Soon, Henry walked side by side with Eula through the forest, the path winding gently beneath the arching canopy. The smell of pine and damp earth mingled with the faint hint of dandelions, and the soft rustling of leaves above made the journey oddly serene.
Gradually, the trees began to thin, and sunlight spilled across open grasslands.
In the distance, tall stone towers rose in between colossal stone walls that surrounded the city like ancient guardians. The banners of Mondstadt fluttered atop the ramparts, catching glints of sunlight as the wind teased them.
Only the faint silhouette of something tall — a statue, peeked over the stone walls.
Henry slowed his steps, breath catching in his throat. Seeing Mondstadt in real life — no longer a backdrop on a screen but a living, breathing fortress — hit differently.
The tall towering walls looked far more imposing, and the main entrance far grander than he'd ever imagined.
As they drew closer, he realized how little he could actually see beyond the city's stone walls. The entrance loomed ahead, large and ornate, its iron gates framed by carved emblems of the Anemo symbol.
"Wow," he murmured, awed despite himself. "It's… bigger than I thought."
Eula glanced at him sideways, her expression unreadable, though a flicker of amusement softened her gaze.
Henry's eyes darted around. Wait…Where is Timmy? I don't see him on the bridge now. Doesn't seem like he's feeding pigeons today.
At the gate, two knights straightened the moment they spotted Eula.
"Captain Eula!" one greeted respectfully. "Welcome back!"
"Thank you. This man is with me," she said, gesturing toward Henry. "He's a merchant seeking to apply for a trading permit."
The guards exchanged brief looks, then nodded. "Of course, Captain. He's free to enter."
Henry flashed them a grin. "Thank you."
The city gates closed behind them with a clang. Henry followed Eula through the broad stone avenue, eyes darting around like a child who'd just stepped into a theme park come alive.
Mondstadt city was nothing like the tidy, compressed map he knew from his monitor.
Cobblestone streets stretched out before him, lined with bustling vendors, their stalls bursting with colorful wares— glistening Sunsettias, fragrant Cecilias, freshly baked breads, and shining trinkets that caught the light with every movement.
Children darted between the adults, chasing one another with high-pitched laughter that echoed off the surrounding buildings.
The rhythmic clatter of boots, the faint jingling of armor, and the murmur of conversations blended into the lively hum of the city.
From a distance, Henry's eyes were drawn upward. Towering over everything, the colossal statue of Barbatos loomed high above the plaza, arms outstretched in a gesture of open welcome.
Now bathed in sunlight, it seemed less a symbol of power and more an embodiment of freedom itself — the freedom the Anemo Archon had granted to the people of Mondstadt.
For a moment, Henry felt the same awe he had experienced in-game when he had seen the statue for the first time — only now, it was real, tangible, and breathtaking.
"Ahh the statue of the drunk bard 'Ehe' " Henry thought, unable to hide a grin.
Henry stopped for a moment, unable to look away. The sheer scale of it, the way the air seemed lighter around it — it was overwhelming.
The in-game map wasn't even ten percent of the real thing… huh.
"So this is what it's really like," he said softly. "Mondstadt"
Eula slowed her pace and turned toward him, her boots clicking against the stone.
"Welcome to Mondstadt, Henry."
As her words hung in the air, a soft voice rang inside his mind —
[Welcome to Mondstadt dear host]
Henry exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Guess the adventure's officially started."
After walking a short distance, Henry spotted a small crowd had gathered around a shop-like building — the Adventurers' Guild. They passed by as Katheryne stood at the counter, repeating her polite greeting to yet another adventurer in the exact same cadence and tone:
"Ad Astra Abyssosque!"
Henry had to bite down a grin. "Still a robot in real life too, huh?"
Finally, Hoyo confirmed that Katheryne was artificial. I always thought her case was like Nurse Joy's — just a bunch of identical sisters working across Teyvat.
Eula shot him a puzzled look. "Robot?"
He coughed. "Er—advanced receptionist. Don't worry about it."
"That's the Adventurers' Guild," Eula explained. "If you want to take on commissions or complete them, that's the place."
They continued past the guild. To the right stood With Wind Comes Glory, Marjorie's souvenir shop. The door was open but no one was standing outside.
"Owner must be inside," Henry murmured. "Guess she doesn't waste time standing outside shouting "Come take a look! There'll definitely be something that catches your eye."
Eula takes a short detour to introduce Henry to some of Mondstadt's well-known places.
Pointing toward a large tavern with polished wood and tall windows, she gestures toward its sign. "Master Diluc owns this place — Angel's Share. His dandelion wine is among the most renowned in all of Teyvat."
Diluc… the Dark Knight and the bane of all Fatui.
Henry nodded in awe. Medieval architectures look stunning.
Next, they came across The Cat's Tail, a quaint tavern famed for the dozens of cats that roamed freely inside. Eula pointed at the closed door, a hint of amusement in her voice. "It's a tavern, yes, but it's also home to these cats. Many come just for the company of the residents."
Henry chuckled softly, imagining the mix of warm ale and purring felines. They continued on, soon arriving at the fountain plaza.
A few pigeons scattered as they approached, and Henry admired the water cascading from the fountain's upper tiers, sunlight glinting off each layer as it tumbled down.
The plaza felt alive, a perfect blend of city life, bustling yet serene.
On Henry's left stood not a small stall, but a large outdoor restaurant. If it weren't for the wooden sign above, he might never have recognized it — The Good Hunter.
Unlike in the game, where it appeared as a simple stall, the real establishment was expansive, integrated into a proper building with indoor kitchen.
Henry's eyes immediately spotted Sara standing at the reception, efficiently managing the bustling entrance. Recognition sparked a small smile on his face.
Peering inside the door, he saw chefs hustling in the kitchen, flames leaping from pans. Eula noticed his gaze and spoke: "Yes, this is Mondstadt's famous Good Hunter. Since you treated me to a meal previously, you must come with me here once — or I might enact my vengeance."
Henry's eyes lit up. "I'd be honored, my lady!" he said, trying to keep his excitement in check.
Eula herself is inviting me to dinner—what fool would deny her? Do I look like some clueless trainer from a certain anime?
Eula flipped her hair and continued walking, a faint, playful smile tugging at her lips, one she didn't want him to notice.
Henry fell into step behind Eula, eyes darting from the cobblestones to the towering houses, from bustling stalls to hidden alleyways. Every corner of Mondstadt felt alive, and having Eula as guide was a bonus.
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Come on, travelers, vote already!