The storm had not yet faded.
Dark clouds still churned above Mondstadt, and fierce winds swept through the streets, forcing banners to snap violently against stone walls. The once-lively city had grown tense and quiet, its people remaining indoors while the Favonian Knights mobilized in response to the chaos caused by Stormterror.
Aether walked slowly through the city streets, his cloak fluttering behind him as he kept his head low against the wind. His golden eyes scanned his surroundings, taking in everything—the closed shops, the guarded alleyways, the strained expressions of those brave enough to venture outside.
"So this is what a city under siege looks like…" he muttered.
Ahead, he noticed several armored figures moving with purpose toward the city gates. Their armor bore the insignia of the Knights of the Favonius, and each carried weapons and supplies as if heading for a battlefield.
"They're leaving the city?" Aether wondered aloud.
He stopped at the side of the road, watching as the knights passed by in disciplined formation.
"Be careful out there," one civilian whispered as they went by.
Aether clenched his fists.
Everyone seems to know what they're doing… except me.
With no destination and no plan, he stood there as the wind howled past him, carrying with it a sense of uncertainty.
Then—
"Excuse me! You there!"
Aether turned.
The Girl Behind the Counter
Behind a small wooden stall stood a young woman with black hair. Her posture was straight, her expression calm and professional despite the storm raging around them.
She raised her hand politely.
"Could you come closer for a moment?"
Aether hesitated, then walked toward her.
"I apologize for calling out so suddenly," she said with a gentle nod. "Especially during a situation like this."
"It's fine," Aether replied. "Did you need something?"
She smiled faintly.
"My name is Katheryne. I am a receptionist for the Adventurers' Guild here in Mondstadt."
"Adventurers' Guild?" Aether echoed.
"Yes," Katheryne replied smoothly. "Our guild supports adventurers by providing commissions, guidance, and compensation for completed tasks."
Aether looked genuinely puzzled.
"I don't think I qualify as an adventurer," he said honestly. "I don't even know where I'm supposed to go."
Katheryne tilted her head slightly, studying him.
"And yet," she said, "you have the look of someone capable. If you are a traveler with no fixed destination, the Adventurers' Guild can provide structure—and income."
"Income?" Aether repeated.
"Yes," she continued. "You will earn Mora, receive lodging information, gain access to commissions, and be recognized as a legal adventurer across many regions."
Aether fell silent.
Someone offering me a place… a purpose…
"…I'd be lucky to turn that down," he said after a moment. "I accept."
Katheryne's smile widened.
"Wonderful. Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild, Adventurer."
A New Beginning
Katheryne reached beneath the counter and handed him a thick book bound in leather.
"This is your Adventurer Handbook," she explained. "It records your progress, available commissions, and important information."
Aether accepted it carefully.
"You can use this to track tasks, locations, and rewards," she added. "As you gain experience, more opportunities will become available."
"I'll remember that," Aether said.
The wind howled again, stronger than before.
Aether glanced upward. "The storm doesn't seem like it's ending anytime soon."
"No," Katheryne replied. "Until Stormterror is dealt with, it's unsafe to remain in the city for long periods."
"Then… do you know a safe place where I could stay for now?"
Katheryne nodded and pulled out a folded map.
"There is a quiet settlement south of Mondstadt called Springvale," she said, marking the location. "It's far from the city center and relatively safe. You should be able to find a house for rent there."
She handed him the map.
"Thank you," Aether said sincerely.
"Stay safe, Adventurer," Katheryne replied. "And welcome."
Springvale
Following the marked path, Aether left the city behind.
The farther he traveled, the calmer the air became. The storm clouds thinned, and the wind softened as grassy plains gave way to quiet farmlands.
By the time he reached Springvale, the sun was already beginning to dip toward the horizon.
The village was small and peaceful. A few villagers stood outside their homes, talking quietly.
Aether approached one of them.
"Excuse me," he said. "Do you know where I might find a house for rent?"
The man studied him briefly before pointing down the road.
"Try that house near the well," he said. "The owner's been looking for a tenant."
Aether followed the directions and soon found himself knocking on a wooden door.
An older man answered.
"You looking for something?" he asked.
"I'm looking for a place to stay," Aether replied. "I was told you might be renting."
The man considered him for a moment.
"…You seem honest enough," he said. "The rent's fair. Pay monthly."
"That works for me," Aether said.
The agreement was made.
A Moment of Rest
The house was modest but clean.
"One person doesn't need much more than this," Aether said quietly.
He removed his clothes, bathed, and finally collapsed onto the bed.
Tomorrow, I'll start taking commissions…
Sleep claimed him quickly.
The Storm Ends
While Aether rested, the Favonian Knights reached the three abandoned wind temples.
Steel clashed against dark magic as they fought the Abyss Order.
"For Mondstadt!"
The final connections were severed.
High above the city, the storm dissipated.
Citizens emerged, cheering.
Back at headquarters, Jean, Acting Grand Master, received the report.
"Excellent work," she said. "You've protected Mondstadt."
Meanwhile, atop the city walls, Venti stared into the distance.
"…I will save you, Dvalin," he whispered, clutching a red crystal tear. "No matter what it takes."
Hunger in the Night
Night fell.
Aether woke suddenly.
"…I'm hungry."
He stepped outside—then froze.
"I don't have any Mora…"
With a sigh, he ventured into the wild.
After a long walk, he found an apple tree.
"Lucky," he said.
As he reached for an apple—
"Yaah!"
Hilichurls emerged from the shadows.
Aether's eyes hardened.
"…So this is how it is."
They rushed him.
Aether stepped forward.
He dodged the first swing, grabbed the attacker's arm, and slammed it into the ground. Another lunged—Aether spun, delivering a clean strike to its jaw.
The third leapt from behind.
Aether turned, caught it mid-air, and slammed it down with brute force.
The final one charged wildly.
Aether clenched his fist.
"One hit."
He struck.
The Hilichurl collapsed.
Aether stood untouched.
"…That was easier than I expected."
A Quiet End
He gathered the apples and walked home, eating one calmly.
From a distance, he noticed a huge tree beside a statue.
He sat on a rock.
The wind brushed past him gently.
"…This world isn't so bad," he said softly.
The apples tasted sweet.
And for the first time, Aether felt at peace.