On the way to Mondstadt, the four of them walked and chatted together.
Before long, the topic shifted to the purpose of their journey, and Paimon brought up that Lumine was searching for her brother.
"Oh, I see—so you're trying to reunite your family... Once I finish my current task, I could help post a missing person notice for you," Amber offered warmly, eager to help.
Paimon, curious, asked what mission Amber had originally set out to complete.
"Well, it's not really anything big—just clearing out some Hilichurls." Since it wasn't a classified mission, Amber openly shared the details.
"Hilichurls?" Shao Yun and Lumine said the name in unison.
"Yep, Hilichurls. They're a type of monster. Not very threatening on their own, but they do cause trouble for the townsfolk." Amber began explaining more about them.
"I don't know what's going on lately, but the Hilichurls have been moving closer to the city. My task this time is to clean out their camp." She sighed.
"Do you want some help?" Paimon offered kindly. "Lumine and Shao Yun are really strong—they might be able to give you a hand."
Shao Yun was tempted to complain about Paimon volunteering them, but after thinking it over, he was curious about testing his own strength.
Especially now that his bullets were enchanted with Pyro—there had to be a noticeable power boost.
"Yeah, we can help you. That way, you won't have to run around so much," Lumine agreed enthusiastically.
"Are you sure? Wouldn't that be too much trouble...?" Amber hesitated. It felt wrong to ask travelers to help with her own assignment.
"It's really no big deal—just a small favor," Shao Yun nodded. After all, this was basically a combat tutorial. No downside to doing it.
Amber still seemed a little unsure, so Shao Yun found another angle.
"Come on, don't overthink it. If you're running around all day and something bad does happen, then what?"
"...That's true..." Amber admitted, swayed by his concern.
"But I can't just have you working for nothing. That's not right," Amber said thoughtfully, brows furrowed.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she had an idea. "How about this—once we clear the Hilichurl camp, I'll give you all a little gift as a reward."
Shao Yun had already spoken, so she just rolled with it.
"Yay!" Paimon cheered instantly at the mention of a gift.
And just like that, it was settled.
The group followed Amber toward the Hilichurl camp.
Once they reached the area, Amber signaled for everyone to crouch and move slowly.
They spotted a Hilichurl patrolling the front of the camp.
Just as Amber was about to make a move, Shao Yun stopped her.
"I've got this."
"Huh? But..." Amber looked hesitant, until Shao Yun revealed the Vision hanging at his waist.
"Just got this Vision. I want to see what it can do."
"...Alright. But don't push yourself—if it gets too tough, come right back. The Traveler and I will be right behind you."
"Don't worry. I could beat these guys with my bare hands," he said, clenching his fists.
That comment made Amber's lips twitch awkwardly. She glanced at him, recalling how she'd slammed into his chest earlier.
"...Fair enough."
Shao Yun stepped out boldly and called out to the patrolling Hilichurl, drawing its attention.
The Hilichurl snarled and charged toward him, fists swinging.
Seeing the little guy—barely up to his thigh—charging in, Shao Yun didn't waste time. No need for Deadeye. He simply drew his single-action revolver and pulled the trigger.
The Vision at his waist glowed red as a fire-infused bullet erupted from the chamber and struck the Hilichurl's chest, detonating on impact.
The Hilichurl disintegrated into ashes, returning to the ley lines.
"Wow, not bad. Feels like a high-explosive revolver round," Shao Yun mused. Though the power might be even stronger than that...
After all, in the game, there were few characters who could one-shot enemies with an unreactive elemental basic attack.
With the sentry down, Shao Yun strode into the Hilichurl camp like it was his own backyard.
A quick scan showed nothing but regular Hilichurls—some sat around a bonfire, others wandered aimlessly. Only one stood atop a tower with a bow.
Typical low-level camp. All humble little mobs.
The sentry up top was the first to spot him and let out a cry, which instantly stirred up the entire camp—after all, someone had strolled right up to their front door.
No hesitation—Shao Yun raised his gun and shot the tower guard first.
Then he stepped into the camp entrance, drew both revolvers, and activated Deadeye.
A ticking sound rang in his ears. Time seemed to stop. The Hilichurls before him looked like frozen statues.
He pulled the triggers in rapid succession.
From Amber, Lumine, and Paimon's point of view, Shao Yun's movements were almost frozen. If not for the gunshots and the falling Hilichurls vanishing into the ley lines, it might've seemed like he'd defeated them all just by standing there.
It was a small camp to begin with, and in a matter of seconds, every Hilichurl had been dealt with.
"Nice and easy..." Shao Yun spun the revolvers and holstered them with a flourish.
Turning around, he waved at the three who still stared in stunned silence.
"All done here."
Amber looked on in disbelief. It had taken only a few seconds—and just a few shots? Sure, the camp was small, but still... that was fast.
"Whoa... Mr. Shao Yun, you're amazing," Amber said, wide-eyed and awestruck.
All her earlier worries vanished, replaced by admiration. His strength far exceeded her expectations—especially that shooting speed. Not many people could match that.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances, not knowing what to say. Even knowing it was a silly question, Paimon still asked,
"Uh... you didn't get hurt or anything, right?"
Seeing the three of them at a loss for words, Shao Yun brought a hand to his mouth and gave a light cough.
"So... we've cleared the camp. Should we...?" He looked to Amber and raised an eyebrow, prompting her to respond.
"Ah—right, right! Camp's clear! Let's hurry back to Mondstadt. Not just because of the dragon, but also—I did promise to treat you all to a meal!" Amber bounced back to her usual cheerful self.
They left the Hilichurl camp and arrived at the edge of Cider Lake, standing before the stone bridge. Cross it, and they'd officially enter the "starter village"—Mondstadt.
Shao Yun walked onto the bridge, glancing at the lake beside him. It looked more like a moat than a lake. It was his first time seeing a moat-style lake for city defense. He recalled how, back when he first played, he'd tried to swim across instead of using the bridge—only to drown.
Lost in nostalgic thoughts of his noob days, Shao Yun and the group reached the midpoint of the lake, stepping onto Mondstadt's land.
Before them rose tall city walls and wide gates, banners of the Knights of Favonius hanging on both sides. Above the gate was a stone emblem of the Lion of the South Wind, with guards posted on either side.
Feeling inspired, Shao Yun pulled out his notebook and began sketching.
He didn't know how to draw, but hey, he'd crossed worlds. If sudden bursts of talent came with that, it made sense, right?
Amber noticed but didn't say anything. The Mondstadt gate wasn't exactly a sensitive military location.
Besides, plenty of artists came to Mondstadt to sketch its scenery—including the gate.
Amber, Lumine, and Paimon waited quietly for him to finish.
When he finally looked up, their gazes met, and he realized he'd held them up. Embarrassed, he put his notebook away and scratched his cheek.
"Sorry for holding things up..."
"It's fine." Amber waved it off, cleared her throat, and proudly introduced the city.
"Now then. Allow me to properly welcome you..."
"The city of ballads and dandelions, the land of freedom—"
"Travelers under the Knights' protection, welcome to Mondstadt."