The sun cast a warm golden glow over the dense forest as Aether wandered aimlessly among the towering trees. The rustling leaves whispered with the gentle breeze, and the distant chirping of birds filled the air with life. He had no clear destination, no memory of his past—just the instinct to keep moving forward.
His footsteps halted when he spotted a peculiar tree laden with vibrant orange and yellow fruits. Their colors glowed under the sunlight, enticing him. Hunger gnawed at his stomach as he reached out, plucking one of the fruits. The sweet, juicy flavor exploded in his mouth as he took a bite, savoring the unfamiliar yet comforting taste. With renewed energy, he continued his journey, his thoughts still clouded in uncertainty.
As he approached the edge of the forest, the vast plains ahead led to a winding dirt road. There, a girl clad in a red outfit, carrying a bow on her back, stood with her hands on her hips. Her chestnut-brown hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, and her amber eyes locked onto him with sharp curiosity.
"Hey! You there!" she called out, stepping closer. "I haven't seen you around before. Who are you?"
Aether hesitated for a moment before responding. "I... I'm Aether. I don't remember much... I've been wandering for some time now."
The girl furrowed her brows, crossing her arms. "Lost your memories, huh?" Her skepticism was evident, but she didn't press further. "Well, I'm Amber, the Outrider of the Knights of Favonius. You shouldn't be wandering around aimlessly. It's dangerous out here."
Aether gave a small nod. "I appreciate the concern."
Amber sighed and gestured toward the horizon. "If you don't have anywhere to go, you should head to Mondstadt. It's safer there, and you might find some answers. I'd guide you myself, but I'm on patrol duty. Be careful, okay?"
With that, she turned on her heel and dashed off into the wilderness. Aether watched her disappear before setting his sights on the towering city in the distance. Mondstadt. The name felt vaguely familiar, like an echo from a past he couldn't grasp.
The moment he stepped through the city gates, Aether was greeted by the sight of Mondstadt's breathtaking beauty. Windmills spun gracefully in the breeze, their wooden blades slicing through the air with rhythmic precision. The cobblestone streets stretched across the city, leading to buildings adorned with flower-laden balconies and banners fluttering in the wind. The air was filled with the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakeries and the melodic tunes of bards playing their instruments.
People bustled about—merchants calling out their wares, adventurers boasting of their latest quests, and children running around with laughter echoing through the streets. The city felt alive, welcoming yet unfamiliar to him.
As Aether climbed a set of stone stairs, a voice called out to him. "Traveler, over here!"
A young woman dressed in a formal uniform, resembling a receptionist, waved him over. She had short, dark hair and a composed demeanor. "Welcome to Mondstadt. I am Katheryne, the receptionist for the Adventurers' Guild. Would you be interested in registering as an adventurer?"
Aether blinked. "Adventurer? What does that entail?"
Katheryne gave a polite smile. "The Adventurers' Guild provides opportunities for travelers like yourself to take on commissions, explore unknown lands, and earn rewards. Given that you seem unfamiliar with the city, joining us might be beneficial."
Aether thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll join."
Katheryne quickly handled his registration, explaining the basics of the guild's structure and the benefits of membership. "Since you're new, I recommend taking a look around the city to familiarize yourself with Mondstadt."
"Got it. Thanks, Katheryne."
With that, Aether ventured deeper into the city, taking in the sights and sounds. Eventually, he found himself standing before a giant statue in the city's central plaza. The Statue of the Anemo Archon loomed above, its serene expression gazing upon the city protectively. People knelt before it in prayer, offering their gratitude for the winds that protected Mondstadt. Aether couldn't help but feel a strange sense of connection to it.
Suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the peace.
Aether's gaze shot to the sky, where a massive dragon with emerald-green scales and piercing blue eyes descended upon the city. Its wings flapped with immense force, sending powerful gusts that sent people sprawling. The winds grew into deadly tornadoes, tearing through buildings and scattering debris everywhere.
Chaos erupted as citizens ran for cover, their terrified screams filling the air. Aether clenched his fists. He needed to find shelter. As he turned, a sudden forceful gust slammed into him, sending him crashing into a nearby building. Pain shot through his body, but he gritted his teeth and pushed himself up.
From a distant hill overlooking Mondstadt, a figure watched the destruction unfold. She bore a striking resemblance to Aether—his twin sister, Lumine. A smirk played on her lips as she observed the chaos, her golden eyes reflecting the devastation.
Back in the city, Aether struggled to stay on his feet. He needed a weapon. As his eyes darted around, he spotted a fallen spear, likely dropped by a soldier. Without hesitation, he grabbed it, gripping the weapon tightly.
The dragon roared once more, its body twisting in the air as it prepared to unleash another storm upon the city. Aether narrowed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He steadied himself, raising the spear, and with all his might, hurled it towards the beast.
The spear cut through the sky like a streak of light, piercing through the dragon's ribs. The beast let out an ear-splitting cry, its colossal body crashing onto the city's rooftops. The tremors shook the ground beneath Aether's feet.
The dragon's gaze snapped in the direction from which the attack had come, but Aether had already moved. It growled in pain, flapping its wings in desperation. Before the soldiers could close in, the wounded creature summoned the last of its strength, lifting itself into the air and fleeing into the distance.
Silence fell upon Mondstadt as the howling winds finally ceased.
Aether stood amidst the wreckage, panting. He had no idea what had just happened—why he felt compelled to fight, why the spear had struck so true. But one thing was certain: his journey was only beginning.
End of Chapter 1.