To conserve resources and improve the gameplay experience, the game's map had been scaled down. Now that Lora was standing on the real continent of Teyvat, everything before her was real—no longer a game.
Mondstadt, which did not seem particularly large in the game, now stood towering before her. The city walls were tall and majestic, and the statue of the Anemo Archon before the cathedral rose above all other buildings. Even from outside the city walls, separated by Cider Lake, they could still see it clearly.
Lora suddenly felt an eager urge to one day witness the splendor of Liyue Harbor for herself.
Just as the group finished marveling at Mondstadt's grandeur and began heading toward the bridge, a hurried shout suddenly rang out from behind them.
"Hey! You! Wait!!"
Lora turned around and saw a crimson figure rapidly approaching before landing in front of them. The Pyro Vision hanging at her waist swayed slightly with her movements.
After blocking their path, she introduced herself. "May the Anemo Archon protect you, strangers! I am Amber, an Outrider of the Knights of Favonius. Judging by your appearance, you two don't seem to be citizens of Mondstadt. In that case, please state your identities!"
"C-calm down, we're not suspicious!" Paimon waved her hands nervously as she explained.
Amber replied calmly, "Suspicious individuals always say that."
Lumine tugged lightly at Paimon's cloak. Lora stepped forward and said to Amber, "I'm Lora Chaya. She's Lumine."
"Those don't sound like local names," Amber said.
She then glanced at Paimon, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "And this… mascot? What's her deal?"
"She's Emergency Food," Lora answered without hesitation.
"Hey! Lora! How can Paimon be emergency food?! That's even worse than being a mascot!" Paimon stomped her feet in midair. "If you're hungry, I'll give you a Sunsettia!"
"Alright, Paimon. Lora was just joking…" Lumine said gently, trying to calm her down.
"Uh…" Amber looked at Paimon, then at Lumine and Lora. "Anyway, you're Travelers, right? There have been dragons appearing around Mondstadt recently. You'd best enter the city as soon as possible."
"It's fine. Paimon is very capable," Lora said seriously as she looked at Amber.
Amber stared at Paimon in surprise. "Very capable… in what way?"
"She can choke a dragon to death," Lora replied.
"Hey, hey, hey! Lora! I already told you I'm not emergency food!" Paimon flew up onto Lora's head and began rubbing her hair. Her blue-and-white hair quickly became a little messy, but Lora seemed to quite enjoy the impromptu head massage.
Watching their interaction, Amber could tell they weren't suspicious individuals. Still, for the sake of their safety, she suggested, "Mondstadt isn't far from here. Let me escort you into the city as an Outrider!"
The group didn't refuse Amber's kindness. As they traveled together, they encountered several Hilichurl along the roadside.
Just as the Hilichurl were about to rush over, Lora cast them a brief glance. A pressure belonging to a god descended upon them.
The Hilichurl froze in place, staring at her in terror before quickly turning around and fleeing.
Lora knew the origins of the Hilichurl and the curse they bore. Unless absolutely necessary, she did not wish for them to be killed. In situations like this, frightening them away was the best option.
"Huh? They ran?" Amber exclaimed.
She had already been prepared for battle, and now stared at the fleeing Hilichurl in disbelief.
"Amber, what kind of monsters are those?" Lumine asked as she looked toward her.
"They're called Hilichurl—monsters that roam the wilderness…"
Amber explained.
"Recently, because Stormterror has been rampaging and destroying orchards and trade routes, the Knights of Favonius have been stretched thin. That's probably why they've been gradually moving closer to the city. But still… it's strange that they suddenly fled just now. That's completely uncharacteristic."
"I know!" Lora raised her hand. "They were scared off by Paimon."
"Uh…"
Amber and Lumine both looked at Lora, their expressions clearly saying the same thing: they didn't believe it.
Paimon, however, scratched her head and laughed sheepishly. "Hehe… am I really that amazing?"
As they spoke, more Hilichurl appeared from the distant forest. They didn't approach, instead hiding behind the trees and peeking out toward Lora. Their eyes were filled with undisguised fear.
They were afraid of the godly aura emanating from her.
Amber noticed them as well and quickly said, "There are more and more Hilichurl gathering. This isn't a place to stay. We should hurry into the city!"
"Alright," Lumine nodded.
Lora withdrew her gaze from the Hilichurl and followed Amber toward Mondstadt.
In her mind surfaced the Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah five hundred years ago—the terrifying disaster that swept across the entirety of Teyvat. Abyssal creatures covering the mountains and fields, endless Rift Hounds without end.
"Lora, is something bothering you?" Lumine noticed the change in her mood and asked softly.
Lora shook her head. "Nothing. I just feel a bit like those Hilichurl."
Both had their fates altered by the Cataclysm. Both bore curses and "original sin."
"You mean… you can't find your home?" Lumine looked at her, took her hand, and said earnestly, "Don't worry. We'll definitely help you find your home and your family!"
Hearing this, Amber turned back and looked at Lora. "So Miss Lora can't find her family? That's alright. I can help you put up missing person notices. I'm sure we'll find them!"
"If possible, please put one up for Lumine too!" Paimon added quickly.
Amber nodded. "No problem!"
As they talked, the group soon arrived at Mondstadt.
The grand city gates were flanked by Knights of Favonius guards, with patches of dandelions planted on either side, gently swaying in the wind.
After entering the city, Amber stopped, turned to face Lora and the others, cleared her throat, and placed a hand over her chest as she spoke solemnly.
"Everyone, please allow me to formally introduce you. The City of Wind and Dandelions, the City of Freedom—Mondstadt! Travelers under the protection of the Knights of Favonius, welcome to Mondstadt!"
"Wow! Finally, no more sleeping out in the wilderness!" Paimon rubbed her hands together excitedly. She looked around, then asked in confusion, "But… why does everyone here look like they're in such low spirits?"