Harlan Flint looked at the system panel as it chimed, showing Barbara's reward from Digimon: First Frontier. She had received a Snowballmon, a small, fluffy Digimon covered in white fur, which lived in cold places and felt cold to the touch.
This creature could evolve with elemental power, a change from the system that promised it would grow beyond its comic origins. "It's a perfect fit for Barbara," Harlan thought, a slight smile forming as he considered how well it matched her.
Her Hydro Vision wasn't as cold as Kaeya's, but it was close enough to keep Snowballmon comfortable. Also, its evolution path to Tailmon—and eventually the angelic Gatomon—fit well with her role as the church's prayer pastor.
A beam of light appeared in the shop, landing on the table in front of Barbara with a bright glow. When it faded, a tiny, white-furred creature blinked up at her, its fluffy form making her gasp.
"What's this little thing?" she asked, her voice shaking with wonder as she leaned closer.
Harlan leaned forward, his voice warm. "That's Snowballmon—a Digimon you can raise with elemental energy to evolve into Tailmon or even Gatomon."
Barbara's hands flew to her cheeks, her excitement bubbling out. "Oh my goodness, the rewards are real!" She had only half-believed Lumine's stories, but seeing this creature from a comic appear made her heart race. The shock of holding something she had just read about was a thrill she couldn't control.
"Jean will be shocked when I tell her," she thought, knowing her sister's difficulties with Stormterror and the Fatui. This shop could change Mondstadt's future—Digimon like WarGreymon or Piedmon could force any enemy to surrender. Even a few such allies for the Knights would stop the Fatui's arrogance, not to mention powers like Lumine's wind.
"Boss, thank you so much!" Barbara said, her gratitude pouring out as she met Harlan's steady gaze. Whoever could create a place like Galehaven Comics was more than just a merchant—Mondstadt was truly blessed by this gift, surely Barbatos's doing.
Harlan waved it off, his smile easy. "It's just a fair trade—if you enjoyed it, come back anytime."
"Absolutely!" she replied, nodding firmly with determination to bring Jean here to see it herself. Work could wait—comics held the key to Mondstadt's strength, a priority she would strongly pursue.
She turned to the Snowballmon, her eyes softening. "Come home with me, little one." No song had appeared, but this fluffy prize captured her heart just as much as any melody would have. She had dreamed of cherishing a Tailmon, and now its infant form rested in her hands—a wish fulfilled.
"Chirp!" Snowballmon chirped, its tiny voice bright as it nuzzled her, sensing its new master's warmth. Who could resist such an adorable, cuddly companion, its coolness a perfect match for her Hydro touch?
"I'll call you Snowball—how's that?" Barbara cooed, her smile as sweet as a church hymn.
"Chirp!" it agreed, bouncing lightly in her grasp, sealing their bond with a joyful squeak. She picked it up, the cool tingle of its fur a delight she would nurture into Mondstadt's future strength.
With a final wave to Harlan, she hurried out, walking quickly toward the Knights' headquarters to share this wonder.
Outside, Lumine, Paimon, and Wendy approached the alley, seeing Barbara's retreating figure holding something white.
"Who's that?" Paimon asked, squinting at the familiar outline holding something white.
Wendy tilted his head, his bardic knowledge kicking in. "That's Barbara—prayer pastor of the church and Mondstadt's shining idol." He knew the city's important people well, and Barbara's fame was bright among them.
Paimon snapped her fingers, remembering. "Oh, right—she was calming the crowd earlier today!" They had heard her name spread through Mondstadt after Stormterror's chaos, a symbol of calm amidst the storm.
Lumine's brow furrowed, her gaze sharpening. "Did you see that white thing she's holding—some kind of pet?"
Paimon tapped her chin, speculating. "I've never seen anything like it—maybe a comic reward?" It made sense—Barbara had just left Galehaven Comics, a place full of such wonders.
Wendy's curiosity grew, his tone eager. "Let's head inside and find out what's new!" This shop became more mysterious by the moment, its secrets drawing his wind-god instincts.
Lumine and Paimon nodded, their smiles mirroring his as they stepped toward the door, ready for more surprises.