In an area just within Starfell Valley, just at the small cold cave, just near the Thousand Wind Temple. Naofumi, Amber, and Noelle fight a monster bigger than a Cryo Whopperflower.
It smashed its head onto Naofumi, trying to hurt him, but what it didn't learn was that Naofumi had blocked this attack a few times already. But it did retaliate by swinging to 360 degrees which Naofumi once again blocked the attack.
"Zweite Aura! Hit the core, Amber!"
"Go, go Baron Bunny!"
With her stats increased, Amber threw a bunny-shaped doll, which looked like Amber but was cuter, towards what Naofumi had identified and learned was a Cryo Regisvine. It is Amber's Elemental Skill, a bunny that holds Pyro elements to make enemies believe the Baron Bunny isn't just a doll but something that has a sense of life.
The reason why Amber uses her Elemental Skill is because of Cryo Regisvine's biggest weak point. The core is located at the roots and sometimes on its corolla. Noelle had already done damage to the root core thanks to her claymore, the Skyward Pride, and Elemental Skill.
The Geo shield did a good amount of damage to it but her swing attacks only damaged a few, not to mention the cooldown on her skill. And that she already performed her Elemental Burst after they took down the core the first time. Noelle's energy was about to reach the requirement for her Elemental Burst.
But the bunny wasn't going to be there for long as Amber charged up an arrow with her Pyro Vision as she shot a burning arrow at the Baron Bunny. The moment it struck the doll exploded, dealing big Pyro damage, just enough to break the core.
Amber could have done Pyro damage with her arrows, but it would have taken a bit of time charging the arrow, and it would have taken more than 2 shots to break the core. So just a shot, and with the Baron Bunny, it seems like a good choice to quickly get the core destroyed faster.
Anyway, the core was now destroyed, and the Cryo Regisvine screeched in agony as it fell to the ground completely stunned. And that moment the three of them knew it was time to strike all together!
"Amber! Noelle! Attack!"
"Let it rain!"
Amber immediately uses her Elemental Burst as she launches a flaming arrow towards the sky that instantly bursts into so many burning falling arrows that strike the Cryo Regisvine. The Pyro damage it is receiving looks amazing.
"Favonius Shield! Air Blast Shield! Zweite Aura!"
A huge burst of green energy was let out around him, Amber, and Noelle; it was like a defensive barrier. Any Knight of Favonius can enter or leave the protection. Not to mention it also buffs the knight's strength, durability, and agility. But only for an estimate of 30 seconds should you leave the barrier.
The skill lasted for 30 seconds too, as the cooldown lasted for 45 seconds, which meant the cooldown had just ended. Naofumi followed that up with his Elemental Skill, which combined with Pyro energy, caused more damage. He also cast his buff spell on Noelle for extra damage.
"Time to clean up!"
Noelle unleashes her Elemental Burst as her Skyward Pride glowed in golden hues all over she instantly struck, which caused the remaining Pyro energy to be turned into a shard of Pyro Crystallize.
A Crystallize is something that can be used when a Geo element is met with either Pyro, Electro, Cryo, or Hydro. And certain creatures can a pure Geo Crystallize. It creates a shield that protects whoever grabs the shards. It isn't like Noelle's Elemental Skill, but it is still a protection to get when a Crystallize shard is made.
Back to Noelle, she struck after strike before doing a charged attack while doing massive Geo damage, she sprang for a few seconds before dealing the final strike at the Cryo Regisvine. It let out one last loud screech as it fell flat on the ground, no longer moving.
Character EXP +200
Character EXP +400
Character EXP +400
The points were just enough to get all three of them to level up. Amber at level 4, Noelle at level 3, and Naofumi at level 7.
"We… We did it!"
Naofumi shouted which caused Amber and Noelle to cheer alongside him. At least not before Naofumi also sat down with an exhausted expression on his face.
"Holy Barbatos we should have brought everyone else! I'm shocked that we managed to beat it!"
When Naofumi heard of the Cryo Regisvine and its weakness, he thought he could beat it along with a group of people, including Amber and Noelle. He even thought it was just a bigger version of a Cryo Whopperflower. But he was dead wrong, it was one huge creature that had the strength of all the Hilichurls, slimes, and bandits combined.
And that most of his friends were busy that day, so it was just Amber and Noelle at his party. He doubted that he would have been able to kill it alone. Even with all of his stat bonuses and skills he obtained so far, it was clear that Naofumi still has a long way to go as the Shield Hero.
"Mr. Iwatani, are you okay?"
"I'm fine Noelle, just need to catch my breath."
"Man, I cannot believe that everyone was busy today. I'm surprised that we even managed to beat the Cryo Regisvine. Thank goodness we had each other and our abilities!"
Amber spoke as Naofumi thought back on what led to this moment. He planned on taking down the Cryo Regisvine with a group of six or more people. He already decided to speak with the knights and adventurers he knew, but sadly it wasn't easy.
Eula had to go to investigate Starfell Valley on an unusual sighting of so many Hilichurls; her entire unit, including Mika, went immediately the day before. It wasn't just her unit; Kaeya's unit also went to further investigate, as it seems Eula's unit had found something but needed aid.
Naofumi did want to help, but Varka told him that Eula and Kaeya would be alright, after all, both of them are Vision holders and are captains of their units. Speaking of Varka…
He and Jean were busy with another meet-up with people from other nations; today was Sumeru. Lisa was on a warpath, as it turns out, more books were missing from the library than were overdue. And that she didn't want to meet up with someone from the Sumeru envoy at headquarters.
Albedo and Sucrose were busy as both of them were busy researching something they found on Dragonspine a few days ago. It was something about a remnant of a creature that was there more than 100 years ago. And that Naofumi saw the bones of the creature when he was at Dragonspine.
Rosaria was busy lurking to see if someone was showing hostility towards someone. Barbara was busy healing people, including Bennett. Even Bennett couldn't join him as he got food poisoning just hours ago. It turns out he ate a bad mushroom skewer.
Naofumi also didn't want to bring Klee, even though she is the Spark Knight; he thought it would be too dangerous for her. And that she was put in solitary confinement once again after getting caught blowing up a lake somewhere in Galesong Hill.
But thankfully Amber and Noelle were very busy and had time to accompany him to beat the Cryo Regisvine.
"The good thing is that we beat it, that's all that matters. Now… You both don't mind if you help me break it apart to feed my shield?"
Neither Amber nor Noelle declines, as both of them help Naofumi take apart the Cryo Regisvine. Naofumi asks what will happen to this place now that the Cryo Regisvine is dead. Amber told him that it is because of a phenomenon within the Ley Lines that causes outbreaks in certain areas. Including this spot where certain creatures like the Cryo Regisvine take over the area and will keep on reappearing even if it is defeated multiple times.
So the one they just defeated and is about to go into the shield will respawn even if the current corpse is taken away. The Ley Lines will make it appear again as the Cryo Regisvine's subconscious still resides in it. In a way, it is like what happens to the Hilichurls when they are killed; it will vanish but respawn, and the loot it gives out will still be there.
"To think it can still respawn, guess with the three of us we can beat it again once it resurrected."
"Actually Mr. Iwatani, we were lucky that we were able to kill it. It is because that disturbance will make it more powerful to the point that we need to have every Vision wielder here. Today was the weakest spawn, so if we did this tomorrow instead of today then we would have needed at least two more people.
Each day, including today, March 31st, until next Monday, certain boss enemies will be stronger than they were the previous day. It can be a level between 0 to 8. On Sunday there is a chance that the level will be 8 instead of 7."
Noelle explained which made Naofumi widen his eyes, to think such a phenomenon exists in Teyvat. And today was the weakest state!? Now Naofumi wonders what level the Cryo Regisvine was at to be considered "weak?" Still, Naofumi absorbed every part that went into his shield.
But so far, only three shields were unlocked.
Shivada Jade Silver Shield: equip bonus: crafting +1
Shivada Jade Shield: equip bonus: alchemy +1
Naofumi nodded at the bonuses he would unlock after mastering the shields. But frown as the rest of the shields were blocked by not having the right level requirement to unlock them.
But one caught his attention the most. Alchemy, he remembers Sucrose explaining to him about Alchemy, crafting certain materials to improve versions of items. Naofumi first tried it when making a strained mask out of three damage masks he got from the Hilichurls. It even unlocked the Mask Shield II for him with the second skill of mask-wearing and a special effect.
He even tried crafting more items that give him more shields connected from their first forms. Alchemy sure did make Naofumi and Sucrose bond so well, especially since Sucrose is Albedo's assistant; she, too, is fascinated by Naofumi's legendary shield, like how Albedo is, but with him, there is more seriousness and observation.
"Unlock anything good?"
"Improvement for crafting and alchemy and the chance for me to get more items when absorbing any creatures. A different core than what it had, even an average amount of Mora. There are also these strange pieces I got."
Naofumi showed the cyan piece as he felt a bit of coldness from it. Amber and Noelle checked it as they nodded.
"Looks right, this is a Shivada Jade, a silver piece, you can sometimes get a fragment, chunk, or a gemstone of this depending on the strength of the Cryo Regisvine. They can be sold for a good amount of Mora even if it is just a piece.
You can even use Alchemy to make this, along with more pieces, all the way to gemstones, to get even more Mora. It is common for the silvers and fragments but it is rare for the chunks and gemstones."
Amber explained with Noelle nodding.
"Huh…"
But… For some reason, Naofumi felt these pieces were meant for something more important. He put back the piece inside the shield as he suddenly heard something. But he couldn't make up the words, it was so faint, yet so cold. Did it happen… Because he put back the silver piece?
"Mr. Iwatani?"
Noelle asks in concern as Naofumi snaps out of what he was trying to hear. He told Noelle that he is alright as he explained he was just thinking about the piece. The three of them soon left the area with Naofumi using Portal Shield to teleport them back to Mondstadt. The moment they appear in the city, the noises of people enjoying the festival fill their ears.
"We're back... Say, do you both want to hang out with me around the festival?"
Naofumi asked the two of them, to which Amber immediately responded yes with excitement, as Noelle was hesitant, as she wanted to go back to work. But since Naofumi asked, she nodded. And so, like the days before, Naofumi walks around with Amber and Noelle as each of them has so much fun with the activities.
Even if Naofumi had already experienced every activity, it would always be fun when with friends. He even received a rose from Noelle as Naofumi wondered if she knew the meaning of roses. But seeing the innocent look on her face makes Naofumi keep the information to himself. And tell her in a less populated area later.
Still, it was fun for the three of them; they eventually got to the Cat's Tail, where they saw Eula hidden behind the steps towards the entrance, petting a black cat. She was also with a familiar little girl, Diona. Naofumi saw the cat as he recognized it.
"What a kind kitty, you are right Diona, he does have Naofumi's eyes. It's like I'm looking at a cat version of him."
"I know, right? I thought it was a coincidence that Fumi has the same eyes as Big Bro Naofumi and the last four letters of his name."
"Fumi? Okay, it cannot be a coincidence. Are you sure he isn't related to Prince?"
"Nope! Fumi isn't related to Prince. I even asked Margaret about Fumi, and she said she just found him outside the city a year ago."
Eula nodded as she continued to pet Fumi as he purred in affection. It even seems Eula is enjoying petting Fumi as she is imagining what Naofumi will look like with cat ears.
"Would you pet me if I were a cat?"
Eula felt her blood go cold, she was completely frozen in place, unable to turn around to see if the familiar voice was exactly who she thought it was. Fumi noticed Naofumi as it immediately picked up his scent, and it meows as it quickly went to his side. Meanwhile, Diona looked very happy once she saw Naofumi."Ah! Big bro Naofumi! Miss Amber! Miss Noelle! Hello!"
Diona rushed over as she hugged Naofumi tightly like a little sister would do. She has fair skin, short pink hair, teal green eyes, and round eyebrows. Her cat ears and tail just make her cuter. Her hair center bangs are pulled into a stiff, upwards pigtail at the front of her head. She also wears a large dark indigo cap, along with shorts of the same color with gold paw-print decorations.
A dark midriff-baring sleeveless turtleneck shirt with an orange-yellow scarf, pale pink sleeves, a vest of the same color, and white gloves with light pink paw-like patterns on the undersides. In addition to this, she wears a cat collar with her initials written on the tag and an orange handkerchief tied around the base of her tail. Hanging from her waist is a cold drink canteen, attached to which is her Cryo Vision.
"Hey Diona, it's nice to see you."
"Big bro Naofumi, why didn't you stay at the Cat's Tail for a bit longer? You could have helped me make the perfect drink to destroy the customer's experience with wine!"
"Hehe, sorry for leaving."
Naofumi met Diona on Friday night. He wanted to try out Genius Invokation TCG for the first time, so he headed to Cat's Tail. He was met with a place full of players, some of whom were drunk. He also saw a grumpy catgirl making beverages while showing disgust before it became a mischievous look.
She then poured the beverage into a cup as she handed it to a customer who drank it, unaware of what was in the drink she had made. In one sip it turned into a full chug as the customer drank the whole beverage at once. Diona looked shocked before yelling "I failed again!"
"Is there a reason why you came here today?"
"Yeah, I wanted to actually try to learn how to play the trading card game. I could have learned it on Friday but… You know."
Naofumi told her with a sheepish smile, and Diona sighed as she knew what he meant. During Naofumi's time at Cat's Tail after he surprisingly got along with Diona, a drunken customer noticed Naofumi as the man who was with one of the sinners of Mondstadt. Being influenced by the effects of wine, he marched up to Naofumi, wanting nothing more than to punch him for being friendly with a member of the Lawrence clan.
He threw a punch which struck Naofumi as it shocked everyone, but what was even more shocking was that the man was clenching his fist in agony while Naofumi just felt nothing. His defence had already reached the point where an ordinary person's punches couldn't even damage him.
Witnessing a man assaulting another man causes Margaret to kick the man out for hitting Naofumi, who everyone knows at this point is a foreigner. They even called a nearby knight and reported him as the drunken man was taken away.
Once that was done, Margaret apologized to Naofumi about the man and offered a free drink for the trouble he caused. Naofumi simply nodded, but on the inside, he was mad. Mad that a drunken man decided to hit him just because he is friends with Eula.
But before he could have continued being mad on the inside, his thoughts were cut as he saw Diona hand him a drink made by her as she asked if Naofumi was alright. Naofumi nodded saying that he was fine as there was no damage. Seeing that he wasn't hurt in any way, she asked how he made the man cry out in pain when the punch looked like it could have hurt him.
Naofumi explained about his shield's high defense. He didn't go over all of it, but he had high endurance to physical attacks. It amazed Diona as she asked what other kinds of things he had as he explained some of his abilities like cooking, battle strategies, and his ability to not get drunk at all.
The last one shocks Diona as she asks Naofumi what he meant, so he explains his first experience of tasting alcohol with friends, as he is the only one who didn't get drunk, no matter how much he drank. This amazes her, and yet she does not fully believe it, as she believes anyone who drinks her beverages will get drunk no matter what.
But Naofumi drank the beverage she made as he was amazed at how delicious it was and asked what it was made of. Diona explained it was made with lizard tail and sea salt. This made Naofumi recall what Amber told him, but this time it didn't disgust him as he just drank the beverage.
In fact, it made him realize why people have said they can never get enough of Diona's beverages. It was very tasty even if it should have disgusted him. So when he asks for more, let's say he almost received a scratch to the face from her. But she complied as she didn't know why she was fond of Naofumi, even though they had just met.
So she begrudgingly gave him another drink which led to another, and another until… She noticed that after the fifth drink, Naofumi showed no signs of drunkenness. So when she gave him the sixth cup, he drank it normally with no redness, no dizziness, his eyes were the same, and he was not doing anything stupid.
The smell still lingers from his mouth which just surprised Diona more. So when the two look at each other, Diona asks how many fingers she was holding, to which Naofumi said two, which was exactly how many she put up. She even asks if she remembers her name and the place he was in, and he answers both correctly.
And because of seeing Naofumi not at all affected by alcohol, Diona believed there was hope, as there was someone who was still themselves after drinking that much. She could hardly believe it. It was too good to be true.
So the following days until Monday Naofumi met Diona at Cat's Tails or anywhere when she wasn't working or enjoying the festival. Like Bennett, Diona views Naofumi as an older brother she wishes she had, responsible and doesn't even get drunk even by a tiny bit.
"So, want me to teach you the ropes of TCG? I believe a battle strategist like yourself will be able to get the hang of it."
"Yeah, I've been dying to finally get to play the card game."
Naofumi could have learned TCG in the previous days, but he didn't have the time on Saturday and Sunday. So now he does have time and he is willing to finally play TCG. And the best part is that he can have all of his friends here to battle against him.
"What do you all think? Want to head inside and play a few rounds of TCG?"
"Ohhh! I like to see how much of a strategist Diona said you are. After you learn how to play."
"Since you invited me then, I see no reason to decline your invitation, Mr. Iwatani."
Then everyone turned to Eula, who was blushing very red, but when she registered what Naofumi said, she immediately declined. Especially since she heard what happened here on Friday.
"Come on Eula, it will be fun! If you want I can use the Mask Shield II equip effect."
The effect of that shield is that any person in his party wearing a mask can also hide their identity. So Eula can come along with them and no one will recognize her immediately. Eula was still a bit reluctant, but seeing the eagerness of everyone, including Diona, she agreed.
Naofumi switches his shield and hands Eula a mask he found on an abandoned campsite. And with that, all five of them enter Cat's Tail, where Diona leads them to a room so that they can get privacy.
Thanks to the Mask Shield II, nobody even recognized Eula, even if she was just wearing a mask. Just one glance and everyone just continues on either playing or drinking. Diona did inform Margaret about Eula being here just to make sure she didn't mistake Eula as a stranger or intruder, thankfully, Margaret didn't mind.
Soon, Naofumi was able to learn TCG as he battled Diona and won. And let's just say Naofumi instantly managed to figure out which cards are the best he can use as he battled everyone in the room.
Then he battles the entire Cat's Tail players as he gains recognition from Prince the black cat. Naofumi will become a legend according to the cat. So that ability of his did help but he did not imagine it would be that effective at a card game.