4. Mondstadt: New Normal #1

Tayden opened his eyes, expecting to see the familiar surroundings of his temporary home in Mondstadt. But what greeted him was something entirely different—something that sent a jolt of unease through his body.

He found himself in a dimly lit room, the air heavy with the scent of aged wood and something faintly metallic, like old blood. The walls were made of dark wooden panels, polished to a near-black sheen, and the floor was covered in tatami mats that felt cool under his bare feet. The room was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that presses in on you, thick and suffocating, as if the very air was watching, waiting.

Tayden slowly turned his head, his eyes taking in the details of the space. The architecture was distinctly Japanese, though there was something off about it—something that made his skin prickle with unease. The sliding doors were slightly ajar, but beyond them was only darkness, an impenetrable void that seemed to pulse with its own faint rhythm, like a heartbeat.

The room was large but sparse, the only furnishings being a low wooden table and a few cushions scattered around it. However, the walls were adorned with intricate, almost grotesque carvings—twisting patterns that seemed to shift and writhe if he looked at them too long. The ceiling, too, was unsettling, with wooden beams crisscrossing in a pattern that made his head spin if he tried to follow it. Despite the traditional elements, there was an oppressive atmosphere that made him feel like he was trapped inside a living, breathing entity.

Tayden took a hesitant step forward, the floor creaking slightly under his weight. The sound echoed through the room, amplifying the sense of isolation that clung to him like a second skin. The eerie silence, coupled with the dark, foreboding atmosphere, should have terrified him—yet oddly enough, he didn't feel scared. It was as if some part of him recognized this place, as though it was familiar, yet deeply unsettling.

"What is this place?" he murmured to himself, his voice barely more than a whisper in the stifling air.

As if in response to his words, a voice suddenly spoke from behind him, smooth and low, dripping with a casual confidence that made Tayden's heart skip a beat. "Impressive, isn't it?"

Tayden whirled around, his breath catching in his throat as he came face-to-face with the speaker—himself. Or rather, a version of himself that was both eerily familiar and utterly alien. The figure before him had the same facial features, the same build, but there were stark differences that set him apart. His skin was pale, almost ghostly white, as if all the blood had been drained from it. His eyes were a deep, unsettling red, with slitted pupils that glowed faintly in the dim light, and his nails were long, sharp, and dark as obsidian.

Tayden stared at his doppelgänger, a chill running down his spine. The feeling of being prey—small, vulnerable, trapped—washed over him, though he fought to suppress it. There was something predatory in those red eyes, something that promised danger.

The double's lips curled into a smile. "Quite the expression you have there!", his tone laced with amusement.

Tayden shook off the unease that gripped him, his confusion quickly morphing into irritation. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded, "And where am I?"

The double raised an eyebrow, the smile never leaving his face. "Well, I'm you," he replied with a nonchalant shrug.

Tayden's frustration only grew at the vague answer. "Quit it with the mysterious act!" he snapped. "Who are you really, and what is this place?"

The double sighed, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Sheesh, calm down a little, will you? I'm not trying to be mysterious. I am literally you—or more specifically, the manifestation of your demonic powers."

The words hung in the air. Tayden blinked, "Demonic powers?", the term feeling foreign in his mouth. But before he could ask what he meant, the double spread his arms wide, gesturing to the room around them.

"And this place," the double continued, his voice taking on a more grandiose tone, "is the magnificent Infinity Castle! Or at least, a memory of it."

Tayden looked around the room again, his confusion deepening. He still had no idea what this "Infinity Castle" was or why it felt so… familiar. "Could you explain that in a way that actually makes sense?" he asked, his tone a mix of frustration and pleading.

The double chuckled, clearly amused by Tayden's bewilderment. "Sure, I can do that. But first, let's make ourselves comfortable, shall we?"

With a snap of his fingers, the wooden floor beneath them began to ripple and shift. Tayden watched in horrified fascination as lumps of flesh erupted from the floor, twisting and writhing as they molded themselves into a table and two chairs. The transformation was grotesque, the fleshy mass squelching wetly as it took shape, and Tayden instinctively took a step back, his stomach churning.

The double laughed, the sound echoing eerily through the room. "Oh, come on, don't be so alarmed. I'm not here to harm you. After all, hurting you would be the same as hurting myself."

Tayden eyed the chairs with deep skepticism, but seeing no other options, he slowly lowered himself into one, the fleshy seat squishing unpleasantly beneath him. The double took the seat opposite, lounging back as if they were simply having a casual chat.

"Now, where were we?" the double mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. I'm the manifestation of your powers—demonic powers, to be precise. You've already seen some of their effects, like your impressive regeneration and the boost in strength and speed. Not to mention the enhanced senses, the night vision, and the whole shebang!" The double flexed his arms, showing off biceps that looked far more defined than Tayden's own.

Tayden frowned, trying to wrap his mind around what he was hearing. "Demonic powers… And this is the Infinity Castle? Why do I have these powers? And why do I feel like I should know this place?"

The double leaned forward, his red eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. "Oh, there's a reason for all of that. But first, get ready for an info dump session!" He winked, and Tayden shivered in disgust at the sight.

With another snap of his fingers, the flesh on the floor convulsed again, this time forming into the figure of a man—a man with pale skin, red eyes, and black hair. The figure stood motionless, as if waiting for the double's command.

"This," the double began, gesturing to the figure, "is Muzan Kibutsuji. He was known as the King of Demons."

As Tayden stared at the figure, a chill ran through him. There was something inherently terrifying about the presence of this man, even in this dreamlike state. Muzan exuded an aura of absolute authority, of unimaginable power, and Tayden found himself unable to look away.

The double continued, his tone more serious now. "Muzan's story isn't all that important right now, but here's the short version. When he was human, Muzan was terminally ill—so sick that even walking caused him unbearable pain. A doctor gave him medicine called the 'Blue Spider Lily,' which was supposed to cure him. But Muzan thought the medicine was ineffective, so he killed the doctor. Little did he know, the medicine had worked—just not in the way he expected. It turned him into a monster, giving him incredible power but with one major drawback: he couldn't walk in the sun."

Tayden watched as the figure of Muzan morphed, his arms elongating into grotesque, spiked tendrils that slashed through the air with terrifying speed. The scene shifted around them, and Tayden suddenly found himself standing in the middle of a broken battlefield. The city was in ruins, the air thick with the smell of smoke and blood. In the center of the destruction was Muzan, his tendrils flailing with such force that they tore through buildings as if they were made of paper.

"This," the double said, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and pride, "is Muzan's power. Even when weakened, he was a force of nature. His regeneration was unmatched, his strength and stamina seemingly infinite. Yet, despite all that, he lost."

Tayden watched in stunned silence as a black-haired swordsman with a snake coiled around his neck darted forward, slicing through one of Muzan's tendrils. But as fast as the blade cut, the wound healed just as quickly 'it healed as he was cut!' . The battle raged on, a blur of motion and violence that Tayden could barely comprehend.

Then, abruptly, the scene shifted again. Muzan was no longer the indomitable figure he had just witnessed; instead, he was crumbling to dust under the harsh rays of the sun. The once-mighty demon was disintegrating before Tayden's eyes, his flesh burning away, leaving only ashes in the wind.

The double spoke again, his voice quieter now, almost reflective. "In the end, Muzan was defeated. The sun was his greatest weakness, and it finally claimed him. But in his last moments, he tried one final, desperate act—he poured all of his blood into a boy, hoping to create a new kind of demon, one that could withstand the sun."

As if on cue, the scene shifted once more. Tayden found himself in a different setting, surrounded by the remnants of a brutal battle. The ground was littered with bodies, both human bodies, and the air was thick with the stench of death. In the center of it all was a boy with reddish hair, slumped over in a sitting position, his body broken and battered. His arm was missing, and half of his face was grotesquely deformed.

Tayden watched in shock as the boy's face suddenly began to heal, the grotesque features smoothing out. The boy's eyes snapped open, and he looked around with a wild, feral intensity. Then, the boy's severed arm regenerated so fast that it looked like a blur, the flesh knitting itself back together with unnatural speed. The boy lunged forward, his eyes locked onto a human nearby, but before he could strike, someone intervened, stopping him in his tracks.

The double continued, his tone now tinged with a strange mix of admiration and disdain. "That boy became something more than a demon—something Muzan could never have imagined. But fate had other plans. One of the boy's friends had medicine that could turn demons back into humans, and in the end, Muzan's legacy was wiped out. The boy was cured, and Muzan died for good."

The scene dissolved around them, and Tayden found himself back in the room within the Infinity Castle. The figure of Muzan was gone, leaving only Tayden and his double seated at the grotesque table. Tayden's mind was reeling from everything he had just witnessed, the weight of the revelations pressing down on him like a heavy blanket.

"The reason you can walk in the sun," the double explained, his voice calm and measured, "is because your body inherited the properties of that boy's body. You're special kind of demon, Tayden—one that doesn't have to fear the sun."

Tayden's thoughts swirled. Muzan, the King of Demons, had somehow transferred his powers to Tayden, or his powers were somehow transferred to him? Bringing him into this world with abilities that were both incredible and terrifying. But there was one memory that stood out to Tayden, a memory that didn't quite fit with everything else.

He remembered the distinct voice he had heard on the day of his death, after he had been struck by the motorcycle—a voice that had sounded so desperate. "You can become a perfect supreme being…" Tayden muttered quietly, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

The double nodded, his expression serious. "Bingo. That was Muzan's voice you heard that day. Somehow, his soul became connected to yours, and when you died, this world—Teyvat—pulled your souls together, merging them into one. That's how you ended up here, with his powers."

Tayden felt a shiver run down his spine . "So… I'm not just me anymore? I'm… part Muzan?"

The double shook his head, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "No, you're still you. Muzan's gone, for good. The reason you're the one who's awake and alive right now is because your body was still intact while Muzan's was destroyed. You got all of his powers, but none of his mind. There's no evil demon inside you trying to take over—just the potential for incredible power."

Tayden let out a slow breath, the enormity of it all settling in. He had been granted powers beyond anything he could have imagined, but they came with a heavy burden. He saw that Muzan or demons ate humans and had the urge to eat humans. How could he control that urge? How could he ensure that these powers wouldn't consume him, turning him into a monster like Muzan?

Sensing his turmoil, the double leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "So, you want to know how to control these powers, right?"

Tayden nodded, his resolve hardening. "Yes. I don't want to lose myself to them."

The double smiled, a glint of approval in his red eyes. "Good. You've already tapped into some of that power—like when you fought those Hilichurls. Your adrenaline triggered the activation of your demon abilities, giving you that boost in strength and speed. That's why you were able to lift that giant axe. Although it did send you into an animalistic frenzy but that can be fixed"

Tayden's mind flashed back to the battle, remembering how he had felt a surge of raw power coursing through his veins, allowing him to perform feats that should have been impossible.

"The reason your powers are still unstable," the double continued, "is because you have to actively switch them on. Unlike Muzan, whose abilities were automatic, you need to learn how to control the flow of energy within you. Your regeneration is always active, but everything else—the strength, the speed, the enhanced senses—you have to consciously activate those."

Tayden frowned, deep in thought. "So… how do I train to control these powers?"

The double's expression grew serious. "You need to strengthen your body and mind. The more you train, the longer you'll be able to stay in 'demon mode' without exhausting yourself. Once you reach a certain level of control, you'll be able to access more of Muzan's abilities—like his automatic regeneration, his immense strength, and his near-infinite stamina."

Tayden's determination solidified as he listened. He knew he had a long road ahead of him, but if he could master these powers, he could protect himself—and maybe even find a way back home.

"There's one more thing," the double added, leaning forward with a sly grin. "Demons have something called a 'Blood Demon Art.' It's like a magical power that each demon possesses, something unique to them. But we're a bit different."

Tayden's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

The double's grin widened, his red eyes gleaming with a devilish light. "We won't have a Blood Demon Art that's unique to us. Instead, we have the potential to unlock the Blood Demon Arts of Muzan and the other demons that served him—the Twelve Kizuki."

At the mention of the Twelve Kizuki, Tayden felt a jolt of recognition, though he wasn't sure why. "The Twelve Kizuki?" he repeated, the name feeling strangely familiar on his tongue.

"The Twelve Kizuki, also known as the Twelve Demon Moons," the double explained, "were Muzan's most powerful followers. Six Lower Moons and Six Upper Moons, each with their own incredible abilities. When you wake up, I'll share their information with you, so you'll know what you're capable of."

Tayden's head spun with the weight of it all. He was being offered a power he could hardly fathom, powers that could either save him or destroy him. But there was one thing that still didn't make sense.

"If you can put all this information in my mind," Tayden asked, his voice steady despite the storm of thoughts in his head, "then why talk to me in a dream like this?"

The double's expression turned sheepish. "Well… I wanted to talk to my other self, you know? It's not every day I get to chat with the other half of my soul." He paused, a more serious look crossing his face. "Plus, we're not just going to stay separate forever. Eventually, when you've mastered these powers, we'll merge into one."

Tayden's eyes widened slightly at the notion of merging, the idea of losing his individuality unsettling. But the double laughed, waving a hand dismissively.

"Don't worry. We're already the same person, so it's not like you'll lose yourself. You'll just become… more complete. And trust me, you'll need every bit of power you can get in this world."

Tayden didn't know how to respond to that, his mind still reeling from everything he had learned. But before he could say anything, the dream began to waver, the room around them starting to collapse into darkness.

The double stood, offering Tayden a final, sincere smile. "Good luck on your journey, Tayden. Don't die, okay?"

And with that, the dream shattered, leaving Tayden to plunge into the void before he jolted awake, gasping for breath "things are alot more complicated then i expected".

---

Tayden sees the soft morning light filtering through the small window of his temporary home. He stretched, shaking off the remnants of the strange dream that still clung to the edges of his mind. His thoughts briefly returned to the double and the unsettling conversation they had shared, but a sharp pang of hunger quickly pulled him back to the present.

With a sigh, Tayden realized that he hadn't eaten since yesterday, and his stomach was making its displeasure known. He got up and dressed, determined to find something to eat. But as he slipped his hands into his pockets, he was reminded of the harsh reality—he didn't have any money.

The thought made him pause. The people of Mondstadt had been kind enough to offer him shelter, but he couldn't rely on their charity forever. He needed to find a way to support himself. The idea of seeking help from Eula crossed his mind. She had been somewhat brusque, but she seemed to be someone who would know what he should do next.

Leaving the small house behind, Tayden made his way back to the heart of Mondstadt. The morning air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of dew-covered grass and the faint, sweet aroma of freshly baked bread from nearby stalls. As he walked through the bustling streets, he couldn't help but take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Vendors were setting up their stalls, calling out to early risers with the day's specials. A blacksmith's hammer rang out rhythmically from a nearby forge, sparks flying with each strike as he worked on a new blade. Mondstadt was alive, vibrant with the pulse of everyday life, and Tayden found himself momentarily lost in the simple beauty of it all.

But as his stomach growled again, louder this time, he refocused on the task at hand. He reached the Knights of Favonius headquarters, its imposing structure standing tall against the clear sky. Taking a deep breath, Tayden stepped inside, the cool air of the interior a sharp contrast to the warmth outside.

He approached one of the knights stationed near the entrance, a tall man with a friendly expression. "Excuse me," Tayden began, trying to keep his tone polite but urgent. "Is Eula here today? I was hoping to ask her for some advice."

The knight shook his head, sympathy in his eyes. "Sorry, but Captain Eula is currently out on a mission. She won't be back until later."

Tayden tried to hide his disappointment, but the slump in his shoulders gave him away. He had really been counting on Eula's guidance, and now he wasn't sure what his next move should be. Before he could dwell on it further, a cheerful voice broke through his thoughts.

"Are you asking about Eula?"

Tayden turned to see a young woman with brown hair tied up in a style that reminded him of bunny ears. She was walking toward him with a spring in her step, her bright eyes full of curiosity. There was something about her that immediately put Tayden at ease, as if her energy could chase away any lingering doubts.

"Yeah," Tayden replied, offering a small smile. "I was hoping to talk to her, but it sounds like she's not around."

The girl studied him for a moment, and then her eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh! You must be the guy Eula brought in yesterday—the one who got mixed up with those treasure hoarders!"

Tayden chuckled softly, a bit embarrassed. "That's me, alright. And you must be one of Eula's friends?"

The girl straightened up, placing a hand on her chest as if she were making a formal introduction. "I'm Amber, an Outrider for the Knights of Favonius! But you can just call me Amber." She reached out a hand, her smile widening.

Tayden took her hand, shaking it warmly. "Nice to meet you, Amber. I'm Tayden. I was hoping Eula could help me figure out how to make some money, since… well, I don't have any." He gestured to his empty pockets, feeling a bit sheepish.

Amber's eyes softened with understanding, and she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, well, if it's money you need, I can help with that! There are a few options, depending on what you're interested in."

Tayden raised an eyebrow, curious. "Really? What kind of options?"

Amber's face lit up with excitement. "Come on, I'll show you!" She turned and headed toward the door, motioning for Tayden to follow.

As they walked through the streets, Amber began to explain the different ways Tayden could earn money in Mondstadt. "There are the usual jobs, of course—working at a tavern, helping out at a shop, stuff like that. But I have a feeling you're looking for something a bit more… adventurous?"

Tayden nodded, appreciating that Amber seemed to understand him so well. The idea of settling into a regular job, doing something mundane, didn't sit well with him. Not after everything that had happened. He wanted something that would challenge him, something that would make him feel alive in this new world.

Amber led him to a small building with a stand out front, where a woman stood behind the counter, her gaze calm and a little unsettling. Tayden couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something about her that seemed almost… robotic.

"This is the Adventurers' Guild," Amber explained as they approached the stand. "You can take on commissions here—tasks that people need help with. In return, you get paid, and as you complete more commissions, your rank as an adventurer increases."

Tayden stared at the commission board, his heart starting to race with a mix of excitement and nerves. "So, how do I sign up?"

Amber grinned, clearly pleased by his interest. "Usually, there's a test to join the Adventurers' Guild, but I read your report from yesterday. You handled yourself pretty well against those Hilichurls, so I think you're ready to jump right in!"

Tayden considered it carefully. Taking on commissions sounded like the kind of challenge he was looking for. It would give him a chance to explore this world, test his abilities, and maybe even discover more about the powers he had inherited. Sure, it was risky, but the thought of returning to a mundane life, even in this extraordinary place, didn't appeal to him.

"I'm in," he said, his voice firm with resolve. "I want to become an adventurer."

Amber's smile widened, and she clapped him on the back. "I had a feeling you'd say that! You've got the spirit of an adventurer, for sure."

They approached the counter, where Amber introduced him to the woman behind the stand. "Katheryne, this is Tayden. He's here to join the Adventurers' Guild."

Katheryne's gaze flicked over to Tayden, her eyes steady and assessing. There was a calm professionalism in her demeanor that made Tayden feel like she could see right through him. After a brief pause, she gave a small, approving nod. "Welcome, Tayden. Let's get you registered."

Her movements were efficient and precise as she reached below the counter and retrieved a small card, the metal surface catching the light. She handed it to him, the weight of it solid in his hand, its surface cool and smooth to the touch. His name was already etched into it, the letters clean and crisp.

"This is your Adventurer's Card," Katheryne explained, her voice even and composed. "It's linked to you personally and will track your progress as an adventurer. As you complete commissions, your rank will increase. Higher ranks will unlock more challenging and rewarding tasks. Make sure to keep it safe."

Tayden turned the card over in his hand, feeling the engraved letters under his fingertips. 'How did she make this thing so fast?' It was a simple thing, yet it carried a significance that went beyond the metal it was made of. This card marked the start of a new chapter in his life—one that was filled with unknown possibilities and challenges.

Amber grinned, her enthusiasm lighting up her face. "Congratulations, Tayden! You're officially an adventurer now."

Tayden looked at her, a grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, Amber. I really appreciate all your help."

Amber waved a hand dismissively, her laugh bright and genuine. "No need to thank me! Just promise me you'll stay safe out there. Adventuring has its risks, but it's also an incredible way to see the world."

With a final pat on his shoulder, Amber turned to leave, her duties calling her elsewhere. Tayden watched her go, feeling a sense of camaraderie he hadn't expected. She had been a bright spot in the midst of his uncertainty, and now, as he stood alone in front of the commission board, he felt a new sense of determination welling up inside him.

The board was filled with a variety of tasks, each one promising its own set of challenges. Tayden scanned the options, considering what might be a good starting point. After a moment, his eyes settled on a commission that seemed straightforward enough—collecting 20 Sweet Flowers for Sally, a flower shop owner in the city.

It was a simple task, but it would give him the chance to explore the area around Mondstadt and ease into the life of an adventurer. Plus, it might give him an chance to test out the powers he was still struggling to use.

'Decision made' he carefully pulled the commission notice from the board and brought it over to Katheryne. She looked it over and nodded, giving him the details he'd need to complete the task.

With the commission accepted, Tayden stepped back out into the streets of Mondstadt. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting warm, golden rays over the city. As he set off to begin his first commission, Tayden couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was the start of something new, something that he could shape and define for himself.