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Chapter 11

The group's next destination was Mondstadt, the City of Freedom. Neuvillette led the way as their airship soared above Fontaine's tranquil waters, leaving behind the nation of justice to seek answers in the land of anemo.

Furina stood at the airship's bow, the wind tousling her short white hair. "Mondstadt," she mused aloud. "A place where people sing their troubles away. I wonder what secrets it hides."

Beside her, Yoshika remained silent, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Though she rarely voiced her thoughts, her sharp eyes absorbed everything.

Arlecchino, seated nearby, sharpened her scythe with practiced ease. "Don't underestimate Mondstadt's seemingly carefree nature," she warned. "Every nation hides its darkness."

"Speaking from experience?" Furina asked, smirking.

Arlecchino's only response was a faint smirk of her own.

As the airship docked at Mondstadt's harbor, they were greeted by a cool breeze and the faint melody of a bard's song carried on the wind. The towering statue of Barbatos loomed in the distance, its serene expression watching over the city.

Neuvillette addressed the group. "We'll split up to gather information. Furina, Yoshika, you'll explore the city. Arlecchino and I will investigate the outskirts. Report anything unusual."

Furina raised an eyebrow. "Pairing me with Yoshika, are we? Bold choice, Neuvillette."

Yoshika simply turned and began walking, her spear glinting in the sunlight. "Keep up, Furina."

Furina sighed dramatically but followed, her steps light as they entered the bustling city streets.

---

The two wandered through Mondstadt, their contrasting personalities drawing attention. Furina chatted animatedly with shopkeepers and townsfolk, while Yoshika observed silently, her mere presence enough to command respect.

In the marketplace, a cheerful young bard approached them, his lyre slung over his shoulder. "Greetings, travelers! Welcome to Mondstadt. Might I offer you a tune to lift your spirits?"

Furina clapped her hands. "Oh, how delightful! Play something dramatic, full of intrigue and betrayal."

The bard chuckled and began strumming a lively tune, drawing a small crowd. Furina twirled gracefully, her movements surprisingly elegant despite her theatrical flair.

Yoshika watched, her expression unreadable, though her dark pink eyes softened slightly.

When the performance ended, Furina bowed to the applause, then turned to Yoshika with a playful grin. "Your turn, dancer. Show Mondstadt your talent."

Yoshika hesitated but stepped forward, her spear in hand. She began a mesmerizing routine, her movements fluid and precise, each step and strike a perfect blend of grace and power. The crowd watched in awe, entranced by her performance.

As she finished, a hush fell over the audience before erupting into applause. Furina joined in, her eyes gleaming with genuine admiration.

"You never cease to amaze," Furina said softly.

Yoshika met her gaze, her voice equally soft. "And you never fail to surprise."

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of bells tolling from the cathedral. Furina's smile faded. "Something's wrong."

Yoshika nodded, her grip on her spear tightening. "Let's find the others."

---

Meanwhile, at the outskirts of Mondstadt, Neuvillette and Arlecchino discovered a strange phenomenon near a cluster of ancient ruins. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, and the ground was marked with symbols similar to those found in Fontaine's cavern.

"This confirms it," Neuvillette said, his tone grim. "The same force is at work here."

Arlecchino frowned, her scythe resting against her shoulder. "Then we're running out of time."

Before they could investigate further, a figure emerged from the shadows-a cloaked individual wielding a staff that radiated dark energy.

"You shouldn't have come," the figure said, their voice low and distorted.

Neuvillette stepped forward, summoning a torrent of water. "We seek answers, not conflict. But if you stand in our way, we will not hesitate."

The figure responded by striking the ground with their staff, sending a wave of dark energy surging toward them. Neuvillette raised a barrier of water, while Arlecchino charged forward, her scythe cutting through the shadowy attack.

The clash began, each side testing the other's strength as the echoes of battle carried on the wind.

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖨𝗍 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖻𝖾 𝖮𝖮𝖢 𝗂𝗆 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗅:((