Paimon's excitement was impossible to ignore. Aether turned back to see Rover's reaction.
Rover nodded, agreeing to go with them.
Finally, the group caught sight of the dragon lying on an open patch of land, with a suspicious green figure communicating with it.
"...Don't worry, I'm back."
The green-clad figure reached out as if to comfort the dragon, but in the next moment, Aether's Anemo energy flickered, disturbing the elemental balance and startling the dragon, which roared at the figure.
The roar carried intense hatred toward humans and distrust toward the person before it.
After calmly analyzing the situation, Rover looked up and locked eyes with the green figure, whose hostile expression made him tense.
Looks like an enemy. Next, they'll probably command the dragon to attack us.
With that thought, Rover slowly drew his blade. While Aether and Paimon stood frozen, he charged straight at the figure.
Striking first is always the right move.
Before the figure could react, Rover was already in front of them, sword in hand.
Now, Rover could clearly see the figure's appearance—a youth dressed in green robes.
The boy tried to turn and flee, a magic circle forming beneath his feet. But in the next instant, Rover's blade flashed coldly, forcing the boy to abandon his spell and raise his bow to counterattack.
Watching the Anemo-infused arrow speeding toward him, Rover sidestepped and, with the familiar slowing of time, closed the distance again.
The boy's eyes widened in shock as Rover's Spectro energy surged toward him. Suddenly, the boy's braid glowed brightly, and a violent gust erupted between them, forming a wind barrier meant to blast Rover away.
Reacting swiftly, Rover plunged his sword into the ground, anchoring himself against the force.
This exchange happened in the blink of an eye. By the time Aether registered it, the two were already separated.
After the skirmish, Rover clenched his fist. Spectro alone might not be enough to take him down. I might have to use Havoc.
Their standoff was interrupted by another roar from the dragon as it beat its wings and took to the skies.
In that moment of distraction, the boy seized the chance to vanish.
Rover's expression darkened as he sheathed his sword, watching the lingering particles fade.
Next time we meet, I won't let you escape.
"That was way too close! Thank goodness you're okay!" Paimon fluttered over to Rover, inspecting him anxiously. Aether did the same.
"I'm sorry… I didn't manage to help at all," Aether said, sounding dejected.
Rover shook his head, forcing a smile as he patted Aether's shoulder.
"It's fine. That guy clearly had hostile intentions—he might've even controlled the dragon to attack us. I had to strike first."
Paimon stomped her feet midair, puzzled.
"Wait, why would you think that way?"
Rover lowered his gaze, recalling his first trip into the Tacet Field with Yangyang and the others. The Tacet Discord known as Crownless had ambushed them without warning.
It had been a life-or-death battle. If they hadn't fought with the intent to kill, they would've died under Crownless' spear.
"Our world isn't as peaceful as this one. We face many disasters, and the dangers—and the darkness in people's hearts—are beyond what you can imagine here. So when I encounter someone hostile or suspicious, I assess the situation and strike first. I keep cutting until they reveal their true motives."
Aether studied Rover, struck by his decisiveness. Could I have acted so swiftly without hesitation?
"By the way, have you seen this before?"
Rover pointed to the red crystal fragments left behind. Both Aether and Paimon shook their heads. When Aether moved to collect them, Rover frowned.
"If these things are of unknown origin and potentially dangerous, why take them?"
Aether nodded in agreement, but Paimon disagreed.
"Think about it—these only appeared because we startled the dragon. We should take responsibility for them! At the very least, we can't just leave them lying around."
Rover raised an eyebrow, surprised by Paimon's reasoning. I underestimated her.
"So, how strong did that mysterious guy seem to you?"
Aether suddenly turned to Rover as they walked.
Rover considered the question carefully. Based on the boy's display of power, he might be on par with Crownless? But he couldn't say for sure.
I'd need a few more fights to gauge his true strength.
"Strong. When we clashed, I could tell he wasn't going all out."
Of course, Rover knew he hadn't used his full power either—the Havoc energy still lay dormant within him.
Just then, Rover's hand shot to his sword hilt as he spun around, alert.
A figure darted out from the trees, leaping into the sunlight before landing gracefully in front of them.
"Hold it right there, strangers."
A girl stepped forward, eyeing them carefully.
"May the Anemo Archon bless you. State your business, strangers."
Seeing no hostility, Rover lowered his hand. Aether calmly introduced themselves, and the girl gave her name—Amber.
"And this little mascot here is…?" Amber pointed at Paimon.
Before Paimon could answer, Aether cut in.
"That's Paimon. Don't worry, just think of her as emergency food."
"That's even worse than 'mascot'! Hey!"
Paimon stomped her feet again.
From their conversation with Amber, they learned that Mondstadt had been suffering from dragon attacks recently, leaving the city on edge.
At the mention of dragon attacks, Aether and Rover exchanged glances.
It must be that dragon in the forest. And that green figure is probably the mastermind.
"You two look serious… Did something happen?"
Amber noticed their expressions, so Aether recounted everything that had transpired in the forest.
"This is serious. I'll need to report it to Acting Grand Master Jean…" Amber muttered, then snapped back to attention.
"Ah, I got so caught up in this that I forgot about you two! Since you're travelers from afar, why not come to Mondstadt? I'll treat you to a meal!"
"Yay!" Paimon cheered obliviously.
But to Rover, this sounded more like surveillance. Still, he understood—extraordinary times called for such measures. If I were in her position, I'd do the same.