, her pulse racing. A city? She didn't have much of a choice, did she? She could stay here in the forest, or she could follow this strange, suspicious man. She wasn't exactly thrilled about either option, but the idea of being somewhere safer, somewhere with answers, seemed like her best bet."Okay... Okay, I'll come with you," she finally said, still unsure. "But... who are you?"The man didn't answer right away. Instead, he gave her a hard stare, his red eyes piercing, before standing up and motioning for her to follow. "Razor.""Razor?" she repeated, was it the same Razor she'd known from the game? The first character she played as while exploring Mondstadt? But he looked nothing like in the game. Sure, she can see the silver hair, the red eyes. But he was taller, and the face....He didn't elaborate, and Jade decided not to press. She wasn't exactly in the position to be picky. She glanced down at her bare feet. Great, no shoes in the middle of a forest. Just perfect.As they walked, Razor kept a cautious distance, but every now and then, he would glance over his shoulder, his sharp eyes scanning her. She did the same, nervously looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Was this Teyvat? She had no idea. But the longer she was here, the more she realized this place was eerily like the world of Genshin Impact. It wasn't just a coincidence.Razor led her out of the forest, the thick trees beginning to part as they entered a more open area. In the distance, Jade could see something that resembled a city; a large, walled settlement, with buildings that looked a lot like the ones in Mondstadt."City," Razor grunted. "Safe. You stay."Jade felt a little more at ease seeing the city, but a part of her was still on edge. She had no idea where she was, how she got here, or how she was supposed to leave. But for now, she had to trust Razor, or at least hope he wasn't going to try anything too weird."Thanks... I guess," she muttered, looking at the city ahead.Razor just nodded, leading her toward the gate of Mondstadt. As Jade and Razor passed the bridge to the gate, they heard a wail accompanied with the sounds of flapping wings."No! You scared away the pigeons!"Jade instinctively responded to the boy behind her. "Sorry!" And then it she hit her. It wasn't who she thought it was, right? It couldn't have. (It was.)The moment Jade stepped into the city, a strange mix of nostalgia and surrealism washed over her. She wandered through the bustling streets, taking in every detail.Razor moved quickly, his steps light but purposeful, accustomed to navigate both forests and cities alike. By the time he stepped onto the stairs leading up to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, he turned his head, only to find that Jade was gone.
Becoming a Tourist in Mondstadt
Her fingers trailed over stone walls, her eyes scanning the vibrant market stalls lined up along the plaza. She saw Sara from Good Hunter grilling steaks, the scent making her stomach rumble. Marjorie's shop was neatly arranged with swords, artifacts, and trinkets she would've normally scrolled past in menus. She even caught sight of Flora, the young florist, surrounded by colorful blooms. Even stopping to admire the statue of Barbatos while listening to the church bells ringing in the distance.She let herself wander, a tourist in a city she already knew.Jade had run through these streets countless times, whether exploring, running errands for NPCs, or simply admiring the beauty of Mondstadt. But standing here, actually breathing in the crisp air, feeling the uneven texture of the stone beneath her feet, and hearing the chatter of the townsfolk, it was different.This wasn't a game anymore.Deep in her thoughts as she strolled into the city, however, she began to notice something else... People were staring at her.It wasn't a subtle kind of stare either.At first, she thought she was just imagining it. Maybe they were just curious about a newcomer. But the glances lingered. The whispers grew.And then, she felt the chill of the wind wrap around her skin, making her shiver slightly.Jade paused, blinking in realization.
Oh no.
She looked down at herself....She was still wearing her thin, loose pajama set, something comfortable for sleeping, suddenly felt like lingerie in a world of layers, coats, corsets and armor.Her face turned bright red.
Oh my god, they think I'm running around in my underwear.
Slowly, she wrapped her arms around herself and crouched down, trying to make herself as small as possible.
Oh my god, oh my god, I want to die.
She could feel the stares growing, the murmurs increasing. She wanted to crawl into the nearest alleyway and disappear.Instead, before she could bolt, something warm and heavy settled over her shoulders.Jade startled, her breath hitching.A coat. A long, well-made black coat with red lining.Slowly, she turned her head and found herself staring into sharp, red eyes.The man standing behind her was tall, his long crimson hair catching the afternoon light. His expression was serious, and his presence alone was unmistakable.
Diluc Ragnvindr.
The Angel's Share
Before she could fully process what just happened, Diluc had already led her away from the crowd, his coat still resting over her shoulders.He didn't say much, simply guiding her through the streets until they reached the tavern.The Angel's Share was warm inside, the scent of aged wine and oak filling the air. He opened the door with ease before signaling to Charles, the bartender. The few patrons inside barely spared them a glance, likely used to Diluc's silent way of handling things.Jade was seated at the bar, a warm drink placed in front of her, a dark red liquid in a glass.Jade eyed it suspiciously.Diluc, standing behind the bar, wiped a glass with practiced ease. "It's grape juice," he said simply.Still, she eyed the drink again before raising a brow. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but... I wouldn't mind a little wine for the cold."Diluc paused, glancing at her.Jade, in turn, smirked. "What? Don't trust me?""You don't look old enough," Diluc replied bluntly.Jade snorted. "Thanks for the compliment." She leaned on the counter, propping her chin up with her hands. "I know I don't look like it without makeup, but I'm in my twenties."Diluc gave her a long, unreadable stare. Then, with no further argument, he reached behind the counter and retrieved a bottle."Fine." He poured her a glass of wine, sliding it across the counter. "Just don't cause trouble."Jade grinned. "Knew you'd come around."
A Moment to Breathe
Jade didn't mean to cry. Really. She was fine. She had gotten new clothes from Adeline, the head maid of Dawn Winery, good wine, and she wasn't dead in a ditch somewhere. That was a win.Without really thinking about it, the weight of everything came crashing down.One second, she was fine, adjusting the sleeves of her new tunic. The next, she was crying."-and it's just-it's so much, you know?!"Diluc blinked at her, standing across the bar, completely unprepared for this.Jade wiped at her face, trying to pull herself together, but the moment she saw his slightly bewildered expression, she started crying harder. Her head hitting the wooden counter. "I-I'm not usually a cry drunk, I swear, but circumstances, okay?!"Diluc looked down at her half-empty glass of wine and reached behind the counter. A second later, a glass of cold water was placed in front of her.Just as she finished drinking the water, the tavern door burst open. There, standing at the entrance, looking puzzled and completely worn out, was Razor.His wild silver hair was a mess, and his red eyes darted around the tavern before landing on her.The tension in his body immediately dropped."Razorrrrrr," Jade immediately wailed, pushing off the counter and stumbling toward him. "I'm sorry I ran offffff!" Before Razor could react, Jade threw her arms around him.Razor... just stood there.A beat of silence.He blinked, processing, then awkwardly patted her back."Hm," was all he said.Diluc, watching the entire thing unfold, sighed. "Was she with you?"Razor nodded."My, my~"Jade froze.That voice. That very familiar, very sultry voice.She turned her head just as Lisa Minci stepped inside, a knowing smile on her lips."I wondered what had gotten Razor so flustered to find me," Lisa said, giving Jade a slow, amused look. "It seems to be you, darling~"Jade, still clinging to Razor, internally screamed.
Explaining Everything to Lisa
After Diluc force-fed her more water, Jade was feeling much more sober, enough to sit down with Razor and Lisa at a nearby table. The warm, dim glow of Angel's Share did little to ease the lingering unease curling in Jade's stomach.Lisa watched her with a knowing smile, elbow propped on the table, chin resting lightly on her palm. The librarian's sharp green eyes flickered with curiosity, but there was no pressure, only patience."So," Lisa purred, swirling her own drink lazily. "What's a lovely girl like you doing all alone in Mondstadt?"Jade hesitated.She had been expecting this question, dreading it, even.What was she supposed to say?"Oh, you know, I just got Isekai'd from another world, fell out of the sky, and now I'm stuck in a game universe. No big deal."Yeah, no way was she saying that.Even if Lisa was an intellectual, an open-minded scholar of magical phenomena, there were limits to what people were willing to believe.Jade forced a small, tired smile. "I... got lost. Really, really far away from home."Lisa's expression didn't change, but her eyes sharpened ever so slightly.Jade continued, choosing her words carefully. "One moment, I was where I was supposed to be, and then... I wasn't. I woke up, and suddenly, I was here. In Mondstadt."Lisa hummed thoughtfully, tapping her fingers against the wooden table. "You woke up here? No recollection of how you arrived?"Jade shook her head. "None."Not technically a lie. Just not the full truth.Lisa exhaled softly, her smile never faltering, but there was something assessing in her gaze. Jade felt like a book under examination, her words being carefully parsed and dissected between the lines.Before she could think of a response, Lisa tilted her head, considering. "You weren't... taken, were you? Kidnapped?"Jade blinked. "What?"Lisa shrugged elegantly. "It wouldn't be the first time someone ended up in Mondstadt under less-than-ideal circumstances. You don't have any memories of how you got here... And you seemed absolutely terrified just a moment ago."Jade looked at Lisa, bewildered. She didn't know how to react. Should she go along with it? It could be a good excuse for not wanting to talk about it. People might even feel cautious to ask her about any details. Seeing upon Jade's silence, Lisa let out a quiet breath."Well, whatever the case, it seems you're stranded for the time being." Lisa took a sip of her drink before flashing her a lazy, cat-like smile. "Why don't I help you settle in, then? I'd hate for a lost little lamb to wander the woods all alone."Jade looked at her, surprised. "...You would?""Of course," Lisa purred. "Mondstadt is the City of Freedom, after all. We take care of our own. Besides," she added with a teasing wink, "I think you'll be very interesting to keep an eye on."Jade swallowed.That didn't sound ominous at all.(2633 words)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
True to her word, Lisa had arranged a place for Jade to stay,a modest, single room lodging tucked away in a quiet corner of Mondstadt. It was far from the comforts of home, smaller than what she was used to, but compared to the damp forest floor of Whispering Woods, this was a luxury.The bed was firm but clean, the walls plain yet sturdy. A small wooden table sat by the window, and a single candle flickered atop it, casting gentle shadows against the walls. It wasn't much, but it was hers for now.Lisa had also given her enough mora to buy food, though she warned that it wouldn't last forever. Thankfully, Good Hunter was as good as the game described, and Sara's cooking never disappointed. Each meal was a brief escape, a moment of warmth in an unfamiliar world. But despite these small comforts, adjusting to life in Mondstadt was harder than she expected.Jade had taken modern conveniences for granted, and now, she felt their absence keenly. There was no hot shower to wash away the day's exhaustion, no electric fan to keep the stifling air at bay. She missed the hum of a refrigerator, the soft glow of a laptop screen, the ease of turning a knob to get warm water. Here, everything required effort: drawing water, making fire, even just finding a decent way to clean herself.But more than anything, she missed her phone.She sat on the bed, holding it in her hands, staring at the black screen. It was useless now, nothing more than a relic from another world. Still, a part of her hoped...wished that it would turn on, that some notification would pop up, that she'd see a familiar message from home. She wondered if her parents were freaking out that she was gone. Yet no matter how long she stared, nothing happened, and still she carried it everywhere, unable to let go. A useless habit, maybe, but abandoning it meant acknowledging that this world was her new reality.Jade groaned, tossing the phone to a side and flopping onto her stomach.On top of all that, she was bored.No phone, meant no internet; no internet, meant no games, no music. How did people live like this?Jade sat up, running a hand through her hair. "Alright. I can't do this anymore." She needed something to do, anything. And so, she made the decision. If modern entertainment was out of reach, she'd turn to the next best thing.It was time to go old fashioned.Modern Problems Require .... Modern Solutions?Jade wandered aimlessly through Mondstadt's cobbled streets, hands tucked in her pockets, exhaling a deep sigh.Bored.Painfully, suffocatingly bored.She had never imagined this would be a problem in another world. When she first arrived, everything had been new, overwhelming, exciting, even terrifying at times. But now that the initial shock was fading, an unsettling realization was creeping in.She stopped by the city plaza, where a bard strummed a lyre beneath the towering statue of Barbatos. His voice was pleasant, the melody soft and melancholic.For a moment, she let herself relax, listening.The melody was beautiful, and the bard's voice was nice enough, but after just a few songs, Jade's enthusiasm waned.They sang the same handful of songs, over and over.It wasn't their fault, this world didn't have a music industry churning out new hits every week, but she couldn't help but compare it to her phone, where she had thousands of songs in every genre imaginable. She pulled the dead device out of her pocket, staring at its dark screen.Would she ever hear her favorite songs again?With a sigh, she tucked it away and moved on.Next stop were at the market stalls, there were clothes, accessories, trinkets but nothing modern. There were no sneakers, no comfy hoodies, no cute phone cases or novelty items. Just tunics, cloaks, and medieval accessories. At least there won't be a shopping problem for me in this world. Jade thought to herself.She wrinkled her nose.
Next.
She then later found herself at the Cat's Tail Tavern. Not for a drink...she wasn't about to get wasted again in another world. She nodded to Diona as she entered, completely ignoring the bar area. She immediately headed to the cats lounging on the windowsills. One particularly fluffy one, a large gray tabby, flicked its tail lazily as she reached out. The cat sniffed her fingers before headbutting her palm.Jade's heart melted instantly.She crouched, scratching behind its ears as it purred, a small smile tugging at her lips. For a moment, her boredom faded.Until the cat, satisfied with her attention, walked away."...Rude," she muttered.Dogs were friendlier. She spent the next half hour playing with a few strays near the city gate, letting them chase sticks and roll over for belly rubs. It was fun, but...It wasn't enough.She needed something else.As she wandered near the Adventurers' Guild, she spotted a group of people huddled around a makeshift table. Jade tilted her head, watching them for a moment.A card game? She poked her head at the table, curiosity in her eyes.They were playing Genius Invocation TCG.Jade had heard of it before, mostly in passing. Back home, she had never bothered with it. Barely even touched the event in the game. She was the type of player who preferred exploring, not sitting around playing cards.But... maybe it was worth a shot.She leaned closer, watching.One of the adventurers, a young woman with a confident grin, glanced up and caught her staring, "You interested?" Jade hesitated. "I mean... I've never played before." The woman shrugged. "It's easy to learn. Here, I'll show you."At first, Jade was actually engaged.She listened carefully as the adventurer explained the rules, watching how the cards interacted. It was surprisingly strategic, with elements and energy management playing a big role."...Huh," she murmured. "Okay. This is kinda cool." Then, she decided to join a match.And she lost. Badly.She narrowed her eyes. "Alright. One more time."She lost again.Her grip on her cards tightened. "No way. One more."Lost.Again.By the fourth loss, her eye was twitching.The adventurers were clearly holding back laughter.Jade's pride was in shambles. She was a sore loser. The fact that she was getting beaten at a game she barely cared about was infuriating.Finally, with her pride in tatters, she shoved the cards back and stood up. "Screw this. I'm done. Never playing again."The adventurers burst into laughter. One of them patted her on the back. "Aw, come on, you were getting better!"Jade shot him a death glare.Never. Playing. Again.She stormed off.
A Last Resort: The Library
With no music, no shopping, no cute animals, and now no dignity, Jade was out of options. That was how she found herself standing in front of the Knights of Favonius Library.Jade had to admit something embarrassing, despite playing Genshin Impact for years, she had never actually read the in-game books.She had always collected books in the game. She remembered opening treasure chests, looting shelves, and grabbing every text she found. But she had never actually read them. They were just another collectible, another number to complete. But now? Now she had nothing but time.Jade entered the library and immediately got hit with the scent of old parchments and ink filling the air. The library was grand, tall shelves stretched toward the ceiling, filled with leather bound tomes. Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the floor.She wandered between the shelves, running her fingers along the book spines. The shelves were lined with neatly arranged books, some with gilded titles, others with fraying covers. She traced her fingers over the spines, picking out one at random.She opened the book, and frowned. "...Half of these aren't even in a language I can read.""Because that's the ancient magic section."Jade tensed.She turned...and found Lisa.The librarian leaned lazily against a nearby shelf, a smirk playing on her lips. "We meet again, sweetie~"Jade exhaled. "I forgot you worked here."Lisa chuckled. "I'd be offended if I thought you meant that."Jade folded her arms. "I was just looking for something to do."Lisa raised an eyebrow. "And you came here? My, you must be truly desperate."Jade sighed. "You have no idea."Lisa's smirk widened. "Then let's find something to keep you entertained."Thus, for the next few days, reading became her sole focus.Some books were fascinating, tales of Mondstadt's history, myths of Teyvat, old records of the Archons. Others were written in languages she couldn't understand, their intricate scripts twisting across the pages in elegant but indecipherable patterns. The few books she could read, she devoured quickly, but once she finished, she had no interest in rereading them.Eventually, the novelty wore off.Jade found herself staring at the same pages, her mind wandering. Her thoughts drifted to home, to the people she left behind. She was starting to get sick of flipping through dusty old books."Oh my, already giving up?" Lisa, who had been predicting this exact moment, smirked. "What a shame~ And here I thought I would be getting a new reading buddy."Lisa hummed, amused, before tapping her chin in thought. "You know, if you're looking for something more practical, the Adventurers' Guild might be a good place to start."Jade perked up at that."But..." Lisa trailed off, giving her a once over."But?"Lisa then smiled and dismissed her previous thought. "Why not try signing up and see what happens, hmm?"Jade's lips pressed into a thin line.Adventuring.It wasn't the worst idea.Jade marched towards the Adventurer's Guild, filled with renewed determination. The idea intrigued her. If she couldn't rely on modern comforts, she might as well embrace this world fully. And registering to the Adventurers' Guild would be a great start.But she had imagined it going differently.She had walked up to the counter with confidence, filled out the application form, and handed it to Katheryne, fully expecting an immediate acceptance. Instead, she was met with polite rejection."I'm afraid I cannot approve your registration," Katheryne said, sliding the form back across the counter.Jade blinked. "What? Why not?""The life of an adventurer can be dangerous," Katheryne explained, her expression as neutral as ever. "Thus, there are certain requirements needed to sign up. Sadly, you do not meet them."Jade felt her stomach drop. "I...I don't?""You lack the necessary survival skills. Without them, I cannot, in good conscience, approve your application."Jade stared at the paper. She had imagined it going differently, thought she'd waltz in, sign up, and start her new life as an adventurer. Instead, she was being turned away like some helpless civilian."Let me do a try out commission! It'll show how capable I am.""Try out commissions do not exist."Jade gritted her teeth. "Come on. How am I supposed to prove myself if no one lets me?""Take the Adventurer's Exam.""And how long would that take?""Months."Jade inhaled sharply, frustration bubbling in her chest.Fine.If they wouldn't give her a mission, she'd find one herself.
Harsh Reality Check
It didn't take long to overhear a group of rookie adventurers discussing a lost cargo retrieval near Windrise. It sounded easy, just tracking footprints and maybe lifting a few broken crates. She saw it as the perfect opportunity. If she could just help find a few lost packages, maybe she could prove she was capable. No fighting, no danger, just a simple recovery task.So, Jade followed them.She kept her distance, lingering behind the trees as they searched through the grasslands. They were poking around the underbrush, murmuring amongst themselves as they searched for something.But, of course, things didn’t go as planned.She had been wandering slightly off the path, peering through bushes, when her foot bumped against something solid.A large, wooden crate.Jade grinned. Gotcha.She crouched down, dusting off the side. There were markings on it, the same ones she’d seen at the Adventurers’ Guild. This must be one of them! Excitement surged through her as she pressed her hands against it, preparing to push it out into the open.Then she heard it.A low, rumbling grunt.Jade froze. Slowly, she lifted her gaze.Just beyond the crate, nestled in the tall grass, were a group of sleeping Hilichurls.Jade’s blood ran cold.And then, the crate shifted. A loud creak echoed through the clearing.Jade’s breath caught in her throat as every single Hilichurl stirred.For one terrifying second, there was silence.Then, chaos.The Hilichurls jolted awake with angry snarls, weapons clattering as they scrambled to their feet. The adventurers up ahead turned just in time to see the swarm rushing toward them.Someone shouted, “AMBUSH!”Weapons were drawn. People scattered. The once simple retrieval mission had turned into an all out fight.And Jade?Jade had her own problems.A few Hilichurls had spotted her and were charging straight at her. Her heart pounded in her chest. But then she remembered something.
These were just Hilichurls, right?
She had fought these things before in the game. They were the basic enemies, the ones players farmed for materials without much thought.They should be easy!Jade’s eyes darted around until she spotted a sturdy looking branch on the ground. Without hesitation, she grabbed it, gripping it like a sword.
Alright. I can do this.
One of the Hilichurls lunged at her, and she swung her branch with all her might.
THWACK.
The branch smacked against the Hilichurl’s arm.It barely flinched.Jade blinked. …What?The monster growled, stepping forward.Panic flared in her chest. She quickly grabbed a nearby rock and hurled it at its head.It bounced off with a dull thunk. The Hilichurl did not care.Jade’s stomach twisted. Wait. Why are they so tanky?!The creatures in the game always went down in a few hits! This wasn’t how it was supposed to go!The Hilichurl let out a furious roar and charged.Jade bolted, now fearing for her life.She ran, harder than she had ever run before. The problem? She wasn’t nearly as fit as she thought.Her legs ached. Her breaths were coming in short, gasping pants.Behind her, the Hilichurls were still chasing her.She wasn’t going to make it.Just as she stumbled, about to collapse from exhaustion.A flash of red streaked past her.A figure leaped into the fray, sword drawn. Fire erupted along the blade as it slashed through the air, cutting into the pursuing Hilichurls.“Hey! You okay?!”Jade gasped, she recognised those green eyes and light blonde hair anywhere. “Bennett?!”He grinned. “I heard fighting and figured someone needed help. Looks like I was right!”Bennett’s sword blazed. Despite being outnumbered, he fought with precision, dodging attacks and countering with swift, fiery strikes. For a brief moment, Jade felt relief.Then...the ground crumbled beneath him.Jade barely had time to process what happened before Bennett let out a startled yelp...and fell.Jade lunged forward. “BENNETT!”She skidded to a stop at the edge of the hole. It was deep, too deep.Bennett groaned from the bottom, rubbing his head. “Man, my bad luck strikes again…”Jade gawked. “How do you just FALL into a random hole?!”Bennett chuckled sheepishly. “It happens more often than you’d think.”Jade exhaled, running a hand through her hair. “Okay. Okay. I’ll get you out.”She scanned the area. No rope. No vines. Nothing that would be an easy fix.Bennett, meanwhile, sat cross-legged at the bottom. “Y’know, before that happened, I think I was doing pretty well, huh?”Jade rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but agree. “Yeah. You were. Bad luck aside, your sword skills are no joke.”Bennett grinned. “Thanks!”After a ridiculous amount of effort, some embarrassing failures, and nearly falling in herself, Jade finally managed to help pull Bennett out.By then, the adventurers had driven off the remaining Hilichurls. Unfortunately, someone had recognized Jade.Which led to her next problem.(2525 words)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The sun had set when Jade returned to the city of Mondstadt. It took a while to finally fish Bennett out of the hole. Her clothes now torn and soiled from the day's events. She barely had time to catch her breath before a booming voice cut through the Adventurers' Guild plaza."YOU!"She flinched. Turning her head, she saw Cyrus, the stern and burly Branch Master of Mondstadt's Adventurers' Guild, storming toward her. His heavy boots thudded against the stone pavement, his thick mustache twitching with every step.Jade gulped.She had never really spoken to Cyrus before, but the way his broad shoulders and imposing stance loomed over her now made her feel very, very small.A few bystanders turned to watch, whispering. She had a very bad feeling about this.Cyrus came to a halt in front of her, crossing his massive arms over his chest."Jade." His voice was gravelly and full of restrained fury. "Would you care to explain to me why I just received a complaint about you from a group of rookie adventurers?"Jade opened her mouth, but no words came out.Cyrus's glare hardened. "No explanation? Fine. Allow me to summarize," He took a deep breath.Then, he exploded."WHAT IN BARBATOS' NAME WERE YOU THINKING?!"Jade jumped."You followed a group of inexperienced adventurers without permission, stumbled into a hilichurl camp, woke them up, and caused an absolute disaster!" His voice echoed across the plaza, drawing even more attention.Jade's stomach sank."You could have gotten those recruits killed, do you understand that?! Do you have any idea how reckless that was?!"Jade opened her mouth again, trying to explain herself. "I-I just thought""You just thought?!" Cyrus barked. "You thought what, exactly? That this was some kind of game?! That you could just waltz into the wild, throw some rocks, and come out victorious?!"Jade's face burned. That was exactly what she had thought.Cyrus let out a deep, frustrated huff. "And on top of that, I hear you had to be rescued!" He narrowed his eyes. "By Bennett, of all people!"Jade blinked. What was that supposed to mean?!Cyrus rubbed his temples, exhaling sharply. "Jade, this is not how we operate. We do not take in liabilities."Jade froze.
Liability?
That word stung.Hard.Cyrus shook his head. "If you had been a Guild member, I'd have suspended you immediately. But you're not even an official adventurer yet. You're just..." He exhaled. "You're just some reckless girl playing hero."Jade's chest tightened.She clenched her fists.Cyrus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. When he spoke again, his voice was lower, but no less harsh."Listen to me, and listen well." His gaze bored into hers. "This world is dangerous. You are not prepared for it. And if you continue running headfirst into things you don't understand, you're going to end up dead."Jade swallowed hard.He wasn't yelling anymore, but somehow, that made it worse.A heavy silence followed.Cyrus shook his head one last time. "Now, get out of my sight."Jade turned on her heel and walked away. Not because she wanted to. Her chest felt tight with something ugly. For the first time since arriving in this world, she felt completely and utterly useless. If she stayed any longer, she might've broken down right there.
Defeat Tastes Bitter
Jade found herself at Good Hunter, sitting alone with a piece of Apple Roly Poly, Mondstadt's traditional apple dessert. She thought that having something sweet would cheer her up. But now, she had lost her appetite and instead was poking the dessert while wallowing in self pity. The words from earlier still ringing in her mind.
Liability.
Jade hated it. But Cyrus wasn't wrong. She had made a fool of herself, gotten in the way. And yet, even after everything, she still..."...Still wanna be an adventurer?"Jade startled, looking up. Bennett stood before her, still grinning as if he hadn't just fallen into a sinkhole hours ago.Everything about today had been a wake up call. She wasn't as strong as she thought. She wasn't as prepared.But even so...She looked at Bennett, at the enthusiasm in his eyes."...Yeah. I do." Jade muttered. "But I don't think I'll be able to...""Why not?" Bennett sat down across from her. His cheerfulness still apparent."I'll just be in everyone's way..."Bennett beamed. "You just need training. Don't worry, I'll help you become an adventurer!"Jade blinked. "You will?""Of course! Anyone can be an adventurer. Some may need a little more work than others, but one mishap shouldn't stop you."Jade exhaled, a weak smile tugging at her lips. "A little more work is an understatement.""Hey," Bennett suddenly got serious, "Don't beat yourself up. Accidents happen...I would know."Jade stared at him for a moment, then let out a small, reluctant chuckle. "How do you do it, Benny? Doesn't your bad luck bother you at all?""Of course, it does. I had days when I wished I never had my bad luck. But that's not the reality, is it? And I love being an adventurer too much to let that stop me!"Jade paused and blinked at the boy in front of her. She smiled, "You're gonna be a great teacher, Benny."Bennett scratched his head sheepishly, his ears turned red. "Though you're the first person I'm teaching, so I can't promise I'll be the best but I'll still try."Jade nodded, now feeling much more in the mood to finish her dessert. She then looked at her plate. Her dessert now destroyed by her fork."Let me buy you another one, as thanks for rescuing me today." Bennett gestured towards Sara, whom had quickly grabbed another piece behind the counter.Jade looked at her new plate of warm dessert in front of her, her mind still on the fence of accepting Bennett's petition. Her dignity and optimism now crushed by the reality of her actions. Yet, it all sounded tempting.She had a long way to go. But maybe, just maybe, she could still fight for this."...Alright. Let's do it."Thus began her training.
A New Start
The Whispering Woods stretched endlessly before Jade, the morning sun weaving golden ribbons through the canopy. The crisp scent of damp earth and pine filled her lungs as she adjusted the straps of her borrowed adventurer's pack, still heavy and unfamiliar on her shoulders. It had been a few days since her embarrassing failure with the hilichurls, and now, Bennett had agreed to train her for the Adventurer's Exam.She had half-expected him to pick a training spot near Mondstadt, but of course, he had led her deep into the forest instead, where the terrain was uneven, the paths untamed, and the dangers unpredictable."Alright, so before we start-" Bennett's voice cut off abruptly. A thump followed by a strangled, "Oh, come on!" echoed through the trees.Jade turned sharply to find Bennett suspended midair, tangled in a snare trap.Her first instinct was to laugh."Really? You, of all people, got caught in a trap?"Bennett groaned, twisting helplessly as he dangled upside down. "It's not my fault! The trap wasn't here last time!"Jade wiped the corner of her eye, shaking her head. "Well, I guess we know what our first lesson is: not getting caught in traps."She reached for the rope binding his ankle but paused when a familiar scent of wet fur and wild musk reached her nose.A rustling in the underbrush made her tense.Then a pair of glowing red eyes peered through the leaves.Razor.Jade felt her breath hitch. This was the first time she'd seen him since the night she arrived in Teyvat. She had been too out of it back then to process much of their meeting, but now, looking at him properly, she felt a strange familiarity.Razor, with his wild silver hair and piercing gaze, tilted his head. "Red burny man, caught." he observed.Bennett gave a sheepish grin from where he dangled. "Yo, Razor! Uh, yeah, I kinda walked into this one."Jade blinked. "Oh, you two know each other?"Bennett laughed nervously. "Yeah! We help each other out sometimes. Razor's got the best nose when it comes to tracking stuff!"The wolf-boy nodded sagely before turning his attention to Jade. He sniffed the air, his brows furrowing slightly. "You. Smell... different."Jade tensed. "Uh, thanks?""Not wolf. Not prey. Different."Her stomach churned at that, but she forced herself to keep a neutral expression. "Well, I am different, I guess."Razor hummed in thought but said nothing more. Instead, he stepped forward and, with a single swipe of his claws, cut Bennett loose.The boy landed on the ground with a heavy thud."Ah-ow...thanks, buddy..."Jade chuckled before offering Bennett a hand up. He took it, dusting himself off with an embarrassed sigh."Well! That was a great way to start the day," he muttered. "Alright! Now, training!"
Lesson One: Fire
Jade sat cross-legged before a pile of dried leaves and twigs, staring at them like they had personally insulted her."Okay. Explain to me why this is so hard?" she grumbled.Bennett knelt beside her, rubbing two sticks together with ease. "You just gotta get the friction right! See? It's all about steady pressure."Jade mimicked his motions but got nothing except a pitiful spark that immediately died."Ugh. In movies, they make this look so easy!"Bennett shot her a curious look. "Movies?"Jade froze. "Uh... I mean... nothing! Don't worry about it."He gave her a skeptical look but let it slide. "You just need practice! Here, let me show you again."Jade sighed, watching as Bennett made it look effortless. Even Razor, who had been watching from the sidelines, looked unimpressed.Still, she didn't quit.After what felt like hours of struggling, her fingers sore and her patience running thin, a small ember finally caught onto the dried leaves. The tiny flicker of flame danced before her eyes.Jade gasped."I did it!"Bennett beamed. "See? Told ya!"Even Razor gave an approving nod. "Good. Fire. Warm."Jade felt an unexpected swell of pride. It was such a simple thing, making fire. But in that moment, it felt like an accomplishment.She had created something. Something that could keep her safe.
Lesson Two: Knots & Shelter
Jade's fingers trembled as she struggled with the rope, trying to tie a secure knot around the wooden poles of her makeshift tent.Bennett, standing beside her, watched her fumble with a sympathetic smile. "Not bad for your first try!""It looks like a dying spider," she muttered, glaring at the tangled mess.Bennett laughed. "Hey, you'll get the hang of it! Here, let me-"Before he could finish, the entire structure collapsed.Jade groaned.Razor, who had been quietly observing, finally stepped in. With quick, precise movements, he reassembled the tent with ease, his hands moving with the skill of someone who had done this a hundred times before.Jade gawked. "Okay. That was impressive."Razor simply grunted. "Need strong shelter. Wind, rain... not safe."Jade exhaled, rubbing her temples. She never thought setting up a tent would be a skill she needed to master. Back home, all she had to do was click a few buttons on a screen to skip day and night. She never thought about camping in the wild. Now? She had to earn every inch of progress with sweat and effort.It was exhausting.But... strangely satisfying.
Lesson Three: Finding Food
Bennett led Jade through the forest, pointing out edible berries and mushrooms.Jade furrowed her brows as she examined the different plants. "How do you know which ones aren't poisonous?""Easy! These ones with the speckled tops are safe, but the ones with bright red caps? Definitely don't eat those."Jade squinted at two nearly identical mushrooms in her palm. "They look the same to me..."Bennett chuckled. "You'll get used to it!"She wasn't convinced. Still, she tucked the safe ones into a small pouch, glancing at Razor, who had already foraged twice as much as them."How are you so good at this?"Razor tilted his head. "Wolves learn. We eat. We survive."Jade sighed. "Wish it were that easy for me."Bennett nudged her playfully. "Hey, you're learning! That's what matters."She gave him a sideways glance, before smirking. "You're too optimistic, you know that?"Bennett grinned. "And you're way too dramatic."Jade laughed, shaking her head. Maybe she could do this after all.As they made their way back to camp, she found herself reminiscing about her days as a young scout around ten years old. But she had never thought those skills would actually matter.Yet here she was, in a world that wasn't her own, learning how to survive.Maybe she could do this after all?
Lesson Four: Combat
Jade soon retracted that thought.The wooden training sword rested heavy in Jade's hands. It was nothing more than a dull piece of wood, stripped of any real danger, but even so, her arms strained to hold it steady.How much heavier was an actual sword? A real, sharpened blade of steel?She adjusted her grip, shifting uncomfortably under Bennett's watchful gaze. They had gone over the basics already, footwork, stance, grip. But no matter how many times she practiced, everything felt wrong."Alright, Jade," Bennett called from a few feet away, bouncing lightly on his feet. His own wooden sword rested easily in his grip, his stance relaxed but prepared. "Let's go for a simple overhead strike! Nothing fancy, just get used to the movement."Jade took a deep breath, steadying herselfFeet apart. Knees slightly bent. Shoulders loose, but not too loose.She swung downward.
Whoosh.
Her sword cut through nothing but air.Bennett had already stepped aside, dodging effortlessly.Before she could recover, he moved with startling speed, tapping the flat of his blade against her shoulder. It wasn't a hard hit, but it was a clear sign that, had this been a real fight, she would've been cut down instantly.Jade barely had time to process before he was stepping back, giving her an encouraging nod. "Again!"She exhaled sharply and swung once more.Bennett dodged.Another swing. Another miss.The sword was too light, yet too heavy. Her movements were too slow, her grip too awkward. Every attack she made was sloppy, and Bennett avoided them all with ease.Her arms ached, her breath came heavier, and her frustration only grew.She hated this.She had been training for over a week, swinging this stupid wooden sword day after day, yet it felt like she had made no progress at all.Bennett lowered his sword slightly, giving her a sheepish smile. "You're doing great! But, uh, maybe...""Don't say 'maybe I should take a break,'" Jade snapped, her grip tightening. "I don't need a break. I need to get better."Bennett hesitated before rubbing the back of his neck. "Well... I was gonna say, maybe we should shift focus."Jade frowned, lowering her sword. "What do you mean?"Bennett nodded toward her stance. "I mean, you've got the technique down, Jade! You know how to swing a sword, but the problem is... you don't have the strength yet."Jade scowled. She already knew that. She didn't need it spelled out for her."I figured that out when I couldn't even make you flinch."Bennett gave her a sympathetic look. "Strength takes time to build, and we don't have a lot of time before the exam. So instead of focusing on attacking, let's work on something that doesn't need as much strength, like dodging!"Jade hesitated. "...Dodging?"Bennett grinned. "Yup! No matter how strong your opponent is, if they can't hit you, they can't beat you!"She let that sink in. She had to admit, it did make sense. If she wasn't strong enough to land a hit, then the next best thing was making sure she didn't get hit either."Alright," she sighed, rolling her shoulders. "What's the plan?"Bennett took a step back, raising his wooden sword. "Simple! You dodge, and I'll try to hit you. Ready?"Jade blinked. "Wait, wha-?"
Whack.
The flat of Bennett's sword smacked against her side before she could react.She yelped, stumbling back. "Hey!"Bennett laughed. "You're supposed to move, Jade!"She glared at him, rubbing her sore side. "A warning would've been nice!""Enemies won't give you a warning," he pointed out.Jade groaned. "Fine. Try again."
Whack.
Before she could react, his sword tapped against her shoulder."Too slow!"
Whack.
A hit to her ribs.Jade sucked in a sharp breath, frustration bubbling inside her. She tried to sidestep the next strike, only for her foot to catch on a root, sending her sprawling to the ground.She let out a groan, pressing her forehead against the dirt. "I hate this."Bennett chuckled, offering her a hand up. "You'll get the hang of it! We just need to work on your reaction time. And your footwork. And your balance."Jade shot him a flat look. "You're not making me feel better."Bennett grinned. "Come on, let's try again! This time, don't think too hard, just move."Jade sighed, dusting herself off.This was the start of a long training session.
The Day of Redemption
After three months of relentless training, the day of the adventurer's exam has come. Jade lay motionless beneath her thick woolen blanket, her body cocooned in its warmth as if it could shield her from the inevitable. The weight of exhaustion, both physical and mental, pressed her deeper into the mattress. The air in her small rented room was still, undisturbed, save for the occasional flicker of the candle she had forgotten to snuff out the night before.Outside, Mondstadt had yet to fully awaken. The streets were quiet, save for the distant rustling of leaves and the soft murmurs of early risers. Somewhere far off, the faint toll of a bell marked the slow approach of dawn.She closed her eyes, willing herself to drift back into sleep, to ignore the heavy knot of unease twisting in her stomach.And then
BANG, BANG, BANG!
"Jade! Wake up!"Jade groaned, rolling onto her side and pressing her pillow against her ear in a feeble attempt to block out the noise.The pounding continued, relentless."I know you're in there!" Bennett's voice was loud, insistent. "Come on, get up already!"Her body felt like lead, her limbs unwilling to move."No," she muttered, voice muffled by the pillow.A long pause."...What do you mean 'no'?" Bennett sounded genuinely bewildered."I mean no," Jade repeated, burrowing further into the warmth of her bed.There was a slight rustling outside before the doorknob rattled."...Did you seriously lock the door?"Jade smirked to herself. Of course, I did.A frustrated sigh followed. "Jade, we have to go! The exam starts in two hours, and we need time to prepare!""Too early," she grumbled."It's not too early," Bennett shot back. "We need to leave now if we wanna get there on time! What if there's bad weather? What if something happens on the way? We should always be prepared for the worst-"She tuned him out, squeezing her eyes shut. Maybe if she stayed quiet long enough, he'd give up and leave.No such luck."...Are you scared?"Jade flinched.The question was simple, almost casual, but it cut straight through her defenses. She clenched her jaw, gripping the edge of her blanket tighter."...No.""Jade."His voice wasn't scolding, wasn't accusing. It was just... patient.She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry.Bennett sighed, quieter this time. "I get it. I really do."A pause."When I took my adventurer's exam, I was terrified too."Jade blinked, staring at the ceiling."I kept thinking, What if I mess up? What if I fail? What if all my training was for nothing?" His voice was softer now, not the usual upbeat, reckless energy he carried with him everywhere. "I almost didn't show up."That made her turn her head slightly, listening."But then I realized... the only way you definitely fail is if you don't try at all."Jade exhaled slowly.She had trained for this. Three whole months of sweat, bruises, exhaustion. Three months of forcing herself to adapt to a world that wasn't hers, to learn things she had never once needed before.But what if it wasn't enough?What if she failed?What if she proved, once and for all, that she didn't belong here?Her fingers curled into the blanket, gripping the fabric so tightly her knuckles turned white.Outside, Bennett's voice softened further."You've worked so hard for this, Jade. You deserve to see it through."A long silence stretched between them.Jade shut her eyes, inhaling deeply.She thought back to all those hours spent training, all the times she had collapsed into the dirt, muscles screaming in protest. All the times she had cursed at herself for being too slow, too weak, too unprepared.But she also remembered the victories, the first time she managed to start a fire on her own, the first time she dodged an attack without stumbling, the first time she landed a solid hit against Bennett.She had improved.Maybe not enough. Maybe she really would fail.But she had come this far.If she backed out now, all of it would have been for nothing.Slowly, she threw off the blanket, shivering as the cold air nipped at her skin. The warmth of her bed called to her, but she ignored it, sitting up. Her legs still felt heavy, her body sluggish, but she pushed herself to stand."...Give me five minutes."A loud, relieved sigh came from the other side of the door."Finally!"Jade rolled her eyes, dragging herself toward her dresser.She wasn't ready. Not really.But she was going to try anyway.
The Results
Jade had felt it from the very beginning of the exam, the weight of their gazes.As she stood before the examiners, their scrutiny bore down on her heavier than any sword she had wielded during training. Cyrus, especially, seemed to be watching her every move, his sharp eyes tracking her with an intensity that made her stomach churn.It wasn't paranoia. She knew the reason.Her past mistakes hadn't been forgotten.She gritted her teeth and tried to focus, to push past the sinking feeling in her gut. The written test had been manageable, she had crammed enough over the last few weeks to scrape by. The survival portion had been decent as well. But the combat test...That was where she struggled the most.When she had taken her stance, wooden sword in hand, it had felt no different than when she first picked it up. Unfamiliar. Heavy. The moment the sparring instructor advanced on her, she barely had time to react. Every swing she attempted was sluggish, her footwork unsteady. She wasn't fast enough, wasn't strong enough. She was knocked down. Again. And again.She had wanted to scream in frustration, to throw her weapon aside and quit right then and there. But she didn't.Instead, she got back up.By the end of the exam, she was left panting, her limbs aching, her pride in shambles. But she had finished.And now, standing in the bustling courtyard of the Adventurers' Guild the next day, waiting for the results, Jade wasn't sure if that was enough.The sun had barely risen, yet a crowd had already gathered. Other examinees stood beside her, whispering among themselves, their faces filled with nervous anticipation. Some were confident, others fidgeting anxiously.Jade's heart pounded in her chest.Would she make it? Or would she see her name missing from the list and feel the crushing weight of failure?Her palms felt clammy as she clenched them at her sides.Then, finally, an Adventurers' Guild staff member stepped forward."The results for this season's adventurer's exam are now posted."A wave of movement followed as everyone rushed forward.Jade swallowed hard before stepping closer, her eyes scanning the parchment pinned to the board.Names. Names. Names.Her vision blurred slightly as she frantically searched-
There.
Her name was there.Not at the top. Not anywhere near the best performers.But it was there.She had passed.The breath she had been holding finally escaped her lips, her shoulders slumping in relief."Congratulations," a deep voice rumbled beside her.She turned, startled, to see Cyrus standing a short distance away, arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but his tone lacked the sternness she had come to expect from him.Jade straightened, unsure of what to say.Cyrus sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "My apologies," he said, glancing at her. "Perhaps I was a bit too harsh on you before."Jade blinked at him, caught off guard.The Cyrus she had come to know was strict, intimidating and unwavering in his standards. To hear even a slight admission of fault from him was surprising.But she shook her head. "No," she said firmly. "You weren't too harsh."He raised an eyebrow."Your words were a wake up call," she admitted, gripping the hem of her sleeve. "I needed to hear them. If you hadn't told me the truth back then, I don't think I would have pushed myself as hard as I did."Cyrus studied her for a long moment before nodding approvingly. "Good," he said simply. "You've come a long way, but don't get complacent. Passing the exam is just the beginning. Keep training. Keep improving."Jade smiled. "I will."With that, he stepped away, already moving to speak with the other successful examinees.Jade turned back to the board, her fingers lightly brushing against her name.She wasn't the best adventurer. Far from it.But she was here.And she would keep going.After the initial rush of excitement, the morning quieted down. Many of the examinees had already begun forming groups, eagerly discussing their future plans.Jade, however, found herself standing near the Guild's entrance, staring out at the city with a strange sense of uncertainty.She had passed. She had done it.But what came next?"You should probably start looking for a team now," Bennett's voice came from beside her.She turned to see him standing nearby, arms behind his head, giving her an easy grin.Jade tilted her head. "What do you mean?""Well, most adventurers join a party after passing," Bennett explained. "I figured you'd be looking for one too."Jade furrowed her brows. "But... I have a team."Bennett blinked. "Huh?"Jade stared at him, confused. "I thought I was already part of your team."Bennett's mouth opened slightly as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out.A moment passed."...Wait, really?" he finally blurted.Jade gave him an exasperated look. "Uh, yeah?"Bennett scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "I just thought... I dunno. Maybe you wouldn't want to team up with someone like me. Y'know, with my bad luck and all."Jade rolled her eyes. "I can handle it.""But-""Besides," she interrupted, crossing her arms, "it would be bad for a student to abandon her teacher like that, don't you think?"Bennett stared at her, mouth slightly agape.Then, slowly, his expression shifted into something bright, something warm."...You really wanna join Benny's Adventure Team?" he asked, almost hesitant, as if he didn't want to get his hopes up.Jade gave him a playful smirk. "Of course. Who else is gonna make sure you don't fall into another hole?"For a moment, Bennett just stood there, stunned.Then, he grinned, really grinned, the kind of wide, open smile that could brighten even the darkest days."Welcome to the team, Jade!"(4358 words)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
If there was one thing Jade had learned in her time in Mondstadt, it was that Mondstadters knew how to throw a party. The invitation had come from Kaeya, of all people. Speaking in his usual smooth, teasing tone about how the knights deserved to unwind after a long week. Amber had seconded it, excitedly insisting it would be fun, and even Lisa had chimed in with an encouraging "It's important to socialize, cutie."She hadn't been sure if she wanted to come tonight, parties weren't exactly her thing. The last time she went to a social gathering in her old world, she had spent the entire evening in the corner, pretending to text someone just to avoid making small talk.She even became an expert at standing just close enough to a group to seem like she was involved, holding a drink for the sake of appearances, and laughing when everyone else did, even if she had no idea what the joke was about.So why should this be any different?She was already preparing an excuse when Bennett appeared at her door, practically bouncing on his heels, his face lit up with anticipation."You're coming to the tavern tonight, right?" His enthusiasm was infectious, but Jade still hesitated."Ah... I don't know," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "I might just stay in tonight..."And then Bennett hit her with the look.Wide, hopeful eyes. A slight downward tilt of his mouth, as if she had just broken his heart into tiny, irreparable pieces.Jade stiffened. That was unfair.So here she was.She stepped through the doors of Angel's Share, expecting... well, the usual tavern things. Dim lights, the smell of alcohol, the occasional person passed out in the corner.What she hadn't expected was to be greeted with cheers loud enough to shake the walls."Jade!"A few knights, already deep into their drinks, waved enthusiastically at her, their faces flushed red from alcohol. One of them, who was definitely too drunk to be standing upright, nearly fell out of his chair trying to raise his mug in her direction."Oi, took you long enough!" someone else slurred. "Was beginning to think you got lost on the way here!""Oh please," Jade snorted, crossing her arms. "If anyone's getting lost, it's you guys after your fifth drink."That earned a boisterous laugh from the knights, one of them clapping her on the back so hard she nearly choked.She had barely taken two steps inside before she was suddenly pulled into a warm, very aggressive hug by Amber, who had appeared out of nowhere."You're finally here!" Amber grinned, swaying slightly. She was definitely a little tipsy. "I was starting to think you were gonna ditch us!""I considered it," Jade admitted, grinning as she pried herself free from Amber's grip. "But someone looked at me like a kicked puppy, so..."Bennett, standing beside her, beamed proudly. "So I did work!"Jade groaned. "Don't sound so proud about it."
A Tavern in Chaos
The tavern was alive with energy.Laughter, music, and the smell of roasted meat and dandelion wine filled the air.Charles, the bartender, was moving at the speed of lightning, trying to keep up with drink orders. Diluc, of all people, was behind the counter as well, effortlessly balancing a tray of drinks in one hand while wiping down the counter with the other.Jade blinked. She had never actually seen Diluc work here before.He looked calm, composed, and completely in his element, despite the absolute disaster unfolding around him.Across the room, someone had started a very enthusiastic drinking contest, which involved a very drunk Noelle looking slightly panicked as a group of knights cheered her on.Fischl was standing on top of a chair, dramatically reciting something that sounded suspiciously like poetry.Lisa was lazily leaning against the bar, looking thoroughly amused by the chaos.Jade exhaled, shaking her head. This was Mondstadt for you.And oddly enough... it was nice."I can't help but notice, your glass looks a little empty."Jade barely had time to react before a figure slid into the seat beside her, the scent of wine and expensive cologne wafting in her direction.Kaeya.Of course.She turned her head to find him leaning casually against the counter, a smirk playing on his lips as he twirled his wine glass between his fingers."Enjoying yourself?" he asked, tilting his head.Jade raised an eyebrow. "I was, until you decided to be a menace."Kaeya chuckled. "Oh? And here I thought I was being charming.""You and I have very different definitions of 'charming', Captain."Kaeya placed a hand over his heart, feigning mock hurt. "Ouch, you wound me, Jade."She rolled her eyes. "You'll live."Kaeya leaned in slightly, voice dropping into something smoother, lower. "Careful, Jade. Keep talking like that, and I might start thinking you like me."Jade didn't miss a beat.She leaned in too, closing the distance just a little, tilting her head with an innocent smile. "And what if I do?"For half a second, Kaeya faltered, just barely; just enough for Jade to catch the flicker of surprise in his expression.Then he laughed, shaking his head. "Dangerous words, my dear. Dangerous words."Jade smirked, just about to press the teasing further,Clink.A cold glass of water was abruptly placed between them.Both of them turned their heads to see Diluc, standing there with the most unimpressed look Jade had ever seen."Drink," Diluc said flatly.Kaeya snorted. "Really, Diluc? You're interrupting a perfectly fun conversation.""I'm stopping you from getting her drunk."Jade let out a short laugh, leaning back. "Wow. Talk about ruining the moment.""Ruining?" Diluc raised an eyebrow. "You'd thank me later."Jade exchanged glances with Kaeya before both of them chuckled, shaking their heads in amusement. Slowly, in the corner of her eye, she spotted a shade of teal.And then...
It happened.
The Glitch That Started It All
Jade was in the middle of her hearty laugh with Kaeya. The warm tavern lights flickering behind her, the air filled with laughter and the rich scent of spiced wine. Then a jolt ran through her body.The tavern around her flickered, warping like a distorted memory. A sharp, unnatural static crackled through the air, invisible yet tangible, like the world itself had been struck by a surge of corrupted energy. The warmth of the room bled into a sudden, unnatural cold, and for a terrifying second, she felt like she was standing in two places at once.The edges of her vision flickered, warping, twisting. Colours bled out, turning everything into a surreal haze. The familiar walls of the tavern melted into something wrong, something broken.And then, as if lightning struck her body, an unnatural tremor seized her muscles. Her hands twitched-- no, they stuttered. It was like a glitched-out image in a lagging game. Her entire form shuddered, duplicated for a split second before snapping back in place.Her reflection in a nearby glass fractured. For a second, there were two of her, misaligned, like a corrupted image struggling to load. Her heartbeat slammed against her ribs, a creeping dread pooling in her gut.The world around her rippled: the tables, the walls, the people. Their forms wavered, as if flickering between two versions of existence, one real and one distorted. The ambient sounds of the tavern, clinking glasses, friendly laughter, the low hum of conversation. It all echoed strangely, it kept distorting and repeating like a broken record skipping.It lasted less than a second.And yet, it felt like an eternity.Then.....snap.Everything slammed back into place.The flickering stopped. Colours returned. Sound normalized. The tavern stood solid and unchanged, its warmth wrapping around her once more as if nothing had ever happened.Except, it had.Her pulse was still racing. She knew what she had seen. What she had felt.But no one else had reacted.No one had noticed.Not even Kaeya, who had been standing right next to her. He was still mid-laugh, exchanging a grin with Jade over their previous joke, completely unaware of the terrifying anomaly that had just ripped through her reality.
What the hell was that?
Her heart hammered against her chest. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her coat, trying to ground herself, trying to push away the sudden fear curling up her spine.
That wasn't normal.
Her eyes then darted around the room, searching for an answer. She shook her head, forcing her vision back into focus.Then she remembered the moment before what happened. It was because she saw him.
The Bard
A lone figure sat at a table near the back, his arms resting lazily on the wood, fingers loosely curled around an empty glass. His teal cloak was slightly disheveled, his feathered hat tilted at an odd angle.Jade's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't tear her gaze away.He wasn't looking at her, not yet, at least. He was slumped over, seemingly lost in his own world, twirling his drink absentmindedly.Jade had a clue on who they were, but she was too tipsy to confirm her suspicions."...Hey, Diluc?" she asked, her voice unsteady."What is it?""That guy over there." She pointed at the drunk. "Who is he?"Diluc followed her gaze before grimacing. "That's Venti. A bard."Yup, it's him. Jade's eyebrows furrowed. "Just a bard?""A talented one," Diluc admitted, though his tone didn't sound very fond. "One of the best in Mondstadt. Not that it stops him from drowning himself in alcohol every time he's in town."Jade's eyes stayed locked on him. "He's not usually in town?"Diluc's distaste was clear. "He does it every so often. He'll disappear for some time, then reappear to just take advantage of a drinking party. Not that I let him, I'm keeping tab of every glass he has. Though I doubt he'll pay it anytime soon."Venti shifted slightly, as if sensing their conversation, but he didn't look up.On the other hand, Jade's eyes were locked onto Venti, her mind racing. Why had she glitched when she saw him?Did the game itself had just warned her not to approach?Jade's hands curled into fists. Something inside her told her she needed to talk to him, now more than ever after what happened. She let out a breath, trying to shake off the discomfort.But when she glanced back toward Venti's table....He was gone.Jade's stomach dropped. She immediately stood, scanning the tavern. Where did he go?No one seemed to notice.Jade pushed past a few patrons, making her way toward the door.Nothing.No sign of him.Jade let out a frustrated sigh as she stood outside Angel's Share, her breath curling in the cool Mondstadt night. The streets had emptied, save for the occasional knight patrolling under the flickering lanterns. The celebration inside still carried on without her. Laughter and clinking glasses echoing through the wooden doors, but she couldn't bring herself to go back in.She had searched for Venti until her legs ached, checking every alley, every rooftop, even daring to peek into the Cat's Tail, though she doubted he'd be in a place serving more milk than wine. But he was nowhere to be found. It was as if he had simply vanished into the night.And maybe that was what unsettled her the most.Even if he was just a drunken bard, he was still real, still solid. Unlike whatever happened to her earlier. The glitch.Her hand trembled slightly as she looked at them once more, trying to shake the memory. It wasn't normal. It wasn't supposed to happen."Jade?"She turned sharply to see Bennett standing a few steps away, brows furrowed with concern. "You okay? You just... kinda left all of a sudden."Jade forced a smile. "Yeah, just not feeling too great. Guess I drank too much." It was a weak excuse, but it wasn't entirely a lie.Bennett studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before he finally nodded. "Alright. Just make sure you get some rest, okay?"Jade gave a halfhearted wave before retreating back to her room.But sleep didn't come easy.Jade laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts spiraling. She had convinced herself that this was just a normal isekai situation, that she was like any other protagonist from the stories, pulled into a different world, meant to live out some adventure.But that glitch.She shivered.It wasn't just a moment of dizziness or a trick of the light. It was like the world itself had cracked, just for a second, like something was wrong with her.Was it because she saw Venti?Was the game trying to tell her something? Was it warning her to stay away?She squeezed her eyes shut and rolled onto her side, pulling the blanket over her head as if she could hide from her own thoughts.Jade's body felt heavy, yet she couldn't sink into the abyss of sleep. Her mind would not grant her any rest. And she didn't sleep again after that.
A Meeting Beneath the Tree
The nights were merciless.No matter how exhausted Jade was, no matter how much she tried to push away the images, the same nightmare greeted her the moment she closed her eyes.She would wake up with a start, drenched in sweat, heart pounding like a war drum. Each time, she would press a hand to her chest, trying to steady herself, trying to convince herself it was just a dream.But the exhaustion piled up.Days passed, and it showed.Her movements were sluggish, her steps dragging more than usual. The once bright glimmer in her eyes was dulled by fatigue, and the shadows under them had grown too dark to ignore.Even Bennett, always the optimistic one, noticed."You seriously don't look good, Jade." He furrowed his brows, his usual cheerful energy dimmed by concern. "Are you sure you're okay to do commissions today? We can take it easy, y'know."Jade forced a weak grin, waving him off. "I'm fine. Just... haven't been sleeping well."Bennett gave her a long look. "Because of bad dreams?"Jade hesitated before nodding. "...Yeah. Something like that."Bennett frowned but didn't push. Instead, he offered an encouraging pat on the back. "Alright, then let's take it slow today. No heavy lifting for you!"That promise, however, didn't last very long.Because here she was, helping Bennett pushing a cart full of crates down the dirt road."Take it slow, he says..." Jade grumbled under her breath, "No heavy lifting, he says.""I'm sorry..." Bennett cried out while pulling the rope at the front of the cart. "I should have checked the details before accepting it..."Jade sighed. "It's not your fault, Bennett. I'm just... grumpy, from the lack of sleep."After the day of small commissions, the final one was to escort a trader from Liyue to Mondstadt while fending off any unwanted hirichurls. But the wheel of the cart had broken off mid-way. And after a quick fix with some rope and some hope, both Bennett and Jade thought it would be best to just push it all the way there.They were passing Windrise when Jade felt it.A shift in the air.The wind, which had been gentle and unassuming, suddenly carried a subtle melody; soft, familiar, and strangely calming.Jade turned her head toward the massive tree.The great tree stood tall, its leaves rustling softly in the wind, the Anemo sigil carved into its bark glowing faintly in the morning light.And there he was.
Venti.
Sitting beneath the ancient oak, his form relaxed, his gaze turned toward the sky as if lost in thought.Jade immediately slowed to a stop.Unlike the last time she had searched for him, there were no strange glitches, no flickering visions. Instead, there was only the soft whisper of the wind, wrapping around her like a comforting presence.Was it because of him? Or rather, because of Barbatos?She inhaled deeply."Bennett.""Hm?""Wait here."Bennett blinked in confusion as she stepped away from the cart, her focus solely on the bard beneath the tree.As Jade walked forward, a dozen questions swirled in her mind.Should she ask about the statue?Should she ask if he knew how she could go home?Or was she just... curious?Curious as to why the game had sent her such a horrifying warning.Did Venti.....did Barbatos even have the answers?She was so caught up in her thoughts that she almost didn't notice when he spoke."The wind has told me..."His voice was light, almost sing-song, but focused."...that you were looking for me."He still hadn't looked at her.Jade halted mid-step.The ease in his voice, as if he had known she would come, it sent a shiver down her spine.She exhaled slowly, steadying herself before speaking."Yeah. I guess I was."Jade looked at him. Her headache from the fatigue of sleepless nights disappeared due to the calming wind. "You see, I'm really, really far away from home." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I want to know if you could help me get back?"Venti finally looked at Jade, his gaze full of curiosity and wonder. "I think you've mistaken. I'm only a wandering bard. I'm afraid I can't help you with your traveling troubles.""Venti may not, but Barbatos could."Venti's eyes narrowed, his smile fading slightly as he gave her a scrutinizing look. For the first time, there was a glint of suspicion in his gaze. "Barbatos, you say?" His voice dropped to a more cautious tone. "And why, pray tell, would you be asking me about that?"Jade took a deep breath. "Before I came to Mondstadt, I saw something... An upside-down Anemo Archon statue."Venti's eyes sharpened even more as he leaned in, studying her intently. "Why ask me? What is it you want from me, Jade?" he asked, his voice now carrying an edge of curiosity mixed with suspicion. "You know something, don't you?"Jade held his gaze steadily, the seriousness of the moment not lost on her. "I'm not asking for anything, Venti. I just think... I think there's something going on. That statue... it's more than just a strange curiosity. And I have a feeling you might know more about it than you're letting on."Venti was quiet for a long moment, considering her words. There was something in Jade's demeanor that suggested she wasn't a mere adventurer. She seemed to know more than she should, and the way she spoke made him wonder if she had already uncovered things even he hadn't fully grasped yet. Finally, he sighed, pushing his lyre back into its case, and looked at Jade with a softer expression."I'm afraid I can't be of help to you. There are things that the winds cannot reach, even for me." He smiled again, the playful gleam returning to his eyes. "Still, you have my attention. What else do you know?"Jade's expression softened, but she was determined. "I don't know everything yet. But I know there's an outworlder arriving soon, they might even be here already."As soon as she mentioned an outworlder. A gust of strong wind rushed past them.The atmosphere turned heavy, thick with something unsettling.Then came the roar.Loud. Echoing across the land.Jade snapped her head up, her heart lurching in her chest.The sky had turned gray, clouds swirling aggressively as if a storm was about to break."Jade!!"She turned, spotting Bennett waving frantically from where the cart was, his voice barely carrying over the wind.Something massive passed overhead, its shadow swallowing the ground below.Jade's breath hitched.
Stormterror.
The dragon soared above them, its enormous wings cutting through the sky with a terrifying grace. The trees shook violently, their branches whipping in protest against the wind's fury.Jade froze, her breath caught in her throat.Venti then spoke."Head back to Mondstadt."His voice was soft but firm, carrying a weight she hadn't expected.Jade's stomach twisted. "...Why?"Venti's eyes flickered toward the direction where Stormterror had disappeared."Because Mondstadt," he said, "is about to be in big trouble."(3211 words)