Mondstadt City
A Modest Inn
The inn was called "Traveler's Home." Hearing the name, one would know it was a place prepared specifically for travelers who had come from afar.
Mondstadt had many inns. The decor of this one might not have been as luxurious as others, but its service and atmosphere were top-notch.
It even offered a place for travelers to drink. A weary traveler arriving from a long journey could sit down and enjoy a cool, refreshing glass of wine—nothing could be better.
And while you drank, bards would perform. The lodging was cheap too. It was a traveler's dream.
Mondstadt had many inns, but "Traveler's Home" was the most popular among travelers.
A certain bard named Venti often came here as well. Sometimes to mooch a drink, sometimes to perform and earn a few Mora for apple wine.
Truth be told, the main reason was that this bard actually lived here. A drunkard who spent all his Mora on wine naturally had little left over. This place was the most cost-effective.
Don't forget, he wasn't living as a god but as a mortal wandering the world. Ordinary people needed a place to stay. Perfectly reasonable.
And recently, in this bard's room, there was an adorable, unconscious young woman. According to the bard, she was a friend from Liyue.
Here is the story the bard made up:
The young woman was a merchant who had only started working hard in recent years. She strived step by step for her life and her future.
One day, she was bringing high-quality goods to Mondstadt for business. Unfortunately, she was attacked by Hilichurls along the way and fell unconscious from her injuries.
She was rescued by a passing adventurer. At that moment, a bard who had been out picking apples also happened upon the scene. He immediately recognized the girl as his friend from Liyue.
Without hesitation, despite his own financial difficulties, the bard chose to help his friend. A true brother who looks out for his friends.
...Something like that.
---
Inside a certain room
Venti sat beside the bed, playing his lyre with a smile, his eyes closed. On the bed lay the unconscious Bonanus.
With each note he played, the instrument emitted a pleasant melody, accompanied by a gentle breeze that drifted toward the unconscious Bonanus.
Music soothed the soul. Even in her coma, Bonanus's furrowed brow gradually relaxed.
Music truly had charm!
"Good thing the old man came to me, or your strength would have suffered." Venti murmured to himself as he played, helping Bonanus in his own way.
It was quite effective. He had been doing this for several days. It helped Bonanus while also allowing him to practice his musical proficiency. Two birds with one stone.
"What a hassle. Now I can't even go out and play."
Venti muttered to himself, gazing out the window with longing in his eyes. If not for his promise to the old man, he would really love to go out and pick apples.
Given his personality, staying put for this long was already a miracle. Venti was a busy man—he didn't have time to waste here.
A few minutes later...
After finishing one song and completing the routine, Venti stretched deeply. He tucked Bonanus in, then said in an energetic voice:
"Bye-bye now. You rest well."
With that, he opened the door and left, letting Bonanus rest alone. He had to go "work."
If he was lucky, he might even find some Mora on the way—enough to buy some apple wine. How wonderful!
Of course, any Mora he found wouldn't buy a whole bottle.
Before leaving, just in case Bonanus woke up early, Venti left a few instructions with the front desk. He could be reliable when he wanted to be!
---
Back to the sleeping Bonanus
The sleeping Bonanus furrowed her brow again. She was dreaming, and from her expression, it wasn't a pleasant one.
Probably a nightmare.
Drip... drip... drip...
---
In the dream
Bonanus walked through a pitch-black space. With each step, she heard dripping water. She was lost. Where was this place?
Did Teyvat have a place like this? Had she really died from that spear thrust? Was this the afterlife? Ah...
Setting that aside, how was Xiao doing? Her situation must have caused him so much mental anguish. What a mess.
Bonanus searched for an exit. She didn't want to stay here a second longer. The atmosphere felt oppressive, giving her a sense of suffocation.
She didn't yet realize that this was her dream—a nightmare.
Perhaps because the dream felt so real, she didn't believe she was dreaming.
After walking through the endless darkness for a while,
Bonanus rubbed her brow. Where was this?! Where was her system? Why wouldn't it wake up no matter how she called?
The space was infinite. Though she didn't feel physical fatigue, the mental pressure was unbearable. She hated this darkness.
It made her feel suffocated.
Just as she was growing anxious, a familiar voice suddenly echoed behind her. Bonanus turned hopefully. No mistake—it was Xiao's voice!
Seeing that Xiao was alive, her heart relaxed. She wanted to reach out and touch his face, but before she could, he brushed her hand away.
Confused, Bonanus wondered what was wrong. Had she done something to upset him? She thought back—she hadn't done anything to wrong him, had she?
No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than the Xiao before her spoke directly.
"Liar."
Xiao's expression was full of disgust, as if the person before him made him nauseous, as if he might vomit. He looked at her like she was trash—worthless garbage.
"What did you say?" Bonanus stepped back, panicking. She couldn't believe her ears.
Hearing her response, the Xiao in the dream grabbed her by the collar. His face twisted with revulsion.
"You thief! An outsider who stole someone else's body! Your very existence disgusts me!" With that, he shoved her away and turned to leave without looking back.
Hearing those words, Bonanus finally understood what Xiao meant. No more "Sister Bonanus"—just a cold "you."
This was what she had always feared. How did Xiao know?
She scrambled to her feet, wanting to run after him and explain. But no matter how fast she ran, she couldn't catch up. She could only watch him grow farther and farther away.
Soon after,
Xiao vanished. In his place, a crowd appeared, including some "familiar faces." They pointed at Bonanus, whispering.
They called her a liar and a thief. Some even laid hands on her, kicking and shoving. They looked at her with utter contempt.
It was as if nothing less than tearing her apart alive would satisfy their hatred.
Bonanus was terrified. She had always feared this—both in her past life and now. She was powerless, and all she could do was cry helplessly.
One person's scorn might hurt, but a crowd's abuse could break you and make you wish for death.
Just as she was beginning to feel hopeless, the crowd suddenly vanished. Then came a spear piercing her chest.
---
In reality
Inside a certain room
A young woman jolted upright in bed, startled by a nightmare. Her eyes were filled with panic and confusion as she looked around, still dazed...