Morning light filtered gently through the thin curtains of Aether's small house in Springvale, painting the wooden floor in soft shades of gold. The world outside was calm—almost deceptively so—birds chirping in the distance as the cool breeze carried the faint scent of grass and earth.
Aether opened his eyes slowly.
"…Morning already," he murmured.
For a few moments, he remained still, staring at the ceiling. His body felt relaxed, yet his mind was restless. Ever since the night he awakened his wings, something had changed. Not just physically—but mentally. The world felt… closer. Sharper. As if the wind itself was quietly watching him.
He exhaled, sat up, and rubbed his face.
"Thinking too much won't help."
After freshening up, Aether left the house and began walking toward Mondstadt, choosing the familiar path he had taken many times before. Though he could fly now, he deliberately avoided using his wings near populated areas. Not only because of the gliding license law, but also because a part of him instinctively wanted to stay unnoticed.
The fewer eyes on me, the better.
A Familiar Routine
The city gates of Mondstadt stood tall and welcoming as ever. Merchants were setting up their stalls, and the streets buzzed with morning activity. Everything looked peaceful—yet Aether knew better now. Beneath the calm surface, tensions still lingered from the Stormterror incident.
At the Adventurers' Guild, Katheryne stood behind the counter, posture straight and expression professional.
"Good morning, Aether," she said in her usual calm tone. "Here for commissions?"
"Yes," Aether replied. "Anything suitable for today?"
Katheryne nodded and opened her ledger. After scanning a few pages, she tapped one entry and turned the map toward him.
"There is a Ruin Guard reported active in this area," she said, marking the location. "Elimination requested."
Aether studied the map carefully.
"…I'll take it."
"Understood. Please proceed with caution."
With the commission accepted, Aether left the city, following the marked route. As the city walls faded behind him, he felt the air grow quieter—heavier.
Then—
…Someone's here.
The feeling was subtle, like a faint ripple in the wind. Aether slowed his steps and glanced over his shoulder.
Nothing.
"…Just my imagination?" he muttered.
Still, the unease didn't fade.
Steel Against Steel
The ruined structure came into view shortly after. Broken stone pillars littered the area, half-buried in grass and moss. At the center stood the unmistakable silhouette of a mechanical giant.
A Ruin Guard.
Its single eye flickered to life as Aether stepped closer.
"Target acquired."
The machine roared to life, heavy footsteps shaking the ground.
Aether took a deep breath.
"…Let's get this over with."
The Ruin Guard charged.
Aether leapt back, wings bursting forth in a rush of wind. He shot upward just as the machine's arm slammed into the ground where he had stood.
"So slow," Aether muttered.
Missiles launched.
Aether twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the explosions as shockwaves rattled his bones. He dove sharply, blade flashing as he struck at exposed joints before pulling away at the last moment.
The Ruin Guard spun, swinging wildly.
Aether climbed higher, then descended in a spiraling dive, driving his sword deep into the core mechanism beneath its neck.
The machine convulsed violently.
One final roar—then silence.
The Ruin Guard collapsed, lifeless.
Aether hovered briefly, breathing heavily, before landing.
"…Done."
The Feeling Returns
Instead of flying back, Aether chose to walk.
The path back toward Mondstadt was quiet, yet that same uneasy sensation crept back into his mind. The wind shifted strangely around him, as if whispering warnings.
"…I know you're there," Aether said quietly.
He stopped.
This time, he saw it.
Two bunny-like ears, bright red, barely visible behind a large rock.
"…So I wasn't imagining it."
Hunter and Hunted
Aether moved silently, circling around the rock with careful steps.
On the other side—
A young woman in a red outfit crouched low, peering through a monocular.
"…Lost him?" she muttered.
Before she could react—
Shing.
A blade stopped inches from her neck.
"Don't move," Aether said calmly.
She froze for half a second—then relaxed.
"…Wow. You're good."
She raised her hands slowly.
"Mind lowering the sword? It's hard to talk like this."
Aether hesitated… then stepped back slightly, lowering his weapon.
"Start talking," he said. "Who are you, and why are you following me?"
She turned, smiling brightly.
"I'm Amber, Outrider of the Knights of the Favonius!"
Truths Revealed
Amber explained everything without hesitation.
"You've been under observation for a while," she admitted. "Your strength, your movements… and those wings."
Aether stiffened.
"…So you knew."
"Yup!" Amber said cheerfully. "But don't worry—we're not here to hurt you."
She grew more serious.
"After the Stormterror incident, everyone unusual gets noticed. Especially someone like you."
Aether fell silent.
"So… all my secrets are out."
Amber shook her head.
"Not to everyone. Just the right people."
She smiled again.
"The Knights of the Favonius would love to have you."
Aether's Choice
Aether listened carefully.
"I appreciate the offer," he said finally. "But I want to remain an adventurer for now."
Amber tilted her head.
"…But you're willing to help?"
"Yes," Aether said firmly. "As an adventurer."
Amber considered this, then nodded.
"I'll report that to Jean. Thank you so much for hearing me out. And also sorry for being your stalker." She shyly circled her leg on the ground.
Aether with a small smile " It's okay. Next time please talk to me directly if you wanted to convey anything."
Amber with a smile on her face "Sure."
She then turned to leave, then paused.
"Oh one more thing, if you ever want a gliding license test, I'll handle it personally!"
"Oh that... I'll… think about it," Aether replied.
Echoes in the Night
Back in Springvale, Aether lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"They've been watching me this whole time…"
His thoughts grew heavier.
Eventually, exhaustion claimed him and he felt asleep.
Decisions of a Leader
Inside the Knights of the Favonius Headquarters, Amber reported to Jean.
Jean leaned back, hands folded. She thought for a while. Everyone else on her room was thinking about Amber's report. They were all curious about Jean's decision.
"…Arrange a meeting with him," she said calmly after breaking the silence.
An Unexpected Encounter
Later that day, as Aether returned to collect his reward—
Two masked figures blocked his path.
??? "Excuse me, can you have a moment to spare."
Aether stopped and looked at them with confusion.
"We apologize for the trouble. We are here to invite you join our Fatui Organization." one said smoothly.
Aether "Fatui??"
??? "We the Fatui members are a powerful, diplomatic and military organization from Snezhnaya. Our God Tsaritsa guide us through the true path. We appreciate and honor the strength of individuals like you. We the Fatui always look forward to work along with you. "
Aether thought for a while. He thought 'Damn it, the whole world knows about me now.'
Aether frowned. "I'm not interested."
But they didn't gave up do easily. They persisted—until—
"Now, now," a voice drawled. "Harassing adventurers isn't polite."
Kaeya stepped forward.
??? "Tch... this guy. We are leaving."
The Fatui withdrew.
Kaeya smiled.
"Jean would like to see you."
Aether "Who might you be?"
Kaeya "How rude of me. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain and Quartermaster of the Knights of Favonius."
After a brief pause, Aether nodded.
"…Lead the way."
The Meeting
Inside the headquarters, Jean greeted Aether. She introduced herself as the Acting Grand-master of the Knights of the Favonius. After the introduction, she gave a brief explanation regarding the Knights of the Favonius. Jean clearly stated that they would like to borrow Aether's strength to solve the issue with the Stormterror. Aether finally got the gravity of the situation in Monstadt.
"Aether," she said warmly. "Will you help us stop Stormterror?"
Aether met her gaze.
"…Yes."
Jean smiled in relief.
She gestured toward the hall.
"Now Kaeya will take you to Albedo. He needs some help from you."
As Aether followed Kaeya to Albedo's room, his heart raced.
What awaits me now…?