Chapter 3: Battle with Stormterror

The sun dipped lower, casting an orange hue over the city of Mondstadt, painting the skies with a fiery glow. Despite the warmth of the setting sun, a chill settled over the city, one born from the tension of waiting for Stormterror's next attack. Inside the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Jean stood resolute, reviewing their plans with a focused determination.

Aether watched her quietly, admiring the way she carried the weight of Mondstadt's defense on her shoulders. Jean was more than a leader—she was a protector, unwavering even in the face of a threat as great as Stormterror.

"Stormterror could strike at any moment," Jean said, breaking the silence. "We need to be ready."

Aether nodded. "I'll help however I can."

Amber leaned against a nearby table, her expression unusually serious. "I've never seen the city like this before. The people are worried, but they're trying to stay strong."

"And they will," Jean said, her voice steady. "But we need to give them something to hope for. If we can weaken Stormterror, we'll show the city that he can be defeated."

Lisa approached the group, her usual playful demeanor softened by the gravity of the situation. "It seems our mighty traveler will be the key to this, hmm? I have no doubt that with you by our side, Aether, we'll find a way to end this."

Before Aether could respond, the ground trembled. A low, distant rumble echoed through the city, and the air grew still—ominously still.

Amber's eyes widened. "Stormterror…"

Jean's expression hardened. "Everyone, to your positions. He's coming."

The group rushed outside, and as they stepped into the open square, the sky darkened. Clouds swirled violently above them, and the wind howled as if it were alive. Then, with a deafening roar, Stormterror appeared, his massive wings blotting out the sun.

Aether looked up at the dragon, his eyes narrowing as he took in the creature's form. The corruption that twisted Stormterror's body was clear—dark energy pulsed through his veins, and his once majestic presence had become warped and menacing.

"There he is!" Amber shouted, pulling out her bow. "We can't let him destroy the city!"

Jean unsheathed her sword, her eyes never leaving the dragon as it circled overhead. "Aether, can you distract him? We'll focus on keeping the city safe."

Aether nodded. "I'll do what I can."

The wind whipped around them, and Aether could feel the elemental energy in the air. He focused, drawing upon the power of Anemo that flowed through him. Since his encounter with the Statue of The Seven, he had learned to tap into this power, and now he would need to use it to protect Mondstadt.

With a burst of wind beneath his feet, he leaped into the sky. For a moment, it felt like flying. The wind carried him upward, toward the dragon, and as he soared higher, Aether locked his gaze on Stormterror's corrupted form.

Amber fired a volley of arrows, her aim precise as they struck the dragon's wings. Though they didn't cause much damage, they were enough to divert Stormterror's attention, giving Aether the opening he needed.

With a surge of Anemo energy, Aether propelled himself closer to Stormterror, his eyes focused on the source of the corruption—a glowing, dark mass on the dragon's back.

"There it is," Aether muttered under his breath. "The source of the corruption."

Stormterror roared, swinging his massive tail toward Aether. The force of the wind from the dragon's movement was enough to knock anyone off balance, but Aether reacted quickly, dodging with a swift gust of wind that carried him to safety.

"Be careful, Aether!" Jean called from below, her voice filled with concern.

"I've got this!" Aether shouted back, determination in his eyes.

He gathered his Anemo energy, focusing it into a single point, and released it in a powerful blast aimed at the corrupted mass on Stormterror's back. The energy collided with the dark corruption, and for a brief moment, the air was filled with a blinding light.

Stormterror roared in pain, his massive body convulsing as the corruption weakened. But before Aether could strike again, the dragon lashed out in a fit of rage, sending a shockwave through the air. Aether was thrown back, the wind knocked out of him as he crashed to the ground below.

"Aether!" Amber's voice rang out, filled with panic.

Jean rushed to his side, her sword still drawn as she kept her eyes on Stormterror, who was now retreating into the storm clouds above.

"Are you all right?" Jean asked, kneeling beside Aether.

Aether winced, but he nodded. "I'm fine. The corruption… it's weakening, but it's not enough."

Jean's expression softened, her hand resting gently on Aether's shoulder. "You did well, Aether. We'll have another chance to stop him. For now, we regroup and protect the city."

Lisa sauntered over, her usual teasing smile returning as she glanced at Aether. "Well, dear, that was quite the show. I must say, you handled yourself beautifully up there."

"Thanks, Lisa," Aether replied, still catching his breath. "But this isn't over yet."

"Oh, I know," Lisa said with a wink. "But we should take a moment to celebrate small victories, don't you think?"

Amber joined them, her excitement bubbling over. "You were amazing, Aether! I knew you could handle Stormterror! Next time, we'll finish him for good!"

Aether couldn't help but smile at Amber's enthusiasm. Despite the challenges ahead, he wasn't alone in this fight. With Jean's leadership, Amber's energy, and Lisa's support, Aether was beginning to feel that Mondstadt was more than just a temporary stop on his journey—it was becoming a place where he was forming bonds, ones that would only grow stronger in time.