in Tayvat as the god of creation

As expected, the difference between the game and real life was massive. Everything was larger and far more lively, with pedestrians weaving through the bustling streets and peddlers calling out to potential customers.

It was a stark contrast to what I'd grown used to in my most recent life.

The first thing Amber did upon arrival was drag me to a nearby clothing store, where she bought me a full change of clothes out of her own pocket, remembering my story about not having a single mora to my name.

being dragged, I had not an instant of time to admire the scenery as I was thrown into the clothing store.

Amber, naturally, was already talking to the shopkeeper before I could even register what was happening. "She'll need a full change of clothes. Something practical but easy to move in," she said with a confident smile, not even hesitating to spend her own money on me. Her generosity would've been suspicious if it wasn't Amber.

damn, she's really hyped up. Man, pity is such a great thing. Wonder why people hate it?

The shopkeeper, an older woman with short gray hair tied back in a bun, gave Amber a warm smile. "Of course, dear. Let me see what we have."

Amber turned to me with a bright smile. "Don't worry, I'll cover it. You can pay me back once you're settled."

The shopkeeper returned with a few outfits draped over her arm. "Here we go. Try these on, dear."

Amber practically shoved me toward the fitting room. I stepped inside, closing the curtain behind me as I eyed the pile of clothes.

Without wasting time, I stripped off my wet clothes and tossed them aside. After a quick look through the options, I grabbed a dark, fitted top with a high collar, black pants with reinforced knees, and a light black jacket with white highlights 

I stepped out, adjusting the jacket slightly as Amber's eyes lit up. then quickly shifted to slight confusion. "Oh, why haven't you changed your gloves?" she asked, staring at my hands. "Aren't they still wet?"

My gaze flicked down to my gloved hands, and my fingers instinctively curled inward. Right. The curse wasn't the only thing that stuck around.

Underneath the elbow length gloves that were covering most of my arm was a mess of scars. Burned and mangled skin, twisted from my elbow and up to my wrist. A reminder of those scientist bastards and what they did to me for all that time. But it was still there. Even in this life.

I gave a casual shrug, letting my hands fall to my sides. "They're fine. Just comfortable."

Amber's gaze lingered on my hands for a moment longer before she nodded, accepting the answer without pushing. She turned toward the shopkeeper and handed over the mora.

Now with the clothes bought, we stepped outside. The price was 8000 mora in total—honestly, if you convert it to yen, it's a pretty average deal for what I got.

As we left the shop, Amber clasped her hands behind her head, walking with a casual bounce. "Now that you're not soaked and miserable, how about a tour of the city?"

I gave her a small look. basically asking if I had any choice in the matter…

Guess what the answer was?

Getting dragged.

---

After a brief (and forced) tour, plus a small (also forced) history lesson on the city, Amber took me to the Good Hunter restaurant for lunch.

I was in a somewhat great mood. This whole experience was pretty fun, especially compared to my past life, where my hobbies mostly consisted of creating weapons, testing them, doing research, or massacring life. (Oh, also getting experimented on... wait, that's not positive.) This was a refreshing change of pace. Even in my first life, I hadn't done much socializing. The most I ever did was the rare outing with close friends or spending hours online, which, let's be real, it doesn't fucking count.

This was new, but not in a negative way. In fact, it was quite fun to be dragged around. Hmmm, maybe I should find something to do while I'm here besides growing stronger... maybe fishing? might also be a good income too...

Sitting down, Amber quickly ordered food for us, her energy still unrelenting. As she settled into the seat across from me, I decided now would be a good time to express my gratitude.

"Amber," I started, looking up at her. "Thanks again for everything. I really appreciate you helping me out when you had no reason to lend a hand."

She smiled brightly, waving off my gratitude. "It's nothing, really. It's only my duty, after all. For you to be robbed by treasure hoarders while within Mondstadt's domain is a fault on our part, and it shows that we, the Knights of Favonius, still haven't done enough." She paused, her eyes softening. "Also, don't worry. I'll keep an eye out for any treasure hoarders so I can have your items returned as much as I can."

I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at the thought of Amber wasting her time looking for something that wasn't even real. It was funny, in a way. Though, I did feel a little bad. But hey, she'd probably get over it. It's not like it's my problem.

[:o how heartless]

Like you wouldn't find it funny!

[...touche]

Amber, oblivious to my amusement at her kindness, turned her focus back to me, her expression morphing into something a bit more serious. "So anyway, now that we've eaten, I'd like to ask you about your plans. Are you going to be staying here? If so, I'd be perfectly fine in providing you a temporary place to live."

She smiled, but there was a softness in her eyes that made her offer feel sincere. It was clear she wanted to help, which is completely being wasted on the girl in front of her.

"Oh, really? That's so kind of you," I said, giving her a small smile. "I'm thinking of becoming an adventurer here and earning my way that way, but having a place to sleep for now would definitely help," I said, clapping my hands together.

Amber's smile widened at my response, clearly pleased that I was thinking about becoming an adventurer. "That's great to hear! You'll fit right in. Adventurers are always welcome in Mondstadt, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of work to keep you busy. As for the place to stay, it's no problem at all. I'm happy to help, especially if you're starting fresh here."

Her enthusiasm was clear as water, but part of me couldn't help but feel like I was taking advantage of her kin- no, shut up, I am taking advantage of her. fuck you ethics, i do what I want. and if i want to be a free loading bitch, then i just will. 

[-_-]

dont fucking judge me.

Amber stood up, brushing off her clothes. "Well, let me take you to the temporary living place now," she said eagerly, turning away and motioning for me to follow.

Amber led me through the winding streets of Mondstadt, her upbeat pace never faltering. We passed by familiar landmarks. but soon we reached a quieter area near the outskirts of the city. The building in front of us was a large but cozy stone structure. It was a relief shelter for those facing unpredictable misfortunes, a place where people could find temporary refuge.

A/N sorry this might not be good, but i am quite fucking annoyed, as the entire chapter, as i was 3/4ths done, just got fucking erased. just, gone. fuck knows what happened. but i had to start again.

anyway, it seems you all like lumine, more than aether.

anyway, byeeeeee.