Chapter 4 — The Warrior of Galesong Hill
Morning wind swept across the plains outside Mondstadt, bending the tall grass like waves in a green ocean.
Aiden stood near the gates, spear resting on his shoulder as he looked toward the distant hills.
Galesong Hill.
The place was famous among Mondstadt adventurers. Hilichurls often gathered there, and sometimes stronger monsters wandered down from the surrounding cliffs.
But today Aiden wasn't here to train.
He was waiting.
Behind him the city gates creaked open as merchants and adventurers began their daily journeys.
Aiden shifted his weight and looked at the road again.
Then he finally saw her.
A tall figure walking down the path from the hills.
Her steps were steady despite the dried blood staining the edge of her cloak.
A long spear rested across her back.
Even from a distance Aiden could feel the strength in her presence.
His mother had returned.
She approached the gates calmly, and the guards immediately stepped aside.
Many of them knew her already.
She had fought monsters around Mondstadt for years.
One guard waved cheerfully.
"Back from Galesong Hill already?"
She nodded once.
"Nothing serious today."
The guard laughed.
"That's because you cleared half the monsters there last month."
Aiden walked forward slowly.
As she came closer he could see the details he remembered from his fragmented memories.
Dark skin warmed by Natlan sunlight.
Sharp amber eyes.
Long black hair tied loosely behind her back.
And the confident stance of someone who had fought countless battles.
She stopped in front of him.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then she reached out and placed a hand on his head.
"You've grown."
Aiden smiled faintly.
"Mom."
She looked him up and down.
"…You've been training again."
The spear on his shoulder made it obvious.
Aiden scratched the back of his neck.
"Just a little."
She snorted.
"You hold that weapon like you're about to start a war."
Then she noticed something.
Small bruises on his arm.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Fight?"
"Hilichurls."
"Alone?"
"…Yes."
She crossed her arms.
For a moment Aiden thought he was about to get scolded.
Instead she laughed.
"Good."
Aiden blinked.
"You're not mad?"
"You survived."
She grabbed his spear suddenly.
Before Aiden could react she thrust the weapon back into his hands.
"Show me."
Aiden stepped back instinctively.
"…Here?"
"Here."
The guards nearby stepped away quickly.
They had seen this before.
When Aiden's mother decided to train someone, it was better to give her space.
Aiden took a deep breath.
Then he moved.
The spear shot forward.
Fast.
But she deflected it effortlessly.
Clack.
Wood struck wood.
Her own spear had appeared in her hand so quickly Aiden hadn't even seen her draw it.
"Again."
Aiden attacked.
This time he spun the spear, aiming for her side.
She blocked it again.
Then tapped his shoulder with the blunt end of her weapon.
A clear opening.
Aiden stepped back and tried another attack.
Thrust.
Spin.
Sweep.
Each movement flowed smoothly.
But every single one was stopped.
Finally she stepped forward and gently pushed the spear downward.
The match ended instantly.
She nodded once.
"Better."
Aiden exhaled.
"…That didn't feel better."
"You're still too stiff."
She leaned the spear against her shoulder.
"You fight like someone thinking too much."
Aiden chuckled.
"That might be accurate."
She studied him quietly.
Then something in her expression softened.
"You've improved a lot since last time."
Aiden tilted his head.
"You haven't seen me train in weeks."
"I can tell."
She glanced toward Galesong Hill.
For a moment her expression became thoughtful.
Then she spoke calmly.
"That was my last hunt."
Aiden blinked.
"…Last?"
She nodded.
"I'm done fighting monsters."
That surprised him.
His mother had been one of the most active monster hunters near Mondstadt for years.
"Why?"
She shrugged.
"Because I want to live."
Aiden frowned.
"You were always living."
She shook her head slightly.
"No."
Her eyes drifted toward the city gates.
"For years I kept chasing battles."
She rested the spear on her shoulder.
"But your father waited for me every time I left."
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"And you were growing up while I was gone."
Aiden didn't know what to say.
She stretched her shoulders.
"Galesong Hill was the last place I needed to clear."
"So now…"
She gestured toward the city.
"…I'm staying home."
Aiden smiled slightly.
"Dad will like that."
She laughed.
"He'll pretend he doesn't."
The two of them began walking toward Mondstadt together.
As they passed through the gates, the familiar wind of the city greeted them.
The scent of dandelions drifted through the air.
Music echoed faintly from the plaza.
Aiden glanced at his mother.
"You'll really stay?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
Then she ruffled his hair.
"And now I'll actually watch your training."
Aiden groaned.
"That sounds dangerous."
She grinned.
"For you."
Angel's Share was quieter during the afternoon.
Only a few travelers sat inside enjoying drinks.
Behind the counter Marcus looked up as the door opened.
The moment he saw her, his eyes widened.
"You're back already?"
She leaned her spear against the wall.
"For good."
Marcus froze.
"…For good?"
She nodded.
"No more monster hunting."
For a moment Marcus simply stared at her.
Then he laughed in disbelief.
"Finally."
He walked around the counter and pulled her into a tight hug.
Aiden looked away awkwardly.
Diluc watched the entire scene silently from behind the bar.
Diluc set down the glass he had been polishing.
"You're retiring."
She nodded respectfully.
"Yes."
Diluc considered this for a moment.
"You've protected Mondstadt's outskirts for years."
His voice remained calm.
"You've earned the rest."
She smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
Aiden leaned against a nearby table, watching the conversation quietly.
His family.
The tavern.
Mondstadt.
It all felt strangely peaceful.
Almost too peaceful.
Because deep down Aiden knew something.
This calm life wouldn't last forever.
Someday he would leave this city.
Someday he would travel across Teyvat.
And somewhere in that future…
The strange power hidden inside his blood would finally awaken.
But for now—
For the first time since his reincarnation—
Aiden allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment.
Because his mother had finally come home.