Kael stepped into Angel's Share.
Just as he'd expected, the tavern wasn't too busy this time of day.
But at the bar counter, one person stood out—tilting a mug bigger than his head and downing drink after drink like a bottomless pit.
A small mountain of empty mugs had already piled up beside him.
Who the hell starts drinking like this in broad daylight?
Kael couldn't help but glance over again—
And nearly choked on air.
Good heavens.
That outfit—Baroque-style green cloak, white thigh-high tights—
And that almost ethereal, gender-ambiguous air...
Wasn't that Mondstadt's lazy, carefree god himself?!
The Anemo Archon—Barbatos.
Bartender Charles spotted Kael and greeted him immediately. "Welcome, sir. Anything I can help you with?"
"Hi, I'm a new hunter in Mondstadt. Went hunting earlier today and got a few wild boars. Just wondering if you guys would be interested?"
Charles scratched his head, looking a bit awkward. "Ah… we usually get our pork from the Winery. We've got a steady supplier."
"Ah, I see…" Kael looked disappointed. "No worries, then. Sorry to bother you."
That meant the remaining three boars… might go to waste.
Maybe he could borrow Sara's kitchen later and cook some himself?
"Wait—hold on!" Charles called out as Kael turned to leave.
He didn't know why, but something about this man made him feel naturally drawn to help him.
Like he could tell just by looking that this was a good guy.
"If you're willing to wait a bit, our boss should be stopping by soon. He handles the procurement. Maybe you could talk to him directly?"
Boss?
He had to be talking about Diluc, right?
Sure, Kael had technically died at Diluc's hands in his second life simulation.
But that was in text mode—he hadn't really felt it, so he didn't hold a grudge.
Hearing the suggestion, Kael's eyes lit up. "Absolutely. I'll wait!"
Mondstadt really was the right choice for his first stop.
Everyone—from Sara to this bartender—was so friendly and helpful.
Though... that could also be thanks to his new Kind-hearted talent.
Supposedly, it made everyone feel warm and close to him on first impression.
—
"A new hunter, huh? Which nation are you from?"
Barbatos—or rather, Venti—had been listening in. He turned his head and smiled curiously at Kael.
"I'm a traveler from another world. Ended up landing in Teyvat, and since I arrived near Mondstadt, figured I'd settle here and make a living."
Kael didn't hide anything. After all, the protagonist in the game had the same origin.
It was rare, sure, but not unheard of.
Venti's eyes lit up. "A traveler from another world?! That's incredible!
Tell me—what's your world like? If you share your stories, I'll treat you to a drink!"
"Mondstadt's Dandelion Wine is the best in all of Teyvat! You've gotta try it!"
Charles rolled his eyes. "Mr. Venti, it's bad enough you keep drinking on credit. Now you're inviting guests on credit too?"
"Ahaha!" Venti laughed heartily. "It's all going on the same tab anyway~ Come on, Charles, two more Dandelion Wines, please!"
Venti was way too enthusiastic. Kael couldn't find the words to decline, so he just accepted it.
"Alright then, thanks for the drink. But I've got a friend waiting for me outside—I'll just go tell her first—"
He hadn't even finished his sentence when—
BOOM!
A massive explosion erupted outside the tavern.