Ainz appeared in front of the Temple of the Lion with Bennett still in his arms. It seems those blue symbols teleported them in front of the Temple of the Lion.

Ainz looked next to him and saw his Zombie Hilichurls standing idle. He then heard movement and saw both Oz and Fischl walking towards him.

"Excellent, now that all of my retinue is present. We shall depart for Mondstadt in due haste." Fischl said, but Ainz noticed something.

Fischl was staring at his Zombie Hilichurls like they were going to do the most heinous acts imaginable. That is probably how Fischl would have worded it anyways.

Fischl led the way forward. Ainz gave the command for his Zombie Hilichurls to follow him and they started the journey.

However, as they reached a crossroad in the dirt path. Both Fischl and Oz both stopped suddenly. Perhaps to decide which road would be the best course to take.

Oz turned around and looked at Ainz's Zombie Hilichurls.

"Ainz Ooal Gown, I don't mean to offend you, but these Zombies as you called them. Shouldn't come with us to Mondstadt. Mein Fräulein believes it would be a horrible idea." Oz said politely

"Who said anything about going to Mondstadt? I'll just walk with you until we are near Mondstadt. Someone like me even approaching a human city might cause a mass panic, if the reactions I've gotten so far are any indication." Ainz said with indifference.

"A wise plan of action indeed. You may escort us, but can you keep those things away from me." Fischl said as she pointed at the Zombie Hilichurls.

"Why? Are you scared of them perhaps? I find them kinda cute." Ainz said jokingly. Even Ainz can admit that Hilichurls look better alive than in their Undead form.

"You can't be serious!" Fischl said with the most shocked expression Ainz had ever seen on her.

"Relax, it was just a joke. I'll make sure these guys don't go near you." Ainz internally smiled at Fischl's reaction.

"You better or they will feel the wrath of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung at full force!" Fischl said continued walking at a decent pace.

Instead of taking the road Fischl used previously, she decided they should take the long way through Windrise. It was the most consistently safe route to Mondstadt.

Ainz noticed they were going down the same path towards the Giant Tree.

Ainz wanted to ask why, but they knew the area better than him so why question every decision they make. Not to mention nothing is stopping him from exploring that path later anyways

The abnormally gigantic tree became visible yet again as they walked into the large opening with stone debris.

"Such a pretty tree wouldn't you agree?" Ainz said while staring at it. It reminded him that he and Venti still needed to finish their little exchange of information that was cut short before it could start.

"I suppose it's quite nice to look at. But in my home world, sights like Windrise would be considered normal and uninteresting." Fischl said with amusement in her voce

'This tree was called Windrise? Weird thing to call a tree, but alright.' Ainz thought to himself as he paid little attention to anything else Fischl had said.

"Are you really from another world?" Ainz asked while observing Fischl head to toe. She seemed somewhat normal unlike Aether and Paimon. Well, aside from having a talking thunderbird as a friend.

"Of course I am. The Immernachtreich is my beloved home world. A land full of eternal darkness, but it was still beautiful nonetheless. Hopefully you can see it for yourself one day. It is hard to put into words the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Immernachtreich." Fischl said eloquently or at least tried to

"I wouldn't mind going to the Immernachtreich if you have the time Fischl." Ainz said

Even though all of this seems like a bad joke. Playing along and seeing what excuse or reasoning Fischl can come up with might be entertaining at least.

"That simply isn't possible for now. I reside in Teyvat for now because I have been exiled from the Immernachtreich at the moment. Sorry to disappoint you." Fischl said

"How did you get exiled?" Ainz said as he dug for even more information.

"That is a very long story. Perhaps I shall save that tale when we have the time." Fischl said as her walking sped up ever so slightly.

For Ainz walking such distance and speed wasn't an issue. Ainz had never felt physically tired before. Hopefully Fischl doesn't tire herself out by avoiding questions.

Ainz was slightly behind Fischl and that's when he saw it again. That gemstone he had caught glimpses of earlier inside of the domain.

"I was meaning to ask you sooner than later, but what is that little purple gemstone attached to the back of your cape?" Ainz asked.

"Hmph, you must be talking about my Edelstein der Dunkelheit. It is a family heirloom. A ceremonial ornament that displays the majesty of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung for the unworthy." Fischl said while slowing down her walking slightly.

"Really? Then how come Bennett has a red one attached to his pouch as well?" Ainz said as he looked at Bennett's gemstone.

"What mein Fräulein meant to say was that those are called Visions. Each color represents an element. Humans with Visions can freely manipulate that particular element." Oz said

"Visions huh. Something so small can give such powers to humans, how curious. What does your Vision do Fischl?" Ainz asked

"My Edelstein der Dunkelheit is merely an accessory, but it instills fear for what it represents. They shall shake in fear as I call forth the flash of lightning to strike down the wretched beasts of this world. For one as illustrious as the Prinzessin der Verurteilung may exact thundering retribution upon the sinful monsters of this realm." Fischl said with a prideful smile

"Ah I see." Ainz said. Even though Oz's info was probably correct. Whatever Fischl said didn't make much sense like usual.

However, Fischl said "Flash of Lightning." and "Thundering Retribution." in the middle of her speech. So Ainz just figured summoning/manipulating lightning was what her Vision did.

This matches up with Oz's color and powers as well. Ainz wanted to ask for specifics, but he wasn't in the mood for another speech so soon.

Ainz noticed how close they were to Windrise and it's Statue of the Seven. Ainz had explored the area roughly before so he knew Mondstadt was drawing near.

The rest of the walk along the dirt path was uneventful and had little to no conversation. Ainz couldn't tell if this area wasn't dangerous or the dangerous things were keeping their distance intentionally.

In almost no time at all, Ainz saw the large stone walls of Mondstadt in the distance. Large windmills could be seen spinning behind its walls.

However that isn't what caught and kept his attention. Another domain was merged within the side of a nearby cliff.

'Another one huh. Wouldn't hurt to check it out once I'm done helping them. Kinda got the dungeon exploring itch at the moment.' Ainz said to himself as they passed the domain.

Ainz also wished the scenery was more diverse. Large plains and trees are nice and all, but there had to be places that were cooler or more beautiful than this surely. That large snowy mountain far from Mondstadt did look promising though.

The sun was almost fully set as the area around them started darkening. Luckily this journey is over with.

The group stopped a few yards away from the stone bridge that would lead to the main entrance to Mondstadt. Any closer and it might become easy to spot Ainz from the walls of Mondstadt.

"So how are we going to do this Ainz?" Fischl asked, turning around to speak to his face.

"You need to carry Bennett across that stone bridge by yourself. I will not go any further than here." Ainz said as he laid Bennett on a small patch of grass.

"I do have one question for you though." Ainz said

"What would that be?" Fischl said

"Why did you let me tag along so easily? You even treated me well instead of like the monsters you vanquished. After our first confrontation, you didn't treat me as a monster. Why?" Ainz asked

Fischl seemed to think for a second before saying "I don't really know honestly. Even though you appear to be a monster. The way you talk and interact with humans is nothing like a monster. It really makes me wonder if you're a monster at all."

Ainz was taken aback by such a response. He didn't expect such an honest and normal answer. Still, if he wasn't a monster. Then what was he really?

"Hmph, you take care now. It would be best if we both left soon. See you around Fischl and Oz." Ainz said as he walked away from the both of them. His two Zombie Hilichurls tailed behind him as he left in the direction of Windrise towards the domain.

'I suppose some humans are alright after all.' Ainz said to himself. It's good to know that Aether isn't the only reasonable human around.

"Mein Fräulein, do you think that's the last we'll see of Ainz Ooal Gown?" Oz asked

"I suppose only time will tell. However, no time to wonder about that. We still have something we need to do. Oz, fly to the gates and alert the guards that we need assistance." Fischl said while going to Bennett's side.

Oz just nodded and flew towards Mondstadt swiftly.

Lawrence was about to change shifts with another guard in a couple of minutes. The foot traffic from the main gate has been decreasing lately.

Either the area is getting more dangerous or people are hearing rumors outside of Mondstadt. No thanks to his co-workers

for spreading that story of a horrifying monster made of bones and fancy clothing. Honestly it sounded fake, but you never really know nowadays.

Ever since Stormterror's attack, the whole town has been on edge. Even some of his fellow Knights are as well.

Lawrence then saw a bright purple light in the sky rushing towards him. However, he wasn't worried about it in the slightest.

The Knights of Favonius were told by the Adventurers Guild that this light is from one of their members. The light had reached him and a large purple raven became visible in front of him.

Lawrence did the Knights of Favonius salute and said "How may I be of assistance?"

"We need help carrying someone. We have an unconscious male who needs to be brought to the Cathedral for treatment." The raven said hastily.

Lawrence suddenly became more alert at those words and said "Alright. I will come and help immediately."

Lawrence then looked to his right and said "Swan, tell someone else to take my post. I need to help these people."

Swan just nodded in response. The raven then flew over the bridge. Lawrence followed the raven and ran to keep up with it. The raven flew forward at the dirt crossroad and in just a few seconds, Lawrence saw a young lady sitting next to a battered young man.

'Those are Fischl and Bennett if memory serves me correctly. What happened here?' Lawrence asked himself. It would seem like something horrible has taken place

"Are you the one Oz asked to help us?" Fischl asked

"Yes ma'am. Now let us quickly get him to the church before his condition worsens." Lawrence said as he went over and picked up Bennett.

The lad was a little heavy, but Lawrence could handle it. He then started jogging towards Mondstadt's Cathedral with due haste.

Bennett opened his eyes to reveal he was inside of a building. Based on the roof alone, it looks like the Cathedral in Mondstadt. He tried to move, but even a small movement of his arm caused soreness and pain to flow through his entire arm causing him to groan in response.

"Oh you're awake! Please don't move too much. You need your body to rest Bennett." A gentle and quiet voice said out of Bennett's line of sight.

Bennett knew who this voice was. He had heard it on many occasions and further convinced him he was in the Cathedral.

"Barbara?" Bennett said shakily. The soreness and dryness of his throat made it hard to speak properly.

"Don't worry. I healed you with some of my healing, but it won't happen instantly. Remember, you still need your rest and you'll feel better." Barbara said as she came into Bennett's view.

Even though Barbara was right, he wanted to know what happened. The last thing he remembered was accepting a commission to go to the Temple of the Lion to retrieve a lost item.

"W-what happened?" Bennett asked shakily yet again.

"I don't know the details. Just that a member of the Knights of Favonius came with a lady of the Adventurers Guild saying you were heavily injured and needed healing. The lady is still here, but she was also tired and fell asleep after a while. She refused to leave and wanted to spend the night to watch over you, even though I'm here. She must care an awful lot about you Bennett." Barbara said

'Fischl saved me?' Bennett thought to himself. He sure was lucky to have a friend like her around. He just hoped she didn't get hurt trying to help him out of own trouble.

Bennett could feel his eyes getting tired. Maybe he should let them rest for a few seconds. Yes, just a few seconds…..

Bennett closed his eyes and instantly went to sleep in his current state. It would seem even his body wanted him to get some rest.

Barbara just started humming a small tune and continued to wrap bandages on a wounded spot on Bennett's arm.

AN: Sorry for the long break, but things have not been going well in the past couple of weeks/month. Was sick for almost a week and it was miserable. (it wasn't covid, I got the test numerous times just in case.) Not to mention I had Thanksgiving to prepare for 2 houses as well with lots of school work. I was mentally stressed for a while with no breaks, but I had some time to breathe. Needed the mental rest and then started writing again. Enough about me though, hope you enjoyed the chapter :^)