It was a relatively calm day at Anemo School — meaning only one water balloon fight and zero exploded classrooms before 9 a.m.
Xiao was sharpening pencils like they were spears.
Kazuha was teaching a leaf how to fly.
Heizou was writing a fake love letter addressed to "Professor Cyno."
Wanderer was quietly sipping tea, suspicious of the lack of chaos.
Until—
BOOM.
The school's courtyard gates opened with an elegant poof of alchemical mist.
A calm, white-haired figure walked in with a briefcase in one hand… and a very unusual boy by his side.
"Apologies for the unannounced visit," said Albedo, the renowned Chief Alchemist of Mondstadt. "I was invited to give a guest lecture. And… I brought a companion."
Everyone blinked at the boy next to him.
He was around their age, with deep purple hair, mysterious horns curling back from his head, and enormous black-and-red wings that shimmered like scales in the sunlight. His golden eyes glowed softly, and he looked both curious and cautious.
"Whoa…" Venti gasped. "That's not just emo, that's draco-emo."
The boy waved shyly. "Hi. I'm… Durin. Or, I guess, Mini Durin. I have a real body now."
The Anemo boys crowded around.
Kazuha gently bowed. "Welcome, friend. The wind welcomes you."
Heizou poked the wings. "Do these let you skip gym class?"
Mini Durin giggled. "I can fly faster than your wind gliders."
"Ohh we're racing later."
---
In Class: Albedo's Alchemy and Durin's Discovery
Albedo stood before the class with a board full of complex formulas and sparkly chalk that glowed.
"Today's lesson," he began, "is on mutational alchemy and adaptive soul transference. Also—don't eat the green potion in the corner. It screams."
"Too late," muttered Venti, burping softly.
While Albedo explained how Durin had been rescued and transformed from a Simulanka dream-dragon into a real human boy, Durin wandered between the desks, greeting the students.
When he reached Wanderer, he paused.
"You're the one who saved me."
Wanderer blinked. "Huh?"
Durin smiled gently. "In the Simulanka world. When I was still dragon-shaped… You protected me. Even when I looked scary."
Wanderer's expression softened for just a moment.
"I didn't do it for gratitude."
"I know," Durin said. "But I'm still thankful. Because now… I get to be here. I get to meet everyone. I get to eat waffles."
"You like waffles?"
"They're like hugs… but crunchy!"
The class collectively went "Awwwwwww."
Wanderer turned away to hide the faint blush blooming on his cheeks.
"I guess… you're welcome. Don't cry about it."
"I won't. You cry first," Durin teased.
Wanderer glared. "Bold of you to joke when I could glue your wings to the ceiling."
---
After Class: Wing Races and Feather Fights
The students headed outside where Albedo allowed Durin to stretch his wings. Immediately, Heizou challenged him to a race, which ended with Heizou tumbling into a bush and Xiao catching him mid-fall with one hand.
Venti tried to ride Durin like a dragon. "Wheeee!"
"YOU ARE HEAVY!"
Meanwhile, Sayu used Durin's tail to hang her snacks.
Kazuha taught Durin how to tie his scarf like a proper Anemo student. Xiao even let Durin throw a spear—well, a stick—at a fake target.
It missed.
But Xiao nodded and said, "Acceptable."
---
Evening: A Talk Beneath the Stars
As night fell, the group gathered under the starry sky, lying on the grass. Albedo watched from afar, sketching quietly.
Durin lay beside Wanderer, wings stretched out like a soft blanket.
"I think… I really like it here," Durin whispered. "You're all so different… but kind. Even when you're weird."
Wanderer looked up at the stars. "Yeah. It's stupid. But not the worst place to exist."
He turned slightly and added, "I'm glad you're here, too."
Durin smiled wide. "You do have feelings!"
"I have regrets."
"Same thing."
"Go to sleep before I launch you."
---
To Be Continued...