Pant... pant...
The young woman's panicked breathing echoed through the room. Her body was drenched in cold sweat, trembling uncontrollably.
Everything in the dream had felt so real. The icy tone of voice had nearly pierced her heart, making it hard to breathe.
"Where... am I?"
Looking at the unfamiliar room, Bonanus felt both nervous and confused. The furniture was nothing like Liyue's, though it was clearly all foreign.
Her legs were weak. Though her head was still groggy, she forced herself out of bed, staggered to a nearby chair, and sat down, propping her arms on the table.
She panted, trying to piece together everything.
"Was that a dream?"
Just waking up, her thoughts were still chaotic. For a moment she couldn't tell if she was still dreaming or in reality. She felt utterly lost.
She rested her head on the table, feeling a dull ache in her chest.
[System online. Congratulations, host has received external help and is no longer in critical condition. The system is pleased that you survived.]
Just as Bonanus didn't know what to do, the system suddenly came online, startling her. But after a few seconds, she snapped out of it.
"System... you unreliable thing..." Bonanus's voice trembled slightly. Despite her headache, she tried to joke with the system.
[The host should know that the system is very reliable. It has given you a new life and a second chance in another world.]
The system spoke calmly. Judging by the host's state, she must have dreamed of something unpleasant while unconscious.
It chose not to pry. In the past, it had gathered information to better understand the host. But now, she deserved some privacy.
Otherwise, it would be like stripping the host naked and exposing everything. That was coercion, not something a good support system should do.
Hearing the words "given you a new life," something clogged Bonanus's heart. The word "thief" from her dream stung deeply.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she had done something wrong...
"You said before that when my life was in danger, you would keep me alive but wouldn't offer much other help. I didn't think it was true."
"Look, if you had warned me... if you'd said something, I wouldn't have been stabbed!" Bonanus complained.
The system knew the host was complaining because she needed to vent. Humans always needed an outlet when they were hurting.
But still, the system felt the need to explain.
[Apologies. When the host first arrived in this world, everything was unfamiliar, so the system provided guidance and assistance.]
[But now that the host has more or less integrated into this world, aside from opening the shop and life-saving measures, the system cannot offer other help.]
[These are the rules. Please understand. You cannot rely on me forever.]
The system spoke earnestly. It was essentially a tutorial—there for the early game, not the late game.
Like a nagging mother.
"I know, I know. At least you opened the shop for me. At least you're not one of those systems that makes the host invincible." Bonanus muttered.
The system didn't respond further. Seeing it ignore her, Bonanus changed the subject.
"System, where am I right now?"
[Answering the host's question. You are currently in an inn in Mondstadt City called 'Traveler's Home.' You are no longer in Liyue Harbor.] the system replied.
Hearing this, Bonanus was full of question marks. What? How had she ended up in Mondstadt so suddenly?
If she was in Mondstadt, where was Xiao? Had he come with her? Had Menogias been saved? How had they gotten back? How serious were their injuries?
"System, tell me about Xiao and Menogias. And why am I in Mondstadt?" Bonanus asked, confused.
The system patiently answered her questions.
[The host can rest assured. Xiao is currently recuperating. Menogias was rescued but remains unconscious. He should wake in a few days.]
[As for why you are in Mondstadt...]
[The system will not answer that question. There is a letter on the table in front of you with an explanation. The host may read it.]
Hearing this, Bonanus slowly lifted her head. After resting on the table for so long, she finally felt a bit better. She shook her head gently and looked at the tabletop in confusion.
"What is this..."
Before her sat a pot of flowers. She didn't know the species or the name—she'd never seen them in the game—but they were beautiful.
They also carried a faint, pleasant fragrance that lifted her spirits. The scent helped ease her lingering headache.
Beside the flowers were neatly arranged sheet music and instruments, along with several wine bottles—some empty, some still sealed.
And right in front of her, held down by a Hydro Vision, was a piece of white paper covered in writing. It looked like a letter. The Vision sparkled beautifully.
Though it looked like a Vision, Bonanus could clearly sense that it was just a glass orb—a decoration. No elemental power at all.
Seeing all this, her already muddled mind sprouted more question marks. Not overthinking it, she picked up the paper and began to read.
The Letter's Contents:
Hey~ I'm Venti, Mondstadt's finest bard. No more small talk—let's get straight to the point!
An old man from your Liyue asked me to help with your final treatment. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. Yep, that stubborn old man!
So for now, you'll need to stay in Mondstadt. Don't worry! Mondstadt is a city of freedom. Its people will gladly welcome a friend from Liyue.
Oh, right. I've used an illusion on your big claws. In Mondstadt, your identity is just a Liyue merchant. Those claws would raise too much suspicion.
I brought you some clothes. They're by your bed. I got them from a place called Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—the old man took me there~
You have a Vision, but you're not good at fighting~ Remember that! It's your cover story.
Also, the old man asked me to hide your identity. So you know what to do~ Ehe~
Note: If you wake up and I'm not there, I've probably gone out to play. Feel free to go out and have a look around. I'll be back later.
End of letter.
---
After finishing the letter, Bonanus had a general understanding of the situation. It seemed that while she was unconscious, Rex Lapis had gone through great trouble to help her.
Quite the honor—even the Anemo Archon had come to her aid. For some reason, she felt a little embarrassed.
Unfortunately, Venti wasn't there right now. Otherwise, she would have treated him to a good drink and repaid his kindness.
She looked at her pale, delicate hands and then at her torn clothes, falling into thought.
There was a large hole in the chest area, courtesy of the dishonorable sneak attack. Someone had thoughtfully wrapped bandages around it to prevent any exposure. Very considerate...
The illusion was remarkably effective. Her heavy claws were now replaced with soft, fair hands that looked as delicate as porcelain—so fragile they seemed like they could break at the slightest touch.
The light, airy feeling took some getting used to.
She shook her head. Time to go out for a walk. She felt stifled inside and needed some fresh air. But first, she needed to change her clothes...