Chapter 4: Into the Wilderness

The cool breeze that swept through Mondstadt after Stormterror's retreat seemed to bring a temporary sense of calm to the city. The citizens were cautiously optimistic, knowing that the dragon's attacks had been halted, at least for now. But for Aether, Jean, Amber, and Lisa, the fight was far from over.

Inside the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius, the atmosphere was tense but filled with a renewed sense of determination. Aether sat at the long wooden table, maps of Mondstadt's regions spread out before him. Jean stood beside him, her eyes scanning the details of their strategy.

"The corruption is weakening, but it's not gone," Jean said, her voice steady. "We need to find out what's truly behind Stormterror's change if we're going to stop him for good."

Aether nodded, his thoughts focused on the dragon and the dark energy that had overtaken him. He could still feel the strange, unsettling energy from their last encounter. Whatever was driving Stormterror, it was powerful—and dangerous.

Amber leaned against the wall, her arms crossed and a thoughtful expression on her face. "You did great out there, Aether, but I've been thinking… Do you think the Abyss Order might be involved? They've been causing trouble all over Teyvat, and this feels like something they'd do."

Jean glanced over at Amber, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's possible. The Abyss Order has been active recently, but we haven't seen any direct connection between them and Stormterror. Still, we can't rule anything out."

"If the Abyss Order is involved, things are going to get a lot more complicated," Aether said, leaning back in his chair. "But it makes sense. The corruption didn't feel natural—it was more like something dark had taken hold of Stormterror."

Lisa, who had been quietly flipping through a book of ancient texts, looked up with a knowing smile. "You've got a sharp mind, dear. The Abyss has always been about corruption and control, twisting those who were once noble into something darker."

"So, how do we fight something like that?" Amber asked, her hands resting on her hips. "I mean, we've got Aether and his Anemo powers, and Jean's a great leader, but if this is the Abyss Order, we might need more than just brute force."

Jean looked thoughtful for a moment before she spoke. "We'll need information—something that can help us understand the corruption. If we know more, we can strike at its source."

"But where would we even start?" Aether asked, glancing around the room. "If the Abyss Order is involved, their movements are always hidden. They don't exactly leave clues behind."

Lisa closed her book with a soft thud, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Actually, I might have a lead on that. There's a place in Mondstadt, deep within the wilderness, where some ancient texts are kept. They contain information about the history of Mondstadt and its connection to the elemental powers. If we're lucky, we might find something about Stormterror there."

Aether raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly is this place?"

Lisa smiled, her voice playful as always. "Oh, just a little spot in the woods. Nothing too dangerous, but it might take us a bit off the beaten path."

Amber's eyes lit up with excitement. "Sounds like an adventure! I'm in!"

Jean nodded, her expression serious but with a hint of relief. "If there's even a chance we could find something useful, we should go. Aether, Amber, and I will go with you, Lisa. If the Abyss Order is involved, we'll need to be prepared for anything."

Aether stood, feeling the familiar weight of his sword at his side. The road ahead was uncertain, but he had grown accustomed to the unexpected since arriving in Teyvat. He glanced at Jean, who met his gaze with calm resolve, and then at Amber, whose eager smile hadn't faded since Lisa mentioned the journey.

"Let's do this," Aether said, his voice firm.

The journey to the ancient ruins took them beyond the safety of Mondstadt's walls and into the dense forest that surrounded the city. The trees were tall and old, their branches weaving together to form a canopy that blocked out much of the sunlight. It was peaceful, but there was a certain unease in the air—a reminder that danger could be lurking around any corner.

Amber led the way, her bow ready, as Lisa walked beside her with a relaxed stride, her hands glowing faintly with Electro energy. Jean kept pace with Aether, her sword always at the ready, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of movement.

"It's quiet," Amber said, her voice hushed. "Too quiet. You'd think there'd be more animals or something out here, but it's like they've all disappeared."

"They sense the same thing we do," Lisa said softly. "There's something off about this place."

Aether glanced at Jean, who remained focused but calm. He admired her strength—both her physical abilities and the way she led the Knights with unwavering confidence. Since arriving in Teyvat, Aether had often relied on his newly acquired powers, but seeing Jean's calm resolve inspired him to press forward.

"Jean," Aether said, his voice low, "how long has Mondstadt been dealing with Stormterror?"

"It's been a few months now," Jean replied, her gaze steady. "At first, we thought it was just a territorial issue, but then the attacks became more erratic, and we realized something was wrong."

"And you've been handling this on your own?" Aether asked, raising an eyebrow. "It must be exhausting."

Jean smiled softly, her eyes softening for just a moment. "It's my duty. I won't abandon Mondstadt, no matter how difficult it gets. But… I'm grateful to have you here, Aether. Your strength has given us hope."

Aether felt a warmth spread through his chest at Jean's words, her sincerity resonating deeply with him. He was beginning to see Mondstadt as more than just a stop on his journey—it was becoming a place where he was forming meaningful connections, especially with Jean.

"I won't let you down," Aether said quietly, his voice firm with resolve.

Before Jean could respond, a rustling sound echoed through the trees, and Amber froze, her eyes narrowing. "We're not alone."