Sometimes life changes for no reason. The interesting thing is whether these changes are good or bad.
Does waking up in an unknown world with many people who develop a crush on you count as a nice thing?
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
'You can't compensate your lack of technique with brute strength, (Y/N).', the adepti criticizes, knocking you over with his spear.
'How do you expect me to become a decent fighter after only six days? Can't I be just proud that my noodle arms are capable of doing at least some damage? Besides, Shenhe said it's fine as long as it does its job.', you whine.
'If you don't want to train then say so. There is no need to train somebody who has no desire doing it properly.' Having said that, he vanishes.
'Come on, I didn't mean it like that! Please come back!' Silence.
In contrast to the generous Xiao from your first meeting, the present one always finds a reason to criticize and be angry at you. You look at the small Seelie that sits on the small pillow Cloud Retainer gave it. 'Rosa, was I that disrespectful?' Rosa shakes its body. 'Then why does he act like that? Oh well, maybe he is right... I don't really have the determination to master this art. My only goal was to stop being a constant burden to others... Let's see what the crane is doing. Maybe she knows what I should do. Taking your friend and your weapon with you, you walk to the adepti's abode.
There, Cloud Retainer stands in the middle of a grass patch, trying not to fall asleep on the spot in vain. At first you avoid getting closer to her because you don't want to disturb her slumber, but a harsh blow of wind does the honor of waking her up instead.
'Oh, did I drift of? (Y/N), you are back from training I see. How did it go?'
'I don't think Xiao wants to continue being my teacher anymore...'
'Did you two get into an argument?'
'It is just that my technique isn't the best as you know and my goal isn't to become the most skillful fighter in Teyvat, so I don't show all too much enthusiasm anymore. I thought that this was only about basics to survive and not about the basics to wipe out a whole army. I do get his problem but...'
'If you consider your skills as sufficient then so it is. You are free to go whenever you like. Based on what Shenhe told me the presence of the Fatui has decreased significantly the last few days. It should be safe for you to go. And Xiao's diligence most likely has its reasons in the existence of strong enemies like the Harbinger who tried to kidnap you. He simply wants to prepare you for the case of an emergency.', Cloud Retainer explains.
'He is used to other standards after all... So it wouldn't be rude if I left now? I don't want to bother you three longer than necessary.'
The bird pets your head reassuringly with her right wing. 'Oh dear, you aren't a bother to any of us, especially to Shenhe. Your presence appears to have a calming effect on her, almost as strong as the red ropes around her. I can't say the same about Xiao, but since he invests so much time into you, I am sure that he likes you somewhere deep inside too.'
'That is really kind of you to say. Nevertheless, even if I wanted, I can't stay here forever. There is another person who is probably in the middle of a crisis because of my disappearance.' You offer her a smile in return. 'Besides, Aether is probably going to meet Dain and Lumine soon. There is no way that I am taking chances to miss that out~'
'Well then, may you have a fulfilling and safe journey.'
You want to wish her farewell too, but remember something else. Rummaging around in the pouch Cloud Retainer gifted you, you take out a rolled-up piece of paper. 'Almost forgot: This is a picture I have drawn for Shenhe. It isn't much but I have put my soul into it. I want to show her that she isn't merely that cursed being everyone calls her. It would be nice if you could deliver her that message.'
The adepti takes the picture and nods.
Not as alone as you believe, you start your way to Liyue Harbor. Some hours later, you are finally greeted by and the sound of busy people walking down the streets. 'Where should I search... Maybe Katheryne has seen him.'
Walking up the stairs to the Adventurers Guild, you are stopped in the middle of it. '(Y/N), I see you are safe and sound. I was worried that something happened after not being able to find you for more than a week. Neither that rascal nor the Traveler were able to tell me why and to where you vanished.'
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
