Chapter 3: Whispers of the Wind

The cool breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and damp earth as Aether made his way into Springvale. The small village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests was a stark contrast to the bustling Mondstadt. A handful of wooden houses dotted the landscape, smoke curling from chimneys as villagers busied themselves with daily tasks. The sound of rushing water from a nearby stream and the occasional clucking of chickens completed the serene atmosphere.

Aether walked through the village, asking the locals about the rental house. After a few minutes, he was pointed toward an elderly man who owned the property.

"You're looking to rent the house?" the owner, a stocky man with a thick mustache, asked.

Aether nodded. "Yes, but… I'm new here, and I don't have much Mora."

The man stroked his beard, eyeing Aether carefully. "5000 Mora per week. That's my price."

Aether winced. He had just earned some money from the Adventurers' Guild, but he needed to save as much as he could. "Could we go lower? Maybe… 3000?"

The owner chuckled. "Boy, you must be new to negotiations. 4500, and that's my final offer."

Aether sighed but nodded. "Alright, deal."

The man handed him the key, and Aether made his way into his new temporary home. The house was modest but clean. A single bedroom, a small kitchen, and an attached bathroom—more than enough for him.

Sighing in relief, Aether dropped his belongings, ran a quick bath, and let the warm water soothe his aching muscles. As soon as he stepped out and collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion overtook him. His eyes shut, and he drifted into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Kaeya stood in a meeting room alongside Jean, Lisa, and Amber. The air was tense.

Lisa adjusted her hat, her violet eyes shimmering with Electro energy. "Using my detection magic, I was able to pinpoint the sources of Stormterror's power. There are three major leyline disturbances—all located within the Four Winds Temples."

Jean, the Acting Grandmaster, tapped a finger against the table. "Then we must act quickly. Lisa, Kaeya, Amber—I'm assigning you three to deal with the Temples of the Four Winds."

Amber saluted. "Understood, Acting Grandmaster!"

Kaeya smirked. "You make it sound so serious, Jean. But I suppose we do have a dragon to deal with."

As they discussed their strategy, Kaeya leaned back in his chair and spoke again, this time with a sharper tone. "There's something else we need to discuss."

Jean glanced at him. "What is it?"

"The blonde traveler." Kaeya's eye gleamed with curiosity. "He was the one who drove the dragon away."

Amber's mouth dropped open. "Wait—Aether? The traveler I met earlier? That was him?!"

Kaeya nodded.

Jean folded her arms, her expression unreadable. "Interesting. He arrived just before the attack and managed to wound Stormterror."

Lisa smirked. "Fascinating, isn't it? A blonde-haired traveler, appearing just when the storm rages…"

Jean shook her head. "For now, let's focus on the Four Winds Temples. We'll deal with this Aether later."

Everyone agreed, and the meeting adjourned.

Jean walked to the window, staring out at the stormy skies. Her fingers tightened into fists. "The winds are restless… something is coming."

The next morning, Aether woke feeling well-rested. His first task for the day was clear—find a job.

He returned to the Adventurers' Guild, where Katheryne greeted him as usual.

"Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I assist you today?"

"I need work," Aether said. "Got anything simple?"

Katheryne nodded. "A commission has come in regarding Cryo Slimes near Springvale. Your task is to eliminate them."

Aether took the marked map and nodded. "Alright. I'll handle it."

Arriving at the marked location, Aether spotted three Cryo Slimes bouncing near a small frozen pond.

They turned toward him instantly, their blue, gel-like bodies pulsing with energy.

Aether picked up a nearby wooden club and gripped it tightly. "Alright… let's do this."

One of the slimes lunged first, freezing the grass beneath it. Aether dodged, swinging the club at its core. The impact sent it rolling back, but another slime leaped at him, spraying Cryo energy.

The cold bit into Aether's skin, but he gritted his teeth and charged forward. He struck the second slime, cracking its icy body. With swift, calculated strikes, he took down the remaining enemies.

Just as he caught his breath, the ground trembled.

A Cryo Whopperflower erupted from the earth, its frozen petals shimmering.

"Great," Aether muttered, gripping his weapon.

The Whopperflower lashed out with icy vines, sending a chilling mist through the air. Aether ducked, rolling to the side before delivering a heavy strike to its stem.

The creature shrieked, recoiling. Aether didn't let up. He dodged another ice blast, ran up the side of a tree for momentum, and brought his weapon down with full force—crushing its core.

The monster collapsed, fading into energy.

Aether sighed in relief. "That was tougher than I expected."

As he walked back to Mondstadt, he noticed something unusual—the storm that had lingered over the city for days was clearing.

The sun broke through the clouds, casting golden light across the rooftops.

He smiled. "Looks like good weather is finally here."

Upon returning to the Adventurers' Guild, he reported his success.

Katheryne handed him his reward. "Well done. Here is your payment."

Aether pocketed the Mora, feeling satisfied. "Thanks. I think I'll check out Good Hunter now."

Meanwhile, Venti entered the Church of Favonius.

Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the marble floor. Rows of pews lined the hall, leading up to an ornate altar where a young woman stood—Barbara, the Deaconess of Mondstadt.

Venti approached with a cheerful grin. "Ah, Barbara, the voice of Mondstadt's prayers! Might I trouble you for something?"

Barbara turned to him. "Oh, it's you, the bard. What do you need?"

Venti twirled his lyre. "I require the Lyre of Barbatos."

Barbara's expression turned wary. "Why would you need something so important?"

Venti sighed dramatically. "It's a matter of great importance! I need it to save Mondstadt."

Barbara shook her head. "I can't give the Lyre to just anyone. Besides, you're just a bard."

Venti pouted. "Ah, how tragic. But I understand."

He turned to leave, whispering to himself, "Looks like I'll have to steal it later."

By evening, Amber, Lisa, and Kaeya returned from their missions.

They eliminated the sources of Stormterror's power, but they all knew it was only a partial solution.

Jean acknowledged their work but remained troubled. "We still don't know the full picture… and I have a feeling we don't have much time."

That night, Aether walked back to Springvale after a meal at Good Hunter.

As he passed through the forest, he heard a desperate scream.

Ahead, a masked group of monsters surrounded a lone adventurer, their weapons gleaming in the moonlight.

Aether's eyes narrowed. He reached for his weapon.

The fight wasn't over yet.