Chapter Text
Thousands of years passed by in Teyvat. Science evolved while visions were called ‘useless’. The traveler who was long gone became a legend told to the generations and generations to mortals. The places where adepti once stood on became a bustling city for thousands of years to come, not that they’re dead though.
Zhongli was no longer the archon he used to be, neither was he the consultant of the long-running Wang Sheng Funeral Parlor. He became a history teacher, for his great memory never failed him. He still remembered his interactions with the otherworldly traveler, his times before the archon war, as well as calmful times at the funeral parlor. However, they were all just memories. Of course, the traveler and his sister still do visit the immortal sometimes, yet the wait was always very long.
(the laptop is screaming)
Venti used his great musical skills and became a famous violinist. Xiao decided to turn to learning for a while for there were less things to kill as mortals took over more land. Ganyu took time off from work and is travelling around the world. All the other archons were leading modest lives as well.
“Hello class. Today, we’re not doing much work. You’ll be listening to the old legend of the otherworldly traveler.” Zhongli announced to his class. The class perked up after hearing that they did not have to do any work that day. “The traveler,” Zhongli continued, “Woke up in Teyvat 500 years after the Cataclysm. He landed in Mondstadt and lived in the wild until he fished out his companion, what he calls ‘emergency food’, Paimon.” The class laughed at the “emergency food” joke.
“Well, as repayment, Paimon brought him to find his sister who was missing. They first went to Mondstadt City, which was quite small back then. Paimon first brought him to a Statue of The Seven, which made him regain some of his powers. Then they headed to Mondstadt. However, halfway there, they met a boy with twin braids talking to one of the Four Winds, Dvalin…”
The class listened eagerly as they listened to the Traveler’s legend. They concluded the lesson by finishing the Mondstadt part of the story. They have yet to listen to the Golden Apple Archipelago and Windblume side stories since Zhongli spoke about the traveler in full detail.
“Then, class is dismissed. Please pack your bags,”
The class packed their bags with enthusiasm before chatting with friends from class. Most of them were discussing about the Traveler’s legend. “Isn’t it weird how Mr. Zhongli knows every detail of the legend? It’s just like he was the traveler’s friend.” “This legend is so interesting! I think that there is a book form of it, but it isn’t as detailed as Mr. Zhongli’s account.”
Just then, a phone rang. It was Zhongli’s. after seeing who had called him, he picked up the phone. “Hello, who is this? Ah… it’s you. How have you been? I’ll pick you up later, the students in my class still haven’t left. Would you like to visit Xiao at the inn later? Then, I’ll meet you there.”
Zhongli spoke fondly of the person on the other phone, for it was Aether. The traveler he was talking about a while ago. It had been 57 years ago since he and his sister had visited him and Xiao after all.
The class all heard his conversation with Aether and their minds all went to a different direction. “Hey Mr. Zhongli~ I didn’t know you had a girlfriend~” Zhangyu teased.
“Hmm, is that so? I actually don’t have someone I love. The person on the phone was just a good friend of mine. So don’t tease me Hu- I mean, Zhangyu.” Zhongli stated plainly.
“But ‘cher, you almost said someone else’s name just now!” Zhangyu’s best friend, Li Wen chimed in.
“A-ah, that other person was a late friend of mine. She used to tease me all the time. It’s no wonder that I almost said her name…”
“I-I didn’t mean to pry. Sorry, Mr Zhongli.”
Zhongli didn’t reply however. In his mind was the time thousands of years ago, when he was Wangsheng’s consultant.
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“Hey Zhongli! How was your ‘date’ with Tartaglia?” Hu Tao teased him.
“That wasn’t a date, Hu Tao. First of all, we don’t have romantic feelings for each other…” Zhongli stated, unfazed.
Tartaglia, however, was flushed after hearing that unnecessary comment. “Hu- Hu- Hu Tao- We are not- dating! What are you talking about?!”
“Hehehe, then why’re you blushing?”
“I am?!”
“You are, Tartaglia. Why are you blushing?”
“Th- That’s nothing!”
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“Mr. Zhongli! Mr. Zhongli! You daydreaming?” Zhangyu shouted.
“Ah, apologies. So, I suppose you have a question”
“Yeah! Well uh… why were visions used back then? I mean… they’re useless, aren’t they? Don’t they just cause more trouble for the vision holders?”
“Well… visions are not actually useless. In the past, they were used for their elemental powers. Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro and Cryo, which literally are wind, earth, electricity, plants, water, fire and ice. We’ll learn more about that in the future.”
“Okay! Thanks sir!”
“Run along now, Li Wen has left already.”
“A-ah! Bye sir!”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Zhangyu.”
Now that all the students have left the classroom, Zhongli went to the pick the two travelers up and visit the inn.