Just as Shao Yun was about to say that it might be because of Noelle's age—
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through Mondstadt.
"Huh? Wind? It's been a long time since we had wind inside Mondstadt..." Noelle muttered, puzzled, as she felt the gust brush against her cheek. It wasn't like the gentle breeze from Windrise—it carried a sting, almost painful against the skin.
Shao Yun immediately sensed something was wrong. By the timing... is this part of the main plot?
The wind quickly picked up, growing more intense by the second. Alarmed, Shao Yun shouted,
"This wind isn't normal—Noelle, hold on to something and brace yourself!"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a deafening dragon's roar echoed across the sky.
Noelle turned her gaze skyward, eyes sharp with alarm, and uttered three words.
"Stormterror's here."
No sooner had she spoken than the massive dragon appeared, soaring above the city. Everyone in Mondstadt could see it—Stormterror circled the skies, roaring furiously.
In an instant, powerful winds and violent gales surged through the city. Dust and debris whirled into the air, forming spiraling tornadoes.
Buildings shook visibly, trees swayed to the verge of snapping, and the sound of shattering glass mixed with screams of panic.
Citizens caught in the streets clung desperately to anything stable to avoid being blown away.
Clothes flapped wildly, hair whipped through the air, and it was nearly impossible to keep one's eyes open.
…
Shao Yun clung tightly to a lamppost with one hand, while his other arm wrapped around Noelle to shield her.
"People in Mondstadt need help," Noelle said urgently, trying to pry herself free to assist others.
"Are you crazy?! With your small frame, you'd get sucked into the sky!" Shao Yun snapped. Sure, she was strong—but that didn't mean she was immune to being tossed around like a feather.
"But... the people—" Noelle was clearly distressed by the screams echoing through the city, but Shao Yun held her firmly, refusing to let her go.
"Save yourself first before trying to save others."
A gust of wind rushed into Shao Yun's mouth, nearly choking him. He coughed, then continued.
"There's debris flying around in this wind. If one of those hits you—"
Taking advantage of his slightly loosened grip, Noelle broke free and activated her Elemental Skill—Breastplate. A solid, full-body Geo armor enveloped her.
"This way, I'll be fine. I'm going to help them!" she shouted, rushing into the storm to assist the struggling citizens.
"Are you insane, woman?!" Shao Yun groaned, watching her dash off into the wind. He squinted at the chaos—many people did need help.
Gritting his teeth, he stomped hard, released the lamppost, and chased after her.
"Hey! Wait up—I'm coming too!"
He muttered under his breath,
"This better give me Honor Points…"
…
Stormterror's massive figure loomed in the sky, flickering in and out of view through the gusts. Shao Yun had no interest in gawking—Lumine would drive it off eventually.
The first person he spotted was a blind woman, eyes wrapped in bandages, trembling beneath a bench.
"This place isn't safe. Let me get you indoors." Shao Yun crouched and reached out his hand.
"Who are you? I don't recognize your voice." The blind girl was hesitant, unsure of this stranger.
"My name is Shao Yun. Look, this isn't the time for a full introduction. I'm getting you somewhere safer."
"I'm Gloria." She slowly crawled out from under the bench, shaking.
Shao Yun guided her carefully, passing a creaking windmill. He brought her to the wooden door beneath it—locked.
One swift kick, and the door burst open. He ushered Gloria inside.
"This'll be safer than outside. Stay here until the storm passes."
He shut the door and moved on.
Noelle was at the central fountain square, directing citizens to safety. Luckily, the surrounding buildings—Good Hunter, Mondstadt General Goods, With Wind Comes Glory Souvenirs Shop, and Cat's Tail Tavern—were all good for shelter.
"Everyone, don't panic—hold on to something! I'll get to you soon!" Noelle shouted.
Her Geo shield protected her from the flying debris, but it also increased wind resistance, making movement harder.
She eventually retracted her shield, lifting trapped civilians over her shoulder and carrying them to safety.
"Has anyone seen Prince? My little Prince is missing!" cried Margaret, the tavern owner. One arm shielding her face, she stood in the storm, calling out.
Noelle ran to her side and steadied her. "Miss Margaret, please prioritize your own safety. I'm sure Prince is alright."
"But... what if he's blown away, or gets hurt?" she said anxiously.
Right then, a huge piece of debris—thick as a man's arm and nearly as tall as Noelle—came hurtling out of the storm.
"Watch out!" Shao Yun had just reached the fountain plaza when he spotted the danger. He shouted, but Noelle reacted a second too late. She didn't even have time to reactivate her shield.
She instinctively shielded Margaret with her body, preparing to take the hit—when suddenly, the sound of wood splintering cracked behind her.
Only a few splinters struck her back, with none of the expected pain. She blinked and looked behind.
The projectile was gone. Only scattered woodchips floated away on the wind.
"What...?" Noelle turned in disbelief to see Shao Yun, still holding his revolver, having just fired.
He had used Deadeye and Pyro infusion—six shots to shatter the beam mid-air.
Holstering his gun, he pushed through the wind to her side.
"Don't just stand there—get to safety!" He patted her on the shoulder and pointed to Mondstadt General Goods.
"R-Right!"
Together, they brought Margaret into the shop. After settling her, Noelle turned to leave again—but Shao Yun stopped her, finger pointed at her chest.
"You too."
To stop her from saving people? That hurt worse than any injury. Noelle immediately protested.
"No—I can't! The citizens—"
Shao Yun's voice dropped to an authoritative, no-nonsense tone—undeniable, unarguable.
"You're still a child who needs protecting. Let me handle the rest. You stay here!"
He looked at Margaret and said, "Ma'am, keep an eye on her. She's too reckless. She needs to learn how to protect herself."
"But—" Noelle tried again. This time, Shao Yun planted her in a chair.
"No buts!" he barked. "Take care of yourself. You'll understand someday."
Then he turned and charged back into the square to evacuate the last remaining citizens.
He guided people inside, dodging debris, glancing occasionally at the swirling storm overhead.
"Come on, Lumine. Now would be a great time to show up. These buildings won't hold much longer..."
Once the last of the citizens had been ushered to safety, Shao Yun returned to Mondstadt General Goods. Through the open doorway, he spotted Noelle—now obediently standing inside, taking shelter.
She rushed to him. "Is everyone—"
"All safe. The plaza's clear. Not a single person left behind."
"Oh, thank goodness..." Noelle relaxed—until she remembered something. If the plaza was cleared... what about the rest of the city?
She turned to leave again.
"Where do you think you're going? The plaza's cleared."
"But what about the other areas—?"
"Stop! Take a break! What, are you the only knight in Mondstadt? The others are helping too!"
"You can only help others when you're safe," Shao Yun began to reason with her.
"I know you've got a Vision—but you've also got to think about yourself. What if you get hurt, or collapse from exhaustion? Everyone you saved would be worried sick."
He glanced toward the nearby evacuees, who immediately caught on and chimed in.
"She's right, Miss Noelle. We'd be devastated if something happened to you."
"Exactly—please, take care of yourself too. You don't have to shoulder everything."
…
After hearing their words, Noelle finally sat down, letting herself rest and wait for the storm to pass.
Though Mondstadt had long suffered from Stormterror's presence, this was the first time the dragon had attacked the city directly.
While others were anxious, Shao Yun remained calm.
Lumine will drive the dragon away. This is the part where she makes her name. No need to worry.