A week had passed since the meeting that made me an Honorary Knight, and things were starting to settle into something that resembled normalcy—well, as normal as things could get in a place like Mondstadt. The city was recovering quickly, with the streets bustling again and the sound of laughter echoing in the air. Even with the occasional Hilichurl attack or odd sighting, there was a sense that the worst had passed.
For me, though, things had changed in ways I hadn't expected. Not just with my new title, but also with the fact that Eula had officially taken it upon herself to train me.
It wasn't like our casual sparring sessions anymore. No, this was different. Jean had assigned her as my mentor, and that meant it was serious now. I'd been given a sword—a real one, not the practice blades we'd been using before.
Eula didn't go easy on me. In fact, she seemed to take the whole "teacher" thing to heart, drilling me every day, working on my form, my footwork, and my reactions. She was a perfectionist, and she had no patience for sloppiness.
Using a real sword for training wasn't exactly by the book but for me, a normal cut would mean nothing if it wasn't infused with elemental energy.
I won't lie, it was tough. Really tough. Sword fighting wasn't exactly my forte. Sure, I had raw strength and speed, but using a blade required finesse. Precision. Every movement had to be calculated, and that's where I struggled the most.
I'd gotten better—at least, that's what Eula said—but I was still very much a beginner when it came to handling a sword. The blade felt foreign in my hands, no matter how many times I practiced.
To be honest, I preferred fighting with my fists. It just felt more natural to me. There was something about the directness of it, the simplicity. With my fists, I knew exactly what I was doing—how to throw a punch, how to block, how to move. It was instinct. But the sword? That was different. It required a whole new way of thinking, and I wasn't there yet.
Still, I was getting better. Slowly but surely. Eula said I had potential, even if I was rough around the edges. That was her way of being encouraging, I guess. Even though she was tough on me, I could tell she wanted me to succeed.
I thought that with Upper Moon One being a swordsman along with Tanjiro also being a swordsman, that I would have an easier time learning to use a sword but nope, it was and still is hell.
And the more I trained, the more I felt myself improving—little by little. The muscles in my arms and shoulders were adjusting to the weight of the sword, and my movements were becoming more fluid. I wasn't a natural swordsman by any means, but I was learning.
Aside from training, I kept myself busy around Mondstadt. Helping with the rebuilding efforts, taking on small tasks for the citizens—anything to keep moving, to feel like I was contributing.
Also the increased pay is a good motivator but that's beside the point.
Deep down, I knew the peace wouldn't last. I could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The knights had been whispering about strange occurrences, about new threats lurking beyond the city walls. It was only a matter of time before I'd be called to face something more dangerous than Hilichurls or routine patrols.
That call came when I received a formal request to meet with Jean.
---
I made my way through the city, the letter from Jean still folded in my pocket. The request had been straightforward, but formal—much more than I was used to. It made me wonder if this was about more than just another routine task.
As I approached the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, a knot of nervous energy twisted in my stomach. The streets of Mondstadt were peaceful, the sun shining down warmly.
I knocked lightly on the door, feeling that familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety. From the other side, Jean's clear voice called out.
"Come in."
I stepped inside, immediately noticing the seriousness in Jean's expression. She was seated behind her desk, her posture composed and authoritative as usual.
"Tayden," she greeted me, standing as I entered. "Thank you for coming. We have something important to discuss."
I nodded, stepping further into the room. "Of course. What's going on?"
Jean didn't hesitate. "We've been receiving some troubling reports from Dragonspine."
Dragonspine. The name sent a chill through me, even though the day was warm. I had heard enough about the place to know it wasn't somewhere you went lightly. The freezing cold, the treacherous terrain—people didn't venture there without good reason. And when they did, it was dangerous.
"What kind of reports?" I asked, my voice steady but cautious.
Jean's eyes sharpened. "Strange Hilichurl activity, for one. They've been moving in ways that don't match their usual patterns. But more concerning are reported sightings of Abyss Mages."
At the mention of Abyss Mages, I felt a cold jolt shoot through me. My mind immediately flashed back to my last encounter with one—the searing pain of losing my arm. I'd survived, but the memory was still raw, still too close for comfort.
I wonder when i'll be able to shrug of injuries like muzan or the upper moons. I still have a long way to go.
Jean must have noticed my reaction. "You've encountered them before," she observed, her tone softer.
I nodded, trying to push the memory aside. "Yeah. I… lost an arm to one."
She nodded, her expression sympathetic but resolute. "I understand this won't be easy for you. But we have reason to believe the Abyss Order is searching for something in Dragonspine. Something dangerous."
I swallowed hard, keeping my voice steady. "So, why me? Why am I being asked to go?"
Jean's expression softened slightly, as if she had anticipated the question. "Because of your abilities, Tayden. Your regeneration makes you more resistant to the cold, and your Blood Demon Art could be especially useful in such an environment. Dragonspine's freezing temperatures can sap a normal soldier's strength, but you'll be able to endure it better than most."
I blinked, realizing she was right. My regeneration kept my body in a constant state of recovery, and my ability to ignite my blood meant I could generate heat when I needed to. It was a practical reason, but I hadn't thought of it before.
"I didn't even realize," I said with a slight laugh, the tension easing just a little. "That makes sense."
Before I could ask anything else, the door behind me creaked open, and Kaeya strolled in, his usual smirk firmly in place. "Ah, I see I'm not too late," he said smoothly, his single eye gleaming with amusement. "Tayden, what's this I hear about you hesitating? Afraid of a little snow?"
I rolled my eyes, already sensing where this was going. "Not afraid of snow, Kaeya. More like… cautious."
Kaeya chuckled, leaning casually against Jean's desk. "Well, you won't have to worry about that. I'll be leading the mission, and I happen to know a thing or two about surviving Dragonspine."
I raised an eyebrow. "You've been there before?"
"More than once," Kaeya replied with a casual shrug. "It's not exactly a winter wonderland, but with the right preparation, we'll manage. And with your abilities, we'll have an extra advantage against the cold."
Jean nodded, her expression serious once again. "Kaeya will guide the team, but I want you both to understand the risks. Dragonspine is dangerous, and the Abyss Mages are not to be underestimated. You'll need to work together and stay alert."
Kaeya gave a mock salute, though there was a hint of sincerity beneath his usual smirk. "Understood, Acting Grand Master."
I nodded as well, the weight of the mission settling in. "I'll do my best."
Jean's gaze softened, though the seriousness remained. "I trust you, Tayden. You've proven yourself more than capable. But remember—this mission isn't just about your strength. It's about teamwork. Don't hesitate to rely on Kaeya and the knights."
I took a deep breath, nodding once more. "I'll remember that."
Kaeya pushed off the desk, his smirk returning in full force. "Then it's settled. We leave tomorrow morning. Be ready, Tayden—Dragonspine waits for no one."
"I'll be there," I promised, feeling a strange mix of nerves and anticipation.
Jean offered a final nod. "Good luck, Tayden. I have no doubt you'll succeed."
---
As Kaeya and I left Jean's office, the tension from the meeting still clung to the air. The looming task of Dragonspine weighed heavy in my thoughts, but something about Kaeya's confidence made it feel a little more manageable.
Kaeya noticed my glance toward the distant mountains, the snow-covered peaks barely visible in the horizon. "What's the matter?" he asked, his voice teasing. "Cold feet already?"
I shook my head, though the chill from the memory of my last encounter with an Abyss Mage still lingered. "Not cold feet. Just… thinking."
Kaeya gave me a knowing look. "Don't overthink it, Tayden. You've faced a dragon and survived. You'll be ready for this."
I nodded, feeling a flicker of determination rise inside me. Dragonspine was waiting. The Abyss Mages were waiting. But this time, Im going to win. This time WITHOUT losing an arm.
---
The next morning came faster than I expected. The chill in the air as I stepped out of the inn where I'd been staying was sharp, a crisp reminder of where we were heading. Dragonspine wasn't a place you took lightly—its freezing winds were infamous, and the tales of those who ventured there unprepared were enough to make anyone cautious.
I made my way to the designated meeting point just outside Mondstadt's gates, the path familiar but weighed down by the anticipation of the journey ahead. Kaeya had gathered a small group of knights for the mission—seasoned, from what I could tell—and as I approached, I could already see him in the center of the group, leaning against a tree with his usual casual air.
The knights stood in a loose circle, checking their gear and exchanging low murmurs. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, there was a quiet tension among them. They knew where we were going, and none of them were underestimating the dangers that awaited us. Dragonspine had that effect on people.
"Ah, there he is!" Kaeya called out as he spotted me, his voice carrying easily over the soft morning breeze. He straightened up, waving me over with that signature smirk. "Our Honorary Knight, right on time."
The group of knights turned to look at me, and I gave a small wave, trying not to feel too out of place. "Hey," I said, joining the circle. "You all set?"
"Ready as ever," Kaeya said, his tone light but laced with purpose. He gestured to the others, introducing them one by one. "This is Elric, Mara, and Venn. They've all been up to Dragonspine before, so we're in good hands."
Elric, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a serious face and sharp eyes, gave me a curt nod. He looked like the type who didn't waste words, but the grip he had on his sword showed he was no stranger to combat.
Mara, a shorter woman with dark hair tied in a tight braid, smiled at me, her expression friendly but focused. She had a bow slung over her shoulder and moved with an easy grace that told me she was quick on her feet.
Venn, the youngest of the group, barely older than me, grinned nervously, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His armor looked slightly too big for him, but the way his eyes darted around told me he was alert.
"So," Venn started, eyeing me curiously, "you're the one with the crazy regeneration powers, huh?"
I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. "That's me, I guess."
Mara smirked, adjusting the bow on her shoulder. "That'll come in handy. Dragonspine isn't kind to anyone, but if anyone's going to handle the cold, it's you."
Elric, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "We've heard stories about what you did during the Stormterror attack. Glad to have someone like you with us."
I blinked, a little caught off guard by the compliment. "Thanks. But, uh, don't expect too much. I'm still figuring things out."
Kaeya laughed, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Don't be so modest, Tayden. You've more than proven yourself. Besides, with me leading, you won't have to worry about a thing." He winked, his tone playful but confident.
Elric gave Kaeya a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable, but said nothing.
As we prepared to set off, I noticed the small but meticulous ways the knights readied themselves—tightening straps, adjusting armor, checking weapons. These weren't rookies. They knew the weight of the task ahead, and even though Kaeya kept things light, the air around us grew colder with the reality of where we were heading.
I adjusted the pack on my back, feeling the familiar weight of the sword Eula had given me. I was still far from comfortable with it, but I couldn't deny that carrying a weapon felt more natural now than it had a week ago. Maybe Eula's training was finally sinking in.
Kaeya stretched his arms overhead, casting a glance toward the distant snow-capped mountains. "Alright then, let's not waste any more daylight. Dragonspine isn't getting any warmer."
With that, we started down the road leading out of Mondstadt, the towering peaks of Dragonspine looming in the distance like a jagged line of teeth. The journey there would take the better part of the day.
---
Kaeya, ever the storyteller, regaled us with tales of his previous exploits in Dragonspine—some of which I was pretty sure he embellished, if not outright invented. "There was this one time," he said, grinning as he walked backward to face the rest of us, "I had to scale a sheer cliff in the middle of a snowstorm. Couldn't see a thing, wind howling, snow flying everywhere—"
"You've never climbed a cliff in your life," Mara interrupted, shaking her head with a smile.
"Details, details," Kaeya waved her off. "Point is, Dragonspine is no joke. The cold will drain your strength faster than any monster if you're not prepared."
Venn, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Is it true that people have... disappeared up there?"
Kaeya's grin faded slightly, and he nodded. "Yes. The weather, the creatures, the terrain—it's a dangerous place. But that's why we're going together. Stick close, follow orders, and we'll be fine."
I fell into step beside Elric, the quiet but steady presence of the group. "So, you've been to Dragonspine before?" I asked, more to make conversation than anything else.
He gave a short nod, his eyes still fixed ahead. "A few times. It's not a place you ever get used to."
I raised an eyebrow. "Even with all that experience?"
Elric's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile. "Experience doesn't mean you let your guard down. If anything, it makes you more aware of the dangers."
We lapsed into a comfortable silence after that, the sound of our boots crunching on the dirt road the only thing breaking the quiet.
As we drew closer to Dragonspine, the air grew colder, the wind sharper. The conversation began to quiet. I could feel the familiar tingle of anticipation in the pit of my stomach—the sense that something was coming, something dangerous.
After several hours of trekking through the steadily cooling landscape, the trees around us began to thin, giving way to the stark, icy expanse of Dragonspine in the distance. Snow started to crunch beneath our boots, and the wind picked up, carrying with it the unmistakable bite of cold that Dragonspine was known for.
Ahead of us, nestled at the base of the mountain, I spotted the outpost—a small collection of tents surrounded by a rough palisade. Smoke curled lazily from a furnace, 'why was there a random furnace without anything surrounding it?' the only sign of warmth in the otherwise harsh environment.
"We'll rest here for the night," Kaeya announced, leading the way toward the outpost. "It's our last chance to get some decent sleep before we head further up the mountain."
As we approached, a few soldiers and adventurers waved us in. The warmth from the fires inside was a welcome relief from the growing cold outside. I exhaled, my breath forming a cloud of mist in the air.
Kaeya turned to the group, his usual smirk replaced with something more serious. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we head deeper into Dragonspine. Make sure your gear's ready—the cold only gets worse from here."
The knights nodded, already starting to unpack and settle in for the night. I followed suit, finding a place near the fire to rest. The warmth seeped into my bones, but even as I sat there, staring into the flames, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me.
Dragonspine was waiting. And so were the Abyss Mages.