The morning sunlight spilled into the hollow beneath Starfell Valley with a touch of Warmth, yet it could not dissipate the heat on Skirk’s face or the icy void in her heart.
“I’m…
I’m sorry!
Amber!
I’m really, really sorry!”
Skirk bounced off Amber as if she were on springs, scrambling up in a flurry of movement.
She bowed repeatedly in apology, her long silver hair swinging with every motion, her cheeks as red as a ripe Sunsettia.
“I…
I didn’t do it on purpose!
My sleeping posture is just terrible!
Really!
I promise next time…
ah, no!
There won’t be a next time!”
She was incoherent, wishing she could carve the words “I’m not a pervert” onto her forehead.
Amber looked at this “cold and elegant beauty” who was now as flustered as a child caught doing something wrong, despite the somewhat delicate position they had been in.
The slight annoyance he felt from being crushed awake instantly vanished, replaced by a mixture of amusement and…
…affection.
Amnesia, being kidnapped by Hilichurls to work as a shower attendant, blushing and nervously spraying water at the slightest thing, and now even sleeping so restlessly…
This girl, though beautiful and possessing mysterious power, had a heart that was far too fragile and insecure, didn’t she?
She was like a frightened little rabbit—no, even a rabbit wasn’t this easy to startle.
Amber couldn’t help but laugh again, a gentle and inclusive smile this time.
He stood up, stretching his legs which had gone a bit numb from being used as a pillow, and then, with a very natural, big-brotherly comfort, he reached out…
And gently rubbed Skirk’s fluffy silver head as she stood there with her head bowed in apology!
“Alright, alright, it’s okay!”
Amber’s voice carried the Warmth of the morning light, his Amber eyes curving into crescents.
“I know you didn’t mean it.
Seeing you so nervous makes it look like I’m bullying you.
You’ve lost your memory and you’re all alone out here; it’s only normal to be scared and unable to sleep soundly!”
Skirk: “!!!”
She…
she was getting a Head Pat?!
Amber’s palm was warm and soft, his movements gentle as he rubbed the top of her head.
This gesture, full of doting and soothing intent, was like a super critical hit right to Skirk’s heart!
A massive, indescribable tingling sensation instantly spread from the top of her head throughout her entire body!
Her heartbeat once again accelerated uncontrollably!
The temperature of her cheeks had just begun to drop, but now it flared up with even greater intensity!
She was even redder than during her previous moment of social death!
“Ahhh!
A Head Pat!
It’s Amber’s Head Pat!
I’m dying!”
“…Wait!
No!
Silky!
Wake up!
You are Skirk now!
You’re an adult who looks taller (actually not) and more mature (this part is true) than Amber!
What’s with being patted on the head like a child?
I’m not a kid!
I’m not!”
Skirk screamed internally, but her body was frozen in place like a cat dazed from being stroked, completely forgetting to pull away.
On that cold, mature face, only a blank stare and a deep flush remained.
[Ding!
Detection of host receiving strong’soothing physical contact’!
Soul synchronization +0.01%!
Warm reminder: Host’s current expression management has gone out of control.
Suggesting a reload of the ‘Cold and Aloof’ module.
Failed.
Loading ‘Steam Girl’ module…
Load successful!
(✪ω✪)]
The system reported the “good news” at just the right time.
“Reload your head!
What ‘Steam Girl’!
Turn it off!
Turn it off now!”
Skirk roared in her mind, finally regaining some motor control.
She abruptly pulled her neck back, dodging Amber’s hand, her voice carrying a trembling note of embarrassment and annoyance:
“I…
I’m not a child!
Don’t rub my head!”
Amber looked at Skirk’s embarrassed and annoyed state—clearly resistant yet appearing completely non-threatening due to her blushing face—and found it even more amusing, laughing even harder:
“Okay, okay, not a child.
Miss Skirk is an adult!
Let’s go, it’s dawn, we should head back to Mondstadt!
Acting Grand Master Jean and Kaeya and the others must be worried…
well, they probably don’t know you yet, but it’s fine!
The Knights of Favonius will help you!”
He very naturally took hold of Skirk’s slightly cool wrist—not her hand, but her wrist, as Amber indicated he temporarily had a bit of a psychological shadow regarding ‘water’—and led the still-dazed Skirk down the mountain toward Mondstadt.
Being pulled by Amber’s warm hand, Skirk followed along dizzily.
[Ding!
‘Newbie Guide: Strength Improvement (1)’ reward is now active!
Host may attempt to feel the abundant power within!
Hydro element control has significantly improved!]
The system’s notification sounded again, and this time Skirk noticed.
Her strength had increased?
She subconsciously mobilized the Abyssal Power within her body.
Buzz!
A cool power, far clearer, stronger, and smoother than before, instantly surged to her fingertips!
She could feel that if she wanted to now, the Water Arrows she condensed could definitely knock down an Onix…
Ah, no, I mean that Mitachurl!
At the very least, she could take down three wild boars; it was on a completely different level than the water ball that could only wet a stone!
“Now this is more like it!”
Skirk’s spirits rose.
Her previous sense of shame was diluted by this newly acquired power, and she even felt a bit eager to try it out.
“Hmph, next time I meet a Hilichurl, let’s see who dares to make me a showerhead!”
The little person inside her was laughing with hands on hips; she suddenly felt capable again!
She felt like she was walking with trail effects!
(Not really.)
Even though she was still being pulled by Amber.
[Host, confidence is a good thing, but please do not let it go to your head.
A wild boar’s combat power is for reference only and does not include the Great Snowboar King.
Also, please do not randomly’squirt water’ inside Mondstadt to test its power, or you will face the consequences.
(￣へ￣)]
The system timely poured cold water on her.
“Stop nagging!”
Skirk snapped back internally, but her mood had clearly improved.
The sense of security brought by her power made even Amber’s back look cute to her.
Hmph!
Now you know who’s boss!
The two of them descended along the mountain path.
The morning breeze was refreshing, and the iconic silhouette of Mondstadt’s windmills became clearer and clearer.
According to Amber’s plan, they should bypass the vast open ruins of the ancient site known as the “Thousand Winds Temple” and take the safer trade route back to the city.
However, when Skirk’s gaze swept over those magnificent broken walls and ruins bathed in the golden morning light, she couldn’t move.
Great stone pillars stood tall, and the ruined dome spoke of former glory.
In the depths of the ruins, there even seemed to be a mysterious entrance leading underground…
This scene perfectly overlapped with the Thousand Winds Temple she had explored multiple times on her main and alt accounts in the game!
“Amber!
Amber!”
Skirk grabbed Amber’s wrist in return, pointing excitedly at the ruins.
Her mature voice, which no longer sounded so cold, was full of childlike eagerness.
“There!
Can we go take a look?
It looks so grand!
So mysterious!
Maybe…
maybe we can find some clues to recover my memory?”
She tried hard to blink her deep purple eyes, attempting to put on a “thirst for knowledge” look, but the light shining in her eyes was purely “I want to go play!”
Amber stopped and looked in the direction Skirk was pointing, his delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly.
“The Thousand Winds Temple?
Although the terrain is open and there aren’t usually any powerful monsters there, it is an ancient ruin after all, so it’s a bit…”
He looked at Skirk’s bright, expectant eyes, and the refusal that had reached his lips was swallowed back down.
Sigh, what could he do?
She was currently an “amnesiac,” “pitiful,” and “somewhat cute” girl.
Besides, an Outrider’s duties also included patrolling such places…
“Alright, alright,”
Amber smiled helplessly and compromised.
“But we can only take a quick look.
We can’t go deep, and you have to stay close to me, okay?”
“Mhm, mhm!
I’ll definitely stay close!”
Skirk nodded like a woodpecker, her heart cheering with joy:
“Yay!
Exploring ruins!
My youth is back!”
The two of them entered the Thousand Winds Temple ruins.
The massive stone pillars cast long shadows, and the morning mist had not yet fully dissipated, adding a touch of tranquility and ancient sorrow to the ruins.
Skirk was like a curious baby, touching this and looking at that.
Relying on the memories of her past life (the game), she soon discovered some clues.
“Amber!
Amber!
Quick, look up there!”
She pointed to the top of a broken pillar high up in the ruins, where an inconspicuous, dust-covered circular device was embedded, with a faint pyro rune mark in the center.
“That one!
And that one over there!
And the one behind the pillar!”
She pointed out three other Pyro Mechanisms in similar positions.
Amber looked in the direction she was pointing, somewhat surprised.
“Eh?
You’re quite sensitive to these mechanisms, aren’t you?
These are ancient elemental mechanisms.
I’ve seen them before, but they don’t seem to do anything…”
“Just try it!
Use your pyro arrows to shoot them!”
Skirk urged, her eyes shining brilliantly.
“Maybe something fun will happen?
Like…
opening a treasure door?”
She tried hard to recall the effects of activating these mechanisms in the game.
Although she couldn’t remember exactly which door they opened, there would definitely be a reaction!
Amber was infected by Skirk’s excitement, and his own curiosity as an Outrider was piqued.
He nodded.
“Alright, I’ll give it a try.
Step back a bit.”
Amber drew his uniquely designed Favonius Warbow, and fiery pyro energy gathered at his fingertips, condensing into a Burning arrow.
“Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!”
Three fire arrows hit the high Pyro Mechanisms with unerring precision!
Buzz—!
The pyro runes on the mechanisms instantly lit up, emitting a dazzling light!
The entire ruins seemed to vibrate slightly, and a low humming sound echoed in the air.
Skirk held her breath, looking around expectantly.
According to the usual tropes, a treasure chest or a hidden passage should appear now, right?
However…
several seconds passed.
The humming sound disappeared, and the light of the runes gradually faded.
The ruins returned to their peaceful state.
Nothing happened.
The wind continued to blow through the broken walls, and seagulls cried in the distance.
“Uh…”
The excitement on Skirk’s face froze, turning into the dazed expression of a certain Childe from next door.
“Why was there no reaction?
Did I remember wrong?
Or is the reality of Teyvat different from the game?”
Amber also lowered his bow and shrugged.
“See, I told you it was useless.
These mechanisms probably broke a long time ago.”
Dammit!
Skirk lay on the ground in defeat and fell fast asleep.
Amber: “???”