Chapter 4: Shadows of the Wind

The night air was cold, and the moon hung high, casting silver light over the dirt path leading back to Springvale. Aether had barely walked a few minutes from Good Hunter when he heard a desperate scream.

He rushed forward, pushing through the trees, and emerged into a small clearing where four masked creatures surrounded a lone adventurer. The creatures wore crude wooden masks and carried heavy wooden clubs—two of them even had wooden shields.

The girl backed away, breathing heavily. Her weapon—a standard steel sword—lay on the ground a few feet away. The masked creatures raised their clubs, preparing to strike her down.

Aether gritted his teeth and dashed in. "Hey! Pick on someone your own size!"

The Hilichurls turned at his voice, their primitive grunts echoing through the clearing.

The first Hilichurl, unshielded, lunged forward, swinging its club downward in a normal attack.

Aether sidestepped, dodging easily, and countered with a horizontal slash, cutting into the Hilichurl's side. The creature screeched in pain but didn't fall.

Suddenly, the second Hilichurl, also unshielded, leaped into the air and slammed its club down with double the strength.

Aether barely had time to react. He rolled to the side, but the impact of the attack sent a small shockwave through the ground, knocking dust into the air.

"These guys hit harder than slimes," he muttered.

The two shielded Hilichurls charged at him together, raising their clubs high.

Aether gripped his silver blade tighter. If he struck their shields directly, he'd just waste energy.

The first shielded Hilichurl swung its club in a three-hit combo—Aether ducked the first swing, parried the second, and jumped over the third, landing gracefully behind the monster.

"Got you!" He delivered an inclined slash, striking past the shield and into the Hilichurl's back. The creature howled in pain before collapsing.

The remaining three Hilichurls roared, growing more aggressive.

The unshielded Hilichurl jumped again, going for a heavy smash attack.

Aether dodged at the last second, then retaliated with a jump and slash, his blade cleaving through its mask, sending splinters flying. The creature fell with a grunt.

Now, only two remained.

The last shielded Hilichurl raised its shield defensively, circling him cautiously. The other one charged directly.

Aether feigned a retreat, then spun on his heel and slashed low, cutting into the creature's legs. As it stumbled, he delivered a final vertical strike—the blade cutting clean through its chest.

The last Hilichurl hesitated. Aether smirked.

"Smart enough to know you're outmatched?"

The creature let out a panicked grunt and turned to flee, but Aether dashed forward, slamming his sword into its unprotected back. The Hilichurl collapsed into the dirt, its club slipping from its grasp.

Aether exhaled, wiping sweat from his forehead.

The adventurer he saved picked up her sword, dusting herself off. "That was… intense."

She smiled. "Thanks for saving me. My name's Leni."

Aether nodded. "Aether."

Leni glanced at the fallen Hilichurls. "You handled them well. These creatures are called Hilichurls—usually, they stay away from cities. But lately, they've been gathering closer to Mondstadt. It's… strange."

Aether frowned. "Closer to the city? That doesn't sound good."

Leni reached into her pouch and pulled out some Mora. "Here. As a thank you."

Aether hesitated but took the reward. "I appreciate it."

With a final nod, he turned and headed back to Springvale, thoughts lingering on what Leni had said.

Meanwhile, in Mondstadt…

The sun had begun to set, casting an orange glow over the towering Cathedral of Favonius.

Venti, standing in the shadow of a nearby building, watched the Knights of Favonius as they changed shifts.

"Right on schedule," he murmured.

Slipping through the gates, Venti moved like the wind, avoiding the wandering patrols. He entered the cathedral, stepping lightly across the cold marble floor.

No sign of Barbara.

Perfect.

He made his way toward the basement, where the Lyre of Barbatos was kept. As expected, the underground chamber was filled with guards.

Venti smiled mischievously. "Time for a little magic."

With silent steps, he moved between the patrols, slipping past them unseen. He reached the display case where the Lyre was kept.

The real Lyre gleamed under the torchlight.

Carefully, he placed a perfectly crafted duplicate in its place. With a final glance around, Venti vanished into thin air—his mission complete.

Meanwhile, at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters…

In the Grandmaster's office, Jean sat across from a Fatuian negotiator, Anastasia.

Anastasia's red Fatui coat was pristine, her voice calm but sharp.

"The Fatui can put an end to that monster," she said.

Jean's eyes narrowed. "We do not consider Stormterror a mere monster. He is one of the Four Winds, a guardian of Mondstadt."

Anastasia gave a small, cold smile. "Call it whatever you like. We'll be watching."

The meeting ended in deadlock. As Anastasia left, Amber entered.

"You heard all that?" Jean asked.

Amber nodded. "She's bad news."

Jean sighed. "We need another way to handle Stormterror… and I may have an idea."

She glanced out the window. "The traveler. Aether."

Jean "He chased Stormterror away. But… we don't know his true intentions."

Amber frowned. "You think he might be working with the Fatui?"

Jean sighed. "I don't know. That's why I need you to watch him."

Amber hesitated, then nodded. "Understood."

Starfell Valley – The Summoning

High atop the cliffs of Starfell Valley, Venti stood with the Lyre in his hands. The wind whispered around him as he strummed a few notes.

The sky darkened, and the winds roared to life.

A distant roar shook the valley.

Then, with a mighty gust, Stormterror – Dvalin descended, his enormous wings stirring the earth.

Venti stepped forward. "Dvalin—"

A dark presence filled the air.

From the shadows, a black-robed Abyss Mage floated beside Dvalin, its glowing blue eyes brimming with Abyssal energy.

Before Venti could react, the Abyss Mage attacked, sending a shockwave that knocked the Lyre from Venti's grasp.

The Lyre tumbled off the cliff, disappearing into the mist below.

Venti remained still. Dvalin did not attack him.

The Abyss Mage floated downward, bowing deeply to someone standing behind Venti.

Venti's eyes widened.

Slowly, he turned.

A figure in dark robes and golden hair stood before him.

Lumine.

She smiled, her amber eyes gleaming.

"It's been a while, Barbatos."

Venti's fingers curled into fists, his usual carefree expression darkening.

The winds howled around them.