Cherreads

Chapter 53 - Chs 52

Teyvat

Mondstadt

In a forest filled with towering trees and green grass swaying gently in the breeze, a white light suddenly bloomed in the air. It pulsed for a moment, bright but not blinding, then slowly faded—leaving the figure of a man standing quietly amidst the lush Whispering Woods.

His silvery white hair blew in the wind, his dark coat falling neatly along the line of his strong shoulders. Kaito opened his eyes, and the world before him had completely changed. There were no longer apartment walls or plush sofas; only the scent of wet earth, rustling leaves, and the warm Mondstadt sunlight.

"So… I've arrived in Teyvat," he murmured softly.

He took a few steps forward, letting the soles of his feet feel the soft texture of the ground. His Observation Haki spread naturally, like an old, unthinking habit. In the distance, he caught sight of small, slow-moving creatures—a distinctive energy slime.

Slime.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Then there's no mistaking it."

Kaito paused for a moment and looked up, noticing the clear blue sky, the clouds drifting gently. There was something different in the air—light, free, as if this world allowed anyone to breathe more easily.

"System," he called out casually. "Where am I now?"

[Host is currently in Mondstadt, in the timeline one week before the traveler's arrival.]

"Mondstadt, huh…"

The land of freedom. The realm ruled by the Anemo Archon, Barbatos—or Venti, as he is more commonly known. The place where a great story began, where a foreign traveler first set foot in search of a lost relative.

He walked slowly, his thoughts drifting to old memories from his previous life. The songs of the windy city, the high walls that embraced Mondstadt like a warm embrace, and the citizens who lived without shackles. This world—though dangerous—had its own charm.

He hadn't gone far when the system's voice sounded again. This time, it wasn't just a notification.

[Ding! Random mission has been released]

[Mission: Kill 100 hilichurls

Status: Incomplete

Reward: 2x rare tickets, 1000 XP, 1000 PS]

[Ding! Random mission has been released]

[Mission: Register as an adventurer

Status: Incomplete

Reward: 1x rare ticket, 1000 XP, 1000 PS]

[Mission: Defeat 10 ruin guards

Status: Incomplete

Reward: 2x rare tickets, 1000 XP, 1000 PS]

[Mission: Defeat Andrius

Status: Incomplete

Reward: 3x rare tickets, 5000 XP, 1000 PS]

Kaito raised his eyebrows slightly. "This is the first time I've seen you so diligent," he said half-jokingly.

However, instead of rushing, he sighed softly. "Okay. For now, let's head to town."

He began walking along the faint dirt path, following his instincts and the direction of the wind. Mid-stride, he suddenly stopped. A thought struck him, making him chuckle softly.

"If I'm not mistaken," he murmured, "at the beginning, the Traveler will meet Amber in this forest. I wonder… will she appear now?"

It was as if the universe had heard his question.

"Hey! Wait!"

A girl's cheerful voice broke the silence of the forest. Kaito turned his head, and from among the trees, a girl with reddish-brown hair ran up. Her red outfit stood out against the green of the forest, large glasses hung around her neck, and on her head—a bunny headband that was almost impossible to miss.

The girl leaped lightly and landed in front of Kaito with a wide smile. "May the Anemo Archon bless you, stranger!"

She stood up straight and performed the typical greeting gesture of Mondstadt knights. "My name is Amber. Outrider of the Knights of Favonius."

Kaito stared at her for a moment, his eyes glinting with a quiet interest. Amber—just as he remembered. Cheerful, full of energy, and warm as the Mondstadt sun.

Amber looked up slightly, noticing the difference in their height. Her gaze swept over Kaito's dark coat, then settled on his face. "You don't look like a Mondstadt resident," she said honestly. "May I introduce myself?"

"My name is Kaito," he replied in a friendly tone. He extended his hand. "A traveler passing through. Nice to meet you, Amber."

Amber shook his hand without hesitation. "Nice to meet you too! So, what are you doing in the Whispering Woods?"

"I'm looking for a way into town," Kaito replied simply.

"Oh, I see." Amber nodded. "What a coincidence. There have been reports of large dragons appearing around Mondstadt lately. It would be safer if you entered the city soon."

She smiled brightly. "It's not far. I can walk you."

"Thank you," Kaito said sincerely. "I really appreciate it."

"No need to be so polite!" Amber waved enthusiastically. "It's the Knights of Favonius' duty to help others. Come, follow me!"

With light steps, Amber began walking ahead, occasionally glancing back to make sure Kaito was following her. Her energy was infectious; even her steps felt like small, joyful leaps.

Kaito followed her with a small smile. This was one of the reasons he loved this world so much. It wasn't just about the power or the adventure, but about the people—about the simple warmth that made the journey meaningful.

The Mondstadt wind blew gently, carrying the sound of rustling leaves and Amber's light laughter. In the distance, the city walls began to faintly appear, towering majestically. And in Kaito's heart, a sense of calm grew—a feeling that his journey in this world had only truly begun.

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