After leaving the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Momon ventured to find Aether and Paimon. Familiar with their usual haunts, he made his way to the Good Hunter, and it didn't take long for him to locate them.
Upon entering the establishment, Momon spotted Aether and Paimon seated at a table, surrounded by an array of delicious dishes. Paimon, in particular, seemed to be relishing the culinary delights with enthusiasm. Standing beside them was Amber, the ever-cheerful outrider, wearing her signature expression of freedom.
Approaching the table, Momon greeted them, "Hey, Aether, Paimon. Looks like you've found a feast here."
Amber grinned, acknowledging his presence, "Hey there! The more, the merrier. Join us, Momon!" The atmosphere was lively, filled with the warmth of camaraderie and the simple joy of sharing a meal in the city of Mondstadt.
The aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, tempting even the most stoic of appetites. Paimon, with a mouthful of food, turned to Momon with a mischievous grin.
"Momo, wanna join us for a feast?" she chirped between bites.
Aether shot Paimon a disapproving look. "Don't talk with your mouth full, Paimon," he scolded gently. Momon, however, took a seat at the table, his gaze fixed on the dishes before him, though he refrained from partaking in the meal.
Aether, curious about the meeting with Jean, leaned forward. "So, what did Jean have to say?"
Momon leaned back, producing a mysterious scroll and nonchalantly dropping it onto the table. Aether, Paimon, and Amber exchanged glances before Aether carefully unfurled the parchment, revealing its contents.
"You wished for lands?" Amber blurted out, her eyes widening in surprise.
The trio read through the scroll, absorbing the unexpected request. Paimon, ever the vocal companion, voiced her astonishment. "The Old Mondstadt and Dragonspine? Both of those places are pretty terrifying! One's crawling with monsters, and the other is an icy wasteland also filled with monsters."
Momon, unfazed by their reactions, explained, "As the new ruler, I can rid those lands of monsters. And as for the cold, I am immune to it."
Aether, intrigued, questioned Momon's motives. "That's impressive, but why wish for lands?"
Momon's gaze held a hint of foresight as he spoke, his eyes reflecting a wisdom beyond his apparent youth. "Having your own land is crucial, you know," he said, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "Throughout history, entire wars have been waged for control over territories. It might prove useful in the future."
Aether furrowed his brows, absorbing Momon's words with a thoughtful expression. "So, you're thinking strategically. Is there something you're anticipating?"
Momon leaned back, his expression cryptic. "The world of Teyvat is ever-changing. Having control over territories can shape the course of events, and with Mondstadt and Dragonspine under my rule, it provides a strategic advantage."
Paimon, always the curious companion, chimed in, "Momo, you've got plans beyond just monster-slaying, huh?"
Momon's enigmatic smile remained, leaving his companions intrigued and, perhaps, a tad uneasy about the uncertain future that lay ahead.
Amber nodded with genuine admiration. "That's a good point! Mondstadt will always respect you for saving us," she remarked, her tone filled with genuine respect. The idea of having a noble hero like Momon settling in Mondstadt seemed to resonate positively among the group, offering a sense of security and gratitude.
"So, what's your plan for today?" Momon interjected, subtly steering the conversation in a different direction.
Aether glanced at Momon, considering the question. "Oh yes, today we're returning the Holy Lyre to the church. Venti and Jean are probably waiting for us. Paimon, did you finish eating?" Aether inquired, diverting the attention to their tiny companion.
"Mhm!" Paimon nodded enthusiastically, though her mouth was still full of food.
"I see. Go ahead without me. I just departed from Jean, so..." Momon trailed off, leaving the sentence hanging in the air.
"No worries, I understand. Let's move, Paimon," Aether said, paying for the meal and standing up. As he made his way towards the door, Paimon followed suit, her wings fluttering with excitement.
Amber, who had been listening to the exchange, also rose from her seat. "I've got to attend to my duties as well. Good luck with the Holy Lyre, Aether," she said, offering a friendly smile before heading off in a different direction.
As Momon watched Amber and Aether share a hug before parting ways, a playful thought crossed their mind. "Amber does seem quite attached to Aether, doesn't she? Perhaps they share some secret relationship," Momon reflected with a light-hearted chuckle. The idea of a clandestine connection between the two main characters added a touch of intrigue to their daily interactions.
"Must feel great to be the main character, while I'm here being a side character," Momon mused, their gaze lingering on the departing duo. "To everyone else, he's the classic hero of any fantasy story, and every female falls in love with him. Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but it sure feels like that," he thought, a wry smile forming on his nonexistent lips.
"Well, every story needs its hero. Maybe I should start practicing my heroic poses or crafting a tragic backstory. That's what main characters do, right?" he mused, finding humor in the situation. Momon couldn't help but chuckle at his own thoughts, realizing the absurdity of his fleeting idea. "I'm really exaggerating things. Heroic poses… that's actually cringy, haha," he admitted to himself with a self-aware grin. The image of himself striking exaggerated heroic poses flashed in his mind, and he couldn't help but find the idea ridiculous.
Caught in his musings, Momon was abruptly brought back to reality by the voices of two young ladies. "Hello there, hero of Mondstadt~" greeted one of them. Momon turned to find a girl with fair skin, pale sea-green eyes, and waist-length dark purple hair that shifted into a subtle red at the ends. His gaze lingered on her peculiar attire, and the striking purple hat immediately hinted at an air of mystique, prompting Momon to consider the possibility that she might be a witch or something equally enchanting.
Beside her stood another girl with fair skin and blonde hair, her overall appearance carrying a more gothic vibe. Adding to the enigmatic atmosphere was an eyepatch that covered one eye, giving her an air of mystery. Momon's eyes were drawn to the unusual companion perched on her shoulder – a mysterious raven, seemingly as much a part of her presence as her distinctive attire.
Momon, still slightly flustered by the unexpected encounter, considered the situation. The normal response, as you mentioned, would be "How may I help you, ladies?" However, thinking they wanted the table where he was standing, he decided to take a different approach.
"Oh, sorry for occupying the table, please help yourself," Momon apologized with a polite smile under his mask. He stood up and turned toward the gate of the city, gesturing for them to take the now vacant table. The two ladies, a bit confused by his actions, followed him to the bridge.
"Hey, we were looking for you!" the one with the big hat exclaimed, trying to catch up.
"Huh, you need something?" Momon inquired, uncertain as to why these mysterious ladies were seeking him out. The unexpected encounter had taken an intriguing turn, and Momon couldn't help but wonder what they wanted with him.
"Yes, ever since you vanquished Stormterror, I've been attempting to make contact with you," she said, her voice carrying an air of mystery.
Momon, still adjusting to the post-battle atmosphere, squinted inquisitively. "And who might you two be?" he inquired.
"I am Astrologist Mona Megistus. Please, call me Mona," she replied with a polite nod.
Before Momon could process Mona's introduction, Fischl stepped forward with an eccentric flourish. "Behold, masked dragonslayer! I am Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung," she declared dramatically.
Momon furrowed his brow. "Huh?" confusion etched across his face.
"Honorary Knight, we are deeply honored to make your acquaintance. We've heard tales of your valor. Please, refer to mein Fräulein as Fischl. I am her humble familiar, Oz the Raven," he added, and to Momon's surprise, the strange raven spoke.
This surreal encounter left Momon feeling as if he had stumbled back in YGGDRASIL, reminiscent of the NPC he once crafted in Nazarick and his former days immersed in role-playing as an evil Overlord. The juxtaposition of Mona's mystique, Fischl's theatrical introduction, and Oz's articulate communication were pushing the boundaries of what he considered normal.
"So, how may I be of assistance to you, Miss Mona?" Momon inquired with a polite smile.
Mona, the inquisitive astrologist, leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Yes, I've been hearing rumors all across Mondstadt about your extraordinary feats against Stormterror. Tales of your magical prowess have spread like wildfire. I even overheard a bard at the tavern recounting the moment Stormterror charged at you, mentioning something about poisonous blasts. And the way you effortlessly healed him with holy magic—it's simply fascinating. Oh, and let's not forget that enormous skeleton wall. It all sounds so unbelievably fantastical."
Momon felt a sense of relief at Mona's genuine curiosity, her hunger for knowledge apparent.
"Indeed, just as vision holders harness elemental powers, my abilities lie in the realm of magic and skill," Momon confirmed with a mysterious smile.
Mona, intrigued and eager, asked, "So it is true... can you show me a spell then?"
Momon gestured towards the sky. "Alright, see the clouds around us?"
Mona, with a quizzical expression, observed the clouds above. "Yes?" she replied, uncertain of what was about to happen.
With a snap of his fingers, Momon cast his spell, and in an instant, all the clouds vanished. The once-cloudy sky transformed into the purest blue, not a wisp in sight. Mona and Fischl stood there, jaws dropping in shock as they witnessed the sudden change, even in the usually cloud-shrouded Dragonspine.
"Woah, what did you do?!" Mona exclaimed in awe.
A triumphant smile played on Momon's lips as he explained, "The spell is called [Control Weather], allowing me to manipulate the weather at will."
Mona couldn't believe her eyes. "Unbelievable... and the range of that spell..." She trailed off, eager to unravel more about Momon's extraordinary capabilities.
"Well, I hope you are satisfied with this, now goodbye," Momon declared, turning to walk away from the curious astrologist. However, Mona, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, quickly ran to block his path once again. Momon couldn't hide a hint of annoyance in his expression.
"What now?" he asked, crossing his arms in a display of impatience.
Mona, undeterred, looked up at Momon with determination in her eyes. "Is it possible for me to learn such magic?" she inquired, her curiosity shining through.
The Overlord, uninterested in entertaining the idea, replied bluntly, "No." His response held a finality that left little room for negotiation. Momon was accustomed to the secrecy of his powers and had no intention of sharing the intricacies of his magical abilities, especially with someone he had just met.
"You said no so fast! But why?" Mona's frustration bubbled to the surface, her curiosity overcoming any semblance of patience.
In response, Momon calmly reached into a dark void circle, a move that startled both Mona and her companion. From within the mysterious void, he produced a thick book, its pages filled with arcane knowledge. Mona couldn't help but imagine the wealth of magical arts contained within those pages.
"It is written here," Momon began, flipping through the ancient tome, "It is inscribed that Mana is the lifeblood of magic users. It's the ethereal force that weaves through the very fabric of our existence, intertwining with the threads of our magical prowess." He flipped a page with deliberate care, revealing intricate diagrams illustrating the symbiotic dance between Mana and the tiers of magic. The air seemed to hum with hidden energy as he continued. "Mana is not merely a reservoir; it is the essence that breathes life into our incantations. The higher the tier of the spell, the more Mana it demands. It is the currency we pay to the arcane forces for the privilege of wielding their might."
As he spoke, Mona's eyes widened with realization. Momon continued, "And then there is you, Miss Mona. You do not possess Mana at all, so you can't use tier magic."
The revelation hung in the air, and Mona's initial frustration gave way to a deepening fascination with the intricacies of tier magic. Her mind raced with the possibilities, and a newfound determination sparked within her.
"Haah… for real?" Mona mused, a mix of awe and excitement in her voice. "That book must have some sort of art that teaches someone to form this 'Mana' in the body." Her obsession with the mysterious art of tier magic grew, and desperately sought to understand.
"Well, good luck then," Momon said, once again attempting to take his leave. However, Mona was not ready to let go of her newfound obsession.
"How much for that book?" she asked, determination etched on her face.
Momon sighed, growing slightly annoyed. "Now you're annoying. The book is not for sale," he stated firmly, hoping to put an end to the conversation.
But Mona was undeterred. "Come on, I'll pay you as much as you want," she insisted, reaching out to grab his arm, pleading for him to sell her the coveted tome.
"Miss, please don't touch me..." Momon began to express his discomfort, but before the situation could escalate further, a sudden sensation tingled in the air. Momon's instincts kicked in, sensing that something significant was happening at the cathedral.
His attention diverted, Momon gently pulled away from Mona's grasp. "I need to leave for now." Momon declared, and with a swift motion, he disappeared from Mona's sight.
Since he had not visited the cathedral, Momon teleported to the top of a building, and from there he flew in the direction of the cathedral.
With extreme speed, Momon landed right in front of the cathedral. The scene that awaited him was both unsettling and perplexing. Venti lay on the ground, resembling a lifeless body, and Aether was sprawled to the left, unconscious. Momon found himself surrounded by a group of mysterious individuals.
To the right, he observed a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with platinum-blonde hair and light gray eyes. Behind her right shoulder hovered an enigmatic object, adding an air of mystique to her presence. The situation seemed dire, and Momon's keen senses told him that these were no ordinary circumstances.
The tension in the air was palpable as Momon prepared himself for whatever might transpire next. Two Fatui Agents charged at Momon with the intent to take him down, but he swiftly drew his sword, moving with incredible speed to slice off their heads in the blink of an eye.
"How troublesome…" spoke the mysterious woman, her calm demeanor undisturbed by the swift dispatching of her agents. Without a second glance, she turned and walked away, leaving Momon to deal with the remaining threats.
Determined to pursue the woman, Momon found his path blocked by two formidable opponents—Fatui Cicin Mages. Without hesitation, the mages unleashed a swarm of bat-like creatures, creating a barrier of magical entities in an attempt to impede Momon's advance.
[Shockwave]! Momon activated his spell, unleashing a powerful shockwave that obliterated all of the Cicins in a destructive burst.
The remaining Cicin Mages had no idea who they were messing with and were prepared to unleash a last-ditch attack and retreat from the cathedral. However, Momon, with unparalleled speed, teleported right in front of one of the mages, sending a shiver down her spine.
"What the…" The Cicin Mage raised her hand to attack, but Momon's blade moved with lightning speed, cleanly severing her arm. A blood-curdling scream filled the air as the mage witnessed the blood gushing from her mutilated limb. Before she could comprehend the pain, Momon thrust his blade through her neck, ending her life abruptly. Her lifeless body crumpled to the ground, leaving a pool of blood in its wake.
The other Cicin Mage, terror-stricken by the gruesome scene, realized the futility of facing such a formidable opponent, especially now that her lady had left the city. Before she could react, a blade silently pierced through her heart, ending her life in an instant.
The cathedral, once filled with the tension of magical confrontation, fell into an eerie silence. Momon, the enigmatic figure, stood amidst the aftermath, his blade stained with the remnants of the battle.
Momon surveyed his surroundings, realizing that the blonde woman was nowhere to be seen. A twinge of regret crossed his mind as he considered the implications of swiftly eliminating all of the threats. Leaving a survivor could have provided valuable information about the mysterious woman and the events that had transpired within the cathedral.
In addition to that concern, Momon experienced a realization that unsettled him. He had just killed a human for the first time, and surprisingly, he felt nothing. His undead nature, a remnant from his Overlord persona, suppressed any emotions that might have arisen from the massacre he had just committed. The lack of remorse or empathy left Momon contemplating the extent to which his true nature had been altered by the magic and experiences of his past
As he stood amidst the aftermath, Momon couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of his own existence. The lack of emotional response, while advantageous in certain situations, also reminded him of the stark differences between his current state and the human experiences he once had.
Jean and the nun Barbara emerged from the cathedral, only to be met with a horrifying scene. The ground was stained with blood, and lifeless bodies lay scattered like macabre decorations within the holy site.
"Oh, Barbato!" Barbara gasped, losing consciousness and collapsing into the arms of her sister Jean.
Distressed by the sight, Jean's eyes widened with shock and concern. "What happened?!" she exclaimed, holding her sister close.
Momon, who had been observing the aftermath of the confrontation, stepped forward to provide some explanation. "I don't know exactly, but as soon as I arrived here, I saw Venti and Aether on the ground. Then, these individuals attacked me. There was another one, I assume she was their leader, but she disappeared."
Jean's eyes narrowed with determination as she surveyed the chaotic aftermath. The once-peaceful cathedral had become a battleground, and the mysterious individuals who had attacked were nowhere to be found. The urgent need to uncover the truth and restore order to Mondstadt weighed heavily on Jean's shoulders.
In the midst of chaos, Paimon materialized with a worried expression, fluttering beside Aether as he lay unconscious. "Hey, wake up," she urged, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
Momon approached, his eyes narrowing as he took in the situation. "Paimon, don't worry. He'll be fine. What happened here?" he inquired, his tone steady despite the underlying tension.
Paimon recounted the ordeal with a sense of urgency, "As soon as we stepped out of the church, those villains ambushed us. And that blonde lady? She unleashed this fierce ice wind that sent Paimon flying."
Venti gracefully rose to his feet as if waking from a pleasant nap. Dusting off his clothes with a nonchalant air, he began to stride away from the chaotic scene.
His movements caught the attention of Jean, who couldn't help but express her concern. "Bar... I mean Venti, where are you going?" she asked, the worry evident in her voice, nearly slipping up and using his real name in her distress.
Venti grinned mischievously, a twinkle in his emerald eyes. "Y'all can find me at the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero, ehe," he replied with an airy lilt, his carefree tone doing little to ease Jean's anxiety. With that, he left the cathedral, leaving his companions to wonder about the enigmatic bard's intentions
As Aether slowly regained consciousness, he opened his eyes to a grim scene — the lifeless bodies of their assailants sprawled across the floor. In the center of the macabre display stood Momon, a stoic figure amidst the chaos.
Paimon, ever protective, blocked Aether's view. "Hey, are you alright?" she inquired with genuine concern.
Aether, trying to shake off the lingering effects of his ordeal, replied, "Yeah, Paimon, it's just my head that hurts a bit."
"You need to rest for the moment," Paimon insisted, worry etched across her tiny face.
Aether, however, was quick to redirect his attention. "No, where is Venti?" he asked, realizing the absence of the mischievous bard.
"He said he's heading to the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero," Paimon relayed, her expression reflecting a mix of relief and uncertainty.
Aether, determined to find Venti, swiftly rose to his feet and unfurled his glider, soaring out of the city with Paimon closely in tow. Momon, left in bewilderment, rallied the city's defenders, instructing Jean to summon the knights for the grim task of removing the bodies strewn across the cathedral.
"Call the knights to remove the bodies!" he instructed, his tone firm. With a quick nod, Jean signaled to her fellow knights to handle the cleanup while Momon activated [Fly], launching himself into the air to follow Aether.
High above Mondstadt, Aether navigated the wind currents effortlessly, guided by the unseen forces that allowed him to glide toward the majestic tree at Windrise. As he descended, he spotted Venti beneath the ancient branches, bathed in a soft white aura. The sight left Aether intrigued and apprehensive, uncertain of the significance of the divine energy enveloping the carefree bard. Aether descended gracefully, landing beside the bard, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and anticipation.
"Venti…"
Aether's attempt to question Venti was abruptly interrupted as Momon descended with the force of a celestial body, his frustration palpable.
"I saved both of your hides back there, and you just vanish without a word? What the hell went down at the cathedral?" Momon demanded, his voice carrying the weight of annoyance. The unexpected abandonment had clearly left him in a less-than-pleasant mood.
"I'm asking the same question, Momon," Aether replied, his concern echoing Momon's irritation. The enigmatic events at the cathedral lingered, demanding explanation. "Venti, what's a Gnosis, and why did that woman target you for it?" Aether's inquiry cut to the heart of the matter.
Venti, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, responded, "Ah, so you noticed. This isn't something I'm meant to discuss with ordinary folks. But I suppose I can let you in on the secret."
Momon, realizing the rarity of obtaining insights into the secrets of the world's gods, listened intently.
"As you know, Visions are external magical foci that only a small minority of people possess. They use these Visions to channel elemental powers. In truth, every wielder of a Vision is one who can attain godhood and ascend to Celestia. We call such people allogenes," Venti explained, unraveling the mystical threads that connected the mortal realm with the divine.
"Allogenes? Paimon's never heard of them before," chimed in Paimon, her curiosity evident.
"Hehe, that's because this is a secret that only archons are privy to. We don't need primitive tools like Visions. Instead, each archon has an internal magical focus that resonates directly with Celestia itself… known as a Gnosis," Venti explained with a sly grin, shedding light on the concealed knowledge that bound the archons to a different realm.
"What is Celestia?" inquired Momon, his curiosity piqued by the mention of this celestial realm.
Venti, maintaining a playful demeanor, responded, "Let's just say… Celestia is the residence of the gods. Sorry, Momon, I don't have the luxury to spread any more secrets about Celestia, hehe."
As Momon contemplated the revelation, a subtle thought crossed his mind, "Could it be… there is someone above these archons?" The notion of a higher echelon in the divine hierarchy intrigued him. Reflecting on Venti's powers, Momon couldn't help but acknowledge that, while formidable in the context of their world, he might be merely a speck compared to the might of a YGGDRASIL player. The vast unknowns of the celestial order left Momon in a contemplative
Momon pressed for more information, his curiosity evident. "I see… but what about that woman?"
Venti took a moment, his gaze distant as he began to reveal the mysterious figure's identity. "Her name is Signora. Number 8 of the Fatui Harbingers. She and the rest of the Harbingers have been granted god-like executive authority by the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya, endowed with strength surpassing that of ordinary mortals."
"The Tsaritsa? Isn't she an archon too?" Aether sought clarification.
"Indeed. She is one of the Seven, reigning from the Winter Palace, and the singular authority to whom the Fatui Harbingers all answer. While the Seven don't always see eye to eye, I never anticipated that she would conspire to steal another archon's Gnosis. Five hundred years ago, I knew her intimately, but a certain catastrophe occurred, and after that, she severed all ties with me. What is she even thinking?" Venti's expression reflected a mix of confusion, concern, and a trace of lingering emotional turmoil from the events of the past.
"Well, you were the perfect target, thanks to that carefree attitude of yours," Momon commented, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and a hint of reproach.
"Come on, Momon, you really need to learn the meaning of chill. And what was up with showing no mercy? Not even for the female Cicin Mages," Venti recalled, a shudder passing through him as he remembered the gruesome aftermath of Momon's decisive intervention. Even for a god, the brutality was exceptional.
"Seriously? Mercy for terrorists?" Momon shot back, his confusion palpable.
"Hey, Momon saved our lives there! Those Fatui would have turned us into popsicles!" Paimon interjected, coming to Momon's defense.
"I guess you're right, Paimon. Hehe. I might have chosen the wrong words back there. Thanks, Momon!" Venti admitted, a genuine sense of gratitude in his voice as he acknowledged Momon's crucial intervention.
"No problem," Momon replied, his response succinct but carrying an undertone of camaraderie.
Venti's laughter echoed through the air as he spoke, "Anyway… Aether, before entering the church, you said to me that you are on a journey to find your sister… Forgive me, but I was in a slumber for 500 years, and I have no knowledge of a female version of you, hehe."
Aether smiled, understanding evident in his eyes. "It's alright, Venti," he replied. "She's not exactly like me, but we share a connection. Her name is Lumine. We got separated, and now I'm searching for her."
Venti's carefree demeanor took on a more thoughtful tone. "Ah, the twists and turns of fate," he mused. There goes the god of the wind, and now remains six.
Venti leaned against a pillar, his expression serious as he shared crucial information, "If you want more answers, you should head for Mondstadt's neighbor nation of Liyue. The Geo Archon, unlike me, administers his entire region personally. The big man descends from his celestial abode, shares divine wisdom, and sets the stage for Liyue's grand drama. Miss it, and you'll be twiddling your thumbs for a whole year."
Paimon, ever the expressive companion, gasped in shock. "Eeeeh?! We can't wait that long!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.
Aether nodded, determination etched across his features. "Time is of the essence. Let's make our way to Liyue and catch this Rite of Descension before we miss the main event." he said, realizing the urgency of their quest and the importance of catching the Geo Archon's rare appearance.