Genshin Impact: Mondstadt Alter

Act 1 Chapter 3.10:

Inequality

I open the door and walk to my chair. Everybody was too occupied talking until I entered their peripheral view. Mr. Charles is the first one to welcome me back,

"Is everything okay, Morgan? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought that topic up with you, especially not on this occasion." He said regretfully.

"It's fine. I just needed a breather since it's packed with people here."

"You sure? You look a little pale." Jean asked in a concerned tone.

"Uh-huh. Everything is good." I nodded.

"Anyway," Mrs. Frederica chanted, getting our attention, "Morgan, I'd like to recollect your debt from last time."

"I don't remember that I owe you money, ma'am."

"Well, you didn't, but you owe me an answer."

"Oh, you're talking about that."

"What are you two talking about? Don't leave us out of the loop." Kaeya interrogated.

"As you know, this little kid has been snooping out of the town to train without telling anyone why. And last night, I asked him about it, but our meeting got cut short."

"Mom, I don't think you should probe him like that."

"He said he was okay with it, right?"

I nod, "You guys would find out any time soon anyway, so yeah."

Jean's skeptical of my answer, but has no choice but to take my word for it. However, despite that, I caught a glimpse of her being hopeful. Now they have their eyes on me, waiting for my explanation. I've prepared what to say to her question, but no matter how hard I try to cover it, the truth will surface one way or another.

"I merely want to see what I'm capable of since I have this." I took out my vision from my back.

"An anemo vision, huh?"

"Woah, I didn't know you had this."

"You are blessed by the anemo archon, Morgan. Congrats!"

The three seemed surprised, knowing I had the eye of god. I'm not sure if showing people like this was a bad idea, but doing it once in a while won't hurt.

"'See what I'm capable of' is it? You sounded cocky when you said that." Mrs. Frederica smirked.

"My bad. That definitely wasn't my intention."

I think. Maybe.

"Haha, if you say so."

"But what does it have to do with your training?" The blonde girl wondered.

"Nothing, actually."

My response made them perplexed. However, before they can say anything, I continue as I put back my vision.

"My training is only my way to get myself in shape because I think I would do better if my physical improved."

"Is that so?" Charles asked, looking in Mrs. Frederica's direction.

"Hmm, I know someone with a vision, and their physical abilities are average. They are capable enough of wielding elements without having a lot of strength." She said, tapping her chin, "Your reason doesn't sound valid to me."

I tilt my head, "I don't think so. I mean, there aren't many vision bearers in Mondstadt, after all. Perhaps that doesn't apply to every vision user."

"Huh, fair, I guess."

There's a brief silence. I unintentionally brought it up because, apparently, this topic isn't something I can bring up to anyone since not many can relate to it. I should keep in mind that not everybody gets the chance to access a vision. And, of course, I have zero intention of bragging about it.

"Why don't we ask someone who actually has vision as well in here?" Kaeya spoke.

When he said that, I immediately knew who's he talking about.

"Are you talking about young master Diluc, Kaeya?"

"Yup, we can ask him a thing or two if we want to know more about vision." He nodded, "Wait here, I'll go get him."

He disappeared into the crowd.

"There he goes. I feel like we're getting out of topic here." The Bartender commented.

"You're right." Mrs. Frederica agreed before gulping her drink.

While we wait for Kaeya to return, suddenly, people call out the Bartender.

"Bartender, can I have a refill!?"

"I want one too!"

"We also want to order more, sir!"

"Okay, okay! One moment, please."

Charles turns at us, putting his hand on the table after sighing.

"I'm sorry, but I gotta get back to work."

"It's alright." I shook my head.

"He's right. You better hustle before they make complaints."

"Haha, very well." He laughed, walking toward those people who called him.

"Best of luck, Mr. Charles!" Jean waved at his figure.

The ice in my drink started to shrink over our conversation, making the sweetness slowly dissipate when I took another shot. I can't see my reflection when I look at the content of my glass. To be honest, my head still feels tingling with pain. However, I'm more worried than hurt.

"Oh, I need to leave you guys at the moment. I have things to say to my friends, so see you in a bit."

"Understand, mother. Please send my regards to them."

She smiles and moves to the other section, leaving only me and Jean. Drinking until the last drop, I put the glass on the table, and Jean began to say something.

"You know, I a little envious of you. I wish I also had a vision, just like you. Or Diluc."

Peeking at her, I say, "... It probably sounds like a stupid question, but why?"

"Well, of course, I want it. I'm sure everybody does. It's the archon's blessing upon you, don't you agree?"

I didn't answer. That makes Jean turn her head to me with a confused expression and ask,

"What's the matter? You seem like you have something weighing your mind."

I sigh heavily, "So much for a blessing if it costs lives."

She flinches, "I- I mean, isn't the one what saved you?"

Blinking a few times, I stare at her. On the other hand, it renders her speechless before uttering a word.

"Sorry." Jean looked down.

"No, I AM sorry. I was being a little aggressive about it."

She slightly raises her head and watches me.

"Are you mad, Morgan?"

I wag my head, "Not really. It just, my experience getting the eye of god wasn't a pleasant one." I said before returning my vision to my back again

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you relive your bad memories."

I can tell she's feeling tense as she clasped her hands together, and her feet are fidgeting. I rest my chin on my hand as I look around us before returning her to my sight. Now, I notice her hands tremble a little.

"Who knows? Perhaps one day, you'll get one for yourself. A vision, that is."

"Huh?"

"Just like you said, I admit it's one of many favors the archon gave us. While I bitterly get mine, someone like you could use one. After all, it would help you protect people, no?"

"Y- yeah. But, no one knows if the anemo archon will favor me with a vision."

"Exactly, that's what I'm saying. It probably sounds arrogant coming from a vision bearer like me, but I'd say you're doing fine without it. Although, I would love to see that day come."

She's taken aback by what I said, "Thanks. I hope so."

"How's your sword practice going, by the way?"

It feels quite a while since none of the three rejoined during my chat with Jean about her training. She told me her training has gone smoothly so far, which isn't much of a surprise to me. I wonder how she will react when she knows I changed my mind.

Fucking hypocrite.

I shudder at the thought.

"Hey, guys! I come back." Kaeya returned with Diluc behind him.

"Hello, Jean. And you too, Morgan. I didn't expect you two together."

I nodded.

"Hi there. Mother has arranged for us to meet here, so please join as well."

"Alright, don't mind if I do." He grinned, "Where's Miss Frederica, though? I thought she was here?"

"She's with her friends right now. I don't know when she will join us, however."

"I see." Diluc acknowledged.

"So, where were we again? Something about vision, wasn't it?"

"Is that why you wanted me to come along? You're lucky I wasn't busy. "

"Come on, you can ignore me, but not our friends, yeah?"

The red-haired exhales, "What is it, then?"

"Diluc, we'd like to know how you feel by having a vision." Jean asked, doing the honor.

He was confused but answered quickly, "Well, great, I suppose. I feel more passionate about my goal now that I got my hands on it."

The remaining kept quiet when we heard his short response. His answer was within my expectations, and he didn't expound much on it unless he did study vision, which I doubt many do. But hey, it's not hurt talking about it.

"What's that look?" He narrowed his eyebrows.

"Uh..."

"Come one, Diluc. Is that all you have to say about the grace of the archon?"

"I- I don't know! What do you expect me to say?!"

"Don't ask me back. Morgan, how about you say something?" Kaeya faced me.

I was just listening to their conversation until he dragged me along. I thought they were busy enough talking so I could merely lend my ears, but no. I can feel my social battery is running low.

"Hmm, do you remember the difference between before you had a vision and after?"

"Let me think for a bit." He crossed his arms and closed his eyes, "Maybe strength improvement? I feel stronger and more energetic, that's for sure."

"Really now?"

"Why did you guys ask, anyway?"

"Well, you see, our friend over here." Kaeya pointed me with his thumb, "Apparently, he also has a vision, just like you."

"What?!" He shouted, "That's awesome! Why didn't you tell me?"

"I- don't know?" I voiced.

"Please calm down, Diluc. Unlike you, he said he got it not long ago."

"Oh, is that so? When?"

"When I almost died." I apathetically replied.

"Oh. Oh..."

Since I wasn't bothered to conceal with better words, the revelation quickly kicked into them.

"Don't worry about it. Anyway, thank you for answering my question. How about you two?" I diverted, looking at Kaeya and Jean.

"Nah, I'm good. I'm not so curious about a vision myself. Maybe Jean does?"

"I'm the same with you."

With that, it concludes our topic about vision. None of us here are experts, so I felt it ended briskly.

"Jean, has your training going swiftly? I haven't heard you or Miss Frederica talk about it." Diluc questioned, changing the subject.

"Yes, it has. It is all thanks to Mother for organizing my training schedule."

"Now, don't cut yourself short. You've done well to keep up."

"Hehe, thank you. How about your end? The test should be coming in less than two months."

"You bet. I got everything under control."

Kaeya and I silently listen to their conversation.

My guess was correct, then. Diluc aims to be a knight. That spells relief and trouble for me, but regardless, I should be glad that he does. Trusting my power's perception, I can say that the exam would be a breeze to him. Another great contender for the Knight of Favonius, I believe.

"Those two seem close, yeah?" Kaeya murmured.

"I guess so. Speaking of the KoF, will you be entering the exam entry as well, Kaeya?"

"Maybe? But I'm not as fired up as him."

"You sounded not so sure about it."

"Well, it's because I AM." He shrugged, "And you?"

I ponder for some time. I could just say that I also have the same goal, but at the same time, I don't have faith in my abilities. I don't necessarily need to join them or any affiliation to reach my goal. Being independent is fine, but I'm worried it would take too much time.

Now that I'm aware the Knight will have them in the future, having someone like me seems irrelevant, especially someone who only cares about themselves. I'm afraid we'll most likely get in each other ways.

"I don't know."

"What? Why?"

"As I said, I don't know. I have nothing in my mind currently."

"What a shame. A vision user like you should be a great addition to them." He shook his head in disappointment.

"Having only one more wouldn't help much, especially since there are some already in there. I'm not as talented as the two."

The navy-haired flinches, "... Ah, I get your point. However, it wouldn't hurt for you to try, no?"

I can only shrug at his question.

When we have different topics in two groups, Mrs. Frederica and Master Crepus walk toward us. Those three welcome them back while I pay them no mind. Under the table, I stare at my trembling hands and clench tightly.

"Hey kids, what's going on here?"

"We were talking about each other hard work in order to prepare for the Knight of Favonius exam in a few weeks." Diluc replied, and Jean nodded.

"Yeah? You're my son. You have my full support on it." The man patted his head with a smile, "And so you are, Kaeya. Don't let yourself lose to him." He did the same to the navy-haired boy.

After caressing their head, the owner looks at Jean.

"But, Jean. You haven't met the age requirement for the test, have you?"

"Yup, she hasn't. She needs to wait for another year to pass before she can register."

"I see. Preparing at an early age, are we? As expected of the Alder Knight's daughter."

"You flatter me, sir."

For sure, they're closer than I imagined. I feel there's no need for me to stay here any longer.

"Good evening, Morgan. How's your evening here?"

Never mind.

"Evening to you too, master Crepus. It was lovely. Your sons have great hospitality for young patrons like me." I stated.

He cackles, "Ahaha, is that so? I find it hard to believe, but if you say so."

"No praise for me or my daughter?" Mrs. Frederica gave me puppy eyes.

"Mother!" Jean scolded in embarrassment.

"Thanks to you as well. You two have been an amazing company."

The lady recoiled at my sincerity.

"But I must go now. It's getting late already."

"Leaving so soon? We barely talked about anything." Master Crepus inquired.

"I'm sorry, sir. But we still have another time. Maybe..." I mumbled the last word.

"Alright, Morgan. There's actually one more person who wants to speak with you, but he hasn't come yet."

"Please tell that person to feel free to meet me tomorrow. I'll try to free my schedule, and thank you for your treat."

"You got it. Stay safe."

"Be careful on your way back, Morgan."

"Make sure to come here next time."

"See you next time, Morgan."

I nod and raise my hand to them before turning my back. After taking a few steps, I stop at my track and face them for the last time.

"Is something wrong?"

"I just want to say, since you guys have the same objective, why don't you train together?"

"!"

"Well, there might be a reason I'm not aware of, considering you haven't done it until now. If so, please forget my suggestion. Excuse me."

This time, I left the tavern.

I let out a sigh after closing the door. I wish I had the skill or power like them, but I realize we aren't born equal.

I planned to step straight to the Church and take a nap. However, fate wanted me to suffer a little longer.

"Morgan?"

A/N: I have some things to deliver here. First of all, I don't know if Frederica has a vision. The time the game tells me that she does, I'll adjust some lines in this chapter. Second, Kaeya and Jean haven't got their vision yet at this age.

Lastly, this spoiler for those who haven't finished Inazuma AQ, while people (as in those who don't have vision) are jealous of vision bearers, at the same time, they don't let those blessed people affect their lives too much.

Vision isn't common, and there's very little detail about it. Even some smart people like Lisa and Albedo are curious about it, and so am I.

Thank you for reading, and carry on!