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A low grunt left Aether’s lips as he checked the drops the defeated cryo regisvine left for him.
Frustration was obvious on his face with his furrowed brows and frowning lips. How red his cheeks were, not out of bashfulness, but of irritation. How could he not be frustrated though?
For hours, days - weeks even - he had farmed. From domains to bosses, Aether had spent so much of his original resin already.
Oftentimes waiting for the damn thing to finish regenerating. He wasn’t willing to waste much more of his fragile resin if his luck would only get him such awful drops. It made him wonder whether this was what Bennett felt like with his horrible luck.
Must be.
“Ahh, this sucks,” Aether grumbled before sighing exasperatedly.
In his hold was another useless artifact.
A gold hourglass with a defense mainstat, and even more awful substats. With them being ones of defense and health.
Not a single critical damage or critical rate stat in sight. Even a common attack stat wasn’t found.
This was something Aether found unfair as he teleported back to Mondstadt using the nearest teleport waypoint. A disappointed expression visible on his face as he ordered a few chicken mushroom skewers from the Good Hunter.
Paimon popping out by his side at the scent of food, “Paimon’s very hungry, Aether. Let’s go eat something first before fighting the cryo regisvine again.”
“Okay, okay…” Aether bit his inner cheek as he paid for the food he bought.
Afterwards, giving half of his meal to Paimon who happily devoured the food. Scarfing down on it so quickly that if Aether hadn’t been travelling with her for a while now, he would’ve been scared.
Such a tiny body Paimon had. Yet somehow, she manages to consume so much food without gaining any weight.
How was that even possible?
Both Aether and Paimon took a seat by the Good Hunter before beginning to eat. With Aether glumly picking on his food before taking a bite. Seemingly depressed by the look of it.
This was noticed by Kaeya who had been passing by. When he noticed Aether’s somber mood, he decided to check up on the honorary knight. Wondering to himself what the matter was with the usually cheerful Aether.
“Hello, honorary knight. Why do you look so glum? Having a bad day?” Kaeya greeted. His sweet voice gained the attention of Aether who was now pouting.
“It’s nothing serious, really,” Aether replied before taking another bite of his food, “I’m just tired that’s all.”
Kaeya didn’t believe that, at all. But he just shrugged his shoulders before pulling back one of the chairs before the table.
“May I?”
“Go ahead.”
Once Kaeya took a seat, he stared at Aether who still didn’t look all too happy. But he no longer looked as depressed as before. Perhaps it was because of Kaeya’s presence?
The thought sounded ridiculous but Kaeya wanted to believe that it was true. A little self-indulgence never hurt anybody.
He just wouldn’t voice out this thought of his, out of fear of Aether ridiculing him. Not that the honorary knight would ever do such a thing. Aether was always so kind and gentle.
“So, what’s wrong?” Kaeya tried to pry once more. Which left Aether letting out a series of incoherent groans as he clenched his fists.
“Aether’s just sad that he didn’t get any good artifacts again. He’s been fighting the cryo regisvine all week and it has yet to give him some good drops.” It was Paimon who said those words after she had finished eating.
An explanation that Kaeya was grateful for, albeit felt confused about. Making him wonder what Paimon meant by artifacts.
All that came to his mind after hearing those words were the artifacts archeologists found. But he knew that those weren’t the artifacts Paimon was talking about. Plus, he had never once heard of the cryo regisvine dropping artifacts.
If so, a lot of archeologists would’ve been visiting the dangerous flower in the hopes of retrieving some. This was actually the first of which Kaeya has heard of this happening.
How curious.
“Oh? What kind of artifacts did you get then?” Kaeya asked curiously, even if he didn’t know what he was talking about.
“Stupid defense artifacts. They’re no good unless I’m farming for Noelle…” Aether replied, grumbling even more.
Those words only continue to confuse Kaeya who recalled of Noelle. The sweet maid who had always wanted to join the knights of Favonius.
Somehow, still managing to not be able to join. Even if she’s one of - if not, the - most qualified person to join their ranks.
What did Noelle even have to do with these artifacts that seemed to have made the honorary knight depressed?
“I even farmed some domains today before I ran out of resin,” Aether added before letting out a quiet yet exasperated sigh, “I got you some decent artifacts by the way. A two-piece blizzard strayer that took me a week to even get.”
Suddenly, Kaeya was handed a blue flower and a circlet. Causing him to raise a brow at the absurdity of it all.
“What exactly is this?” Kaeya asked as he analyzed the so-called artifacts Aether gave him.
All of this was just so strange.
Aether took another bite of his meal before replying, “Like I said, some decent artifacts. They don’t have defense as the main stat which is okay, I guess. The sub stats are decent too. Sorry I can’t give you the one to two ratio for crit rate and crit damage. I’m trying my best to farm for you but the domains keep giving me horrible artifacts.”
The long explanation left Kaeya staring at Aether with an incredulous look in his eye. With all the words Aether spewed out, Kaeya didn’t understand a single one.
“Paimon thinks Kaeya doesn’t get it.”
“Of course he doesn’t, ugh… If he wasn’t my main dps I swear…”
“I’m just gonna pretend to understand what’s going on. How does that sound?” Kaeya offered sweetly with a hesitant grin on his face.
“Fine, fine. That’s alright…”
While Aether continued to sulk, Kaeya stayed by his side. Still holding onto the artifacts he was given. Even if he didn’t quite understand what they were and what they did.
Eventually, Aether finished eating but still didn’t bother to get up. Opting instead to check out his inventory which only made his frown deepen. Worrying Kaeya, who watched as Aether grew more and more frustrated.
“Don’t worry, Aether. I’m sure you’ll get a decent goblet soon.” Paimon tried to cheer the honorary knight up while also patting his back .
“It’s impossible I tell you!” Aether cried as he showed Paimon his inventory, “Keep in mind that I also need to ascend weapons and level up talents. I don’t have enough time to do all of that for one person, much less five!”
“Oh dear… Hey! Look on the bright side! You have enough materials to forge Chongyun a new claymore!” Paimon exclaimed after looking at Aether’s inventory.
This caused Aether to suddenly gape as a small grin appeared on his lips, “Paimon, you’re right! This is great! Chongyun, don’t worry. I’ll be giving you a brand new weapon soon.”
At this point, Kaeya just shook his head and gave up trying to understand Aether and Paimon’s words. He decided to just observe the two because that’s all that he could seemingly do.
“That’s great then? I’m assuming so,” Kaeya said, to which Aether gripped his hands immediately.
Shocking Kaeya as he watched Aether stare at him with a serious expression on his face. One that wasn’t commonly seen on his usually friendly features.
“Don’t worry, Kaeya. I’m not replacing you. You’re the perfect cryo vision holder for me.” Those words caused Kaeya’s face to redden as he began to sputter.
Normally, he’d be the one making such types of remarks. He wasn’t quite used to someone saying such things to him first, so now he’s left as a blushing mess.
“T- That’s nice to hear then.”
“I swear I just like spoiling Chongyun too much. But I also spoil Bennett too, so eh. I’ll never replace you!” Aether announced, causing Paimon to snicker as she watched Kaeya grow more embarrassed.
Something she never thought to see as she knew how well the cavalry captain kept his cool. That pun wasn’t intended, Paimon swears.
“I’m flattered, r- really. No need to go announcing such things out loud, honorary knight. I get it.” Kaeya only felt Aether’s grip tighten around his hands. Leading to him gulping loudly as he watched Aether sniff.
“Now I feel guilty…” Aether mumbled, causing Kaeya to gawk, “How about this? I’ll ascend your weapon as soon as possible. My main dps deserves the best, after all.”
“There’s no need, honorary knight-!”
“Don’t worry, Kaeya. After forging Chongyun’s weapon, I’ll ascend your own. So don’t you dare lose it.”
With that, both Aether and Paimon were suddenly out of Kaeya’s sight. Leaving behind the confused and flustered cavalry captain all by himself.
Kaeya found himself covering his mouth as his cheeks remained red. Wondering to himself, “What… What just happened?”
After a few minutes, Kaeya found himself standing up and walking to Angel’s Share. Inside of which stood Diluc who internally groaned at the sight of Kaeya.
Though he did notice how out of it Kaeya was. Seemingly dazed as he ordered one Death After Noon like he usually did. The cavalry captain was unusually quiet which concerned Diluc ever so slightly.
“Is something the matter as to why you’re out of it for no apparent reason? Don’t tell me that you’ve finally realized how incompetent you knights really are.” Always had a way with words, Diluc was.
“Oh how you jest, master Diluc. I was just thinking…” Kaeya said with a bright smile on his face.
“How rare.”
“Shut up.”
A sigh left Kaeya’s lips as he took a sip of his drink. Aether’s words still in his mind, making him redden once more as he recalled how the honorary knight exclaimed such things. Gaining the attention of Diluc who raised a brow at Kaeya’s red cheeks.
“Have you perhaps found a partner? A fling of sorts? Is that why you seem so out of it today?” Diluc voiced out, causing Kaeya to smile even wider at the redhead.
“It’s none of your business, master Diluc. I can assure you that that’s not the case,” Kaeya replied with a soft grunt, “Though, I’m quite curious as to why you’re asking me such questions. Are you interested in my possible love life, hmm?”
Diluc huffed as he rolled his eyes. Afterwards, crossing his arms whilst an amused Kaeya chuckled, “No I’m not. I’m just concerned whether your possible love life will affect your incompetence even more.”
“Ahh, of course… By the way, do you know what a main dps is?”
The question made Diluc’s frown deepen as he looked at Kaeya with a disbelieving stare. Not understanding what the cavalry captain was talking about.
“No. I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Shame then. I thought that you’d have known of it. With all your intel and all,” Kaeya muttered while swirling his half-empty glass around his fingertips.
“Does such a thing even exist? I’ve never even heard of it before.” Diluc’s brows were furrowed as he countered Kaeya who hummed.
Kaeya nodded his head in reply, “I think so. The honorary knight said that I was his main dps. Whatever that means.”
The mention of the honorary knight made Diluc freeze for a while before looking back at Kaeya. Who seemed dazed and flustered once more.
What did the honorary knight even do to make Kaeya act this way?
Whatever, Diluc muses with a blank expression on his face. As long as Kaeya didn’t hurt himself like an idiot, he doesn’t really care.
He’ll just ask the honorary knight what a main dps is when they meet again.
Later that week, Kaeya once again met up with Aether and Paimon. This time though, the honorary knight looked so much happier. With a bright smile on his lips and something in his hold.
“Kaeya!” Aether called out excitedly.
“Huh? Oh, we meet again, honorary knight,” Kaeya greeted Aether with his usual sweet smile.
Only for Aether to drop something into his hold. It was a weapon, his sword to be exact.
Seemingly shiny and looked brand new despite the few scratches it had from years of use. Somehow, it also looked more powerful than ever. As if his sword has gotten stronger and more durable.
“I ascended your weapon, like I promised.” Aether smiled brightly at Kaeya who looked dumbfounded.
“A- Ah… I’m very grateful for this, honorary knight.” Kaeya tightly clutched the weapon and swung it for a few strikes, “You really didn’t have to, though. I was quite content with my sword. No need to ascend it, or whatever you call it.”
“Hmm, I just wanted to do something special for you, captain. After all, you’ve helped me clear so many domains and bosses! This is the least that I could do,” Aether said.
An odd look appeared on Kaeya’s face as he recalled the multiple times Aether called him for help. From fighting a few hillichurls and abyss mages, to doing a few domain runs.
They were fun and interesting, but there wasn’t really much into it.
Unlike Aether who seemed to look gleeful at the mere sight of a chest, Kaeya didn’t understand what was going on. The chests they opened were usually filled with papers or books. Sometimes, they’d even contain a semblance of the so-called artifacts Aether once gave to him.
All of it seemed like useless junk to Kaeya.
Domains often resulted in the same things. A few papers, books, some artifacts. Nothing extraordinary to Kaeya.
But Aether always lit up at the sight of such things. Often giving him and others those very same objects that Kaeya didn’t see any value in.
He just kept them for the sake of Aether who looked so happy while giving him such materials. It was why he agreed to go on twenty-hour long expeditions just to mine ores for him.
To see Aether look so happy.
For all that he had done for Mondstadt, Kaeya didn’t mind doing exhausting tasks for the honorary knight. It was all worth it to see Aether smile at the new ores he brought him.
“Thank you, then. I really do appreciate it,” Kaeya said, his voice low and sincere.
“I’m glad you do, Kaeya.”
After giving Kaeya his newly ascended weapon, Aether found himself happily teleporting to Liyue Harbor. For how much he loved Mondstadt and grew to see it as a second home, he undeniably liked Liyue a bit more.
Not by a huge margin, just a little bit. Probably because of the sights and food.
Or maybe with how Aether had grown attached to some of the Liyuens he grew closer with. Some notable ones were Chongyun and Xingqiu.
The pair were some of the few people Aether enjoyed grinding for. Wasting some of his limited fragile resin just to give the two good weapons and artifacts.
There was also Xiao who Aether had recently gotten close to. Someone who was quite hard to farm for, but he managed.
“What is this?” Xiao asked as Aether handed him some of his ascension materials.
“It’s so you could ascend,” Aether explained.
“What?…”
Paimon sighed as she watched a confused expression engulf Xiao’s face. Every person Aether had farmed for always looked confused whenever they received artifacts or ascension materials.
How strange.
“It’s so you can get stronger!” Paimon piped up.
“But this… How could these useless things help me get stronger?” Xiao let out with furrowed brows.
“Look, just absorb the materials and you’ll get stronger. I didn’t spend weeks fighting the primo geovishap to get your ascension materials, only for you to not even use them.” At this point, Aether looked frustrated.
He only farmed for a selective few.
Kaeya, Bennett, Chongyun… Those three were the main people Aether farmed for.
Spending around weeks to months just to get materials for them.
To no one’s surprise, Xiao had managed his way onto that list. And soon, Aether began farming for the yaksha like there was no tomorrow.
From artifacts to ascension materials, Aether grinded for them all. Leaving him exhausted yet satisfied with what he had collected.
So it was quite frustrating with how all those he grinded for looked confused more than anything whenever he gave them all the materials he had gathered. Weeks, months of farming… only for them to not even use such materials.
Aether could still remember Diluc’s fiery gaze at the artifacts he gave him. The Darknight Hero didn’t even bother to use them.
Such a shame.
“I’ll use them, I’ll use them.” Xiao too, looked frustrated, “I just wanna know what they are and what they do exactly.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll explain them to you, I guess. Geez, how come no one in Teyvat seems to know what artifacts or ascension materials are? How do you all even survive without artifacts?” Aether said with a frown on his lips.
“Dumb luck, I guess,” Paimon replied.
“Wow. Bennett’s pretty lucky then… Surviving that long without artifacts.”
“Paimon thinks so too!”
As Aether explained what artifacts and ascension materials were to Xiao, the yaksha slowly but surely grew to understand. Now wondering to himself how come this was the first time he’s ever heard of such things.
“Oh…” Was all that Xiao could let out after hearing Aether’s lengthy explanation.
In all of his entire life, never had he heard of such things. But Aether wasn’t one to lie about this. Especially since he wasn’t that great of a liar, so Xiao was inclined to believe him.
“So, you’ll use them?” Aether asked meekly as he watched Xiao handle the ascension materials in his hold with such care.
“Yeah, yeah I will. This is… thanks…” Xiao muttered appreciatively before absorbing the said ascension materials.
Almost immediately, he felt stronger. Stronger than before, which was surprising but Xiao couldn’t help but curve up his lips at the feeling.
It was like a power-up.
“Finally, someone who actually uses their ascension materials instead of just stashing them away.” Paimon had a relieved look on her face as she high-fived Aether.
The both of them looked happy at the sight of Xiao suddenly taking interest in the artifacts Aether gave him, “Are these good artifacts? I still don’t quite understand them but they seem useful.”
“Mmm-hmm! I got you a two-piece viridescent set and a two-piece gladiator set. They’ll help you a lot!” Aether exclaimed joyfully as Xiao observed the gladiator circlet.
He spent so long doing domains just for those artifacts. And they actually had great stats, which made Aether happy more than anything.
To see someone finally use what Aether had farmed and grinded for months… It was a sight he greatly welcomed.
Most of his party was now fully-built. Having good artifacts, decent weapons, and leveled-up talents. Aether was glad that all his hard work had ended up worth it.
Well… it was until he realized that Inazuma would be unlocked soon.
Meaning new people to farm for and explain to what artifacts and ascension materials were…
What a pain.