A week has passed since the exam and my results came in by mail.
It was no surprise that I got in, as my friends/characters were amazing help. But I think I may have gotten overboard.
When I unleashed Diluc's elemental burst it not only destroyed the zero-pointer but all the other faux villains behind it. Earning me the top spot of the practical exam. My written exam could've been better but I can't exactly stop myself from rambling until it's too late.
Of course, the foster home I lived in held a big party for me. Many of the younger kids asked that I switch into Klee or Qiqi to play with them. However one of the staff members told them not to as it was rude to and against the law.
I silently thanked the staff as I didn't think I could anyway.
Ever since I got my results Aether has been suspiciously silent. And from what I'm seeing in my field of vision, my party was greyed out. As though informing me I can't switch.
Maybe they wanted me to enjoy the party for myself? I don't know. But I have no right to demand them for anything. Our agreement only states that they'd help me become a hero in this world, and I'd help save their world in return. What they do outside of that is their own business.
So instead of dwelling over that, I turned my attention to the acceptance letter.
Instead of All Might like Izuku and what I presume many others saw on the projection. I instead got Principal Nezu.
I didn't know if I should feel proud or very scared.
He's a funny guy though. Would definitely trust him over Dumbledore.
Principal Nezu spoke of my results and congratulated me and stated that he expected great things. And that he would like to know more about the nature of my 'quirk' during a nice chat or something.
Yep, now that I think of it, he is curious. I'm scared now.
The party was big but short as the younger kids had to go to bed early and the foster home didn't have enough money to blow on parties, to begin with.
Still, it was nice.
In a few more days it will be springtime and UA would start. Shortly after that 1.1 would be out along with Childe. I still have lots of things to do before he comes out so I have time to prepare.
So off to sleep I go, or in other words.
Teyvat
I blink awake, now standing as Aether in the world of Teyvat.
However, instead of being where I last was. I was instead in a very dark room.
Before I had time to adjust my eyesight, the room was suddenly lit up and I was treated by a surprise.
"SURPRISE!"
Right before my eyes were my friends! All the people I met and summoned from the gacha stood before me with popped party poppers and smiles on their faces. Well, some weren't smiling but you could tell they were happy.
If it were me from last year, I would most likely have called them characters. I still kinda do as it is difficult to think up another way to call them. But I'm trying to not objectify them, feeling that it dehumanises them. I'm thinking of calling them heroes instead, but many of them held objections. Not feeling worthy so seeing themselves as heroes.
I personally felt that they were all heroes in their own way. Whether it's Diluc being an anti-hero that protects Mondstadt from the shadows or Xiangling revolutionising cooking recipes that anyone could cook without needing expensive ingredients.
They all help people in their own way.
While I just use their power for my own gain...
*snap!* *snap!*
A finger clicked in front of my face, bringing me back reality and out of my head.
I turned to the culprit to see Venti.
"What are you mopping on about?" He asked with a smile. "We should be celebrating your acceptance into the hero school!"
Jean who was on the other side of the room sighed. "I still don't understand why such schools exist but it does hold a celebration."
Beside her was Lisa and she gave me a smile and said. "Aether came to inform us of your result as soon as possible and helped organise a party for you. We tried to invite everyone, however..."
"Because of the system, it prevented us from getting in touch with a few people. Mainly from Liyue."
Kaeya popped up behind me, his head looming above me as I looked back with my head facing up. He gave me a warm smile "How are you Mei? I know it was only a few hours for you but it has been days for us."
I smiled back. "I'm good, though I'm a bit overwhelmed by the surprise party."
Kaeya nodded in understanding, before moving to my side. Opposite of Venti.
Curious, I asked. "Who couldn't come?"
"Beidou, Ningguang, Keqing, Sucrose, Chongyun, Fischl, Noelle and Bennet." Kaeya listed off. I was sad to hear that they couldn't come but it is understandable.
Most were locked behind the upcoming 1.1 update and some weren't even introduced yet. I only met them through the gacha and even if I did find them in Teyvat, they wouldn't have any memory of our relationship until I completed the story their locked behind.
I saw Xingqiu happily reading a book in the middle of the room, though I had a feeling he may be a bit upset.
"Hey, Xingqiu?" I called out. Somehow I gained his attention. I guess he wasn't as absorbed into the book as I thought.
"Ah! Mei! Congratulations on being accepted into the prestigious Hero school in Japan!"
"Thank you," I said sincerely. I decided to cut to the chase. "Were you unable to invite Chongyun?" I knew that he and Chongyun were good friends to each other, so he must've been upset about not being able to spend time with Chongyun at the party.
Xingqiu faltered a bit before giving me a sad smile. "I was able to get in touch however he didn't want to go to a party for someone he claims doesn't know. He had no knowledge of your existence and was confused as to why he'd be invited in the first place."
"I guess the system has more power than I thought," I said solemnly.
Xingqiu shook his head. "I should've known that it was a futile endeavour in the first place. However, I at least hoped that he'd joined me either way."
"I'm sorry." I felt guilty, because of my existence the system was keeping Xingqiu and Chongyun apart until it decided to introduce him.
"No need, I'm happy enough to be able to join your journey of heroism and chivalry."
An idea popped into my head. "Hey, how about I let you have full reign of UA's library? Within reason of course." This seemed to cheer Xingqiu up at the thought of books. Lisa also seemed interested when she overheard. "You too Lisa, as long as you don't flirt with anyone."
"Ara ara~. Whatever do you mean?" I gave her a deadpanned look. "I'm just teasing, and I'll gladly take you up on that offer."
I felt a tug on my cape, and I looked down to see Qiqi holding a glass of what I presume milk.
"Qiqi has brought coco milk for Mei. Qiqi hopes you like it."
Daaaw~
She handed me her glass and I carefully accepted it, making sure I don't drop it. "Thank you Qiqi. I really appreciate it."
"Baizhu told Qiqi to give Mei a gift. So Qiqi went to find the coconut Mei told Qiqi about. Qiqi is still a bit upset that there is no cocogoat. But Qiqi is glad that Qiqi can get as much coco milk as she wants. Qiqi thanks Mei for helping Qiqi." That is a lot of Qiqis but cute either way.
"Happy to help Qiqi. How is Baizhu by the way?"
Qiqi tilts her head. "Baizhu is ok from what Qiqi has seen. However, Baizhu was confused as to why Qiqi was invited over here."
"Ah..."Understandable, speaking of where is here?
"You're at the Dawn Winery. A certain someone decided to hold the party here without my permission." A slightly annoyed voice spoke from my right.
I turned to see Diluc leaning against the pillar. I didn't seem bothered by the party but at the culprit behind the party location.
"Oh, Diluc!" I exclaimed in surprise, I didn't see him there. I thought about who he was referring to before it hit me. "Was it Kaeya?"
Diluc gave me a look. Yep, it was Kaeya.
"You two talking about me?" Kaeya was heard to my left.
Ah, right. I forgot he was there.
"Um..."
"Nothing you should be concerned over." Diluc dismissed.
"Oh~? Then did you perhaps congratulate Mei? She is one step closer to her dream you know?"
I didn't know whether Kaeya was teasing or challenging Diluc. But before it gets heated I intervened.
"You don't have to!" The two looked at me. "I mean, you guys were the one who did all the work. I was just along for the ride." I stopped myself from saying any more, I didn't want to go into a blubbering mess. And it was already depressing as it is.
"While that is true in a sense."Diluc started, gaining my attention. "When you obtained our power we were weaker than a simple slime. Until you yourself worked hard to make us strong to be able to achieve our goals. Though I must admit, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing."
Kaeya laughed. "It is a difficult thing to explain and understand, and I agree with Diluc. You helped guide us, whether it to be strong or to overcome our problems. You were there. I highly doubt Diluc would've been any help if he was still at Lv1."
Diluc glared at Kaeya. "Not like you were any different. You weren't even in the party."
In response Kaeya put his hands up in defence. "Aether informed me earlier that I would've if he didn't need to be seen as Mei's main. Publicity and all that." he turned to me with a smile. "I'm sure I'll be of use soon enough. I am a favourite of your after all."
I blush a bit. "W-well, I might need your assistance in the Battle lesson. Though that may take a while."
He shrugs his shoulders. "Fair enough, I know I'm valued since I'm in the main party."
I smiled. "Thank you... thank you both. I really need to not worry all the time."
Diluc didn't say anything while Kaeya continued to smile, though he did perk up at a thought.
"By the way, you heard from Aether yet? He should be the one setting you straight as you two are partners."
I furrowed my eyebrows as I realised I haven't heard from him at all. Not even in the cheer of 'suprise' earlier. "No... I haven't. And I kinda have a bad habit of keeping my problems to myself before I blow up."
"He might want you to enjoy the party and talk to you in private." Kaeya theorised.
"Yeah, maybe."
With a smile, Kaeya started to push me towards the other side of the room. "So then go enjoy the party! You'll be surprised at who you'll meet."
Before I could respond, I was already across the room and Kaeya wandered off to who knows where. Taking his advice I looked around to see who's around and I'm treated by Amber.
"Oh! Mei!" She waved to me from the food table. "Come over here! Xiangling made some tasty stuff!"
"Tasty but weird."I heard a male voice and I turned to see Razor at the food table as well. Along with Xiangling.
"Hi, guys!" I greeted back as I walked towards them.
Xiangling came up to me excitedly, tugging my arm towards the table. "Oh my Archon! Mei, you have to try out my new recipe! I'm sure you'll like it!"
In case you were wondering, I'm a very picky eater. I'll only eat what I like or not traumatised about. I once have forgone milk for years because my primary school changed the milk brand and it made me sick. Also, I didn't like it. So Xiangling has taken upon herself to master my tastebuds.
"What is it this time?"
Xiangling's eyes sparkled with excite- is that? is that drool I'm seeing coming out of her mouth?
"I call it Cake Overload! I decided to experiment with pyro slime condense and electro slime condense to produce an explosive flavour! I worked really hard on perfecting it!"
That made me double take. "Are you telling me that this cake is actually explosive?"
"Weeeeell, it was. But now it just enhances the flavour!"
I pity her father. And all the customers in the blast zone
Deciding to trust Xiangling, I grabbed myself a slice. Along with many other tasty treats.
Taking a scoop with a spoon, I took a bite and- oh wow. This was actually really good.
I stared at the cake in awe and Xiangling got all giddy beside me.
"I knew you'd like it!"
With a wide grin, I carefully gave Xiangling a hug, not wanting to drop my plate. "Thank you Xiangling! This is the BEST cake I have ever had!" I cheered, letting go of her. I took another bit of the cake and my god it was so good.
Xiangling had a light blush on her cheeks. "Ah shucks, it's no problem, Mei! It is a special day after all." She said before looking behind me. "Amber! Do you want a slice?"
Behind me was Amber, who was looking at the cake slice on my plate with drool coming out of her mouth. Hearing what Xiangling said, her head zipped towards her with a bright shining smile as though Xiangling was a goddess. "DO I?!" Before bolting towards the cake to grab herself a slice.
If this world wasn't Genshin Impact I'd think her clothes would've exploded off. Thank god for that cause she was moaning in bliss.
Dismissing myself I went to hang out with Wolf Boi"
"Hi Wolf Boi!"
Razor looked up from his plate at me.
"Why must you call me that?"
I got up close to him and start pinching his cheeks.
"Cause you're so freaking adorable~" I teased. In response, Razor pouted and moved away from my grasps. Oh no, Wolf Boi is becoming Cat Boi.
"Anyway, I want to say thank you for helping me with the exam! You were a great help!" I thanked with a warm smile. And what I said is true, as Razor was an electro claymore user he was super effective against the faux villains.
Razor nodded in appreciation at me. "Mei helped Razor, Razor help Mei." Oh, he is so cute.
I then proceeded to glomp him.
In the middle of hugging the life out of Razor, he suddenly freezes before quickly escaping my grasps and bolting away.
I wonder what got him so worked up.
Not a second later I could hear a slight humming approaching me along with the tapering of little footsteps. Turning around I see Mondstadt's Stronger Fighter.
Klee.
Oh god.
"Hi, Klee!" I greeted as warmly as I can, but with a literal child that makes bombs for fun, I dread for the worst.
Stopping before me, Klee's face lit up. "Hi Mei! Klee has a present for you!" She exclaimed. Gaining some concerned looks from those from Mondstadt.
"Oh? What did you get me?" I said curiously. Please not be a bomb, please not be a bomb, please not be a bomb pleasenotbea-
"A bomb!" Klee cheered as though it was the most innocent thing in the world.
"NO!" Came a loud cry from Jean and Amber who still held her plate of snacks in her hand. Jean looked frazzled, which is understandable. A bomb in the middle of a party is no joke, I'm having a hard time keeping my composure as I was right in front of said bomb. Kaeya was just laughing in the background silently. But I can see you, mister.
Klee blinked in confusion. "What's wrong? Klee didn't do anything bad this time." She pouted.
Ooh boy. "Klee, can you show me my present?" I asked gently.
Without a word, Klee grabbed a ball in paper wrapping from her bag and gifted it to me. The paper wrapping was stylised as her own bombs, making it look like a cute innocent rabbit doll of sorts.
Gently, I opened the wrapping and letting out a sigh of relief. Oh, thank god.
"False alarm, it was just a Bath Bomb." I announced. Jean went from tense to really relieved as Lisa pats her back in comfort. Her hand covering her smile. Amber just went back to eating.
Turning back to Klee I gave her a genuine smile. "Thank you Klee, it's very kind of you."
Klee cheered. "Yaaaay!" before hugging my leg. Why is she so cute and scary at the same time!
After a few seconds, Klee lets go and went to get herself some delicious cake. And I went towards the back of the room, where a pair of certain hydro users were conversing.
"-I don't understand how you are making a living. I know you're an Idol and everything but also a nun? Doesn't that stop any form of income? How are you an Idol in the first place?"
Correction, Mona was talking. Barbara looked like she was put on the spot.
"Ah, well.. I-" Looking around for an escape she spots me and called me over. "Oh! Hi Mei! Well done on getting into UA!"
"Huh?" Mona turned her attention away from Barbara (to her relief) and towards me. "Ah! Mei! I commemorate you on your victory, the stars told me that you would succeed."
"Thank you!" I said in gratitude. I decided to help Barbara out. "Hey Barbara, would it be ok if you sing for us?" I winked at her subtly, her face lit up in understanding.
"Oh? Oh-oh yes! Of course! Excuse me." And she scattered off.
Mona watched her walk away before turning towards me. "So, as I was saying- hey- Hey!" Only to see me start to walk away too.
"Sorry, Mona! I just came for the fan service!"
"I'm sorry what?"
"I'll give you more screen time later! Bye!"
Before Mona could retort I already left the building. To find Venti leaning against the stone wall with a bottle of wine in his hand.
"Hello, Mei." Venti greeted me, sensing my presence through the air. He seemed calmer than usual. "How's the party?"
"It's amazing. Best party I ever had." I said sincerely.
"Glad you like it."
I joined him and leaned against the wall, gazing at the night sky in silence. It was strangely comforting.
The night sky showed a rare sight, the galaxy was clear as day filling the sky with colour. I don't think it's the Milky Way but it sure looked like it. The moon was big and bright, illuminating the ground below. The Crystalfly fluttering around the grape field, adding an element of magic and wonder to the scenery.
"The update is coming soon right?" Venti asked, breaking the silence but not making it uncomfortable.
"Yeah, I'll still won't be able to go anywhere else outside of Mondstadt and Liyue but I'll get to meet the others formally and learn more about those I already know." I replied. I gave him a look. "Will you still not tell me whether Zhongli is Rex Lapis?"
Venti let out a grin. "Nope!"
I let out a sigh, but let it slide.
Instead, I asked. "Do you think I deserve to be here? To be a hero in both worlds using powers not my own?"
Venti looked at me and thought for a bit before answering.
"I think... That we couldn't have gotten a better friend."
That answer surprised me.
"What?" I looked at him with wide eyes.
With a kind smile, Venti said. "You are our friend, a friend who helped us grow in strength, helped save our people, helped us in personal matters and is on a quest to save the world. Why wouldn't we help you?"
I sat there in silence.
Venti took a sip from his wine bottle before trodding back into the Winery. Before he went in he turned around and said. "I suggest you go to the beach where you first arrived in this world. What you'll find will surprise you." With a wide grin, he went into the building.
I sat in silence for a bit longer, appreciating the peaceful calm atmosphere as I gain my bearings before I teleported to the first Teleport Waypoint I've ever activated.
Stardust consumed my being and I was greeted by an illuminated sea/ocean (dunno). It was a breathtaking sight.
"MEEEEEIIIIII!"
I heard a scream to my left and I turned just in time to see Paimon tackle me in a hug. "OOF!"
"Mou, what took you so long!" She pouted, light constellations floating around her.
"I didn't know you were even here,"I said back. "What were you doing here?"
"For your surprise silly!" Paimon giggled. She started to float towards the location where I entered this world, leading me confused. Until I saw what she was talking about.
And to say I was surprised was an understatement.
Right where I first appeared, upon the rocks that Aether sat on where he told Paimon his story. Was a den, to say the least.
I couldn't explain it, but it was an open den that you'd build in your living room or bedroom (if you're the lucky ones). Like a pillow fort but with less pillows and ore blankets with plenty of space inside. The ground was covered with a blanket with pillows on top to provide a comfortable sitting area. Along the blanket wall were pictures of my friends in Teyvat. And a small bookshelf stood at the side filled with what I presume were fictional books from Mondstadt and Liyue. The whole thing was illuminated by a lamp that floated under the roof of the den. The crystal ores that hung around the den illuminated from the light. And Finally, as it was open I had the view of the ocean.
It was amazing.
Paimon who floated proudly before me soon found herself pulled into a mighty tight hug. "Gah!"
"Thank you thank you thankyouthankyouthankyou-"
"OK OK, I get it! Let go before you squish me!"
I promptly let go and wiped away my tears of joy. "Thank you Paimon! This is Amazing!"
"Hehe, I came up with the idea but it was Aether who set it up with the help of the others." She said, rubbing her head in embarrassment. "We wanted to do help put a mark on the world to show you that you belong in Teyvat! We couldn't get you a house as you've mentioned that it would be available soon is a future update. So we made something outside of the system. Your very own den!"
"I love it!" I gushed.
Paimon did a happy dance "I'm glad! I better go to the party, Aether wanted to speak with you alone. Bye Mei!"
And with that, she was gone in a small burst of light.
I settled myself down in the den, gazing at the pictures around me and the ocean before me, watching the waves go in and out.
"Aether?" I called out.
Hi Mei
"Hi. So I hear you set this whole thing up."
I did, did you like it.
"Loved it. The best thing that ever happened to me in a very long time."
I'm happy to hear that you love it.
"Are... Are we going to continue being formal or are we going to speak normally?"
Way to ruin the mood.
"I'm not good with these things!"
Hehe.
"EHE TE NANDAYO!"
You're not emergency food so please stop.
"You started it."
Anyway, you've gotten into UA now huh.
"Yeah, the heart of BNHA."
Are you going to change anything?
"I... I'm afraid to do anything outside of canon. The butterfly effect is a scary thing."
I see, quite different from this world huh.
"I mean yeah, what I do in this world doesn't affect the events and quests. Just my relationship with people."
If you had the opportunity to help and save someone who is destined to perish, would you let it happen?
"N-No! I would want to help but-"
But if they don't the other characters won't learn from the incident like their supposed to?
"Yeah... but maybe I can save and help people while finding a way for the characters to learn what they're supposed to."
Perhaps, we can only hope for the better.
"You got any clue on how I can explain my 'quirk' to others?"
Perhaps you can have them ask certain questions that will help make things clearer.
"Like what?"
For instance, who do you turn into? Answer, heroes from a world called Teyvat.
"Huh, I guess that could work."
I gazed out towards the descending moon.
"Thank you for everything Aether"
Thank you for helping me find/save my sister and giving me a chance to explore a world full of heroes and-
"I get it, I swear you're like Izuku 2.0 Adventure version."
Ha ha ha.
A/N
I'm gonna end it here.
This has been in the works for a long time. I wanted to add in the first day of UA as well but time didn't allow me too. So I'm splitting the chapter instead.
I hope you enjoyed this look into the world of Teyvat. During the writing process, I was at different moods at different times as I wrote sparatically. So sorry for any confusion as my mood tend to reflect on my work.
Thank you all who have favourited, followed and reviewed after one chapter! I honestly thought this fic would be looked over or get hate reviews. So getting compliments, encouragement and memes made me smile.
Another thing to point out, I was reading a Ben 10 x BNHA fic the other day and I realised. Wait, the system is like the omnitrix. just more complex.
Those who have questions concerning the system will have their answers revealed in time through chapters.
I just want to say that as of this moment I'm at AR 42 and I'm a F2P player. I do not have all the characters and I prefer to stay spoiler-free until I have the chance to experience it first hand.
The 1.1 update won't be implemented until the mock battle, as I had ideas and plans for it to be before 1.1 even was released.
Finally, to end this off.
Anyone else thinks that Katheryn is a robot? I heard her say 'rebooting' and someone else said she said 'Error'.
