After taking a short break from playing the game, Amber returned to her computer to resume her session.
"Now that all is well, I shall inform the Akademiya," Cyno announced as he made his way out.
Tighnari nodded in agreement. "Same for me as well. Hmm...? What is it, Collei?" he asked upon noticing Collei fidgeting while looking at him.
"Umm... Master. Can I stay here with Amber for a while?" Collei asked nervously.
Tighnari smiled and replied, "Since Amber will be accompanying you, I will allow it. However, I expect you to study twice as hard tonight."
"Thank you, Master! I promise to study twice as hard," Collei responded enthusiastically.
"Don't worry, Tighnari. I will make sure nothing happens to her," Amber assured him.
"Thank you. See you both later," Tighnari waved goodbye as he followed Cyno out.
Collei and Amber turned their attention back to the computer and noticed that the screen was still displaying a message indicating that Amber had unlocked something called 'Wishing.'
Following the guide, Amber opened the menu, which prompted her to access the 'mail system' to claim her rewards.
Once opened, she saw a variety of items waiting for her, including food, Mora, several Wanderer's Advice, Enhancement Ore, and something called the Sanctifying Unction.
However, what caught her eye was a wing glider she received for being one of the first 100 players to participate in the game called the Wings of Companionship. It was a beautiful wing glider.
She also received 50 of something called Acquaint Fates.
After claiming her rewards, Amber was prompted to click on an icon that featured stars.
When she opened it, she was greeted by Noelle. Selecting another tab, she noticed a banner featuring Klee, along with Sucrose, Noelle, and a blue-haired boy, under the title 'Sparkling Steps.'
"Whoa. Amber, who is that?" Collei asked in curiosity.
Amber smiled and introduced her fellow knight to Collei. "That's our adorable Klee, our Spark Knight."
Then, she selected another tab and was met with the bard from earlier. "I didn't expect him to be here as well."
"Who is he, Amber? Is he important?" Collei inquired.
"Not that I know of. I usually see him performing in front of the statue of Barbatos. However, given his appearance, he might be someone to watch out for," Amber replied.
Proceeding to the next tab, she found a banner specifically for weapons called 'Epitome Invocation.' Upon pressing it, she was bombarded with options for selecting weapons.
"Maybe we should leave this one for now," Amber suggested.
Finally, reaching the last tab, she encountered a banner called 'Wanderlust Invocation,' which featured a purple-haired lady named Keqing, a mage named Mona, and a cute kid named Qiqi.
Unsure of her next move, she called over the owner for assistance.
"Need my help?" The owner asked.
"Can you tell us more about wishing?" Amber requested.
The owner then provided a lengthy explanation of how the wishing system worked, which Amber struggled to fully grasp. Collei seemed even more confused throughout the explanation.
"So what you're saying is that to obtain more characters or weapons, I will need to wish on these banners, which cost either an Intertwined Fate or 150 Primogems for a single pull?" Amber clarified.
"That's right," The owner confirmed.
"The two characters' banners are limited and will not be available when the timer expires. In order to get the featured character, the maximum number of pulls required is 80, which is what you referred to as hard pity. After 50 pulls, the chance of getting a 5-star character increases by 1% with each additional pull. Additionally, every 10 pulls will guarantee the featured 4-stars from these banners," The owner explained.
"Hmm."
"After pulling a 5-star, there is a 75/25 chance to either get the limited 5-star or another character from the standard banner, after which, the next 5-star is guaranteed to be from the limited banner." Amber then continued. "The weapon banners, meanwhile, are largely the same as the rest of them, with the only difference being that you get to choose which 5-star weapons you get."
"Correct. Oh, and one last thing. After maxing out a character's constellation, their drop rates are reduced to 0%. Anything else?"
"Ah, no, no. You can go back now. Thank you!"
"You're welcome. Just call me if you have anything else to ask. Oh, I recommend pulling on the beginner banner with the Acquaint Fates you got. After 50 pulls, you can get a 5-Star."
With the owner back at the front desk, Amber turned to Collei. "Did you understand all that, Collei?"
"Ugh... My head hurts, but I think I understand." Collei replied while rubbing her head in confusion at the big words that came out of Aiden's mouth.
Deciding to heed Aiden's word, Amber chose to pull on the Noelle banner.
Clicking on the button, she watched as a beautiful animation of a shooting star played, with the centre of it turning dazzling purple.
The first 10 pulls got her Noelle and some weapons. The second got her a Bennett. The third was Xingqiu, while on her fourth pull, she got the rather timid alchemist, Sucrose.
Amber then thought of an idea. "Hey Collei, wanna wish on the last 10 pull?"
"Really!"
Amber nodded in confirmation and handed her the mouse. Collei excitedly clicks on the wishing button.
Excitedly, they watched as the shooting star turned gold rather than purple, signalling that she had gotten a 5-Star.
Skipping the 3-Stars, Amber and Collei watched as they got another 4-Star, a girl named Fischl.
With great anticipation, they clicked the mouse button to reveal that they had gotten Acting Grand Master Jean.
Amber and Collei stared at the screen in awe as Jean's elegant figure materialised before them, her sword gleaming under the virtual sunlight.
"Wow… It's Acting Grand Master Jean!" Collei gasped, her eyes sparkling.
Amber chuckled. "Guess we got lucky! Though I wonder how she'd react if she knew she was just 'pulled' from a game."
Collei giggled, but her expression soon turned thoughtful. "Amber, do you think… this game really shows the future? Like what will happen with Rex Lapis in Liyue?"
Amber hesitated, recalling the horrifying revelation about the God of Contracts' demise. "I don't know… But if it's even partly true, we need to be careful. Maybe we should tell Jean about this place."
Collei nodded vigorously. "Master Tighnari and Cyno are probably already informing the Akademiya. If this game has knowledge about Teyvat's future, it could change everything!"
Amber sighed, rubbing her temples. "Yeah, but we also need to make sure this doesn't cause panic. Imagine if everyone in Mondstadt found out about something they shouldn't…"
Before they could dwell further, the screen prompted them to continue the story.
Before Amber continues the story, however, something catches her eye on the 'Paimon Menu' called 'Video'. Checking it out, she found a lot of videos of various people she was familiar with.
"Amber, why don't you choose the Klee one?"
"Sure." Pressing the video, Amber and Collei watched as the video showcased Klee causing mayhem before being caught.
When Klee was released, she immediately went on to cause more havoc. All the while, Amber had an amusing smile on her face. This video definitely catches the personality and day-to-day life of the Spark Knight.
"Wow. She looked so powerful. Amber, why don't we look at your demo?"
With that, the two continued watching video after video, introducing them to people they hadn't even met.
.....
Pulling on the Beginner's Wish, Ningguang and Keqing watched as she summoned Noelle alongside Xingqiu, the second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
On her 50th pull, she was pleased to receive Qiqi, the pharmacist from Bubu Pharmacy who works for Baizhu.
"Interesting," Ningguang remarked after seeing the system in action. "This wishing is somewhat similar to gambling, with one key difference: you will always receive something with each pull. The currency, Primogems, can be earned through gameplay or purchased with Mora."
Keqing, meanwhile, had a different thought. "What intrigues me about this game is its detailed world map. Though smaller than the real world, it features places that are either not mapped out or have been forgotten."
Keqing then stood up from her chair. "I'll be leaving for now. It's wise to inform the others as quickly as possible."
Ningguang agreed. "Very well, I will stay here for a while longer to make a few more pulls."
With that, Keqing left the café, leaving Ningguang to her thoughts. "Hmm... These characters are quite interesting; it would be a shame not to have them. Perhaps a few more pulls wouldn't hurt."
Ningguang briefly stepped away from her computer to buy some pulls with the Mora she had on hand.
.....
"Oh? Leaving already, General Kujou?" Heizou asked as he watched Sara get up from her seat after only 30 minutes of playtime.
"I've seen enough. Doushin Shikanoin, I've tasked you with finishing this game. I shall take my leave."
Before Heizou could respond, Sara had already arrived at the front desk to purchase the statue. He could only shake his head at her behavior as he sat back down in his chair.
Sara looked at the owner with a stern expression as she paid the required Mora. "I've tried the game; now give me the Statue of Her Excellency."
With a smile, Aiden counted the Mora. After finishing, he nodded and lifted the statue to hand it to Sara, who was surprised by its weight. "Thank you for your patronage," He said. The smug grin on his face irritated Sara somewhat, but she chose to remain quiet and leave with her treasure.
Stepping outside, she was greeted by her soldiers, who gawked at what she was holding. Some even blushed at the sight of the Statue of Her Excellency!
"Soldiers! What are you all looking at?" she snapped.
They ignored her, continuing to stare at the statue.
When her glare intensified, her soldiers finally paid attention and hurriedly saluted. "U-uhh... General, everything went well, I presume?"
She then explained what had happened inside the cafe and instructed one of her subordinates to have a soldier or two guard the place.
After giving orders to her soldiers, Sara made her way home while carrying the large statue.
As she walked through the busy streets, many eyes were drawn to the statue, particularly to the Shogun's chest and the rather short skirt that threatened to reveal Her Excellency's underwear.
Sara felt her face heating up as more and more people stared at the statue. Murmurs from both men and women could be heard, and rumors would undoubtedly spread. Parents shielded their children's eyes while they themselves gawked at the statue unashamedly.
She felt a wave of relief wash over her when she finally reached her accommodation. Just as she was about to carry the statue inside, she heard a voice she would rather not encounter.
"My, my. Look what the little tengu brought home."
Turning around, Sara internally groaned upon seeing Guuji Yae, the head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine.
The pink-haired kitsune shamelessly checked out every inch of the statue of the Shogun. She even had the nerve to touch it in ways that were unbefitting of a shrine maiden.
"Guuji Yae, please stop touching the sacred Statue of Her Excellency," Sara warned exasperatedly.
If the shrine maiden was bothered, she clearly didn't show it; she continued to 'examine' the statue before her. After her 'inspection,' Yae turned to Sara with a mischievous smirk.
"Mind letting me 'borrow' the Shogun for a day or two? I promise I won't damage her...~" Yae wiggled her fingers suggestively at Sara, whose face at this point resembled a Jueyun Chili.
Hurriedly, Sara grabbed the statue and bolted into her house at lightning speed, not giving Yae the chance to tease her further.
Yae merely smirked and put her finger over her lips. It was always amusing to mess with the General of the Shogun's army. Still, she was curious about where Kujou had managed to find such a detailed statue.
When Yae first saw the statue, she honestly thought that Ei had created another puppet, given how detailed and 'bouncy' it looked. To her surprise, it was just a statue.
"Hmm... Perhaps I should get one for myself," Yae mused to herself..
.....
"General Gorou, how was the inspe-" The words of the Resistance soldier died in his throat as he saw the general carrying Her Excellency.
Gorou had a blush on his face as he desperately tried to hide it behind Her Excellency's back.
"Cough. The inspection went well, soldier. For now, ensure that at least one soldier is guarding the entrance while I discuss our next course of action with Her Excellency," instructed Gorou, maintaining the most serious expression he could muster.
"Y-yes, General." The soldier hurried off to relay the general's orders to the others, while Gorou sighed in resignation, anticipating the stares he would likely receive on his way home. Hopefully, he wouldn't cross paths with Her Excellency.
.....
"Look at that dragon, Mualani!" Kachina pointed out in awe as the in-game Stormterror passed overhead.
"Whoa... I've never seen a dragon that colorful before..."
Ayo, who was standing beside them, playfully roared in agreement.
Kachina petted Ayo on the head. "Hehe, of course, the cutest saurian still goes to you, Ayo."
While Kachina and Mualani were busy playing the game, a scent caught Ayo's attention.
Turning around, Ayo found himself face-to-face with Neuvillette, who had finished assessing the game and was currently being interviewed by Charlotte.
Ayo walked up to Neuvillette and roared, gaining his attention.
"May we please continue this interview later, Miss Charlotte? It seems someone is trying to get my attention."
However, Charlotte had already diverted her attention as she began taking a picture of the cute saurian. "The others are going to be so jealous of me."
Ayo roared at Neuvillette, who had his hand on his chin. He had heard of the dragons from Natlan before, but this was the first time he had seen one in person. "Pleasure to meet you, too, little one. I hope you have a wonderful day."
Ayo tilted his head in confusion at how Neuvillette seemed to understand him. Up to this point, the only other person who understood the Saurian language was Aiden, his owner.
Mualani and Kachina paused the game momentarily to see the commotion behind them.
"Ah! Hello there, mister. I see you've met Ayo. My name's Kachina."
"And I am Mualani! You two must be from Fontaine, right?"
"I'm Neuvillette. It's a pleasure to be acquainted with both of you, and you, too, Mr. Ayo. Unfortunately, I have important duties to attend to, so please excuse me." With that, Neuvillette headed to the front desk.
Meanwhile, Charlotte had stars in her eyes as she eyed the two from Natlan. "Hello there! My name's Charlotte, a reporter for the Steambird. Can I have an interview with you two?" When the two agreed, Charlotte couldn't help but think how lucky her day had been.
As Charlotte interviewed them, Neuvillette reached the front desk, where Aiden was busy working on his computer.
"So, are you satisfied with what you see?" Aiden asked, glancing away from the screen.
Neuvillette nodded. "While I would have liked to stay a bit longer, as a Iudex of Fontaine, I cannot neglect my duties. If I have free time, I will be sure to visit this place again."
"Great! Oh, and before you go, here's a little gift for you." Aiden then produced a bottle of water.
Though it looked quite ordinary, Neuvillette could sense something otherworldly about it.
"Here. Its taste is sure to be out of this world," Aiden remarked, giving Neuvillette a wink.
"Thank you." Taking the bottle, Neuvillette left, making sure to inform the Gardes of their tasks before heading straight to his office.
Once seated at his desk, he eyed the bottle of water he had been gifted. Opening it, he took a single sip.
True to Aiden's word, a cacophony of extraordinary flavors exploded in his mouth. No words could describe the rich and savory taste he was experiencing.
Perhaps, he thought, a much more frequent visit is in order.
.....
Although there are a few more people coming and leaving, as midnight draws near, the cafe becomes more and more empty, leaving only one person behind.
"Ah, no..." Furina watched in dismay as her character died after running out of stamina while gliding.
"Eep!" She squeaked in surprise when a hand suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders. Turning around, she saw Aiden, the owner, looking at her with bewilderment.
Settling herself, she tried to maintain her composure in front of him. "My dear Aiden, it is rather rude to grab someone without warning them first."
Aiden responded with a deadpan expression. "Not to alarm you, Miss Furina, but it's currently midnight."
"Huh!" She glanced at the nearby clock, shocked to realize how late it had become. "In that case, I'll be taking my leave."
As she tried to walk past him, Aiden seized her hand to stop her.
"What's the matte..."
Before she could finish, Aiden surprised her by pulling her into a hug and saying something that took her aback.
"It will be okay. It'll be over soon. You don't have to act with me..."
Those words, exactly what she had longed to hear from someone, anyone, made tears well in her eyes as centuries of memories flooded back.
She thought of the hundreds of years spent pretending to be someone she wasn't, acting as a god to deceive the masses with her bravado, and the countless sleepless nights spent searching for ways to evade the looming prophecy.
Her knees buckled as she embraced him, clinging to a stranger who had become someone who understood her burden. Someone who could see her true self. Someone before whom she no longer had to pretend.
After years of bottling them all up, the dam finally burst open as tears freely flowed from her eyes, dampening Aiden's clothes with it. Yet he continued to comfort her.
" 'Sob' Please, Aiden, t-tell me... H-how much longer 'sob' until everything is over?" Furina pleaded out.
"A couple more years. That's it."
Furina's shoulders relaxed in relief. What were a couple more years? At least she would know when her suffering would end.
"W-will Fontaine survive?" she asked meekly.
"Yes," Aiden replied. "Although I can't tell you how exactly, Fontaine will survive. You just need to endure a little longer until then."
Although Furina felt a bit disappointed that Aiden couldn't share the full story, his answer was good enough for her.
They stayed like that for a while, with Furina crying into Aiden's shoulder.
When they finally pulled away from each other, Furina, feeling embarrassed, averted her gaze from Aiden.
She twiddled her fingers, trying to find the right words to say. "Umm... Can I come here if I feel a bit overwhelmed?" she asked.
Aiden nodded. "Anytime. If you ever need a shoulder to lean on, just come to me."
"Thank you, Aiden." Looking at the clock again, Furina groaned at the thought of having to go back, especially after midnight. She always felt like someone was watching her.
Aiden, sensing her unease, pointed to his room. "You can sleep in my room. I have to take care of some things anyway."
Thanking Aiden, Furina walked to his room and bid him goodnight. "Thank you for everything, Aiden."
After Furina entered the bedroom, Aiden sighed and began cleaning the café. He might not fully understand why he had been brought to this place, but he was determined not to let those in need suffer when he could help them.
.....
Collapsing onto the cozy bed, Furina felt a sense of relief for the first time in a long while. With Aiden's reassuring words that Fontaine would be alright in the end, she could finally sleep peacefully.
Her eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion washed over her. Hopefully, her dreams will be a pleasant one instead of the usual nightmare.