Chapter 2: Caught by the Traveler
The two walked along while chatting, eventually settling beneath a tree.
As Su Han spoke with Bennett and became more familiar with him, he also gleaned a surprising amount of useful information: the world's system of elemental powers, its currency, customs, and local culture.
This was a fantastical world where seven elements intersected, known as Teyvat. On the continent of Teyvat, seven major nations existed, each corresponding to one of the elements.
In the wilds of Teyvat, primitive tribes called Hilichurls roamed. They resembled humans in outline but had lost intelligence and spiritual awareness.
Though weak and disorganized, they often caused significant trouble for humans.
Earlier, the one who had attacked him was a Hilichurl Berserker, one of the strongest warriors from a Hilichurl tribe—a rare and powerful adversary.
"Being able to turn the attack traits of a Hilichurl Berserker to your advantage in a desperate situation… not bad for a scholar. That kind of insight alone surpasses many," Bennett said, impressed.
"You are correct. My powers of observation are just that sharp," Su Han said, nodding without a hint of humility.
"Uh…" Bennett scratched his head, a little awkward.
"By the way," Bennett continued, "my Benny Adventure Group happens to be short a member. Want to join me and go adventuring? If you'd rather not, that's fine too…"
"Of course," Su Han agreed readily. "I'm new to Mondstadt, so it would be good to have a familiar friend to look out for each other."
"Awesome… my adventure group finally won't have to face—ow ow ow—what the heck?!"
A Sunsetia fruit fell from the tree and landed squarely on Bennett's head with a crisp thunk.
Su Han: "Pfft—"
Another Sunsetia dropped, this time striking Su Han on the head. Perhaps this was the price of schadenfreude.
"Ow… that hurts—"
"Hehe, sorry, I forgot to mention something," Bennett said, grinning awkwardly.
"My luck's always terrible. My misfortune tends to rub off on those around me, so it's best to keep a little distance."
"Misfortune is such a vague, intangible thing. It can't really spread—just coincidence. Don't worry about it."
"Really…" Bennett sighed, a trace of melancholy on his face.
Gazing at the sky painted with a brilliant sunset, Bennett was momentarily lost in thought, murmuring, "It's been a long time since I've seen a sunset this beautiful…"
But no sooner had he spoken than the vibrant evening sky vanished at an astonishing speed. Dark clouds rolled in, lightning flashed, and thunder boomed. Light drizzle turned into droplets on the ground, which soon became muddy and slippery.
Before long, a torrential rain poured down unexpectedly. Even under the tree, the two were soaked by the sudden storm.
Su Han: "…"
Bennett: "…"
Su Han: "Just a coincidence… right?"
Bennett stood, looking a little frustrated. Before he could voice his self-reproach, his eyes suddenly widened.
Su Han had been standing a bit too close to the cliff's edge. The terrain beneath him began to crumble—a small landslide.
"Su Han, watch out! Get back!"
"Huh?" Su Han barely had time to react before his foot slipped on the shifting soil. He teetered on the cliff's edge, dangerously close to falling.
"Careful!"
Without thinking, Bennett leaped and grabbed Su Han's arm firmly.
He thought he had saved his newfound friend, but the ground beneath them continued to shift—the mountainside was giving way!
Damn it, now I finally understand how Bennett feels…
As Su Han felt himself about to plunge into the sea below, a swirl of conflicting emotions filled his chest. He shut his eyes.
…
[System detected multiple internal injuries. Life in critical condition. (Die-and-get-strong system) activating.]
[Healing host's injuries…]
[Issuing novice starter pack to host…]
[Novice Mission ①: Seek a profession you like within Mondstadt City and gain recognition from over 100 people.]
[Reward ①: Randomly draw an A-rank skill.]
[Reward ②: Unlock certain system shop features.]
…
Windwatch Mountain, beach.
A delicate girl with pale golden hair sat on a jagged rock, staring at the sparkling water and letting out a sigh.
"One last time… just one last cast. Whatever I catch, I can eat it," she muttered.
She licked her lips and gripped the fishing rod tightly. Something told her she might hook a big one this time.
Soon, her eyes brightened. "It's heavy—did I catch a big fish? This won't be a problem for me!"
The small girl's body tensed, and she swung the rod backward with all her strength!
"Pfft—what is this?!"
First came a small, adorable white spirit wearing a starry cloak, spinning in the air with spiraling eyes, clearly unconscious.
Next, a young man in white, also unconscious, was clinging tightly to the small spirit's feet.
And finally, a boy wearing goggles held onto the young man's foot.
Human flesh… edible?
The girl stared at the three unconscious bodies, lost in thought.
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