Amber said no more, simply turning around and walking in a different direction with a firm pace, carrying the resolute and vigorous style unique to an Outrider. Li Fu followed in silence. He didn't ask where they were going, but from Amber's tight jawline and the word "registration," he had already guessed their destination.
They crossed several streets and finally stopped in front of a building that looked even colder and harder than the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, with guards at the entrance. Pedestrians were sparse here, and the atmosphere was oppressive. The sign at the door was carved with complex characters—Mondstadt Contribution Point Management Center.
Amber didn't hesitate at the door, leading Li Fu straight inside. The light in the hall was dim, and a few people were scattered in line at the service windows. Amber's sharp gaze swept across the hall, and he walked directly to a window labeled "New Identity Registration," quietly pushing aside the few people still in line—as an official knight, he enjoyed a certain priority allowed by the rules, which he used without hesitation now.
Li Fu stood quietly by his side, observing the surroundings. He saw the expressionless staff in uniforms inside the windows and heard cold terms: "Contribution Points," "Quota," "Audit." He saw some people rejected due to insufficient points and others who succeeded but showed no joy.
Amber's negotiation with the staff was brief and forceful. He briefly explained Li Fu's situation in a tone that brooked no argument. When the staff pointed out the need for high Contribution Points and a knight's guarantee, Amber didn't even flinch.
"I am aware of the requirements. Proceed with the initial assessment." He directly flashed his knight's badge and contribution point bracelet, maintaining a tough stance.
Facing a determined official knight, the staff member behind the window clearly lost some momentum and, without further words, began the process.
After a while, the staff member handed over a form and an assessment notice. "Initial fee: 50 credits. Full registration requires 200 credits plus your guarantor status. Risk assessment pending - he'll need to remain in your custody until cleared."
Without a word, Amber raised his wrist and operated quickly, transferring 50 Contribution Points. The movement was clean and efficient, with no hesitation at all, as if that significant sum were trivial. He took the form and notice, stuffing them into his pocket without a second look.
"Done. What's the expected timeline for the assessment?"
"Two to four weeks. We'll notify you."
Amber nodded, said no more, and turned to Li Fu with a brief, "Let's go."
Walking out of the management center, the afternoon sun shone on him. He stopped, not out of fatigue, but with the calmness of having completed a phase of the task. He looked at Li Fu, his voice calm yet carrying an irrefutable strength:
"The first step is done. You're under my protection now, officially. Don't worry about the credits. I'll earn them back."
He led Li Fu straight toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, his pace still swift. The sun lengthened his red figure, exuding an unquestionable decisiveness.
Li Fu followed quietly, his gaze sweeping over the various crowds on the street, noting the different colored badges on their chests and the subtle reaction—a mix of awe and detachment—when they saw Amber's knightly attire and silver badge. He realized more clearly that in this world, identity and rank were so visible and important.
Returning to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, he went straight to the Mission Bulletin Board. A few knights were gathered here picking commissions, along with a few women who looked like Adventurers. Seeing Amber approach, some nodded in greeting, their gazes lingering briefly on Li Fu behind him with curiosity, but they didn't ask much—Amber was known for his efficiency, and while it was unusual for him to bring back a strange youth who needed supervision, it wasn't incomprehensible under the current strict system.
Amber quickly browsed the missions on the board, his fingers lingering on several subjugation and scouting tasks labeled "Urgent" and "High Reward." These tasks usually meant higher danger but also came with more generous contribution point rewards.
Li Fu stood not far behind him, looking at the characters he couldn't understand at all and the symbols marking danger on the board, then at Amber's focused and determined profile. He understood that he was preparing to plunge into more dangerous work to gather that huge registration fee.
Amber quickly tore off two commission slips, turned and waved them at Li Fu, a hint of a wild, confident smile belonging to an Outrider appearing on his face: "Don't worry, Leaf. These will cover the credits in no time."
His tone was light, as if they were just two simple errands rather than potentially life-threatening missions. This nonchalant attitude was backed by confidence in his own strength and a deliberate composure to reassure him.
He offered no further explanation, put away the commission slips, and led Li Fu away from the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, heading toward home again. But this time, the atmosphere was different. Amber had a clear sense of purpose and urgency, while Li Fu was even more silent.
Returning to the small house with the orange-red roof, Amber settled Li Fu in, pointed to the guest room, then to himself, making gestures for "rest" and "going out": "You stay here, rest. I need to go prepare for the missions. I'll be back later."
His tone was unquestionable; having arranged everything, he turned and walked into his own room, likely to organize his gear.
Li Fu stood in the middle of the living room, hearing the faint sound of equipment being packed from the room next door.
Amber had held up a temporary sky for him with his decisiveness and strength, but the price was that he needed to face more danger.
Today he had also seen another side of him besides kindness; his personality and habits still needed further observation in order to perfectly cater to him.
He slowly walked to the window, watching the sun gradually sink in the west. The statue of the anemo archon emitted a soft glow in the twilight.