Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the new series. This chapter primarily serves to establish the background story of the Rota Kingdom, laying the groundwork for its significance in the plot. While Ash and Venti play minor roles in this chapter, their presence becomes more prominent towards the end. Consider this chapter as a filler that enriches the narrative, setting the stage for the ongoing Stormterror Arc, which will feature Venti more prominently

Rota

...

In the distant past, some four millennia before Mondstadt's rise and the onset of the Archon War, there stood a kingdom that reigned supreme over the yet unnamed world of Teyvat: the Aura Kingdom. Founded by the visionary Grand Duke Ronald the I and his consort, Queen Rota the I, this realm epitomized peace and freedom, earning the epithet "Nation of Freedom and Determination." Its inhabitants, the Rotarians, formed a civilization unlike any other, deeply attuned to the life-giving essence known as Aura. Among them were the chosen few, those with an innate mastery over Aura's power. They were revered as the "Guardians of Aura," their skill and prowess unmatched in the annals of history.

Grand Duke Ronald and Queen Rota were cherished by their subjects, but none held Rota in higher regard than Ronald himself. She was renowned for her benevolence, grace, and captivating beauty, both in the eyes of her husband and the people she ruled over. With each passing day, her kindness and popularity only seemed to blossom, endearing her further to all who knew her. However, their idyllic union was tragically shattered when Rota succumbed to childbirth while giving life to their two precious offspring, Ronald the II and Elizabeth the I.

Devastated by the profound loss of his beloved wife, Ronald found solace in immortalizing her memory. In a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy, he made the heartfelt decision to rename the kingdom "Rota the Aura Kingdom," a poignant homage to her unwavering grace and the profound connection their realm shared with Aura. Thus, her spirit lived on, forever intertwined with the very essence of the kingdom she had once graced with her presence.

Over the ensuing centuries, the noble lineage of Ronald and Rota flourished within the Aura Kingdom, their ideals and principles echoing through the reigns of Ronald the II to Ronald the IV. As their civilization burgeoned into a formidable power across the lands, Aura emerged as their preeminent source of strength, catalyzing the evolution of a highly advanced culture. The Rotarians, endowed with the ability to harness and manipulate this ethereal energy, pioneered technologies hitherto unseen.

Among their innovations were the pioneering creations of the first-ever Aura gloves and Aura swords, meticulously crafted to empower the Guardians of Aura in their defense against envious rival kingdoms that emerged in the wake of their ascendance. Yet, despite their technological prowess, the Aura Kingdom found itself embroiled in conflict as these rival factions sought to challenge its dominance.

In the tumultuous era that followed, marked by upheaval and uncertainty, the reins of power transitioned to a new leader: Ronald the V.

Under the rule of Ronald the V, the once-proud Rota Kingdom underwent a drastic transformation from a beacon of freedom to a realm marked by oppression and fear. Motivated by a thirst for power and control, the corrupted monarch imposed draconian measures to quell dissent and enforce obedience among his subjects.

In his relentless pursuit of dominance, Ronald the V mandated rigorous and unforgiving training regimes for both the populace and the Guardians of Aura, pushing them to their limits in a bid to harness the full potential of Aura's power. However, this relentless pursuit of mastery came at a steep cost.

As stress and strain became pervasive in daily life, the very essence of Aura that sustained the Rotarians began to wane, leading to a precipitous decline in their lifespan. Whereas Grand Dukes and Royal Nobles once boasted lifespans ranging from 350 to 500 years, and regular Rotarians could expect to live up to 300 years, the sudden imposition of oppressive measures saw these lifespans dwindle rapidly.

The once-vibrant kingdom, now shackled by the tyranny of its ruler, found itself teetering on the brink of ruin as the very life force that had sustained it for generations ebbed away under the weight of oppression and despair.

Sensing the impending doom looming over Rota and witnessing the suffering of her people, Queen Illene sought aid from Melendil, the esteemed Captain of the Guardians of Aura, along with his young son Aaron and their enigmatic companion Rilou. Together, they embarked on a courageous mission to confront Grand Duke Ronald the V and implore him to reconsider his tyrannical ways, which were only bringing harm to the kingdom and its inhabitants.

However, instead of heeding their pleas, the Grand Duke, blinded by paranoia and suspicion, denounced their actions as treasonous. Alongside his fellow Arch Dukes, he decreed the exile of Melendil, Aaron, Rilou, and all who dared oppose his rule. Even Queen Illene, once betrothed to the Grand Duke, was banished, her loyalty now questioned and her love spurned.

Faced with betrayal and injustice, Queen Illene refused to abandon her kingdom to the whims of a despot. Determined to stand and fight for her people, she rallied those who remained loyal to her cause, prepared to defy the oppressive regime that threatened to consume them all.

But before the conflict could reach its climax, tragedy struck. The long-standing tension with the neighboring Kingdom of Khaenri'ah erupted into open warfare, catching Rota off guard with a merciless and cowardly ambush.

As smoke billowed into the darkened sky, flames danced with malevolent intensity, casting an eerie glow over the once-serene Aura Kingdom. Amidst the chaos, the cacophony of screams and panic reverberated through the air, a haunting chorus of terror that pierced the night. Within the confines of the palace grounds, the clash of steel and the roar of battle mingled with the manic laughter and shouts of the invading Khaenri'ahn soldiers. Homes and structures, once symbols of peace and prosperity, now stood engulfed in flames, consumed by the merciless onslaught of the enemy.

Amidst the chaos, families were torn asunder, children and women fleeing for their lives while fathers and Rotarian soldiers valiantly fought to defend their homeland. Yet, for all their bravery, they found themselves outmatched and overwhelmed by the ruthless onslaught of the Khaenri'ahn forces. With each brutal strike, the defenders fell, their valiant efforts eclipsed by the overwhelming might of their assailants. As the Aura Kingdom teetered on the brink of annihilation, its people faced an uncertain fate, their hopes for survival hanging by a thread amidst the relentless onslaught of destruction and despair.

As rain cascaded from the weeping sky, drenching the kingdom below in a deluge of sorrow, Aaron guided Queen Illene through the chaos, his heart heavy with the weight of their fleeing footsteps. Clad in his trainee Aura Guardian attire, adorned with the sacred Aura gloves and the staff strapped to his back, he vowed to protect Illene at all costs. Beside them, Rilou, his faithful companion, offered silent support as they navigated the treacherous path ahead. Each step forward felt like a betrayal to their homeland, but Illene's safety remained their paramount concern amidst the turmoil consuming Rota.

Though their departure bore the bitter taste of defeat, Melendil's words echoed in their minds, reminding them that the Aura Kingdom stood on the precipice of destruction. Even with the mightiest Aura Guardians by their side, the overwhelming numbers of the Khaenri'ahn forces rendered resistance futile. With heavy hearts and aching souls, Aaron, Illene, and Rilou pressed onward into the safety of the nearby forest, leaving behind the ruins of their once-proud kingdom.

As they raced towards the forest, their progress was abruptly halted by inconvenient obstacles. Emerging from their concealed positions behind the trees, a pair of Khaenri'ahn soldiers blocked their path, blades drawn. Aaron and the Queen came to a sudden stop, with the Aura Guardian trainee positioning himself in front of Illene, his Riolu faithfully by his side, ready to defend her at all costs.

"Well, well, well..." one of the enemy soldiers sneered darkly. "What do we have here? A trainee Guardian and the Queen of a fallen kingdom?" His words dripped with mockery, eliciting fierce glares from the group. "Seems like it's our lucky day."

"Once we're done with you, little Rotarian," his partner chimed in with a smirk, "We'll relieve you of your staff and gloves." His gaze shifted menacingly to Illene. "And as a bonus, we'll capture the little Queen," he added, his tone oozing with contempt.

"Not on my watch," Aaron declared firmly as he brandished his Aura staff, his gaze briefly meeting that of his loyal Riolu. "Keep Her Majesty safe, alright?" he instructed his partner, receiving a determined nod from the Aura Pokémon.

With a disdainful click of his tongue, one of the Khaenri'ahn soldiers sneered, "It's your death wish, you filthy Rotarian!" His words dripped with contempt as he charged recklessly at the Aura Guardian trainee.

With a firm grip on his staff, Aaron surged forward, meeting his opponent head-on. Demonstrating his quick reflexes and honed skills, he deftly sidestepped the swinging sword of the Khaenri'ahn soldier. In a fluid motion, Aaron countered, delivering a swift slap with his staff underneath the soldier's chin. The impact sent the assailant stumbling backward, crashing onto his back with a resounding thud, eliciting a pained groan from him.

"Gaaahhhh!" The soldier's cry echoed in the pouring rain.

"Damn you!" the other Khaenri'ahn cursed as he dashed forward, gripping his blade firmly.

With lightning reflexes, Aaron braced himself as the soldier swung his sword. In a swift motion, the Aura Guardian trainee ducked underneath the blade, maneuvering with precision. Taking advantage of the opening, Aaron thrust his staff into the man's stomach, causing him to gasp in pain.

"Gahhh!" The Khaenri'ahn soldier doubled over from the force of the blow, clutching his abdomen.

With determination etched on his face, Aaron extended his gloved palm, channeling his Aura energy to form an average-sized sphere. With a focused gaze, he launched the Aura sphere forward. The sphere streaked through the air, striking the Khaenri'ahn soldier with formidable force. With a grunt, the soldier was sent flying several feet backwards, landing on his back with a resounding thud.

Queen Ilene watched in astonishment as the Aura Guardian trainee effortlessly dispatched the Khaenri'ahn soldiers, her admiration for his skill growing with each passing moment. However, before she could voice her praise, her attention was abruptly diverted by the sound of rustling in the bushes nearby. Her heart raced as the rustling grew louder, until suddenly, a third Khaenri'ahn soldier burst out from the foliage, charging toward her with a dagger gleaming in hand.

Gasping in alarm, Ilene found herself frozen in place, her eyes widening in fear. Before she could react, Aaron, alerted by her distress, sprang into action, racing toward her with concern etched on his face. "Your Majesty!" he cried out, his voice filled with urgency as he closed the distance between them, praying he wasn't too late to intervene.

Meanwhile, the Khaenri'ahn assailant cackled with malicious delight as he closed in on his target, the dagger poised to strike. Riolu, sensing the imminent danger to its charge, positioned itself protectively in front of the Queen, its arms spread wide in a defensive stance. Unperturbed by the small Pokémon's presence, the soldier pressed forward, his pace quickening as victory seemed within his grasp.

However, his triumph was short-lived as he was suddenly confronted by an unexpected adversary. Emerging seemingly out of nowhere, Captain Melendil, Aaron's father, dashed into the fray with impressive speed, intercepting the Khaenri'ahn soldier's path. The soldier's eyes widened in surprise as Melendil swiftly unsheathed his Aura-infused sword, moving with practiced precision. In a single fluid motion, he brought the blade down with decisive force, cutting down the assailant before he could land a blow on the Queen.

"Gaaahhhh!" The Khaenri'ahn soldier cried out in pain as he stumbled backward, crashing onto his back with a resounding thud, defeated by the Captain's swift strike.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Melendil stood over the fallen enemy, his expression one of satisfaction as he sheathed his blade. "Dad!" Aaron's voice rang out, drawing his attention. With a smile of relief, Melendil turned to his approaching son, a wave of gratitude washing over him at the sight of his only child, unharmed and safe.

"It's a relief to see you unscathed, my boy," the grizzled, bearded man quipped with a hint of humor as Aaron joined his side.

"Captain!" Both father and son turned their attention to Ilene, who was approaching them with Riolu by her side.

"Your Majesty, it's truly reassuring to see you safe," Melendil expressed with genuine warmth in his voice and a sincere smile gracing his face.

"How's the kingdom looking?" Illene couldn't help but ask, her worry for her homeland evident in her voice.

A frown immediately etched itself onto the Captain's face as he sighed heavily, a sense of frustration weighing heavily on him. "Unfortunately, my lady, Rota has fallen to the hands of the Khaenri'ahn forces. Despite our best efforts to hold them off, their numbers overwhelmed us. We had no choice but to retreat," he sadly informed her.

"I see..." Queen Illene's frustration was palpable as she chewed on her bottom lip, her fists clenched in frustration. "This was all my fault," she whispered, burdened by guilt.

Melendil placed a comforting hand on the Queen's shoulder, prompting her to look up and meet his gaze. "Don't say that, Your Majesty. It wasn't your fault. We weren't prepared for the Khaenri'ahn to launch an invasion right under our noses. You shouldn't blame yourself for it," he encouraged her with a warm smile, offering reassurance in the face of her self-doubt.

"And Ronald?" Illene couldn't help but ask about her former fiancé, her voice tinged with concern and uncertainty.

Melendil sighed once more before delivering his response. "Grand Duke Ronald managed to escape with the Arch Dukes during the commotion," he revealed, observing a hint of relief flicker across Illene's expression before continuing. "However, our intel suggests that he and the others may have been in league with the Khaenri'ahn Kingdom for some time now."

"What?" Illene's eyes widened in shock at the revelation. "You can't be serious."

"Unfortunately, it's the truth, my lady," Melendil affirmed, his tone grave and resolute.

Queen Illene's gaze drifted to her feet, her mind reeling with disbelief and confusion as she grappled with this unsettling information. Uncertainty clouded her thoughts, leaving her torn on what to believe.

Melendil heaved another tired sigh before redirecting the conversation to more pressing matters. "In any case, Your Majesty, we should regroup with the others," he suggested, drawing the conflicted Queen's attention once more.

"Others?" Illene repeated with confusion.

The Captain offered a reassuring smile. "We managed to evacuate as many citizens as possible, along with the exiles, during the invasion. They're waiting for us at a safe distance," he explained, hoping to alleviate some of the Queen's concerns.

"That's a relief," Illene said with a grateful smile, but soon her expression turned somber. "But where will we go? Rota has fallen," she lamented, her sadness palpable in her tone.

A small chuckle escaped from Melendil's lips. "Just leave that to me," he reassured her confidently.

...

A palpable awkwardness settled over Ash, Aether, and Paimon, leaving even Pikachu and Lucario at a loss for words. The group exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to process the surprising revelation from Jean, who chuckled softly at their stunned reactions. Sensing their confusion, she took a moment to provide a brief overview of the Lost Aura Kingdom of Rota, sharing what limited knowledge she had with the group. While the concept of a kingdom connected to Aura piqued their interest, Paimon remained perplexed about how this ancient civilization could possibly be linked to Ash.

"Uhh... Jean?" The Acting Grand Master's attention shifted to the fairy girl, who appeared to be struggling to process the information they had received. Witnessing Paimon's evident frustration as she held her head, the Acting Grand Master waited patiently, allowing Paimon to voice her concerns. "That's all very interesting, but... what does this have to do with Ash?" Paimon asked, her voice tinged with confusion and a desire for clarity.

Jean chuckled softly, her expression warm and reassuring as she addressed her little fairy friend. "You see, Paimon, when I was a little girl, my grandpa used to tell me bedtime stories about a legendary hero who hailed from a group of beings called the Rotarians. They were the very first energy manipulators, long before Visions were ever created. This hero, along with his loyal dog-like companion, wielded a mysterious power known as Aura. Together, they played a crucial role in establishing the kingdom's legacy."

As the tale unfolded, Ash couldn't shake off the odd feeling that the story sounded somewhat familiar, stirring a sense of recognition within him. Meanwhile, Aether's curiosity piqued, prompting him to inquire further. "Who was this legendary hero?" he asked, his interest evident in his tone.

A small, genuine smile tugged at Jean's lips as she answered, "Sir Aaron."

Ash and Pikachu's eyes widened in astonishment as they gasped in surprise upon hearing the familiar name. Memories flooded their minds, recalling their encounters with Sir Aaron's Lucario and the legendary Pokémon Mew during their time visiting Cameran Palace with Brock, May, and Max. Their experiences had led to a remarkable journey, culminating in a crisis involving the Tree of Beginning.

Though they couldn't be certain if it was the same Sir Aaron mentioned in the legend.

The duo remained silent as they awaited Jean's next words. However, Paimon, feeling more lost than ever, couldn't contain her confusion and ended up interrupting once again. "Uhh... what does this Sir Aaron have to do with Ash? Paimon is so confused," she grumbled, voicing her frustration.

Jean chuckled at Paimon's frustrations with amusement as she replied, "Well, it's just a hunch, but I do believe Ash could be a descendant of Sir Aaron from the Rotarian bloodline." Her words elicited a round of bewildered looks from the group, each one processing the unexpected revelation with astonishment.

"How sure are you, Jean?" Aether inquired, eager to understand the basis of her belief.

"Like I said, it's just a hunch. We won't know for sure until Lisa or I do further research," Jean explained, her tone measured as she tempered their expectations. "Nowadays, it's very difficult to find any new information about the Rotarians or the Rota Aura Kingdom," she added, acknowledging the challenges they would face in uncovering the truth.

"Huh? Why is that?" Paimon's curiosity deepened, her gaze fixed intently on Jean.

"Well, for starters, the Rotarians are an extinct race," Jean began, her tone reflective. "There are few known descendants recorded in history, and much of their civilization's remnants—artifacts, documents, even old weapons—were reportedly destroyed during the dark days of war with the Khaenri'ahn Kingdom." She paused, letting the weight of that sink in before continuing. "Moreover, the passage of time has obscured much of their history, leaving us with limited sources to draw from. Only the Lawerence Clan is rumored to possess some knowledge of the Rotarians' existence."

"Who exactly are the Lawerence Clan?" Paimon's curiosity was piqued.

Ignoring Paimon's question for now, Jean shifted her focus to Ash. "Until we uncover any new information, I suggest you stick around Mondstadt a little bit longer," she recommended to the young Trainer, her tone gentle yet firm.

Ash nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting his acceptance of Jean's suggestion. Seeing his compliance, Jean's smile widened into a genuine expression of warmth and appreciation.

...

"Rotarians, huh..." Ash mumbled to himself as he left the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. Now strolling through the plaza, he was lost in deep thought as the mention of the ancient civilization weighed heavily on his mind. Aether and Paimon had decided to stay behind to discuss a potential assignment with Jean, leaving Ash to contemplate the newfound information alone.

Accompanying Ash, Pikachu and Lucario couldn't shake off a growing sense of uneasiness. Stranded in a new world with no possibility of returning home was daunting enough, but the revelation of Ash potentially being a descendant of a legendary hero from an ancient civilization added an unexpected layer of complexity. It was a lot for Ash to process, and the Pokémon keenly felt his inner turmoil as they walked together through the bustling plaza.

Before Ash could even begin to contemplate his thoughts, he suddenly heard someone trying to draw his attention towards them with a quiet "Psst!"

The Trainer halted his pace, coming to a sudden stop, causing both Pikachu and Lucario to do the same. He began to scan the plaza, his eyes darting around in an attempt to track down the source of the whispered sound.

"Psst! Over here!" the voice instructed, causing Ash's eyes to drift towards a familiar bard who was hiding behind a pillar, beckoning him closer with a smug grin.

As Ash locked eyes with the cheerful bard, he couldn't help but be drawn towards Venti. With Pikachu and Lucario following closely behind, he made his way over, intrigued by what the bard might want. "Hey, it's you!" Ash called out, his tone tinged with a mix of surprise and familiarity.

"Yup, it's me. The one and only, new traveler," Venti greeted back with a cheeky smirk, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"How's it going, tone-deaf bard?" Ash asked with a playful grin tugging at his lips. The unexpected nickname took Venti off guard with a bead of sweat forming on his brow. It seemed Paimon's bad habits had rubbed off on Ash a bit.

"My name is actually Venti," the secretly disguised Barbatos corrected with a chuckle, his playful demeanor returning despite the slight surprise at the nickname.

"Oh." Ash blinked in confusion, momentarily taken aback. "So, Venti, is there something you wanted?" he cautiously inquired, sensing there might be more to the bard's sudden appearance.

"Well, of course, new traveler. I was hoping if you could help me with something," Venti said with a smug grin, his true motive hidden behind his cheeky tone.

"Okay... what is it?" Ash asked curiously, though a slight uneasiness began to settle in the pit of his stomach.

"Nothing too crazy, but I was hoping if you could steal the holy lyre!" Venti requested with a mischievous glint in his eyes, though his tone remained innocently casual.

...

Dum dum dum...! Looks like Venti is dragging Ash into one of his schemes. Hopefully, Jean won't be too upset with him once she finds out later. The next chapter will be more entertaining than this chapter.