"Huh?!"
Joy radiated from Lisa as the weight of the curse lifted, leaving her elated and grateful. The mysterious Momon, the hero of Mondstadt, had successfully eradicated the curse that had threatened her life, rendering it as inconsequential as a discarded toy.
However, in the midst of her jubilation, Lisa's eyes widened in astonishment. What lay beyond the mask of Momon, the enigmatic savior, unveiled his biggest secret, and the revelation was beyond belief. Lisa, momentarily frozen, beheld an image that defied her expectations.
She had anticipated seeing human features—skin, flesh, or blood. Yet, what greeted her gaze was far from the ordinary. Momon's head was not adorned with the expected human countenance; instead, it was a skull, a pure white testament to a skeletal form. Lisa, confronted with the surreal sight, could hardly fathom the revelation before her.
Momon, the hero she had trusted, wasn't a human at all. The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. The mask concealed not a face but a skull, unraveling the mystery of Momon's true nature—a strange skeleton creature that defied the norms of Mondstadt's known inhabitants.
"Oh shit..." Momon's internal reaction echoed the gravity of the moment. The revelation of his skeletal form had the potential to turn into a catastrophic situation, one that might necessitate drastic measures to preserve the secrecy surrounding his true identity. If Lisa reacted with fear, Momon would be compelled to manipulate time and erase this unsettling incident from her memory.
"Momon…" Lisa's voice cut through the tension in the room. The expected scream or expression of terror was conspicuously absent. Instead, Lisa, in a surprising turn of events, regarded Momon with curiosity.
"What are you?" Lisa inquired, her gaze fixed on the crimson dots that served as Momon's eyes.
"I'm not a human… Don't you remember that part?" Momon responded, attempting to guide Lisa's memory back to the acknowledgment of his non-human nature.
"I know, forgive me, but… are you actually a… skeleton?" Lisa pressed further, her curiosity overcoming any fear that might have lingered.
"Kinda, but I don't like being called a skeleton. I am an undead, and my species is called Overlord," he explained with a measured tone, laying bare the identity that he had concealed behind the mask.
"An Overlord?" Lisa repeated, mulling over the unfamiliar term. Her gaze lingered on Momon, the being before her now defined not by the macabre image of a skeleton but by the enigmatic title of Overlord.
"Yeah…" Momon lifted his upper body while Lisa was still standing on top of his lap.
Lisa's reaction defied the expected norms when faced with such an unusual and otherworldly appearance. Instead of recoiling in fear or shock, she exhibited an uncharacteristic curiosity. The Librarian of Mondstadt, driven by an intellectual inquisitiveness, reached out to touch Momon's skull, her fingers tracing the contours with a gentle and deliberate motion.
"I'm speechless, Momon. I never imagined encountering someone like you." Lisa's eyes widened with a mix of awe and disbelief.
"I'm glad it had an impact. But, Lisa, I need you to promise me something—keep this between us," Momon urged, swiftly pulling his mask back on, concealing his identity once more.
"That won't be a problem at all after what you've done for me." Lisa prevented Momon from covering his face and kissed his non-existing lips (teeth). "I would have loved to go further…~"
Momon, caught off guard by Lisa's boldness and her suggestive expression, found himself in a moment of unexpected intimacy. The atmosphere in the room, once filled with curiosity and acceptance, now took a turn into uncharted territory.
As Lisa looked at Momon with a suggestive and aroused expression, his emotions stirred in response. The unexpected kiss seemed to have ignited something within him. Suddenly, Lisa felt something rising. "Oh, so you got the extra bone too, huh~" Lisa, with her provocative comment, acknowledged the shift in the atmosphere.
Momon was not supposed to have "that" but YGGDRASIL got a funny update two months before the shutdown, and that update was about 18+ stuff. The devs hoped that this update would bring the players back for the last time but that backfired and the devs got a lot of hate. Momon on the other hand gave his skeletal avatar a dick as a joke… But now that his avatar is real in a real fantasy world, he never thought that he would have that part too…
"Wait… Lisa, this is not what you think," Momon stammered, attempting to diffuse the tension that lingered in the air. However, Lisa seemed determined not to let this moment slip away without savoring its awkwardness.
With a sly smile, she leaned in closer, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, I'm sure it's exactly what I think~" Lisa teased, relishing the discomfort in Momon's attempt to normalize the situation. "That's too late darling~ We have a long night ahead of us…
And Momon's wish was fulfilled, he got his first woman. Lisa didn't even care if there were still knights outside the library who could hear her loud moans. They had sex for hours until Momon saw the sunlight from the windows.
Lisa rubbed her tired eyes as she woke up, having had only an hour of sleep. She watched in amazement as Momon effortlessly donned his clothes with a speed that seemed almost supernatural. Every detail about him fascinated her, from the mysterious aura that surrounded him to the swift efficiency in even the simplest actions.
As Momon finished dressing, Lisa couldn't help but feel a growing affection for him. The enigmatic nature of Momon had cast a spell on her, and she found herself falling in love with this intriguing character.
The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the aftermath of the night's intimacy. Lisa, still in the afterglow of their shared moments, turned to Momon with a teasing smile.
"So you are leaving for Liyue, darling?" she inquired, the playful lilt in her voice hinting at the shared intimacy they had just experienced.
Momon, feeling a hint of concern about the events of the previous night, began, "Yes, uhhh about last night..."
Before he could express his thoughts, Lisa cut in with a mischievous grin, "You were amazing~," her words carrying a sense of satisfaction and lust.
"Oh... I see. Well, I'll be back frequently in Mondstadt to do some work at my property. So I'll head out now… put some clothes on," Momon said, his tone a mix of composure and lingering concern.
"Alright, fufu~" Lisa responded with a mischievous glint in her eyes, watching her darling exit with a sense of satisfaction. The playful exchange and the lingering affection in the air left the library filled with a sense of shared secrets and the promise of future encounters in Mondstadt.
Momon emerged from the library to find Aether and Paimon waiting for him in the soft morning light. Paimon, the floating companion, chimed in with her usual curiosity,
"Good morning, Momon! We've been searching all over for you. What kept you in the library for so long?" inquired Paimon, her tiny wings fluttering with curiosity.
Aether, the silent traveler, added, "What do you think a person does in a library, Paimon?"
Paimon's eyes widened as realization dawned, "Oh, right." She acknowledged her oversight, giving Momon a curious glance.
"Good morning, guys. I was just reading some history books about Teyvat. I was about to go and look for you two. What are you doing here?" Momon inquired as he encountered Aether and the others.
"We just wanted to see Jean before we travel to Liyue," Aether explained.
"Umu, sure good idea," Momon replied in agreement.
The trio proceeded into the office, finding Jean engrossed in her duties, as was customary. The burden of responsibility, especially in the absence of the Grand Master Varka and with the majority of the knights away, weighed heavily on her capable shoulders. Despite the challenges, Jean remained a diligent and hardworking leader, dedicating herself to managing and protecting the city with unwavering resolve.
"Oh, welcome and good morning!" greeted Jean with a warm smile.
"Good morning!" the trio greeted back.
"Jean, we are on our way to Liyue and just wanted to say goodbye for now," Aether conveyed with a sense of purpose.
"I see, finding your sister is your top priority. Mondstadt will always welcome you, Honorary Knights. If we ever encounter your sister first, we will inform you immediately. May the wind lead!" Jean assured them, her commitment to their cause evident in her words.
"Thank you very much, we are heading out now," Aether expressed as they prepared to depart for Liyue.
As they were about to leave, Jean stopped Momon. "Momon, wait for a moment." Her request held a hint of urgency or perhaps a matter that required a brief pause before their departure. Momon, curious, complied and waited for Jean to address him further.
"Is everything alright, Jean?" Momon inquired, his voice carrying a note of concern as he noticed the subtle shift in Jean's expression.
Jean waved off the concern with a reassuring smile. "No, no, everything is fine. I was just curious about something... What do you plan to do in Old Mondstadt?" she asked, her eyes glinting with genuine interest.
Momon's gaze shifted to a distant point as if peering into the future. "Well, I have this vision," he began, his words measured. "I want to rebuild Old Mondstadt, breathe life back into its ruins. My dream is to create a new settlement, a beacon of hope and resilience in this country."
Jean's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and admiration. "Rebuild Old Mondstadt?"
Jean's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of disbelief coloring her features. "Really? I don't believe anyone would want to go there and rebuild anything," she remarked, her voice carrying a mix of skepticism and genuine curiosity.
"You are right, but I believe this will work. Also... I might rebuild the city by using my magic, but I would love it if you kept this a secret between us, alright?" Momon stated with a serious tone, his gaze locking with Jean's.
A hush fell over the room as the weight of Momon's revelation hung in the air. Jean, after a moment of thoughtful consideration, nodded in agreement. "At this point, I'm not surprised that you can do that too. Do not worry, all your secrets will be safe in my heart," she assured, a proud and trustworthy gleam in her eyes as she placed her hand over her chest.
"Thank you…" Momon expressed his gratitude, ready to make his exit.
Momon, feeling the urgency to depart, attempted to make his exit, but Jean's words held him in place.
"Even the secret with Lisa…" she mentioned, her tone carrying a mix of intrigue and concern.
Momon felt like he had been caught red-handed. He also felt that there was another presence last night in the library but Lisa wouldn't let him free for hours.
"Jean… look, I know a library is a public place and all, but please… some privacy?" Momon implored, his tone revealing a genuine request for discretion.
In response, Jean's eyes widened, realizing the potential misinterpretation of her words. "Oh, no, no, no, forgive me. I didn't mean to blackmail you or anything," she hurriedly clarified, her voice tinged with panic. She thought there would be a different reaction from Momon but she embarrassed herself by being a peeping tom. Jean had unintentionally pushed the boundaries, forgetting the rule not to tread on Momon's bad side, a lesson learned the hard way in Mondstadt.
"It's alright… listen, everything happened in the heat of the moment, so let's just forget about this. Is there anything else you wanted to ask?" asked Momon, his tone gentle, offering Jean a chance to let go of the awkward exchange.
Jean nodded gratefully, a hint of relief in her eyes. "No, please have a safe trip and come visit us again," she said, her professionalism returning as she wished Momon well.
"I will… hold on…" Momon paused, a flicker of curiosity crossing his skeletal features. He turned back to face Jean, his gaze searching. "What did you see back at the library?"
Jean's reaction was immediate, her voice tinged with a hint of panic as she stuttered, "N-Nothing! Ju-Just Lisa!"
"Alright." with a final nod of gratitude, he left the office.
As Aether, Momon, and Paimon left the bustling streets of Mondstadt behind, their journey toward the nation of Liyue stretched out before them. Liyue, nestled in the southwest of the continent, held a reputation as a thriving economic hub, pulsating with trade and commerce that flowed like the river that carved its landscape.
The God of this illustrious nation was none other than Rex Lapis, also known as Morax. Revered as the Archon of Geo, Morax held sway over the land, his influence extending far beyond mere governance. He bore many titles befitting his stature - the God of Contracts, the God of Commerce, the Warrior God, and even the Prime of Adepti. Among the Seven Archons, Morax stood as the oldest and perhaps the most formidable, his strength and wisdom legendary among mortals and divine alike.
As the trio journeyed towards Liyue, they were welcomed aboard a carriage by a jovial merchant hailing from the region. With barrels of wine stacked high in the carriage, the aroma of aged spirits filled the air, adding to the sense of adventure that lay ahead.
The merchant, a resident of Qingce Village near the border with Mondstadt, regaled them with tales of his travels and trade ventures at the Stone Gate. His stories painted a vivid picture of life in Liyue, its bustling markets, and ancient traditions.
As they traversed the winding roads, Momon couldn't help but marvel at the dramatic shift in landscape from Mondstadt to Liyue. Where Mondstadt boasted lush plains and verdant forests, Liyue revealed a rugged and mountainous terrain. Towering peaks rose majestically against the horizon, their rocky slopes a testament to the enduring beauty of the land.
The trio reached the Stone Gate and left the merchant feeding his horse. Momon tried to give him some Mora for the ride but did not accept them. He was a good man who wanted some company for the long road.
As the trio approached the passage leading into Liyue, they encountered watch towers and soldiers patrolling the border. Among them, one of the Millelith soldiers spotted the three strangers making their way into Liyue lands.
"Stop right there!" the Millelith soldier shouted, his voice echoing through the air.
Clad in armor and wielding a polearm, the soldier marched towards the strangers, his gaze fixed primarily on the tall figure wearing a mask. The presence of unfamiliar travelers sparked a sense of vigilance and caution among the Millelith soldiers, tasked with safeguarding the borders of Liyue from potential threats.
Aether, Momon, and Paimon exchanged wary glances, recognizing the need to handle the situation with care as they awaited the soldier's approach, prepared to explain their presence and intentions in the land of Liyue.
"Greetings, sir!" Paimon greeted cheerfully, attempting to defuse the tension.
The Millelith guard regarded them with suspicion, his gaze lingering on Momon's masked visage. "Greetings... what business brings you into the lands of Rex Lapis?" he inquired, his tone cautious.
"We are from the Adventurers' Guild, sir," Aether explained, hoping to allay the guard's suspicions.
"The Adventurers' Guild, huh... which branch?" the guard pressed further, his scrutiny unwavering.
"The Mondstadt's one," Aether replied, providing the necessary information in hopes of gaining the guard's trust and permission to proceed. The mention of their affiliation with the Adventurers' Guild aimed to convey their peaceful intentions and legitimate reasons for entering Liyue's borders.
"What about him?" the guard questioned, turning his attention to Momon. "This guy doesn't look like the average adventurer," he remarked, his suspicion deepening as he regarded Momon with scrutiny, his thoughts drifting towards the possibility of Momon being a Fatui agent.
"S-sir, we are adventurers and Honorary Knights," Paimon interjected quickly, her voice carrying a note of urgency as she sought to defuse the guard's suspicions. The mention of their status as Honorary Knights, bestowed upon them by the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt, was intended to lend credibility to their claims and reassure the guard of their peaceful intentions.
"Honorary Knights?!" The Millelith guard's confusion was evident, his expression momentarily perplexed. However, as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, recognition dawned on him.
"Wait... Little flying companion, blonde hero, and the mysterious masked hero..." The guard's eyes widened in realization. "Ooohh, the heroes of Mondstadt!"
The trio's deeds had spread far and wide, their names and accomplishments echoing across the lands like the wind. The guard, now understanding the significance of their presence, recalled hearing tales of their bravery and heroism. In a land plagued by turmoil and uncertainty, the arrival of these renowned adventurers brought a glimmer of hope and reassurance.
The situation in Mondstadt, once dire and chaotic, had been brought under control thanks to the efforts of these three heroes. Their reputation preceded them, even reaching the distant lands of Liyue, where the guard stood in awe of the trio before him.
"It is a great honor to meet you, Honorary Knights! Forgive me for my lack of manners!" the guard expressed sincerely, his previous suspicions giving way to genuine respect and admiration.
"No offense taken, you were just doing your job interrogating newcomers," Momon replied graciously, acknowledging the guard's diligence in maintaining security at the border. Despite the initial tension, a sense of mutual understanding and respect now prevailed between the guard and the trio.
With the tension diffused and mutual respect established, the encounter ended on a positive note. The guard, now recognizing the trio as the esteemed heroes of Mondstadt, bid them farewell and wished them well on their journey into Liyue's lands.
The trio passed through the Stone Gate peacefully, relieved to have encountered no further troubles after their initial encounter with the Millelith guard.
"Being famous has some benefits, huh," Momon remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice at the unexpected perks of their newfound renown.
"True, the news really spread fast in Teyvat," Aether agreed, reflecting on the speed with which their deeds had traveled across the land.
"Aha, the people are very eager to hear some intense news even if they are terrible news," Paimon chimed in, her voice tinged with a mix of humor and insight into the nature of gossip and rumor in Teyvat.
As the trio ventured further into Dihua Marsh, they found themselves crossing bridges that connected three small islands, each shrouded in the tranquil mist of the marsh. Upon reaching the first island, their eyes fell upon a towering figure bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the mist.
"Hey, it's a Statue of the Seven!" exclaimed Paimon with unbridled excitement, her tiny form buzzing with energy.
Momon's gaze followed Paimon's gesture, and he beheld the sight of a massive statue, reminiscent of the Anemo Archon's likeness they had encountered in Mondstadt. This statue, however, depicted a different figure - that of a hooded, tall man seated atop a majestic throne, his presence exuding an aura of power and authority.
"I guess, this is the guy who rules this nation," Momon remarked, his voice tinged with awe as he observed the imposing figure before them.
Aether nodded in agreement, his eyes tracing the intricate details of the statue. "Indeed, this must be the symbol of the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis," he surmised, his tone filled with reverence for the deity who held sway over Liyue.
The trio approached the statue, taking in its imposing presence against the backdrop of the marsh. Around them, the tranquil surroundings seemed to echo with the whispers of ancient secrets, as if the land itself held untold stories waiting to be uncovered.
"Quick, Aether, touch the statue. Who knows, it might give you the power of Geo just like the Anemo one!" Paimon urged excitedly, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.
"Huh?!" Momon's confusion was evident as he processed Paimon's suggestion, unsure if he had heard her correctly.
"Paimon... do not say that out loud!" Aether interjected hastily, his tone tinged with concern.
Realizing her mistake, Paimon's expression shifted as she remembered that Momon was unaware of Aether's unique talent. Her eyes widened in realization, acknowledging the need for discretion in discussing such matters openly.
"Oh..." Paimon murmured softly, understanding the importance of keeping certain secrets safe from prying ears, especially in unfamiliar territories like Liyue.
"The Anemo Statue gave you power?" Momon questioned, his confusion evident as he tried to make sense of Paimon's revelation.
"Ehehe, yeah, impressive isn't it, Momon!" Paimon replied, attempting to laugh off the situation, though a hint of unease lingered beneath her cheerful demeanor.
This discovery was indeed shocking, as Momon realized the implications of what Paimon had just revealed. In the world of Teyvat, the ability to wield elemental power was typically granted through the bestowal of a vision by the divine. However, neither Momon nor Aether possessed a vision, making their newfound abilities all the more perplexing.
"Is this guy from... no, he's definitely not from YGGDRASIL!" Momon's thoughts raced as he observed the mysterious individual before him, analyzing their appearance and demeanor with a discerning eye. Memories of his experiences in YGGDRASIL, the virtual reality game from which he hailed, flickered in his mind, but the person before him seemed to defy easy categorization.
"I've never seen a human with such gear back then," Momon mused, noting the unfamiliarity of the individual's attire compared to what he had encountered in the game. Despite his extensive knowledge of YGGDRASIL, this stranger remained an enigma, their origins shrouded in mystery.
"Also, he's extremely weak compared to a level 100 player," Momon observed, assessing the stranger's apparent lack of strength and prowess in combat. The disparity between the stranger's abilities and those of a seasoned player further fueled Momon's suspicions.
"Even if he possessed an item that could hide his true nature, I would've still found out that he was a player," Momon concluded, his confidence in his ability to discern the truth unwavering.
"Sorry, Momon! Paimon is just… Paimon," Aether apologized, recognizing the need to address Momon's confusion.
"That's interesting, can you show me, Aether?" Momon inquired, his curiosity piqued by the prospect of witnessing Aether's newfound abilities.
"Sure, I was going to tell you anyway, no need to keep this hidden from a friend and teammate," Aether replied with a nod, acknowledging Momon's role in their shared journey.
Aether approached the statue of the Geo Archon, his movements deliberate as he reached out to touch it. As his hand made contact with the stone surface, a radiant golden glow emanated from the cube held by the statue's hand, illuminating the surrounding area with its brilliance.
Moments later, golden light transmitted into Aether's body, infusing him with the power of Geo. The transformation was subtle but unmistakable, as Aether now possessed the ability to wield the element of Geo, granted to him by the divine energy of the Statue of the Seven.
"I wonder what can this element do…" Momon pondered, his thoughts drifting towards the possibilities offered by Aether's newly acquired Geo abilities.
"How about I give it a shot!" Aether exclaimed eagerly, his enthusiasm palpable as he prepared to test out his newfound powers.
"Good evening there, folks!" A voice suddenly interrupted their conversation, prompting the trio to turn and assess the source of the greeting. However, instead of a single individual, they were confronted by a group of ten men, their faces partially obscured by masks.
The sudden appearance of these masked individuals sparked a sense of unease in the trio, their instincts alerting them to the potential danger posed by the strangers.
"T-Treasure Hoarders?!" Paimon exclaimed in fear, her voice trembling with apprehension at the sight of the menacing group before them.
"Damn right you are, flying midget, hehehe!" the leader of the bandits retorted with a sinister grin, his tone dripping with malice as he reveled in the fear he instilled in Paimon and the others.
The leader, a muscular figure wielding a hammer, exuded an aura of intimidation as he loomed over the trio with a menacing presence. Behind him, his cohorts stood ready, their faces obscured by masks as they awaited their leader's command.
"What do you want?" Momon inquired, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
"Hand over your belongings if you want to live, punk!" the leader of the Treasure Hoarders barked, his tone filled with aggression and menace as he made his demand.
"That is not going to happen," Momon responded firmly, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to confront the bandits head-on. However, before he could make a move, Aether intervened, stepping forward with determination.
"Hey wait, leave them to me. I want to test the new power I just got," Aether declared, his voice filled with determination as he expressed his desire to put his newfound abilities to the test.
"Oh, sure, that would be great," Momon agreed, recognizing the opportunity for Aether to showcase his skills and prove the strength of his Geo powers. With a nod of approval, he stepped back, allowing Aether to take the lead in facing off against the Treasure Hoarders.
"Bahaha! You're a real piece of work, aren't ya?" one of them jeered, his laughter laced with a cruel edge as he gestured mockingly at their leader. "Trying to play the tough guy when you can barely stand!"
Aether pressed forward with unwavering resolve, his demeanor radiating an aura of unshakeable confidence that seemed to unnerve the Treasure Hoarders. As he advanced, his gaze swept over the bandits, unperturbed by their malicious intent.
Unbeknownst to him, one of the Treasure Hoarders skulked in the shadows, clutching a crossbow with malicious intent. With a cowardly resolve, he prepared to unleash a bolt aimed squarely at Aether's unsuspecting back.
The Treasure Hoarders, devoid of any semblance of honor or fairness, were renowned for their underhanded tactics, their thirst for success surpassing any notion of fair play. In their world, victory was achieved through deceit and treachery, leaving a trail of betrayal in their wake.
Aether's reaction was swift and decisive as he sensed the imminent threat from the hidden bowman. With a command that resonated through the air, he called upon the very earth itself to heed his will.
"Terra-Smash!"
From the depths below, a sudden upheaval erupted, unleashing a powerful force that surged towards the bowman with unstoppable momentum. The impact sent the assailant hurtling through the air, his body tossed like a ragdoll by the sheer force of the Geo-powered assault.
"What the…" The leader of the Treasure Hoarders could only stare in shock and disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. His expression twisted with a mixture of astonishment and rage, his mind struggling to comprehend the sudden intervention that had disrupted their carefully laid plans.
Meanwhile, Momon watched with a keen eye as the Geo Construct emerged from the ground, a formidable meteorite imbued with elemental power. Its presence was unmistakable, radiating an aura of danger as it hovered ominously, ready to unleash its devastating AoE Geo damage upon any who dared to oppose its wielder.
"Boss, he might be a vision bearer!" One of the henchmen's words pierced through the chaos, a whisper of concern amidst the turmoil of battle.
"I'll crush his head!"
As the leader of the Treasure Hoarders disregarded his henchmen's warnings, his determination to crush Aether intensified. With a menacing glare, he raised his hammer high, intent on delivering a fatal blow to the perceived threat before him.
But Aether was not one to succumb easily. With agility borne of instinct and training, he dodged the incoming strike with a fluid grace, narrowly avoiding the deadly descent of the hammer. In one seamless motion, he retaliated with another elemental skill, channeling the power of the wind into a lethal attack.
"Wind-Blade!"
Aether's palm crackled with energy as a vortex of vacuum formed, swirling with potent force before erupting with explosive power. The blast struck true, impacting the leader of the Treasure Hoarders squarely in the stomach and sending him reeling backward with a cry of pain and surprise.
"BOSS!"
The Treasure Hoarders, witnessing their leader's plight, found themselves gripped by panic and uncertainty. They had underestimated their opponents, and now they faced the consequences of their folly. In their moment of realization, they knew they had indeed picked a fight with individuals far more formidable than they had ever anticipated.
Momon silently parted ways with Aether, leaving him to handle the remaining Treasure Hoarders. With careful steps, he approached the towering statue, shrouded from the sight of Paimon and the others. His hand reached out tentatively, fingers grazing the weathered stone.
A surge of energy coursed through Momon as a mysterious force enveloped him, mirroring the same peculiar experience Aether had undergone.
"This is... peculiar," Momon muttered to himself, his thoughts swirling with questions. "Are you, like me, a traveler from another world? Or perhaps you're just an extraordinary individual, Aether?"
As Momo reappeared on the scene, his eyes scanned the scene before him—a tableau of chaos and defeat. The once boisterous band of Treasure Hoarders now lay scattered across the ground, their bodies battered and bruised, exhaustion evident in every labored breath.
In the center of it all stood the leader, a defiant glint in his eye despite his evident weariness. He struggled to rise, determination burning in his veins despite the odds stacked against him.
"You think you've won, you little brat?" His voice cracked with effort, yet his resolve remained unyielding. "I'm not backing down until I've wiped that smug grin off your face!"
"Well, I'm up for another round," Aether declared, determination flashing in his eyes as he surveyed the battlefield.
As he spoke, his two remaining meteorites began to defy gravity, hovering mysteriously above the ground. Aether furrowed his brow in confusion, uncertain of what was causing this unexpected phenomenon.
To his surprise, the Treasure Hoarder's leader also seemed bewildered by the floating meteorites, mistakenly attributing the spectacle to another one of Aether's formidable abilities.
With a sense of bewilderment, Aether watched as one of the meteorites drifted to the left of the Treasure Hoarder's leader, while the other settled on the opposite side.
"What are you trying to do, you bastard?!" the Treasure Hoarder's leader shouted in panic, his voice trembling with fear as he faced the impending collision of the two meteorites closing in on him from both sides.
"No... no! Stop it!" he cried out, his desperation palpable as he braced for the inevitable impact that threatened to crush him beneath their immense weight.
"Aether, aren't you going a bit too far with this..." Paimon's voice carried a note of concern, her worry evident as she glanced between Aether and the chaotic scene unfolding before them.
"I'm not doing anything, Paimon. I have no idea what's going on," Aether responded, his own confusion mirroring Paimon's as they both searched for an explanation to the sudden and dangerous turn of events.
"But who..." Paimon trailed off, her voice trailing into uncertainty as they grappled with the mystery of the unseen force manipulating the meteorites, threatening to crush their unsuspecting foe.
Momon emerged from the shadows, his figure cloaked in mystery and his eyes gleaming with an eerie intensity as he revealed his control over the two menacing meteorites, manipulating them with an unseen force.
"I wonder," Momon's voice was cold and calculating, sending a chill down the Treasure Hoarder's leader's spine, "what should I take from you, hmm... Your leg, your arm, or perhaps your skull?"
The Treasure Hoarder's leader recoiled in horror, his bravado crumbling in the face of Momon's sinister display of power. "What are you talking about?! I want to live!" he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.
Momon's expression remained impassive, a mask of indifference as he delivered his chilling response. "I didn't give that option much thought... I mean, what's the point of leaving you alive?" His words dripped with disdain as he condemned the Treasure Hoarder for his wicked deeds. "You beat and rob people for a living. No one would ever shed a tear if you met your end right here and now."
The Treasure Hoarder's leader trembled, realizing too late the gravity of his actions as he faced the merciless judgment of Momon, a figure more formidable and unforgiving than he could have ever imagined.
The tension hung thick in the air as the two meteorites hovered perilously close to the bandit's skull, poised to strike a deadly blow. But before tragedy could unfold, Aether's urgent cry pierced through the chaos.
"Momon!"
At the sound of his name, Momon paused, turning to meet Aether's gaze, his expression stoic yet tinged with frustration at the interruption.
"Momon, the Millelith might come after us for this. We'd better let this slide," Aether reasoned, his voice laced with concern for the consequences of their actions.
After a moment's consideration, Momon nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's reasonable," he conceded, his attention returning to the bandit who stood frozen in shock before them.
"As for you..." Momon's voice was low and menacing, his words carrying a weight of unspoken threat. "You'd do well to pray to your god never to cross paths with me again, or else..."
The tension reached its peak as the two meteorites, controlled by Momon's telekinetic power, soared higher into the sky before colliding with a deafening crash. The impact was brutal, sending shockwaves rippling through the air, and the Treasure Hoarder's leader could only watch in horror as the meteorites clashed with devastating force.
With a sickening realization of what could have been, the Treasure Hoarder's leader felt a surge of gratitude for his narrow escape, his mind reeling at the sheer brutality of the clash. As the dust settled and the echoes of the collision faded, he and his fellow bandits staggered to their feet, their bodies battered and bruised from the ordeal.
With no time to spare, the Treasure Hoarders fled like frightened rabbits, their wounds serving as painful reminders of the danger they had narrowly evaded.
"Never mess with us again!" Paimon's voice rang out, a mixture of triumph and warning echoing through the aftermath of the confrontation.
Momon approached Aether, a nod of acknowledgment in his masked visage. "I saw the geo element in that fight, Aether. Very impressive, being able to harness power like that."
Aether chuckled modestly, scratching the back of his head, the adrenaline of the battle still coursing through his veins. "Haha, yeah, I have no idea how it happened first with the Anemo statue, but I'm not complaining."
Paimon chimed in with infectious enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Hehe, he's very special! When he masters all the elements, he'll be unstoppable!"
Aether chuckled, shaking his head at Paimon's excitement. "You're getting a bit ahead of yourself, Paimon," he teased, though the hint of pride in his voice was unmistakable.
Momon watched the interaction between Aether and Paimon with a hint of fondness in his eyes. "What a delightful pair," he thought to himself, a fleeting smile touching his non-existent lips. "They remind me of the days when my friends and I would be overjoyed, leveling up our avatars to the highest ranks."
As the pleasant exchange drew to a close, Momon's senses abruptly tingled with alarm, snapping him out of the moment of tranquility. With swift reflexes, he grasped both Aether and Paimon tightly, urgency etched into his movements as he propelled them away from the impending threat.
"Hold on tight!" Momon shouted over the rushing wind, his voice commanding as he leaped with a burst of agility, narrowly evading the catastrophe hurtling towards them.
The sky darkened ominously as a blazing object streaked towards the island, hurtling with terrifying speed. With a deafening crash, it collided with the earth, sending shockwaves rippling across the landscape and carving a massive crater in its wake.
Clinging to Momon, Aether and Paimon watched in stunned silence as the dust settled, the once serene surroundings now marred by destruction. Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, they braced themselves for whatever new danger might emerge from the chaos.
"What... what just happened?!" Paimon's panicked cry pierced the air, her voice trembling with fear and confusion as she struggled to comprehend the sudden upheaval.
From the depths of the crater emerged a figure cloaked in mystery, his presence imposing and foreboding. Like Momon, he concealed his face behind a devilish mask adorned with horns and sharp teeth, adding to his intimidating aura. His stature matched Aether's, and his right arm bore intricate tattoos, hinting at a past shrouded in darkness. Yet, it was the gleaming long spear he wielded that truly set him apart, its very presence radiating an aura of divine power.
"Great... First the Treasure Hoarders, and now this one," Momon muttered, his voice laced with frustration as he braced himself for yet another confrontation with an unknown adversary.
"Hey there," Aether began, addressing the mysterious figure before him.
The individual turned, their gaze piercing as they regarded Aether with a mixture of suspicion and authority.
"We're not here to stir up trouble," Aether continued, attempting to diffuse the tension with a reasoned approach. "We're members of the Adventurers Guild, just passing through."
But the response he received was not one of understanding or cooperation. Instead, the figure's voice carried a tone of disdain, dismissing Aether's words with a wave of their hand.
"These are matters concerning the Adepti," he declared firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "Mortals like you have no place meddling in my affairs."
Aether's confusion deepened at the rebuff. If he wasn't the one he was seeking, then who exactly was this enigmatic individual searching for?
"The legendary Adepti who protects Liyue?" Paimon's voice quivered with panic as she attempted to grasp the gravity of the situation. "Was he hunting those Treasure Hoarders? Somebody needs to tell him the Treasure Hoarders are gone and have no business with them!"
Aether's brow furrowed in confusion at the mention of the Adepti. "Adepti?" he echoed, the term foreign to his ears.
Meanwhile, the stranger's attention shifted to Momon, his gaze ablaze with accusation and hostility. "I sense great evil emanating from you!" he accused, his words laced with a venomous threat. "You shall perish!"
But Momon remained unfazed, his composure unwavering in the face of the stranger's aggression.
"Are you serious right now? You're literally a demon! What the hell do you think you're doing?" he retorted, his voice tinged with incredulity and defiance.
"I am Adeptus Xiao! I am the one who cleanses these lands from evil!" Xiao's proclamation reverberated through the air, his voice resolute as he propelled himself towards Momon with lightning speed, his intent clear and his determination unwavering.
Aether's heart pounded with concern as he witnessed the ferocity of Xiao's attack. He knew that their new adversary posed a formidable threat, and his worry for Momon only intensified as he realized the magnitude of the challenge they faced.
A deafening metallic clash echoed across the battlefield as Xiao's mighty spear met Momon's dark sword in a collision of titans. The force of their impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, driving Aether and Paimon stumbling back into the cover of the nearby bushes.
Emerging from the undergrowth, Aether and Paimon's eyes widened in disbelief at the scene before them. Momon, their steadfast companion, stood firm against the relentless assault of Xiao, his determination evident in the fierce grip of his sword and the unwavering resolve etched upon his features.
Despite Xiao's best efforts, Momon remained unmoved, his dark aura radiating with an otherworldly strength as he held his ground against the Adeptus's onslaught.
Xiao staggered back, stunned by the sheer force of Momon's block. It was as if an ominous deity stood before him, wielding power beyond mortal comprehension.
"What... impossible..." Xiao's voice quivered with disbelief, his eyes wide with shock.
Momon's gaze bore into Xiao, unwavering. "So, demon, where are those boasts now?" His tone dripped with a mixture of disdain and confidence.
"Prepare to meet your end, fool!" Xiao's voice rose, a mixture of fury and desperation echoing through the air.
With a ferocious swing, the yaksha aimed to cleave his opponent in two, yet the outcome was beyond comprehension. Aether and Paimon watched in astonishment as Momon effortlessly seized the spear with his bare hand, halting the lethal strike with an otherworldly grip.
"No... this can't be..." Xiao's words faltered as fear gripped his heart, realizing the dire situation he was in.
Before he could react further, Momon's left hand lashed out with incredible force, striking Xiao squarely in the chest. Agony surged through the yaksha as bones cracked and organs screamed in protest. Though Xiao's face remained concealed behind his mask, the telltale signs of blood staining his lips confirmed the devastating impact of the blow.
Xiao was sent hurtling through the air like a rag doll, his body colliding with the statue of the Geo Archon with bone-shuddering force, threatening to bring the monumental structure crashing down upon them all.
Momon materialized like an avenging angel, his presence casting a shadow over Xiao's feeble attempt to rise.
"I... I will not back down!" Xiao's voice wavered, his body wracked with agony, struggling to maintain even a semblance of strength.
With merciless precision, Momon's fist shattered Xiao's mask into a shower of fractured remnants. Before Xiao could collapse again, Momon seized him by the throat, his grip firm and unyielding. Towering over the yaksha, Momon exuded an aura of overwhelming power, his hand capable of snapping Xiao's neck as easily as a twig.
"What now, demon?" Momon's voice rumbled like thunder, his gaze piercing through Xiao's defiant facade. With a menacing glint in his eyes, Momon raised his sword, poised to deliver the final, lethal blow.
But just as the blade began its descent, Paimon and Aether intervened, darting forward with urgent pleas.
"Wait, Momon!" Paimon's voice rang out, filled with desperation.
Momon's brow furrowed in annoyance as he turned his attention to the diminutive duo, still holding Xiao firmly by the neck.
"What is it now?" Momon's tone dripped with impatience, his grip tightening slightly on Xiao's throat.
Aether stepped forward, his expression fraught with concern. "Please, Momon, do not kill him," he implored.
"Why?" Momon's confusion was palpable, his gaze shifting between Aether and Paimon.
"He's an Adeptus," Paimon explained, urgency lacing her words. "Like Dvalin of Mondstadt. He's a national treasure, revered by the nation of Liyue."
Momon's grip loosened, allowing Xiao to crumple to the ground, gasping for breath. "Is that so..." Momon's voice trailed off, a hint of contemplation coloring his tone. "Well, if Dvalin found a purpose to continue his duty, then perhaps this one," he gestured towards Xiao with a dismissive flick of his hand, "has outlived his usefulness."
"Cough! Cough!" Xiao struggled to push himself upright, his breath ragged and labored. "Don't you dare... look down on me, you bastard!" he spat, each word tinged with defiance. "I was right about you... You are a monster! The malevolent aura that emanates from you knows no bounds!" Xiao's voice rang out, laced with bitterness, as he coughed up blood.
Momon regarded Xiao with a cool detachment, his expression unreadable behind his mask. "I've encountered my fair share of demons and devils in the past," he remarked, his tone calm and collected. "Yet never have I heard such accusations from the lips of a demon."
Xiao's voice reverberated with both authority and anguish as he asserted his identity and purpose. "I am an Adeptus! My duty is to protect Liyue from monsters," he declared, his tone heavy with the weight of his sworn responsibilities.
Paimon interjected, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "But Momon is different! He's a good person! We've fought together and saved Mondstadt from the clutches of Stormterror," she implored, her words echoing with earnestness.
In a sudden whirlwind of movement, Xiao disappeared from sight, reappearing several meters away from Momon in a swift, ethereal form. Despite his battered condition, he reclaimed his spear, assuming a defiant stance, his resolve unyielding despite his physical agony.
"I refuse to consort with the damned," Xiao declared vehemently, his voice echoing through the battlefield, his gaze locked fiercely onto Momon.
Despite his bravado and determination, Xiao couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of fear that gripped him. The being standing before him exuded power beyond anything he had ever encountered, a force akin to that of a deity. The dark aura swirling around Momon seemed to pulse with malevolence, casting a shadow of dread over the entire battlefield.
As he faced this formidable opponent, Xiao couldn't help but wonder what manner of creature he was confronting. It defied all logic and reason, surpassing even the most formidable abyss monsters in its sheer strength and ominous presence. How was it possible for such a being to exist in their realm, free to roam as it pleased?
The questions swirled in Xiao's mind, each one more unsettling than the last. Whatever Momon was, he was a force to be reckoned with, a manifestation of primal terror that threatened to consume everything in its path.
"Hey, demon," Momon's voice cut through the tension, drawing Xiao's attention.
Xiao eyed the object thrown at his feet cautiously, his gaze never leaving Momon's imposing figure. Slowly, he bent down to retrieve it, inspecting the vial of red liquid with suspicion. "What's this?" he asked, his voice tinged with distrust.
"It's a Minor Healing Potion. Drink it if you want to recover your strength," Momon replied calmly, his expression unreadable behind his mask.
Suspicion crept into Xiao's voice as he eyed the potion warily. "You think you can fool me! This is poison!" he accused, his tone laced with distrust.
Momon's response was immediate and blunt. "Demons are immune to poison, you idiot. Just drink it," he retorted, his patience wearing thin.
Xiao hesitated for a moment, his skepticism warring with the overwhelming pain coursing through his body. With a resigned sigh, he conceded, reluctantly uncorking the vial and swallowing its contents. Almost instantly, a wave of relief washed over him as the potion took effect, knitting his shattered bones back together and banishing the torment that had consumed him moments before. Once again, he felt invigorated, as if he could take on legions of monsters without hesitation.
But his newfound strength did little to quell the simmering resentment in his heart as he glared at Momon, his voice laced with defiance. "Why? You know I can strike you down again!" he challenged, his tone daring.
Momon met Xiao's gaze evenly, unfazed by the threat. "That's fine by me," he replied coolly. "I gave you a chance to live. If you insist on fighting again, this time I won't hesitate to break you in half." His words were calm yet carried a weight of unwavering determination, leaving no room for doubt.
The weight of Momon's threat hung heavy in the air, causing Xiao to pause and reassess the situation. As an Adeptus, it was his duty to vanquish any threat to Liyue, but the realization dawned on him that Momon was unlike any foe he had encountered in his millennia of existence. This encounter was a dire warning, and Xiao knew he had to inform his fellow Adeptus about the formidable adversary lurking in their midst. Momon was a menace that Liyue could ill afford to underestimate.
With a sense of urgency, Xiao retreated, disappearing into the swirling winds like a phantom. Momon's dismissive words trailed after him, a reminder of the perilous encounter that had just transpired.
"Little punk," Momon muttered, his voice carrying a hint of amusement tinged with underlying danger.
"That was insane!" Paimon exploded, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "You're strong, but... but also really scary!"
Momon raised an eyebrow, regarding Paimon with a curious expression. "What's that supposed to mean, Paimon?" he inquired, a hint of amusement lacing his tone.
"Ahaha, cool! Very cool!" Paimon replied nervously, her words rushing out in a flustered attempt to lighten the mood, though her unease was palpable.
"Hey, it's getting dark, we should move on," Aether suggested, his voice tinged with urgency. "Paimon, can you fly a bit higher and see what the heck that is? A giant tree?"
Paimon's eyes widened with realization. "Oh yes, it's Wangshu Inn!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "We can stay there for the night, and I've heard they serve the most delicious food!" Her stomach grumbled in anticipation as she licked her lips.
Aether nodded in agreement, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That sounds like a plan. Let's head over there, Momon," he said, turning to the enigmatic figure beside him.
Momon simply nodded in acquiescence. "Alright," he replied, his voice calm and measured as they set off towards the welcoming lights of Wangshu Inn, leaving the battlefield behind them.