Digital Dreams

Barbara stepped into Galehaven Comics, her eyes widening at the spacious interior that defied the alley's cramped shadows.

"What a fascinating place—this decor is unlike anything in Mondstadt," she murmured, admiring the sleek lines and modern charm.

Bookshelves stood neatly arrayed, flanked by plush sofas and tables, while portraits of a capped boy and a wand-wielding girl sparked her curiosity.

She felt a pull toward the shop's warm ambiance, a haven that whispered of stories waiting to unfold.

"Welcome, radiant and charming Miss Barbara!" a calm voice greeted, drawing her gaze to the counter.

Harlan Flint sat there, his handsome features softened by a smile that made her cheeks flush faintly.

"Oh, hello, boss!" she replied, her voice dipping shyly as she realized she'd missed him amid her awe.

His recognition didn't faze her—her fame as Mondstadt's idol made her a familiar face to many.

Yet Lumine's tales hinted at more, suggesting this keeper wielded powers beyond the ordinary.

"We've got three comics now: One Piece: East Sea Saga, Cardcaptor Sakura's Magic, and Digimon: First Frontier—100,000 Mora for a daily read," Harlan said, gesturing to the shelves.

Barbara's arrival was no shock to him; Stormterror's clash had surely reached the Knights by now.

Lumine's wind-wrought dragon would've piqued their interest, and here was Barbara, proof of that ripple effect.

Barbara nodded, her purpose clear as she slid a pouch of Mora across the counter with steady hands.

For her, 100,000 Mora was a trifle, though doubt lingered in her heart about the shop's claims.

"Boss, can I truly gain something from these comics—like items or skills?" she asked, her voice tentative yet hopeful.

Harlan's nod was firm. "It could be anything—a song, a talent, or even immense power, all drawn from the pages."

Barbara's eyes lit up, her idol's heart skipping at the mention of songs she might claim.

Strength was tempting, but new melodies to share at Mondstadt's concerts thrilled her even more.

"Why not read and find out for yourself?" Harlan suggested, his smile nudging her toward the shelves.

Her excitement sparked an idea in him—future comics like daily anime could flood the shop with tunes for her voice.

If Barbara snagged those, her idol glow might shine across Teyvat, perhaps even reviving Mondstadt's old girl group.

As he mused, Barbara reached the bookshelf, her fingers hovering over the trio of titles with growing intrigue.

Only three books sat there, their covers vivid against the wood: One Piece, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Digimon.

"Lumine and Paimon read the first two—Digimon: First Frontier must be the new one, so I'll start there," she decided.

She'd gleaned the gist of pirate quests and magical cards from Jean, but "Digimon" puzzled her—what did "digital" mean?

With a shrug, she plucked the book and sank into a sofa, the plush cushions cradling her as she cracked it open.

"So that's the Digimon world!" she exclaimed, piecing together its tale of a computer network teeming with virtual creatures.

The concept baffled her Teyvat-bred mind, yet its strangeness hooked her, pulling her deeper into the story.

As pages turned, she lost herself in the adventures of eight children and their evolving Digimon partners.

"It's a wild, wondrous place—full of danger, like that Agumon turning into a monstrous Greymon," she whispered, enthralled.

Then came Tailmon, a feline grace that stole her breath, its cuteness igniting a squeal she barely stifled.

"No girl could resist this adorable cat—oh, Tailmon's my favorite now!" she gushed, her heart melting at its soft fur.

But the scars on Tailmon's body, marks of a lost and lonely past, tugged tears to her eyes.

"If I had a Tailmon, I'd cherish it—keep it safe and loved," she vowed, her voice thick with empathy.

The shop's quiet wrapped around her, the comic's world a vivid escape from Mondstadt's lingering unrest.

***

Support me on Patreon to read 50+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Nocturnal_Breeze