Tayden leaned back against the wall of the small Hilichurl house, feeling the rough wooden planks pressing into his back. The events of the past few days played through his mind like a movie he couldn't pause. His head throbbed, and he pressed his fingers against his temples, trying to relieve the tension, his fingers brushed against something sharp.
"What the—?" Tayden's heart skipped a beat as his hand traced the outline of an arrow embedded in his skull. Panic surged through him. 'was this possible? How did i not notice it until now?!' The sight of the arrow sticking out of his head was grotesque, surreal.
His breath quickened, and a wave of dizziness threatened to overtake him. But then, he realized something, It had been over a day since the fight with the strange creature, and he was still alive, still thinking. 'Oh yeah, i have regeneration now..'
"Okay, Tayden, just… stay calm," he muttered to himself, gripping the arrow. He tugged gently, but it was lodged deep.
"Screw it." He took a deep breath and yanked the arrow out in one swift motion.
"FUCKING FUCK!" Pain shot through his head like a lightning bolt, and blood spurted from the wound, staining his hand. Tayden bit back another scream, his vision blurring from the pain. But the pain only lasted a moment, he felt that the bleeding slowed, the throbbing pain dulled, and the wound began to close. Within moments, his skin had fully knit itself back together.
Tayden collapsed against the wall with a big sigh. "This regeneration… it's stronger than I thought."
---
The next morning, Tayden stood at the edge of the Hilichurl camp, the sky a pale gray above him. He took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, feeling the chill in his lungs. After the encounter with those creatures the night before, he needed to clear his mind.
He decided to explore lower down the mountain. As he descended, the world around him came to life. Slimes of various elements hopped across the path, birds flitted between trees, and squirrels darted through the underbrush. The place was teeming with life. 'Compared to back home, this place is so peaceful... Well maybe not peaceful but not polluted'
His stomach rumbled 'Oh yeah i didn't eat anything yet.'
Spotting a tree heavy with bright, plump fruit, he grinned and climbed up, grabbing one and biting into it. The sweet juice filled his mouth, a refreshing contrast to the creature's corpses from the day before. He realized that while the flavor was nice, the fruit barely filled him up 'Either this fruit is not nutritious in the slightest or im just always extremely hungry'
As he continued down the mountain, he noticed an odd structure jutting out from the side of the hill. It looked like the entrance to some ancient ruin. The stones were worn with age, and some parts of the entrance had a blue glow.
"Is this… a dungeon? Or maybe the ruins of an ancient city?" Tayden's curiosity flared, but after the close call with the Hilichurls, he was not going to test fate again. He gave the entrance one last glance before turning away, deciding to continue his exploration elsewhere.
Tayden continued his trek down the mountain, the landscape gradually flattening out as he ventured further from the peak. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, the morning mist still clinging to the trees. He felt a growing sense of curiosity as he navigated the unfamiliar terrain, eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary.
After some time, he came upon a body of water, its surface smooth and undisturbed. The serenity of the scene made him pause, taking in the stillness that contrasted with the ruggedness of the mountain he had descended from. The water was so clear that he could see the pebbles and small fish swimming beneath the surface, their movements gentle and unhurried.
In the middle of the lake, two giant logs, weathered and moss-covered, formed an upside-down V, casting a dark shadow on the water below. Beneath them, on a small patch of land, a collection of swords stood embedded in the ground, their blades pointing skyward. The sight was both eerie and captivating, as if he had stumbled upon a forgotten monument or an ancient ritual site.
"What's this...?" Tayden murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene. "Some kind of weird ritual? Or maybe a memorial to someone?"
The silence around him seemed almost sacred, the air thick with an unspoken history that made him hesitant to approach. But curiosity won out, and he began to move closer, each step slow and deliberate, as if afraid to disturb whatever lay before him.
As he neared the edge of the water, a subtle shift in the air made him stop. His hand, outstretched toward one of the swords, met an invisible force that sent a shiver up his arm. It was as if the air itself had solidified, creating a barrier that held him at bay.
"What the—?" Tayden blinked in surprise, instinctively pulling his hand back. He reached out again, more cautiously this time, but the barrier remained, firm and unyielding. He frowned, frustration bubbling up inside him.
Determined to test its limits, Tayden looked around for something to throw. He found a small rock nearby and picked it up, weighing it in his hand before hurling it at the barrier. "Hahhhh, take THIS!" The rock bounced off harmlessly, landing back at his feet.
Undeterred, Tayden clenched his fists and took a few steps back, eyeing the barrier with renewed determination. "Alright, let's see how you like this." He charged forward, throwing a punch at the invisible wall. "HAIYA!" The impact sent a jolt of pain through his hand, and he yelped, shaking out his fist. "Ouch..."
Despite the throbbing in his knuckles, he wasn't ready to give up. He tried again, this time with a different tactic. "Okay, how about... THIS!" He put on his most earnest expression, clasping his hands together as if in prayer. "Please let me take a sword, just ONE. Pretty please??"
...
...
...
He waited, half-expecting the barrier to magically dissolve.
...
It didn't.
---
Eventually, the reality of his futile efforts set in. Tayden sighed, shoulders slumping in defeat. He dropped to the ground, the cool earth beneath him a welcome relief after his exertion. "Okay, barrier, you win. I'm done."
He lay there for a while, catching his breath, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with the gentle breeze. The tranquility of the scene was almost enough to make him drift to sleep.
But then, the calm was shattered by a faint cry for help, carried on by the wind. Tayden's head snapped up, his body instantly alert. He scrambled to his feet, ears straining to catch the direction of the sound.
There it was again, more desperate this time. 'There's a person asking for help! They could know where I am!' Tayden bolted toward the source of the cry, his earlier frustration forgotten. The forest blurred around him as he ran, heart pounding in his chest, adrenaline surging through his veins.
He burst into a clearing and skidded to a stop. Before him was a man, back against a tree, surrounded by six Water Slimes. One of them was significantly larger than the others, its gelatinous body pulsating menacingly. The man's eyes were wide with fear, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as he tried to fend off the advancing slimes.
Tayden's mind raced, weighing his options. Water Slimes weren't the most dangerous creatures, but their numbers and the larger one's presence made the situation precarious. He couldn't just stand by and do nothing, but charging in without a plan could be just as risky.
His gaze darted around the clearing, searching for something—anything—that could help. There, half-buried in the underbrush, was a large, sturdy stick. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. 'Alright let's do this again Mr. Stick'
Tayden dashed over to the stick, gripping it tightly in his hands. The weight of it felt reassuring, grounding him in the moment. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, then charged toward the nearest slime.
"Hang on, I'm coming!" he shouted, raising the stick high above his head. With all the strength he could muster, he brought it down on one of the smaller slimes. The creature burst apart in a splash of water, drenching Tayden in the process.
The man turned, his expression a mix of surprise and relief. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Tayden gave him a quick, reassuring nod. They didn't need words—the urgency of the situation spoke for them.
The two of them fell into an unspoken rhythm, moving in sync as they fought off the remaining slimes. The man wielded a small sword, slicing through the slimes with precise, controlled movements, while Tayden swung his stick with raw, unrefined force, each blow sending a spray of water through the air.
It wasn't long before the last of the slimes met its end, the clearing now littered with the remnants of their gelatinous bodies. Tayden stood there, breathing hard, the adrenaline slowly ebbing from his system. He glanced over at the man, who was also catching his breath, the tension in his posture gradually relaxing.
"Thanks," the man finally said, his voice hoarse but sincere. "I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't shown up."
Tayden shook his head, offering a small smile. "No problem. I'm just glad I got here in time."
---
After what felt like an eternity, the last of the Water Slimes exploded in a shower of water droplets. Tayden dropped his stick, exhausted, and collapsed under a nearby tree. The man joined him, wiping sweat from his brow before handing Tayden a small bottle of water.
"Thanks," Tayden said, gratefully taking a long sip. The cool water soothed his parched throat.
"No, thank you," the man replied with a grin. "You really saved my hide back there. Name's Lukas, by the way. I'm an adventurer." Lukas looked to be in his late 20's, He has sharp black hair and a lean build
"Tayden," he responded, offering a tired smile. "Nice to meet you, Lukas."
"So, what brings you to these parts, Tayden? You don't exactly look like a local."
Tayden hesitated, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "I was… walking late at night when some bandits jumped me. Next thing I knew, I was here, alone, without my stuff."
Lukas raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "Well, you're lucky to be alive. These mountains aren't exactly friendly to newcomers." He paused, then added, "I'm part of an adventuring party. We're camped not too far from here. If you'd like, you can join us for lunch—meet the others."
Tayden's stomach growled at the mention of food, and he nodded eagerly. "I'd like that. Thanks."
---
As they walked toward the camp, Tayden noticed the dense forest slowly giving way to a small clearing. Two figures—a tall woman with a sword strapped to her hip, she has tan skin with a muscular build 'damn'. Another with a bow slung over her shoulder—stood near a fire, chatting. The bow woman was lean with white skin but still had muscles visible. When they noticed Lukas and Tayden approaching, they stopped talking and waved.
"Who's your friend, Lukas?" the woman with the sword asked, eyeing Tayden with curiosity.
"This is Tayden," Lukas replied. "He helped me out when I was surrounded by Hydro Slimes. Tayden, these are my companions, Ella and Samantha."
Ella, the woman with the sword, frowned slightly. "Hydro Slimes? You shouldn't have been out there alone, Lukas. What were you thinking?"
Samantha, the archer, approached Lukas and began checking him for injuries, her brow furrowed with concern. "You're lucky you weren't hurt," she muttered, giving him a disapproving look.
"I'm fine, Sam. Really," Lukas said, gently pushing her hands away.
Tayden stood awkwardly to the side, not sure what to say. Ella's sharp eyes flicked over him, taking in his appearance. "What were you doing out here, Tayden? It's uncommon to find adventurers this far into the mountains."
Tayden's mind raced as he tried to think of a reasonable story. "Uh… I got lost after some bandits kidnapped me. They knocked me out, and when I woke up, I was alone on top of that mountain. I… don't really know where I am."
Samantha's expression softened, and she stepped closer, patting Tayden's head in a motherly gesture. "You poor thing… How old are you, anyway?"
Tayden flushed, embarrassed. "I'm not a kid! I'm eighteen."
Samantha chuckled. "To me, that's still a kid. I'm twenty-eight, so I've got a decade on you."
Lukas smiled at the exchange and then turned to Tayden. "You hungry? Let's get some lunch going."
"Sure," Tayden agreed, grateful for the distraction. As they walked over to the fire, Ella remained where she was, her gaze still fixed on Tayden with a hint of suspicion.
---
Lunch was a simple but hearty meal of roasted meat and vegetables, seasoned with spices that made Tayden's mouth water. He savored every bite, realizing just how much he had missed food with actual flavor. "This is amazing," he exclaimed between mouthfuls.
Lukas grinned. "Glad you like it. I do most of the cooking when we're out in the field."
After they finished eating, the group sat around the campfire, the sun dipping lower in the sky. Tayden glanced at the horizon, noticing that it would be dark soon. Lukas leaned back, stretching his arms over his head. "So, Tayden, where are you headed after this?"
Tayden paused, unsure how to answer. "Is there a town or village nearby?"
Ella, who had been quiet throughout the meal, finally spoke up, her tone skeptical. "It's suspicious that you don't know about Mondstadt, the city that's only a two-day walk from here. How could you not know where the closest city is?"
Samantha shot Ella a warning look. "Ella, give him a break. He's been through a lot."
Ella scoffed, crossing her arms. "I'm just saying, it doesn't add up."
Tayden shifted uncomfortably under Ella's scrutiny. "I appreciate the food, but I should probably get going to that city u said, uhh Mondstadt was it?" He stood up, brushing off his pants. "Which way is it?"
Ella pointed slightly to the right, her eyes never leaving his. "That way."
Lukas, sensing the tension, stepped in. "It's getting dark, Tayden. You're welcome to stay with us tonight. It's safer than wandering around in the dark."
Tayden hesitated, feeling the weight of Ella's stare. "I don't want to impose…"
"Nonsense," Lukas said, his tone warm and welcoming. "We've got an extra sleeping bag and plenty of space. It's no trouble at all."
Samantha nodded in agreement. "You'll be safer here with us."
Ella, however, remained unconvinced. "I don't like it."
Tayden raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I appreciate the offer, really, but I don't want to cause any trouble."
Samantha, ever the peacemaker, smiled softly. "It's no trouble, Tayden. Besides, you helped Lukas. The least we can do is offer you a place to rest for the night."
After a moment's hesitation, Tayden sighed and nodded. "Okay, if you're sure…"
Later that night, Lukas offered Tayden a spare sleeping bag and a spot next to the fire. Tayden was reluctant at first, but the look in Lukas's eyes showed he was serious about the offer. Relenting, Tayden unrolled the sleeping bag and settled in, trying to find some comfort in the unfamiliar surroundings.
---
The warmth of the campfire and the soothing sounds of the forest soon lulled him to sleep. But his rest was far from peaceful. Tayden's body shifted restlessly in the sleeping bag, his breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps. The warmth of the campfire barely reached him as he sank deeper into the grip of his nightmare.
In his dream, Tayden found himself back in the Hilichurl camp, but something was off. The air was thick, suffocating, and the shadows cast by the flickering flames seemed to stretch unnaturally, twisting into grotesque shapes that danced around him.
He looked down at his hands—blood. His fingers were slick with it, warm and sticky. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to wipe it off, but the more he scrubbed, the more it smeared, staining his clothes, his skin. The metallic scent filled his nostrils, choking him.
"What… what have I done?" Tayden's voice trembled, barely a whisper. The ground beneath him was soaked in crimson, and as he took a shaky step back, he nearly tripped over something solid.
His eyes fell on a body—a Hilichurl, lifeless and crumpled at his feet. But it wasn't just one. All around him were the remains of the creatures he had fought earlier, their faces twisted in pain and fear. Yet, they weren't just bodies anymore; they were twisted, monstrous versions of themselves, and they seemed to be watching him, accusing him.
"No… no, I didn't mean to…" Tayden's breath hitched as he backed away, his mind racing, trying to piece together what had happened. But every memory was fragmented, distorted. There was only blood, pain, and the sensation of something primal and dark taking over, driving him to...
He saw his reflection in a puddle of water, he saw himself looking like a monster, he had horns sticking out of his head, and strange markings going through his entire body. Then he lost control, he was forced to watch himself eat the creatures one by one The sickening crunch of bones and the red mist that clouded his vision as he lost control. It was as if he was watching himself from a distance, a puppet with its strings cut loose, wreaking havoc without reason or remorse.
"Please… stop," he begged, his voice breaking as he clutched his head, trying to drown out the voices in his mind. "I didn't want this… I didn't want any of this…"
But the nightmare continued, relentless. Then he saw a silhouette in front of him and as he got closer to it he saw a man, skin pale as snow with blood-red eyes. "Who-" But before he could say anything, a sharp burning pain shot through his chest, as if something had pierced his heart.
His eyes flew open, and he bolted upright, clutching his chest as he gulped down air, the remnants of the dream still clinging to him like a second skin. The campfire crackled softly beside him, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold sweat that drenched his body.
He sat there, trembling, trying to shake off the lingering images that haunted his mind. Even though he was awake, the fear remained, a gnawing presence that refused to let go. He buried his face in his hands, taking deep, uneven breaths.
"It was just a dream," he whispered to himself. The darkness of the night pressed in around him, and he couldn't help but wonder if the nightmare was a reflection of something deeper, something he was afraid to confront. With a shaky resolve, Tayden finally pushed himself to his feet. He needed to clear his head, to escape the suffocating grip of the nightmare, if only for a little while. He slipped out of his sleeping bag and quietly made his way out of the tent.
Tayden sat alone by the dying embers of the campfire, his eyes drawn upward to the vast sky above. The night was clear, the air crisp, and the constellations were spread across the heavens like jewels scattered on black velvet. Each star twinkled with an intensity he had never seen before, their light piercing through the darkness, making the sky seem both beautiful and alien.
He had always loved stargazing back home, lying on his roof and trying to pick out the constellations he knew by heart. But these stars were different, unfamiliar. There was no comforting pattern, no recognizable shape to anchor him. They were brighter, clearer, and yet they only served to remind him of just how far from home he truly was.
A wave of homesickness washed over him, sudden and overwhelming. It clutched at his chest, squeezing tight until he could hardly breathe. He hadn't allowed himself to really think about it before—not since he'd arrived in this strange new world. Everything had been a blur of survival and confusion, leaving no room for thoughts of home.
But now, under the vast expanse of this foreign sky, the reality of his situation hit him like a ton of bricks. The familiar was gone, replaced by this strange, beautiful, yet terrifying world. He felt small, insignificant, a single lost soul in a universe that didn't care whether he made it back or not.
"I'm really far from home," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible, the words tasting bitter in his mouth. "Will I ever get back?"
The question lingered in the cold night air, unanswered. Tayden hugged his knees to his chest, trying to find some comfort in the warmth of his own body, but it was no use. The emptiness inside him was too vast, too consuming. He bowed his head, eyes closing against the tears that threatened to spill over.
As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, a sudden chill ran down his spine. The air around him seemed to thicken, and before he could react, he felt the cold, unmistakable press of metal against his neck. His body went rigid with fear, his heart hammering wildly in his chest.
"What are you doing out here?" Ella's voice broke through the silence, low and dangerous. She was so close that Tayden could feel her breath against his ear, warm in contrast to the cold steel at his throat.
He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady despite the terror that gripped him. "I—I just needed some fresh air," he managed to stammer, his throat tight with fear.
Ella didn't lower the sword. Her grip was steady, the blade firm against his skin. "You're suspicious, Tayden," she hissed, her tone sharp with accusation. "You claim you were 'kidnapped' by bandits, yet you have no idea where you are—not even the name of the country. You expect me to believe that?"
Tayden felt the pressure of the blade increase ever so slightly, the cold steel biting into his skin. His breath hitched, panic rising in his chest like a tidal wave. "I'm not lying!" he insisted, his voice trembling. "I swear, I really don't know where I am!"
But the fear in his voice was unmistakable, and Ella didn't miss it. Her eyes narrowed, her suspicion deepening. "Are you a treasure hoarder?" she demanded, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Waiting until our guard is down to steal from us? Or worse, to kill us?"
"No! No, I'm not!" Tayden's desperation was palpable now, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I'm telling the truth! I'm lost, but I'm not a threat!"
There was a tense silence as Ella studied him, her sharp eyes boring into his, searching for any sign of deceit. Tayden's mind raced, trying to think of something—anything—that could convince her he was telling the truth.
"If I were a treasure hoarder," he began, his voice shaking but earnest, "why wouldn't I have attacked you when you were all asleep?"
Ella paused, her grip on the sword relaxing ever so slightly as she considered his words. The logic of it made sense, but she wasn't ready to let her guard down just yet. Tayden could see the conflict in her eyes, the doubt creeping in.
After what felt like an eternity, Ella finally, slowly lowered her sword. Tayden let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, his muscles sagging with relief. His hands were trembling, the adrenaline coursing through his veins leaving him shaky and weak.
Ella still looked at him with suspicion, but there was now a hint of doubt in her gaze. "You're lucky I believe you… for now," she muttered, though her voice lacked the same edge it had before.
Tayden's legs nearly gave out from under him as the tension left his body all at once. He watched as Ella sheathed her sword and sat down beside him, her movements guarded but no longer hostile.
He shifted slightly, trying to regain his composure, his mind still reeling from the close call. Unsure of what to say or do, Tayden forced a small, shaky smile. "Are you going to attack me again?" he asked, half-joking, his attempt to lighten the mood
Ella glanced at him, her expression unreadable in the dim light of the fire. "No," she replied, her tone flat. "Not unless you give me a reason to."
Tayden nodded, grateful for the small victory, though the tension between them still lingered. They sat in silence for a while, the crackling of the campfire the only sound between them. The atmosphere was still heavy, but the danger had passed, leaving them both feeling the weight of what had just transpired.
---
The crackling of the campfire filled the silence between them, the flames casting flickering shadows on Ella's face. Tayden shifted slightly, the quiet beginning to feel heavy, but he couldn't shake the thought that there was something more behind Ella's guarded demeanor.
Eventually, Tayden broke the silence. "You care a lot about your friends, don't you?" His voice was soft, almost tentative, as if he was unsure if she'd respond.
Ella remained silent, her eyes fixed on the fire as if lost in thought. Tayden waited, resisting the urge to fill the silence with more words. Just as he was about to give up and change the subject, she spoke, her voice quieter than he had expected.
"They mean everything to me... We've known each other for fifteen years."
Tayden was caught off guard by her openness, especially after their tense interactions earlier. "Fifteen years? That's a long time,"
Ella nodded slowly, her expression softening as she continued. "We met when I was eight. I wasn't like the other girls—wasn't interested in being 'girly,' and I got bullied a lot because of that. But Lukas and Samantha… they stood up for me when no one else would. They've been by my side ever since."
Tayden listened intently, sensing the depth of emotion behind her words. He could see now why Ella was so protective, why she had been so suspicious of him. These weren't just friends to her—they were her family, the ones who had seen her through the hardest times.
"They must be really important to you,"
"They are," Ella replied, her voice steady now, but there was a fierce determination in her eyes. "We became an adventuring party after we grew up. They're not just my friends—they're my family. I'd do anything to protect them."
"... I had a friend like that back home," he began, a small, wistful smile forming on his lips. "Her name was Emma. We met in kindergarten, and, funnily enough, we hated each other at first."
Ella turned to him, her curiosity piqued. "What changed?"
Tayden chuckled, the memory bringing warmth to his heart. "We got into trouble for fighting, and the teachers forced us to play together. Neither of us wanted to, but then this class cat came over, looking for food. We didn't have any, so the cat got angry and attacked Emma. I helped her fight off the cat, and we've been best friends ever since."
Ella let out a soft laugh, a sound that seemed almost foreign coming from her. "That's a funny story. I wouldn't have pegged you for a cat fighter."
Tayden grinned, relieved to see her guard lowering, even if just a little. "Yeah, not my proudest moment, but it worked out in the end."
The two of them fell into a companionable silence, the tension between them easing with each passing moment. The stars above twinkled in the clear night sky, and for a while, they simply enjoyed the quiet, the shared understanding bridging the gap between them.
For the first time since he had arrived in this strange new world, Tayden felt a sense of peace, as if he had finally found a small corner of familiarity in the midst of the unknown.
-The Next Morning-
Tayden woke to the sound of birds chirping, the morning light filtering through the trees. He stretched, wincing slightly as his muscles protested from the previous day's exertions. The smell of something cooking reached his nose, and he realized with a start that Lukas and Samantha were already up, preparing breakfast. Ella was nearby, sharpening her sword, her expression focused and unreadable as ever.
"Morning," Tayden greeted as he approached the group, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Lukas looked up with a bright smile. "Morning, Tayden! Ready to head to Mondstadt?"
Tayden nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "Yeah, I think so."
Samantha, always the caretaker, handed him a small package wrapped in cloth. "Here's some breakfast for the road. It's not much, but it'll keep you going until you reach the city."
Tayden took the package, surprised by the kindness. "Thanks, Samantha. I really appreciate it."
Ella, who had been watching the exchange with her usual skepticism, finally spoke up, her tone laced with her typical bluntness. "Don't get killed too soon. Mondstadt isn't as safe as it looks."
Tayden couldn't help but grin at her remark, sensing the concern behind her words. "I'll try not to. Besides, I'm pretty durable."
Samantha let out a small smile "Now when did you two start to get along?"
Lukas reached into his pack and pulled out a small, neatly folded map. "Here, this will help you find your way to Mondstadt. Just follow the main road, and you should be there by tomorrow."
Tayden accepted the map, nodding in gratitude. "Thanks, Lukas. For everything."
Lukas smiled warmly, clapping Tayden on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself out there. And remember, if you ever need help, you know where to find us."
As Tayden turned to leave, he glanced back at the group, feeling a strange mix of emotions. These people, who had started out as strangers, had shown him kindness and trust, despite the circumstances. With a final wave, he set off on the path to Mondstadt, the morning sun casting long shadows across the landscape.
As he walked, Tayden felt the weight of the map in his pocket, a reminder of the journey ahead. He didn't know what awaited him in Mondstadt, but for the first time since his arrival, he felt a spark of hope. Whatever this world had in store for him, he was ready to face it.
---
After half a day of walking, the sun hung high in the sky, casting warm rays over the landscape. Tayden's feet were sore from the constant trekking, but the promise of Mondstadt kept him moving forward. The countryside was beautiful, with fields of wildflowers swaying in the breeze and distant mountains standing tall against the horizon. It was a sight that might have taken his breath away under different circumstances, but right now, all he could think about was getting to the city.
Eventually, the hunger in his belly could no longer be ignored. Tayden slowed his pace, feeling the rumble in his stomach as a reminder of the food Samantha had packed for him. Finding a shaded spot under a large oak tree, he sat down, unwrapped the small package, and took in the scent of the meal. It wasn't much—just a couple of slices of bread, some dried meat, and a few berries—but it was enough to make his mouth water.
He savored each bite, the flavors reminding him of the meal he'd shared with Lukas, Ella, and Samantha. There was something comforting about the food, a tangible connection to the people who had shown him kindness in a world that was still so foreign.
The day wore on, and Tayden continued his journey. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the world in hues of orange and gold. The shadows lengthened, and just as the last light of day began to fade, he spotted a small cave nestled at the base of a hill. It wasn't much, but it would provide shelter for the night.
Tayden entered the cave cautiously, the air inside cool and damp. After ensuring there were no unwanted surprises lurking in the darkness, he laid out his sleeping bag and settled in for the night. The sound of crickets filled the air, a soothing lullaby that soon had him drifting off to sleep.
---
The next day was much like the one before. Tayden walked through rolling fields and lush meadows, the beauty of the landscape helping to keep his spirits up despite the fatigue that crept into his limbs. He passed by towering trees and sparkling streams, each new sight a reminder of how different this world was from the one he had left behind.
By midday, Tayden was starting to wonder if he'd ever find Mondstadt. The journey was beginning to wear on him, and the lack of any clear landmarks was frustrating. But then, as he crested a small hill, something caught his eye—a narrow, well-worn path, a man-made road that cut through the wilderness.
"Finally!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the empty fields. Tayden broke into a run, his exhaustion forgotten as excitement took over. 'This was it—the road would lead me to Mondstadt!'
He followed the path with renewed energy, his feet moving faster with each step. And then, as he rounded a bend, he saw it in the distance: Mondstadt. The city rose majestically, its towers reaching toward the sky, the walls bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. It was surrounded by a vast lake, the water sparkling like a sea of diamonds.
Tayden slowed to a stop, his breath catching in his throat. He had never seen anything like it. The city seemed almost otherworldly, a place straight out of a storybook. For a moment, he simply stood there, taking it all in, marveling at the beauty before him.
But just as he was about to resume his journey, a voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "STOP RIGHT THERE!"
Tayden froze, his heart skipping a beat. He looked up, startled, just in time to see a figure descending from higher ground. The woman landed gracefully in front of him, her movements fluid and precise, like a dancer's. For a moment, he was struck by how effortlessly she moved, as if she was part of the wind itself.
She straightened, and Tayden's eyes were drawn to her striking blue hair. But what truly captured his attention—and made his nerves flare—was the massive sword she held. In one swift motion, she slammed it into the ground with such force that cracks spiderwebbed out from the impact, sending a shiver through the earth beneath his feet.
Tayden instinctively took a step back, his eyes wide as he looked from the sword to the woman. She was beautiful, yes, but her gaze was intnense, a sharpness that made his pulse quicken. Her eyes locked onto his, unyielding and suspicious.
"What business do you have in Mondstadt, suspicious traveler?" she demanded, her voice laced with authority.
Tayden's mind raced, the adrenaline from the sudden encounter leaving him momentarily speechless. He had expected to walk into the city unnoticed, just another face in the crowd, but this… this was something else entirely.
"I… I'm just trying to find my way to the city," he stammered, raising his hands slightly in a gesture of peace. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
The woman didn't lower her sword. Instead, she narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing him as if she could see right through his words, into his very soul. The tension in the air was palpable, and Tayden could feel his heartbeat pounding in his ears. He had faced down slimes and weird creatures, but this woman, with her poised strength and sharp gaze, Tayden could tell that she was in a league of her own.