I used to think silence was peaceful. Then my mom fell into a coma and silence became the loudest sound in [music] the world. Everything just kept piling up and worse, it was just the two of us.
No rich dad, no secret inheritance, [music] no billionaire auntie waiting to adopt me and fix my life. I tried to stay strong, but when the nurse gently reminded [music] me again that we still had unpaid bills, something inside me finally cracked. I just nodded, locked myself inside the restroom and finally broke [music] down.
I had already sold almost everything I loved, my iPad, [music] my sweatshirts, even the tiny cute things that used to make me happy. What else was I supposed [music] to give? My hair?
Both of my kidneys? I had almost lost hope. Please, I'll do anything.
I'll study harder. I'll stop complaining about homework. Okay, maybe not completely, but I'll try.
I won't even call the mean girls at school ugly goblins anymore. Just please. I need a miracle.
Just then, I heard a calm woman's voice speak. If you want a miracle, then look up. Wait, like treasure treasure?
You are reading it right. A special treasure awaits you. I- is this a prank or something?
Hello? I slowly turned around expecting a hidden speaker or a hospital ghost with good acoustics, but there was nothing. I did not just hear a bathroom wall answer me.
The wall did not answer you. I did. This is stress.
People cry too hard and start hearing things, so this is totally normal, right? Just then, an arrow beneath the message suddenly started glowing. First I'm hearing things [music] and now I'm seeing things.
What's happening? Believe your own eyes. Only that which you see is true.
What is unseen is but an illusion. >> Okay, okay. Let's say I believe you for 3 seconds.
So, are we talking about gold, money, something that I could sell for millions? Because I don't need some riddles right now. I need some miracle >> [music] >> or at least some actual cash.
>> Or some treasure valuable enough to change your fate. Whether it becomes salvation or disaster depends on who finds it first. And right now, you're already running out of time.
>> Out of desperation to save my mom, I eventually gave in. I followed her out of the restroom, through the hallway, and toward the exit while she narrated every tiny step like a freaking GPS. >> Continue forward and please do not look suspicious.
Proceed to the exit. >> [music] >> Step over the small crack. Avoid the wet spot.
Lift your foot slightly higher. There is an unpleasant object [music] 2 cm ahead. >> I stepped down and my whole body froze.
>> Oh, my apologies. I meant there was an unpleasant object 2 cm ahead. >> Too late.
Soon, we reached a narrow alley between two old buildings. Um, miss, are you sure this is the right way? >> The path continues forward.
Though I understand your hesitation, narrow passages often awaken the mind's instinct for danger. However, if treasure were always placed in bright, [music] comfortable places, far few people would learn anything from searching [music] for it. >> So, that's a yes?
>> Oh, uh that pretty summarizes what I've said. So, yes. >> I finally stepped into the alley and thankfully it was only normal scary and not [music] dangerous and life-threatening scary.
Just then, everything went silent all at once. Even the dramatic pigeon on the street shut up. Miss lady voice, hello?
Are you still here with me? >> Don't worry. I'm here.
Just keep [music] walking. Do not turn back yet. Step back and just breathe slowly.
>> I only asked if you were there. >> And I answered with additional guidance. >> The alley stretched longer [music] than it should have.
Soon warm wind rushed past me, and when I looked back, the alley was gone, >> [music] >> and I was now standing in an open field under a bright blue sky. Holy yummy cheese balls, did I just [music] teleport to another place? I also noticed a small glowing orb floating in front of me, shining softly like a tiny star.
>> Yes, you have arrived in Mondstadt. The city of freedom, a land of [music] wind, songs, knights, and many stories carried through time. >> I realized that the glowing orb pulsed when the voice lady continued yapping.
So, that meant her voice now had some sort [music] of a body? So, you mean I'm not somewhere in Europe and not dreaming? >> Yes.
This is not Europe, nor is it a dream. A world with its own laws, gods, stories, wounds, and miracles. >> Why am I exactly in this unfamiliar land?
I just want my mom to wake up. [music] >> Then keep walking, Sabrina. The treasure hunt begins here.
>> Oh, fine. If this treasure can really give me a miracle, then lead the way. >> Watch out.
Explosive encounter highly likely nearby. >> Explosive what? Just then, a loud boom suddenly echoed from somewhere near the trees, and a tiny red figure then burst [music] out from behind a bush.
>> Tada! Klee is here. >> Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius.
She is known throughout for her enthusiasm, remarkable explosive [music] talent, and a long history of incidents that are best described as energetic. >> Sorry about that. Klee was only doing a little fish blasting.
Well, maybe not a little, but the fish tastes so good. So, Klee thinks being grounded for a day is worth it. Anyway, are you here for the treasure hunt?
>> You know about that? >> Uh-huh. Miss Nicole told Klee.
She said a dear traveler named Sabrina would arrive. >> Wait, you can hear her, too? And she actually has a name?
>> Of course. Miss Nicole is the best. And she talks inside heads because she can't talk with her mouth.
Mom says she's very smart and very nice, but also talks a lot. >> Alice said that? >> Yep.
>> I see. Klee had skipped closer and grabbed my hand like we've been friends for 10 years. >> Can Klee come play with her today, Miss Nicole?
Please? >> Yes, [music] you are allowed. As far as Alice is concerned, nothing is more important than a request from her beloved daughter.
>> Yay! But, why does Sabrina look so sad? Did someone make you cry?
Was it a bad guy? Klee can blow them up. Only a little.
Well, maybe not a little, but Klee will try. >> I'm not sad. >> You are.
I know crying faces. >> [music] >> Jean makes that face when Klee accidentally causes big disasters. >> My mom is really sick.
She's in a coma right now. That's why I need to find [music] the treasure so I can buy her medicines and pay the bills. Klee gave me a soft [music] smile and squeezed my hand.
>> Mom always says love can travel very far, even farther than my best bombs. So, your mom's love [music] must still be with you, too, even if she's sleeping. >> Thanks, Klee.
>> You're welcome. And don't worry, we're going to find that treasure, help your mom, and only blow up the bad guys. [music] >> Maybe we can do the first two without the third one.
>> Klee will try very hard. >> Just then, Nicole's panicked voice suddenly filled my head. Watch out.
Hilichurls incoming. >> Hilichurl what? >> Literally 6 seconds later, masked monsters burst out of the bushes [music] and Klee pulled out her bombs like this was a normal Tuesday.
>> Jumpity, jumpity, go! BOING, BOING, BOOM! >> OH MY GOD, AM I GOING TO DIE?
>> STAY CALM. Step back. >> Duck!
Now! Before I could fully lose it, golden light bloomed beneath us. >> Moment of birth.
>> A glowing flower platform rose from the ground, blocking the monsters just in time. Then a tall, thin boy appeared above us and landed lightly. >> Mr Albedo, you came!
Klee knew you would. >> I heard explosions nearby and thought it would be wise to investigate. Finding Klee here confirms my hypothesis.
>> Sabrina, this is Mr Albedo. He's like my big brother and he's super [music] smart. >> Nicole quickly explained that Albedo was the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius and that his knowledge of ancient mechanisms would be very useful for our treasure hunt.
>> Klee is my little spark knight. I need to keep her safe and sound. Besides, investigating the unknown is certainly my thing.
So, count me in. >> Well, I guess the more the merrier. After that, Nicole led us to Thousand Winds Temple.
An ancient ruin full of broken pillars, weird symbols, traps, slimes, and things that clearly wanted [music] me flattened. But somehow, because of Nicole's directions, Albedo's magic, and Klee's little bombs, we made it through. Ugh, >> [gasps] >> I thought you were just going to lead me to the treasure.
You did not warn me about all this. Seriously, did I get transported into a video game world or what? >> A world is only called a game by those watching safely from the outside.
To those inside it, every path, every danger, every choice is real. >> Wow, that was beautiful, but also very unhelpful. >> Then allow me to be more direct.
[music] Keep moving. Something larger is approaching. >> Larger?
Just then the ground shook. From the dark corners of the ruin, two giant metal monsters slowly woke up. Please tell me those are statues.
Please. >> Unfortunately, no. Those are Ruin Guards, ancient machines built for battle.
And judging by the glow in their eyes, they have already identified us as a threat. >> Before I could pee my [music] pants, someone crashed down from a broken wall and stood between us and the machines like a walking shield. [music] One swing sent a Ruin Guard flying back like a stupid little tin can.
Whoa. This guy looked like he could punch a mountain and the mountain would apologize. >> Uncle Varka, you came.
We knew you would. Now the big metal meanies [music] are in trouble. >> Ah, the almighty knight of Favonius to the rescue.
How timely. >> Ha. Miss Nicole, didn't expect to find you leading children into ancient ruins.
>> And I didn't expect [music] you to enter by jumping from a wall. Yet, here you are. >> Fair enough.
>> When the coast was [music] finally clear, Albedo calmly stepped toward the broken machines and found a small glowing fragment inside them. The moment he lifted it, the air around us shimmered. >> The first clue has awakened.
[music] >> First clue? Nicole's glowing orb rose into the air, stretched like a flower opening, and became a beautiful woman. >> Well, there you are.
I was wondering how long you plan to stay as a floating light. >> Wait, you're Miss Voice Lady? You actually had a physical form this whole time?
Nicole looked at me, and even though her lips did not move, her voice gently entered my head again. >> My apologies. Until the first clue awakened, I could only guide you through a small projection of my presence.
Now that the path has opened, I can take this form before you. However, for certain reasons, I am unable to speak. This is the only way I can communicate with you.
Now then, she continued yapping for eight more minutes straight. And from what I understood, she was an angel called N from the Hexen Circle, a circle of powerful witches. She then explained that the glowing fragment was a piece of the treasures scattered light and could lead us to the traces left across Teyvat.
>> [music] >> The treasure you seek was broken long ago. It's light scattered across Teyvat, leaving traces behind. This fragment [music] will reach those traces.
The brighter it shines, the closer we are to the treasure. Across Teyvat, as in this whole world of yours? Several regions, yes.
That means a long trip, but don't worry. With Miss Nicole's incredible sense of direction, we'd never have to worry about getting lost. Yay!
More big adventures! Wait, no, not yay. I need to go back.
I have classes tomorrow and a sick mom in the hospital. [music] Nobody told me this treasure hunt came with a lot of obstacles and a whole world tour. I understand.
Your fear is not unreasonable, but the treasure you seek cannot be reached by standing [music] still. Each clue will bring us closer and each step will return you to the wish [music] that brought you here. Fine.
For Mom, I would continue this crazy mission. After that, >> [music] >> everything turned into the fastest, weirdest world tour of my life. The mute angel continued her directions like an unmutable treasure hunt navigation guide, dragging us across a giant magical map, jumping from one region to another, while I tried my best to stay alive and understand what was actually happening.
In Inazuma, the sea was angry, the sky was angrier, and my stomach was fighting for its life. Storms often remind mortals that [music] control is an illusion. And yet >> Miss Nicole, respectfully, I'm about to throw up into the ocean.
>> I suggest you give the kid the short version, Miss Nicole. [music] >> Very well. Storms pass.
>> Thank you. That one helped. [music] In Sumeru, we finally got one peaceful break near a waterfall.
Albedo sketched the view, Klee showed me Dodoco, and when she said her mom gave it to her so she would never feel lonely, my chest hurt in the softest way. After our little break, Nicole led us to Natlan, [music] where we were nearly roasted alive. Fiery creatures chased us through rocky paths while she [music] calmly yelled directions.
And at one point, Varka carried Klee and me like luggage. >> This is fun! Uncle Varka is the best!
>> Hold on tighter! >> Every trace we followed [music] made the fragment shine brighter. And by the time we reached Fontaine, it was full-on glowing, like it had finally remembered [music] where the real treasure was hidden.
Nicole led us beneath the water to hidden ruins, where the fragment [music] pointed us toward the final trace, the one hiding real treasure. Freaking finally! Soon, we found a mysterious sealed door, [music] and Albedo figured it out like a puzzle in minutes, using one of Fontaine's underwater [music] mechanisms like it was nothing.
The sealed door opened, and I thought we had finally reached the treasure. Behind it were more passages, hidden compartments, and even more puzzles. I swear to god, is the treasure shy or what?
>> Ancient civilizations valued protection. [music] >> Finally, we reached a chamber where a small chest waited on a pedestal. I opened it with shaking [music] hands, but there was no gold, no money, no jewels, nothing I could sell.
>> [music] >> Inside was just a small broken flower-shaped relic. No, we traveled across Teyvat for this? For a broken thing?
>> Mhm. It is indeed damaged. >> We can fix this, right?
>> Yes, but not with gold, not with force, not even with knowledge alone. >> Then how? >> This relic is a vessel of hope.
It reflects the heart's deepest wish. It was never [music] meant to make someone rich. It was meant to answer the part of a person who refuses to give up.
>> I stared at the tiny broken flower and slowly understood. The treasure was never something I could sell to fix my life overnight. It was hope.
The one thing I had almost lost in that hospital restroom. Nicole said every region had left something inside me. Courage, endurance, wisdom, strength, and truth.
I held the broken relic and thought of mom's smile, [music] her warm hugs, and the little things she did whenever I was sad. I wish for my mom to wake up. I don't need gold or anything.
I just want more time with her. Please. Just then, the relic started glowing.
Golden light filled the cracks and the broken petals slowly repaired [music] themselves until the flower became whole again. >> You fixed it. >> The restoration is complete.
The way home can now be opened. >> A portal appeared behind us and my chest hurt when I realized I was really leaving them. They were supposed to be just my treasure hunting team, but somehow they had become my friends.
Cle hugged me first and gave me a tiny Dodoco [music] charm. >> So you won't forget Cle. >> Fear doesn't mean you're weak.
It means what you're fighting for matters. Always remember that, kid. If fate allows us to [music] meet again, perhaps we could continue this conversation over dessert.
>> You asked for a miracle, but you were the one who kept [music] walking toward it. Remember that, too. >> After a tearful goodbye with them, I finally stepped into the light.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the hospital restroom. I thought it had all been a dream until I felt Klee's Dodoco charm [music] in my pocket. So, it was real.
Everything was real. I ran back to Mom's room. The bills were still there.
Mom was still sleeping, but I felt different. Scared, yes, but not empty [music] and hopeless anymore. One day, my seatmate was secretly playing some online game called Genshin Impact, and the second I saw her screen, my soul almost left my body.
The characters looked way too familiar. And then it hit me. So, I was in a game?
That night, I downloaded the game beside Mom's hospital bed. And when Nicole's banner finally appeared, I pulled for her. Not going to lie, I really miss her voice and her endless yapping about lore and random facts.
Step into the world [music] of Genshin Impact, the open-world action RPG where you explore, battle, and uncover [music] the secrets of Teyvat across PC, mobile, and console, all seamlessly connected. Experience exciting new adventures in Luna 7: Truth Amongst the Pages of Piranha, featuring powerful [music] new weapons, fun mini-games, and exciting rewards to enjoy. Uncover a brand new story chapter in Sumeru.
Meet new wish banner characters like Nicole, Rune, and Loen. One afternoon, while I was studying beside Mom, her fingers finally moved. Mom?
>> Hey, sweetie. >> Mommy, you're awake. You're really awake.
I missed you so much. And for the first time in a long time, the silence in the room did not feel scary. It felt peaceful at last.
