Mondstadt City now looks like it has been decorated; the entrance to the district has a green welcoming carpet, flowers on buildings, plants at the main plaza, and the Anemo Archon statue. Even the Statue of the Seven is decorated if you're adventuring out in Starfell Valley or other places that have a statue.
It was exciting for everyone as today is the day the Windblume Festival officially begins. Many people of Mondstadt are already out here looking forward to everything that is prepared. You can even see people from other nations visiting Mondstadt for the festival.
"It is surprising that time passes by so fast. So many things happened throughout this week."
Naofumi mutters to himself as he looks through his status menu. He was now in level 5, as he thought he would be somewhere at level 10 or more, but Hilichurls and Slimes were only found in groups of 3, 4, or 5. But they weren't much stronger to give out more EXP. Just a few 20 or 30-character points.
Plus, they don't really do much harm to the people of Mondstadt, so Naofumi left them alone unless they act, which happens during his commissions. He recalls having to save Reckless Palled repeatedly whenever he was out adventuring around Mondstadt with Amber or Eula sometimes.
Sometimes he even went out with people he befriended during the week, and right now he is with one of his new friends, his name—
"Naofumi! Are you ready for the Windblume Festival? I can't wait to enjoy the fun the festival will bring! But… My bad luck will get in the way, and you'll be dragged along with me."
Naofumi just smiled as he patted the back of a boy who looked dejected at his own bad luck. He wears cuffed navy shorts and a sleeveless cream-colored jacket with blue and gold details, a leather belt, a bag with his Pyro Vision attached to it, gloves, a yellow bandanna tied around his right arm, and goggles on his head.
He also has pale ash-gray hair, light tan skin, and bright green eyes. Eyes that were similar to Naofumi's, but Naofumi's eyes were deeper green. There was even a scar on his left shoulder.
"Bennett, I don't mind your bad luck affecting me. Besides, after a few days of meeting you, your bad luck didn't occur as much as it did just by being near me."
When Naofumi first met Bennett, it was on the day he joined the Adventurers' Guild. He was told by both Eula and Amber that they'll be busy with the preparations of the Windblume Festival so he was alone for the time being. Until he met Bennett when he went to check in with Katheryne to see what his commission for the day was.
Bennett greeted Naofumi as he introduced himself as the leader of Benny's Adventure Team, the only member of the group. Naofumi greeted him as well, and he asked what Bennett was doing, as he explained to Naofumi that he was about to do his commissions.
Naofumi then asks him if he would join his team as both of them could do commissions together, and he also doesn't understand why Bennett was the only member of his own team. Bennett was thrilled to hear that Naofumi wished to join his team as he welcomed him with open arms.
Before Naofumi could say anything, he was immediately pulled aside by someone who looked like an adventurer thanks to his green clothing. It seems he noticed Naofumi was near Bennett and overheard the conversation.
The adventurer urgently told Naofumi that if he wishes to avoid any misfortune, then he should stay away from Bennett. He told him that being near Bennett will cause bad luck to anyone who is just beside him, that Bennett is cursed with misfortune, and is known as Unlucky Bennett.
But to the Adventurer's dismay, Naofumi shrugs off the warning, telling him that Bennett couldn't be cursed with that much bad luck or didn't believe in bad luck that much, as he simply walks back, ignoring more warnings from the Adventurer.
Naofumi asks Katheryne about his commission as she explains four of them to him and Bennett. Three quests to bring back iron ores, food ingredients found outside the city, get slime condensate, and clear out a Hilichurl camp that was on the route from Mondstadt.
He then asks Bennett if he is okay with doing these commissions, and Bennett says he is fine with them. Both of them then set off, not before a plant pot suddenly fell out of the sky and hit Bennett straight in the head.
This shocks Naofumi as he immediately checks on Bennett to see if he is alright. Not before another falling pot fell on Naofumi. It didn't hurt his head thanks to his high defense, but he was surprised that another pot fell.
He checked to see if someone had dropped the pots on purpose, but there was no one, not even a balcony where they stood. Naofumi thought it was a coincidence that those pots fell on them and thought nothing of it.
At least until they try to complete their commissions. Naofumi was met with misfortune by another misfortune alongside Bennett. The iron ores were difficult to find, as all they could find was coal. The ingredients they somehow managed to find were either already taken, ruined by a Hilichurl, or were just in bad condition despite the gathering skill ability doing it.
Then there was the Hilichurl camp. It wasn't all what Naofumi had expected, six Mitachruls along with two Hilichurl shooters. It was a miracle that Naofumi and Bennett were able to make it back alive.
Naofumi wished that it had all been a complete coincidence, but something broke through the hope in the form of a shield. The shield absorbed something that it did on its own. And it was unlocked after they managed to finish the last commission as it was halfway through the day.
Misfortune Shield: equip bonus: misfortune nullify/range (medium)
Equip effect: bad luck detection (max)
That was when Naofumi believed Bennett was truly cursed with bad luck. He could not believe there was someone who was that cursed with so many incidents involving Bennett getting hurt one way or another.
But he was also shocked by how such misfortune Bennett showed was able to unlock a shield that was born from bad luck. He was hesitant to use this particular shield form until he checked what the ability gave him.
He wondered if this shield form could actually make Bennett's bad luck go away as he equipped the form. Within a few minutes after treating Bennett's wounds, he noticed Bennett's readiness for another bad luck occurrence, only to find that nothing happened.
This went on as they returned to Mondstadt and informed Katheryne that they were completing the commissions while presenting the proof and materials needed. Katheryne rewards them with 5,000 Mora, and a few Enchantment Ores. Once they claimed the reward and left Bennett was wondering why his bad luck didn't occur as it should have happened now.
But during the moment Bennett thought of it, he accidentally trips as Naofumi quickly catches him before he falls. And within that moment he accidentally dropped one of the Enchantment Ores he was holding as it broke into pieces.
He quickly apologized to Naofumi as Naofumi didn't mind the sudden bad luck; Naofumi was actually astonished. There wasn't a falling pot on his head this time, just an ore broke, and he didn't mind at all. In fact, Naofumi even asks Bennett if he can join him again tomorrow, despite already being on his team.
Naofumi believes that just being near him, with the Misfortune Shield mastered or not, would help Bennett with his commissions without having to deal with extreme bad luck. Bennett, meanwhile, was shocked. Naofumi himself asked if he could continue going on quests with him, without realizing it he replied "Sure," before saying he needs to go to the cathedral to check on his treated injuries.
It was then that he realized what had happened, and he let out a cheer as he went on his way to the cathedral. Naofumi watches in amusement at seeing Bennett acting cheerful. He then went his own way, to Good Hunter for another lunch, until the Misfortune Shield immediately began to alert that bad luck was about to befall one person.
Before Naofumi reacted, a loud explosion was heard, and Naofumi immediately ran to see if Bennett was alright. So from then on, Naofumi made sure Bennett was in any place where his bad luck wouldn't cause him much harm.
It went on through the week as Naofumi accompanied Bennett through commissions and adventures throughout Mondstadt. Bennett still dealt with bad luck, but not as much as he was used to, or often just once or twice, just by having Naofumi to his side.
The friendship between them increased to the point that Bennett began to see Naofumi as an older brother because of Naofumi's kindness and willingness to help him, even if Bennett still had a bit of bad luck whenever he was near him.
"Yeah, you're right! Just being with you just makes my bad luck not often, your shield also helps, as you mention it, the shield form ability."
Bennett was informed by Naofumi about his shield capabilities and was amazed by how it managed to help him not deal as much bad luck as he normally would have. But he did tell Naofumi that he was fine with not relying on the shield that much, he faced his own bad luck in all his life.
Bennett also knew that Naofumi could not completely stay by his side every day, he had his own life to make in Mondstadt. But he was thankful that Naofumi told him he'll have time for him whenever it was commissions or anything adventure-related, he'll always be there as his teammate.
"You're welcome, you need a long overdue luck change. So you're in level 2 already?"
"Yep! It feels like I've gotten stronger. But let's not talk about that right now, we should really try out the fun of the festival!"
Naofumi agrees as he and Bennett head around the plaza to the point where they both attend a poetry class. It was a good class as Naofumi made a nice poem of his time in Mondstadt for a week. Bennett was able to make a poem without having the paper ruined by either water or ink.
After that, the two made their way to the cathedral to check in with someone. Once they reach Barbatos' statue they already see a huge crowd cheering for someone. Someone that both Naofumi and Bennett knew.
"Guess Barbara's appearance already made her fans gather here."
Naofumi mutters as he can see Mondstadt's Idol doing her best to make her audience happy, even though she already is doing very well. But to Naofumi, it seems she is still doubtful of her efforts. Even when she hides it well.
"Come on! Let's cheer her on!"
Bennett pulled Naofumi to the crowd as they both were able to see Mondstadt's Idol, Barbara Pegg, singing her song to the whole crowd. It was like a melody flowing through water, perhaps through her Hydro Vision.
She wears a white frock that is open at the shoulders and a large white and blue bow in the front along with white tights, white ankle boots, and a blue and white cap. Her Hydro Vision is attached to a gold-adorned spell-book with a light blue cover and a small cross charm hangs at her side.
She has ash blonde hair, gray-blue eyes, and fair skin, her hair in two high pigtails that spiral downward. Her personality, along with hard work, dedication, and bright cheerfulness, helps make her very liked by all. It's hard not to be cheerful while being around her or when she passes by.
"Barbara!"
A man cheers louder than the rest of Barbara's fans, and Naofumi recognizes the guy as Barbara's most obsessive fan. Naofumi was surprised to see him here as he remembered he reported him to the knights.
It was during one of his commissions to help the nuns of the cathedral with keeping an eye out for any diehard fans of Barbara. During the commission, Naofumi spotted a man lurking around the cathedral. One of the sisters spoke about that particular man who is always there at any time of the day.
So he spoke to the guy without causing suspicion, as he learned the guy is named Albert, and he began sprouting about how amazing Barbara is, even going so far as to admit he is the leader of the fan club dedicated to Barbara. He even showed creepy behavior that made Naofumi, an Otaku, feel disturbed.
Naofumi even admits to himself that he wasn't that crazy when it comes to idols; he even met a few, like Albert, who were very obsessed with their favorite idols. To be more disbelieving, Albert even tried to get Naofumi to clean up around the cathedral so that there would be less work for Barbara.
Naofumi did clean up around as he did notice some spots that needed to be cleaned away, not before reporting to a nearby knight about Albert's behavior. He watches as Albert is being escorted away from the cathedral by a Knight of Favonius. One of the sisters noticed Albert being taken away and thanked Naofumi.
"I wonder if this performance will increase his obsession with Barbara."
Barbara then notices both Naofumi and Bennett, and without anyone knowing or thinking it was strange, she winks at the two. It even made everyone believe she was giving all of them a wink as they all cheered more.
Soon she ended her song as everyone clapped and gave Barbara all sorts of praise. Barbara told all her fans that she was thankful for their support and praises before having to go as she too wished to enjoy the festival. Everyone understands that even the Idol of Mondstadt wants to enjoy the Windblume Festival, but unfortunately, not Albert.
To Naofumi's view, it seems like Albert wishes to spend more time with Barbara as he makes an attempt to follow her. Naofumi was about to do something as he noticed a familiar woman jumping down from a home and hid Barbara so that Albert couldn't find her.
"Huh, even Rosaria saw her performance."
Naofumi mutters again, recalling a unique nun he met as he and Bennett walk away to continue finding more things to do during the festival.
"Hey, Naofumi! Isn't that Amber!"
Bennett pointed out that as Naofumi looks to see Amber patrolling, it also seems she notices Naofumi as she quickly runs up to him.
"Naofumi, hi! I'm so glad I was able to see you today! I hope you're enjoying the festival."
"Hi, Amber. So far it's been great! I think it would have been a lot better if I had acted obviously when I helped everyone set up the whole festival."
"You may say that, but it was thanks to you that everyone got an extra hand in preparing everything. You wouldn't believe how many people came to me to see if you were available, and refer to you as Shield Guy."
Naofumi let out an embarrassed sigh. He recalled hearing that name when Eula told him that he treated her to dinner yesterday. She even let out a small laugh when she heard the nickname the people give him. Speaking of Eula…
"Hey is Eula patrolling here today?"
Naofumi asks as Amber lets out a frustrated sigh.
"Eula insisted that she go out on patrol outside the city, she wanted to ensure that no Hilichurls would be causing trouble. But we both know she said that because she didn't want to ruin everyone else's day by showing up. Including us."
Naofumi frowned, he remembered asking Eula about the festival and asking if she could join him. She hesitated before leaving Naofumi alone at Good Hunter; he ended up eating alone that evening.
"Do you happen to know if she is around the northern mountains or did she patrol somewhere else outside of Mondstadt?"
"She's somewhere in Galesong Hill. But my best bet is at Windrise. She sometimes goes there as she prays to the Dandelion Knight Vennessa for her protection and acceptance into Mondstadt. She'll probably be there right now at the moment."
"I think I've been to Windrise's statue. It should be close… Actually, I have a way to get there faster. Bennett wants to come with us?"
"Sure! I've been meaning to thank Captain Eula for helping me before. I could have thanked her before, but I was afraid my bad luck would have affected her, as well as what I heard from you, Naofumi."
Naofumi simply nodded as he asked Amber if she could join them too. Amber nodded, as it turned out, it was just about to be her break, so right now she had time to find Eula. With that, the three of them left Mondstadt for the time being.
Naofumi had to apologize to Timmie again for his pigeons as he was confused as to why the little boy kept feeding his pigeons on a bridge where people walk through many, many times. And soon they reached a strange device that Naofumi had encountered before. The glow was red before, but it was now glowing blue.
It turns out it was called Teleport Waypoint, a device that can allow a person with a Vision to travel from one waypoint to another if it's active. Naofumi even notices the waypoints, active or not on his map menu. What was more shocking was that the Statue of the Seven also acted as a waypoint for him to use.
"As much as I wished to use my portal skill, I think people would be in pure shock of me being able to teleport in the city. Including Timmie and the guards at the entrance."
"But you have to admit Naofumi, it would have been cool to see."
Naofumi chuckled at Bennett's as he, too, admitted it would have been cool. He makes sure Amber and Bennett are in his party as he touches the waypoint, and at the same time, his map menu opens up. He confirms which location he and his party wish to teleport to as all three of them were engulfed by light.
It felt like their bodies were being flung through space and time, and a moment later, the light around them vanished as the environment around them was different. They were now directly in front of a huge tree. The Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero, a tree that was left behind by Vennessa when she ascended to Celestia from a thousand years ago.
Naofumi can still remember the amazing stories of Vennessa by Amber and Eula. A brave woman like her, who made Mondstadt the way Barbatos approves of, went to heaven leaving behind the tree of her legacy.
He looked around, but didn't see a familiar light-blue-haired companion.
"Don't tell me we just missed her, or maybe she hadn't been here yet?"
Amber asked as she looked around to see if she could find Eula within her sights. So far, she hasn't seen her.
"Or maybe she knew that you know this is where she would sometimes go."
Naofumi told her as he took a look at the massive oak tree, he wondered if Vennessa had some kind of message on her tree, maybe even something for him. The first time he came here, Naofumi, for some reason, felt like he brought his shield to a familiar place. The green gem on the shield glowed for a moment, but only when he was close to the tree.
Maybe… Just maybe the tree holds something that was waiting for Naofumi, the current Shield Hero.
Naofumi began to approach the tree, each step closer, the gem blowing brighter and brighter. It was glowing very brightly when he stopped where he could touch it. He wondered why he hadn't come back here when he first noticed the feeling. But what matters now is what is going to happen.