Chapter 40: Stronger but dum
The sun hung low in the sky as Aether, Issei, Noelle, and Amber made their way back to the city after their first day of training. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and camaraderie, each of them buzzing with the adrenaline of their successful session.
"Did you see the way we handled that blindfold challenge?" Issei exclaimed, a broad smile on his face. "I didn't think I could navigate those obstacles without seeing, but with you all guiding me, I felt like I was flying!"
Noelle nodded, her cheeks flushed with enthusiasm. "You did great, Issei! It was really impressive how quickly you picked it up. I think we make a good team."
Amber, her eyes shining with excitement, added, "We should definitely practice more together! Imagine how strong we'll get!"
Aether chuckled, watching their interaction. "That's the spirit! And remember, training isn't just about physical strength. It's about strategy and trust as well. Each challenge we face will require us to think on our feet."
Just as they were about to enter Mondstadt's bustling streets, they noticed a crowd gathering at the plaza. Curious, they approached, weaving through the throng of people to see what the commotion was about.
When they reached the front, they discovered that a street performer was showcasing an incredible act of elemental manipulation. The performer was summoning whirling gusts of wind and vibrant flames, capturing the audience's attention.
"Wow! Look at that!" Amber exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "They're so talented!"
Issei, never one to shy away from a challenge, leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I bet I could do that with Ddrake's help! Just give me a moment."
Before anyone could stop him, he stepped forward and called out, "Hey! I can do that too! Watch me!"
Aether sighed but couldn't help smiling at Issei's enthusiasm. "Be careful, Issei. It's one thing to show off in training; it's another to do it in front of a crowd."
Ignoring the warning, Issei summoned Ddrake's power, flames dancing at his fingertips. He began to perform, creating a stunning display of fire and light. The crowd gasped in awe, but as he attempted to shape the flames into a dragon, he miscalculated. The flames roared out of control, momentarily engulfing a nearby cart of apples.
"Whoa!" Amber shouted, rushing to help. "Issei, focus!"
Issei quickly regained his composure, waving his hands to dissipate the flames. "Sorry! I didn't mean to—"
Aether jumped in, his voice steady and commanding. "Everyone, stand back! Issei, keep your flames contained!"
With a burst of focus, Issei managed to pull back the fire, transforming the rogue flames into harmless sparks that twinkled like stars above them. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Aether could see the momentary embarrassment on Issei's face.
Rosaria, who had been watching from a distance, stepped forward with an amused smirk. "Looks like you have a flair for the dramatic, Issei. Just remember, controlling your power is more important than showing off."
Issei scratched the back of his head sheepishly, but the admiration in the crowd's eyes boosted his confidence. "I'll keep that in mind. I just wanted to impress everyone."
Aether clapped him on the shoulder. "You did impress them, just not in the way you intended. Next time, focus on control first, then creativity."
As the performance concluded and the crowd dispersed, Noelle turned to Aether. "Do you think we could have a performance like that? It could help the people of Mondstadt see us as more than just knights."
Amber beamed at the idea. "That's a great plan! We could showcase our abilities while also emphasizing teamwork!"
"Definitely!" Issei agreed. "And I bet we could make it a fundraiser for the city or something! Show everyone that the Shadow Guard is here for them!"
Aether nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like an excellent idea. It would build our image in Mondstadt while strengthening our bonds as a team. Plus, it would give us a chance to practice our abilities in a less combative setting."
Rosaria crossed her arms, considering their proposal. "If you're serious about this, I'll support it. But remember, everything we do reflects on the Shadow Guard. We must keep our standards high."
"Of course!" Noelle replied, her excitement evident. "We'll make sure it's something everyone will enjoy."
As they began brainstorming ideas for the performance, Aether felt a surge of optimism. He could see a brighter future for the Shadow Guard, one where they not only protected Mondstadt but also fostered unity within the community.
Later that evening, as the sun set and the sky filled with vibrant colors, Aether gathered with the others at the Knights of Favonius headquarters. They discussed their plans in greater detail, drafting proposals and roles for each member.
The excitement in the room was palpable, and Aether felt a sense of belonging he hadn't realized he craved. For the first time in a long while, he could envision a future where they all thrived together, not just as warriors but as a family.
As the night wore on, Aether looked around at his friends—Issei, Noelle, Amber, and even Rosaria, who was surprisingly enthusiastic about their plans. He knew they had a long journey ahead, but with this team, he felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
"Alright, team," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Let's make this performance unforgettable!"
Later that night, Aether, Eula and Luminis were peaceful sleeping, the day was a whole asss event and they all need there, especially Eula, who may have made some new enemies with her requirement's, as Aether was sleeping he was having a dream.
As Aether found himself amidst the chaos of the battlefield, the vivid flashes of lightning and roaring winds swirled around him. He felt the tension in the air as elemental energy crackled, but he was strangely calm, almost as if he were an observer rather than a participant. The sights and sounds were overwhelming, yet familiar, invoking memories of the Archon War, a time of strife and fierce battles.
In the distance, he spotted Venti, dancing through the fray, his elegant movements effortlessly guiding the wind. Aether admired the bard's grace but felt a strange pull away from the chaos. As he moved, a brilliant bolt of light descended from the stormy skies, illuminating the ground around him.
When the light faded, he saw a woman standing there, radiating an ethereal beauty. She was wielding a striking purple lance, its curved blade glimmering in the dim light. Aether's breath caught in his throat as he gazed at her. Her hair flowed like silk, a deep violet hue that framed her delicate features, while her piercing purple eyes seemed to hold the mysteries of the universe within them.
She wore a flowing kimono that danced around her as if it were part of her very essence. Aether was entranced, and for a moment, the chaos of the battlefield melted away, leaving just the two of them.
"Who are you?" he called out, his voice echoing in the emptiness surrounding them.
"I am Ei," she responded, her tone a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness. "The Electro Archon, protector of Inazuma. But I am also a warrior of the old ways, bound by my duty to preserve balance and order in the world."
Before he could respond, another figure emerged from the shadows behind her. A twin, just as striking but with a slightly different aura. This one exuded confidence and determination, and Aether felt an immediate connection.
"I am Mikato," the twin announced, her voice like the crackle of electricity. "I am the one who stands beside Ei, the one who challenges fate itself."
Aether felt a sense of recognition as if he were meant to meet them. "What brings you here? What is this place?"
Ei's gaze softened. "You are dreaming, Aether. This is a vision of the past, a glimpse of the Archon War. We seek to share our story with you, to warn you of the dangers that lie ahead."
"Dangers?" Aether asked, curiosity tinged with apprehension.
Mikato stepped closer, her eyes piercing into his. "The balance of power is shifting once more. Old grudges are resurfacing, and the struggle for dominance among the Archons is not yet over. You must prepare yourself and those you care about for what is to come."
Aether felt a chill run down his spine. The stakes were high, and he could sense the weight of their warning. "But how can I prepare? I'm just a knight."
Ei smiled, her expression reassuring. "It is not just about power, Aether. It is about understanding the bonds you share with your friends and allies. They will be your strength, just as you will be theirs. Embrace your connections, for they will guide you through the storm."
Suddenly, the dream began to fade, the vibrant colors dissolving into darkness. Aether reached out, desperate to hold onto this moment. "Wait! What should I do?"
"Trust in yourself and the bonds you have forged," Ei's voice echoed as the vision slipped away. "We will always be watching over you."
With a jolt, Aether woke from the dream, his heart racing. He glanced around the dimly lit room where Eula and Luminis were peacefully sleeping, the events of the day flooding back to him.
The encounter with Ei and Mikato felt profound, their message reverberating in his mind. He lay back down, staring at the ceiling, contemplating the dream's meaning. It was clear that challenges awaited him, but he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
With a deep breath, Aether closed his eyes again, allowing himself to drift back into slumber, ready to embrace whatever destiny had in store for him.
Aether then mental spoke to the system. "Hey system, how did I get a vision of the past"
The golden scream of the system that only he can see was opened again. [ It is because of your connection to the world and me ]
Aether's mind raced as he processed the System's response. "My connection to the world? You mean my bond with the people and the energy of Teyvat itself?"
[Correct. Your innate ties to the elements and the Archons allow you to tap into echoes of the past. The vision you experienced was a manifestation of your spiritual link to the realms of Teyvat, amplified by the presence of your will.]
Aether frowned, contemplating the implications. "So, it's not just a dream? It was a glimpse into history?"
[Indeed. The memories of the Archons and significant events are intertwined with the very fabric of this world. Your connection to the System further bridges these realms, granting you access to wisdom and foresight from ages past.]
As the realization settled in, Aether felt both a thrill of excitement and a weight of responsibility. "If I can access these visions, then maybe I can learn from the mistakes of the past. But why now? What triggered it?"
[Your growth and the recent events have awakened dormant connections. The emergence of new knights, the challenges ahead, and the ever-shifting balance of power in Teyvat have all contributed to this awakening.]
Aether considered the System's words, thinking about the newly appointed knights, especially Issei and Noelle, and how they would fit into the larger picture. "So, what should I do with this knowledge? How can I prepare them for what's coming?"
[You must strengthen your bonds with those around you. Share your insights and train together. Each vision holds lessons, and together, you can shape the future.]
Aether nodded, feeling a sense of determination rise within him. "I'll make sure they understand the importance of our unity. We can't face the challenges alone."
[Correct. Additionally, as you continue to harness the energy of Teyvat and deepen your connection with its inhabitants, you may find yourself receiving further visions that could provide guidance.]
"Then I'll embrace it," Aether thought resolutely. "I'll not only protect my loved ones but also ensure they are prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
With that, Aether decided to take action. He needed to gather everyone—Eula, Issei, Noelle, and the rest of the new knights. They would train together and learn from one another, strengthening their resolve for the battles that awaited them.
As he lay in bed, a plan began to form in his mind. They would discuss the vision, share their fears, and forge their bonds through mutual understanding and collaboration. He could already envision their training sessions, sparring under the watchful eyes of the Knights of Favonius, building camaraderie and trust.
Aether drifted back into a deeper sleep, confident that the next day would bring new opportunities for growth, not only for himself but for the young knights he would lead into the fray. With the memories of the past guiding him, he felt ready to face the future head-on.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones