The road leading toward Springvale felt longer than it ever had before.
The morning breeze drifted gently across the grassy fields of Mondstadt, carrying with it the scent of wild flowers and fresh earth. Birds chirped among the trees, and in the distance the windmills of Mondstadt City slowly turned beneath the clear blue sky.
Normally such a peaceful scene would have calmed anyone's heart.
But not Aether.
His hands rested quietly inside his pockets as he walked alone along the dirt road.
His golden eyes were fixed on the ground ahead of him.
Ever since leaving Liyue, countless thoughts had occupied his mind.
The destruction caused by Osial.
His imprisonment.
The torture.
The accusations.
The silence of those who had refused to believe him.
Even now, whenever he remembered those days inside that dark prison cell, his chest tightened slightly.
"..."
Aether let out a slow breath.
Eventually the familiar sight of Springvale appeared before him.
For a brief moment, relief flickered across his face.
At least he still had a place to return to.
Or so he thought.
As Aether stepped into the village, something immediately felt wrong.
The atmosphere was strange.
Very strange.
Several villagers who had been chatting outside suddenly froze.
Their eyes widened.
A few recognized him instantly.
Without saying a single word, they hurried back into their homes.
Doors slammed shut.
Windows closed.
Curtains were drawn.
One after another.
Within less than a minute, the lively village became eerily silent.
Aether stopped walking.
His eyes slowly moved from house to house.
"..."
Nobody came outside.
Nobody greeted him.
Nobody even looked at him.
The silence was so complete that he could hear the wind passing through the trees.
Aether lowered his head slightly.
"So even here..."
He continued walking.
Soon he arrived in front of the small house he had been renting.
For a moment he simply stared at it.
Then he raised his hand and knocked.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Several seconds passed.
The door opened.
But the person standing there wasn't the owner he knew.
Instead, an unfamiliar middle-aged man looked back at him.
"Can I help you?"
Aether blinked.
"Sorry... I think there may be some mistake."
The man frowned.
"What mistake?"
"I used to stay here."
The man's expression immediately relaxed.
"Oh."
He nodded.
"You must be the previous tenant."
Aether froze.
"Previous tenant?"
"Yes."
The man scratched his head.
"I rented this house yesterday."
For several seconds Aether simply stood there.
His mind felt empty.
Yesterday.
That meant his room was already gone.
The place he had considered home no longer belonged to him.
The man noticed his expression and sighed.
"Sorry, kid."
"I heard you got involved in some trouble in Liyue."
Aether remained silent.
"I don't know whether those rumors are true or not," the man continued. "But the owner didn't want to take any risks."
Aether slowly lowered his gaze.
"I understand."
He stepped back.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you."
The man looked slightly guilty.
But before he could say anything, Aether had already turned around.
The door slowly closed behind him.
Now he had nowhere to go.
No home.
No destination.
No plan.
Only uncertainty.
As he walked through the empty streets of Springvale, countless questions filled his mind.
Would the Knights of Favonius allow him to stay?
Would they reject him too?
Had his reputation been completely destroyed?
Was there still a place for him in Mondstadt?
Or should he simply leave and wander somewhere else?
He didn't know.
For the first time since arriving in Teyvat, Aether truly felt lost.
Eventually he stopped walking.
The village behind him had disappeared from view.
Ahead stretched the vast grasslands of Mondstadt.
For several minutes he stood there thinking.
Then a familiar location appeared in his mind.
Starsnatch Cliff.
Without another word, he began walking.
Hours later.
The sun had already disappeared beyond the horizon.
Countless stars glittered above the world.
At the edge of Starsnatch Cliff, Aether sat alone.
The ocean stretched endlessly beneath him.
Moonlight danced across the water's surface.
Normally he would have admired the scenery.
Tonight he barely noticed it.
His thoughts were elsewhere.
Who was he?
Where did he belong?
What should he do now?
Questions without answers.
Then suddenly—
Crunch.
A faint sound came from behind him.
Aether immediately turned around.
A tall figure was approaching through the darkness.
A blond hair.
A black and blue outfit decorated with mysterious symbols.
A black cape draped over one shoulder.
His eyes carried the weight of countless years.
The stranger stopped several meters away.
Aether narrowed his eyes.
"Who are you?"
The man calmly answered.
"The name is Dainsleif, a wanderer."
Aether stood up slowly.
"What do you want?"
To his surprise, Dainsleif smiled faintly and started walking sideways, very slowly.
"A place to stay."
"Your reputation destroyed."
"Accused of murdering a god."
"Rejected by the people you once helped."
Aether's eyes widened.
"...How do you know all that?"
Dainsleif looked toward the ocean.
"I know far more than that."
For the first time, genuine suspicion appeared on Aether's face.
"Who exactly are you?"
Instead of answering directly, Dainsleif looked at him.
"I have a proposal."
"A proposal?"
Dainsleif nodded.
"I will provide you with valuable information."
"In exchange, you will assist me in dealing with the Abyss Order."
Aether frowned.
"What kind of information?"
Dainsleif's expression became serious.
"Information about you." He pointed his finger at Aether.
Those words immediately caught Aether's attention.
"About me?"
"Yes."
Aether remained silent.
Dainsleif continued.
"You have many questions."
"Questions that nobody else can answer."
The wind swept across the cliff.
For several moments neither spoke.
Finally Dainsleif asked:
"Will you accept or not?"
Aether thought carefully.
Honestly, he had nowhere else to go.
And this mysterious man clearly knew something important.
Eventually he nodded.
"...Fine."
"I accept."
Dainsleif turned around.
"Then follow me."
And together they disappeared into the darkness.
Aether followed Dainsleif through the quiet wilderness of Mondstadt.
The moon hung high above the world, bathing the grassy plains in silver light. For a long time neither of them spoke.
Aether occasionally glanced toward the mysterious man walking ahead of him.
The more he observed him, the stranger Dainsleif appeared.
He moved with absolute confidence.
Not once did he hesitate.
Not once did he seem uncertain about where he was going.
It was as though he had already walked every road in Teyvat countless times before.
Finally Aether broke the silence.
"So..."
Dainsleif continued walking.
"So?"
"You seem to know a lot about me."
"I know enough."
"Then who are you really?"
For a few moments Dainsleif remained silent.
Eventually he answered.
"A traveler."
Aether sighed.
"That doesn't explain anything."
"No."
"It doesn't."
Aether immediately realized he wasn't going to get a straightforward answer.
The two continued walking.
After nearly an hour, ancient ruins appeared in the distance.
Massive stone pillars rose from the earth.
Broken walls stood beneath the moonlight.
An oppressive atmosphere lingered around the place.
Aether recognized it immediately.
"The Temple of Falcon."
Dainsleif nodded.
"There are Abyss forces inside."
Aether placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"And we're going in?"
"Yes."
The two entered the ruins.
The moment they stepped inside, the temperature seemed to drop.
Dark energy lingered in the air.
The silence was unsettling.
Then—
"Hilichurls."
Several monsters emerged from behind the ruined pillars.
They immediately rushed toward the intruders.
Aether moved first.
His sword flashed.
The leading Hilichurl collapsed before it could even raise its weapon.
Another attacked from the side.
Aether pivoted smoothly and struck it across the chest.
Meanwhile Dainsleif demonstrated why he was so confident.
His movements were calm and efficient.
He didn't waste a single motion.
Every strike landed precisely where it needed to.
Within moments the first group of monsters was defeated.
But that was only the beginning.
Deep inside the temple, several glowing figures appeared.
Three Abyss Mages.
A Cryo Abyss Mage, a Pyro Abyss Mage, and a Hydro Abyss Mage.
The floating creatures laughed.
"Intruders."
"Eliminate them."
The three mages immediately attacked.
Fireballs.
Ice shards.
Water projectiles.
The chamber erupted into chaos.
Aether spread his wings.
Golden feathers appeared behind him.
Whoosh!
He shot into the air.
The Cryo Mage attempted to freeze him.
Aether dodged effortlessly.
He descended from above and struck the mage's shield repeatedly.
Meanwhile Dainsleif confronted the Pyro Mage.
To Aether's surprise, Dainsleif seemed extremely familiar with Abyss creatures.
He knew exactly how they fought.
Exactly how they moved.
Exactly where they would appear next.
It was almost frightening.
Several minutes later, the final Abyss Mages fell.
The chamber became quiet once more.
Aether landed beside Dainsleif.
"You fight like you've done this your entire life."
Dainsleif looked at the defeated Abyss creatures.
"I have."
Aether frowned.
"What exactly is the Abyss Order?"
For the first time since meeting him, Dainsleif's expression darkened.
"The Abyss is one of the greatest threats facing Teyvat."
He slowly walked through the ruined hall.
"The Abyss Order seeks to spread chaos across the nations."
"They manipulate monsters."
"They corrupt living beings."
"They exploit hatred, despair, and suffering."
Aether listened carefully.
Dainsleif continued.
"Whenever disaster strikes, they are often somewhere nearby."
"They search for opportunities."
"They search for weaknesses."
"And above all else..."
His voice became colder.
"They seek revenge against the gods."
Aether crossed his arms.
"Why?"
Dainsleif stopped walking.
For a brief moment, pain flashed through his eyes.
"A story for another day."
The answer only created more questions.
But Aether could tell that pressing further wouldn't help.
Eventually they left the temple.
Their next destination was Wolvendom.
As dawn approached, they entered the vast forest.
Aether looked around in amazement.
Towering trees stretched toward the sky.
Moonlight filtered through countless branches.
The air felt wild and untamed.
"This place is beautiful."
Dainsleif nodded.
"Few humans live here."
"Why?"
"The territory belongs to the Great Wolf of the North."
Aether blinked.
"The what?"
Dainsleif looked toward the distant forest.
"An ancient being."
"A guardian."
"A king among wolves."
"The people of Mondstadt call him Andrius."
Aether's curiosity immediately increased.
"He's real?"
"Very much so."
For a while Dainsleif explained the history of the legendary wolf.
Aether listened attentively.
The stories sounded almost unbelievable.
Yet after everything he had experienced in Teyvat, nothing seemed impossible anymore.
Soon they encountered more monsters lurking among the woods.
Groups of Hilichurls.
A few Abyss creatures.
Corrupted beasts.
Together they cleared the area.
The battles were fierce but manageable.
By the time they finished, the sun had fully risen.
Their final destination was Stormterror's Lair.
The enormous ruins stood silently beneath the morning sky.
Broken towers reached toward the clouds.
Ancient walls surrounded the abandoned city.
Aether had visited the place before, but it still left him speechless.
The two continued searching the area.
Eventually they reached the center of the ruins.
Aether finally asked the question that had been bothering him.
"Dainsleif."
"Hm?"
"What are we actually looking for?"
Dainsleif stopped.
His expression became serious.
"A single enemy."
"Who?"
"The Abyss Herald."
The name sounded unfamiliar.
Aether frowned.
"What's an Abyss Herald?"
Dainsleif folded his arms.
"An elite warrior of the Abyss Order."
"Far stronger than ordinary Abyss Mages."
"They act as commanders."
"Messengers."
"Executors of the Abyss Order's will."
Aether immediately understood.
"So if Abyss Mages are soldiers..."
"Then Abyss Heralds are officers."
"Correct."
Aether nodded slowly.
Now the mission made much more sense.
Then he remembered something.
"You promised information."
Dainsleif became silent.
The wind passed through the ruins.
For several moments neither spoke.
Then Dainsleif finally said a single name.
"Lumine."
Aether blinked.
"Lumine?"
"Who is that?"
The reaction shocked Dainsleif.
For the first time since meeting him, genuine surprise appeared on his face.
"You don't remember?"
"Remember what?"
Dainsleif stared at him.
Then realization slowly appeared.
"...I see."
"What?"
Dainsleif exhaled slowly.
"Lumine is your sister."
The world suddenly seemed to stop.
Aether froze.
"My..."
"Sister?"
Dainsleif nodded.
Aether couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I have a sister?"
"Yes."
The revelation hit him harder than any battle ever had.
All this time...
He thought he was completely alone.
All this time...
He thought he had nobody.
Yet now Dainsleif was telling him that somewhere in this enormous world, he had family.
Aether's voice trembled slightly.
"Tell me everything."
Dainsleif looked toward the sky.
"You and Lumine once traveled together."
"You journeyed across Teyvat."
"You explored nations."
"You searched for answers."
Aether listened in complete silence.
"Then something happened."
"You became separated."
"Lumine continued down a different path."
Aether clenched his fists.
"Where is she?"
Dainsleif shook his head.
"I don't know."
The answer felt like a punch to the chest.
"You don't know?"
"No."
Aether looked away.
Disappointment filled him.
He had finally found a clue.
Yet it still wasn't enough.
After a moment Dainsleif placed a hand on his shoulder.
"If you wish to discover who you truly are..."
"You must continue traveling."
"Visit every nation."
"Seek every answer."
"The truth will eventually reveal itself."
Aether remained silent.
Eventually he nodded.
Dainsleif stepped back.
"Our paths will cross again."
"You still have much to learn."
"Dainsleif—"
But before Aether could finish speaking, the mysterious traveler had already turned away.
Within moments he disappeared among the ancient ruins.
Leaving Aether alone.
The young traveler stood silently.
His thoughts were in complete chaos.
A sister.
A journey.
A forgotten past.
Nothing made sense anymore.
Then suddenly—
"Aether!"
A familiar voice echoed across the ruins.
Aether turned around.
A young woman with long brown hair and rabbit-like red ears was running toward him.
"Amber?"
Amber quickly arrived before him.
She smiled brightly.
"There you are!"
Aether couldn't help smiling slightly.
"Amber."
"What are you doing here?"
"Patrol duty."
She placed her hands on her hips proudly.
"Outrider responsibilities never end."
For the first time all day, Aether felt a little better.
Amber studied his face.
Then her smile softened.
"I heard what happened in Liyue."
Aether lowered his head.
The memories immediately returned.
Amber gently shook her head.
"Don't."
"Huh?"
"Don't blame yourself."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"I know you."
"You would never kill a god."
Aether stared at her.
Amber's confidence never wavered.
Not even slightly.
"You really believe that?"
"Of course."
"Without a doubt."
Aether suddenly felt a strange warmth in his chest.
Amber then continued.
"I also heard you went back to Springvale."
Aether sighed.
"That obvious?"
Amber nodded.
"The villagers haven't received the latest reports yet."
"What reports?"
Amber smiled.
"The reports proving your innocence."
Aether froze.
"My innocence?"
Amber nodded again.
"Acting Grand Master Jean never stopped investigating."
"Neither did the Knights of Favonius."
Aether stared at her.
Amber continued.
"When you were imprisoned, Jean even submitted a formal bail request to the Liyue Qixing."
Aether's eyes widened.
"What?"
"They rejected it."
"But Jean kept trying."
Aether couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"They... believed me?"
Amber smiled warmly.
"They always did."
Aether suddenly felt his vision blur slightly.
All this time...
While he was suffering inside a prison...
Someone had actually been fighting for him.
Someone had trusted him.
Amber immediately noticed his expression.
She laughed softly.
"Hey."
"Don't get emotional on me."
Aether quickly looked away.
Amber grinned.
"Besides, Jean wants to see you."
"Really?"
"Really."
Aether nodded.
"I'll come."
The two began walking toward Mondstadt City together.
After a while Amber suddenly asked:
"By the way..."
"The guy who was with you earlier."
"Dainsleif?"
"Yeah."
"Who is he?"
Aether thought for a moment.
Then he gave the simplest answer possible.
"A traveler."
Amber blinked.
"That's it?"
Aether smiled faintly.
"That's all I know."
As the two continued walking beneath the bright morning sky, Aether's heart felt lighter than it had in a very long time.
For the first time since leaving Liyue...
He finally felt like he wasn't alone anymore.
And somewhere deep within his heart, a new goal had been born.
To find the truth.
To find his past.
And someday...
To find Lumine.