After surviving on nothing but Violetgrass for nearly a week, I finally arrived.
With the ruthless assistance of my system, I had successfully "fought" my way to Inazuma City, even taking out a few small Treasure Hoarder camps along the way.
Now, a gleaming "Level 16" hovered above my head. My backpack was stuffed with Hilichurl masks, horns, and insignias, along with Violetgrass and the paltry sum of Mora I'd scavenged—none of it exceeding two digits.
"System, guess what I'm thinking right now?"
I strode confidently down the road.
"I've been killing fish at Da Run Fa for ten years. I'm now an emotionless Violetgrass harvesting machine."
［What is the connection between Violetgrass and fish?］
The System asked with utter seriousness.
I nearly choked trying to hold in my laughter.
People around me shot strange looks as I muttered to myself. Of course, I knew where the Adventurers' Guild was. My most urgent task was to register as an adventurer and start making money.
The city was filled with trees bearing pink leaves, which I recognized as Dreamwood. As I climbed the steps, an unexpected figure brushed past me.
［Important character detected: Traveler, Aether］
It was the golden-haired boy, dressed in his distinctive foreign attire just as I remembered, with a scarf fastened by golden rings and gentle amber-gold eyes. He was speaking to the small floating companion beside him. They descended the steps and paused at a street vendor's stall. I glanced at him briefly before looking away.
"No forced mission this time?"
The forced mission on the beach that nearly electrocuted me to death had left quite an impression, but I still had no idea what triggered those.
［None］
In Teyvat, this young man was the famous Honorary Knight, a reliable adventurer, the legendary Traveler.
But since he was no longer a character controlled by a player, he was irrelevant to me now.
［Traveler Favorability: 0］
"I meant to ask this last time."
The notification reminded me. "Why do these favorability alerts exist?"
As I vocalized my question to the System, I failed to notice the young man glance back at me.
［Traveler Favorability: +1］
What was that—
I quickly turned around, but could only see the Traveler's distant figure walking away, his golden braid swaying gently in the breeze.
［The Favorability System helps you identify beneficial characters and factions］
So that was it.
"I thought it was some weird dating sim mechanic."
［If you wish to use it as such, it is possible］
"Tch."
The Adventurers' Guild was right in front of me. The legendary Katheryne stood poised at her post—
"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I assist you today?"
I realized I hadn't prepared what to say. Clearing my throat, I organized my thoughts. "Hello, I'd like to register as an adventurer. What's required for that?"
"Oh, you wish to become an adventurer?" Katheryne smiled. "I am Katheryne. Let's start by registering your information. What is your name?"
What was my name?
It suddenly occurred me that this body might have had an original identity.
As I hesitated, Miss Katheryne's voice brought me back. "Miss, is there a problem?"
［Original body's mother was Mondstadtian Minella. Father was Inazuman, surname Ryuguu, Enji Ryuguu. Both were commoners, deceased］ the System abruptly informed me.
I blinked. "The name is Miya Ryuguu. Thank you."
"Very well, Miss Miya Ryuguu." Katheryne wrote in a thick, open ledger. "Thank you for becoming an adventurer. Would you like me to explain the Guild's operations in detail?"
"There's no entrance exam or anything?"
"The number of adventurers in the Inazuma branch is limited, and with the current improved conditions in the region, the examination has been temporarily suspended."
I nodded. "Thank you."
After a moment, feeling my response was too brief, I added, "I appreciate your help, Miss Katheryne."
Katheryne smiled.
——
［Miya Ryuguu］
"What?"
［An unpleasant name］
I crushed the half-eaten Sunset Berry in my hand. "You think you're funny?"
As my level increased, my physical strength had noticeably improved—including the ability to crush fruit single-handedly. Sunset Berries were as delicious as Violetgrass, but unlike the latter, they were intensely sweet, becoming cloying after just a few bites.
My hand was now sticky with juice, forcing me to wash it in the canal downstream in the city.
"Thanks to you, System-kun."
The surname Ryuguu did sound strange, giving off a Watatsumi Island vibe.
"Were this body's parents real people? Or just backstory settings?"
［The mother was trafficked to Inazuma. She was once a bartender in Mondstadt. The father was a native Inazuman. As a child, he served the Yashiro Commission for ten years with his parents. Later, he met Minella, who had drifted here, and broke ties with his family］
I thought for a moment. "When did they die?"
［When the body was five years old］
This body appeared to be around sixteen. I lifted my arm; it had been slender and weak before leveling up, suggesting a difficult life. "After they died, what did this body do?"
［The original sought help from Enji Ryuguu's family but was driven away. She then attempted to board a ship to Mondstadt, but Inazuma was under the Sakoku Decree at the time］
"From age five to sixteen, nothing significant happened?"
［The original went missing at age seven and was never found］
"No wonder." I nodded. "It's a very convenient identity. Since I've taken it over, the original child no longer exists in this world, right?"
［Correct］
"What was the child's name?"
［Miyabi. But after you chose the name Miya Ryuguu, the previous name was erased］
In that case, no one would find it strange if someone who'd been missing for nine years reappeared completely changed.
Miss Katheryne assigned me some lucrative daily commissions, which I accepted without question. The System listed them in a neat row of text at the edge of my vision, ranging from delivering Violetgrass to monster extermination. I decided to tackle five simple delivery and gathering quests first.
As I walked, I heard light, brisk footsteps—
I collided head-on with someone rounding the corner.
The person was warm, not heavy but solidly built with a well-proportioned frame. However, they were much taller than me and had far better balance. The impact sent me flying, and I landed hard on my tailbone.
I cried out in pain, tears welling in my eyes.
"Ah! Sorry! Are you alright, miss?"
Hissing, I widened my eyes and looked up at the speaker. The voice was unmistakably familiar—too familiar.
The man wore his signature headband, with messy, light-orange-blond hair, and that red jacket. My face had smashed into his chest. He was extending a hand to help me up while his other hand seemed to be holding something, though he quickly tucked it away—
"Are you hurt?"
He asked again, apologetically.
［Important character detected: Thoma］
［Thoma Favorability: 15］