The sky was a vast expanse of darkness.
Thick thunderclouds stretched across the horizon, their enormous shadows swallowing the faint light that might otherwise have illuminated the world below. Lightning flashed intermittently within their depths, illuminating the clouds from within like veins of white fire. A moment later, the thunder followed, rumbling across the heavens with enough force to make the air itself seem to tremble.
Through this violent sky flew a lone figure.
Aether travelled at tremendous speed, his golden wings spread wide behind him. Each powerful stroke carried him farther across the stormy heavens, while the wind rushed past his face and tugged at his clothes. His golden hair fluttered wildly in the wind, and the occasional flash of lightning illuminated his determined expression.
He had been flying for quite some time.
Below him, the sea was anything but peaceful. Enormous waves rose and collapsed upon one another, their white crests breaking beneath the force of the wind. The ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, its dark surface reflecting the occasional flash of lightning. Here and there, towering waves rose high enough to resemble moving walls before crashing back into the depths.
Aether glanced down briefly.
This weather is getting worse.
A distant bolt of lightning tore through the clouds ahead of him.
His inner self immediately responded.
[Warning. Electrical discharge detected ahead. Estimated trajectory intersects with current flight path.]
Aether tilted his body sharply to the left.
The lightning struck the space he had occupied a moment earlier. Its blinding flash briefly turned the surrounding clouds white, and the thunderclap that followed shook the air around him.
Aether continued forward without slowing down.
"That was close."
[Several additional electrical discharges detected. Recommend altering altitude and flight direction.]
"Understood."
He climbed higher, passing through a layer of turbulent clouds before descending slightly on the other side. Another bolt flashed to his right, followed by a third in the distance.
Aether manoeuvred between them with practised movements. Although the storm was dangerous, his wings allowed him to change direction rapidly, and his extraordinary reflexes helped him avoid the worst of the lightning.
Nevertheless, he could feel the strain beginning to accumulate.
The wind was growing stronger. The rain had become heavier, and the clouds seemed to extend endlessly across the horizon.
"How much farther?" he asked silently.
[Current geographical readings remain incomplete. However, based on the direction of travel and the visible coastal formations, land should be within reach.]
"Let's hope you're right."
Aether leaned forward and accelerated.
For several more minutes, he continued flying through the storm. The sea below him roared without interruption, and the dark clouds above seemed determined to swallow the world.
Then, at last, something appeared in the distance.
Land.
Aether narrowed his eyes and examined the silhouette emerging through the rain.
The island was rugged, its coastline broken into uneven stretches of dark rock and narrow beaches. Steep cliffs rose from the sea, and strange formations of stone stood along the shore. Beyond them, the land climbed toward a mountainous interior, where an enormous peak disappeared into the storm clouds.
Purple light flickered across the island.
For the first time in several minutes, Aether felt a measure of relief.
"Finally. An island."
He adjusted his flight path toward the nearest stretch of shore.
He had no intention of exploring the place immediately. At that moment, he wanted little more than a sheltered place to rest and an opportunity to assess his condition.
Unfortunately, the island had other plans for him.
[Aether. Emergency warning.]
The urgency in his inner self's voice made him react instantly.
"What is it?"
[A natural lightning discharge is forming directly above your position. Its intensity is significantly higher than the previous strikes. Immediate evasive action recommended.]
Aether looked up.
A blinding flash illuminated the clouds directly above him.
"Oh, come on!"
He twisted his body and attempted to fold one wing inward, hoping to change direction before the lightning descended.
He was too late.
A colossal bolt tore through the clouds and struck him squarely.
For an instant, the entire world disappeared beneath a brilliant white flash.
Electricity surged across his body. His wings convulsed, their golden feathers scattering through the rain, while the force of the impact threw him violently off course.
Aether lost control of his flight.
His vision blurred.
The sea and sky spun around him as he plunged toward the island's rocky coastline.
"Not—good!"
He tried to spread his wings, but his muscles refused to respond properly. The sudden injury had disrupted his balance, and the powerful winds made it impossible to recover his trajectory.
The shoreline rushed toward him.
Aether attempted to use his gravity manipulation to slow his descent, but his concentration faltered beneath the lingering shock of the lightning strike.
A moment later, he crashed into the shore of Seirai Island.
The impact sent a tremendous shock through the ground.
Rocks shattered and flew in every direction. Wet soil was thrown aside, while several large stones tumbled down the nearby slope. A shallow depression formed beneath the point of impact, and loose earth spread across the beach as the force of the collision gradually dissipated.
For several moments, nothing moved.
Rain continued to fall.
Thunder rolled overhead.
And at the centre of the disturbed ground, Aether lay motionless.
The Island of Eternal Thunder
Time passed slowly.
Aether remained on the ground, his breathing shallow and uneven. Rainwater gathered around him, soaking his clothes and running through his golden hair. His sword remained close enough to reach, although he made no immediate attempt to retrieve it.
Eventually, his fingers moved.
He drew a long, strained breath.
"...Ugh."
His body ached from the impact. For a moment, he could barely remember how he had ended up on the ground.
Then the memory returned.
"The lightning..."
He slowly pushed himself onto one elbow.
The movement sent a sharp pang of discomfort through his back, forcing him to stop and breathe until it subsided.
"That was... unnecessary."
[Your assessment of the situation is accurate. The electrical discharge exceeded the intensity of the previous strikes.]
Aether gave a tired laugh.
"Thank you for that wonderfully comforting observation."
[You're welcome.]
"That was sarcasm."
[Acknowledged.]
Despite his discomfort, Aether managed a faint smile.
It disappeared when he attempted to move his wings.
A wave of pain spread across his back. He immediately stopped, clenched his teeth, and carefully turned his head to inspect them.
His golden wings had suffered considerable damage. Several feathers were bent or missing, and the muscles responsible for their movement had been strained by the lightning and subsequent impact. Their familiar golden glow had dimmed, appearing uneven beneath the rain.
Aether studied them in silence.
"...How bad is it?"
His inner self answered without delay.
[Both wings have sustained significant damage. Their structural integrity remains intact, but several components require time to recover. Attempting sustained flight at present would be inadvisable.]
"How long?"
[Approximately twenty-four hours under favourable conditions. Recovery may take longer if you sustain additional injuries or exert yourself excessively.]
Aether closed his eyes and released a long sigh.
"Twenty-four hours."
He had travelled across the sea only to be grounded by a lightning strike.
Wonderful.
He slowly sat upright, allowing himself a few moments to regain his balance. Then, with considerable effort, he rose to his feet.
His knees trembled briefly before he steadied himself.
Rain dripped from his clothes, and the cold wind swept across the shoreline. He looked around, taking in the unfamiliar landscape.
That was when he noticed the mountain.
Amakumo Peak rose in the distance, dominating the centre of the island.
Its towering slopes were surrounded by dark clouds and flashes of violet lightning. Jagged rock formations covered the mountain, while strange, weathered stone structures dotted the surrounding terrain. Farther below, the land descended toward a vast, circular depression containing a lake whose waters appeared unusually dark beneath the storm.
Purple electricity flickered around the area, illuminating portions of the cliffs and the rocky ridges.
Even from a distance, the place felt unsettling.
The mountain seemed to stand at the centre of the island's unnatural weather, as though the surrounding storm revolved around it. Lightning repeatedly descended toward the landscape, and faint violet glimmers could be seen around the rocks and water.
Aether watched it for several seconds.
"What happened here?"
[Insufficient information. However, the surrounding atmosphere contains unusually high concentrations of Electro elemental energy.]
"How high?"
[Significantly above ordinary environmental levels. The concentration appears particularly intense around that Peak and the central depression. Additional investigation would be required to determine its source.]
Aether glanced toward the darkened sky.
"So this isn't an ordinary thunderstorm."
[Correct. The island's elemental conditions are unusual. Caution is advised.]
"Don't worry. I wasn't planning to go sightseeing with my wings in this condition."
[That is a sensible decision.]
Aether shook his head.
"You're getting better at insulting me without actually insulting me."
[I have not insulted you.]
"Exactly."
For a brief moment, the conversation distracted him from his injuries.
Then another gust of wind swept across the shore, bringing with it a fresh wave of rain.
Aether looked toward the coastline.
The island appeared deserted from where he stood. There were no visible settlements nearby, no ships anchored offshore, and no signs of people moving along the beach.
He could see only rocks, scattered vegetation, and the dark outline of the distant mountains.
He needed shelter.
"Can you detect any buildings nearby?"
[Several artificial structures have been detected farther along the coastline. Their condition is uncertain. A small encampment may be present.]
"Good enough."
Aether adjusted his sword at his side and began walking.
Every step reminded him that his body had not fully recovered from the crash. His back remained sore, and he could feel the weight of his damaged wings whenever he moved.
Nevertheless, he continued along the shore.
The rain made the rocks slippery, forcing him to choose his footing carefully. Occasionally, he paused to examine the surroundings, watching for any movement between the boulders or along the uneven coastline.
The wind whistled through the rocky formations.
Thunder rolled overhead.
And somewhere beyond the mountains, lightning continued to illuminate the storm.
After several minutes, Aether finally spotted something that did not belong to the natural landscape.
A crude wooden structure stood ahead, partially sheltered by a rocky outcrop. Several pieces of cloth had been stretched between wooden supports, forming a makeshift roof. Wooden crates and barrels were scattered around the site, and a small fire pit sat near the centre of the encampment.
Aether slowed.
A camp.
More importantly, a camp with a roof.
"That will do."
He approached cautiously, keeping his eyes on the structure.
Then he noticed movement.
Several people were gathered beneath the makeshift shelter. Their clothing was rough and mismatched, and various tools and weapons lay scattered around them. One person was sorting through a wooden crate, while another was crouched near a collection of supplies.
They appeared to be discussing something until one of them noticed Aether approaching.
"Hey! Who's that?"
The conversation stopped.
Several heads turned toward the newcomer.
One man stood up, reaching for the weapon at his side.
"Oi! You there! Stop!"
Aether stopped a short distance away.
"I'm looking for shelter from the rain," he said calmly. "I don't intend to cause trouble."
The man stared at him, then glanced toward his companions.
"Did you hear that? He wants shelter!"
One of the others laughed.
"Maybe he's lost."
"Or maybe he's looking for something worth stealing," another replied.
Aether frowned slightly.
"I don't want your belongings. I only need somewhere to rest until the storm passes."
The first man stepped forward.
"Listen carefully, stranger. This is our camp. If you want something, you'll have to pay for it."
"I don't have anything to offer you."
"Then get lost!"
Aether glanced at the rain falling around them.
"I would appreciate it if you reconsidered."
The man's expression hardened.
"Are you deaf? I said—"
He suddenly drew his weapon.
"Get away from our camp!"
The other men followed suit, grabbing their weapons and spreading out to surround Aether.
Aether's expression changed.
He had tried to settle the matter peacefully. He had explained his situation and asked for nothing more than a place to escape the storm.
They had responded by threatening him.
He slowly reached for his sword.
"I really didn't want to do this."
"Then you should have stayed away!"
The first attacker charged.
Aether drew his blade.
The clash lasted only a short time.
The attacker swung wildly, but Aether stepped aside and used the flat of his sword to knock the weapon away. A quick movement sent the man stumbling backward, where he collided with one of his companions.
Two more rushed forward together.
Aether shifted his footing, caught the first strike against his blade, and redirected it away from his body. He followed with a controlled kick that sent the attacker tumbling into the wet ground.
The second man hesitated.
That hesitation proved costly.
Aether advanced, disarmed him with a precise movement, and forced him to retreat.
"Wait! How is he moving so quickly?"
"Just surround him!"
They tried.
It made little difference.
Despite his damaged wings and aching body, Aether's swordsmanship remained formidable. He did not waste energy on unnecessary movements. Every parry, step, and counterattack was deliberate, designed to end the confrontation as quickly as possible.
Within moments, the remaining attackers had been disarmed or knocked off balance.
One man dropped his weapon and backed away.
"Forget this! I'm not dying over a camp!"
"We're leaving!" another shouted.
The group scattered, stumbling through the rain and disappearing between the rocks. Aether watched them retreat but made no attempt to pursue them.
When the last of them had vanished from sight, he slowly lowered his sword.
"...Well, that could have gone better."
He returned the blade to its sheath.
He did not feel proud of what had happened. The men had threatened him, and he had defended himself, but he still disliked the fact that violence had been necessary.
He had not come to Seirai Island looking for a fight.
He had come looking for shelter.
Aether glanced toward the crude hut.
"At least the roof is still here."
He walked beneath it and sat down against one of the wooden supports.
The shelter was hardly comfortable. The floor was uneven, the roof leaked in several places, and the wind occasionally carried rain through the open sides.
Nevertheless, it was better than sitting exposed on the shore.
Aether leaned his head back and closed his eyes briefly.
Outside, the storm continued to rage.
The thunder rolled across the island, the rain pattered against the roof, and the wind whistled through the wet ground and surrounding rocks.
For the first time since arriving on Seirai Island, Aether allowed himself to stop moving.
And with nothing demanding his immediate attention, his thoughts began to drift toward the past.
A Decision Made in Mondstadt
The sound of the storm gradually faded from Aether's awareness.
In its place came another memory.
A familiar room.
A wooden desk covered in documents.
The pale light of Mondstadt shining through the windows of the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
Aether stood before the desk, his expression serious.
On the other side sat Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Her hands rested upon the documents before her, but her attention was entirely focused on him.
Standing nearby was Amber, whose expression suggested that she already knew this conversation would not end well.
Jean studied Aether for a long moment.
"You are serious about this?"
Aether nodded.
"Yes."
"You intend to travel to Liyue and interfere with the situation involving Osial?"
"That's right."
Jean slowly leaned back in her chair.
"Aether, do you understand the implications of what you're proposing?"
"I believe I do."
"Then I don't think you understand the situation well enough."
Amber stepped forward.
"Acting Grand Master, please. At least hear him out."
Jean turned toward her.
"I am listening, Amber. That is precisely why I am concerned."
She looked back at Aether.
"Tell me why you believe you must do this."
Aether remained silent for a moment before answering.
"Because I don't believe the current plan is right."
Jean's expression tightened.
"Explain."
"I understand why Liyue wants to protect itself. I understand why its people fear Osial, and I know what happened the last time he threatened the city. But the plan to force a confrontation without seeking another solution doesn't sit right with me."
"Osial is an ancient god who once threatened the entirety of Liyue," Jean replied. "His power is immense, and the consequences of releasing him could be catastrophic."
"I know."
"And yet you intend to involve yourself anyway?"
"Yes."
Jean pressed her fingers against her forehead.
"Aether..."
She paused, searching for the right words.
"You are a Knight of Favonius. Your responsibility is to Mondstadt and its people. You cannot simply travel to another nation and interfere in its internal affairs because you disagree with its decisions."
"What if those decisions are wrong?"
"That is not the point."
"Then what is?"
Jean's gaze sharpened.
"The point is that Liyue is a sovereign nation. Its people, its leaders, and its protectors must decide how to handle their own affairs. You do not have the authority to dictate what they should do."
Aether looked away briefly.
He had expected this argument.
He had even considered the possibility that Jean might forbid him from going.
But hearing her say it aloud made the situation feel more difficult than he had anticipated.
Amber spoke up again.
"Jean, Aether isn't trying to take control of Liyue. He just wants to prevent something terrible from happening."
"And what happens if his actions cause something even worse?"
Amber faltered.
Jean continued, her voice measured but firm.
"Suppose Aether attempts to intervene and the situation escalates. Suppose someone is injured, or the Qixing interpret his actions as an attack against Liyue. What then?"
"I'll take responsibility," Aether answered.
Jean looked at him in disbelief.
"You cannot possibly take responsibility for every consequence of a conflict between two nations."
"I can take responsibility for my own actions."
"That is not the same thing!"
Her voice rose slightly, and the room fell silent.
Jean took a slow breath before continuing.
"There is another matter you need to consider."
Aether looked at her.
"Ningguang."
The name alone was enough to make the conversation more uncomfortable.
Jean folded her hands on the desk.
"From what we know, Ningguang has little reason to welcome your involvement. She and the other members of the Liyue Qixing have not forgotten what happened when their city needed your help."
Aether's expression became more guarded.
"I know."
"Do you?" Jean asked. "Because, from their perspective, you refused to stand with Liyue when it was in desperate need. You may have had your reasons, but that does not mean they will forgive you."
"I didn't trust them."
"And they may not trust you now."
Aether said nothing.
Jean continued.
"If you arrive in Liyue and challenge their decisions, they may interpret it as another insult. They could accuse you of attempting to undermine their authority. They might even view your actions as a threat."
"Then I'll deal with it."
Jean stared at him.
"You keep saying that as though everything can be resolved through determination alone."
Aether met her gaze.
"Sometimes, it has to be."
For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
Amber looked between them, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.
She understood Aether's determination. She knew he was not acting out of a desire for fame or recognition. He simply could not ignore a situation when he believed someone might be able to prevent unnecessary suffering.
But she also understood Jean's concerns.
Aether was powerful, perhaps more powerful than most people could imagine.
Yet even he could not predict every consequence of his actions.
"Can't we find another way?" Amber asked quietly.
Aether turned toward her.
"What do you mean?"
"Perhaps we could contact the Geo Archon. Or ask someone in Liyue to negotiate. There must be a way to convince them to reconsider without creating another conflict."
"I considered that."
"And?"
Aether hesitated.
"I don't think they'll listen."
Amber's shoulders sank slightly.
"You don't know that for certain."
"No," he admitted. "But I know how things have gone so far."
He looked back at Jean.
"I could wait for permission. I could send letters and ask people to negotiate. But by the time anyone reaches an agreement, it might be too late."
Jean's expression grew sombre.
"And you believe you are the only person who can prevent that?"
"No. I believe I'm someone who can try."
The distinction was small, but it mattered to him.
He was not claiming that he alone could solve every problem. He was saying that he could not stand aside when he believed he had the means to help.
Jean looked down at the papers on her desk.
For a moment, she appeared exhausted.
Then she spoke.
"Aether, I cannot allow you to do this while remaining a Knight of Favonius."
Amber's head snapped toward her.
"Jean!"
"Please, Amber. Let me finish."
Jean returned her attention to Aether.
"You represent this nation. You wear its insignia, carry its authority, and serve under its command. If you travel to Liyue in your official capacity and challenge the decisions of the Qixing, your actions could be interpreted as an act of interference by Mondstadt itself."
"I'm not asking Mondstadt to support me."
"That does not matter. Your intentions do not determine how other nations interpret your actions."
Aether's expression remained calm, but he could feel the weight of her words.
Jean continued.
"If a diplomatic crisis develops, I will have to answer for it. The Knights of Favonius will have to answer for it. And the people of Mondstadt may suffer the consequences of a decision they had no part in making."
She paused.
"I cannot place an entire nation at risk because one of its knights chooses to act independently."
Amber shook her head.
"But he's trying to help people!"
"And I am trying to protect people," Jean replied.
Her voice softened slightly, but her position remained unchanged.
"That is my responsibility as Acting Grand Master."
Aether lowered his gaze.
He had hoped Jean might disagree with his plan but still find a way to support him.
Instead, he was beginning to understand that she could not separate his intentions from the responsibilities attached to his position.
Jean took another breath.
"If you insist on going to Liyue, you must first surrender your titles and relinquish your position as a Knight of Favonius."
The words settled over the room.
For a moment, Aether thought he had misunderstood her.
"...What?"
Jean's expression showed how difficult the decision was for her, but she did not withdraw it.
"You heard me. You cannot act as an independent agent while carrying the authority of this organization. If you choose to proceed, you must do so as a private individual."
Amber stared at Jean.
"You're asking him to leave the Knights?"
"I'm asking him to acknowledge that his decision is his own."
"But—"
"Amber."
Jean's voice was quiet.
"I do not want this outcome. But I cannot ignore the consequences."
Aether remained completely still.
He had faced monsters, powerful enemies, and threats that could endanger entire cities. He had stood against opponents who believed themselves untouchable.
Yet this conversation made him feel strangely powerless.
For the first time in a long while, he understood that strength was not the only thing that mattered.
He could fight for people.
He could defend them.
He could even place himself between them and a threat that might destroy everything they loved.
But he could not force those who cared about him to follow him into every battle.
And when he needed their support, they might have no choice but to stand aside.
He looked at Jean.
"If I surrender my position, Mondstadt won't be held responsible for what I do?"
"That is the intention," Jean answered. "I cannot promise that there will be no diplomatic consequences, but I will not send the Knights of Favonius into a conflict you choose to enter independently."
Aether nodded slowly.
"I understand."
Amber stared at him.
"Aether, wait. You don't have to decide right now."
He turned toward her.
"Amber—"
"Please, just think about it. You worked hard to earn your place here. The Knights accepted you. Everyone knows how much you've done for Mondstadt."
She took a step closer.
"You don't have to throw all of that away just because you want to help someone."
Aether looked at her for a long moment.
Then he gave her a small, reassuring smile.
"I'm not throwing it away."
"But—"
"I'm making a choice."
His words were gentle, yet there was no uncertainty in them.
Amber's eyes widened slightly.
Aether turned back toward Jean.
"I'll surrender my titles."
Jean froze.
Even though she had demanded precisely that, she had not expected him to agree so readily.
"Aether..."
"I'll relinquish my position as an honorary knight. If that is what it takes to ensure Mondstadt isn't dragged into this, then I'll do it."
Amber looked at him in disbelief.
"You can't be serious!"
"I am."
"Then reconsider!"
Aether's smile softened.
"Amber, I appreciate everything the Knights have done for me. I really do. But I can't remain here knowing there's something I might be able to do and choosing not to try."
He glanced toward the window.
"I don't know whether I'll succeed. I don't even know whether I can convince anyone to listen to me. But I need to try."
Amber opened her mouth to respond, but no words came.
Jean looked down at her desk.
The decision had been made.
And although she could understand his reasoning, that did not make the outcome any easier to accept.
After a long silence, she began preparing the necessary documents.
The Door That Closed Behind Him
The room was quiet except for the faint sound of paper moving across the desk.
Jean completed the formalities with a solemn expression. When she finally placed the documents before Aether, he stepped forward and looked at them.
There it was.
The official record of his departure from the Knights of Favonius.
He had never imagined that his time with them would end this way.
For a moment, he thought of the people he had met in Mondstadt. He thought of the missions he had completed, the dangers he had faced, and the friendships he had begun to build.
He thought of Amber.
Then he signed.
The pen moved steadily across the paper.
When he finished, he set it down and stepped back.
"That's everything," he said.
Jean looked at the signed document.
"Yes."
She hesitated before speaking again.
"Aether, I want you to understand something. I am not making this decision because I doubt your intentions. I know you want to help."
He listened quietly.
"But you are choosing a path that may have consequences far beyond what you anticipate. If this becomes a conflict between Mondstadt and Liyue, I will not be able to protect you from the political consequences of your actions."
"I understand."
"And Mondstadt will not take responsibility for what you do."
Aether nodded.
"I understand that too."
Jean looked as though she wanted to say more, but she eventually fell silent.
Aether turned toward the door.
He had nothing left to say.
He had made his decision, and he would live with its consequences.
When he reached the doorway, Amber hurried after him.
"Aether, wait!"
He stopped and looked back.
Amber stood a few steps away, her expression filled with worry.
For a moment, she seemed unable to decide what to say.
Then she asked the question that had been troubling her since the conversation began.
"Are you really going to do this?"
Aether smiled.
"Yes."
"Even after everything Jean said?"
"Even after everything Jean said."
Amber looked down.
"I don't want you to go alone."
Aether's expression softened.
"I know."
"Then why are you making this so difficult?"
He considered the question.
"Because sometimes the right thing to do isn't the easiest thing to do."
Amber looked up at him.
"And what if something happens to you?"
Aether did not answer immediately.
He could not promise that nothing would happen. He could not guarantee that he would return unharmed, or that his efforts would succeed.
Instead, he offered her the only honest reassurance he could.
"I'll do everything I can to come back."
Amber's eyes remained fixed on his face.
She wanted to believe him.
She wanted to tell him that he was being reckless, that he should stay, that there had to be another way.
But she knew him well enough to understand that he had already made up his mind.
Aether gave her one last reassuring smile.
"Take care of yourself, Amber."
Then he turned and opened the door.
He stepped into the corridor.
Amber followed him, her worried gaze never leaving his back.
Behind them, Jean remained in her office, staring at the signed document on her desk.
She had made the decision she believed necessary to protect Mondstadt.
Yet as she listened to Aether's footsteps fade down the corridor, she could not entirely silence the unease in her heart.
She hoped he would return safely.
She hoped the situation in Liyue would not become the catastrophe she feared.
And she hoped that, one day, Aether would understand why she had made her choice.
But hope was all she had.
Aether reached the entrance of the headquarters and pushed open the heavy doors.
The cool air of Mondstadt greeted him.
For a moment, he stood at the threshold, looking out toward the city.
The familiar streets stretched before him. The windmills turned slowly in the distance, and the sound of ordinary life drifted through the air.
It was a place where he had begun to feel that he belonged.
Now, he was leaving it behind.
Aether stepped outside.
He did not look back.
Amber followed him through the doorway, her expression still troubled.
She wanted to call out to him again, but she could not find the words.
So she watched as he walked away, carrying his sword and his determination toward an uncertain future.
Beneath an Unfamiliar Sky
The memory faded.
Aether's eyes opened.
He was back beneath the crude wooden shelter on Seirai Island.
For a few moments, he remained still, staring at the underside of the roof. The rain had softened, and the thunder seemed farther away than before.
He drew a slow breath.
"...So that's what happened."
He had remembered the conversation many times since leaving Mondstadt, but it never became easier to think about.
He understood Jean's position. She had been responsible for protecting an entire nation, and she could not risk dragging its people into a conflict because of his personal convictions.
He did not blame her for that.
At least, he tried not to.
But understanding her decision did not mean that it had not hurt.
When he had needed support, Jean had offered him a choice: abandon his plan or surrender the position that connected him to Mondstadt.
He had chosen the latter.
And once he had done so, he had walked away without knowing whether anyone would stand beside him when things became difficult.
His gaze drifted toward the open side of the shelter.
Rainwater streamed down the rocks outside, gathering in shallow pools along the uneven ground. The sky remained dark, but the immediate downpour had finally stopped.
For the first time since his arrival, the island had become relatively quiet.
Aether slowly sat forward and glanced around the camp.
No one had returned.
The Treasure Hoarders had either found another place to shelter or decided that confronting him again was not worth the trouble.
He was alone.
He adjusted his position against the wooden support, trying to find a comfortable way to sit without putting pressure on his injured wings.
Then he looked toward the distant mountain.
Even through the thinning rain, Amakumo Peak remained visible beneath the heavy clouds. Faint violet flashes illuminated its slopes, and the strange elemental presence surrounding the island continued to weigh upon his senses.
He would need to investigate eventually.
But not now.
His wings required time to recover. His body was exhausted, and he had little reason to wander into unfamiliar territory while injured.
[Your current condition remains suboptimal. Rest is strongly recommended.]
Aether gave a quiet sigh.
"For once, I completely agree with you."
[I will continue monitoring your condition.]
"Thank you."
He leaned back against the wooden support and allowed his shoulders to relax.
The storm had not disappeared. Thunder still rumbled somewhere beyond the mountains, and the wind continued to whisper across the wet landscape. But for the moment, the shelter offered enough protection for him to rest.
Aether closed his eyes.
His thoughts briefly returned to Mondstadt.
He remembered Amber's worried expression as he had left the headquarters. He remembered the way she had tried to persuade him to reconsider, even when she knew he was unlikely to change his mind.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
I hope she's doing well.
He wondered whether she was still worried about him.
He wondered whether she had forgiven him for leaving so abruptly.
And, for a moment, he wondered whether he would ever return to Mondstadt and see her again.
The questions remained unanswered.
Aether released a slow breath and pushed them aside.
There would be time to think about them later.
For now, he needed rest.
He shifted slightly, folded his arms loosely across his chest, and settled into a more comfortable position beneath the hut.
The sound of the wind gradually became distant.
The occasional rumble of thunder no longer demanded his attention.
And as exhaustion finally overcame his determination to remain alert, Aether fell asleep beneath the storm-darkened sky of Seirai Island.
Outside, the clouds continued to gather around Amakumo Peak.
Violet lightning flickered across the distant mountains, illuminating the strange, desolate landscape for a fleeting instant before darkness returned.
The island remained silent.
And beneath its restless skies, the weary traveler slept, unaware of what the coming day might bring.