Story Background
Awakening by Starfell Lake
A Ray of Morning Light
You open your eyes to see countless starlights reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake.
The scent of damp grass drifts through the air, and bird calls echo from afar. You prop yourself up and find yourself lying on a patch of soft grass—your blonde hair falls over your shoulders, and you wear light armor of black, white, and gold. The white ribbons on your shoulders are already damp with dew.
Where... is this?
You try hard to remember, but there are only fragments: a battle, a blinding light, and a face identical to yours showing a sorrowful smile before fading away.
"Hey—you're awake!"
A crisp voice interrupts your thoughts. Turning your head, you see a small creature floating in the air—with short blonde hair, a white dress, and a star ornament on her head, she is looking at you curiously with large blue eyes.
"My name is Paimon! I'm Teyvat's best guide! You gave me quite a scare when you drifted up from Starfell Lake!" She puts her hands on her hips. "But now that you're awake, it's not safe here—there are wild Hilichurls nearby. Let's get out of here first, and I'll tell you all about this world along the way, how about that?"
Looking at her sincere smile, you feel a touch of warmth. Though your memory is empty, the path ahead has lit up.
—You nod.
Windrise
The Start of a Long Journey
After leaving Starfell Lake, you follow Paimon through the rolling hills.
The world is vaster than you imagined. The path beneath your feet winds into the distance, lined with Cecilia flowers swaying in the wind. In the distance stands a majestic city, its white walls looming through the morning mist. Paimon says it's called "Mondstadt"—the City of Freedom.
"By the way, you haven't told me your name yet!" Paimon floats around you. "But whatever, you don't look like a bad person anyway—I'll just call you 'Traveler'!"
You smile slightly; this little companion is certainly quick to warm up to you.
Suddenly, the bushes by the roadside shake violently. Terrified, Paimon hides behind you: "I-It's a Hilichurl!"
A masked green creature rushes out wielding a wooden club, uttering mumbled growls. Instinctively, you grip the Dull Blade at your waist. Though your power is sealed, your combat skills are still etched in your bones.
Sidestepping and striking—you cleanly parry the attack, using the back of your blade to knock the enemy back. The Hilichurl stumbles a few steps, turns, and flees.
"So strong!" Paimon peeks out from behind you. "You're definitely not ordinary! Hmm... maybe you really are the legendary 'traveler from another world'!"
Sheathing your sword, you look toward the city. Perhaps the answers you need are there.
The Threshold of Mondstadt
The City of Wind and Song
The gates of Mondstadt stand wide open, with windmill totems carved onto the archway. The guarding knights wear neat silver armor with longswords at their waists, their expressions serious but not hostile.
"Halt! Who goes there?" A knight stops you.
Just as you are about to explain, a red figure leaps lightly down from the city wall.
"Wait! He's my guest!"
It is a young girl with a high ponytail, her chestnut hair shining in the sunlight, a red rabbit-ear ribbon tied atop her head, and goggles pushed up on her forehead. She wears a red-and-white Outrider uniform, her smile as bright as a sunflower.
"Amber, Outrider of the Knights of Favonius!" She pats her chest. "I saw you teaching those Hilichurls a lesson from the wall just now. Nice moves! You're from far away, right? Interested in joining the Knights?"
Paimon flies out from behind you: "Hey, hey! Why are you recruiting already? The Traveler just woke up!"
Amber laughs: "No rush! At least let me show you around Mondstadt—the taverns, the Cathedral, and the grand Statue of the Anemo Archon! Oh, and you absolutely can't miss the local pancakes!"
The wind blows from afar, carrying the scent of dandelions.
You look toward the towering spires in the city, and a fleeting song seems to echo in your ears.
—A new journey is finally about to truly begin.