Genshin Impact fanfiction: A different kind of Paimon.

Mondstadt Part 5

The quartet of would-be adventurers made their way to a small hill that provided a good view of the city of Mondstadt. This wasn't the first time that Lumine had witnessed a fantasy city, but each time she did, she felt like it was something new and fresh. It was a different kind of feel and atmosphere even if they were remarkably similar. Mondstadt reminded the traveler much of the more relaxed and peaceful fairy tale world cities she and Aether had visited. Yet in Mondstadt's case, it was something more; it felt like she was home and safe, despite the fact she didn't know much.

A traveler's instincts are sharp. Especially one that has been to many worlds and wandered many places. Lumine could tell just by looking that she would like this place. Perhaps, that is the whole feel that Venti was going for.

Rapidly climbing the hill, the group came across what looked to be a well-established camp. Wooden walls lined the outer edges while strange creatures wielding clubs, stolen swords, and crossbows wandered about from the inside. Particularly around a fire roasting some freshly coated boar. Lumine examined them, she saw these creatures before, from diagrams and documents in Paimon's archives.

"Hilichurls?" Lumine asked.

"Yep. I wonder what they're doing so close to the city." Venti replied.
"I thought the Knights would have cleared them out by now."

Amber tried her best to hide the embarrassed look on her face. Paimon stayed by her side, always supporting the young members of the Knights.
Amber replied. "Unfortunately, because of Grandmaster Varka's expedition, the majority of the knights are absent from the city. Right now, the remaining knights are trying their hardest to keep the nation and the city safe."

Amber prepared to strike. Arrows glow and bloom into a small bright sun of elemental power.
"Stormterror, the dragon that's been terrorizing the city and surrounding places, has allowed more of these Hilichurls to come in. This is just one of many camps."

"Ooh, I see." Venti replied. He brought out his bow.
"So, we clear them out, then we can get to the city?"

"Yes. Please stay here for now, I'll take care of it."

Paimon looked at Venti with an unimpressed face. There was no way that the Archon in disguise didn't know all of this already. Not unless he was an incompetent buffoon.
Lumine could only surmise that; Venti was asking all of this for her sake. How very courteous.

"Nah, nah, nah." Lumine twirled her sword, cold steel thirsting for the thrill of battle.
"I'm gonna help you."

"Huh?" Amber looked surprised. "But you're a guest of the city, one of Paimon's friends. Please, let me take care of it."

Lumine chuckled.
"You misunderstand. I'm not just gonna let a threat grow, not when it could threaten us in the future. Besides, you guys are helping me already, yeah? Think of this as me returning the favor, it's the least I can do."

Amber was about to protest, but Paimon placed her hand on her. The archivist gave the outrider a nod and a confident smile, signaling her approval of the idea.

"Hmm... Alright then! In that case; prepare for battle!"

Paimon floated by Lumine.
"About Hilichurls; these guys are strong of heart. They might look dumb, but trust Paimon, they aren't as dumb as people say they are."
Her smile never faded.
"Paimon will heal you."

Without warning, Venti stepped forward and with incredible precision expected of an Archon, started to rain down attacks upon the foe.

Two Hilichurls with crossbows were knocked out of the action, their bodies littering the field. The rest of the group looked around them, stunned, and scrambling to reach their weapons, knocking over food and water. As the Hilichurls found the source of their woes, Venti took out another pair.