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 05: The Arrival of Darkness
At the the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Jean, Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt, was deeply engrossed in her usual duties when she recalled her recent conversation with Sora. She vividly remembered the determined words of the young hero, his promise to find his dearest friend, and the shadow of resolve in his eyes. Jean had sworn to do everything in her power to assist him, even though she had no clear idea where to start.
While organizing documents and putting her affairs in order, a gentle melancholy crept over her as she tried to turn her good intentions into concrete actions. Despite her determination, a lingering unease weighed on her.
Kaeya's latest patrol report had her worried. According to the report, several knights had felt an unsettling presence during their rounds. This presence was intangible, almost imperceptible, but eerie enough to make some knights express their discomfort. They had the sensation of being watched, as if unseen eyes were tracking their every move.
Jean (sighing): What is happening now? Mondstadt has already suffered so much with the Stormterror crisis...
As she examined the files, memories of the Stormterror ordeal, the challenges they had faced, and the sacrifices made to save the city resurfaced. The return of peace had been a relief, but now, the appearance of this unease among the knights seemed to signal a new threat. She sincerely hoped this wasn't a sign of another imminent danger. Rising from her desk, she stretched slightly to ease the tension that had built up.
Lost in thought, she suddenly jumped as a powerful gust of wind swept through the room. She rushed to the window, concerned by the unexpected phenomenon. To her surprise, she saw Venti gracefully floating outside, his hair and clothes gently rippling in the breeze.
Jean: Barb— Venti-dono? What are you doing here?
She stopped herself, quickly regaining composure. Jean was one of the few who knew Venti's true identity. After all, she, Venti, Diluc, along with the Traveler and Paimon, had all helped save both Mondstadt and Dvalin.
Jean: It's risky for you to reveal yourself like this, especially in such a delicate situation. What's going on?
Venti, still floating peacefully, fixed his gaze on Jean with a serious expression.
Venti: I understand your concern, Jean. But there's something I must tell you. Not long ago, a group of wounded knights arrived at the cathedral. They were in a pitiful state and needed urgent care.
Jean, startled by this news, straightened up abruptly, concern flooding her features.
Jean: Wounded knights? What happened to them?
Venti shook his head, his face grim.
Venti: According to one of the knights, they were attacked by black creatures they had never seen before. These creatures seemed capable of moving through the ground like shadows, then attacking by surprise.
Jean turned pale upon hearing the description. The details eerily matched the concerns mentioned in Kaeya's report.
Jean: Oh no! This is exactly what our patrols have been reporting—something watching them from the shadows.
Her mind racing, Jean felt a wave of unease wash over her. The news of the wounded knights and the appearance of these dark creatures filled her with growing anxiety. She turned to Venti, her resolve hardening as she sought immediate action to protect her city.
Jean: We need to act now to stop these monsters before they cause any more harm. It's unacceptable to have such a threat looming over Mondstadt.
Venti, floating with an unusual calmness despite the gravity of the situation, responded with a reassuring smile.
Venti: Don't worry Jean. Someone's already on their way to intercept them.
Surprised by the bard's words, Jean asked.
Jean: Really? Who is it?
Venti: A young man I recently met. His name is Sora.
Jean, shocked by this unexpected revelation, widened her eyes.
Jean: What? Sora!? Did he volunteer for this?
Venti: Oh? It seems you've already met him.
Jean: Yes, Sora came to Mondstadt originally to find a dear friend of his. I told him I would do everything I could to help him with his search. I even suggested he rest and explore the city. Why did he act so quickly?
Understanding Jean's concern, Venti responded calmly.
Venti: From what I gather, Sora is quite familiar with these creatures. He calls them the Heartless. According to him, they're particularly dangerous, and he's faced them before. His swift reaction is because he knows the kind of danger they pose.
Jean, growing more concerned, furrowed her brow upon hearing this explanation.
Jean: The Heartless? So that's what these creatures are called?
Venti: Yes, and it seems he knows how to defeat them. He rushed off because he understands their nature and the risks they pose.
Though Jean acknowledged the logic of the situation, she couldn't help but feel more concerned.
Jean: Sora was our guest. I wanted him to rest and feel safe here in Mondstadt. And now, he's gone to face these dangerous creatures.
Venti, with a tone full of understanding, continued.
Venti: I understand your worry. However, Sora seems very determined and experienced in this area. His decision to leave quickly is likely tied to his desire to protect the innocent and prevent the situation from worsening.
Jean sighed, trying to calm her nerves.
Jean: You're right, Venti-dono. I must trust him. But I can't help but be concerned for Sora.
Venti: If it helps, he won't be alone out there. Amber volunteered to go with him.
Jean: ...That reassures me only a little. While I know Amber is capable, she's never faced creatures we know nothing about.
Venti smiled softly.
Venti: That's understandable. But remember, we're all here to protect this city. Sora and Amber will do their best to neutralize this threat. In the meantime, be prepared to offer them whatever support they might need.
Jean nodded, her resolve strengthening.
Jean: Alright. We must ensure that Mondstadt is ready for any potential danger. I'll mobilize knights to reinforce our defenses and prepare support teams.
Relieved to have informed Jean and seeing that she was taking the necessary steps, Venti left as quickly as he had appeared. Jean watched him go, feeling a mix of relief and worry, but she didn't have time to dwell on her emotions as Kaeya entered the room, his expression slightly concerned.
Kaeya: Jean, I have urgent news to share. It seems a group of knights...
Before he could continue, Jean interrupted him, recounting what Venti had just told her.
Jean: I know what you're about to say—there are injured knights at the cathedral, attacked by some strange black creatures that no one has ever seen before. Isn't that right?
Kaeya, surprised, raised an eyebrow.
Kaeya: How did you find out before I did?
Jean, trying to keep Venti's identity secret, searched for a suitable response.
Jean: It's... a long story. Let's just say I have reliable sources.
Kaeya flashed a mischievous smile.
Kaeya: Oh really? From who? The wind itself?
Jean hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words.
Jean: Well... it's...
Kaeya chuckled lightly.
Kaeya: It's fine. I won't ask for more details as long as you're already aware. It'll save us some time. We all have our secrets, don't we?
Jean sighed in relief, thankful that Kaeya didn't press for more information.
Jean: Thank you, Kaeya. Now, I need you to head to Windrise immediately with a group of knights to assist Sora and Amber. They were the first to leave to neutralize this threat.
Kaeya, surprised by the urgency of the order, quickly understood the gravity of the situation and nodded.
Kaeya: I see... So Sora volunteered to neutralize this threat? To think that we were supposed to help him initially, and now it seems the roles have reversed quickly...
Jean: Don't mention it. Ideally, I didn't want Sora to put himself in danger for us, especially after we promised to help him. The least we could do was ensure his safety and comfort... But if he truly wants to help, I won't reject his assistance! We must eliminate this threat as quickly as possible.
Without wasting a second, Kaeya headed toward the exit to prepare his group of knights. Before leaving, he glanced back at Jean.
Kaeya: Don't worry, Jean. I'll personally make sure that our allies get all the help they need. Besides... they can count on me as well.
Left alone, Jean turned to the window, gazing in the direction of Windrise. Her heart raced as she thought of Sora and Amber, hoping they would succeed in defeating the Heartless. A silent prayer rose within her, directed toward the Anemo Archon, asking for protection for those fighting for Mondstadt.
Jean: May the wind guide and protect them.
She stood there for a moment, looking toward the horizon, hoping everything would turn out fine. In one final thought, she wished fervently that the traveler's help would be enough.
In another part of Mondstadt, far from the city's turmoil, the Dadaupa Gorge echoed with the sounds of battle. At the heart of a Hilichurls camp, a young man with short blonde hair, dressed in brown attire, fought with determination. His sword gleamed in the sun as he skillfully cut down the enemies standing in his way. This young man was none other than the traveler many spoke of in Mondstadt: Aether.
After a final decisive blow, Aether wiped the sweat from his brow, surveying the now-empty Hilichurls camp. He understood the importance of clearing these camps to ensure Mondstadt's safety. Suddenly, a small girl dressed in white, floating in the air, quickly joined him.
?: Well done, Aether! You took them all out!
Aether smiled faintly, sheathing his sword.
Aether: Thanks, Paimon. It was necessary. We need to make sure they can't attack Mondstadt.
Paimon, floating cheerfully beside him, nodded in agreement. Once his task was complete, Aether stood up straight, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He looked around to ensure everything was in order. Clearly, there were no more enemies left. Paimon glided down to hover next to Aether, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the field.
Paimon: (curiously) So what now? Are we going back to Mondstadt to tell everyone about our exploits? Paimon is sure Jean would be super happy to hear about it!
Taking one last look around the area, Aether replied.
Aether: Yes, if we've taken out all the Brutocollinus here, it's time to head back.
They set off on their journey back to Mondstadt. Floating next to Aether, Paimon informed him.
Paimon: After this, we'll need to head to Liyue to meet the Geo Archon, right? Maybe he'll have some clues about finding your sister.
Aether: Yes, that's what I'm hoping. Each Archon we meet could have crucial information. It's important not to overlook anything.
Paimon: Don't worry, Aether. We'll find your sister, no matter how long it takes!
As they continued their walk toward Mondstadt, Aether suddenly stopped. His expression hardened, and he turned his head in all directions. Paimon, noticing his change in demeanor, looked at him with concern.
Paimon: What's wrong, Aether?
Aether: I… I sense a presence. Like something is watching us. I can't tell exactly where it's coming from.
Paimon, feeling nervous, glanced around, searching for the source of that unsettling feeling.
Paimon: But there's no one here...
Aether, focusing intently, suddenly noticed something strange about Paimon's shadow. It seemed to move in an unusual way, stretching and warping.
Aether: Paimon, watch out!
Before Paimon could react, the shadow of the little girl abruptly tore apart, revealing a black creature—a Heartless—that sprang from the darkness and lunged at Paimon in a surprise attack. Terrified, the small girl let out a scream.
Paimon: Hiiiiiii!
(Genshin Impact OST - Perilous Path)
Aether reacted instantly, raising his sword to fend off the creature. He managed to deflect the attack and pushed the Heartless back, but that was just the beginning. More dark creatures began to emerge from the shadows around them.
Paimon: What are these creatures? Paimon never seen them before!
Aether: I don't know, but I can tell they're dangerous. Stay behind me!
The Heartless moved with unsettling agility, their movements almost supernatural. Aether gripped his sword tightly, ready to fight. Paimon, trembling, stayed close to him, bracing for whatever might happen. They found themselves now surrounded, with the Heartless slowly closing in, their yellow eyes glowing with a sinister light. Paimon's heart raced, and she glanced nervously at Aether.
Paimon: Aether, are we going to make it? These creatures are everywhere!
Aether, though worried himself, maintained his composure. He knew they had to stay focused to survive. His mind, however, wandered to Mondstadt, wondering if the city was safe.
Paimon: These are really terrifying creatures… Why have they appeared now, and why are they here?
Aether, immersed in combat, began to contemplate the broader implications of their situation. His precise and calculated strikes pushed back the Heartless, but his mind was preoccupied with another thought.
Aether: I don't know. However, they could be heading for Mondstadt. I hope they aren't making their way to the city. The citizens could be in great danger if those monsters arrive there.
He tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes fixed on the advancing Heartless.
Aether: I need to get rid of these creatures quickly and return to Mondstadt as fast as possible.
(Genshin Impact OST - His Resolution)
The sky above Windrise was a bright blue, but it offered no respite for Sora and Amber. As they approached the area, the atmosphere grew increasingly dark, and a chilling wind blew, intensifying the sense of unease weighing on the two friends.
Amber: We should be nearing the Windrise area.
Sora: Alright. We need to hurry. If the Heartless are heading toward Mondstadt, we must stop them before they cause too much damage.
As they moved forward, Sora caught sight of an imposing figure through the trees: a gigantic tree whose branches seemed to touch the sky. Pointing it out, Sora asked,
Sora: Amber, what is that tree? It's enormous!
Looking in the direction he pointed, Amber replied,
Amber: Ah, that! That tree is the pride of Windrise. It's a very important symbol for our city.
Sora gazed at the tree with growing fascination, admiring its majestic size and the way it dominated the landscape.
Sora: Why is it so important?
Amber: This tree has a fascinating history. It is associated with the legendary Vanessa, the founder of the Knights of Favonius. According to legend, she rose from this spot to reach Celestia, the residence of the gods. Since that day, it is said that she watches over Mondstadt from up there. This tree marks the exact location of her ascension.
Sora was clearly impressed by the story.
Sora: That's incredible! I wish I could learn more, but for now, it's best if we focus on the current situation.
Amber: You're right. We can talk about it later. For now, we have a mission to accomplish.
Sora and Amber finally arrived in the Windrise area. The landscape, usually lush and serene, felt eerily silent. The absence of sound was almost deafening, making the atmosphere even heavier with suspense. Amber, looking around nervously, commented,
Amber: It's too quiet here… I have a bad feeling about this.
Trying to stay prepared, Amber tightened her grip on her bow, ready to shoot at a moment's notice. Her eyes scanned the surrounding darkness, searching for any sign of movement. Sora, on the other hand, took a calmer stance. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations around him rather than letting himself be distracted by the seemingly tranquil surroundings. He knew the Heartless would rush toward him as soon as they sensed his presence.
Sora: Stay alert. I'm sure the Heartless will show up soon.
As if to confirm his words, a shadow formed, stretching and twisting into a menacing black silhouette. It emerged from the ground, ready to pounce on Sora.
Amber: Sora, behind you!
Amber opened her mouth to scream, but before she could say another word, Sora quickly summoned his Keyblade, the shining and powerful weapon that seemed to vibrate with its own brilliance. With incredible precision, he swung the Keyblade in a swift, decisive strike. The impact was immediate, and the Heartless was instantly disintegrated before him. Amber, impressed by his speed and reaction time, complimented him.
Amber: Wow, that was fast! You have amazing reflexes!
Sora: Thanks. But this is just the beginning. More are coming.
(Kingdom Hearts OST - Sinister Sundown)
At that moment, several Heartless suddenly appeared around them, their glowing yellow eyes fixating on them intensely. Sora and Amber found themselves surrounded, the creatures threatening them from all sides. The two teenagers stood back to back, ready to face this horde of enemies. Sora quickly assessed the different types of Heartless that stood before them. He spotted Shadows, Soldiers, Large Body, and Air Soldiers. Individually, these Heartless were relatively easy to deal with, but in such numbers and with such diversity, the battle promised to be tough.
Amber, a bit surprised by the number of enemies, asked Sora with a hint of concern.
Amber: So this is what the Heartless look like? There are a lot more of them than I expected. Sora, do you have a strategy in mind?
In a calm and assured tone, Sora replied.
Sora: Yes, I'll guide you. Shadows are the most common and weakest Heartless. But in numbers, they can be a problem, especially when they blend into the ground. Wait for the moment they emerge to attack them. The Soldiers are very quick and can lunge at you rapidly. Just be careful not to get surrounded and take them out methodically, one by one. The same goes for the Air Soldiers. Just watch out for their charged attack, and everything will be fine. And finally, there are the Large Body. They are extremely resilient, able to block any attack with their bellies. You need to attack them from behind or use magic directly against them.
Amber nodded, taking note of his instructions. She was still a bit in shock, but Sora's reassuring presence helped her stay calm.
Amber: Alright, I'll do my best. Thanks for the tips!
The Shadows began to glide across the ground, merging with the earth before suddenly springing up. With astounding precision and speed, Sora brandished his Keyblade and slashed through several Shadows that were trying to encircle him. The creatures dissipated into a dark cloud, their ethereal forms bursting under the force of Sora's powerful strikes.
Next, the Soldiers emerged, their armor clinking ominously. They used their claws to attack, but Sora dodged their brutal assaults with astonishing agility, his movements swift and precise. After avoiding their attacks, he pushed off his feet and suddenly charged at them, spinning in a whirlwind. This twirling attack broke through the ranks of the Soldiers, his Keyblade piercing their defenses like a cyclone violently striking them.
Then it was the Air Soldiers' turn to attack. They dove toward Sora, chaining their dive assaults one after another. The young hero raised his Keyblade, parrying their aerial attacks with remarkable dexterity. Leaping gracefully, Sora became elusive to the Air Soldiers, his fluid and rapid movements confounding his foes. He struck them relentlessly, sending them crashing to the ground before finishing them off with a final blow.
Finally, the Large Body made their appearance, imposing and menacing. Sora adjusted his stance, ready to face these tougher opponents. As usual, he attempted to sneak around behind them for a surprise attack. However, despite their slow movements, they more than compensated with their strength. Seeing the young hero approach, some of the Large Body began to jump before landing violently, causing a tremor and shockwave around them. Sora had to urgently dodge the attack by rolling backward several times, putting distance between himself and the group of Large Body.
Faced with this situation, Sora realized he couldn't get close to the Large Body and needed to attack from a distance. He repeatedly cast the spell Firaga. The fireballs struck the enemies head-on. While they could block frontal attacks, magic was a whole different matter. After taking Sora's hits, the Large Body became furious. Banging their bellies several times to express their displeasure, they fixed their gaze on Sora before charging at him in their characteristic manner. With their bellies flat, they slid across the ground, attempting to ram him with all their might.
However, Sora was eagerly waiting for this moment. He knew the Large Body would all rush at him, and he was ready to react accordingly. Just as they were about to reach him, he placed his Keyblade in front of him to block the assault. This action unbalanced the Large Body, their bodies, having built up too much speed during the charge, began to spin around. This gave Sora enough time to counterattack. He then launched himself at them, delivering several thrusts until they vanished.
Sora fought with intense concentration, each movement precise and fluid. He reminded himself that these creatures were not new to him; he had faced them in other worlds before. Their attacks were familiar, almost predictable. His Keyblade sliced through the air effortlessly, eliminating every Heartless that dared to approach.
However, a lingering worry persisted in the back of his mind. Even though he fought with the mastery gained over the years, he couldn't help but think of Amber. This was her first time facing these monsters, and while Sora had faith in her skills, he couldn't ignore that her initial experiences in this battle could be challenging.
But he had to trust Amber. Sora believed in her abilities. He hoped that Amber's determination and her instincts as a fighter would be enough to see her through.
Amber stood ready to confront the Heartless, her heart racing a bit faster as the shadowy creatures approached. The nervousness was palpable in every movement she made, her breath visible in the cool air of Windrise. Although she had fought many times before, she had never encountered creatures like those Sora referred to as Heartless. Black monsters with distorted shapes and erratic movements—nothing like the Hilichurls or other enemies she was used to battling. The unknown frightened her, but she knew she didn't have the luxury of being overwhelmed by fear.
Sora's advice still echoed in her mind. He had explained the basics for confronting these creatures: keep moving, avoid letting them get too close, and above all, stay calm.
Suddenly, a Shadow moved stealthily across the ground in front of her. Without hesitation, Amber readied her bow and fired a precise arrow that struck the glowing eye of the Shadow. The Heartless staggered for a moment before dissipating into a cloud of darkness, but already, more creatures were emerging from the shadows, drawn by her presence.
Amber stepped back slightly to assess the situation. She could see Shadows melting into the ground, poised to spring out of nowhere, while Soldiers armed with sharp claws gathered, their movements jerky and unpredictable. It felt as if the ground itself had become her enemy, but she knew she couldn't falter.
She planted her bow in front of her and quickly activated her skill. An explosive doll, the Baron Bunny, appeared before her, hopping cheerfully before locking onto a Shadow that had just emerged. The Heartless, drawn to the movement, charged straight at the doll, which exploded in a blast of flames, scattering several Shadows in the process.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Amber followed up with a series of precise shots, each arrow finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The Air Soldiers were dangerously close, but she took them down before they could dive at her. She moved with agility, dodging the Heartless's attacks while firing flaming arrows that left glowing trails in the air.
As the number of Heartless seemed to diminish, the Large Body appeared, massive and imposing, their movements slow but devastating. Amber knew these enemies would be harder to take down. She quickly repositioned herself, looking for an opening. She fired several flaming arrows at them, but their thick bellies deflected her attacks, rendering them nearly ineffective.
Undeterred, Amber quickly climbed up a rock to gain height. From there, she aimed at the sky and unleashed several explosive arrows with all her might. The arrows struck their targets, causing a series of explosions that staggered the monsters. Taking advantage of this moment of weakness, she sent her Baron Bunny close to the Large Body. Then, she fired one last arrow, channeling her Pyro elemental energy into her plush toy to create a large explosion around it, delivering the final blow. Unable to withstand the attack, the Large Body vanished in a cloud of darkness.
Amber descended from the rock, her breath slightly ragged, but a glimmer of determination shone in her eyes. The Heartless had been terrifying, but she had faced them head-on, managing to hold her own against these creatures. Sora had been right to believe in her, and now she felt ready to take on whatever else lay ahead.
Sora and Amber continued to fight the Heartless with fierce determination. Their movements were synchronized: Sora took down nearby Shadows and Soldiers with powerful strikes from his Keyblade, while Amber used her archery skills to target enemies from a distance, her flaming arrows illuminating the area. Yet, despite their efforts, the creatures of darkness reappeared almost as quickly as they were defeated.
Focused on the battle, Sora shot a quick glance at Amber to ensure she was holding up.
Sora: Are you okay?
He asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he pushed back a Soldier that had rushed at him.
Amber, despite the fatigue, smiled as she fired an explosive arrow that obliterated a group of Shadows closing in dangerously.
Amber: Yes, I'm fine.
She replied, her voice laced with determination. She didn't want to show any weakness, especially now. She knew Sora was counting on her.
The two teenagers continued to fight with all their might, covering each other, but they couldn't help but notice that for every Heartless they destroyed, more seemed to spring up out of nowhere to take their place. The situation was becoming increasingly tense, and despite their bravery, exhaustion was beginning to set in.
Amber could feel her anxiety growing within her.
Amber: Sora, they keep coming back… If this keeps up, we're going to run out of stamina.
Sora, wiping the sweat from his forehead, thought quickly. He understood Amber's concern. The Heartless were well known for their infinite numbers, but something about this situation felt different. They weren't just numerous; they seemed to be drawn to something… or someone. And he knew that someone was him.
Sora: Hold on, Amber. We have to hold out as long as we can.
He replied, his voice calm but resolute.
Sora knew they couldn't keep this pace up indefinitely, but he refused to give in to panic.
The battle raged on, blows raining down, and the Heartless continued to swarm. Amber, despite her fatigue, managed to stay alert, shooting with almost instinctive precision. Sora, on his part, struck with renewed intensity, each swing of his Keyblade pushing back the darkness, even if it seemed inexhaustible.
But Sora and Amber knew they couldn't falter. As long as they were standing, they had to keep fighting. Mondstadt was counting on them, and they couldn't let these shadowy creatures invade the city.
Little by little, Sora and Amber found themselves cornered by the endless horde of Heartless. Despite all their efforts, the black tide of creatures continued to swell, their numbers slowly but surely overwhelming the resistance of the two young fighters. Sora tightened his grip on the Keyblade, his gaze determined despite the growing fatigue. Amber, on the other hand, was firing her arrows, but she was starting to doubt how long they could hold out like this.
As the noose tightened around them, a wave of cold suddenly swept through the air. Sora felt the ground beneath his feet hardening as part of the Heartless became encased in a block of ice. Amber's eyes widened in surprise at what had just happened. The frozen creatures shattered into pieces before dissipating into black smoke, providing a brief respite for the two teenagers, who could finally catch their breath.
Sora and Amber turned to see what had caused this miracle. Their relief was immediate as they recognized the tall silhouette of Kaeya, his sword still raised, imbued with the icy energy from his attack. Beside him, a group of knights from the Knights of Favonius quickly formed a defensive line around them.
Kaeya, with his usual smirk, casually approached them, his eye gleaming with a mischievous light.
Kaeya: Well, it looks like I arrived just in time for the party.
He said, his tone lightening the gravity of the situation.
Kaeya: You both seem to be having fun.
Amber, despite the tension, couldn't help but smile at his remarks.
Amber: You could say that.
She replied, her voice tinged with relief and gratitude.
Sora nodded, thankful for the arrival of reinforcements. They both knew the situation had almost turned desperate.
With Kaeya and the knights present, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The Heartless, while still numerous, seemed less intimidating now that Sora and Amber were no longer alone. Kaeya waved his hand, signaling his men to be ready to fight, his expression hardening for a moment as he assessed the situation.
Reassured by their arrival, Sora suddenly felt more confident. He quickly moved closer to Kaeya while keeping an eye on the Heartless surrounding them. In a hurried but clear tone, Sora explained what he had already told Amber: the Heartless, while imposing in number, had weaknesses. He particularly mentioned their vulnerability to magical attacks, as well as the importance of not letting them overwhelm the group, as they could reappear if left too long on the battlefield.
Kaeya, attentive, nodded, quickly absorbing the information.
Kaeya: I see.
He replied with a smirk.
Kaeya: Thanks for the tips. This should make things easier.
He cast one last glance at Sora before turning to his knights.
Kaeya: Did you hear that? Stay alert and don't let these creatures overwhelm us!
(Genshin Impact OST - Charge! Fearless Warriors)
The knights, energized by their captain's presence and Sora's instructions, fell into formation. With a fluid motion, they divided into small groups, each covering the backs of the others, preventing the Heartless from surprising them.
Meanwhile, Kaeya joined the melee. With a confident gesture, he summoned his sword, its cryo energy pulsing through the blade. Spotting a group of Heartless trying to flank the knight's line, he leaped forward with feline grace, his movements swift and precise.
Kaeya began by destabilizing a group of Air Soldiers, sending a wave of sharp ice toward them. The creatures immediately lost altitude, their wings numbed by the cold. Kaeya seized the opening to leap and deliver a fatal blow, his blade slicing through the air with remarkable fluidity.
On the ground, several Shadows attempted to close in on him. Sora had explained that Shadows could blend into the ground, making them nearly impossible to attack in that state. However, that didn't mean they were invulnerable. Kaeya decided to try a different approach. With a skillful motion, he created several ice spikes and sent them crashing down on the Shadows visible in the ground. He wanted to see if this technique could hit them.
Fortunately for him, it worked. As the ice spikes pierced the Shadows, the Heartless vanished instantly, leaving behind a fine dark dust. Kaeya was pleased to see that this attack had succeeded; otherwise, he would have wasted energy for nothing.
Seeing the Large Body approaching, Kaeya adjusted his stance. He knew the brute strength of these creatures could be formidable. However, Sora had mentioned their slowness and the importance of being cautious once they became enraged. Waiting for the perfect moment, Kaeya sidestepped just before the Rondouillard struck the ground, avoiding the shockwave. He then unleashed a freezing attack in the form of a blizzard. This attack slowed their movements, but not for long. As Sora had told him, it only exacerbated their rage. The smoke billowing from their heads, reminiscent of a cartoon character, amused Kaeya.
Seeing the Large Body preparing to retaliate, he watched as they charged, sliding across the ground on their rounded bellies. The sight made him chuckle, but he quickly returned to seriousness. While they might seem ridiculous, these monsters posed a real threat to Mondstadt—one he needed to eliminate. To counter their attacks, Kaeya, with a sly smile, drove his sword into the ground and used the power of his Vision to freeze part of the terrain, turning it into a true ice rink. As the Large Body reached the frozen area, they lost control of their trajectories and began to slide uncontrollably.
Seizing the opportunity, Kaeya leaped high into the air. With a powerful jump, he aimed for one of the Large Body and executed an aerial strike, his sword plunging directly into its exposed back. He repeated this action on the remaining Large Body, using their momentary disorientation to deliver precise and devastating blows.
The battle around him continued with increasing intensity, but Kaeya remained unperturbed. Every attack was methodical and calculated. He used the terrain to his advantage, freezing strategic areas to slow the movements of the Heartless, thereby creating openings for his knights to strike.
As he finished dispatching the last of the Heartless, Kaeya briefly lifted his gaze to observe Sora and Amber, who were still in action but now filled with renewed determination. With the reinforcements and Sora's guidance, the balance of the fight finally seemed to tilt in their favor. Kaeya, wearing his enigmatic smile, prepared to unleash a new wave of attacks, resolved not to let any dark creature threaten Mondstadt.
Back on Sora, he eliminated the remaining enemies in the area. As the tumult of battle faded, the Heartless, those nightmarish invaders, appeared to have been pushed back, their numbers gradually dwindling until only a handful remained, soon to be annihilated. Sora, panting and out of breath, surveyed the battlefield. As it emptied, a sigh of relief escaped his lips.
He turned to Amber, who approached with a tired but triumphant smile. The young archer joined him, visibly relieved.
Amber: We finally did it... I can't believe we managed to clear everything.
Sora: It's true. It was really intense, but we pulled through. Thank you for everything you did, Amber. Without your help, we would have had a much tougher time.
Amber nodded, appreciating the compliment.
Amber: I think we can say it was a team effort. But I have to admit, it's Kaeya-senpai and the knights that really made a difference.
At that moment, Kaeya arrived. He approached Sora and Amber, his smile still present on his face.
Kaeya: You both seem to have fared well. You can take a breather now; the area is finally cleared.
Sora stepped forward, grateful, toward Kaeya.
Sora: Thank you so much, Kaeya. Your arrival really changed the game. Without you and the reinforcements, I don't know how long we would have held out.
Kaeya accepted the thanks with a modest smile, shaking his head slightly.
Kaeya: Thank you, Sora. But I think you should be thanking Jean. She's the one who anticipated the threat and ordered the reinforcements. I merely followed her instructions.
Sora: I understand. But I want to say that you and the knights were fantastic. You were there at just the right moment.
Kaeya inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.
Kaeya: Thank you. But if anyone deserves thanks, it's you, Sora. We just met, but you chose to fight to protect our city. You've shown a courage and dedication that does honor to Mondstadt. For that, we are all very grateful to you. As I said, you really do resemble our Honorable Knight.
Sora smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed but touched by Kaeya's words.
Sora: I'm just doing what needs to be done. I'm glad we were able to save Mondstadt. And I'm really happy to have you by our side.
The group relaxed, and the atmosphere filled with a sense of camaraderie and relief.
As Sora, Amber, and Kaeya took a moment to unwind after the battle, a knight came running, his armor clanging with every step. His face was serious, and he seemed out of breath. He headed straight for Kaeya, greeting the Cavalry Captain with respect.
Knight: Captain, I have an urgent report!
Kaeya turned to the knight, his smile fading and replaced by a look of focus.
Kaeya: What's going on?
The knight lowered his head, visibly uncomfortable delivering the bad news.
Knight: I'm sorry, Captain, but some of those creatures managed to escape during the fight. And if we believe the direction they took, they're headed towards Springvale.
(Genshin Impact OST - Make Haste, Partner)
The name "Springvale" made Amber shudder as she overheard the conversation. She quickly approached, concern etched on her face.
Amber: Springvale? But that's a quiet little village not far from Mondstadt. It's mostly populated by hunters who trade with us. There are never any knights there to protect them… If those Heartless really headed towards that village, the inhabitants are in great danger.
Sora, listening intently, turned to Amber to understand more.
Sora: Springvale, what exactly is it?
Amber: It's a village where hunters live. They supply the city with food by hunting and selling game. It's a peaceful place, but it's totally unprotected against threats like the Heartless. If those creatures have indeed gone there, the villagers are undoubtedly at risk.
The gravity of the situation became increasingly clear to Sora. He turned to Kaeya, determined.
Sora: We can't waste another minute. We need to head to Springvale immediately to eliminate the remaining Heartless and protect the villagers.
Kaeya nodded, his expression serious as he gave orders.
Kaeya: Very well. Relay the order to all the other knights: head to Springvale immediately. We need to ensure the village is protected and eliminate the creatures before they cause any more damage.
The knight quickly nodded and set off to pass along the instructions.
Kaeya: Sora, Amber, let's prepare to leave. We need to act fast to prevent any casualties.
Amber, though worried, gathered herself and got ready to leave the battlefield.
Amber: I'm ready. Let's hope we can arrive in time to avert any disaster.
Sora, Amber, and Kaeya set off with determination, leaving the battlefield behind as they headed towards Springvale. The urgency and responsibility weighed heavily on their shoulders as they moved away from Windrise, hoping to arrive before the Heartless could wreak too much havoc.