The Thousand Winds Temple in the morning light was already far behind them.
Amber led Skirk, who was still a bit sulky, and set off on the long journey back to Mondstadt.
They walked from early morning until the sun hung high at noon, and from noon until the shadows lengthened in the late afternoon.
The countryside of Mondstadt slowly unfolded before their eyes.
The lush tranquility of the Whispering Woods, the shimmering waters of Starfell Lake, and the Cecilias swaying in the wind by the banks of Cider Lake…
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled spots of light, while the air was thick with the fragrance of green grass, earth, and wildflowers.
Skirk was initially immersed in the joy of her power realization and the ‘Abyssal Echo’ (as well as the shame of being treated to a head-pat), but she was soon captivated by this real, vivid scenery of Teyvat.
This was no longer a pixelated world separated by a screen, but a real existence that could be breathed, touched, and heard!
The cool breeze against her skin, the softness of the soil beneath her feet, the creaking of the distant windmills, and even the faint, lingering scent of Apple cider in the air…
everything carried an unparalleled sense of immersion.
“Now this is what you call transmigration!”
She marveled inwardly, “It’s ten thousand times more real than grinding map exploration in front of a computer!” A complex sentiment belonging to an ‘old player’ welled up spontaneously—
There was a sense of familiarity with the well-known scenery, awe for the grand world, and even more so, the excitement and novelty of personally stepping into a dreamland.
At noon, Amber made full use of his Outrider wilderness survival skills.
He nimbly hunted a lone wild boar and skillfully built a fire to prepare the ingredients.
Soon, wooden sticks skewered with thick slabs of wild boar meat were set over the campfire.
The fat made a pleasant’sizzling’ sound under the heat of the flames, and a rich meaty aroma mixed with the charred scent of Burning fruitwood wafted out, making the hunger pangs in Skirk’s stomach growl.
“Here!”
Amber handed a piece of meat, charred on the outside and tender on the inside with an inviting caramel color, to Skirk, a bright smile on his face.
“Try it!
Although the seasoning is simple, the quality of Mondstadt wild boar meat is excellent!”
Skirk took it and couldn’t wait to take a bite.
The scalding meat juices instantly exploded in her mouth, carrying a wild freshness and just the right amount of fattiness.
Simple salt grains and the scent of some herb perfectly complemented the natural flavor of the meat.
The coarse, smoky texture was more real and satisfying than any virtual delicacy in the game!
“Mmh!
Delicious!”
She praised indistinctly, her eyes narrowing happily.
Amber looked at her wolfing it down and laughed even more happily, picking up his own portion to eat.
The simple barbecue, accompanied by sunlight, the breeze, and the journey, seemed exceptionally delicious.
As the sunset dyed the horizon in a brilliant gold and violet, the two finally stepped onto the last stone bridge leading to Mondstadt.
When that city of freedom, which she had only seen on a screen, truly came into view bathed in the evening glow, Skirk couldn’t help but hold her breath.
It was so huge!
The Mondstadt in the game was exquisite and cute, but the Mondstadt before her was a magnificent, living city full of vitality!
The towering city walls cast long shadows in the sunset, the giant windmills turned slowly, and the broad-winged Anemo Slime Balloons drifted lazily.
The Great Wind Mechanism really is majestic!
The city gates were wide open with people coming and going.
The clamor of voices, the sound of horse hooves, the cries of vendors, and the faint songs drifting from a distant tavern mixed together to form a symphony of daily life.
Even standing at the city gate, one could vaguely see the giant statue at the city’s highest point in the distance:
The massive statue of the Anemo Archon Barbatos stood in the center of the plaza, appearing as if plated in gold by the sunset, looking down upon the city he protected.
“Welcome to Mondstadt, the City of freedom!”
Amber spread his arms, his smile as bright as the most brilliant sunset, his voice filled with pride.
Skirk looked up at this magnificent and familiar city, her heart surging with indescribable emotions.
Excitement, sentimentality, a sense of belonging…
and a hint of an old player’s pride: ‘I’ve finally arrived!’
She nodded vigorously, her purple eyes reflecting the city lights and the evening glow.
After entering the city, Amber led Skirk to the Good Hunter Restaurant by the main road and stuffed all the Mora they had shared from the treasure chest into Skirk’s hands.
“Here, these are for you!”
Amber patted the bulging coin pouch.
“Go to the Good Hunter Restaurant and order some food while you wait for me!
It’s right over there!
Order whatever you want!
I recommend their Specialty—Sticky Honey Roast!
It’s super delicious!
The Satisfying Salad and Fisherman’s Toast are also quite good!
I need to go to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters first to report the situation to Acting Grand Master Jean.
I’ll be back soon!”
Skirk held the heavy coin pouch, and before she could even be moved, her soul was snatched away by the words ‘Sticky Honey Roast.’
Carrots—or ‘cawwots’—can be delicious when done right, and terrible when not.
Obviously, the carrots in Sticky Honey Roast are definitely delicious!
She immediately tossed her gratitude to the back of her mind and nodded with sparkling eyes:
“Mm-hmm!
Go and come back quickly!”
Having said that, she impatiently rushed toward the restaurant’s location.
Inside the Good Hunter Restaurant, the warm lights and the aroma of food made one feel extremely comfortable.
Skirk unhesitatingly ordered the Sticky Honey Roast recommended by Amber, then added a Pile ‘Em Up and a large glass of Iced Wolfhook Juice.
When the waitress Sara brought out the steaming Sticky Honey Roast, Skirk’s mouth almost started watering.
The thick beast meat steaks were seared just right, their surfaces covered in a layer of crystal-clear Amber honey sauce that emitted a rich sweet fragrance and the fresh scent of carrots.
A few slices of emerald-green carrots garnished the top, accompanied by lightly charred potato wedges on the side.
A double impact on the visual and olfactory senses!
She couldn’t wait to cut a piece and put it in her mouth.
The meat was soft, tender, and juicy.
The sweetness of the honey sauce perfectly seeped into the meat, carrying a subtle charred aroma, while the fresh sweetness of the carrots perfectly neutralized any greasiness.
The potatoes were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, having absorbed the essence of the meat juices and honey sauce.
The deliciousness was doubled!
“Mmh, mmh, mmh—!”