(Bruh why are most of the fics I've been reading recently all trash translations, AI generated, full of 18+ and no story or just plain trash, has webnovel really fell this far since I left 2 years ago? I can't find the good stuff anymore, help please.)
...
"These are the domains available for you to clear in Mondstadt. We have sightings of a new domain in the peak of Dragonspine, information from respectable investigators of the Guild. But I suggest you don't throw yourself into Dragonspine yet, you are newcomer after all." Katheryne explained to Lars who nodded, pondering on which domain he should explore first.
"Ah yes, the Miss Ningguang has also prepared accomodations for you here in Mondstadt."
"Really? That's nice of her." He muttered as Katheryne handed him multiple pieces of paper and a key to him. "These are your documents proving ownership of your new apartment—"
" What—"
"And here's your key, your apartment should be near the housing districts near Angel's Share."
" Huh?" Lars was stunned as he stared at the objects handed to him. 'Did she buy an apartment just for me?' Now he knew how committed Ningguang was to this mission to succeed. Aside from the already absurd payment that he was receiving, she was willing to spend more of her own money for the mission. Just how rich is she?
"This is....wow...." He whistled as he grabbed the documents and apartment key. "Thanks Katheryne, I'll see you when I'm done with the domains." Katheryne bowed a little as Lars bid farewell.
'Wait? But won't this make me stand out? I suddenly have an apartment even though I just arrived.' He sighed, guess he'll have to make up something if he was questioned about it.
Arriving at the apartment, he slid the door into the keyhole. It opened with a satisfying click as he stepped foot inside. He was blasted away by how exquisite it looked. Ningguang definitely wasn't holding back her budget. Despite outward appearances making it look like a normal apartment, this interior was like a five star hotel in itself.
"Man this is amazing... I'd kiss you if I could Ningguang..." He grumbled, setting down his backpack full of clothes and daily necessities. He didn't take a break at the apartment though, stepping out not long after unpacking a little.
"Alright, let's go farm some artifacts...."
.....
"Welcome, strange yet respectable traveler. May we check what's inside your sack?" The gate guard asked Lars as he was in front of the city's entrance again. Lars shrugged and opened the rather large leather sack he was carrying, showing the two guards.
"....." The gate guards were silent as they stared at what was inside before tying it up once again.
" Thanks guys." Lars muttered, patting the two guards on their shoulders as he entered the city of wind. The guards stared at him.
"It's like he's holding ten million Mora in his hands..."
"Being an adventurer sure is profitable...."
Lars met Katheryne again, placing the sack and his handbook on the countertop as she peered into it before nodding. "Impressive work, Lars. With this your two B-rank commissions are complete. Congratulations and thank you for supporting the Adventurers' Guild. Here is your reward." She stated, stamping Lars' handbook before handing him his payment.
"Thank you, Katheryne. Have a good day." Lars waved, grabbing the sack full of Mora before he decided to head to the bank to deposit the cash.
'My date with Amber is coming up in a few hours. Maybe I can walk around the place before meeting her. Wait, is it even called a date when we've literally just met?'
Lars decided to leave that for later, heading to the bank quickly before the jingling of his brown sack gathers some attention.
.....
"So to buy these items I would have to get anemo sigils?" Lars questioned Marjorie, the owner of a souvenir shop called With Wind Comes Glory.
"Yes. Every treasure here is unique, guaranteed, but I operate on a trading basis. Goods for goods, no Mora accepted here."
"They are very unique I must say. But where do I find these sigils?" Marjorie smirked and held up one finger.
"Simple, you explore Mondstadt. And if the Anemo Archon approves of your adventures, then the sigils will come your way. These things are like a seal or emblem that the Anemo Archon gives to adventurers as a form of acknowledgment if you can't tell."
"I see. To be honest I haven't really explored everything around me. I sort of just looked at everything and did not go into detail." Marjorie shook her head.
"No need to feel disappointed. That's completely, in fact I think it shows how mesmerizing Mondstadt is to the point where you can't stop admiring."
"What do you need these sigils for anyway?" Marjorie smirked and raised a finger near her lips in a silencing motion.
"Heh. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if I gave everything away, now would it? But I can tell you this, they have properties that other materials cannot provide." Lars crossed his arms.
"If you say so. I need to get going now. I'll try my best to find them for you."
"But mister, I must warn you. A lot of Hilichurl camps have been set up close to this city. It's because of the dragon Stormterror, it's been around a lot more recently, some of our orchards have been destroyed and the local market has been affected as well."
"I see..." Lars muttered. This confirms one thing. The main storyline is happening. And he had a report to write to Ningguang about the reason for the Fatui's actions.
'Wait, if Amber just went outside of the city for a mission just now. Does that mean...' Lars shook his head as the woman continued. His assumptions could be wrong anyway.
"But I'm sure you can handle them just fine. You seem like a fighter yourself." Lars smiled at her praise.
"Thank you, ma'am. I'll keep an eye out for my safety. I really have to get going now though."
" See you then. Do come again soon, and bring me lots and lots of Anemo Sigils next time." They waved each other goodbye before Lars walked away.
"Hey Lars! Over here!" Lars turned around and looked at a grinning Amber who was walking towards him with another person besides her.
"Oh hey, Amber. So I guess you're done with your assignment." He greeted. Amber nodded.
"Yup, and I have some people to introduce you to. They're travelers just like you, so I'm sure the both of you would get along very well." Amber smiled at the blonde girl and the white haired floating child beside her. Lars looked at the two people, and his eyes widened a little.
"Lumine, Paimon. This is Lars, I actually met him this morning. Lars, this is Lumine and Paimon." Lars smiled at the Lumine and Paimon.
"Nice to meet you." He greeted them. The blonde smiled and nodded at him.
"It's nice to meet you too...."
To be continued.....