The aftermath of the Qiuqiu siege left Mondstadt's bridge a scene of controlled chaos, the air thick with the scent of singed grass and the faint tang of Abyss magic. The stone arches of the bridge, etched with Anemo sigils, glowed faintly under the moonlight, their light casting eerie shadows on the scattered remains of the defeated Qiuqiu. The Knights of Favonius moved with practiced efficiency, their golden armor clinking as they dragged the bodies of the fallen creatures to the side. Two Abyss Mages, their elemental shields shattered, lay bound in chains of Geo-infused steel, their glowing eyes dimmed by defeat. They had orchestrated the attack, but their plans had crumbled under the combined might of Mondstadt's defenders and a certain traveler from Liyue.
Xander stood at the edge of the bridge, the Shadowfang Blade sheathed at his side, its dark steel still humming from the battle. He had caught the Abyss Mages as they attempted to flee, their retreat cut short by his dimensional slashes. Unlike elemental attacks, his spatial magic ignored their shields, tearing through the protective barriers as if they were paper. The mages, now defenseless, had been easy prey. A few swift strikes had left them vulnerable, and the Knights of Favonius had rushed in to bind them, their chains clinking as they secured the captives for interrogation.
A voice broke through the night, warm yet authoritative, pulling Xander from his thoughts. "You are… Mr. Xander, aren't you?" Acting Grand Master Jean approached, her blonde hair catching the torchlight as she stepped forward. Her blue eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and recognition in her gaze. "You rushed over from Liyue so quickly—I didn't expect to see you here."
Xander offered a slight smile, brushing a speck of dust from his cloak. "I move fast when there's trouble," he replied, his tone light but carrying an undercurrent of steel. He glanced at the bound Abyss Mages, their forms twitching faintly against the chains. "Looks like I arrived just in time."
Jean nodded, her expression softening as she extended a hand. "Let me introduce myself properly. I'm Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius." Her grip was firm, her calloused palm a testament to years of wielding a sword in Mondstadt's defense.
A cheerful voice piped up beside her, accompanied by the rustle of a red scarf. "Hi! I'm Amber, the Outrider of the Knights of Favonius!" The young archer beamed, her brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Her bunny-eared headband bobbed as she gave a small wave, her bow slung across her back.
Another figure stepped forward, her posture rigid and her tone clipped. "I am Eula, Captain of the Reconnaissance Company of the Knights of Favonius," she said, her icy blue eyes appraising Xander with a mix of suspicion and grudging respect. Her claymore rested on her shoulder, its Cryo-infused blade still shimmering from the battle. "Your skills are impressive, but don't think this means I won't mark you for vengeance if you cross me."
Xander chuckled, unfazed by her warning. "Noted. I'll try to stay on your good side."
A smooth, teasing voice joined the introductions, its owner stepping into the torchlight with a sly grin. "I've heard of you—quite the reputation you're building. I'm Kaeya, Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius." Kaeya's single visible eye gleamed with mischief, his Cryo Vision glowing faintly at his hip. His dark blue hair framed his face, the eyepatch over his right eye adding an air of mystery to his roguish charm.
Xander nodded to each of them, his mind cataloging their faces and titles. Jean, the steadfast leader with her long hips and unwavering resolve; Eula, the vengeful knight whose elegance belied her ferocity; Amber, the fiery lighter of Mondstadt's skies; and Kaeya, the true king of icy deception. He'd seen them all in the second creation broadcast the previous night, their personalities as vivid in person as they were on screen. A wave of nostalgia washed over him—these were the heroes who had welcomed him to Teyvat in the game, the first companions of his journey. Mondstadt was where dreams began, a city of freedom and hope, even amidst its struggles.
"It's good to meet you all," Xander said, his tone warm. "But it seems Mondstadt's situation isn't exactly… optimistic."
Jean sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she glanced at the bound Abyss Mages. "The Abyss Order has been attacking more frequently, and I can't quite discern their true intentions," she admitted. "They strike at the city, but it feels like a distraction—a way to keep us pinned here."
Xander nodded, his expression darkening. "It's a cover. They're likely trying to divert your attention while they manipulate Teucer, the Wind Dragon, into attacking. With most of your knights away, they see an opportunity to destabilize Mondstadt."
Jean's eyes widened, her grip tightening on her sword. "Teucer… if that's their goal, we're in greater danger than I thought." She turned to her knights, her voice firm. "Take the Abyss Mages to the holding cells—we'll interrogate them tonight. The rest of you, clean up the battlefield and reinforce the gates."
The common knights sprang into action, their movements swift as they cleared the bridge of debris and Qiuqiu remains. Jean gestured for Xander to follow, leading him across the bridge into Mondstadt City. Amber, Eula, and Kaeya fell into step behind them, their presence a reassuring weight at his back. The city gates loomed ahead, their stone surface carved with the symbol of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. The gates creaked open, revealing the cobblestone streets of Mondstadt, bathed in the soft glow of streetlamps.
Xander couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as they crossed the bridge. In the game, pigeons often gathered here, their cooing a familiar sound to players. He'd half-hoped to harvest a wave of poultry meat with a dimensional slash, but the siege had scared off any wildlife. "No pigeons tonight," he muttered under his breath, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
Mondstadt City unfolded before him, a quintessential western-style city-state straight out of an RPG. The streets were lined with timber-framed houses, their windows glowing with the warm light of hearths. Flower boxes adorned every corner, bursts of color from windwheel asters and dandelions brightening the night. The central plaza, dominated by the statue of Barbatos, was quiet, its fountain bubbling softly under the stars. The cathedral loomed in the distance, its spires piercing the sky, a symbol of Mondstadt's faith in the Anemo Archon. The air here was lighter than in Liyue, infused with a sense of freedom and ease, even amidst the recent attack.
As the first city players encountered in the game, Mondstadt had left a lasting impression on Xander. It was a place of beginnings, where the Traveler's journey had started, and where he'd first felt the magic of Teyvat. Compared to the heavier atmospheres of Liyue and Inazuma, with their political tensions and tragic histories, Mondstadt was a breath of fresh air. But that lightness came with its own challenges—the city's relaxed nature made it vulnerable to threats like the Abyss Order.
Jean led Xander to the second-largest hotel in Mondstadt, a cozy establishment with ivy-covered walls and a sign reading "Windblume Inn." "We'll arrange for your stay here," she said, her tone apologetic. "I would have preferred the Goethe Hotel—it's the largest in Mondstadt—but the Fatui have booked it out entirely. We've had to let them operate freely in the city, much to our frustration."
Xander raised an eyebrow, his mind flashing to Tartaglia and the Fatui's schemes in Liyue. "The Fatui, huh? They're a persistent bunch. I'll steer clear for now."
Jean nodded, handing him a key to his room. "Your board and lodging are covered—I'll take care of the expenses myself. It's the least we can do for your help tonight." She paused, her expression softening. "We'll discuss your commission tomorrow—the Knights have urgent matters to attend to tonight with the interrogation of the Abyss Mages."
With that, Jean and the others departed, their figures disappearing into the night as they headed toward the Knights' headquarters. Xander watched them go, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma… it's always the women who bear the heaviest burdens," he mused aloud. Jean, with her unyielding dedication; Keqing, with her tireless work in Liyue; Kujou Sara, with her rigid loyalty in Inazuma—they were all women of duty, their stubborn resolve a shield against temptation. It was a trait he admired, even if it often left them overworked.
He entered the Windblume Inn, the interior a warm contrast to the cool night air. The lobby was adorned with wooden beams and Anemo-themed tapestries, the scent of fresh bread and ale lingering from the dining area. His room was modest but comfortable, with a soft bed, a small desk, and a window overlooking the plaza. Xander set his belongings down, his mind already wandering to food. He'd been craving an authentic Mondstadt dish, and the Deer Hunter restaurant was his first choice. But the Qiuqiu attack had forced the city into lockdown, and the restaurant had closed early. "Looks like I'll have to wait until tomorrow," he sighed, his stomach rumbling in protest.
His next thought was the Angel's Gift tavern, a popular spot for Mondstadt's nightlife. He made his way through the quiet streets, the cobblestones cool beneath his boots. The tavern's sign swung gently in the breeze, its depiction of a winged goblet glowing under a lantern. Inside, the atmosphere was subdued—only a few patrons sat at the tables, nursing their drinks in silence. Charles, the bartender, stood behind the counter, polishing a glass with a rag. The usual crowd was absent: Diluc, the tavern's owner and the Darknight Hero, was likely patrolling the city; Rosaria, who never worked overtime, was nowhere to be seen; and Venti, the bard who fished for free drinks, was missing as well.
Xander approached the counter, his disappointment evident. "Quiet night, huh?" he asked, leaning against the bar.
Charles nodded, his expression weary. "The attack scared off most of the regulars. Master Diluc and that bard are probably out there, keeping an eye on things. Can I get you something?"
Xander sighed, the idea of drinking alone losing its appeal. "I'll take a few bottles of Dawn Winery's finest—something to pair with a late supper back at the inn."
Charles retrieved three bottles of dandelion wine, their labels stamped with the winery's crest. "This should do the trick. Enjoy your night, traveler," he said, sliding the bottles across the counter.
Xander paid and left, the bottles clinking softly in his bag as he returned to the Windblume Inn. The city was settling into a restless quiet, its citizens still on edge from the siege. He passed a group of children playing near the fountain, their laughter a small spark of normalcy in the tense night. A mother called them inside, her voice sharp with worry, and the plaza fell silent once more.
Back in his room, Xander uncorked one of the bottles, the sweet aroma of dandelion wine filling the air. He poured a glass, the golden liquid catching the candlelight as he took a sip. The taste was crisp and floral, a perfect representation of Mondstadt's spirit. He paired it with a simple meal from his provisions—some grilled fish and bread he'd bought in Liyue—but his mind was elsewhere. The second creation broadcast was calling, its potential for chaos a siren song he couldn't resist.
"It's not too late," he murmured, glancing at the clock on the wall. Most of Mondstadt was still awake, the city's lights a testament to its sleepless vigilance. "Tonight, let's give Jean and little Klee a spotlight in the second creation video."
He activated the broadcast system, its interface shimmering into existence before him. The virtual screen glowed with a soft blue light, the chat already buzzing with anticipation. Jean, with her long hips and steadfast heart, and Klee, the adorable spark of Mondstadt, would make for a perfect duo. The video would be a lighthearted spoof, a chance to bring some joy to a city under siege—and perhaps stir up a bit of mischief in the process.
The Shadowfang Blade at his side thrummed, a silent cheer for the chaos to come. Mondstadt's night was far from over, and Xander was just getting started.
***
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