Momon and Aether decided to stay one more night in Mondstadt to get things ready for their journey to Liyue. While walking in the streets of the city, Momon noticed a sense of fear at the knights. They greeted him, yet, that joy they had days ago was not present anymore with some of them.
This was happening because Momon had become the harbinger of a brutal massacre at the cathedral, leaving the aftermath of his clash with Fatui agents etched into the memories of those who witnessed it. The grotesque brutality displayed by Momon surpassed anything Mondstadt had ever experienced. The very air bore witness to the aftermath of a monstrous act that sent shockwaves through the city.
Momon and Aether were in this era Mondsadt's heroes. Aether is the one who is very calm and friendly, even showing mercy to the enemies. Momon on the other hand… gods have mercy upon his enemies because Momon won't give that.
The dark warrior paid little heed to the whispers of fear that surrounded him in Mondstadt's streets. The opinions of the knights mattered little to him; their judgment was inconsequential in the face of the power he wielded. A silent confidence emanated from him, a conviction that if a situation akin to the Stormterror threat were to arise, the very ones who now viewed him with trepidation would come crawling back, seeking the protection only he could provide.
His status as an undead Overlord gave him an unyielding confidence, and the peace that enveloped Mondstadt did nothing to dull his instincts as a warrior. Despite being surrounded by the tranquility of the city, Momon found an unexpected solace in the region. The winding streets and towering spires seemed incongruent with his dark essence, yet Mondstadt held a unique charm that resonated with him.
"Hm, seems like the knights did not like the scene at the cathedral. It must have traumatized them," Aether observed, his empathetic nature reflecting in his words.
Momon maintained his stoic demeanor, dismissing the concerns with a pragmatic outlook. "They are the military, they are supposed to know that a battle might end in a terrible way," Momon stated matter-of-factly, his cold logic unyielding.
Aether, caught between Momon's unwavering realism and his own compassionate perspective, nodded in reluctant agreement. "I guess you're right, Momon," he conceded, understanding the harsh reality that warriors often faced.
Momon's inquiry about Paimon brought attention to the absence of the floating companion who was usually a constant presence by Aether's side.
"Anyway, where's Paimon? Isn't she always by your side?" Momon inquired, curiosity edging into his deep, monotone voice.
Aether shared a small smile, revealing the mundane yet extraordinary nature of their adventures. "Yeah, she went to sleep. She had a terrible time today by turning into an ice ball," he explained, a hint of concern underlying his words.
Their conversation shifted, and Momon, ever practical, asked about their next destination. "So where are we going now?" he inquired.
Aether's attention was momentarily diverted as he spotted Amber in the distance, waving enthusiastically. "Uhh, Amber is waiting for me. Do you mind if I go?" he asked, his gaze momentarily flickering towards the energetic Outrider.
"Oh please, go ahead, no problem," Momon replied, his demeanor unchanged.
With a nod of gratitude, Aether made his way towards Amber, leaving Momon to his solitude. "Alright, see you tomorrow, Momon,"
As Momon observed Aether's warm embrace with Amber, a moment of realization washed over him. The affectionate hug and tender kiss exchanged between the two hinted at a deeper connection, and Momon couldn't help but understand the unspoken reason behind Paimon's early departure to slumber.
"Man, I feel like I'm being a burden to him. He's just a young dude trying to explore... women too," Momon pondered with a touch of self-awareness. The contrast between Aether's youthful exuberance and Momon's seasoned, enigmatic demeanor became more apparent in that moment.
In the midst of Mondstadt's peaceful ambiance, Momon grappled with the recognition that his own imposing presence might inadvertently cast shadows on the lighthearted pursuits of his companion.
"Oh, so he left you again to go with Amber, haha," a familiar voice chimed in, teasingly.
Momon turned around to find the same girl who had displayed an insatiable appetite for magic standing before him.
"You? What was your name again? Ma... Magi... stus..." Momon struggled to recall her name.
"It's Mona Megistus! Astrologist Mona Megistus," she clarified with a touch of amusement in her voice.
"Oh right, good night then," Momon replied, attempting to gracefully excuse himself as he began to walk towards the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
But Mona, seemingly undeterred, continued to follow him. "Hey, ughh," she exclaimed, determined to engage in conversation or perhaps to sate her curiosity about the enigmatic figure in front of her.
As Momon entered the Headquarters, a surprising wave of recognition and respect greeted him from some of the knights. Despite the unease caused by his recent actions, there were still those who acknowledged and praised him for his deeds, a small solace in the midst of lingering tension.
His steps led him to the library, a sanctuary of knowledge within the heart of the Knights of Favonius. The shelves adorned with numerous books and tomes held the promise of uncovering the history he sought. However, the challenge lay in navigating the unfamiliar language that adorned the pages.
"So what book are you looking for?" asked Mona, her persistent curiosity still shadowing Momon.
Choosing a random book from the shelf, Momon opened it, only to be met with unfamiliar characters sprawled across the pages. Mona, not relenting in her observation, watched his reaction closely.
With a subtle sigh, Momon closed the book and admitted, "Ah, it's sad that I can't read this language." The admission though uttered with a hint of disappointment, carried an air of vulnerability, a rare acknowledgment from the imposing dark warrior that some challenges transcended even his formidable abilities.
"Haha, want me to help you?" Mona asked with a tone of superiority, reveling in the opportunity to showcase her own expertise.
"No need," Momon replied, unfazed by the offer. From seemingly thin air, he produced a pair of glasses and placed them over his mask, concealing his skull face from Mona's view. "These glasses can translate any language, and this book is called 'The History of Kings and Clans.' Oh, this is about the aristocracy who ruled Mondstadt many centuries ago."
Mona's eyes widened in astonishment. "Haah, you have those types of items too?! How?!" she exclaimed, her surprise evident in her animated reaction. The mysterious artifacts and abilities possessed by Momon only fueled Mona's curiosity, leaving her eager to unravel the enigma that seemed to shroud the dark warrior.
The glasses, a mysterious artifact in Momon's possession, held the power to unravel the secrets of written languages. As Mona grappled with the revelation, Momon continued to peruse the historical tome, the translated words providing him with insights into the bygone rulers who once shaped the destiny of Mondstadt.
"You are so loud. This is the library you know, leave me alone now." said Momon.
"Ughh, but I want to learn about your magic!" Mona smacked the table Momon was reading out of anger.
Momon closed his book with a gentle thud, fixing Mona with a stern gaze. "Listen," he began, leaning in to emphasize his point. "You need to focus on your own skills or magic. There's no need to waste your time with something you do not possess. I am not a human, and most of the magic and skills I use are directly connected with my race. For example, one skill that I have is being able to see in pitch darkness clearly. That skill is called [Night Vision]. You know, each race has its unique set of abilities. What might seem ordinary to me could be extraordinary for someone else. Instead of focusing on what I can do, discover your own strengths and embrace your magic. You'll find it far more rewarding in the long run."
Mona's eyes shimmered with determination as she pleaded, "All I want is to learn how to use this Tier Magic so I can surpass my master." Her sad expression reflected her longing for growth and power.
Momon rolled his eyes, muttering to himself, "Oh man, she still isn't listening…"
Just as the tension between them escalated, the librarian, Lisa, intervened, her presence commanding attention in the quiet library. "Why are there loud voices in my library... Oh my," she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Momon for the first time in her domain.
Lisa, undeterred by Momon's stoic demeanor, couldn't hide her excitement. "Such a blessed night to see my hero in my domain, fufu~" she chimed, taking a seat beside Momon and peering over to see what he was reading.
"Ahem, can't you see that we are busy, Miss Lisa?" spoke Mona, asserting her need for privacy.
Lisa, seemingly undeterred, raised an eyebrow and replied, "Miss Mona, are you looking for a book? If not, then please leave the library."
Momon, with a hint of frustration, intervened, "Mona wishes to learn how to use my magic, but there is no way for her to learn Tier Magic unless..." He paused for a moment, creating suspense.
"Unless?" Mona asked eagerly, her eyes searching for answers.
"Unless you change your race..." Momon's words hung in the air, casting a shadow over the conversation.
Confusion painted Mona's face, and even Lisa, who had changed her seductive look to one of perplexity, was taken aback. "Change race?! But can that even happen?!" Mona exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Yes, I have the power to change someone's race," said Momon, his words hanging in the air, the weight of their implications sinking in.
This revelation was immensely important for someone like Mona and Lisa. The ability to change someone's race was an unknown feat, marking Momon as a figure of profound magical prowess, akin to a powerful god.
Eager to explore the possibilities, Mona asked, "And what race would you suggest?"
Momon, with a calm and measured demeanor, replied, "Well, since you are a beautiful woman and I guess you wouldn't want to lose your beauty, I would suggest between demon or vampire."
"What?!" both Mona and Lisa shouted at the same time, their surprise echoing through the library.
Demons were infamous for being extremely dangerous monsters, having brought destruction to Teyvat centuries ago. Their very name sent shivers down the spine of those who knew the history. Vampires, on the other hand, were an enigma. No one had ever seen a vampire, to the point where some people believed they were just a myth, creatures of the night hidden in the shadows. Mona's eyes widened as she grappled with the gravity of Momon's suggestion.
"Know that changing race might end up catastrophic for your friends and the other people around you," warned Momon, his voice carrying a note of caution.
Mona furrowed her brow, seeking clarification. "What do you mean by that?"
Momon sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Well, by becoming a demon, it might change your personality, leading you down a sinister path. As for the vampire, you might find yourself compelled to attack others for their blood. It could be a friend or a loved one."
The weight of the decision became more evident as Momon explained the potential consequences of each choice. Both demons and vampires were creatures of the night, often associated with darkness and malevolence. Mona, torn between the two options, was unsure which path to take and found herself nervously biting her fingernails.
"Also, all the power you have right now will disappear, and you will be my servant," Momon declared.
"S-Servant!?" Mona exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
Momon, seemingly unperturbed, continued with an air of supreme authority. "Yeah, because I am the creator. It's like an eternal contract… The choice is yours, Mona." His words reverberated with an unsettling finality, painting him as a deity of fate, toying with mortal lives.
The weight of Momon's words sank in, and to Mona, the image of Momon transformed. He now seemed like a devil, offering to fulfill her wishes in exchange for her soul. The gravity of the decision overwhelmed her, as hundreds of thoughts raced through her mind, contemplating the consequences of such a transformation. The prospect of losing her current powers added another layer of sacrifice to the already daunting choice.
"This is just... too much. I'll think about it," Mona said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. There was no reason for her to stay and further annoy Momon, so she turned to leave, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions.
"Would you really turn someone into a demon?" asked Lisa, her curiosity lingering in the air a minute after Mona left.
"That was a lie," replied Momon, his tone steady.
Lisa's eyes widened, a mixture of relief and amusement dancing in their depths. "Oh, hahaha. I was actually scared for a moment. The power and strength you have shown to us is phenomenal. The idea of you possessing that race-changing magic would be terrifying." Her laughter echoed in the room, a nervous response to the fleeting fear that had gripped her.
Little did Lisa know, Momon's declaration was not a fabrication. The unsettling truth lay beneath the surface, concealed by the enigmatic facade he wore. His motives, shrouded in mystery, remained his own, and Lisa unwittingly became a pawn in the intricate game he played.
"That was not a lie at all," Momon thought to himself, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He had skillfully diverted Lisa's attention, creating a smokescreen of reassurance to cloak the ominous reality of his abilities. The prospect of Mona exposing the true extent of his magic loomed in the background, and Momon, ever the puppet master, reveled in the art of deception.
Lisa's curiosity sparked, and she couldn't help but probe into the mysterious facets of Momon's abilities. "It has also made me curious about the kind of power you, a visionless one, use, Momon," she inquired, her eyes gleaming with interest.
"It's called Tier Magic," Momon disclosed, his tone measured but revealing little.
"Tier Magic?" Lisa's curiosity mirrored that of Mona earlier. The concept seemed to be a revelation, opening a door to a realm she had yet to explore.
"Yes, I'm not a real warrior, but a magic caster," Momon continued, peeling back a layer of the enigma surrounding him. "There are different types of them like Divine Type Magic Caster, Spiritual Type Magic Caster, and Arcane Type Magic Caster. I am an arcane magic caster and that would be a Sorcerer."
The revelation unfolded before Lisa like a spell unraveling its secrets. The distinctions among magic casters painted a vivid picture of the diverse world of mystical arts. Lisa, absorbing the information, began to connect the dots in her mind.
"Oh, interesting. Since I am a witch, would that make me an arcane magic caster?" Lisa pondered, her curiosity turning inward as she sought to understand her own abilities in this newfound context.
Lisa's admission about being a witch lingered in the air as Momon, with a touch of amusement, responded, "Yeah, oh, so you are a witch, huh?"
Lisa's admission hung in the air, confirming her identity as a witch. "Yes, this vision gives me the power of electro… Momon," Lisa responded, her words trailing off as she sensed an unexpected shift in Momon's attention.
Despite Momon's concealed visage behind a mask, Lisa couldn't shake the feeling that his gaze was fixated on a rather specific area. The unspoken tension in the room manifested as a palpable energy, and Lisa's cheeks flushed with a sudden awareness.
Then, as if defying the expected norms of personal space, Momon's palm unexpectedly landed on Lisa's chest. Her eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and embarrassment washing over her face. Uncertain of Momon's intentions, Lisa found herself caught off guard by the unexpected touch.
"Um, Momon, isn't this too fast? We should go on a date if we..." she began, attempting to navigate the awkward situation.
But Momon's response veered into an entirely different realm. "Why is there a curse in your heart, Lisa?" His words cut through the awkward atmosphere, introducing an element of mystery that left Lisa momentarily bewildered.
As the weight of Momon's words settled in the room, an uneasy silence lingered, shrouding Lisa in a veil of astonishment. The revelation of the curse she harbored within her remained her closely guarded secret, known to none. Yet, Momon's ability to discern this hidden truth with apparent ease sent shivers down her spine.
Lisa's eyes widened, reflecting a mix of surprise and apprehension. The air crackled with an otherworldly tension as if the very fabric of secrecy had been unraveled by Momon's enigmatic insight. How could he have unveiled the curse concealed within her body, a secret she had never dared to share?
Lisa's inquiry, laced with fear, hung in the air like a delicate wisp of uncertainty. "Back when I was a young student, I opened a forbidden magic book. That's how I got the curse, but... how are you able to see this curse?" she asked, vulnerability etched across her features.
"This has to do with my race," Momon explained, revealing the source of his supernatural insight. "I can see any type of curse. The one you have is a curse that gives you some superior knowledge and power, but it has cut your life in half... no, you just have a few years to live," he delivered the sobering truth with a matter-of-fact demeanor.
Lisa's initial fear gave way to a moment of realization. The weight of Momon's words, while unsettling, resonated with the experiences she had lived through. As the truth settled in, a sense of acceptance and admiration replaced the fear in Lisa's eyes.
"That's amazing... to be able to see such a curse and find information about it in a second is admiring," Lisa remarked, a genuine appreciation for Momon's abilities shining through. Her confession unfolded, recounting the repercussions of the curse on her life. "Everything that you said is right. I had to leave the Sumeru Akademiya shortly after graduation and start a new quiet life in my homeland. That's why I am so sleepy and lazy, haha~" she added, attempting to infuse the moment with a light-hearted tone.
Despite the smile Lisa wore, Momon saw the traces of sadness lingering behind it. The quiet acknowledgment of her fate and the facade of cheerfulness painted a poignant picture, as Lisa navigated the complexities of her existence marked by both extraordinary knowledge and the imminent shadow of mortality.
The air crackled with arcane energy as a magical circle materialized before Momon's hand. An incantation whispered with authority, initiated a mystical process that sent tremors through the room. Lisa, the Librarian of Mondstadt, stood frozen, eyes widening as she beheld the unfolding magic.
"[Remove Curse]," Momon declared, the words resonating with the power to dispel the invisible shroud that had haunted Lisa. The magical circle glowed, its ethereal light casting a mesmerizing aura in the room. Something began to emerge from Lisa's chest, a manifestation of the curse that had silently tethered itself to her.
As the arcane energies coalesced, Momon's hand held a floating purple crystal, suspended in mid-air. Black chains, remnants of the curse that had tethered itself to Lisa's life force, encircled the crystal with an eerie presence. The chains, once an invisible shackle on her existence, now manifested in a tangible form, hovering ominously around the crystalline core.
Lisa, her hands instinctively covering her mouth in shock, observed the revelation with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The crystal, once embedded within her, now floated as a testament to the magic Momon wielded—the power to sever the insidious ties that had taken half of her life.
"HOW?!" Lisa's shocked exclamation reverberated through the room as she felt an unfamiliar surge, like a revitalizing life force, coursing through her body. The removal of the curse left her in awe, her disbelief palpable in the wide-eyed astonishment that gripped her.
"Well, wouldn't it be useless if I was able to see a curse but not be able to remove it?" Momon responded with a calm assurance, dispelling the purple crystal with a spell as though it were a mere trinket.
"You… you saved my life!" Lisa exclaimed, her voice quivering with gratitude and emotion. The weight of the curse lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of liberation, overwhelmed her senses.
"Calm now, I removed the curse because you are my comrade..." Momon attempted to explain, but Lisa was not ready to let rationality guide her emotions.
"Don't you understand what this means to me?!" Overcome with gratitude, Lisa impulsively lunged at Momon, enveloping him in a tight hug. The force of their embrace caused both of them to topple from the chair in a tangled heap.
Amidst the chaotic descent, something else fell — Momon's mask. The mysterious shroud that had concealed his identity slipped away, revealing features that had been hidden from everyone until now.