Today, Mondstadt was as it had always been—brimming with the air of freedom.
The townsfolk strolled the streets with light steps and cheerful expressions.
But for Amber, the warmth she used to feel from this beloved city had vanished.
What... had she lost?
Suddenly, as if guided by something unseen, Amber looked up—her gaze drawn toward Good Hunter.
There, on the terrace, sat a handsome black-haired young man, basking in the sunlight with his eyes half-closed in contentment.
And just like that—
the gaping void in her heart was filled.
Tears welled up in Amber's eyes and began to fall. She stared at the man before her, unable to look away.
Relief. Euphoria. Joy. A torrent of emotions surged through her chest, making her entire body tremble with excitement.
Who was this man?
Why did he feel so incredibly familiar?
It was like she had spent a lifetime searching for him—
And now, at last, she'd found him.
...
Kael was enjoying the warm sunlight of Mondstadt, half-dozing, lulled by the breeze.
Then suddenly, a shadow blocked the light from above him.
He opened his eyes in confusion and looked up—
Only to see a slim girl with chestnut hair and a red bunny-eared ribbon standing right in front of him.
Her bright amber eyes shimmered with tears as they locked onto his.
That's… Amber?!
Kael wasn't surprised to see her.
After all, he was a traveler from another world, and Amber—as Mondstadt's Outrider—was known to be one of the first to greet newcomers.
But what did confuse him... was the way she was looking at him.
Like he was a long-lost lover.
Amber murmured hazily, "…Anders…"
Kael nearly fell out of his chair. "Uh… what? Excuse me???"
As soon as she heard his voice, Amber seemed to jolt awake, clarity returning to her eyes.
She forced a small, awkward smile. "Ah—sorry, I just… thought that name suited you somehow…"
Kael was mentally spiraling.
No way. No freaking way.
Anders was his name during the second life simulation!
How the hell did Amber know that?!
Did she… remember the simulation too?!
"Hey, System! Get your butt out here and explain this! Wasn't the life simulation supposed to be fake?! How the heck does Amber know my sim name?!"
Kael screamed internally.
But whether the system was still on cooldown or just pretending to be dead, it gave zero response.
Damn it. Guess I'll just have to play it by ear.
Kael smiled politely. "It is a nice name. But I already have one. I'm Kael.
May I ask—do you need something, miss?"
Amber stared at him intently. "You just seem so familiar. Have we met before?"
"I'm a traveler from another world. Today's my first day in Teyvat.
I'm quite sure we've never met."
At his words, tears quietly rolled down Amber's cheeks.
"…Yes. I don't have any memories of meeting you either. But... my heart says otherwise.
It tells me that we used to be very close.
When I saw you just now... I felt so happy. A kind of happiness I've never known before."