After parting ways at the Anemo Archon statue plaza, the system updated again.
[Current Objective: Rest at Amber's home.]
According to Amber, her house was located in the residential area between the Cathedral and the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. A board with Baron Bunny painted on it hung at the door—unmistakable.
Following the system's guidance, Shao Yun wandered through the winding lanes between the Cathedral and the headquarters until he stopped before a classic three-story Mondstadt-style house.
Hanging on the door was the slightly faded drawing of Baron Bunny. This had to be Amber's place.
Not bad at all, Shao Yun thought. Living alone in a house this big—there's definitely enough room for three people.
But now came another problem: How to get inside?
It was still afternoon, the sun high in the sky. Amber was clearly still on duty.
Shao Yun looked at the door—a plain wooden one. Kick it down?
He glanced at his boots… then looked around at the bustling street. Yeah, no. Last thing he needed was a "breaking and entering" or "disturbing the peace" debuff. Getting tossed into the Knights' jail wouldn't be a great look.
Besides, Amber had invited them to stay. Breaking her door down? Not exactly respectful.
"Do I have a lockpick on me?"
As he rummaged through his pack, his eyes landed on a flowerpot beside the door. A lone pot placed oddly to one side—visibly unbalanced.
Curious, he lifted the pot. Sure enough—a key.
"Well, would you look at that—hidden under the flowerpot. Classic!"
Shao Yun couldn't help but laugh. If you're going to hide it, at least balance it out with another pot. This is so obvious.
He unlocked the door and made sure to return the key to its hiding spot afterward.
Amber's home, much like the girl herself, radiated warmth and youthful energy.
Sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating every corner and giving the space a bright, airy feeling.
The furniture was simple and practical—no excessive decorations, just an understated natural charm.
In the living room, Shao Yun noticed several photos hanging above the fireplace—group pictures of Amber with the Knights.
He walked over to inspect them more closely. In every photo, Amber wore a brilliant smile—her vibrant personality practically glowing through the frame.
Though he couldn't help but wonder: No pictures of her with Collei or Eula? Maybe they don't show up until later in the story… or maybe…
His gaze drifted to the staircase. Upstairs, he spotted a room with a Baron Bunny mural on the door—clearly Amber's room. Maybe the more personal photos are in there.
Just then, the system popped up a new prompt.
[You can now change outfits at the hideout's wardrobe. Open the system near the wardrobe for automatic or manual outfit selection.]
Finally, Shao Yun thought. He couldn't wait.
Still, barging into a girl's bedroom was… not exactly polite. And he wasn't about to be labeled a pervert.
There were three rooms on the second floor. He picked an empty guest room, opened the wardrobe, and accessed the system.
There were plenty of outfits to choose from, but his eyes locked on one in particular—the classic.
A brown duster coat, a blue shirt beneath, black pants, boots with spurs, and the crowning piece: the black gambler's hat. This was the Gunslinger set.
He materialized the outfit and ran his fingers over the fabric. Unlike the ragged set he used to wear, this one was brand new—yet still carried a sense of raw power.
Taking a deep breath, Shao Yun dressed carefully, as if suiting up for a sacred ceremony. Every motion deliberate, reverent.
Once fully dressed, the outfit hugged his muscular frame perfectly—like it had been tailor-made.
Finally, he lifted the iconic black gambler's hat, still bound by coarse rope, and admired it.
This hat was the soul of the set. If he could, he'd light three incense sticks and bow three times—such was the emotion it stirred in him.
As he placed the hat on his head, the outfit was complete.
The system chimed in with the gear effect.
[Gunslinger Set Bonus:Reduces Core Stamina, Health, and Focus consumption by 10%. In battle, induces psychological fear in enemies, lowering their attack power. The stronger the opponent, the greater the effect.]
Not quite as powerful as the Eastern Legends set, but still the best gear he could wear at this stage.
[Current Objective: Wait for nightfall.]
With that prompt, he figured sleeping was the best way to pass the time.
Back in the living room, Shao Yun lay down on the couch and closed his eyes.
…
Night in Mondstadt was livelier than day. Music drifted from the taverns, mixed with the sound of clinking mugs and laughter.
Amber returned home after finishing her duties, exhausted.
The house was dark—she assumed no one had arrived yet.
She casually unbuckled her satchel and tossed it onto the couch—directly onto Shao Yun's stomach, waking him up with a jolt.
"Huh?" He sat up, squinting toward the doorway. The bunny-ear silhouette told him Amber had arrived.
Yawning, he rubbed his eyes. "Welcome back…"
Startled by the sudden voice, Amber shrieked and dropped to the floor.
"AHH! Thief!"
Her scream gave Shao Yun a fright. A thief? In a Knight's home? He jumped up, revolver drawn, scanning the room.
"Where?! Show yourself or I'll shoot!"
Amber narrowed her eyes at the familiar voice, then recognized the figure.
"Oh—it's just you, Shao Yun! You scared me half to death. I thought someone broke in!"
And here I thought you were the one scaring me, Shao Yun thought as he holstered his revolver. He stepped over and helped her up.
"You startled me too," he chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Come on, who'd be crazy enough to rob a Knight's house?"
Amber smoothed her hair and adjusted her askew headband.
"Still—better safe than sorry. Staying alert's important."
Using her Vision, she lit the candles overhead. Warm light filled the room. Her eyes landed on Shao Yun's new outfit—and her face lit up.
"Hey! That outfit looks great on you. And the hat—very stylish."
"Right? This is my second-favorite look of all time," Shao Yun beamed, showing off the ensemble like it was priceless treasure.
But then, Amber paused. A realization struck her.
"Wait a sec—how did you get in here?"
You're only now asking? Shao Yun pointed toward the flowerpot outside.
"Used the spare key you keep under the pot."
Amber followed his gesture—and froze.
"Wha—?! You found my backup key?!"
Her eyes went wide in disbelief.
"No way! Even if you guessed I had one, that spot was recommended by a friend—they said it was totally safe!"
Shao Yun blinked. A friend? Eula or Collei, maybe? He could imagine either of them suggesting such a terrible hiding spot.
Eula, raised in a grand estate with dozens of identical flowerpots? Sure, a hidden key would be tough to find there. But Amber lived in a modest residential zone. One flowerpot alone? Too obvious.
Collei, on the other hand… lack of life experience, sheltered upbringing, childlike habits—it'd be just like her to suggest covering something up and calling it "hidden."
Instead of answering directly, Shao Yun ruffled Amber's hair with a smug grin.
"Amber, you've got to be more careful. What if the enemy found your key and ambushed you at home? This kind of hide-a-key trick is ancient history. Next time, try tucking it behind a wall panel or something."
Amber pouted, brushing his hand off her head.
"Oh please—you must've looked forever to find it. Hmph!"
Despite her protests, she didn't pry further. Instead, she handed one of the spare keys to Shao Yun.
The two sat down on the couch, chatting casually. Amber shared amusing tales from around Mondstadt.
Time passed. Still no sign of Lumine and Paimon.
Amber finally asked, "Where'd they go?"
"No idea. They went to investigate the Stormterror situation. Told me to come here and rest—they'd be back tonight."
They're strong enough to handle a dragon, Shao Yun thought. They'll be fine.
"Alright then, I'll go get the guest rooms ready for you and Lumine." Amber stood up and headed for the stairs.
But Shao Yun couldn't just sit back and let a sixteen-year-old girl do all the work.
"I'll help too."
Not that there was much to do—Amber cleaned often, and the guest rooms were already spotless. A quick tidy of the bedsheets was enough.
Amber wiped imaginary sweat from her brow and held up her palm. Shao Yun caught on and gave her a high five.
"Job well done. Thanks for the help!"
"No need to thank me."
As they admired their work, the system issued a new task.
[Mission Update: Head to the Cathedral.]