Noodles and Nostalgia

Wind swirled around the Gale Demon Wolf's claws, sharp and alive.

It raked Noelle's shield, a screech piercing the air.

Rock held firm—Geo's strength was a fortress of calm.

Sparks flew, but the shield stood, unyielding as stone.

Noelle swung her greatsword, a whistling arc of power.

The wolf darted back, its cunning on full display.

It dodged with preternatural speed, a blur of blue.

Distance gained, it lunged again, weaving through her reach.

Elements clashed—wind's agility met rock's resolve.

The old Noelle might've kept swinging, brute force alone.

She'd have landed a hit eventually, close quarters her edge.

But as the wolf neared, dodging her blade's path, she shifted.

Her eyes flashed—she drew the Zephyr Sword from her hip.

With a flick, she struck true, sending the wolf soaring.

Her freakish strength launched it like a cannonball.

It crashed into a wall, dust blooming in a thick cloud.

"Noelle—Dual Blade Style!" Ye Ruo grinned inwardly.

He'd taught her that move—Lion of Light's sword dance.

The wolf growled low, hauling itself from the rubble.

Fur matted, it glared—battered but unbroken.

Its grit impressed him—still ready to brawl.

Noelle tensed, poised to charge the beast again.

Ye Ruo cleared his throat, cutting through her focus.

"Alright, that's enough—no more scrapping," he called.

"Both of you, stand down," he added, voice firm.

The wolf dissolved into wind, blue motes scattering.

Ye Ruo nodded, pleased with the spar's outcome.

A casual summon, minimal effort, and it held strong.

Noelle couldn't crush it in a few blows—solid proof.

With more juice, he could call captain-tier wolves.

This skill was a gem—versatile and fierce.

Mondstadt knew wolves—Northwind's King set the bar.

Even dead, Boreas' shade wielded fearsome might.

Noelle blinked as the wolf vanished, confusion dawning.

She turned to Ye Ruo, cheeks flushing red.

"Senior, was that your doing?" she stammered.

"Sorry—I didn't know, and I smashed your wall," she winced.

The crumbled stone loomed—she shrank with guilt.

Ye Ruo waved it off, unbothered by the mess.

"No sweat—Mora's plentiful, walls are cheap," he shrugged.

The dust settled, a minor hiccup in his day.

He swapped houses later, diving back into draws.

Luck rode high—ten more Momotaro rice balls rolled in.

Twarin's treats stacked up—dragon diplomacy secured.

Long-haired tigers swelled from three to ten.

A Rajah variant joined, a hulking alpha beast.

A small squad formed—cavalry dreams took shape.

Odds and ends piled up—potions, pills, blue flowers.

Bingliang pellets promised stamina, a soldier's aid.

Blue Bana blooms glowed—pretty but vague.

Healing salves joined the mix—practical trinkets.

Ye Ruo's mind churned with fresh schemes.

He strolled to his latest venture—a noodle shop in progress.

Yip's Instant Noodle House—his brainchild's name.

An old draw gifted him the recipe—convenience in a bowl.

He'd roped in retired knights, old pals from wilder days.

They'd mixed dough, tweaked spices—test runs hummed.

Mondstadt could use a twist—noodles as a signature.

Why let the formula rot when it could earn?

He'd outsourced the grind—friends ran the show.

These weren't greenhorns—veterans turned homebodies.

Knights and adventurers, they'd hung up their blades.

Families grew, risks faded—they craved steady now.

Ye Ruo's offer—good pay, easy work—lured them in.

City gigs beat the old hustle, hands down.

Herman topped the list—Erin's weathered dad.

He looked the part now: broke, worn, unassuming.

Erin scoffed at his past—no hero in her eyes.

Yet Herman had blazed trails, a name once sung.

He'd felled beasts, clashed with outlaws, mapped the wild.

The Adventurers' Guild still traced his faded lines.

Family tethered him—he sold his steel for bread.

Humble as he seemed, greatness lingered in his bones.

He kneaded dough here, a quiet second act.

Yip's Instant Noodle House neared its debut.

Simple setup—perfect for these seasoned souls.

Ye Ruo greeted them, warmth in his tone.

He grabbed a sample—noodles and broth in hand.

Hot water steamed as he prepped his taste test.

Darkness fell—soft hands cloaked his eyes.

A voice snapped, edged with mock irritation.

"Guess who—or our grudge grows deeper!" it huffed.

Ye Ruo laughed, the sound bright and free.

The voice bristled, urgency spiking sharp.

"Stop giggling—name me!" it demanded.

He leaned back, savoring the moment's play.

"My tsundere bestie, my old battle buddy," he drawled.

"Eula, Spray Knight of legend—how's that?" he smirked.

The system pulsed, Ye Ruo's fame a steady wind.

His world grew—Mondstadt savored the ride.

***

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