Chapter 5: It Might be Small and Insignificant but It still Matters(Rewrite Version)
A week had passed since Noah and the girls registered as Adventurers. During that time, the crew did their best to gather all available information about the Abyss. But due to its corrosive nature, even Teyvat's top scholars had reached a dead end. The Knights and the Church didn't have much insight either. With no clear leads left, Noah decided to investigate it himself only for Lumine to stop him outright. Every time the Abyss was brought up, she reacted with visible panic and unease. It was clear whatever happened in her past, the Abyss was involved and that event left a trauma so deep that still haunts her to this day.
Based on the information Kiana and Elysia got from the guild, the Abyss only appeared in Teyvat for a year, Noah thought. And Lumine… for that entire time… endured everything alone. No wonder the Force told me someone was waiting.
Just imagining the pain Lumine had buried for all that time made Noah clench his fists. No. We're here now. She's not alone anymore.
Noah recalled how Lumine had been acting all week. She'd grown distant, barely speaking, her expression often lost in a fog of fear. Even her appetite had dwindled. Kiana and Elysia tried their best to cheer her up, but all they ever got in return were small nods. One night, she had a full-blown panic attack that made Noah use the Force to help calm her down. Since then, even brief moments without him nearby made her visibly anxious. Earlier, she had curled up on the floor, trembling, unable to respond.
Elysia and Kiana tried everything to help Lumine open up, but nothing seemed to work. The cheerful energy they usually brought felt like it was bouncing off a wall. Meanwhile, Rosalyn had already departed for Sumeru to resume her studies, leaving Rostam as their only regular visitor. He'd stop by occasionally with updates and insights about the Abyss, always making sure Lumine wasn't around when he shared them.
The week passed in a routine of small commissions and efforts to stay productive. Kiana took on monster extermination requests, Elysia handled deliveries and gathering tasks, and Noah focused on investigation and exploration. Though all of them were eager to dig deeper into the Abyss, they chose to wait. For them Lumine's well-being came first.
Noah's thoughts came to a halt as they arrived at the familiar steps of the Adventurers' Guild. They're here to check for any commissions worth taking and more importantly, to see if there was any new information about the Abyss. Leading the group, Noah stepped inside with the others close behind. Ellyn, the receptionist, spotted them immediately.
"Ad Astra Abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild," she greeted with a welcoming grin.
"Hey Ellyn, got anything for us today?" Noah smiled at her.
Lumine, still holding on to the edge of Noah's coat, offered Ellyn a gentle nod. Kiana and Elysia, on the other hand, waved cheerfully.
"Actually, yes. There's an investigation request about the Statue of The Seven at Cape Oath," Ellyn replied as she rummaged through a stack of files. "Reports mention strange anomalies happening there."
She found the file and handed it over. Noah took it and opened it up, Kiana and Elysia leaning in to read with him.
Mission Title: Anomaly at Statue of The Seven
Client: Knights of Favonius / Church of Favonius
Mission Type: Escort Mission.
Location: Cape Oath – Coastal Ridge near the Cliffside Shrine
Objective: Escort a team of scholars to the Statue of The Seven located at Cape Oath. The research team is investigating reports of unnatural elemental discharges and distortions around the statue. Your mission is to ensure their safety, assist in setting up observation points, and respond if any threats emerge during the operation.
Notes:
Minor tremors and bursts of Anemo energy have been recorded at irregular intervals.One Adventurer claims the statue "blinked" or "shifted" briefly during prayer.Elemental sight users report residual traces of unknown energy signatures.Nearby wildlife have become increasingly aggressive.
Statue Status: Still operational. Do not attempt to touch or tamper with the structure unless authorized by the Church of Favonius.
Guild Priority: High Watch. Escort mission only—ensure the safety of the scholars and assist as needed. Do not engage unless directly threatened.
Reward: 30,000 Mora + bonus if the scholars safely complete their research and submit verified findings to the Library Archives.
"Huh... this sounds like a high-level mission," Noah said as he looked at Ellyn. "Are you sure about giving this to us? It feels like something important."
"Yes. In fact, it was commissioned directly to your party because of Mr. Noah," Ellyn nodded.
"Us? Why? We've only done small jobs so far. Nothing that should've gotten anyone's attention," Kiana said, puzzled.
"It's exactly because you took on those small, overlooked tasks that no one else wanted that people in Mondstadt started to trust and recognize you." Ellyn smiled warmly. "Those missions may have seemed minor, but they've done more good for this nation than you realize."
The four looked at each other, still puzzled. Ellyn let out a small chuckle at their innocent confusion.
"Miss Kiana's commission from four days ago, the one about clearing out the slimes near Cinder Lake? Thanks to that, the Fishing Association has been able to resume activities safely, keeping the city well-supplied with fresh fish." Ellyn said with a nod toward Kiana, who blinked in surprise.
Turning to Elysia, Ellyn smiled gratefully. "And the herb gathering quest you took on, Miss Elysia? Some of those herbs turned out to be essential ingredients for healing potions and alchemical brews the Church desperately needed." Elysia rubbed the back of her head, a faint blush creeping across her face.
"And Mr. Noah, your exploration missions helped the Knights and merchant caravans chart safer paths and identify monster routes. Because of that, the surrounding trade lines are more secure now."
Noah blinked, opening his mouth as if to respond—but nothing came out, so he simply closed it again.
"See? You three have contributed more than you realize! By taking the most overlooked and troublesome commissions, you've made a real difference. On behalf of the Mondstadt Guild, thank you for your efforts." Ellyn bowed her head with sincere gratitude.
Hearing those words, Lumine felt a strange mix of pride and dread. All this time... I didn't even know. They've done so much. But what about me? What if... I'm just dragging them down? Will they leave me behind if I can't keep up?
Lumine's grip on Noah's coat tightened. She didn't want to be a burden but the fear of facing the Abyss again still lingered in her chest, holding her back even as her heart pleaded to move forward.
"So, how about it? Are you willing to take this commission?" Ellyn asked, her tone hopeful.
Noah let out a quiet sigh and looked at the girls. Kiana gave him a cheeky grin with a peace sign. Elysia followed with a thumbs-up and a wink. Then, as he turned to Lumine, he noticed her gaze lowered, her hand clenching tighter around his coat. Slowly, she looked up, eyes trembling at first but she gave a small, determined nod.
Seeing Lumine struggle to stay strong, Noah's expression softened. He reached out, gently resting his hand over hers, the one gripping his coat, and gave her a small, reassuring nod.
"Ellyn, we'll take the commission," he turned back to Ellyn and said.
"Understood! I'll notify the Knights right away. Someone from both the Church and the Order will be waiting for you at the site," Ellyn replied, already beginning to process the paperwork. "Use this time to gather your things and make any final preparations."
The group responded with a collective nod before turning from the front desk to prepare for departure.
———
A soft pop signaled their arrival as four figures materialized at the foot of Cape Oath, Noah, Kiana, Elysia, and Lumine. The girls latched onto Noah, grimacing from the jarring sensation. Apparition wasn't exactly a smooth ride. It felt like being squeezed through a tight tube at lightning speed.
As soon as their feet hit the ground, the three girls staggered away from Noah, stumbling toward the bushes with pale faces. The wave of nausea from Apparition hit them all at once, forcing them to crouch as their stomachs churned.
Fuu... probably the best Apparition I've ever done, Noah thought, patting their backs gently. Despite feeling bad for their state, he couldn't deny that being clung to by all three had been... strangely comforting.
"Ughh... I feel awful..." Kiana groaned, wiping her mouth after retching behind the bushes.
"Wuhuhuhu... I feel sooo gross~ like I've been turned into some tragic beauty in a drama." Elysia whimpered dramatically, clutching her mouth like she'd lost all dignity.
"...It really was a good thing..... Noah warned us not to eat beforehand..." Lumine muttered, still pale as she slumped down, one hand resting on her stomach.
"There, there. It's fine. That kind of reaction's completely normal." Noah crouched beside them, handing each girl a bottle of water, a few napkins, and a piece of chocolate with calm efficiency.
"Ugh... that was the worst transportation method ever." Kiana grumbled, biting into the chocolate Noah handed her like it was some form of revenge.
"Do you have... other less traumatic magical options?" Elysia asked while giving Noah a mock-glare that tried to look angry but ended up way too cute.
"Ahahaha, sorry. It's an old family technique not my invention. You'll just have to get used to it~," Noah replied with a helpless smile.
"...So mean..." Lumine muttered as she turned her head with an exaggerated pout, though her fingers still reached out and tugged lightly at his sleeve.
Seeing that gesture, Noah's grin softened. It wasn't much, but compared to her withdrawn self from the pas few days, this tiny act felt like a step forward.
Once everyone felt a little more stable, they regrouped and started toward the meeting point.
——-
As they arrived at the designated meeting point near the statue, the first thing they noticed was a familiar face standing with three knights and two figures in Church attire.
"Huh? Rostam? What are you doing here?" Noah asked, blinking in surprise.
"Yo! Glad to see you guys made it!" Rostam greeted with his usual grin, casually raising a fist for Noah, who met it without hesitation. "Heard you took this commission, and there was no way I was letting you have all the fun without me~"
"Well yeah, the Deputy Grand Master threw a fit just so he could tag along," one of the knights said with a grin.
"Oi, Philip! That's supposed to stay between us!" Rostam barked, clearly embarrassed.
The group burst out laughing. Even Lumine let out a small, genuine chuckle.
Thanks, Rostam. Sacrificing your pride for Lumine's smile... totally worth it. I'm buying you dinner later. Noah thought with a smirk.
"Ahahaha, it seems Sir Wolf Cub hasn't outgrown his youthful spirit," chuckled one of the church members, adjusting his robes.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Laugh all you want, Deacon Ragna! No matter how old a man gets, there's always a boy inside his heart!" Rostam declared proudly, arms crossed like he was making some noble proclamation.
Kiana, Elysia, Lumine, the female knight, and the sister beside Ragna all stared at him with the same look: pure exasperation. But then their eyes drifted toward Noah—only to freeze in disbelief. He was solemnly nodding in agreement, right alongside Philip and another knight who looked equally serious.
"…Captain??" Kiana muttered in disbelief.
"Yes, Kiana?" Noah turned toward her calmly.
Kiana opened her mouth to say something, paused, then simply shook her head. Elysia, clearly amused, wasted no time pulling out her camera to snap a few pictures.
"Ahem. Setting Rostam aside for now, allow me to introduce myself properly," Ragna said, smoothly steering the conversation back. "I'm Ragna, a Deacon of the Church of Favonius. And this here is—"
"My name is Celes, Sister of the Church of Favonius. It's a pleasure to meet you all," the gentle sister greeted with a warm smile toward Noah and the girls.
"Nice to meet you all. As you heard earlier, I'm Philip, Captain of the Investigation Company under the Knights of Favonius. These two here are part of my team: Hideon and Melissa."
"Hey! Hideon's the name! If you ever need help, just come find me and I'll introduce you to someone who can actually solve the problem!" he grinned, holding out his hand.
Noah, Kiana, Elysia, and Lumine all sweatdropped at that.
Rostam burst out laughing while Philip let out a sigh and facepalmed. Ragna chuckled quietly and Celes sighed.
"People usually say 'If you need help, I'll help you,' not 'I'll find someone else,' you dummy!" Melissa scolded, grabbing Hideon by the ear and twisting hard.
"Ow! Ow! Lizzy! Stop—my ear! That hurts!" Hideon whined as he tried to wriggle free.
"Apologies for this fool," Melissa said, keeping a firm grip on Hideon while offering a polite smile to Noah and the girls. "I'm Melissa, the company's scout. If you need proper help, feel free to come to me instead."
"Ahaha, nice to meet you all," Kiana greeted with a cheerful smile.
"It really is a pleasure! But don't you think Sir Hideon's been punished enough? Maybe you can let him go now," Elysia said to Melissa, a playful sparkle in her eyes.
"...If you insist, Miss Elysia," Melissa muttered before finally letting go of Hideon.
"Wahh! Thank you, Miss Elysia! You're such a lovely and gracious lady!" Hideon gushed, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Ahaha, it's alright. No need to thank me," Elysia replied, smiling politely.
"Such elegance..." Hideon murmured, his gaze starry. "If I may be so bold, would you allow me the honor of inviting you to dinner?"
"E-Ehh?!" Elysia blinked, completely caught off guard.
"Oi, Hideon," Rostam interrupted flatly, clearly unimpressed.
Philip and Melissa froze, utterly baffled by Hideon's forwardness. Even Deacon Ragna and Sister Celes raised their eyebrows.
"So, how about it, Lady Elysia? Would you grant me the honor of your company?" Hideon asked with a hopeful grin.
Elysia's face turned scarlet. The boldness of the request left even Kiana and Lumine wide-eyed.
"Ahahaha, Sir Hideon sure is... spirited~." Before anyone could react, Noah was suddenly beside Elysia, offering Hideon a smile. A way too polite to be genuine. He gently patted the knight's shoulder. "Sadly, Ellie isn't available."
"N-Noah?" Elysia blinked at him. Ehh? Noah.... is perhaps jealous?!
"Hmm? Yes, Ellie?" he replied casually, as if this were just another conversation.
She stared at him, completely dumbfounded. NO WAY! HE IS ACTUALLY JEALOUS! WHERE IS MY CAMERA!!?? THIS IS PRECIOUS!! TOO PRECIOUS!
"Huh? Wha—OW!" Hideon was about to object when a smack landed squarely on his head. He turned to find Rostam glaring at him.
"Ahaha, sorry about that, Elysia, Noah." Rostam grabbed Hideon by the collar and dragged him aside. "He thinks he's charming."
"No worries~ Rostam. That's just how we bros are. Dumb ideas, good times," Noah said with a grin.
"Exactly." Rostam chuckled, shoving Hideon toward Philip's side.
"...Captain, did I just mess up?" Hideon asked, finally catching on.
"Yes. And Sir Rostam just saved you," Philip deadpanned.
"Oh... right." Hideon nodded slowly, realization dawning.
"...Hump, Idiot," Melissa muttered with a sigh.