Under the light of dawn's first rays, Ruri Gokou walked among the crowd, where tears of relief marked the faces of many. Gentle white light radiated from her, illuminating the weary camp.
The adventurers and knights, initially stunned by the destruction of the falling meteors, now realized their bodies were rejuvenated, and injuries miraculously healed. In the center of the camp, Barbara stood enveloped in an aura of blue light, her melodies harmonizing with the white glow surrounding Ruri. Together, they restored life to those critically injured.
One patient, pale and barely breathing moments before, now showed signs of recovery, his breathing steady and his complexion regaining color. Barbara exhaled softly, her face breaking into a smile.
"He's going to be alright now. A bit of rest, and he'll be fully healed."
Turning to Ruri, Barbara expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Ruri. You truly look like an angel today."
"Hmph."
Ruri smirked proudly. "That's because I am the 'Fallen Saint Black Cat.'"
She waved her glowing wings, restoring Barbara's energy. As Barbara's fatigue faded, Ruri's wings dissolved into motes of light.
"The real heroes are the knights and adventurers," Barbara said, glancing at the bustling camp. "Thanks to you, Ruri, the injured are now stable."
Barbara gestured toward another tent. "Come with me to check on the others. Many of them fell unconscious after touching the meteors. Even if they wake, they quickly fall asleep again. In their slumber, they tremble and mutter about towering peaks and unbearable cold."
"They're trapped in the same dream," Mona, standing by the tent's entrance, said thoughtfully.
Gesturing to Barbara, Mona continued, "Sister, please take me to see those patients. If there are meteor fragments, even better. I can use astrology to uncover the source of this calamity."
"And you are?" Barbara asked, puzzled.
"Me?" Mona's head lifted proudly. "I am Mona Megistus, the 'Great Astrologist Mona.' Just call me Mona. Take me to the patients quickly."
Her tone softened slightly. "Oh, and let the Adventurers' Guild know I'm here on their behalf. If they forget to reward me for my hard work, I won't survive."
Barbara smiled warmly and led Mona and Ruri toward the tent.
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon rushed with Fischl toward the nearest meteor crash site.
Over Windrise, Hiroshi soared into the sky, his perception blanketing the region. He paused momentarily above each impacted village, then moved swiftly to the next.
As he passed, collapsed houses were enveloped in green winds, lifting villagers from the rubble. Solidified dandelion seeds descended, healing those with grave injuries. In the wake of his flight, glowing blue-green meteor fragments floated into the air, trailing behind him.
Back at the great oak tree in Windrise, a radiant streak heralded Hiroshi's return. Landing gracefully in the camp, he raised his hand, where the meteors, wrapped in winds, descended into his grasp.
"Master Hiroshi!"
An excited voice called out. Noelle ran toward him, her face brimming with admiration.
"Noelle, you're here too," Hiroshi said, smiling as he ruffled her hair. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"Thanks to you, Master, I'm fine." Noelle glanced down shyly. Her body shimmered with a protective golden barrier. "I've been training hard with your guidance. Though Master Zhongli's teachings are challenging, I've made progress thanks to both of you."
"That's good to hear." Hiroshi nodded approvingly, then turned toward the tent surrounded by a crowd.
Inside, Ruri clasped her hands as the white glow surrounding her faded. She turned to the anxious onlookers and smiled. "They're safe now. They'll wake up soon."
Barbara, observing the patients' calm faces, asked curiously, "Ruri, what happened to them?"
"As Mona deduced, they were drawn into the same dream," Ruri explained. Seeing Hiroshi enter, she added, "The dream's cause lies in the meteors' elemental and mental energies."
"Perfect timing, Hiroshi," Mona said, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the meteor fragments floating around him. She quickly approached and examined the fragments, now spiraling gently in a current of wind.
"As I thought!" Mona declared confidently.
Facing the group, she explained, "These meteors are remnants of someone's constellation. Over time, the constellation broke apart and fell to Teyvat, summoned by someone unknown."
She gestured toward the patients, her expression serious. "Their unconscious state is due to the lingering wishes imbued in the fragments. Even after death and destruction, this person's desires remain potent."
Mona crossed her arms, gazing at the glowing fragments with respect. "To persist beyond one's demise and the shattering of their constellation… Truly an admirable individual."
"Now that we have the fragments, we need to question the patients about their dreams once they wake up. From there, I can divine the constellation's owner and uncover the true source of this calamity."