Genshin Impact: A Fool

As he left, the guards looked at each other and furrowed their eyebrows, "A mere boy... Was chased by the Abyss Order? Just what's up with the boy?"

"I have no idea. Let Grand Master Varka handle it. With him around, there's nothing to worry about."

As Heins wandered the streets of Mondstadt, he marveled at the lively atmosphere that permeated every corner.

The people of Mondstadt were warm and jovial, their laughter and chatter filling the air like a symphony of joy. Heins couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, a connection to these strangers who welcomed him with open arms.

He made his way towards the Angel's Share tavern, drawn by the enticing aroma of roasted meat and the sound of lively music.

As he pushed open the heavy wooden door, he was greeted by a bustling tavern filled with patrons from all walks of life. Travelers, merchants, and even a few Knights of Favonius sat at the rough-hewn tables, drinking and socializing in the warm glow of the tavern's lanterns.

Heins took a seat at the bar, drawing the attention of the bartender, a jovial man with a thick beard and a hearty laugh. "What can I get for you, boy?" he asked, wiping down the counter with a rag.

"I... I don't have any money," Heins admitted, feeling a pang of embarrassment. "But I was hoping I could trade some information for a meal and a place to rest for the night. I've had a long journey, and I'm in need of both."

The bartender raised an eyebrow, but his expression remained friendly.

"Aye, I've heard tales of a boy fleeing the Abyss Order," he said, leaning in closer. "You're him, ain't ya? The one the guards were talking about?"

Heins nodded, surprised that news of his arrival had spread so quickly. "I am," he said, "and I swear, every word is true. I need help, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn it."

The bartender studied Heins for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright, lad," he said, "I'll give you a meal and a place to rest for the night. But you'll have to speak to the Guild Master of the Favonius Knights in the morning. He'll want to hear your story straight from the horse's mouth, as they say."

Heins felt a wave of relief wash over him as the bartender set a hearty meal before him - a thick, juicy steak, roasted potatoes, and a mug of frothy ale. He dug in with gusto, realizing just how hungry he had become after his harrowing ordeal.

As he ate, Heins couldn't help but notice the curious glances and whispers from the tavern's patrons, particularly the young girls and women.

He shrugged it off, attributing it to his disheveled appearance and the rumors of his encounter with the Abyss Order. He couldn't imagine that anyone would be attracted to him in his current state.

Little did Heins know, his arrival in Mondstadt would set in motion a chain of events. The Favonius Knights would investigate his claims, and the truth of his encounter with the Abyss Mage would come to light. And as for the whispers and glances from the tavern's patrons, well... that was a story for another time.

After a heartful night, morning came.

Heins woke up in a trance as he groaned, his eyes glared by the sunlight. He lifted a hand to block it off as he sat up and took a breath of fresh air.

Birds chirped incessantly outside while people bustled about, since Angel's Share is located near the marketplace.

The last time he had things like these to greet him in the morning... Who knew when that happened?

Chuckling to himself, Heins quickly hopped out of bed and took a refreshing bath. Soon, he came out naked and began to wear his outfit. The bartender offered to sew his clothes last night, saying that his story was interesting enough. Heins swore to repay this favor.

As he left the inn room and went down, he was surprised when the Favonius Knights were already there, with some taking the moment to enjoy breakfast.

In their lead...

...Was a little girl, surprisingly.

The girl is stern yet beautiful. She is slender yet seems tough, with long, light blonde hair in a ponytail and blue eyes enhancing the sight. She was cladded in plate armor with an extra insignia on her shoulder plate, perhaps a statement of her status.

As his steps hit against the stairs, some knights looked over and called out, "Miss Jean, the perpetrator has arrived. Let's conduct our interrogation!"

Jean turned around, her stern, beautiful little face frowned. But her eyes were bright as she took in the appearance of the handsome boy before her. It didn't matter, but personally, her first impression of him was already good.

"What is your name?"

Heins smiled politely as he bent his spine forward lightly, not underestimating the girl at all despite her young look, "Greetings, Favonius Knights. I am Fool, a young wonderer with a foolish dream and a fool's antic. It's nice to meet you all."

Jean nodded, "Your name is strange, but likewise. I am Jean, a knight-in-training. I was entrusted by Grand Master Varka to escort you to the Knight of Favonius Headquarters. I hope you can cooperate."

Heins nodded as his crimson eyes glimmered, inciting sparks from some young girls in the bar. No longer disheveled, as always, his looks always brought unnecessary attention from the opposite sex.

Perhaps if he's an adult, young women, while attracted, would act with subtlety and would be conservative about it. But young girls don't know that.

Thus, Jean and her corp, which was made up of her seniors, escorted Heins out of the building and intended to bring him to the Knight of Favonius Headquarters. Along the way, Jean incited some talks,

"So, Fool, you are a wanderer despite being so young. Didn't your parents disagree with that?"

Jean was still a knight-in-training and was confined by her mother in the vicinity of Mondstadt. Her mother always warned her to never go outside the city before the Grand Master Varka deemed her worthy.

Her curious blue eyes cast on him as the boy smiled wryly, "Miss Jean, I am an orphan. However, a very kind and strong woman took me in despite our unrelated relationship and trained me into the warrior I've become. A warrior strong enough to transversed Teyvat undeterred."

Jean's face was donning a guilty look, yet her eyes shone as she listened to his story, "I apologize... But Fool, you must be very amazing to travel Teyvat undeterred despite your young age. Especially that woman. She must be very skilled and loving."

Some knights, who whispered to each other with amusement as they watched the stern little Jean talk to the handsome boy, also chimed in, "Indeed. Even a Squad Captain of the Knight of Favonius wouldn't dare to claim that they are undeterred in the perilous landscape of Teyvat. You're very impressive, young one!"

One chirped out cheekily, "Miss Jean would like to learn from you! How about that? Let me tell you, Miss Jean is quite cute and also strong! She's definitely qualified!"

Jean's cheeks flushed slightly as she realized the knights were noticing her interest in the outsider boy. She quickly tried to regain her composure, not wanting to seem unprofessional.

"Enough," Jean said, her voice taking on a more authoritative tone. "Tell me more about this Abyss Mage. You say you killed it single-handedly? That's quite a feat for someone your age."

Heins merely smiled, his handsome face contorted up in a conflicted look. "Indeed, I did. It was a close call, but I managed to outsmart the mage. I did it while it was careless. Well, a fight for your life is very intense, don't you think so?"

Jean's eyes widened in surprise and a hint of admiration. "A life and death battle? That's impressive. Most people would have fled in terror."

Heins shook his head. "In the wilderness, heroic deeds and merits have no meaning. One must strive for one thing, and that is to survive. A wanderer is not a wondrous fantasy, but one with perilous situations and dangers. We consider compliments as warnings, while we take in critics as words of wisdom. A survivalist has to do everything to survive. There are also circumstances where you cannot simply fled. Circumstances that forced you to fight. And that moment... Was one of them."

Jean nodded slowly, considering his words. "You make a good point. Being a wanderer is not an easy path. Unlike us knights who could back up each other, a wanderer must depend on themselves."

She studied Heins more closely now, seeing him in a new light. He was more than just a handsome boy; he was a capable and resourceful individual who had faced the wilderness and emerged successfully.

Jean felt a strange fluttering sensation in her chest, a feeling she had never experienced before. She quickly pushed it aside, not wanting to dwell on it too much.

"Tell me, Fool," Jean said, leaning forward slightly. "What brings you to Mondstadt? Surely you didn't come all this way just to fight a single Abyss Mage?"

Heins hesitated for a moment before answering honestly, well, not quite, "I have my reasons. But for now, I'm just a traveler, seeking to learn and grow. Mondstadt seems like a good place to start."

Jean nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It is. Mondstadt welcomes all who wish to learn and grow. Perhaps you'll find what you're looking for here."

As Jean spoke, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of Heins staying in Mondstadt. She told herself it was because his testimony would be valuable to the Knights, but deep down, she knew there was more to it than that.

The knights watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and curiosity. They had never seen Jean so engaged with an outsider before, especially not one so young and handsome.

Thus, they finally arrived. The structure of Knight of Favonius Headquarters was a sight to behold. Heins's eyes were in awe as he followed the knights into the building. Jean smiled proudly, the same with her senior corp.

Soon, he was brought to a more enclosed room, and the interrogation began.

Here, Heins did not hesitate to tell everything, except for the mysterious books that he discovered in the ruins. He had long kept those books in secret.

He heard that the Headquarters had its own library with its own librarian. Perhaps he could visit it once he was fully trusted by the Favonius Knights and let the librarian study them. Two heads are better than one.

As Heins coldly explained the occurrence, the knights were in awe. A boy so young was so decisive and ruthless? He was also handsome and quite tall too, for an eleven years old.

They glanced at each other, noticing the envious look in their eyes. What were they doing at his age? Doing some mischief?

The boy was way too impressive. Just look at the beaming Jean!

"Hoho! A boy killed an Abyss Mage?! Fool, is it? I heard you are strong!" Suddenly, a boisterous laugh boomed out from outside, and a heroic man cladded in silver plate armor stepped into the room. He looked like an uncle, but one could see an aura that no ordinary could have. It's the aura of the strong.

The knights immediately bowed down and saluted, "We greet the Grand Master Varka!"

The Grand Master, Varka, smiled as he waved his hands, "At ease,"

"So, are you interested in having a spar with me?" Varka grinned as he appeared before Heins, surprising the boy. The Grand Master... He is not simple!

Heins looked up at the towering figure of Grand Master Varka, his eyes widening slightly at the sheer presence the man commanded. He could feel the aura of strength radiating off the Grand Master, a power that was almost tangible.

Heins stood up from his seat, his small frame still having to crane his neck to look up at Varka. Despite the size difference, Heins didn't seem intimidated. The Tsaritsa was a hegemon, and while Varka's presence was intense, he looked way more friendly compared to the Tsaritsa's indifferent, icy look.

"This humble wanderer greets the Grand Master Varka," Heins said, his voice steady and clear. "It's an honor to meet you. As for your offer, I appreciate the gesture, but I'm not sure if sparring with you would be wise... at least, not yet."

Varka raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not wise? Or not smart?" he teased, his deep voice echoing slightly in the room.

Heins met Varka's gaze, a small boyish smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "A bit of both, perhaps. I may be young, but I'm not foolish enough to think I could match the strength of the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius."

Heins paused for a moment before continuing, "However, If I had the chance to learn from you directly, I have no doubt I could grow stronger."

Jean watched the exchange with a mix of awe and nervousness. She had never seen anyone, let alone a child, speak to Varka with such boldness. A part of her wanted to scold Heins for his impudence, but another part of her admired his courage.

Varka threw his head back and laughed, a hearty sound that filled the room. "You're a clever one, aren't you? Very well, I'll make you a deal. Train with us, learn from us, and prove yourself worthy of the acknowledgment of us, Knights of Favonius. And when you've grown stronger, come find me. I'll be happy to have a proper spar with you."

Heins furrowed his eyes, with thoughts and speculations riddling his mind. In the end, he merely bowed in respect. "You have a deal, Grand Master Varka. I look forward to it."

Jean felt a strange mix of emotions at this exchange. She was proud of Heins for standing his ground against Varka, but she also felt a twinge of something else, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

Was it jealousy? No, that couldn't be right. She hardly knew Heins. But there was something about his composure, his boldness, that drew her to him.

The other Knights watched the scene unfold with a mix of surprise and amusement. They had never seen anyone, let alone a child, speak to Varka with such ease. It was clear that this outsider boy was no ordinary person.

After a few casual exchanges with the Grand Master, Heins was deemed free. It was obvious that the Grand Master had also suspected the unclaimed land of Yhers. His exchange with Heins finally confirmed his suspicion.

As for Heins, he was escorted by Jean as they explored the city of Mondstadt. There are so many beautiful places in Mondstadt, such as Starfell Lake, Windrise, Springvale, Favonius Cathedral, Favonius Library, and Thousand Winds Temple.

However, when they passed the Cathedral and met a man and a little girl with the same features as hers, Jean's face turned quite sour, and she hurriedly brought him away. Heins did not ask, since it was not in his place to do so.

Soon, the sun quickly nestled comfortably on the west. Heins and Jean arrived on Windrise, where a beautiful, big tree resided.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the meadow, Jean couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. She had brought Heins to Windrise, one of her favorite places in all of Mondstadt, but the sight of the little girl and her father at the Cathedral had left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Jean tried to push those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the beauty of the legendary tree before them. She turned to Heins, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Fool, Fool, do you see that tree? It was the legendary tree planted by Vennessa herself! The Hero who had freed Mondstadt from the cruel reign one thousand years ago!"

Heins listened to Jean's excited explanation, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He could see the awe and reverence in her eyes as she spoke of the legendary figure. The sunset illuminated Heins's face, casting a soft glow that seemed to make his features even more striking.

As the two younglings chatted, the beauty of Windrise seemed to envelop them. The vast green meadow stretched out before them, dotted with wildflowers and swaying grass. The legendary tree stood tall and proud, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

Jean felt a sense of peace wash over her as she stood there with Heins. There was something about his presence that made her feel safe and at ease.

She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she knew that she enjoyed his company.

Thus, the two younglings chatted as they enjoyed the sight of the beautiful tree and the sunset. Windrise is a beautiful vast green meadow, one that Heins found exceptionally gorgeous.

Perhaps the Tsaritsa had many more meanings when she decreed him to embark on a journey, more than just a mere trial.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, Jean turned to Heins, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Race you to the edge of the meadow!" she challenged, already taking off running.

Heins laughed, the sound echoing through the meadow as he chased after Jean. The two younglings raced through the tall grass, their laughter mingling with the gentle rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds.

In that moment, all of Jean's worries and fears seemed to melt away. She felt free, alive, and happy. And as she glanced back at Heins, still chasing after her with a wide grin on his face, she couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, he was the reason for that.

The sun had set, and the stars began to peek out from the darkening sky. The legendary tree stood tall and proud, a silent guardian watching over the two younglings as they played in the meadow.

Tomorrow, Morning.

As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, its rays illuminated the training yard of the Knights of Favonius.

The air was filled with the clashing of swords, the grunts of exertion, and the occasional cheer of encouragement. It was here that Heins stood, his crimson eyes cold and indifferent as he surveyed the scene before him.

Jean had mentioned a few individuals he should take note of, and Heins had listened intently.

His gaze fell upon a young knight named Diluc, one of the most promising in the order alongside Jean herself, perhaps even better than her. Diluc's red hair, tied into a low ponytail, swayed as he moved with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior.

His Pyro Vision flared, a constant reminder of the power he wielded. Diluc's eyes, also a striking red, sparkled with hope and determination as he trained, a smirk playing on his lips.

Nearby, Heins spotted a boy around his own age, laughing and sparring with Diluc. This was Kaeya, the adopted son of Diluc's father.

His tanned complexion and navy-blue hair, streaked with lighter blue, stood out amidst the sea of Mondstadt's fair-skinned inhabitants. A waist-length lock of hair fell from the left side of his scalp, a distinctive feature that marked him as unique.

Heins nodded. They indeed look quite capable, despite their age comparable to his own. It seems like he must not be lax in his training.

Unsheathing his trusty sword, Heins's Electro Vision exploded from the blade in a thunderous purple beam. His figure moved in a deadly dance, the sword a mere extension of his arm. It was clear that Heins's swordsmanship was not about elegance or form, but about one thing and one thing alone - to kill.

From a distance, Jean watched in awe as Heins trained. The sheer intensity and murderous intent behind his strikes never failed to amaze her. This was no mere boy; this was a trained wanderer, honed by the Fatui to survive at any cost.

Hours passed, and still, Heins showed no signs of slowing down. His training was a testament to the rigorous discipline and conditioning he had endured under Arlecchino's guidance.

The Knights of Favonius were skilled warriors, but Heins moved with a ferocity and single-minded purpose that set him apart.

As the training session drew to a close, many of the knights gathered around, amazed by Heins's relentless intensity and the sheer devastation left in his wake.

Whispers of admiration and unease circulated among the crowd, realizing that they had just witnessed something truly extraordinary.

Jean approached Heins, a mix of awe and concern in her eyes.

As she looked at him, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for this young wanderer, now a part of Mondstadt's defenses.

As he took in rapid breaths, Heins noticed the approaching little Jean and his handsome boyish face showed a gentle smile, "Ah, so it's Miss Jean. What's the matter?"

Jean blinked in surprise at Heins's gentle smile, a stark contrast to the indifference and murderous intent she had witnessed during his intense training session. She coughed nervously, still slightly awestruck by the transformation in his demeanor.

"Y-you're right, I apologize for my nervousness," Jean stammered, straightening her posture. "It's just... I've never seen anyone train with such relentless intensity before. Not even the most senior knights of Favonius can match your stamina and skill."

Heins chuckled, his handsome face softening further as he regarded Jean with a playful smirk. "Think nothing of it, Miss Jean. My Mistress trained me to push my body and mind to their absolute limits. Three hours of intense training is merely a warm-up for what I endure daily."

He paused, his expression turning serious for a moment. "I understand your unease about my murderous intent, but I assure you, it is not something you need to fear. It is reserved solely for those who I deem my enemies, those who threaten the ones I hold dear."

With a fluid motion, Heins sheathed his sword, the thunderous hum of his Electro Vision fading away. He turned his full attention to Jean, his crimson eyes now warm and almost playful.

"And you, Miss Jean, are one of the few people in Mondstadt whom I consider a true friend and confidant. Surely, as a knight-in-training, you cannot be so easily cowed by a little killing intent?"

Heins's smirk widened, a challenging glint in his eye. "If you wish to become a true knight of Favonius, you must cultivate a spirit unyielding in the face of adversity. My killing intent is but a small test of that resolve."

Jean felt a flicker of determination spark within her at Heins's words. She knew he was right - as a future knight of Favonius, she could not afford to be so easily intimidated. Squaring her shoulders, she met Heins's gaze with a newfound sense of courage.

"You're right, Heins. I apologize for my momentary lapse. I won't let a little thing like killing intent deter me from my path." Jean smiled back at him, a glimmer of her usual warmth returning to her eyes. "Thank you for the reminder and for your friendship. It means a great deal to me."

Jean also invited him to go to the Dawn Winery, a tavern owned by Diluc's father. As she did so, Diluc and Kaeya heard of their conversation and came over, while looking at Heins curiously.

Diluc interjected, "Miss Jean, why don't you introduce us to your new acquaintance?"

Kaeya also chimed in, with an amused smirk on his face, "Could this be your new boyfriend, Miss Jean? I don't know about you, but I see that he is quite a fit, don't you think so?"

Heins looked at them in surprise. He chuckled when he heard of Kaeya's playful jab, "Well, what can I say? Miss Jean is quite graceful indeed, but she's someone I, a mere wanderer, cannot pursue," Heins melodramatically shook his head in regret, inciting a chuckle from Kaeya. Diluc also shook his head as he chuckled.

Jean felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as the three boys laughed at her expense. She gritted her teeth, trying to maintain some semblance of composure.

"Fool is not my boyfriend, you fools!" Jean snapped, her voice rising above their mirth. "I was merely inviting him to join us at the Dawn Winery. Diluc's father established it, after all."

Diluc, still chuckling, held up his hands in mock surrender. "Apologies, Miss Jean. We didn't mean any harm. It's just... the way you two were talking, we couldn't help but tease you a little."

Kaeya grinned, his navy-blue hair falling over one eye as he leaned in closer to Heins. "You're a lucky boy, wanderer. Miss Jean doesn't usually take such a keen interest in outsiders. Must be your charming personality... or perhaps your impressive combat skills?"

Heins laughed, a rich and genuine sound that cut through the tension. "I assure you, my charms are not as impressive as they seem. As for my skills, well... I've had a strict teacher and many years of grueling training."

Turning to Jean, Heins offered her a warm smile. "But I would be delighted to accompany you to the Dawn Winery, Miss Jean. It's always a pleasure to sample the finest Mondstadt has to offer, in wine and company alike."

Jean felt her blush deepen at Heins's words, but she nodded nonetheless. "Excellent. Let's be off then. I believe a break from training is in order for us all."

As the group made their way towards the Dawn Winery, Diluc fell into step beside Heins, his red eyes appraising the wanderer with a mix of respect and curiosity.

"You're not like any outsider I've met before," Diluc remarked, his voice low. "What brings you to Mondstadt, if I may ask? And what's your connection to Miss Jean?"

Heins met Diluc's gaze, his own crimson eyes reflecting the knight's intensity. "I am here to aid the Knights of Favonius, as requested by your own leader. As for Miss Jean... I suppose you could say she has become a valuable ally and confidant. Someone I trust implicitly in this strange new land."

Diluc nodded slowly, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes. "I see. Well, welcome to Mondstadt, Fool. I look forward to seeing what you can do."

With that, the group entered the tavern, ready to indulge in some well-earned respite and camaraderie. The atmosphere inside was lively and warm, filled with the chatter of patrons and the clink of glasses. It was a far cry from the intense training yard, but a welcome change of pace for the weary customers.