Chapter Eight: The Apprentice Forest Ranger

Watching Lin Feng devour his food ravenously, Tighnari’s face broke into a smile.

“Actually, I’ve always felt an inexplicable closeness to you. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but the elemental activity around you has always been quite intense. Do you possess a Vision?”

Tighnari, sensing the vibrant energy coursing within himself, asked Lin Feng.

“No, I don’t,” Lin Feng shook his head. “I’ve always been able to perceive elements, but I have no ability to control any of them.”

A hint of regret crossed Lin Feng’s face.

“Perceive elements? All types? That’s truly rare!” Tighnari’s eyes sparkled with interest, and he instinctively flicked his ears.

“In truth, most ordinary people, though aware of the elements’ existence, remain completely oblivious to them. Even many Vision bearers can only sense the element associated with their own Vision. But someone without a Vision who can perceive all elements, and even form an elemental sight? That’s a first for me.”

Tighnari’s curiosity and fascination were unmistakable.

At that moment, Lin Feng realized he had fallen into a misconception. In the game, players often view the Traveler’s elemental sight as a commonplace ability, triggered with a simple click of the mouse wheel. Yet from many backstories, it’s clear that even among Vision holders, such a clear and comprehensive elemental sight is an extremely rare gift.

“You mean people like me are very uncommon?” Lin Feng asked, intrigued.

“Of course! I have never seen anyone without a Vision who can sense elemental energy on their own. I’ve only heard rumors that some immortals in Liyue favor this kind of constitution, but that’s just hearsay,” Tighnari’s scholarly curiosity blazed.

Seeing Tighnari’s fervent gaze, Lin Feng swallowed nervously. Thankfully, this wasn’t Europe and Tighnari wasn’t a priest—otherwise, Lin Feng would have had to consider what stance to adopt this evening.

“By the way, what are your plans after leaving here?” Tighnari temporarily set aside his research and asked about Lin Feng’s future.

“To be honest, none. I have no home anymore, and no real destination for traveling,” Lin Feng answered candidly.

“A journey needs both a start and an end; what I have is mere wandering.”

A youthful sadness, too mature for his age, flickered across Lin Feng’s face.

---

“Have you considered staying here as a forest ranger?” Tighnari, as if prepared, offered the suggestion outright.

“When I first saw you, I noticed a certain confusion and weariness about you. I can’t just let such a young child wander the continent alone.”

Looking at Lin Feng’s tender face, no older than thirteen or fourteen, Tighnari was reminded of the children he had once seen at the orphanage during his days as a scholar.

“I can teach you to read, provide a salary sufficient for your daily needs, and in your free time, help analyze your constitution. How about it? Would you consider it?”

Tighnari’s hopeful expression deepened, and his tail wagged slightly behind him.

Indeed, although Lin Feng could understand the language, looking at the Teyvat common tongue written in characters unlike any earthly script, he had to admit he was illiterate.

“Just to be clear, I will leave eventually,” Lin Feng said, somewhat overwhelmed by Tighnari’s enthusiasm.

“My dream is to one day travel across the seven nations and, along the way, discover the meaning of why I came here.”

For the first time, Lin Feng voiced his intentions to someone other than Paimon.

“So, I might leave soon. Are you sure that’s alright?”

Looking at Tighnari’s unwavering eagerness, Lin Feng hesitated.

“Of course. The trainee forest ranger position is initially just a temporary role for passing travelers,” Tighnari nodded.

“When I think you’re ready to journey on your own, I’ll prepare a farewell gift for you.”

“After all, the stars of Celestia cannot be confined, can they?” Tighnari smiled.

Lin Feng felt unexpectedly moved. He couldn’t understand why Tighnari was willing to invest so much effort in someone whose identity was so uncertain.

He had always thought that no matter how beautiful the world in the game was, once it became reality, it turned harsh. Yet Tighnari’s actions made Lin Feng truly feel the selflessness and sincerity deep within his heart.

“Well, since you say that, what reason do I have to refuse?” Lin Feng looked into Tighnari’s expectant eyes and agreed, emotions swirling.

“But please, make sure to assign me tasks within my ability. You’ve already helped me so much; I want to contribute to the people here as well.”

---

Looking into Tighnari’s eyes, Lin Feng spoke earnestly.

“Of course, but first, we have to start with literacy. Otherwise, there’s no way to assign you work.”

Tighnari looked at Lin Feng’s seriousness and laid out his plan.

“Rest today. You can stay here as long as you like. This place was originally a temporary residence of mine; from now on, it’s yours.”

Seeing Lin Feng’s agreement, Tighnari began to reveal his efficient nature.

“Also, take this ‘Teyvat Literacy Compendium.’ It’s what I used as a child to learn reading. It’s mostly pictures, so you can start previewing it.”

Tighnari pulled a thick book from his pack and handed it to Lin Feng with his left hand.

Seeing Tighnari’s clear preparation and long-standing plan, Lin Feng silently accepted the kindness.

“Well then, I won’t disturb you any longer. Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to everyone. Don’t worry; the forest rangers are all very friendly. They’ll be glad to have you,” Tighnari stood up and waved to Lin Feng, who wanted to see him off.

“Go rest now. See you tomorrow, Trainee Forest Ranger Lin Feng.”

Watching Tighnari’s figure fade into the distance, Lin Feng clutched the ‘Teyvat Literacy Compendium’ and returned to his first little home in this world.

...

After previewing the lessons, Lin Feng leaned against the bed, gently stroking Paimon’s fluffy fur.

“Forest ranger, huh? Not bad. I just wonder where Collei is now.”

Lin Feng murmured to himself.

A year before the story began, Collei had been brought to Sumeru by Cyno from Mondstadt and entrusted to his good friend Tighnari. Since he hadn’t seen the green-haired girl yet, it meant he still had some time.

Thinking about the disasters this land would soon face, Lin Feng held Paimon close and drifted into his own dreams.