Chapter 2: Shadows Over Mondstadt

The dragon's mighty wings flapped weakly as it struggled against the winds. Stormterror, once a proud guardian of Mondstadt, now wounded and exhausted, could no longer stay aloft. With a final pained roar, it spiraled downward, its immense body crashing into Brightcrown Canyon. The ground trembled upon impact, scattering birds from the trees and sending echoes throughout the cliffs.

Dvalin lay on the rocky terrain, his breathing labored. The deep wound in his side bled profusely, staining the once-pure winds with crimson.

From the shadows of the cliffs, a lone figure emerged. He walked with an air of serenity, his steps light as the breeze itself. His emerald-green cloak fluttered in the wind, and a feathered hat sat atop his tousled teal hair. A lyre rested on his back, its strings humming softly as the wind caressed them. His azure eyes, though playful, now held sorrow as he gazed upon the fallen dragon.

The bard sighed, kneeling beside the wounded beast. "Oh, Dvalin… what have they done to you?" His voice was soft, carrying the weight of old memories.

Dvalin let out a weak growl but did not attack. He recognized the scent, the voice, the presence.

"Don't worry, old friend. I'll help you." The bard reached out, his fingers tracing the jagged edges of the wound. The spear, still embedded deep, pulsed with residual energy. It was no ordinary weapon.

Gripping it tightly, he attempted to pull it out. Aether's throw had been precise, burying the weapon into the dragon's flesh like an anchor. No matter how much strength he used, the spear would not budge.

"Stubborn as always," the bard chuckled, shaking his head. He then placed a hand over Dvalin's side. "Bear with me for a moment."

Summoning his Anemo power, a gentle green glow surrounded his hands. The wind around them stilled, concentrating on the wound. A powerful gust surged forth, wrenching the spear free with a sickening squelch.

Dvalin let out a heart-wrenching roar of pain, the canyon shaking with his cries. Blood gushed from the wound, but the bard immediately placed both hands over it, channeling his divine energy.

"You'll be fine, Dvalin," he whispered. "I won't let you die."

The dragon's growls softened as he felt the healing energy mending his body, the pain slowly ebbing away. His large, tired eyes met the bard's, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was no fear—only gratitude.

The bard smiled. "There you go. I told you I'd—"

A sudden, chilling presence filled the air.

The bard froze, sensing a dark energy creeping closer. From the shadows, a figure emerged—cloaked in deep blue, their glowing eyes peering through an eerie mask. A Abyss Mage.

"Ah, so the great Barbatos finally decides to show himself," the Abyss Mage sneered, gripping his staff tightly.

The bard—no, Venti, the Anemo Archon—stiffened but said nothing.

"You are quite persistent," the Abyss Mage continued. "But it is far too late. Your words, your melodies—they hold no power over him anymore!"

Venti's fingers curled into fists. "You're the one who did this to him. You poisoned his mind, turned him against the people he swore to protect!"

The Abyss Mage chuckled darkly. "We did not corrupt him, Barbatos. We simply revealed the truth—the truth that you abandoned him, just as you abandoned the old Mondstadt."

Dvalin growled, his body trembling as dark energy slithered around his wound, undoing Venti's healing efforts.

"Stop!" Venti cried, stepping forward. "Dvalin, don't listen to him!"

But the Abyss Mage whispered something in an ancient tongue, and suddenly, Dvalin's eyes burned with Abyssal fury. He let out a thunderous roar, his body trembling as the corruption took hold once more.

The Abyss Mage laughed, his form flickering before disappearing into the shadows. "The Princess's will shall be done. Mondstadt will fall."

Before Venti could react, Dvalin spread his wings, his once-gentle winds now a raging storm. He roared at Venti before soaring into the sky, vanishing beyond the horizon.

Venti remained standing, his fists clenched, his heart heavy.

"Forgive me, Dvalin… I wasn't strong enough."

Meanwhile, back in Mondstadt, Aether walked through the streets, his gaze shifting between the bustling people. The damage caused by the dragon's attack was evident—broken windows, shattered market stalls, injured civilians receiving treatment. Yet, despite the destruction, there was resilience. Soldiers helped those in need, merchants worked to rebuild, and children clung to their parents with wide, fearful eyes.

Aether listened to the townsfolk as he walked.

"The storm came out of nowhere…"

"That dragon… it was terrifying!"

"Who was that golden-haired warrior? Did you see how he fought back?"

Among the many murmurs, something caught Aether's attention.

"Mora."

Aether frowned, realizing he had no money. Mora, the currency of Teyvat, was completely unfamiliar to him. If he had no money, he had no place to stay.

"Guess I should ask Katheryne," he muttered.

He made his way back to the Adventurers' Guild, where Katheryne greeted him with her usual mechanical tone.

"Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild."

"Katheryne, I need a place to stay," Aether said. "I don't have Mora, and I… don't exactly know where to go."

Katheryne nodded. "There is a small house for rent in Springvale. It's not far from here. I can mark it on your map."

She handed him a map with a red circle drawn around a village south of Mondstadt.

"Springvale, huh?" Aether examined the map. "Thanks, Katheryne."

"Safe travels, adventurer," she said as he departed.

Meanwhile, at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain, stood amid the ruins, assessing the damage. His sharp eyes scanned the destruction as soldiers compiled reports.

"Prepare a report on the casualties and property damage," he instructed one knight. "We need details before we send word to the Acting Grandmaster."

"Yes, sir!"

Kaeya turned to another subordinate. "I want an investigation on the person who drove the dragon away."

The knight hesitated. "You mean the golden-haired traveler?"

Kaeya smirked. "That's right. Find out everything about him."

As he made his way toward the headquarters, Kaeya's thoughts lingered on Aether.

"A mysterious traveler appearing out of nowhere, just in time for a dragon attack…" He chuckled, his single visible eye gleaming with intrigue. "I wonder… is he a new friend? Or a new storm?"