Shield Hero in Teyvat

"Welcome to Mondstadt City, Naofumi!"

The city was more unique than he had imagined, with cobblestone streets, several windmills around, and a large castle wall surrounding the city. There was even a statue of Barbatos at the top and in front of what seems to be a cathedral.

He already saw a few places where he thought he could visit while the sun was still up. Amber began giving Naofumi a tour.

"The city of wind, dandelion, and freedom, under the protection of the Knights of Favonius, we welcome you!"

"Everyone looks cheerful!"

Naofumi said as he saw people walking around, every one of them wore smiles on their faces. Some even greeted him as it was still clear he wore clothing of a foreigner. He even sees people preparing something on the stone ground.

"Oh! It's because in a week the Windblume Festival will be upon us! Everyone is happy that we can celebrate the festival after a year."

"A festival? That sounds fun! When you say a week, what day is it today?"

"March 12, the festival always begins on March 19."

Naofumi thought of the date back home, which was a week before Spring Break occurred. He nodded as the thought of the festival was during the spring season.

"Do you mind me asking about the Windblume Festival?"

"No problem, after all, you can join the festival as anyone can come to Mondstadt. I've heard that the festival was created because of a rebellion against a god that once ruled the Old Mondstadt thousands of years ago.

The rebels there use a special code, which was Windblume, and once the rebels succeeded in overthrowing the old god with Barbatos, the secret code was used to create the Windblume Festival dedicated to the Thousand Winds."

This surprised Naofumi to hear there was another Mondstadt than the city he is still learning about. But he listened more about the festival.

"We celebrate the festival by offering Windblumes to Barbatos and those you love and care for as gifts. You can also give out love poems, as you can find romance during the festival; it isn't really a tradition, but it is something people have been doing for the past couple of years. You can even improve relationships with the people you befriended here. Perhaps we can build a better friendship during the festival, as well as improve your friendship with Eula."

Eula once again has a blush on her face as she mutters that she'll have vengeance on Amber for putting her as an example. Meanwhile, Naofumi nodded at the chance of building better relationships with the two of them.

There is another reason for it too, and that is another strengthening method of the shield: trust. Building up trust between the hero and companions can lead to increased abilities and stats for each other. The increase can affect the heroes as their companions trust them, and the same goes for the heroes' trust in their companions.

So in a way, Naofumi can help Eula and Amber, once Amber gets her status, the three of them can have an increase in their growth to get even stronger.

"For every festival, there is one person who has truly proven themselves to Mondstadt. Let's say, just helping anyone or risking yourself to aid others, you have the chance to be selected to represent the people of Mondstadt by being the Windblume Star during the Windblume Ceremony.

If you become the representative then you can offer Windblumes to Barbatos while at his statue. It can be any flower you can find in Mondstadt. I wouldn't be surprised if you were chosen to be the Windblume Star, Naofumi. I would say this would be a great opportunity for you to get along with the locals."

"I doubt I'll be the one to be selected but I can help people while getting to know them while I'm here. But I'd still like to take the tour just so I'll know my way around here."

"No problem, we can help you with—"

Suddenly Eula interrupted Amber.

"Apologies for interrupting you, Amber, but I need to go to headquarters to report on my patrol. As much as I wish to help you and Naofumi, my duties come first. Please forgive me."

Naofumi and Amber were surprised to hear Eula say this, but both quickly knew the reason why. Eula didn't want Naofumi to be seen as an accomplice of the daughter from the family of sinners. She just wants Naofumi to know the city without being seen as a threat just because he is with Eula.

Even if Amber was with them, it was obvious that Naofumi was new in Mondstadt and people could easily judge him just by being near Eula. As much as the two wish to protest, both know she will make excuses to not join them. She just wanted the best for Naofumi to be accepted by the people of Mondstadt.

"It's okay, Eula, we understand, we truly do."

Eula gives Naofumi a small smile, while muttering the words "Thank you."

Companion Shield conditions met!

Naofumi was immediately notified of a new shield that had just been unlocked. He quickly took a look at it and immediately wished that it had been unlocked earlier. The shield gives him a small stat adjustment increase for people in his party.

Which meant Eula could have gotten a little more increase for stats before she levels up. He decided to change his shield as it surprisingly went unnoticed.

"As much as I hate to admit it, Eula, you do have to report your findings to the Grand Master. We can meet up at Good Hunter for a meal together say… An hour?"

"Sounds good to me. I'll meet up with you two there, I'll see you both later. And please don't mind what I'll be receiving once I leave, it is a daily thing for me after all."

With that Eula left Naofumi and Amber's side, once she got further away enough, the glares from anyone in her direction were immediately locked onto her.

Naofumi clenched his fist as he also gritted his teeth. How could he just stand there and watch as Eula walked away with everyone's glare piercing at her? It immediately made him regret accepting Eula's words and letting her walk away.

"I can understand your frustration Naofumi. I tried to get people to see the good that Eula has done for the city, but every time I do, it just vanishes the day after. I hate how this just continues even after two years when she joins the knights."

Amber looked away in shame for not doing better for Eula, but Naofumi put a hand on her shoulder.

"You did your hardest for Eula. As much as I want to say that there are still people who heard you about her good deeds, it is hard to know if they truly accepted those words. And even if I wanted to argue in her defense, I'm an outsider, just a person who just arrived in the city. How could I, that people never knew me, could possibly believe anything I would say about her?"

The two didn't speak any further, at least until Naofumi gave her a confident reassurance.

"But that doesn't mean I won't speak up about how she helped me. I don't care if this causes me to receive similar treatment as her; then it was my own decision that brought me to that point. I'm going to defend her, I don't care who says otherwise, nothing will stop me from speaking what I see with my own eyes."

Amber looks at Naofumi with a mix of surprise and gratitude in her eyes.

"If only there were more people like you Naofumi. I'll continue to do my part to speak up to Eula. But if you need help then you can talk to me."

"Hehe, Eula is lucky to have a friend like you."

"Don't tell her this, but she is glad that I became her friend. Come on, we've got a tour and an hour and 28 minutes to show you. We'll start with Schulz's Blacksmith. You can buy weapons from him, as well as commission Wagner to make a weapon for you."

The two of them walk to the left side of the entrance to see a man hammering a sword on an anvil. The man, Wagner noticed Amber and greeted her, asking if she wanted to request a commission or get another bow. She shook her head no as she introduced Naofumi to him. Wagner greeted him and asked a few questions about Naofumi.

Naofumi answers a few of them while explaining how Eula helped him. He prepares for what he is going to see. But to his surprise, Wagner did show a bit of hesitance before commenting on how effective a knight Eula is. It caused Naofumi to feel that there was some hope for Eula after all.

Soon, he and Amber left the blacksmith to his work as they both walked back to the entrance, but continued going to the right side. They then stop in front of what seems like a flower shop.

"This is Floral Whisper, a little girl named Flora sells five different flowers for you to get as she refreshes her flowers every three days. You normally see her during the day, but at night, you'll see a woman named Donna watching over her shop to make sure no one steals the flowers."

Naofumi can see a little who is setting up fresh flowers on pots for displays. He noticed that he absorbed 3 of the 5 flowers that were displayed. Sweet flower, small lamp grass, and calla lily. He also noticed a woman, Donna, standing at the top of a ledge looking over Flora's shop.

"Flora has an older sister named Chloris, you would find her outside the city looking for plants that grow in Mondstadt."

Naofumi nods as Flora notices Amber, who waves hello to her. She then notices Naofumi and asks Amber if he's a foreigner, to which Amber says he is. Flora welcomes Naofumi to Mondstadt and asks if he would like to buy her flowers. Naofumi thought for a moment before nodding as asked for the red and white flowers.

So after spending 2,000 Mora, Naofumi finds out from Eula that it was like spending yen back home. He purchased a windwheel aster and a Cecilia. Flora thanks Naofumi and hopes he'll come again to buy more flowers as Naofumi thanks her for the flowers.

The reason why he had that many Mora already was because he found out that he was getting Mora when absorbing the enemies' remains which contain a few within them. So, in a way, it was like an RPG of earning money after every battle.

So Naofumi and Amber continue to make their way around the city, and the two soon come across a tavern. You can already see a person being helped by someone as it seems the person is very drunk. Amber sighs as she explains.

"This is Angel's Share, owned by Dawn Winery located in Windwail Highland, and it is even owned by the Ragnvindr Clan. It is famous for its Dandelion Wine along with other drinks they serve there. You can also eat here as there isn't a day that you don't see many people inside the tavern."

"So there is a place to drink. Wait, so does anyone come here every day?"

"Yes, some people would stay there until someone has to drag them home if they are too drunk. People even comment that it is the best place to get wine and couldn't stop to get more."

"Hmm…"

Naofumi doesn't really drink, in fact, he couldn't get drunk, like at all. He remembers a group of friends during his college days inviting him to drink which he did out of pressure, only to find out he, out of everyone, didn't get drunk. No matter how much he drank, he didn't show any signs of drunkenness. It was like he was immune to getting drunk.

He wonders if he should tell Amber about this, as he notices she was pulling his arm, signifying that it was time to move on. So he decided to tell her later.

The two soon arrive at what seems to be a district. Shops nearby with people buying food, a fountain, and you can even see buildings behind the whole district.

"You can buy ingredients from Mondstadt General Goods which is run by Blanche. The supplies restock daily, so you can always get fresh ingredients every day. And there is Good Hunter, the most popular restaurant in Mondstadt. If you wish to order food you can ask Sara, the restaurant even sells ingredients."

Naofumi saw two women, each in their respective places, selling ingredients and food to customers. They walk through the district, and many people greet Amber with smiles, happy to see the Outrider. It made Naofumi wonder if that will be the day when Eula will be recognized as her own person instead of a sinner.

The two walk back towards the entrance but not exactly at the gate. They stop in the middle as Naofumi can see three unique places.

"On your left, Naofumi is With Wind Come Glory, run by Marjorie. Her shop is different as it sells souvenirs that are specific to Mondstadt. What makes it more unique is that her store doesn't use Mora as currency, you need to have Anemo Sigils to buy her things."

"Anemo Sigils?"

"It is something that has been around for a long time, as it shows the recognition of the winds of Mondstadt. Which apparently holds some properties that other materials cannot provide. At least that's what Marjorie said when she first opened her shop. Here, this is what it looks like."

She shows an Anemo Sigil, the size and shape look similar to Mora, but the color is turquoise and has the Anemo symbol on it. Naofumi immediately recognized the sigil as he absorbed a few of them inside his shield.

At first, it didn't look like much as it didn't unlock any shield, but to think it was something as a currency for this particular shop. To take a note of coming to this shop later in the day to see what he can exchange the sigils for.

"On your right is The Cat's Tail, it is owned by Margaret. It is famed for having cute cats for people to pet while inside. You can also try out Genius Invokation TCG. It is a popular game that has hooked everyone. It was created in Sumeru which soon became popular all over Teyvat. You can meet people and play against each other, and you can even invite people from other nations to come here.

You can even buy drinks from their amazing bartender Diona. She is famous in Mondstadt for making delicious drinks by using consumable materials. If she makes a drink out of lizard tail and sea salt, it will taste delicious. That is what I heard from a customer of hers."

"Sea salt and… What?"

"You heard me, lizard tail. It's like Diona is blessed to make the best drinks out of anything."

The thought of drinking lizard tail doesn't seem too appealing to Naofumi. In fact, the thought is making him feel a bit nauseous. But that quickly faded as he noticed a black cat with green eyes staring directly at him. Its tail was moving side to side as Naofumi could hear it purr.

Naofumi approaches the cat as Amber watches with interest. They stare at each other for a whole minute until Naofumi decides to pet it. The cat allows him to do so as it purrs in affection. Amber was amazed by how easily the cat enjoyed being near Naofumi.

Soon the cat lets out a meow as it walks back to Cat's Tail.

Naofumi smiles as he is aware that he always gets along with animals easily. Whenever it is aggressive or shy, when it comes to him, they always calm down or feel safe with him.

Naofumi then looked back at Amber, who snapped out of her thoughts as she continued, leading him to a receptionist desk where a woman with black hair with bangs, grey eyes, and fair skin. She wears a white dress with a black corset, green accents, and a red bow on the back.

She wears green sleeves that reach the back of her hand. Her skirt has a black hem, with green panels on the back and sides, and a red bow on the left. An eight-pointed star logo is printed on the neckline of her dress.

She wears a white maid's hairband with a red cross on the left. Around her neck is a black-and-white collar, with a red gem on the front and a keyhole-shaped embellishment on the back. She wears white tights and green shoes.

"Ad astra abysssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild."

The woman welcomed the two of them as Amber explained once more.

"This is Katheryne, she's the receptionist of the Adventurers' Guild. She can help you pick out commissions that fit your experience, you can take up to four commissions when you first join. Katheryne, this is Naofumi Iwatani! He's new to Mondstadt."

Katheryne gives a warm smile to Naofumi.

"Welcome to Mondstadt, Mr. Iwatani. As Amber said, I'm the receptionist of the Adventurers' Guild. It is my job to provide adventurers' quests and intelligence support. We are open for business all year round. The guild is an organization that was set up to support all of Teyvat's adventurers across the seven nations.

We provide a platform to help newcomers adjust to the adventurer lifestyle, while also supporting veteran adventurers and allowing them to adventure more freely. The Guild collates all the complex word-of-mouth information it receives and redistributes it in the form of quests and adventures assigned to adventurers."

Naofumi took note of everything Katheryne was saying. He nodded as he figured the guild could help him unlock more shields, help him gain more exp, heck even help him throughout Teyvat as a whole. Katheryne notices Naofumi is in deep thought as she asks him a question.

"Are you here to join the Adventurers' Guild, Mr Iwatani?"

Naofumi nodded, he decided to join the guild to start out on his adventure. Katheryne smiles as she pulls out a paper sheet.

"Please fill out this application, we wish to know information about you so that we can see what commissions will be best suited for you."

Naofumi agreed as he filled out the application. Once he was done, he handed it back to Katheryne, who looked over it and nodded.

"Everything is checked out! Without further ado, please allow me to officially welcome you, our new avid adventurer into the guild. Here is your Adventurer Handbook."

She handed Naofumi a book as he accepted it.

"This handbook is proof of your membership, it holds information about the guild, the commissions we do, and information you wish to know about Teyvat. Ad astra abysssosque! With effort, you shall reach the stars and conquer the abyss!"

Naofumi thanked Katheryne as the two left the district and made their way up the stairs, and soon reached the castle-looking structure Naofumi had seen the day before. Amber looks more cheerful as she expresses it.

"This here is the Knights of Favonius headquarters! It is our responsibility to protect Mondstadt and its freedom from any threats. Unlike the rest of the nations, our nation isn't ruled by our Archon; we knights maintain order and law to prevent any law-breaking individuals from doing any sort of crime."

"Really? Is that the reason why Barbatos hasn't been seen in centuries?"

"In a way, yes, Barbatos, the God of Freedom, doesn't believe that he should rule his own nation, so he allows the Knights of Favonius to watch over his city. Still, if you wish to talk to a knight or make a request to speak with the Grand Master, you are always welcome inside if you have concerns about anything.

You can even visit the library, it is open to everyone. But here is a little tip: if you check out a book, please make sure to return it on time and in good condition. Believe me, it's best if you don't see what happens if you don't."

Amber has a fearful expression on her face, as if she were afraid to even think about it. Naofumi wonders if the library has a very strict librarian. So after witnessing that Amber took Naofumi to the last place of Mondstadt, the statue of Barbatos, and the cathedral.

"Here is the Anemo Archon Statue! If you wish, you can pray to Barbatos to have the winds protect you."

The two can see a few people praying to Barbatos. Naofumi noticed a few women dressed as nuns.

"And behind his statue is the Favonius Cathedral. You can go inside and also pray to Barbatos, but in silence. You can also attend church services which normally happen on Sunday. You can also hear stories of the history of Mondstadt by asking the nuns there. And I believe this is the end of the tour. Do you have any questions?"

Naofumi tries to think of one, but right now he doesn't, so he shook his head as Amber nodded.

"Well, we can head on back to Good Hunter to meet up with Eula and have lunch. After that, we can help you find a place to stay until you can afford to stay somewhere else."

"Sounds good to me!"

The two began to walk back, unaware that on the roof of the cathedral, someone was watching both of them, especially Naofumi. The mysterious person tails them, observing to check if Naofumi isn't a threat to Mondstadt.