Disclaimer: I do not own the copyright for these two franchises. They belong to Square Enix and HoyoVerse respectively.
Kingdom Hearts III.5: A journey on Teyvat
Chapter 04: A Bard's Tale
(Genshin Impact OST - Dusk in Mondstadt)
The afternoon sun bathed Mondstadt in a soft, golden light as Sora and Amber made their way out of the Knights of Favonius headquarters. After their meeting with Jean, Sora felt a mix of relief and hope. Jean had promised to do everything she could to help him in his quest, and Amber had offered to show him around the city so he could take a moment to rest.
Amber: So, Sora, ready for a little tour of Mondstadt? I think you'll really enjoy what the city has to offer.
Sora: I'd love that, Amber! Lead the way!
Amber had already shown Sora the lower part of the city's plaza when they had hurried to the HQ earlier. This time, she guided him to the upper part of the city. Their climb led them to the heights where a panoramic view revealed a breathtaking spectacle of the town below.
Upon reaching the top, Sora was immediately struck by the vast square that unfolded before him. The place, bathed in sunlight, seemed almost surreal. In the center stood a monumental statue, depicting a winged figure with a benevolent and majestic expression. Behind it, an imposing cathedral stood proudly, dominating the entire landscape of Mondstadt. Sora paused, awestruck by the scene before him.
Sora: Wow... This is incredible! I've never seen anything like this.
Amber: Here we are at the top of Mondstadt, Sora. And that big statue overlooking everything is none other than our Archon watching over the city—Barbatos!
Sora took a few steps forward, his eyes fixed on the statue. He could feel an aura of peace and protection emanating from the massive figure.
Sora: This statue... It gives off such a strong presence. It's like it's protecting the city.
Amber: That's exactly right. The statue of Barbatos is a symbol of protection and freedom for all the people of Mondstadt. Many come here to pray and find comfort.
As Sora observed the immense statue of the Anemo Archon, his thoughts drifted to the many stories Master Yen Sid had told him about different worlds and their protectors. Curious to learn more about this majestic figure, he turned to Amber.
Sora: Amber, can you tell me more about the Anemo Archon? What does he represent for you?
Amber, thrilled to share the story, turned to Sora with a smile.
Amber: Of course, Sora. But, I only know the basics of our history, ha ha... Anyway, the god we Mondstadters worship—Barbatos—is the god of wind and freedom. He's our protector and spiritual guide. Barbatos has been watching over Mondstadt for centuries, ensuring our freedom and independence.
Sora listened attentively, fascinated by the legends.
Sora: A god representing freedom? That's beautiful.
Amber: Isn't it? Besides bringing us freedom, it's said that the Great Barbatos loves music and poetry. Many bards sing songs in his honor, and his blessings bring favorable winds for travelers and adventurers.
Sora looked at the statue again, now with a deeper understanding of its significance. After discussing the Anemo Archon with Sora, Amber noticed a small gathering at the foot of the statue. Curious, she pointed to the spot.
Amber: Hey, look, Sora! There's a crowd over there. Let's see what's going on.
Sora nodded, equally curious. They headed toward the crowd, where they discovered a young bard in the middle of the square. Dressed in green, with black braided hair, he was playing a lyre, his music enchanting everyone who listened.
Sora: Wow, he plays really well. Who is that?
Amber: Oh! I think I've heard of him... He's a young bard you can often find in the streets. I think his name is Venti, if I remember correctly.
Sora watched Venti, captivated by his presence and the enchanting melody he played. The crowd listened in silence, some closing their eyes to better savor the moment. Venti's words resonated through the air, bringing a palpable serenity. Sora felt a deep sense of respect for this artist, capable of capturing the essence of Mondstadt in his songs.
After finishing his song, Venti gave an elegant bow. His soft, mesmerizing melody slowly faded as the crowd, still charmed, began to disperse. With his eternal smile and lyre in hand, Venti's eyes fell on Sora, who was chatting with Amber. Always curious and eager to meet new people, he decided to approach the duo. Amber and Sora, deep in conversation, didn't notice his presence at first.
Venti: Hello! What a pleasure to see new faces.
Both friends turned to face Venti.
Amber: Oh, hello! I think this is the first time we've spoken. I'm Amber.
Venti: Mm-hmm, yes, I've heard about you. You're the young outrider who constantly ensures no threat looms over the city. Thank you for your dedication. Mondstadt is fortunate to have someone like you watching over us.
Amber, genuinely touched by Venti's compliment, couldn't help but blush.
Amber: Re-really? You mean that sincerely? Well… thank you. I just try to do my best.
Venti then addressed Sora.
Venti: I don't think I've seen you around before. Just passing through?
Seeing that Venti had started a conversation with him, Sora responded.
Sora: That's right. It's my first time here in the city. Amber here is showing me around. I'm Sora. And you're Venti, right?
Venti: Correct! I am Venti, the Bard. More precisely, three-time winner of the 'Most Beloved Bard in Mondstadt' title.
Sora: Really? You must be pretty popular.
Venti: Hmm, you're not wrong. But those who truly know me know I'm more famous for my love of wine. In fact, a recent friend of mine kindly gave me the nickname 'Tone-Deaf Bard.' Ha ha.
Not entirely sure if being known that way was truly an honor, Sora and Amber exchanged a slightly awkward glance. It seemed they both had the same thought.
Sora: Ah… I guess that's good, I suppose...
Amber, having an interesting thought, stepped forward.
Amber: Tell me, Venti, the one who gave you that nickname... would that happen to be Paimon?
Venti: Oh! That's right! Seems like I'm not the only one who knows her then. And if you know her, it's quite likely you've also met her traveling companion.
Indeed, since Venti knew Paimon, it made sense that Sora and Amber had heard of her too.
Amber: Yeah, the Traveler, right?
Venti: Bingo! The famous Traveler who soothed the dragon's wrath, bringing peace back to the city... as well as to the dragon's heart.
After the initial conversation with Venti, Sora remained intrigued by the mention of the Stormterror crisis. He couldn't help but ask Amber for more details.
Sora: Amber, can you tell me more about this Stormterror crisis and the Traveler's role? It sounds like it was a pretty important moment for Mondstadt.
Realizing she hadn't yet shared the full story with Sora, Amber quickly responded.
Amber: Oh, right! With everything going on for you, I figured it was enough to just give you the basics about the crisis. Now that we have a bit more time, I can fill you in on the whole story.
Before she could continue, Venti, who had overheard them, chimed in with a smile.
Venti: Ah, I see you're discussing that. If you don't mind, I could tell the tale myself. After all, what's better than a story told in verse and poetry to captivate an audience?
Sora, curious, turned to Venti.
Sora: You want to do it, Venti?
Venti adjusted his lyre and began to play a soft melody, immediately drawing the attention of both Sora and Amber.
Venti:
"In the skies of Mondstadt, a dragon did soar,
His rage and his fury upon the city bore.
Dvalin, once a guardian, Stormterror he became,
Spreading terror and chaos, day after day the same.
But from distant horizons, a traveler did arrive,
With brave knights beside him, hope once more did thrive.
Facing raging winds and storms so fierce,
They sought to understand the pain they'd pierce.
The dragon's song, a cry of sorrow deep,
Echoed in the hearts, bringing fear to keep.
But the traveler, with courage and grace,
Uncovered the secret hidden in that space.
An ancient curse upon the dragon lay,
Blinding him with rage, leading him astray.
With the Winds' help and friends by his side,
The traveler fought, for freedom he did ride.
Through words and deeds, they eased his pain,
Bringing peace and hope once again.
Stormterror, now Dvalin, noble once more,
Flew over Mondstadt, like a gentle morning's lore."
Venti finished his song, letting the last chords linger in the air. Sora, captivated by the poetic tale, looked at him with admiration.
Sora: That was beautiful, Venti.
Venti: Heh heh, I'm not Mondstadt's best bard for nothing.
Still under the spell of the poetry, Sora reflected on the story he had just heard. When Amber told him that Stormterror wanted to destroy the city, he immediately thought that the monster needed to be dealt with in a decisive way, like how he handled the Heartless. But, according to Venti, this dragon wasn't an evil creature. From Venti's description, it seemed like its actions weren't entirely its own. Rather... as if something was forcing it. As if it had been afflicted by something that drove it to destruction... much like someone whose personality changes drastically after being touched by the darkness in their heart, a situation Sora had seen time and again during his travels.
Sora: So, if I understand correctly... Stormterror wanted to destroy Mondstadt. But from what you're saying, it sounds like he was... forced to, right?
Venti: That's right, Sora. One more thing, though—I'd appreciate it if you referred to him by his real name: Dvalin.
Sora: Dvalin? That's his true name?
Venti: Yes. He was once known as Dvalin, the Dragon of the East. One of the Four Winds tasked with protecting Mondstadt.
As Sora had suspected, Stormterror— or rather, Dvalin— seemed to have played a significant role in Mondstadt's history. From Venti's explanation, Dvalin was originally meant to be a guardian of the city.
Sora: Tell me, Venti, do you know what happened to Dvalin? You mentioned some kind of 'curse' that made him stray from his original mission?
Venti fell silent, his eyes wandering as he recalled the events of the past. Eager to understand, Sora watched Venti closely, ready to hear the story of Dvalin.
Venti: The curse that afflicted Dvalin was born from suffering and corruption. Long ago, Dvalin had to fight another evil dragon. During the battle, the blood of that wicked creature seeped into his mind and heart. The darkness tainted his protective mission, turning him into what we now know as Stormterror.
Sora: But how did that happen? How does a protector become a destroyer?
Sighing, Venti replied to him.
Venti: Pain and loneliness played a crucial role. After being severely injured, Dvalin fell into a very long slumber to recover from his wounds. When he awoke, years had passed, and everyone had forgotten his existence. Believing he had been betrayed and abandoned, he withdrew into himself. The darkness took advantage of this vulnerability, seeping into his heart and distorting his perception. He began to see Mondstadt, which he had sworn to protect, as a threat.
Venti paused for a moment, allowing Sora to process these revelations. Sadness washed over Sora as he reflected on Dvalin's tragic story. Venti's words resonated deeply in his mind, and he couldn't help but feel immense compassion for the corrupted dragon.
Sora: Poor Dvalin... succumbing to the darkness, feeling alone with no one to help him...
Sora recalled his own experiences. The darkness he had faced, the times he had seen friends and foes alike succumb to the shadows. He knew that the corruption of darkness could creep into the hearts of even the bravest, and he couldn't help but compare this to Dvalin's tragedy.
Amber, noticing the change in Sora's demeanor, became concerned.
Amber: Sora, are you okay? You seem troubled.
Sora: Yeah, it's just... Dvalin's story really touches me. I've seen so many people succumb to the darkness. Sometimes it feels like no matter how strong or brave you are, the darkness always finds a way to creep in.
Listening intently to Sora's words, Amber and Venti fell silent for a moment.
Sora: The darkness is powerful. It exploits our weaknesses, our fears, and our suffering. Dvalin succumbed because he was alone in his pain. And I can understand that... more than anyone, because... I do know hurt.
Amber and Venti were now fully focused on Sora. Amber, though concerned, was moved by his words. Her brief interaction with him had revealed a kind and optimistic boy. Seeing him talk about pain and his own suffering made her a bit uneasy, as she didn't know exactly what Sora had been through.
Amber: Sora...
As for Venti, he awaited Sora's response with a curiosity tinged with understanding. He knew too well the pain Dvalin had endured and was grateful to have resolved the crisis with the help of the traveler. Listening to Sora speak, he wondered what experiences and thoughts lay behind the young man's words.
Sora: When I lost Riku and Kairi...
Sora summoned his Keyblade. At the sight of this weapon, Venti couldn't help but find it mysterious, having never seen a sword like that before.
Sora: ...and later, when I lost the Keyblade and found myself all alone... Having no one to turn to was the worst kind of hurt. But that just shows how much I care about my friends. Carryng around a little hurt can't be all that bad. Hurting is part of caring.
Amber and Venti remained silent for a moment, absorbing Sora's words. She would have never imagined that this optimistic and kind boy had endured so much suffering. Her heart ached thinking of everything he had been through, and she moved closer to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Amber: Sora, I'm sorry to hear all of this. I had no idea you had gone through so many trials. Know that if there's anything I can do to help you, you can tell me. And know that I would never think of abandoning you!
Touched by Amber's compassion, Sora returned a gentle smile.
Sora: Thank you so much, Amber. That really means a lot to me.
Venti, for his part, watched Sora in silence, his expression reflecting a mix of compassion and admiration. The understanding and wisdom Sora displayed, despite his young age, were impressive. He was struck by Sora's resilience and his ability to truly grasp the pain Dvalin had endured. Hearing someone express such empathy for a suffering he knew so well was rare.
Venti: Sora, you are truly admirable. It is rare to meet someone who understands the pain and loneliness that Dvalin endured so well. Your experience, though different, resonates with Dvalin's tragedy in a way that few can grasp. This not only shows great inner strength but also a profound compassion for others.
Sora, touched by Venti's words and Amber's support, smiled faintly.
Sora: Thank you, Amber, Venti. I think it's important to remember that even in the darkest moments, we can find light. And it's through true friends that this light can shine even brighter.
As the sun continued to set over Mondstadt, casting golden shadows on the buildings and cobblestone streets, Sora, Amber, and Venti stood near the statue of the Anemo Archon. The conversation had taken a serious turn, and Sora, his eyes lost in the twilight, reflected on the poignant details of Dvalin's story.
Sora, feeling a need for clarity about the outcome of this tragedy, turned to Venti with an expression of mixed curiosity and hope.
Sora: So, Venti, you spoke of Dvalin's suffering. But how did the Traveler manage to resolve the crisis? What allowed them to save Mondstadt and Dvalin from this tragedy?
Venti looked at Sora with a gaze filled with respect, admiring the young man's sincere interest in the story. He took a deep breath, ready to unveil the details of how this ordeal was resolved.
Venti: Ah, this is the most interesting part. The Traveler, who arrived here recently, played a crucial role in this epic tale. Know that through their power, they were able to purify the evil that resided within Dvalin. And with the support of the Great Substitute Master, they were able to completely heal the pain Dvalin had felt for all those years.
He turned slightly toward Amber, who nodded. She joined the conversation, adding details she was well aware of.
Amber: Yes, that's true. The Traveler not only faced Dvalin in an epic battle alongside Jean-san, but together they managed to restore the sacred bond between Dvalin and the city.
Sora, absorbed by the story, felt a wave of respect and admiration for the Traveler.
Sora: That's an incredible story. The Traveler showed great strength and a big heart in saving Dvalin.
Venti: Absolutely. They not only restored peace and serenity to Mondstadt but also brought a glimmer of hope to the hearts of its inhabitants.
Amber nodded, adding a warm smile. Sora, captivated by the tale, felt a surge of respect and admiration for the Traveler.
Sora: I understand now why the Traveler is so respected. It's amazing what they've accomplished for Mondstadt. I would really like to meet them someday. Their bravery and compassion are truly inspiring.
Venti, his eyes sparkling with a mysterious light, observed Sora with a thoughtful smile.
Venti: You know, Sora, the wind might assist you in your quest. After all, it has a strange way of guiding those with pure hearts and noble intentions.
Intrigued, Sora asked.
Sora: What do you mean by that?
Venti: Heh heh, well, it is said that the wind has its own ways of guiding those destined for greatness. It led the Traveler through their trials, and it might do the same for you. After all, there's something familiar about you... A certain resemblance to the Traveler.
Sora: Really? I didn't think I had anything in common with them, aside from wanting to protect those in need.
Venti: And that's exactly what connects you to them. The Traveler has shown unwavering determination and great empathy. These qualities are the hallmarks of true heroes. And I sense something similar in you, Sora.
Amber, listening intently, chimed in enthusiastically.
Amber: He's right, Sora. Plus, Jean-san, Lisa-san, Kaeya-senpai, and I all agree with that. If you're as determined and compassionate as the Traveler, I'm sure you'll meet them one day. Perhaps your paths will even cross.
Sora: I really hope to meet them. I have a lot to learn from them. And in the meantime, I'll continue to fight to protect those I hold dear, just like the Traveler did.
Venti: That's the spirit. Keep moving forward with that determination and compassion, and I'm sure you'll accomplish great things. I would even be the first to sing your praises.
He then began to sing in verse.
Venti:
"In the deepest darkness,
A light always shines.
A pure and brave heart,
Never falters or declines."
Venti's song touched Sora's heart deeply, bringing him a sense of inner peace.
Sora: Wow, thank you for those beautiful words, Venti. I can confirm, you truly are the best bard there is.
Venti: Heh heh, thank you for the compliment, Sora.
As the sweet melody faded, Amber turned to Sora with an enthusiastic smile.
Amber: Come on, Sora! There's still so much to see in Mondstadt. Let me show you the rest of the city.
Sora: No problem.
He then turned to Venti.
Sora: Venti, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can see each other again someday.
Sharing the same sentiment, Venti replied warmly.
Venti: The pleasure was all mine, Sora. I sincerely hope the wind will aid our next meeting. I wish you a great visit to Mondstadt.
Sora, his heart light and filled with new knowledge, nodded enthusiastically. The two teenagers were about to leave Venti, but before they could take another step, their attention was drawn to a small group of knights of Favonius, carrying several of their ailing companions on their shoulders. The air was thick with urgency and gravity. Seeing this, Amber couldn't hide her concern.
Amber: What's happening?
Without hesitation, Amber headed toward the group, closely followed by Sora. Venti, curious and worried, decided to join them as well. It seemed their destination was the grand cathedral located behind the statue of the Anemo Archon.
Amber: They're heading to the Favonius Cathedral. They must be going there for medical assistance. I need to ask them what happened.
(Genshin Impact OST - Perilous Path)
As Amber, Sora, and Venti followed the group of knights, the palpable urgency in the air urged them to quicken their pace. They finally arrived at the grand Favonius Cathedral, its majestic stone walls standing as a bastion of safety in the heart of Mondstadt. The knights, panting and clearly overwhelmed, entered the church hall, their faces marked by worry and exhaustion.
Barely through the door, one of the knights, visibly on the edge of despair, turned to the vaulted ceiling of the cathedral and shouted at the top of his lungs.
Knight: Help! Our companions are severely injured! We need emergency care!
The cry echoed through the cathedral. At that moment, a young girl with blonde hair tied in two pigtails rushed out of the cathedral, alerted by the desperate call.
? ? ? : What's going on?
Without waiting, she quickly made her way toward the entrance of the cathedral, her pigtails bouncing with each step. Upon arriving, she saw the knights laying their injured comrades on the ground. The wounds looked serious and required immediate attention.
? ? ? : Don't worry, I'm here to help! Let me examine the injured.
She leaned over the wounded, her hands enveloped in a veil of water, positioning them above the knights' injured bodies. The young girl began murmuring prayers as her powers flowed over the injured, providing immediate relief.
Amber, Sora, and Venti, impressed by her speed and effectiveness, approached to learn more. The young priestess noticed them and decided to join their side.
? ? ? : Amber, Venti! You're here!
Amber: Barbara! I'm so glad to see you. And I see you've already started administering first aid. It's such a relief that you're around.
Barbara: It's nothing. I'm just glad I'll be able to help others.
Turning her gaze to Sora, she addressed him, hoping to get to know him better.
Barbara: Excuse me, I don't think I've seen you in the city before. Who are you?
Noticing she was speaking to him, our young hero replied.
Sora: My name is Sora. I arrived in Mondstadt recently, and Amber offered to show me around the city. We were talking with Venti when we saw this group return with injured comrades. Concerned, we came here to see what their problems were.
Barbara: I see. Thank you for your concern. My name is Barbara. I am a deaconess of the Favonius Cathedral. I would have welcomed you warmly at the church under normal circumstances, but unfortunately, the situation doesn't allow for that.
Sora: I can see that. Is it serious?
As she continued her treatment, Barbara replied with a hint of worry in her voice.
Barbara: Fortunately, their lives are not in danger. But I'm the only deaconess present at the moment, and I can't take care of all the injured by myself. I would need help from the other sisters to attend to the waiting injured while I finish treating the more critical cases.
Hearing this, Sora stood up with determination. He approached Barbara and, with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, summoned his Keyblade. The gleam of the weapon surprised Barbara, who looked up at him with slightly raised eyebrows.
Sora: I'll help you.
Amber and Venti exchanged intrigued glances as Sora summoned his Keyblade. Barbara's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the mysterious weapon.
Barbara: What kind of weapon is that?
Sora: Here we go! Curaga!
Before anyone else could respond, Sora focused his energy and cast a healing spell, Curaga. A radiant aura emanated from his Keyblade, enveloping the injured knights in the form of a blooming flower above their heads. The light provided immediate relief to those in critical condition, their injuries stabilizing somewhat, although there was still much work to be done to fully heal them.
Barbara: What... what strange magic! I've never seen a healing spell like that before.
Sora: It's one of my many spells. I'm not an expert in healing, but I can help as much as I can. I hope this can relieve some of the knights' pain while you await more support.
Barbara, grateful and impressed by Sora's effectiveness, gave him a smile full of appreciation.
Barbara: Thank you so much, Sora. With this valuable help, we can focus on the remaining treatments. Your efforts make a big difference.
Sora, although satisfied with his contribution, knew there was still much to be done. He continued to monitor the injured and offer his support wherever he could, while Barbara and the other sisters took care of the remaining treatments. Amber and Venti stayed close to Sora, impressed by his intervention.
Amber: It's amazing Sora! I had no idea you could do that!
Venti: It seems you really have a talent for magic, Sora. I have no doubt it's a great asset for those around you.
Sora, a bit shy but happy about the help he had provided, nodded with a smile.
Sora: Thanks, Venti. I'm just doing my best to help.
As the knights slowly began to recover from the initial treatments, one of them, visibly relieved, turned to Barbara and Sora with a look of gratitude.
Knight: Thank you so much, Barbara, and thank you as well, young man. You saved our comrades. We were desperate. Without your help, we wouldn't have been able to save them in time.
Barbara: It's my duty to help those in need. I'm glad we were able to intervene in time.
Sora, while content to have helped, still felt concerned. Amber, always attentive, decided to learn more about the situation.
Amber: But what exactly happened to you? How did you end up in this state?
The knight, visibly exhausted but determined to explain the situation, began recounting the recent events.
Knight: We were on patrol in Windrise area when we encountered a group of creatures we had never seen before. They were very aggressive and attacked us by surprise. We tried to defend ourselves, but their assaults were too violent.
Intrigued, Venti stepped forward to ask for more details.
Venti: Can you describe these creatures in a bit more detail?
The knight thought for a moment before providing a more detailed description.
Knight: They were dark creatures, almost indistinguishable from the ground. They moved by blending into the earth, then suddenly surged up to attack. It was as if they could materialize from anywhere.
As soon as the knight finished his description, Sora's eyes lit up with a worried recognition, and he interjected urgently.
Sora: Wait! Did these creatures have yellow eyes, and did some of them have a scar-shaped heart symbol?
The knight, surprised by the accuracy of the description, nodded slowly.
Knight: Yes, that's exactly it. How do you know?
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sora turned, his gaze visibly directed towards the outside of the city, with a look of concern and determination.
Sora: I need to go right now.
Without waiting for further explanations, Sora dashed toward Windrise. Barbara, Amber, and Venti were left momentarily stunned by his sudden reaction.
Amber: Sora, wait! What's wrong?
Venti and Amber caught up with Sora, calling out to him for answers.
Venti: Sora, why the urgency? What concerns you so much?
Sora, with a serious expression, replied to them.
(Kingdom Hearts OST - Heartless Theme)
Sora: Those creatures... I know them; it's the Heartless.
Amber and Venti exchanged worried glances. Not knowing these creatures, Amber decided to ask questions to better understand.
Amber: Heartless? What kind of creatures are they?
Sora took a moment to explain.
Sora: The Heartless are creatures born from the darkness found in people's hearts. When a person is consumed by their own darkness, their heart is transformed into a Heartless. They feed on the light from other hearts to grow stronger and multiply.
Amber shivered at this news.
Amber: That's terrifying... But why are they here? Mondstadt has never been attacked by such creatures before.
Sora nodded, understanding Amber's concern.
Sora: Heartless appear without warning. If they're here, it means there's something that attracted them to Mondstadt, or someone brought them here deliberately.
Venti, listening intently, interjected.
Venti: Sora, do they have a leader or some sort of master that controls them?
Thinking about Venti's question and recalling everything he knew, Sora came to a conclusion.
Sora: Sometimes, yes. The Heartless can be controlled by powerful beings under the influence of darkness. But from what I know, there are no longer any enemies capable of manipulating them. If they're here, it's likely because they're acting on instinct. Heartless are constantly hunting innocent people to steal their hearts. If they succeed, the victim becomes a Heartless in turn. If that's the case here, it could be very dangerous. Who knows how quickly they can multiply if we do nothing?
Growing increasingly concerned about the situation, Amber tried to grasp the extent of it.
Amber: And how can we stop them? Do they have any weaknesses?
Sora clenched his fists, determined.
Sora: Heartless can be defeated by anyone who can hold their own in a fight. But only light can eradicate them for good. My weapon, the Keyblade, is particularly effective against them. Not only do they fear it, but it also allows me to free the hearts they've stolen, which means I can probably save the victims from their fate.
Venti thought for a moment before speaking again.
Venti: In that case, we must act quickly. If the Heartless can multiply as you say, they could wreak havoc on Mondstadt.
Sora nodded.
Sora: Exactly. Plus, Heartless can't help but be drawn to the Keyblade. That means I have a chance to lure them away from the city so I can eliminate them. That's why I need to hurry to the fight.
As Sora prepared to head to Windrise, Amber stepped closer to him, a determined expression on her face.
Amber: Wait, Sora! Let me join you. You can't defeat these Heartless alone. I want to help you fight them.
Sora, appreciating Amber's support, nodded gratefully.
Sora: Thank you, Amber. With your help, we might be able to resolve this issue faster.
Venti, observing the scene, interjected.
Venti: I will stay here. I don't want to slow down your efforts. What I can do to help is to alert the Acting Grand Master about the danger looming around Mondstadt and send reinforcements if necessary.
Amber: Really? That would be great, Venti! Please, warn Jean-san about the situation. Tell her that Sora and I will do everything we can to contain this threat.
Venti: Alright, it will be done.
Although Venti didn't show it openly, he felt a deep concern. His role as Archon naturally compelled him to protect Mondstadt from a threat he had never encountered. But he chose to silently trust Sora, knowing he was the most capable of understanding the danger posed by these Heartless.
Sora: Very well, Venti. We will take care of this threat. Thank you for your trust.
With their plan in mind, Sora and Amber rushed toward Windrise, ready to confront the Heartless.
However, they were unaware that at that very moment, they were being watched by an unknown figure. Atop the Favonius Cathedral, a mysterious man dressed in a black cloak, with his face covered, observed Sora with a keen gaze. He murmured to himself, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
? ? ? : So, you have finally arrived in this world... Sora... I can't wait to witness your actions. They could be change the course of this world's fate.
The man vanished into a Corridor of Darkness, just as Venti looked up at the top of the church. The figure had already disappeared, but a lingering unease remained in Venti's mind.
Venti: Just now... what was that? I felt something unusual... something dark. I really don't know how this will end... but what I do know is that it will certainly bring trouble, not just to Mondstadt... but to the whole world of Teyvat.